Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in India Essay Example for Free

Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives in India Essay 1. Company Background †¢ Coke – A sweet carbonated drink containing caramel and other flavoring components †¢ Invented in 1886 by Dr. J.S. Pemberton †¢ Contained extracts of Coca leaves and Kola nuts †¢ Business sold in 1888 to business men †¢ Candler acquired competitors and promoted Coca-Cola → Rapid sales increase since 1895 †¢ In 1894 J.A. Biedenharn invented selling the prepared drink in bottles 2. Company Background (continued)†¢ In 1919 a group of investors bought Coca Cola for around $25 million†¢ Robert Woodruff turned the company into what it is now:†¢ One of the worlds most recognized brands and a MNE with huge profits†¢ 1993, Coca Cola entered India through a strategic alliance with Parle Exports †¢ By now, it offers a portfolio of world class quality beverages, extending through over 400 brands 3. SWOT Analysis Strenghts†¢ Strong brand-name†¢ Global distribution system†¢ High-profile global presence†¢ Low cost of operation†¢ Broad-based bottling strategy†¢ High market share 4. SWOT Analysis Strenghts Weaknesses†¢ Strong brand-name †¢ Carbonates market is in decline†¢ Global distribution system †¢ Existing distribution system is less efficient for non-carbonates†¢ High-profile global presence †¢ Health care issues†¢ Low cost of operation†¢ Broad-based bottling strategy†¢ High market share 5. SWOT Analysis Strenghts Weaknesses †¢ Strong brand-name †¢ Carbonates market is in decline†¢ Global distribution system †¢ Existing distribution system is less efficient for non-carbonates†¢ High-profile global presence †¢ Health care issues†¢ Low cost of operation†¢ Broad-based bottling strategy†¢ High market shareOpportunities†¢ Expansion†¢ Use distribution strengths†¢ Large domestic market (India)†¢ Increasing average income in India 6. SWOT Analysis Strenghts Weaknesses†¢ Strong brand-name †¢ Carbonates market is in decline†¢ Global distribution system †¢ Existing distribution system is less efficient for non-carbonates†¢ High-profile global presence †¢ Health care issues†¢ Low cost of operation†¢ Broad-based bottling strategy†¢ High market share ThreatsOpportunities †¢ Competition from health drinks†¢ Expansion †¢ Competition from Pepsi†¢ Use distribution strengths †¢ Boycott in the Middle-East†¢ Large domestic market (India) †¢ Government regulations on Increasing average income in India production (license)†¢ 7. Coca-Cola India CSR Initiatives Focus on Environment Responsibility 8. WaterMethods†¢ Watershed Protection Community Watershed Partnership (CWP) (2005)†¢ Rainwater Harvesting Projects Kaladera plant in Rajasthan (2006) †¢ Educating Jal Tarang (a part of World Water Day) (2007) â€Å"Think Green, Go Green† Campaign (2007) Film (2007) 9. Water (continued)Achievements1. Reduced water consumption by 35% between 1999 to 20061. Reached zero water balance (2009)1. Returned all water in manufacturing processes (2010)2. Improved the livelihoods of Bottom of the Pyramid populations (BOP) (poor farmers) 10. WaterGoal: Reduce the emission of GHGs (especially HFCs and CO2) Methods 1. eKOfreshment Cooler Program (2000) 1. Converted old equipment to HFC-free fridges (2006) 2. Installed over 8500 units of HFC-free equipment (2007) 3. esKO Project (2007) 4. Enhanced energy efficiency 5. Developed Energy Management System (EMS) (2006) 11. Energy New Coke: Isdell wants to reduce Coca-Colas carbon footprint. E. Neville Isdell, CEO 12. Energy (continued)Achievements 1. GHGs emission reduces by 75% (2006) 2. Reduced energy consumption by 640 million kilowatt-hours, which equals to 3 million metric tons 3. Increased the energy efficiency of equipment by 40 to 50% 13. FuelCoca-Cola had local operations for production, bottling, and delivery in each country of operation. Take Taiwan for example: SWIRE Coca-Cola Taiwan LTD. and its factories are in No.46, Singbang RD., Taoyuan County. 14. Packaging + Recycling †¢ Focus on 3R (Reduction, Recovery, Reuse) †¢ PET Recycling Project in Mumbai (2005) †¢ â€Å"Abhiyan – The Movement†, a film on PET recycling Methods †¢ e3 Program †¢ Redesigned trademarked bottles †¢ Invested millions of dollars on collecting and recovering packaging materials used for beverages 15. Packaging + Recycling (continued)Achievements 1. Raised the income of about 100 PET crusaders by 50% 1. Recycled nearly 80% of the PET waste (2006) 2. Redesigning of bottles saved 89000 metric tons of glass (2006) 3. Most of the packaging material was 100% recyclable 16. Depletion of Water Table Coca-Cola India depleted groundwater tables and overexploited the groundwater reserves, leaving the local communities with no access to drinking water and water for farming which was their primary source of income! 