The Organisational Challenges Faced By Debenhams Commerce Essay

The Organisational Challenges Faced By Debenhams Commerce Essay The following report looks at an organisation (Debenhams) the authors employer, its profile, culture and how the current economic climate has affected its profile and culture What is an organisation? Organisations are social arrangements for achieving controlled performance in pursuit of collective goals, Buchanan and Huczynski (1997). The collective goals at Debenhams are aimed at, identifying, creating and maintaining satisfying relationships with customers resulting in value for both the customer and the organisation. Profile Debenhams Plc is a public limited company. Founded in 1778 as Flint Clark, Debenhams operated as an independent company until its hostile takeover by the Burton Group in the late 1980s. In 1998 Debenhams regained its independence when it was demerged from the Burton Group, which subsequently changed its name to Arcadia Group plc. The Groups principal activity is selling of fashion clothing and accessories, cosmetics and products for use in the home. It retails womenswear, menswear, homewares, health and beauty, accessories, lingerie and childrenswear. The Group trades from department stores and small store formats .Brands include Designers and Debenhams, including third-party brands. The Group has 161 department stores including 10 Desire by Debenhams stores, across the United Kingdom and Ireland with approximately 11 million square feet of trading space and around 27,000 employees. The Group has a portfolio of more than 55 own brands such as Debut, Maine New England, Red Herring and Thomas Nash including 25 Designers of Debenhams brands. Company brands account for about 70% of sales. Debenhams also offers a wedding gift service, in-store restaurants and cafes. The company has 51-plus international franchise stores in 19 countries including, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey and will soon be opening 8 in Denmark. Debenhams also extends its customer reach by making direct sales through its website. Debenhams is company that is registered and trades its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). Its registered office is at: 1 Welbeck St London W1G 0AA United Kingdom The companys key people are the Chairman: John D. Lovering, CEO: Rob Templeman and Deputy CEO and Director: Michael Sharp. Structure An organisation structure according to Mintzberg (1979) is the sum total of the ways in which it divides its labour into distinct tasks and then achieves coordination between them An organisation structure determines task allocation, reporting lines, and formal coordination mechanisms and interaction patterns. According to Basset and Carr (1996) an organisations structure should emphasise flexibility of response to market and environmental forces, this is accomplished by appropriate variability in the leadership role to fit the circumstances. As a retail organisation, Debenhams emphasises its structure in response to market and environmental forces by identifying and developing new talents to suit whats happening in the market and the retail and business environment in general. Wright and Burns (1998) state that, organisation structures largely depend on what kind of business the organisation is e.g. primary (e.g. extraction of raw materials, secondary, (e.g. conversion of raw materials to finished goods) and tertiary (e.g. services). The structure of an organisation is also affected by ownership and number of employees in the business. Debenhams is a public owned company. Its functional organisation based on product/brand but has a flat organisational structure headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and organises employees into different departments selling different products The functional structure groups employees together based upon the functions of specific jobs within the organization. Melissa Bushman (2007). The author belongs to the Home department where they deal in home wares including wedding gifts. Other departments include Mens wear and Womens wear. The dividing of employees according to departments in Debenhams allows managers to exert con trol on a smaller number of employees, making it easier to manage, be more efficient and allows for easy communication between employees and management. Culture The culture of an organisation refers to the unique configuration of norms, values, beliefs, ways of behaving and so on that characterize the manner in which groups and individuals combine to get things done, Eldridge Crombie (1974). At Debenhams they have a unique configuration of norms, values and beliefs that characterize the manner in which they work as a group to get things done. They have a way which sets them apart from others. Drennan (1992) defines culture as, how things are done around here. It is how things are done at Debenhams that makes them who they are. Its about their brand, their people and how they market themselves. Schein (1990) suggests a view of organisational culture based on distinguished three levels of culture, from the shallowest to the deepest artefacts and creations, values and basic assumptions. The Debenhams culture is about excellence, its about design and innovation. The culture at Debenhams goes with the times but its traditions remain intact and h ave been so for two centuries. Debenhams culture is based on being a premium department store retailer. A family friendly store who supply designer labels at affordable prices. The best statement to Debenhams culture is its people. Retail is a fast-moving, exciting business where teamwork really makes an impact. At Debenhams they think everyone can have an impact on their success. Wherever you go in Debenhams you will meet friendly, welcoming people who will care about your well being and support your development but also expect you to be a valuable member of the team. If you want to push your boundaries and take the initiative, they help you do it. Whether you are a sales advisor or merchandiser, Debenhams growth and breadth of opportunity and focus on personal development makes it the ideal place to develop your career. From the sales floor where people can influence customers to behind the scenes roles, every person can influence the performance of Debenhams. Our senior management team listens and acts on feedback. At Debenhams they want people who have a real passion for what they do, people who are self-motivated. People who will use their initiative to act on the freedom they are given and will drive their own development. Sutherland Canwell (1997) say if employees share the cultural values