Employment Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 7

Employment Law - Essay Example 38). The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 is founded on the principle of equal treatment to agency workers, in comparison to employees. The entitlement to equal treatment is restricted to fundamental employment and working conditions, like rest breaks and pay and not to protection from unfair dismissal and other such statutory rights (Agency Worker Regulations 2010 – a missed opportunity?, 2010). In order to advice Erica, the Human Resource Director of the Cranford Computers Ltd, with regard to Shirley; the major issue to be considered is whether Shirley’s frequent absence from work, on health grounds, is permitted by the employment legislation. It is also to be examined, whether the Cranford Computers Ltd, is in breach of the provisions of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. As an employee of Cranford Computers Ltd, for 2 years, Shirley is entitled to rights under the Employment Rights Act 1996. The time off rights of the Employment Protection Act 1975 (Employment Protection Act , 1975) were incorporated in the Employment Rights Act 1996. Some of these grant employees paid time off, whilst others permit unpaid time off. Section 50(4) of the Employment Rights Act 1996, specifies that the duration of time off and related conditions to be reasonable (Employment Rights Act , 1996). In our problem, Julie, who was one of Shirley’s colleagues covering her absences, had protested at having to shoulder Shirley’s duties frequently. Julie had also demanded additional remuneration for this work, entailing additional costs for the employer. Whilst taking decisions in respect of Shirley’s absence, these factors have to be taken into consideration by Cranford Computers Ltd. With regard to Julie, there is no legal entitlement for working overtime. Furthermore, there is no specification regarding overtime pay and the only requirement is that the average pay should not be less than the National Minimum Wage. However, no worker

Literature and Social Change

Literature and Social Change Literature written during the period between 1650 and the mid 1800s encourages us to think for ourselves rather than blindly accept the status quo. Tolstoy, in The Death of Ivan Ilyich reminds us to be mindful of the folly of keeping up with the Jones. Molieres Tartuffe warns against the unquestioning acceptance of religious authority. Swift and Douglass condemn the unthinkable acceptance of human degradation. Whether describing the indiscriminate acceptance of authority or social norms these stories inspire us to use critical thinking as a means of restoring moral principles. Tolstoys depiction of the struggle between the physical and spiritual world reminds us that a life of integrity is a life of meaningful choices. Choices that require careful consideration about what is truly important in life, namely the people in our lives. Ivan Ilyichs acceptance of the challenge to keep up with the status quo led him to a place of painful isolation. Each thoughtless choice cost him personal integrity until he is compelled by impending death to take a judicious look at his life. A Modest Proposal. Historical and cultural biases and stereotypes prevent both oppressors and oppressed from seeing not only the need but the ability to change. Acceptance of poverty as a regrettable condition or an acceptable lifestyle for those people without questioning the validity of such ideas degrades all humanity. Swifts work provoked critical thinking and discussion among the people changing expectations, reforming abuses and reaffirming the value of humanity. Douglass work asserts the worth of all mankind. The practice of enslaving human beings chained not only the slave but the owner as well. Each choice to ignore was a choice to endorse slavery as a reasonable practice. Only when reason was applied, prejudices examined and stereotypes dismantled did ideas about slavery begin to change. The abolition of slavery required rethinking the value of human freedom by slave holders and slaves alike as well as society as a whole. What began as individual revelation grew into a revolution renewing integrity of individuals and a nation. Each story draws the reader into an abusive world created and affirmed by ignorance then offers the means for