17. Depletion of Water Table (continued)Data collected by the government agency the Ground WaterBoard showed that groundwater level had dropped in the firsts even years of the company‟s operation. †¢ A sharp drop in groundwater levels in Mehdiganj near the city of Varanasi. †¢ Groundwater levels in Kala Dera have continued spiraling downwards. 18. Depletion of Water Table (continued) One report, in the daily newspaper Mathrubhumi, described local women having to travel five kilometers to obtain drinkable water, during which time soft drinks would come out of the Coca-Cola plant by the truckload. 19. Depletion of Water Table (continued) â€Å"Coca-Cola sucks India dry.† 20. Supplied Sludge to Farmersas Fertilizer Coca-Cola had seized land from farmers and discharged hazardous material and sludge in the areas surrounding its plants in India. In a goodwill gesture, Coca-Cola was distributing the solid waste from its bottling plants to farmers in the area as fertilizer!! 21. Supplied Sludge to Farmersas Fertilizer (continued) The Central Pollution Control Board of India found in 2003 that sludge from Coca-Cola‟s Uttar Pradesh factory in Mehdiganj was contaminated with high levels of cadmium (up to 86mg/kg), lead (up to 538mg/kg), and chromium (up to 134mg/kg), effectively making the solid waste toxic. 22. Supplied Sludge to Farmers as Fertilizer (continued)Cadmium is a Lead iscarcinogen particularly and can dangerous to children and the accumulate in results of the kidneys, exposure can be with repeated fatal. Even at low exposure levels it can possibly cause mentalcausing retardation and kidney failure. severe anaemia. 23. Supplied Sludge to Farmers as Fertilizer (continued)When confronted by BBC reporters†¦ â€Å"Its good for the farmers because most of them are poor.† Coca-Colas Vice-President 24. Supplied Sludge to Farmers as Fertilizer (continued)When confronted by BBC reporters†¦ â€Å"Its good for the farmers because most of them are poor.† The Coca-Cola company was ordered to stop the practice by the government Coca-Colas Vice-President authorities immediately. 25. Supplied Sludge to Farmers as Fertilizer (continued) The bottling facilities at Kala Dera also reported that the groundwater contained pesticides. 26. Liquid waste from the Coca-Cola bottling plant at Balia 27. Banner at Coca-Cola Museum Major Protest Demands Coca-Cola Shut Down Plant March 31, 2008. 28. Coca-Cola India’s Response Coca-Cola India’s response to the allegations www.cokefacts.org 29. Coca-Cola India’s Response Coca-Cola India’s response to the allegations www.cokefacts.org Overexploitation of the groundwater reserves Study by National Geophysical Research Institute disapproved these allegations Decreased rainfall by 60% was the cause 30. Coca-Cola India’s Response Coca-Cola India’s response to the allegations www.cokefacts.org Overexploitation of the groundwater reserves Study by National Geophysical Research Institute disapproved these allegations Decreased rainfall by 60% was the cause Release of untreated water by the factory Wastewater management technology is among the most advanced in the world 31. Coca-Cola India’s Response Coca-Cola India’s response to the allegations www.cokefacts.org Overexploitation of the groundwater reserves Study by National Geophysical Research Institute disapproved these allegations Decreased rainfall by 60% was the cause Release of untreated water by the factory Wastewater management technology is among the most advanced in the world Supplied sludge to farmers as fertilizer Sludge is not harmful to the environment 32. AnalysisOf Coca-Cola India’s ResponseCoca Cola was attacked by different institutions 33. AnalysisOf Coca-Cola India’s ResponseCoca Cola was attacked by different institutions Coca Cola had to face image problems in the Indian and American market Consumers would lose trust in the company Loss of reputation as a socially responsible corporate citizen 34. AnalysisOf Coca-Cola India’s ResponseCoca Cola was attacked by different institutions Coca Cola had to face image problems in the Indian and American market Consumers would lose trust in the company Loss of reputation as a socially responsible corporate citizen Coca Cola’s plan: Attack credibility Refuting the allegations and calling them baseless Aggressively stressing their innocence hoping to resolve the issues 35. AnalysisOf Coca-Cola India’s ResponseCoca Cola was attacked by different institutions Coca Cola had to face image problems in the Indian and American market Consumers would lose trust in the company Loss of reputation as a socially responsible corporate citizen Coca Cola’s plan: Attack credibility Refuting the allegations and calling them baseless Aggressively stressing their innocence hoping to resolve the issues Problem: NGOs are very powerful! NGOs have higher credibility in the eyes of the general public 36. AnalysisOf Coca-Cola India’s ResponseCoca Cola was attacked by different institutions Coca Cola had to face image problems in the Indian and American market Consumers would lose trust in the company Loss