of the organisation then they will be more likely to be committed to it. At Debenhams employees are committed to the organisation as they believe and share in its culture and values. Certain organisations stress the importance of personal initiative and achievement; indeed they reward employees for personal performance. On the other hand, other organisations positively encourage competition between departments or sub-division of the organisation, Sutherland et al (1997). The Debenhams culture stresses personal initiative and achievement and at the same time positively encourages competition between departments of the organisation. Both individual and team initiative and growth are encouraged. The culture in Debenhams is one that is caring, daring, enabling and encourages sharing. According to Blanchard and Bowles (1998) and their Gung Ho culture, an organisation should aim to create a culture of committed employees who love what they do by adhering to the following three principles: Worthwhile work driven by goals and values- An organisation should focus on worthwhile work, use of case studies, review goal standards for individuals and team members. Putting workers in control of achieving the goal. Cheering each other on- the power of feedback, rewards and recognition and action planning. The Gung Ho process aims to address the following: Improve morale and productivity Reduce employee turnover Develop a sense of purpose Improve creativity and innovation Improve service to internal and external customers Empower individuals and teams The author feels Debenhams their employer, fulfils principles as described in the Gung Ho process by Blanchard et al (1998). This is so because the work is driven by goals and values. Good standards are maintained through regular training and review of individuals and team members. By setting reasonable and realistic targets workers are put in control and are able to achieve set goals and even outdo themselves by going beyond. The organisation recognises the power of feedback by holding regular meetings where everyone participates. It also recognises the importance of rewards and action planning. Rewards help boost morale and productivity while action planning and develop a sense of purpose. Current Economic Climate and how it might affect profile and Culture The past eighteen months has seen the economy of the UK and the rest of the world badly hit and seriously bruised by the credit crunch. The current economic climate could have great impact on the profile and culture of Debenhams as an organisation. These impacts could be Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal, shortened to PESTEL. PESTEL Analysis of Debenhams Political changes-E.g. a change in government or a change in government policy. Government plans to implement the scheduled VAT increase (back to 17.5 per cent) on New Years Day. To change every price in all of its 161 stores at that time would take 250,000 man hours. Debenhams has been encouraged by governments decision on Local Employment Partnership Scheme (LEP) to create employment and will create 1200 jobs between 2010 and 2011and receive government assistance in meeting its training needs. Economic changes-Relate to changes in the wider economy such as rises in living standards or the general level of demand, rises or falls in interest rates, etc. UK markets have been affected by economic concerns through the credit crunch. Lower available income will impact and strategic focus may need to change to lower priced basic products with less focus on higher priced brands suggesting a switch in price architecture. The economy is predicted to grow out of recession in the coming year. As the US economy, the worlds biggest has started growing the growth of exports to that country will create more jobs in the UK economy and as a consequence more consumers will buy the Debenhams brand. The continuous fall in the value of the Pound Sterling against the Euro is likely to bring in more tourists from the EU and beyond who will purchase Debenhams products at a competitive price. As most of the world recovers from the current economic crisis. Debenhams are likely to spearhead their expansion into the international market, introducing new customers to new brands in an exciting retail environment. Social changes-Relate to changes in wider society such as changes in lifestyles e.g. more women going out to work, changes in tastes and buying patterns. Debenhams has added customer ratings and reviews to its online shop to enhance its customers online shopping experience and drive sales. Debenhams customers dont just have to rely on a brands professional opinion they will also now be able to hear what fellow shoppers think. The group is also improving its web site, adding features such as social networking capability, video and catwalk/outfit projection, an online outlet that leads to current offers and promotions, a facility that allows customers to shop by size, as well as product reviews and surveys. The call for fair trade is also another thing that Debenhams has to observe. For example Debenhams restaurants now stock only Douwe Egberts Good Original Coffee. Every cup of Good Original Coffee can be traced back to the farm where it was grown and has been certified by Utz Kapeh, a global non-governmental organisation. This is ensuring we are helping farmers look after their workers, their families and the environment in which they live and work. Technological changes-Relate to the application of new inventions and ideas such as the development of the Internet and websites as business tools. New internet and television technology which use special effects in advertising will make Debenhams products known and attractive to more customers as more people are now making use of the internet. Debenhams has opened online stores due to advancement in technology of the internet and can now sell its products without using shop space. This will allow it to compete favourably in this harsh environment. Positive performance online is helping lift yearly profit at Debenhams, this is despite the harsh economic turmoil in the domestic and international market Environmental changes-Relates to what is happening with respect to the ecological and environmental aspects. Debenhams have also joined calls to reduce impact on global warming by driving a Store energy saving plan, reviewing timings for lights, escalators and air conditioning. Overnight shifts have been reduced with light focussed only in the areas its needed. As a result of these efforts the organisation has achieved the Energy Efficiency Accreditation awarded by the energy Institute. Debenhams