change, independent thinking. Unquestioned our biases and assumptions unjustifiably impact our thought processes. Restoration of integrity comes about when we are mindful of circumstance and apply critical thinking skills to our situation. As each author illustrates, our power to reason is a powerful tool for change. Question 3 Relevance Still Searching for Significance The stories we read from 1650 through the mid 1800s all address issues that are relevant today. Religious hypocrisy, poverty and slavery still exist with long lasting and detrimental effects. I believe Leo Tolstoys Death of Ivan Ilyich holds the most relevance for todays audience because it speaks to what we have the most control over, our day to day choices. We all have the potential to live meaningful lives and affect our world in a positive way. Tolstoys Death of Ivan Ilyich addresses me, my family, and my community. Our priorities are easily confused when trying to keep up with appearances. Tolstoy contrasts the way we usually live our life, keeping up with appearances and the way we should live our life, with kindness and gratitude. One hundred years after the authors death people still search for fulfillment in materialism. Years ago He who Dies with the Most Toys Wins was a popular bumper sticker. I rarely see it anymore. Consumed by debt we struggle to survive. He who Dies with the Most Debt doesnt have quite the same laugh in the face of death attitude. Its not just toys, we invest heavily in cars and homes, jobs and after school activities believing we are what we appear to be. Appearances are artificial. The substance of who we are, the way we treat people is deeper than appearance. As a nation September 11th especially reminded us of the importance of the people in our lives. Listening to phone calls made to loved ones by nine-eleven victims we wondered, Who would we call first if our plane or building was going to consume us? Who would miss us if in the rescue of another human being we were to loose our life? Certainly the sacrifice of life would be evidence of a life well-lived, an authentic life. But even Ivan Ilyich in a sense sacrifices his life. Certainly he wanted what was best for his family yet they see him as a nuisance, they really just want him to go away. This man provided the best for his family and in return they want nothing to do with him. The material things he provided are ultimately unimportant. Gerashims compassion for Ivan sheds light on what is truly important. Both Ivan and Gershim benefit because of Gershims compassion. Ivan is cared for, his loneliness and pain are lessened. Gershim, having made a difference in someones life, is filled with a satisfaction that can not be cast off. His life has meaning. His compassion comes from his spirit, it is love in action. All the material gifts we give will disintegrate in time but compassion, love for another, has a regenerating power. Love authenticates our lives. When we show compassion for our family, friends, and neighbors our communities are better places. Places where hypocrisy, poverty and slavery have a difficult time existing. The choices we make daily can add up to a meaningful life and a better world. Question 5 Favorite A Renewed Appreciation I thoroughly enjoyed the works we read especially Frederick Douglass, Moliere, and Jonathan Swift but the work that is my favorite is Leo Tolstoys Death of Ivan Ilyich. Tolstoys story had the most effect on me. As I read the story the first time I found myself substituting my own husband for Ivan. He, like Ivan works hard to keep up appearances and works in pain. I, like Ivans wife can barely be bothered with him. The story reminded me that compassion is a two-way street. Now when I think about the story it is not someone else I see in Ivans place but myself. The story is my favorite because it has caused me to think about myself and seek change. The work that is my least favorite is Alexander Popes Rape of the Lock. It was my least favorite because the subject matter and the imagery felt so foreign to me. The piece was difficult to understand, yet I was intrigued, the verse was captivating. As I learned about the imagery and epic poetry I came to appreciate this mock epic. Reading the literature from this time period has caused me to appreciate history and the changes that can be initiated through the power of words.

