Literary Crossovers :: Personal Narrative Essays

Literary Crossovers I wish that I could wrap a character up in the fabric of the author's words and, carrying them by the handles of description and narration, pluck them from their own story and drop them down into the middle of someone else's. On sitcoms, sometimes, they do "crossovers" - episodes in which a person from another show appears and is integrated into the story line as the character he or she elsewhere portrays. I would like to create a series of literary "crossovers." I would send Funes to Vietnam with Tim O'Brien. I would ask him what he saw in a soldier's life and years after his return I would ask him if he ever escaped his memories of it. If Tim was haunted by mental snapshots of the man he killed on a moonlit trail, what would his memory do to Funes, who has no ability to forget those things that torture him? Could Funes, after tracing every image in his mind a hundred thousand times, find some meaning in the war that eluded Tim? One that eludes me? I would send Maude to Hester Prynne, who spends so many years in profound loneliness. Could even Maude touch Hester's soul? Could Hester touch Maude's concentration camp tattoo a little bit like Hester's scarlet letter - a physical manifestation of incredible suffering? Is Maude more like Pearl than like Hester? Not quite human, always looking at the world through tinted lenses? I would invite Harold to one of Jay Gatsby's parties. Might Harold, too, fall in love with Daisy's beautiful aloofness? Or would he stand in the shadows of Gatsby's magnificent house, afraid to dance to the pulsing music? Would he somehow befriend Nick, finding in him a soul of equal uncertainty? What could they teach each other? It is magnificently interesting to imagine these crossovers - these episodes that play in my head. I can see each one projected on the screen there. "Funes in Vietnam" is a tragic episode, one that leaves you with that feeling in your stomach that you're glad it wasn't real but afraid it might be close. The blood of innocent children and the screams of dying women seep into Funes' brain, dripping into his every thought. He is unable to forget anything, and so he lives the war in Vietnam a hundred times a day.

Analysis of characters of a clean, well- lighted place

Published in 1926, Ernest Hemingway’s A Clean, Well-Lighted Place introduces three unnamed characters whose lives intertwined one early morning in a Spanish cafà ©.The young waiter is irritated by the fact that the old deaf man does not want to go home and keeps on ordering for more drinks which the young waiter refuses to give.1 He insults the old customer knowing he cannot hear a single word he says. He is angry because he wants to go home and be with his wife. There is life for him outside his job the cafà ©.On the other hand, the old waiter sympathizes with the old deaf man. He realizes that the old man is not â€Å"nasty† but lonely. He concludes that his loneliness must be the reason why he tried to end his life the week before while the young waiter is clueless why he wanted to do such a terrible thing given that he has plenty of money.Closing the cafà ©, the waiters begin a conversation about being lonely, feeling no fear despite the odd hours they have to ge t home. The young waiter exclaims that he and the old waiter are the same in being confident. But the man disagrees:â€Å"No. I have never had confidence and I am not young (†¦) I am of those who like to stay late at the cafà ©,† (†¦) â€Å"With all those who do not want to go to bed. With all those who need a light for the night.†However, the you waiter does not seem to understand the idea of having a clean, well- lighted place, a place where old people do not have to feel lonely. The young waiter heads home while the old one chooses to stay in case some fellow needs a lighted cafà © for the night. A clean, well-lighted place, instead of a dark, unclean bar or a bodega which may only intensifies loneliness.1. Ernest Hemingway A Clean, Well-Lighted Place (New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1987), 289.In A Clean, Well-Lighted Place, Ernest Hemingway portrays the difference between the young and the old waiter on drinking.2 For the young waiter, it is better f or the old deaf man to buy a bottle and drink it alone in his house rather than going to a public place and get drunk. But the old waiter approves of drinking in public than having a single glass in private. In my opinion, drinking is better or more fun when done in the company of other people.I can relate with the old waiter. I am not used to drinking alone in private even though I have problems. Drinking alone exacerbates the feeling of loneliness. Look at what happened to the old customer. He was probably drunk and alone in his house when he tried to commit suicide. Drinking in a public cafà © assures his family that he will not attempt to kill himself in front of other people. In public, you can talk to someone or meet someone probably on the same boat, suffering the same loneliness. You can start making friends and not feel the reason why you are there drinking in the first place.As for myself, I am not comfortable drinking alone whatever my mood is. However, I think the young waiter is right when he says that the old customer has no reason to kill himself given that he is rich. I am not saying that rich people has no problems because probably they have worse problems than common people have. All I am saying is that nothing can justify suicide. Every existence has its meaning and you just have to find it. In every stage of our lives, a new purpose unfolds and it is up to us to do something about it and make our lives more productive.Another way to analyze the difference between the two waiters is how they view life.3 In this matter, I can relate with the young waiter.