is now contributing to a national fund which will help to develop specific WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) collection centres to ensure that more WEEE gets recycled. Debenhams offer a collection service on a like for like basis, for example if you buy a washing machine we can take away your old one. All the appliances we collect are then sent to be recycled. More eco friendly measures have to be implemented, for instance Debenhams have developed a more eco-friendly packaging for the bra collars on Lingerie, by using a new type of board and are now able to maintain the print quality, whilst introducing 20% recycled content. Legal changes-Relate to changes in legislation. This may impact employment, access to materials, quotas, resources, imports/exports, taxation etc. Debenhams has been affected by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive from the government and is doing its bit to help care for the environment. The directive states that as a retailer we are responsible for increasing the amount of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic equipment) that is recycled in the UK. Debenhams reactions to the current economic climate Trigger events like the credit crunch affect organisations in many different ways. Towards the end of 2008, Debenhams struggled as customers were no longer buying much of their products as the economy slid into recession. The current economic climate is likely to impact on Debenhams profile and culture. The report by Graeme Wearden, in the Guardian of (21st October, 2008) gives a clear example of how the current economic climate has affected Debenhams. Debenhams has slashed its dividends after a sharp fall in sales during the past few weeks as the economy deteriorates, Debenhams is planning cost-cutting measures to reduce debt of  £994m, which it admitted was causing uncertainty over its future. It also plans to strip out  £15m of costs, and is cutting almost  £40m from its capital expenditure. The profile of the organisation might change as it could be more difficult to raise funds for new ventures or expansions and also might reduce the current size of the company as there could be downsizing. The negative trends in the economy also might affect the culture of Debenhams as its employees will be operating in a culture of uncertainty. However, the negative trends in the economy have had some positive effects on Debenhams as reported in the Waterford Today (6th January, 2009). On the day (6th January 2009) Debenhams released its interim management statement for the 18 weeks to the 3 January 2009, it also reported that sales of designer gear normally associated with boom times rather than bust, are back in vogue thanks to a new type of shopper, the recessionista. Spring/Summer 09 at Debenhams draws the latest influences from catwalks around the globe with a strong focus on wearability all with famous name designer influences but with high street price tags. ClickPress (14th January 2009)The retailer reported double digit sales growth across its Designer at Debenhams offer in the run up to Christmas, as well as seeing sales and profits increase and market share gains in all major clothing categories, while reducing its debt. The current economic climate has shaken Debenhams, but the Debenhams culture that encourages initiative has seen them shake off the initial fall in sales which shrunk the organisations profile and brought a culture of uncertainty as Debenhams struggled to survive. Whilst Debenhams is a premium department store retailer the external factors of banks going bust, rising unemployment adversely affected their operations. The public could no longer afford their products. The organisation strategized and came up with the idea of selling designer labels with famous name influences but sold at high street prices. Despite the credit crunch Debenhams has been able to maintain its culture of hard work and excellence through its people. The outgoing Chairmans words sum up the Debenhams culture. John Lovering said: I am proud of what Debenhams has achieved over the last six years whilst I have served as chairman.  We have set direction for a sound future. Debenhams is a well managed, properly financed company with a clear and successful strategy and a number of exciting development opportunities. I hope my successor enjoys the role as much as I have. Debenhams has taken advantage of the recession; its combination of quality, price and design in its products has continued to attract customers. Sky News (17 March, 2009). The companys profile will expand as in 2010 theyll open eight new stores bringing the total number to 161 stores across the UK and will employee 1200 new people. The culture of the organisation has altered slightly as the perceived credit crunch crisis initially shook the organisation and drastic measures had to be implemented, the crisis brought a culture of uncertainty across Debenhams. The measures implemented have seen the UKs second biggest department store chain continue to take market share from its competitors in all major product categories. Sky News (March, 2009). The culture change which has taken place at Debenhams is what Brown (1998) terms, specific evolution, which is the adaptation of particular organisational functions (such as research and development, data processing and marketing), to fit the environment. People at Debenhams had to adapt to the credit crunch and found working ways to rise above the crisis. The Debenhams culture has been sustained through new pattern- maintenance symbols, beliefs and structures. Debenhams has been able to weather the storms of the credit crunch because of proper planning and effectively managing todays business risks. Reuvid (2005) points out that organisations should spend time researching the possibility of a risk occurring and the probability of that risk occurring and interrupting businesss flow, then find ways to reduce and mitigate these risks. The organisation should continuously be evaluating the overall risk management infrastructure and investments necessary to look beyond financial statement, risk to enterprise and external risks should not be undervalued and cannot be underscored enough. The organisation needs to protect itself from excessive risk. This should be top priority for management and the audit team. They should understand the extent to which the company is exposed to financial, operational or strategic risks. Because of its preparedness and strategic use both of its financial, creative talent and its human capital Debenhams has survive d the worst recession in decades and remains standing strong.