A Cosmopolitan Girl Essay -- Self Image Media Essays

A Cosmopolitan Girl Determined, realistic, and self-confident are not words that I hold to a specific gender. That might be the difference between someone who was born in generation x and the baby boomers and earlier. According to society these few words are associated with the male gender, since most of society that is able to determine what is and what is not acceptable are older we are labeled as a whole to have come to these conclusions. Perhaps June Jordan, the writer of Memo: 1980 knew something that the rest of society did not. And it might be that her revolutionized way of thinking was foreshadowing on what was to come. Hopefully through out my analyzing and explication I can come to what Jordan was trying to get across to us the readers. And if not I will have my own opinion on what Memo: 1980 means and that is what poetry is all about for the reader come to their own conclusions of what they have read, and hopefully have developed more analytical skills. The opening three lines of June Jordans Memo: 1980 When I hear some women say she has finally decided you can spend time with other women. I wonder what she means: her mother? My mother? (Jordan pg. 158 lines 1-4) Leads me to believe the writer is referring to the jealousy women seem to have towards one another. Women say it is not jealousy, but then why is it women make awful assumptions about other women before knowing their first names or hearing a hello out of their mouths. Women tend to assume that other women are fake, annoying, and even to the extent that these other women are trying to take ones place. Women who deny these actions are lying, because we all do it. June Jordan also backs this up with the line Ive always despised my women friends.(line 5) ... ...not loser her place in society. Meaning that she knew women had higher roles than playing follow the leader. She did not want the influence of other people to changer her own ideas. Yes, it might have been lonely being a cosmopolitan girl at the time because many people were not open to her ideas of being an individual, but at least she had her own stand in the world. I highly believe that Jordan wrote this for herself as a reminder, but maybe she also was writing it for other women who had the same ideas as her but were to intimidated by the opposite gender to say anything, or maybe even men, to let them know that they are not the all mighty high and powerful ones and that things were soon going to change. Works Cited Jordan, June. Memo: 1980 Literature Reading and Writing The Human Experience. Donna Erickson. New York: St. Martins Press, 1998. Page 158.

Car Rental Business plan Essay

The purpose of this business plan is to raise $300,000 for the development of a car rental agency while showcasing the expected financials and operations over the next three years. The Car Rental Agency Inc. (â€Å"the Company†) is a New York based corporation that will provide the rental of economy, standard, and luxury automobiles in its targeted market. The Company was founded in 2009 by John Doe. 1.1 Products and Services As mentioned above, the Car Rental Agency will be actively engaged in the rental of economy class, standard, and luxury vehicles for tourists and vacationers within its targeted market. A bulk of the Company’s revenues will come from the daily rental charges for vehicle usage. The business will also recognize revenues from the sale of insurance services and gasoline charges to customers. At the onset of operations, the Company intends to have a leased fleet of 30 vehicles. The third section of the business plan will further describe the services offered by the Car Rental Agency. 1.2 The Financing Mr. Doe is seeking to raise $300,000 from as a bank loan. The interest rate and loan agreement are to be further discussed during negotiation. This business plan assumes that the business will receive a 10 year loan with a 9% fixed interest rate. 1.3 Mission Statement The Car Rental Agency’s mission is to become the recognized leader in its targeted market for renting affordable vehicles to the general public on a daily basis. 1.4 Mangement Team The Company was founded by John Doe. Mr. Doe has more than 10 years of experience in the automotive industry. Through his expertise, he will be able to bring the operations of the business to profitability within its first year of operations. 1.5 Sales Forecasts Mr. Doe expects a strong rate of growth at the start of operations. Below are the expected financials over the next three years. 1.6 Expansion Plan The Founder expects that the business will aggressively expand during the first three years of operation. Mr. Doe intends to implement marketing campaigns that will effectively target individuals, tourists, and business travelers within the target market. 2.0 Company and Financing Summary 2.1 Registered Name and Corporate Structure The Car Rental Agency, Inc. The Company is registered as a corporation in the State of New York. 2.2 Required Funds At this time, the Car Rental Agency requires $300,000 of debt funds. Below is a breakdown of how these funds will be used: 2.3 Investor Equity Mr. Doe is not seeking an investment from a third party at this time. 2.4 Management Equity John Doe owns 100% of the Car Rental Agency, Inc. 2.5 Exit Strategy If the business is very successful, Mr. Doe may seek to sell the business to a third party for a significant earnings multiple. Most likely, the Company will hire a qualified business broker to sell the business on behalf of the Car Rental Agency. Based on historical numbers, the business could fetch a sales premium of up to 4 times earnings. 