Analysis Of Walden By Henry David Thoreau - 997 Words

Walden, a series of 18 essays by Henry David Thoreau published in 1854, is a record of Thoreau’s experiment in simple living on the northern shore of Walden Pond, Massachusetts. Industrial progress is a theme that Thoreau experiences while at Walden Pond. Even though Thoreau makes some elaborate claims as to why industrial progress is destructive, the exact opposite is true; as such advancement does much to benefit the relationships, economy and safety of any society. Thoreau’s overall philosophy condemns industrial progress. Thoreau believed that simplicity is good for the soul and material possessions and money can become one’s god. (www.walden.org) Henry D. Thoreau was born to John and Cynthia Thoreau in Concord, Massachusetts, on†¦show more content†¦Thoreau is buried near the graves of his friends Hawthorne, Alcott, Emerson and Channing. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote in his eulogy; â€Å"The country knows not yet, or in the least part, how great a s on it has lost†¦His soul was made for the noblest society; he had in a short life exhausted the capabilities of this world; wherever there is knowledge, wherever there is virtue, wherever there is beauty, he will find a home.† (Library of Harvard University) Thoreau, fascinated by technology, saw a series of inventions that would radically change the world. In the mid-nineteenth century he saw the invention of the power loom, railroad and the telegraph, the industrial revolution. In Thoreau’s view, technology provoked an excitement that was counterproductive because it served as a distraction from the important questions of life. â€Å"Perhaps we are led oftener by the love of novelty, and a regard for the opinions of men, in procuring it, than by a true utility.† (Walden, 21). â€Å"Our inventions are wont to be pretty toys, which distracted our attention from serious things. They are but improved means to an unimproved end, an end which it was already but too easy to arrive at; as railroads lead to Boston or New York. We are in great haste to construct a magnetic telegraph from Maine to Texas; but Maine and Texas; it may be, have nothing important to communicate.† (Thoreau Walden, 52) TheShow MoreRelatedCritical Analysis Of Walden By Henry David Thoreau1300 Words   |  6 PagesCritical Analysis of â€Å"Walden† The autobiography â€Å"Walden† by Henry David Thoreau is a first-person narrative explaining what Thoreau personally experienced from his experiment after two years of living at Walden Pond, encompassed by nature. Thoreau isolates himself from society and martial earnings to gain a higher understanding of what it means to have freedom as an individual. He simplifies his life to get closer to nature to learn more about himself and society. If we focus too much on obtainingRead MoreAnalysis Of Walden By Henry David Thoreau1088 Words   |  5 PagesThe excerpt Walden, by Henry David Thoreau, is a piece that explores the purpose of life, especially if it isn t lived to the fullest. Thoreau starts by sharing the meaning and value of life. His idea of his personal achievement was to live life and die with a sense of peace and knowledge that he did not waste a single moment. He wanted to live life while being true to himself regardless of whether he would find life to be cruel or a wonderful place, and this was a risk he was willing to take. InRead MoreAnalysis Of Henry David Thoreau s Walden861 Words   |  4 Pagesto die tomorrow would you live differently? Henry David Thoreau in an excerpt of his book Walden addresses complex philosophical ideas including death, simplifying everyday life and religion using: carefully chosen, meditative word choice, comparisons and other philosophies and stories intended for the audience of Concord during the 1800’s. Death is uncertain; no one survives to tell of the other side, yet it perpetuates life into existence. Thoreau compares living life to sculpting and that toRead MoreAnalysis Of Henry David Thoreau s Walden 1183 Words   |  5 PagesHenry David Thoreau will go down in history as one of the greatest influential writer’s and philosophers in American history. Not only was he a smart and intelligent man, but he had such wisdom and determination when he looked at every aspect of life. Thoreau was just an ordinary individual from Concord, which helped the readers relate to him on a more personal level when they read his work. In Thoreau’s Walden, he wanted the reader to understand that you should live life more simple, connect withRead MoreTranscendentalism: Henry David Thoreau Essay1096 Words   |  5 PagesHenry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts. Thoreau grew up in poverty; his dad was unsuccessful and had trouble maintaining a steady jo b. Thoreau followed in his father’s footsteps, ultimately bouncing from job to job, scorned by society for his unconventional way of living and lack of income (Henry David Thoreau, Discovering Biography). Thoreau began to write with the guidance of Ralph Waldo Emerson who became one of the most important influences in his