A fAREwell to arms study guide

A Farewell to Arms Study Gulled Questions *Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper as completely as possible. Keep these questions/answers to use as notes in order to prepare for discussions, quizzes, and tests. BOOK I 1 . What tone Is set in the opening chapters? Why Is this unexpected? The scene that Hemingway creates is peaceful and serene. However, the tone is depressing as fall turns into winter with rains and cholera plaguing the army. This is unexpected because the novel is about a war and we do not see any action. 2. What are your Impressions of the narrator so far?He seems rugged yet sensitive to the beauty of nature, articulate, inured to the dying that is part of war, probably a reliable reporter of external events, but pretty close- lipped about his own feelings. 3. How/Why did the narrator get Involved In WWW? Why Is he In the Italian army? (1) He signed up to drive an ambulance in the Italian army, he tells the head nurse he was in Italy and spoke It alian. 4. What does the narrator's initial attitude toward the war seem to be? (1) He seems objective and detached. 5. Describe the relationship between the Italian officers and the priest. What are their views concerning the Catholic Church? ) The priest is young and sincere, and the others tease him about his celibacy. The others poke fun at the church also. 6. Describe the priest's native village of Brazil. (2) Brazil is green with hills and a castle yet more guns and new hospitals and Bruits on the street. ( 10) he apologize to the priest? (3) Milan, Florence, Rome etc. He visits women. He apologizes to the priest for not visiting his hometown and family. 8. Who is Catherine Barley? How does the lieutenant meet her? A British V. A. D. – something like a nurse's aid. She has been seeing Ronald and Ronald drags Let. Henry to meet his girl. Discuss the effect on Catherine of her fiance ©'s death in the war. She held regret that they did not marry†¦ There is sadness as she says â€Å"l could have given him that anyway' she also said she was going to cut all of her hair off for him as she wanted to do something for him. (19) 10. How does Let. Ronald react to Catering's obvious preference for Henry? Was he sincere in his expressed intent to marry her? What does Ronald mean when he says, â€Å"Thank God I didn't become involved with the British† (32)? (5-6) Ronald is indifferent at Catering's attachment to Henry. He is not sincere in his intentions to marry Miss Barley. 11.Why does the lieutenant tell Catherine that he loves her? What is meant by the comment, â€Å"This was a game, like bridge† (30)? (6) He says it because it is what she wants to hear- if they are to have a physical relationship- but he has no intention of falling in love. 12. How does the soldier with the hernia feel about the war? Why does the lieutenant tell him to â€Å"get bump on your head† (35)? What was the outcome? (7) He doesn't want to go to the line again; by getting â€Å"injured† in a way that doesn't look like he did it on purpose, the soldier can -and does- get a ride to the hospital. 3. What is Henrys attitude now toward the dangers of war? 7) He recognizes them but feels that they have nothing to do with him- that he could not be killed. 14. Why does Ronald make the lieutenant chew coffee before going to see Catherine? (7) To mask the smell of alcohol to say that she can't see him that evening? How might this be a turning point for Henry? (7) Lonely and hollow. He recognizes that he loves her and longs to be with her. 16. How and when does Henry get injured? What medical treatment does he receive? Henry gets injured during dinner when a mortar explodes near his bunker. Henry test his wound cleaned at the dressing station and then transferred to the hospital. 17.Contrast the personalities of Ronald and the priest as revealed in their visits to Henry in the hospital. What does each of them do for Henrys recovery/spi rit? (10-11) Ronald – Free and fun. Likes to have fun, tease, drink, and women – talks about the medal of honor and brings Henry Cognac Priest – Talks more about feelings and what is on his mind (war, hometown, etc. ) – Brings mosquito net, vermouth, and English newspapers. 18. Why does the priest call Henry a patriot? Is this complimentary? Why or why not? Priest calls Henry a patriot because he is a foreigner fighting for Italy. Yes it is complimentary because the priest respects Henry. 9. Discuss the priest's view of love. Is the love affair between Henry and Catherine genuine according to the priest's definition? (11) The priest believes that when you love you are willing to sacrifice, do things, and serve. Love is like a religion to the priest. Henry and Catherine do have that sort of relationship. They meet together and seem to really like each other. Love making might play a key role, but they seem to care for one another. Although the relationship is young. 