3.0 Products and Services Below is a description of the car rental services offered by the Car Rental Agency. 3.1 Daily Car Rentals The primary source of revenue for the business will come from the direct daily rental of the Company’s fleet of approximately 30 vehicles. The Company will have three tiers of rentals including economy, standard, and luxury. Management expects that 75% of all rentals will fall into the economy or standard class. A limited number of luxury vehicles will be held on the lot for wealthy tourists and business travelers. Daily charges to clients will range from $49 to $99 per day depending on the type of vehicle they intend to rent. 3.2 Insurance Fees and Ancillary Services In addition to daily charges made to vehicle renters, the Company will earn secondary streams of revenue from the sale of additional insurance. This is an important secondary steam of revenue for the business as sales of additional car insurance will generate substantial gross margins for the Car Rental Agency. Additionally, the Company will charge substantial fees to customers that do not return the vehicles with full gas tanks. Approximately 25% of the Company’s aggregate revenues will come from the sale of insurance and gas fees. 4.0 Strategic and Market Analysis 4.1 Economic Outlook This section of the analysis will detail the economic climate, the car rental industry, the customer profile, and the competition that the business will face as it progresses through its business operations. Currently, the economic market condition in the United States is in recession. This slowdown in the economy has also greatly impacted real estate sales, which has halted to historical lows. Many economists expect that this recession will continue until mid-2009, at which point the economy will begin a prolonged recovery period. However, Car Rental Agencies typically operate with a strong degree of economic stability as business travelers will continue to need vehicles for their business trip needs. 4.2 Industry Analysis Within the United States, there are more than 5,000 companies (that operate one or more locations) that provide daily car rental services to the general public. Each year, these businesses aggregately generate more than $20  billion dollars of revenue and provide jobs to more than 120,000 people. Aggregate payrolls in each of the last five years have exceeded $3.1 billion. This is a mature industry, and the future expected growth rate is expected to equal that of the general economy. As mentioned above, despite the currently high gasoline prices, the industry will continue to remain profitable as business travelers will continue to require rented vehicles during their business trips. 4.3 Customer Profile In this section of the analysis, you should describe the type of customer you are seeking to acquire. These traits include income size, type of business/occupation; how far away from your business is to your customer, and what the customer is looking for. In this section, you can also put demographic information about your target market including population size, income demographics, level of education, etc. 4.4 Competitive Analysis This is one of the sections of the business plan that you must write completely on your own. The key to writing a strong competitive analysis is that you do your research on the local competition. Find out who your competitors are by searching online directories and searching in your local Yellow Pages. If there are a number of competitors in the same industry (meaning that it is not feasible to describe each one) then showcase the number of businesses that compete with you, and why your business will provide customers with service/products that are of better quality or less expensive than your competition. 5.0 Marketing Plan The Car Rental Agency intends to maintain an extensive marketing campaign that will ensure maximum visibility for the business in its targeted market. Below is an overview of the marketing strategies and objectives of the Car Rental Agency. 5.1 Marketing Objectives †¢ Establish relationships with airports and travel agents surrounding the target market. †¢ Implement a local campaign with the Company’s targeted market via the use of flyers, local newspaper advertisements, and word of mouth advertising. †¢ Develop an online presence by developing a website and placing the Company’s name and contact information with online directories. 