life. LivingRead MoreEgoitarianism In Henry David Thoreau1662 Words   |  7 Pagesidolized Henry David Thoreau for his transcendental ideologies seen throughout many of his works, such as â€Å"Walden†. However is this respect deserved? Thoreau critics describe him as a very conceited, hypocritical, and egotistical individual who had little respect or empathy for humanity. On the other hand, those in praise of Thoreau describe his writing as unparalleled in terms of detailed descriptions, observations, and understanding and explanation of deeper meanings. Through analysis of his writingsRead MoreHenry David Thoreau1930 Words   |  8 PagesBiograph ical Summary Henry David Thoreau was born on July 12, 1817 in Concord, Massachusetts, and was the son of John Thoreau, a pencil maker, and Cynthia Dunbar (â€Å"Henry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ency. of World). Growing up in a â€Å"modest New England family,† Thoreau was one of four children and was accustomed to living practically (McElroy). As his family was â€Å"permanently poor,† he came to accept a moderate lifestyle, which may have later influenced his thoughts on the necessities of life (â€Å"Henry†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Ency. of World). As aRead MoreThe Effect Of Transcendentalism : Henry David Thoreau1654 Words   |  7 PagesThe Effect of Transcendentalism: Henry David Thoreau Transcendentalism is the American literary, political, and philosophical movement of the early nineteenth century that was rooted in the pure Romanticism of the English and the German (Goodman). Ralph Waldo Emerson is considered the father of Transcendentalism because his literature is the first to praise the notable spirituality of nature. The basic belief of the movement is to live authentically; being true to oneself (Day). The movement itselfRead MoreRelation between Men and Nature in Emerson and Thoreau680 Words   |  3 PagesApril 27 Concord and Henry David Thoreau was born in 1817 July12 in Concord and died in 1862 May 6th in Concord. (C-SPAN)Emerson was graduated from Harvard and so was the Thoreau. Henry David Thoreau was young poet of only 20 years old and Emerson was older than him. Thoreau wrote Walden in 1854 and Emerson wrote American scholar in 1837 not only that they have written many articles which was anti government such as ‘American scholar, ‘Walden ’ and many more. Emerson and Thoreau have more of comparisonRead MoreHenry David Thoreau: The Grat Transcendentalist Essay1932 Words   |  8 PagesHenry David Thoreau along with a select group of people propelled the short movement of transcendentalism during the 1830s to the 1850s and was later brought up during the Vietnam War. Many of the transcendentalist ideas came from student who attended Harvard University during this time period. Henry David Thoreau’s individualistic anarchist views on society were developed throughout his early life and later refined in his years of solitude; these views on society and government are directly expressed

Pride And Prejudice By Jane Austen - 1930 Words

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Jane Austen takes her readers through a series of twist and turns as characters experience attraction, heartbreak, and passion in her timeless novel, Pride and Prejudice. This story impeccably draws the image of a successful novel because the overall influence on the reader is intimate. Moreover, it distinguishes itself as a different novel among the rest; which is why Pride and Prejudice is universally acknowledged to be a classic novel. Classic literature is a work of art that not only embodies a way of thinking, but is also a way that ideas are carried forward. Classic literature inspire emotional responses, no matter the period in which the work was written. This book centers on the obstinate†¦show more content†¦Motifs are frequent arrangements, contrasts, and literary devices that can help to define and inform the text’s major themes. A noticeable motif in this story is courtship. Courtship is friendly and often integrates attention for the purpose of winning a favourable partner or other relationship. Courtship is a reoccurring theme in the story. An example of the motif of courtship is when Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collins’ proposal. Thus, Mr. Collins proposes to Charlotte, who is Elizabeth’s friend that accepts his offer. Charlotte, who greatly fears being single, does not even truly love Mr. Collins yet she accepts his wedding proposal. Charlotte has no romantic ideas that marriage must be based on love. She tells Elizabeth, â€Å"I am not romantic you know†¦ I only ask for a comfortable home† (chapter 22). Charlotte’s character touches upon the fundamental aspects of life regarding whether a person should marry someone who will save them financially or someone who is devoted, and can naturally bring out the best in them. Mr. Collins proposal failed to captivate Elizabeth’s heart and ensure wedded bliss; his proposal is more likely a business offer, and only someone who desires to marry based on the se fundamental aspects would ever accept him. Elizabeth is beautiful, independent woman who does not follow what society expects of her. She is always doing the absurd and is frequently surprising the readers with her wit and intelligence. This is unlike most women during this