20. Where is Henry to be taken when he is removed from the field hospital? Why are doctors anxious for him to leave?Who will be at the other hospital? (12) To Milan to the American Hospital. Doctors need the room because there are more injured coming. Catherine was transferred to the other hospital. 21 . What is Henrys arrival at the hospital like? How does Mrs†¦ Walker try Henrys patience? Would you say that he is overbearing†¦ Or that she is over-sensitive? (13) He isn't expected and is left literally hanging- on the arms of the men supporting him- while she whines about having no room ready; he orders the porter to find him room and Mrs†¦ Walker cries. 22. How do Miss Van Camped and Henry get along? (13) Neither likes the other.She mistrusts him for being in the Italian army. He gets angry when she refuses to order wine for him. 23. Why do you think Miss Gage tells Henry that she doesn't like Miss Barley? (14) It is her humorous way of admitting some Jea lousy- that Miss Barley is so attractive- and perhaps some Jealousy that Miss Barley leaves no room for Miss Gage with him. 24. How does the barber act toward Henry? Why? (14) Thinking the Let. Henry is Austrian, the barber acts hostile. 25. What does Henry see when he looks at his wound now? 15) It looks repulsive- like hamburger meat- but he views it objectively , with detachment. 26.What is the surgeon's advice for Henry? Why does he not like the advice? (15) The surgeon advises waiting six months before surgery, to allow the bullet to â€Å"encysted†. 27. Why does Henry decide to have Dry. Valentine' go ahead with the operation? (15) Let. Henry want a major- not a captain- to do the operation, and he wants it done right away- which Valentine agrees is the way to go. 28. Why does Catherine tell Henry not to think about the two of them while he is under the anesthetic? (16) She doesn't want him to talk about their relationship in front of her colleagues. 29. Why do you thin k Catherine wants to know about Henrys past loves?Why do you think he lies? Would Catherine think less of him if he told the truth? (16) because he thinks the truth would hurt her. 30. After Henrys operation, Henry realizes that, â€Å"Catherine was right. It did not make any difference who was on night duty. † Why not? (17) He is feeling too sick to care whether or not he sees Catherine that night. 31 . How do Ferry and Catherine get along? Ferry and Henry? Why do Ferry and Henry have this type of relationship? (17) The women are good friends; Ferry is protective of Catherine and suspicious of Let. Henrys intentions. 32. Why don't Catherine and Let. Henry get married? 18) Catherine points out that if they were married, she would probably be sent away. 33. What are Catherine and Henrys beliefs about religion? (18) She tells Let. Henry that he is her only religion; he seems to be pretty much of an atheist. 34. Who are the Meyers? Who else does Henry know in Milan and what do t hey do for a living? (19) They are a couple who like horseradish. 35. How can you tell that Catherine has deep-rooted fears? Why does she cry when it anis? (19) She says that she is afraid- that she images both of them dead in the rain. 36. Describe the horse races at San Sirs. What about them makes Catherine feel â€Å"unclean†? 20) 37. What is Catering's big news for Henry? How does Henry seem to feel when he finds out? (21) She is pregnant. He is worried but reassuring. 38. How long was Henrys convalescent leave supposed to be? How did he lose it? (22) A couple of weeks; he develops Jaundice and Miss Van Camped accuses him of 39. Before Henry leaves, he and Catherine go too hotel. Why is she unhappy there? (23) She feels like a where. 40. How does Henry end up on the floor of the train back to the front? (24) He pays a machine- gunner to hold it for him, but gives up the seat when a captain protests. BOOK Ill 41 .What is the change in mood Henry encounters in Georgia when he returns from the hospital? Why doesn't it â€Å"feel like a homecoming†? (25) Gloom is pervasive – and things have changed. He does not know the British ambulance driver, the major looks older, etc. 42. What does the major tell Henry about how things have been going while Henry was away? (25) The major says it has been a bad summer and there are many sick; he is pessimistic bout the next year. 43. How does Ronald seem to be doing? How has he changed since Henry last saw him? (25) While he still Jokes, he seems depressed about the war and worried because he believes he has syphilis. 4. Why does Henry tell Ronald he doesn't want to drink too much? (25) Let. Henry explains that he has had Jaundice. 45. How has the priest changed since Henry last saw him? What does he mean when he says, â€Å"Many people have realized the war this summer† on page 178? (26) The priest is subdued, weary; he thinks that people are finally realizing the brutality and senselessness of war. 6. What does Henry think about Gin's patriotism? (27) he notices Gin's criticism of his own country which is not in keeping with a patriotic mindset. 