5.2 Marketing Strategies Mr. Doe intends on using a number of marketing strategies that will allow the Car Rental Agency to easily target tourists and business travelers coming to the target market. These strategies include traditional print advertisements and ads placed on search engines on the Internet. Below is a description of how the business intends to market its services to the general public. The Car Rental Agency will also use an internet based strategy. This is very important as many people seeking local services, such as car rental agencies, now the Internet to conduct their preliminary searches. Mr. Doe will register the Car Rental Agency with online portals so that potential customers can easily reach the business. The Company will also develop its own online website, which will include functionality for people to book and pay for vehicle rentals directly through the Company’s online platform. This marketing feature is common to most companies that rent cars to the general public. The Company will also place advertisements on major travel portals such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity. Mr. Doe will also develop relationships with local travel agents that will make arrangements for rentals among people that are traveling through the target market. 5.3 Pricing In this section, describe the pricing of your services and products. You should provide as much information as possible about your pricing as possible in this section. However, if you have hundreds of items, condense your product list categorically. This section of the business plan should not span more than 1 page. 6.0 Organizational Plan and Personnel Summary 6.1 Corporate Organization 6.2 Organizational Budget 6.3 Management Biographies In this section of the business plan, you should write a two to four paragraph biography about your work experience, your education, and your skill set. For each owner or key employee, you should provide a brief biography in this section. 7.0 Financial Plan 7.1 Underlying Assumptions †¢ The Car Rental Agency will have an annual revenue growth rate of 16% per year. †¢ The loan will have a 10 year term with a 9% interest rate. †¢ The Owner will acquire $300,000 of debt funds to develop the business. 7.2 Sensitivity Analysis In the event of an economic downturn, the business may have a decline in its revenues. However, among business travelers, renting a car is a necessity. As such, the Car Rental Agency will be able remain profitable despite a drop off in tourist activity. 7.3 Source of Funds 7.4 General Assumptions 7.5 Profit and Loss Statements 7.6 Cash Flow Analysis 7.7 Balance Sheet 7.8 General Assumptions 7.9 Business Ratios Expanded Profit and Loss Statements Expanded Cash Flow Analysis

Sequence Analysis of the Third Man

10/7/12 The Third Man Sequence Analysis In Carol Reed’s The Third Man, the sequence in which the police and their bait, Holly, anxiously wait for the arrival of their target, Harry, is full of suspense and displayed through over 25 shots in less than 3 minutes. The sequence captures the anxiousness and suspense experienced by all the characters through its quick cuts of empty streets, destroyed buildings, and dark shadows. The score of this sequence heavily influences the mood and different thematic elements of the scene.Through this nearly silent (almost no dialogue) segment, Reed brings the viewers into the scene through the perspectives of different characters surveying the empty, quiet and dark city of Vienna for the man they are trying to capture, Harry Lime. The first shot of this sequence is a fade-in of the cafe in which Holly is settling down while waiting for Harry. The signature zither music picks up again to indicate the suspense of patiently waiting to complete a set-up that will allow the police to arrest a criminal.It then cuts to inside the cafe where Holly anxiously sits and begins to look outside the window examining the ominous, empty streets of Vienna. This shot is a prime example of the unique askew camera placement used throughout the entire film. In this shot, like several others, the frame is angled quite awkwardly. This technique embodies the creation of a dark, odd and intense world in which noir films took place. The next shot takes us outside with a long pan from left to right. This shot puts us in the perspective of Holly as he slowly scopes out an empty street.This zoomed in pan accurately conveys Holly’s anxiety of Harry’s arrival, as he attentively searches the street for any signs of Harry. This cuts back to Holly who is moving closer to the window in order to get a better look down the streets. Then a quick cut puts us back to Holly’s perspective of the street and yet again we see a vacant, dark stre et. However this shot is still and focuses on the Vienna statuary. The next cut is of a policeman hiding among these statues. The juxtaposition of these two shots is a prime example of Carol Reed’s montage and genius editing choices.Holly closely looks at this landmark, which happens to be the police’s hideout. This allows the viewer to see the elaborate plan the police have created and be placed right in the middle of it. We are unable to see the police from the viewpoint of the meetings location but once zoomed in we can see them hidden in the depths off the shadows created by these large statues and columns. The shot of the policeman hidden along the statue cuts quickly to a shot of a still, dark street. The perspective then switches to that of the policeman.The next cut shows another policeman, this time zoomed in on his face. This shot has much more light on the policeman’s face. It is a close up shot from a lower viewpoint. This allows us to understand the different placements and hiding spots of these police officers that are waiting to capture their target. This then cuts again to this policeman’s view