Case Analysis Supply Chain Management at Wal-Mart

CASE ANALYSIS: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT WAL-MART INTRODUCTION Wal-mart Stores Inc was the world’s largest retailer and was started by Sam Walton in 1962 who named it as â€Å"Wal-Mart Discount City†. However before Wal-mart; Sam Walton owned a number of Ben Franklin Store Chains. Due to this prior experience of owning smaller variety stores and dealing with its franchised supply chain, he learnt various business concepts and also was able to selectively purchase merchandise in bulk from new suppliers and then transport these goods to his stores directly. And then he realized a new trend of discount retailing which was based on driving high volumes of product through low cost retail outlets. He also started a new concept of â€Å"Everyday Low†¦show more content†¦As of now they have largely developed in Canada and Mexico, however when it comes to international markets something is holding back the success found on North American soil. Other constraints currently effecting Wal-Mart’s supply chain is having the compe tition borrowing ideas that have worked so well for them, making the gap smaller and smaller each year in overall market share. WAL-MART SUPPLY CHAIN Wal-Mart was known for its excellent supply chain management. Wal-mart grew in the 1960s to 1980s and benefited from improved road infrastructure and the inability of its competitors to keep up to changes in legislation. The main change was the removal of â€Å"resale price maintenance,† which had prevented retailers from discounting merchandise. A strong and efficient supply chain is the key to distribution and keeping their customers satisfied with the promise of â€Å"Everyday Low Prices.† Things within the supply chain in which Wal-Mart excelled at would include logistics, purchasing, retail decisions, and limiting the overall bullwhip effect of the supply chain. LOGISTICS Logistics is a complex process and involves several functions such as procurement or purchasing, inward transport, receiving, warehousing, stock control, order picking, materials handling, outward transport, physical distribution management, recycling, and returns amp; waste disposal functions.. With Wal-Mart this was started from Walton’s idea of â€Å"discount retailing.† Due toShow MoreRelatedCase Analysis: Supply Chain Management at Wal-Mart1388 Words   |  6 PagesCASE ANALYSIS: SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AT WAL-MART INTRODUCTION Wal-mart Stores Inc was the world’s largest retailer and was started by Sam Walton in 1962 who named it as â€Å"Wal-Mart Discount City†. However before Wal-mart; Sam Walton owned a number of Ben Franklin Store Chains. Due to this prior experience of owning smaller variety stores and dealing with its franchised supply chain, he learnt various business concepts and also was able to selectively purchase merchandise in bulk from new suppliersRead MoreWalmart Success in China?1198 Words   |  5 PagesCase Study: Wal-Mart Stores â€Å"Every Day Low Prices† In China Webster University INTB 5000 1 Webster University 2 Wal-Mart Stores â€Å"Every Day Low Prices† In China FACTS: ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ First opened in Shenzhen on August 12, 1996 As of December 2007 ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ 94 stores in 51 cities Employs 43,000+ associates Serves around 5 million customers per week ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ ïÆ'Ëœ Transition from rural US to metro/urban in China Competitive analysis a core value of the company ï‚ § Shopping 1,500 items andRead MoreSwot Analysis of Wal-Mart and Carrefour952 Words   |  4 PagesSusan Donoho Argosy University SWOT Analysis of Wal-mart and Carrefour SWOT Analysis for Wal-Mart and Carrefour What is a hypermarket? According to Business Dictionary that is an online business definition resource, it is a â€Å"vast self-service warehouse-cum-retail outlet that combines the features of a supermarket, department store, discount store, and specialty store in one location.† A hypermarket may also be called a hyper-mart (Business Dictionary, 2012). The multinational retailers thatRead MoreWalmart: A Strategic Management Case study Financial Perspective959 Words   |  4 PagesPricing Strategy Wal-Mart’s primary competition in US includes department stores of the likes of Target and Kmart. Costco offers competition to Sam Club format of Wal-Mart. In niche small markets, dollar stores are offering strong competition to Wal-Mart. Kroger competes with Neighbor market and supercenters of Wal-Mart especially on the grocery product line. Target competes with Discount stores and supercenter shopping formats of Wal-Mart with Target commanding a small premium on prices as itRead MoreCase Study of Walmart1394 Words   |  6 PagesCASE STUDY Professor: Dr. Mary Flannery Teaching Assistant: Jia-Yuh Chen ECON 136 – Business Strategy February 27, 2006 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS The retail industry is dominated by few retail giants, with Wal-Mart competing in several retail categories. Wal-Mart competes against Kmart and Target in the general merchandise retailing; against Costco in the warehouse club segment; and against Kroger, Albertson’s and Safeway in the supermarket retailing. Competition among retailers centers on pricingRead MoreWal-Marts Supply Chain Practices Essay4494 Words   |  18 PagesSupply Chain Management – Case Analysis Ivey Case Study Supply Chain Management at WalMart For: Dr. Chirag Surti BUSI 2604U Prepared By: Jeremy Abbaterusso 100217118 Supply Chain Management – Case Analysis TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction and Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. . 3 Supply Chain†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ .4 Logistics†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. .4 Purchasing and Operations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦...6 CPFR and the Bullwhip Effect†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã ¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.7 InformationRead MoreEssay on Development and Analysis of Two Mini Case Studies1267 Words   |  6 PagesDevelopment and Analysis of Two Mini Case Studies This is a SWOT analysis of Target Corporation and K-Mart, to be followed by a cross-case analysis of the two mini cases. The success and failure in these cases is based on volume of sales and recognition of the two companies. Target SWOT Analysis Target is a mass merchandising store based out of Roseville, Minnesota and founded in 1962. Almost 50 years later, Target is still going strong. They have always been in direct competition with theRead MoreEssay on Walmart, Information System1629 Words   |  7 PagesBMAN 21061 Introduction To Management Information System Non-assessed Essay Qï ¼Å¡Large numbers of companies are using their information systems as a strategic tool to improve their competitive advantage. Choose one of these companies (Toyota or Wal-Mart) and prepare an essay of 1500 words on: a) how information systems are used strategically by the company to gain a competitive advantage b) discuss if it is possible for the company to maintain thisRead MoreWalmart Case Analysis11203 Words   |  45 PagesWal-Mart, 2007 Case Analysis International Business Executive Summary 4 Challenges 5 Re-Aligning the Marketing Strategy for Greater Relevancy 5 Figure 1: Wal-Mart Segmentation Strategy 8 Figure 2: Customer Segment Loyalty Analysis 10 Human Resources Lack Compliance and Governance 11 Figure 3: Wal-Mart’s Chain of Command 14 Ethnocentrism Rampant In Global Growth Strategies 15 Competitive Strategies must get Beyond Price Wars 18 Wal-Mart’s Competitors 19 FigureRead MoreWal Mart : A Case Case Study Essay1064 Words   |  5 Pageseek 2 Wal-Mart: A Case Study in Supply Chain    We all are familiar with and buy from Wal-Mart, maybe on a daily basis, Sam Walton, the founder’s focus was on logistics and today Wal-Mart is a leader in the field of supply chain management. The company, however, is not complacent with this label and continues to strive toward excellence and to expect the same from its vendors. The company continues to institute new initiatives. Wal-mart looks for ways to improve its supply chain processes, never

Development and Training †Essay Free Essays

Effective training plans teach employees the skills ND behaviors that help the organization achieve their defined goals. Struck is the number one specialty coffee retailer serving millions of people in 16,000 locations in 50 countries (Struck, 2010). Struck employees go through vigorous training to ensure that each cup of coffee Is brewed to perfection. We will write a custom essay sample on Development and Training – Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now While Struck may have a well-trained staff, errors can be made, and additional training may be needed. The needs assessment is the process of evaluating the organization, individual employees, and employees’ tasks to determine what kind of training, if any, is necessary. An organizational analysis of Struck shows that It Is an organization that concentrates on serving a niche market and needs to continually update its workforce on specialized skill sets. Effective training objectives have three components and should include the following measurable performance standards: 1 A statement of what the employee Is expected to do, the performance or outcome. . A statement of the quality or level of performance that Is acceptable. 