47. Why do the Italians plan to retreat? What is Henrys role in the preparations? 27) The order is given after the Germans break through to the north; Let. Henry is supposed to stay put and help clear out the hospital equipment and the wounded; not all the wounded can be evacuated. 48. Why do Henry and the others leave the main road? (28) They are afraid of getting stuck if the column is stopped by a few dead horses or deserted trucks. 49. What happens to the sergeants when Henry asks them to help free the ambulance? Are Henrys actions Justified? (29) When the sergeants refuse to help get the ambulance out of the mud, Let. Henry shoots and injures one, whom Bone happily finishes off. 50.Pain and Ammo call themselves anarchists and socialists. What do they mean? (29) An anarchist believes in voluntary association- overthrow of the government control; a socialist advocates giving ownership and control of land and capital to the community as a whole. 51 . Why does Henry go across the bridge first? What does this show about his developing/changing character? 30) They all know that the bridge may be mined- but that one person alone probably would not detonate the explosives; he is pretty brave and feels responsible for the others. 52. Why is Henry so angry when he sees the German staff car and bicyclists? 30) It means that the Italians have not held back the Germans; he thinks the Italians should have blown up the bridge and set up machine gunners along the embankment. 53. Who gets killed from Henrys group? How? Who actually shoots him? Why is Henry so upset about his death? (30) Ammo gets shot by frightened Italians. Let. Henry isn't visibly upset, but admits that he 54. How does Henry almost get killed? Why? How does he escape? (30) The Italian battle police are about to shoot him for leaving his regiment- and because they suspect he is a German- when he escapes by Jumping into the river. 5. Why does Henry cut the stars from his sleeves? (31) For â€Å"convenience†- so that he won't be further harassed as an officer without his regiment 56. What does Henry think about as he lies in the train car? How does he feel about the war and his life at this point? How has his character change since the beginning of the novel? (32) He thinks about his lack of anger, his desire simply to wash his hands of the war, and bout the friends- Ronald, the priest, etc. – that he will never see again. He had been sure that the war would not kill him- now he knows it could.He is anxious to be with Catherine, while at the beginning he wanted no commitments. BOOK 57. What help does the proprietor of the bar in Milan offer Henry? Why does he Make this offer? (33) He offers him a safe place to stay and phony leave papers; having seen Let. Henry lump from the train, he has deduced that Henry is in tro uble- and genuinely likes him. 58. What information do the porter and his wife give Henry? Why does Henry offer them money? Why do they refuse it? (33) Catherine has gone to Stress; he pays them to keep quiet, but they refuse the money because they like him and want to help. 9. Who is Simmons? Where in the novel does he first appear? How does he help Henry? (33) Henry met Simmons when he was a patient at the hospital in Milan and Simmons was taking voice lessons; Simmons gives him some civilian clothes. 60. Explain what Henry means when he says, â€Å"I had made a separate peace† on page 243. (34) the war, he Just wants to be contentedly alone with Catherine somewhere. 61 . How does Henry find Catherine once he gets to Stress? 34) He asks the barman at the hotel whether he has seen two English girls; the barman finds out where Catherine and her friend are staying. 62.How does Helen Ferguson react to Henrys appearance in Stress? Why? (34) She is angry and annoyed because she f eels Henry has exploited Catherine; also, she is probably Jealous because he is taking away her companion. 63. Where does Henry plan to go to leave the war behind? Why? (34) To Switzerland 64. Why does Henry feel like a criminal? (34) Because he has deserted from the Army 65. Who is Count Grief? Despite the age difference, how are he and Henry alike? (35) A very old man Henry had met previously; as they play billiards, he reveals his believe that Italy will win the war- since younger nations usually do. 6. Why does Emilio, the barman, come to Henrys room in the middle of the night? (36) To alert Let. Henry that there are plans to arrest Henry in the morning. 67. What escape plan do Emilio and Henry devise? (36) Emilio gives Henry his rowboat and Henry and Catherine row to Switzerland. 68. What do Henry and Catherine decide to do as soon as they reach their destination? What immediately happens after they're done? (37) They go too cafe © and order a big breakfast. They are arrested but don't seem afraid. They foresaw the arrest. 69. What excuse do Henry and Catherine give for their trip to Switzerland?