of the street. This rapid crosscutting of straight shots juxtaposed with angled shots of the policemen and their vantage points, alongside the portentous strumming of the zither creates a very ominous and suspenseful setting and mood.It places the viewer inside the set-up as if we too are silently and anxiously surveying the war-torn streets of Vienna for Harry Lime. This cuts to a shot that display’s Reed’s undeniable element of lighting. A police officer is placed in the center of the frame in profile. As he exhales, the low-key lighting picks up the fog created by his warm breath. This cuts again to the policeman’s vantage point down a dim alley. This cuts to another shot of a policeman with unique lighting. The lighting only allows the viewer to see the policeman’s nose and below.His eyes and fo rehead are hidden by the shadow of his hat, until he moves his eyes. The lighting allows us to see the whites of his eyes as they move from right to left across the frame. Only seeing his eyes as they move force us to follow his eyes and look into his vantage point that is seen in the next shot of another empty road. This cuts to a close up of another policeman’s face, where again the lighting picks up and reflects off of the fog. This quickly cuts to another empty street view, which then quickly cuts back to Holly.This shot of Holly is still angled awkwardly, only now we see Holly impatiently playing with his cup. The shot is important because it again shows us Holly’s fickle feelings towards the situation he is in. Throughout the film he has had difficulty deciding on whether or not to help the police bring in his friend Harry. This shot of Holly shows the internal debate he is experiencing in the mere three seconds it is seen. We then cut back to the first police of ficer in the statuary. His shadow is beautifully cast on the column next to him and our eyes are drawn to it.We see his shadow move as he notices something. This cuts to his vantage point of a street that is finally no longer empty. A giant shadow is emerging alongside a building. The menacing shadow stands two stories high. This creates a strong feeling of suspicion and fear, yielding an expectation by viewers and the police that the shadow will be Harry. The sight of a humongous shadow approaching sufficiently increases the suspense of the sequence. This cuts back to the policeman in what proves to be one of the most significant and well-filmed shots of the movie.It cuts to the same police officer who makes the first sound of the sequence; a simple â€Å"pssst†. This is to signal that Lime is approaching to someone below. The camera pans down below the officer, and zooms into a dark corner of the statuary covered by shadows. The lighting of this shot is incredible. As the s hot zooms in to its closest point, the lighting reveals the hiding Calloway and Paine as they merge from the shadowy depths of the statuary. Not only is this shot brilliantly lit, but it also displays the film’s mise-en-scene of corruption.The two unscrupulous officers are standing underneath what was once beautiful religious statuary. Post-war Vienna is nothing like what it was and is now a depressing, crumbling, and corrupt city. Before the war, these officers would have been standing in beautiful religious architecture. Their emergence from the murky shadows represents the post-war ruin and corruption of the once beautiful city of Vienna. This then cuts back to the approaching giant shadow, as it closes in on the intersection, signifying the end of anticipation. The next shot is of a policeman leaning in to catch a view of to whom this shadow belongs.This quickly cuts to a short shot of Holly also leaning in to try and get a glimpse. The shot reinforces the suspense and an xiety, and moral dilemma Holly is experiencing while waiting to set up his friend. As the shadow makes the final steps before being revealed, the zither tone changes from the usual haunting strumming to a comical, upbeat, high-pitched progression. It is then revealed that this shadow is a simple balloon salesman. The sudden change in music completely rids all previous tension as the balloon vender makes his way around the corner.This shot symbolizes Reed’s fantastic visual language. All of the shots leading up to this leave the viewer with nothing but certainty that this approaching shadow will be Lime. We have chased him down before through his shadows so there is no reason to believe that the camera is playing a hoax on us. The viewer undoubtedly trusts the visual storytelling, due to Reed’s fantastic imagery and shots. Carol Reed’s rapid crosscuts are a unique tactic that delays the plot of the film, solely to shift all focus to the increase in tension.The qu ick, oddly angled shots bring the viewer into the elaborate set-up, following each police officer and Holly, along with their respective vantage points of the streets of Vienna as if we too are searching for Lime. This sequence proves to be powerful and suspenseful, as well as a direct reflection of Carol Reed’s brilliance. He is able to intensify the suspense of the film significantly through his elaborate camera work, montage, lighting, mise en scene and sound. This short sequence proves to be a noteworthy piece in the cinematic world, and embodies the genre of film noir in just two minutes.