3. A statement of the conditions under which the trainee is expected to apply what he or she learned. Data gathered from the organization, and task analysis will help identify raining materials needed to develop an effective training program. Struck Is a successful company not only because it serves a great cup of coffee but also because the company has devel oped a great culture with a leading training program for its managers and employees. One of the first things that a new employee at Struck learns is that all employees are called partners. Struck calls their employees partners because they openly value and respect each partner and acknowledge that their success would not be possible without the contributions they make on a daily basis. Partners are coached on the Star Skills, three guidelines for on-the-job interpersonal relations: (1 ) maintain and enhance self-esteem, (2) listen and acknowledge, and (3) ask for help (Struck, 2010). Struck has numerous proprietary processes and recipes so they do not often contract or outsource their training. Most of the training partners receive is hands-on and provided by experienced partners and the management team at the store. The bulk of a new partners training Is spent on proper beverage preparation. This training Involves such satellites as grinding the beans, steaming milk, learning to pull perfect shot of espresso, remembering the correct amount of shots and syrup pumps the different FIFO Arles require, Ana practice, practice, practice on making ten core coffee Diverges. Struck sets drink standards to be memorized and followed. Milk must be steamed to at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit but never more than 170 degrees unless the customer requests it to be hotter. Always pull a perfect espresso shot if the shot is shorter than 18 seconds or longer than 23 seconds it must be tossed out. Always have fresh coffee a new pot is to be brewed every 20 minutes. If a customer is satisfied with his or her experience or beverage partners are empowered to compensate them with a Struck coupon for a free drink (Thompson Strickland, 1999). Additional lessons are provided on how to clean the milk wand on the espresso machine and how to calibrate the espresso machines for the perfect grind. The amount of information that a new partner has to process can oftentimes be overwhelming so to help out they are provided with laminated recipe cards for all the drinks on the menu and a pocket-sized green apron book that covers the star skills and fits perfectly their green apron, online training for the cash register and loneliness standards, and the support of all the other partners on the floor. The training received by partners can seem intense but the teamwork and culture created leaves customers with such great impressions the often return Just for the enjoyable experience As the staff becomes seasoned, some of the training gets forgotten and mistakes happen. â€Å"In its campaign to revive the intimate, friendly feel of a neighborhood coffee shop, Struck orchestrated the closing of 7,100 of its American stores at precisely 5:30 p. M. Or a three-hour retraining session for employees† (Grumman, 2008, Para. 2). The training objective is primarily focused on recipe consistency so Struck decided their plan would be more effective by incorporating in-house expertise as part of the training medium. The program will combine the presentation and hands-on training methods where employees receive information individually, and in a group sessions to have the opportunity to actively practice the specific skills being taught. The group sessions allow employees to discuss new techniques to improve the taste and texture of drinks as well as share best practices for maintaining beverage consistency while adhering to the standards or espresso shots and milk quality. Refresher training is an excellent tool to keep seasoned staff trained on the basics and to reduce the amount of errors made. This type of training is very informal and can be done at the store as opposed to in a classroom. An on-the-spot correction is a type of refresher training that can be done relatively quickly. If an employee makes an error making a cup of coffee, he or she can be given refresher training immediately. Managers will have to ensure that this training is not done to demean the employee, but to re-inform him or her of the proper steps. Another on-the-spot correction that can be made is with customer service. Each employee is given four hours of customer service training before entering a store. Sometimes, the basics can be forgotten, and human nature can override training on any given day. In this case, managers can pull an employee aside and remind him on how important customer satisfaction is to Struck. Again, this is not meant to embarrass the employee, but simply to retrain the basics. It is important that refresher training be done at the store and not in a different location. On-the-spot corrections cannot be trained in a classroom because it loses its efficiency. This training needs to happen immediately (or a few hours) after an error NAS occurred so ten employees can learn ten proper steps quickly Ana prevent Torture errors of that nature. It is also important to note that employees learn better in their own environment and would be able to use their refresher training immediately. Once the training needs and objectives are identified, training materials are created, and the training medium is agreed upon the next step is implementation of the