Softball vs baseball

It may become obvious one day that baseball and fast pitch softball although similar are two very different sports. Obvious in the sense that fast pitch softball is just as physically demanding as baseball. That females softball athletes are every bit as tough of the males baseball who play a similar sport. The similarities are what groups the two sports together but the Intensity on the passion for the game of softball far exceeds that of baseball. Softball and baseball have always been lumped together due to their similarities.The sport of softball is for females where assessable is more geared toward males, with some exceptions of female team members. Taking a closer look Into the whole sport is what sets them apart. At first, spectators see the similarities, the fields lined in white chalk, bats, balls, bases and gloves. Someone in the crowd may even notice that base path distance varies between the two sports, and correctly so. They may even notice that the pitcher throws the ba ll under hand, in a windmill motion in softball opposed to overhand In baseball.All of these are good visual observations of the differences but the feelings of entertainment do not start until the games actually begin. Baseball has been American's past time for many years. It was and still continues to be a place where fathers and sons share a special day together. Memories are and were made at ball parks and the anticipation of catching a foul ball was top on the list. Sure there are still families who truly enjoy the sport and share the passion of watching a game but it has lost its appeal for many reasons.The professional players are expected to make the big plays and get dirty when doing it. They have salaries in the millions; a little dirty Is expected from the crowds. Along with some of the attitudes of these layers, they passion Is lost and It has Just become a Job. The childhood passion Is forgotten and misplaced by the fame and fortune that has taken its place. Softball pa rks are mainly reserved for school aged children, high school and college aged teams. The seating Is comprised of metal benches on either side of the field, a lot less luxurious than the seating at a baseball park.Many spectators bring fold out chairs and sit near the fence lines to watch the games. The crowds do not compare to that of a baseball game but yet there is something electrifying in the atmosphere. Why? The grass is the same, so Is the equipment and uniforms of the players. It's lust a bunch of girls with pony tailed hair who are dressed In boys' uniforms and shoes. The girls wear mouth pieces and have non glare make-up under their eyes, not worrying about losing their feminine side, its game time.These similarities fade when the umpire yells â€Å"batter up† and the batter steps into the batter's box. The Immediate rehearsed chants and synchronized claps start from the dugout of the away team, encouraging the crowd to participate which they do so enthusiastically. The crowd is immediately an active participant in the game from the very beginning. The batters are not swinging for the fences but rather strategically placing the ball on the field to obtain base runners. The game Is fast paced and fielded players are always In constant motion, keeping the eyes of the crowd engaged.There Is no lollygagging like in baseball where the crowd's attention is focused on something 1 OFF purchase at a ridiculously high price. The excitement of the crowds' involvement and the epic battle between pitcher and batter has begun. The sixty feet of distance teen the two provides very little reaction time of the batter, thus intensifying the entertainment value of the game. The females on the field are sacrificing their bodies to make the plays, which they often do.They are not afraid or apprehensive to dive for a ball to make the catch or slide head first to be safe at the base. The crowds lose control during these plays and the noise level is elevated, a fire is fueled. These are scenarios common in both sports but baseball players being male are more expected to do so, losing some of the wow factor that softball players provide. The stereotype of the well manicured, dainty female is bypassed when you see a grass stained uniform of a softball player.These players are totally submerged in the game and the only concern is to win. Not a cracked fingernail or hair out of place. The dugout chants increase vocally with every passing inning Just as the uniforms original colors fade from clean to dirt covered. By the seventh inning at least one player on the field has blood visible to the crowd. The game is over but the atmosphere is still alive. Each team shakes hands as acts of sportsmanship Just like assessable players will do.However, unlike baseball the softball players enter a circle on the field by their dugouts. They are still chants being yelled, especially if the team wins. The celebration is not a meager baseball high five or a slap o n the backside as recognition. These girls are animated and their intensity is contagious. Challenge you to visit a local softball park and experience the true passion for the sport. Softball is similar is similar to baseball in many ways but more entertaining and crowd participation thus setting this sport above mostly all baseball games.

The Exploration Of The Alaska Oil Industry Worth The...

Intro: The issue at hand are one that deal with conservation, the question asked by so many Americans is that, are the economic success of the Alaska Oil industry worth the conservation of wildlife? This report will demonstrate the problem at hand regarding Alaska Oil and the solution to the problem as well. Section one Alaska is one of American biggest geographical region where oil could be found; Alaska also holds one of the biggest wildlife populations as well. The drilling in Alaska has many environmental aspects to it, which include impact on marine life, on the land itself, and lastly I’ll like to go over the environmental impact of oil spills. Let’s go over the first aspect marine life; the process to find potential oil reserves is very complex. â€Å"To find potential oil reserves, researchers send seismic waves into the ground. The waves bounce backs to reveal the buried topography and can hint at a possible reserve. But seismic noise disorientates whales and leads to mass beaching† (Nixon 2008.) Nixon here explains the extensive process of finding an oil reserve,; if you look at Alaska on the map, it is surrounded by the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea, where many oil reserves could be found. The seismic not only disorientates whale with mass bleaching but also affects also Alaskan Fish species such as the walleye Pollock, white sturgeon, whitefish, and other along the Alaska Gulf and Bering Sea. The wildlife located in Alaskan vast geographically parts has had manyShow MoreRelatedThe Threat Of Global Warming1779 Words   |  8 Pagessea levels, severe weather patterns, the human health, and wildlife. (Consequences of Global Warming). Drilling in ANWR would cause horrifying situations for the wildlife ecosystem and inescapable affects on life in America and around the world, as we know it. In the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s annual report and recommendations to the US Congress, they revealed the astounding fact that, â€Å"The Artic Refuge is the only conservation system unit that protects, in an undisturbed condition, aRead MoreThe Ministry Of Forests Is A Public Organization With A Bureaucratic Organizational Structure1013 Words   |  5 PagesCreek is the major transportation hub of the Peace region and was t he town that was born out of the wartime measures act to connect Alaska with the rest of the United States by a road through Canada. Today Dawson’s creek is not only known for being the town that built the Alaska highway, but is also known as being a major business hub that â€Å"has seen over $72 million worth of growth in the past 3 years; a remarkable feat for a community of 12,500† (Dawson Creek, 2014). Fort Nelson is also a thrivingRead More The Argument Against Drilling In Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)1357 Words   |  6 PagesAlaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), the crowned jewel of the nation’s 544 refuges is in danger of destruction (Lamar and Markey 12). ANWR has been in existence since 1960 and has slowly become one of the most controversial topics to hit Congress. ANWR is composed of 19 million acres on the northeast coast of Alaska. Although the government has been provided with this immense land they a re fighting to gain more land. Why? ANWR is the second biggest oil field that is owned by the U.S.Read MoreDrilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Essay2431 Words   |  10 Pageseither/or arguments put up as a justification or an excuse for an action or view which is skewed in such a way as to suggest that there is only one acceptable choice.† Peter Garrett. The United States, and much of the world is dependent on oil, a dying resource. Oil supplies are limited and fossil fuels are becoming increasingly hard to extract. The debate over drilling in environmentally important areas is a heated one. Each side of has their own opinions and proof that their argument is without aRead More We Should Allow Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)2541 Words   |  11 Pagesproblem of dependence on foreign countries for oil and the tight control that these exercise on the energy policies and economics of America. Many of these instances include: the oil embargos of the 1970s, the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. Since the 1970s, one solution offered to reduce our nations dependence on foreign countries for oil has been opening up drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Proponents say that drillingRead MoreBp 7s Analysis10010 Words   |  41 PagesBP plc[3][4]  (LSE:  BP,  NYSE:  BP) is a British  multinational  oil  and  gas  company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the third-largest energy company and  fourth-largest company in the world  measured by 2011 revenues and is one of the six oil and gas supermajors.[5][6]  It is  vertically integrated  and operates in all areas of the oil and gas industry, including  exploration  and  production,refining,  distribution and marketing,  petrochemicals,  power generation  and  trading. It also has  renewableRead MoreBp 7s Analysis10000 Words   |  40 PagesBP p lc[3][4]  (LSE:  BP,  NYSE:  BP) is a British  multinational  oil  and  gas  company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the third-largest energy company and  fourth-largest company in the world  measured by 2011 revenues and is one of the six oil and gas supermajors.[5][6]  It is  vertically integrated  and operates in all areas of the oil and gas industry, including  exploration  and  production,refining,  distribution and marketing,  petrochemicals,  power generation  and  trading. It also has  renewableRead MoreBp Sustainability Essay28986 Words   |  116 Pageschief executive / 4 How BP is changing 6 Gulf of Mexico oil spill / 14 How we operate / 22 Energy future 30 Safety / 34 Environment / 38 Society Within hours of the Deepwater Horizon accident, BP teams were working to stop the leak. We also acted to minimize the spill’s impact on the environment by containing, removing and dispersing oil offshore, protecting the shoreline and cleaning up oil that came ashore. And we worked with wildlife groups to develop rescue and rehabilitation programmes forRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesas rapid population growth, rampant consumerism, and global warfare—that have contributed to global climate change. Tucker concludes his rather pessimistic assessment of these key dimensions of the twentieth-century experience with cautionary explorations of key sources of our increased recognition and understanding of these processes and their implications for life on the planet, as well as with an overview of some of the measures that have been proposed for bringing them under control. TakenRead More_x000C_Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis355457 Words   |  1422 PagesNational Council of Teachers of Mathematics on Curriculum in Statistics and Probability for Grades K–12. In addition to her texts in introductory statistics, Roxy is also co-editor of Statistical Case Studies: A Collaboration Between Academe and Industry and a member of the editorial board for Statistics: A Guide to the Unknown, 4th edition. Outside the classroom and the ofï ¬ ce, Roxy likes to travel and spends her spare time reading mystery novels. She also collects Navajo rugs and heads to New Mexico