training process. The way people learn is an important factor to consider in the implementation process of any training program. Learning objectives must be communicated clearly and presented distinctly so that trainees link the subject matter to their Jobs and the organization’s goals. Multiple delivery techniques can be used to train employees such as traditional presentations or lectures that are given in classroom settings, the use of computer-based training (CB) on-line, internships or work-study mentoring programs, simulation training, or hands on-the-Job training (JOT) techniques. The training context or physical environment should mirror the work environment. Training sessions and materials should use familiar terms, concepts, and examples. Any of the techniques Struck selects is dependent on their training objective, the materials covered, and the timeshare in which the employee is expected to develop the learned traits. When the course objectives call for presenting information on a specific topic to many trainees, classroom instruction is one of the least expensive and least time-consuming ways to accomplish the goal. The refresher training program Struck developed is centered primarily on JOT techniques and is expected to be more effective because the trainers will enhance heir lectures with Job-related examples and trainees have opportunities for hands- on learning. The on-site instructors or facilitators are available to answer questions and give immediate corrective feedback. Evaluation is an integral part of the training and development process. Evaluation tools help to determine the effectiveness of the training programs and materials that employees receive. Evidence suggests that because of insufficient budget or time, lack of expertise, blind trust in training solutions or lack of methods and tools, the evaluations are often inconsistent or missing (Ma, 2006). At Struck it is all about the customer experience customer satisfaction is how Struck evaluates the effectiveness of their training processes. They have implemented a few processes to get feedback from their customers these include secret shoppers, customer comment cards, customer care phone number, and online surveys that print on random customer receipts throughout the day. All of the information is gathered together and sent directly to the store management, the management to assess the training needs for their store then uses the comments and feedback provided. The first order of good service in the food industry is employee knowledge. Employees should know about the organizational goals, the products, and their preparations as well as the ability to share that knowledge with customers. If an employee does not know or understand what they are talking about they cannot sell or serve effectively (Turning, 2000). Struck offers a dizzying array of coffee drinks and expects their employees to be fully versed in how to make the drinks consistently because this is the foundation of the Struck concept. 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Competency Statement 1 free essay sample

The goals in my classroom are to achieve the objective of safety by providing the children with safe environment and equipped children to explore without any injuries. Another goal is to promote healthy habits. Another one is to promote a good age appropriate learning environment. †¢Competency Goal 1 healthy learning environment Functional Area 1: Learning Environment: One of my goals is to maintain a safe environment for the children in my care to play and explore in. This is an important goal for me to have because without a safe environment there is. The space should be attractive and have a home like feeling that reflects various cultures and diversity. For parents, emergency plans, important phone numbers and resource information should be up a t all times. One should have a balance of quiet and active centers, wet and dry centers, cooperative and solitary play centers and a schedule with a balance of inside and outside play †¢Competency Goal 2 Functional Area 2: Safe. We will write a custom essay sample on Competency Statement 1 or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Candidate provides a safe environment to prevent and reduce injuries. To establish and maintain a safe, healthy learning environment my number one goal is to keep my children safe while they are in my care. I always make sure that I am aware of the entire possible situation that involves an injury. †¢Competency Goal 3 Functional Area 3: Healthy. Candidate provides an environment that promotes healthy and prevents illness, and teaches children about good nutrition and practices that promotes. By modeling and teaching best practices of washing hands often, exercise, eating healthy foods and snacks. By providing healthy meals to promote good health this helps the children on the long run from being overweight and obese. We try to plan our meals by using the USDA Food Pyramid and we provide water at any time of day and at meals also. We also encourage the parents to give their children a variety.