of reputation as a socially responsible corporate citizen Coca Cola’s plan: Attack credibility Refuting the allegations and calling them baseless Aggressively stressing their innocence hoping to resolve the issues Problem: NGOs are very powerful! NGOs have higher credibility in the eyes of the general public Mistake Acting to fast by attacking and underestimating NGOs power 37. How Coca-Cola India should have respondedThinking and analyzing alternatives 38. How Coca-Cola India should have respondedThinking and analyzing alternatives Alternative 1: Collaboration instead of attack Coca Cola should have collaborated with the NGOs 39. How Coca-Cola India should have respondedThinking and analyzing alternatives Alternative 1: Collaboration instead of attack Coca Cola should have collaborated with the NGOs Alternative 2: Ignore Ignore the allegations and wait till the buzz goes away 40. How Coca-Cola India should have respondedThinking and analyzing alternatives Alternative 1: Collaboration instead of attack Coca Cola should have collaborated with the NGOs Alternative 2: Ignore Ignore the allegations and wait till the buzz goes away Alternative 3: PR Campaign A PR campaign that informs the American public about Coca Cola‟s efforts as responsible corporate citizen 41. How Coca-Cola India should have respondedThinking and analyzing alternatives Alternative 1: Collaboration instead of attack Coca Cola should have collaborated with the NGOs Alternative 2: Ignore Ignore the allegations and wait till the buzz goes away Alternative 3: PR Campaign A PR campaign that informs the American public about Coca Cola‟s efforts as responsible corporate citizen 42. The Plan Solution: Collaboration with NGO and PR Campaign Goal Regain trust and loyalty of customerCapabilities needed Coca Cola and NGO have to collaborateActions NGO has to correct their mistakes publicly NGO has to issue an apology to Coca Cola 43. The Plan Solution: Collaboration with NGO and PR Campaign Goal Rebuild and repair Goal the Coca Cola Regain trust brand name and loyalty of customer Capabilities needed A PR team which will planCapabilities needed and lead the campaign Coca Cola and NGO have to collaborate Actions Organize promotional activitiesActions (including charity work) NGO has to correct their mistakes publicly Hand out free drinks, coupons, vouchers at public events NGO has to issue an apology to Broadcast TV advertisements which Coca Cola show the good side of the company 44. The Plan Solution: Collaboration with NGO and PR Campaign Goal Rebuild and repair Goal the Coca Cola Regain trust brand name and loyalty of customer Capabilities needed A PR team which will planCapabilities needed and lead the campaign Coca Cola and NGO have to collaborate Actions Organize promotional activitiesActions (including charity work) NGO has to correct their mistakes publicly Hand out free drinks, coupons, vouchers at public events NGO has to issue an apology to Broadcast TV advertisements which Coca Cola show the good side of the company 45. What is Greenwashing? â€Å"Coca-Cola attempts to manufacture a green image of itself that it clearly is not, as their practice in India shows. We call this „Greenwashing.‟ † Amit Srivastava 46. Examples of Greenwashing †¢ In 2009, European McDonald’s changed the color of their logos from yellow and red to yellow and green to demonstrate its concern for â€Å"being green.† 47. Examples of Greenwashing †¢ In 2009, European McDonald’s changed the color of their logos from yellow and red to yellow and green to demonstrate its concern for â€Å"being green.† †¢ Comcast, a cable service company, has the slogan of Paper LESS is MORE but it uses large amounts of paper for direct marketing. 48. Examples of Greenwashing †¢ In 2009, European McDonald’s changed the color of their logos from yellow and red to yellow and green to demonstrate its concern for â€Å"being green.† †¢ Comcast, a cable service company, has the slogan of Paper LESS is MORE but it uses large amounts of paper for direct marketing. †¢ The Poland Spring’s bottles is touted as A little natural does a lot of good, although 80% of its beverage containers go to the landfill. 49. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ 50. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ We have implemented many environmental protective initiatives since 2000! 51. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ We have implemented many environmental Those are not enough protective initiatives even to make up for the since 2000! pollution you‟ve made in India! 52. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ We voluntarily initiated The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) to conduct a survey on ourselves! And the survey shows we‟re doing well! 53. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ We voluntarily initiated The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI) to conduct a survey on ourselves! And the survey shows we‟re doing well! The reliability of the survey is questionable! 54. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ Weve invested US$20million for our water conservation project! 55. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ That‟s just 1 percent of Weve invested Coca Cola‟s annual US$20million for our water advertising budget! conservation project! 56. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ Weve built a lot of rain harvesting sites since 2006 to recharge ground water! 57. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ Weve built a lot of rain harvesting sites since That‟s nothing special. Rain 2006 to recharge harvesting has already ground water! been a common practice in India. 58. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ Weve won many awards for our CSR(Corporation Social Responsibility) initiatives! 59. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?Coca Cola is not Greenwashing Coca Cola is Green washing because†¦ because†¦ Weve won many awards for our CSR(Corporation Conferment of awards may Social Responsibility) not be objective. It can be initiatives! manipulated! 60. Is Coca Cola Greenwashing?2000 2007†¢ Coca-Cola India launched an eKOfreshment cooler that used Coca-Cola India launched a rooftop rainwater harvesting technologies to helped it curb its emission of GHGs initiative at Varanasi, expecting to recharge more than (greenhouse gases) 4,900 cubic meters of groundwater.2005 Coca-Cola India launched oa rainwater harvesting project†¢ Coca-Cola India initiated a PET recycling project in Mumbai. at Greater Kailash, in New Delhi, which aimed to recharge around 4 million liters of water every year.2006 Coca-Cola India establishment 10 rainwater harvesting †¢ In 2006, the company completed a rainwater recharge projects in different schools of Jamshedpur city. initiative at its Kaladera plant in Rajasthan. As part of the Coca Cola announced a three-year, US$ 20 million project, the company built around 110 recharge shafts that partnership with the World Wildlife Fund63 (WWF) on collected rainwater. water conservation†¢ Coca-Cola India called, ‘Abhiyan — The Movement’. The film Coca-Cola India organized a program, â€Å"Think Green, Go focused on the need for and significance of recycling PET Green† that focused on environment education. bottles. 2008 †¢ By the end of 2006, Coca-Cola India had established PET The Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt. Ltd (Coca-Cola recycling projects at over 100 locations in India and built a India), was awarded the Golden Peacock award4 for capacity to collect and recycle nearly 80 percent of the waste Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the several generated from the PET. community initiatives it had taken and its efforts toward†¢ Coca-Cola started an initiative called e3 to redesign its conservation of water. trademarked bottle, saving 89,000 metric tons of glass in 2006 at a global level. Most of the packaging material used by Coca- Cola India becomes 100 percent recyclable.†¢ Coco Cola developed an Energy Management System (EMS) that curbed energy consumption by 35 percent. †¢ Coca Cola launched an initiative called Project esKO, which aimed to reduce Coca-Cola’s carbon footprint at a global level by improving its driving and manufacturing operation to curb its carbon dioxide emissions by 10,000 metric tons every year. 61. ConclusionSo, is Coca Cola seriously doing something to fulfill its social responsibility? 62. ConclusionSo, is Coca Cola seriously doing something to fulfill its social responsibility? Yes, but not enough! 63. Summary †¢ Focus on Environmental Responsibilities †¢ Several initiatives concerning water, energy, fuel, and packaging and recycling †¢ Although, they attracted criticism †¢ Coca Cola responded to the critics Conclusion: Coca Cola is doing something to fulfill its social responsibility, but not enough! 64. Summary (continued)Obstructionist Defensive Accommodative Proactive approach approach approach approachLow social responsibility Social responsibility High social responsibility 65. Summary (continued)Obstructionist Defensive Accommodative Proactive approach approach approach approachLow social responsibility Social responsibility High social responsibility 66. Summary (continued)Obstructionist Defensive Accommodative Proactive approach approach approach approachLow social responsibility Social responsibility High social responsibility 67. Thank you for listening! Questions?

High Renaissance Essay Example for Free

High Renaissance Essay High Renaissance art in Florence, Italy did not last very long, but made an enormous impact on the art world. In the paintings of this era, artists put emphasis on personality and the mental state. Perspective, classical cultures, and anatomy were of a greater interest to the artists of this era. The analysis of Guido Renis Portrait of Cardinal Roberto Ubaldino, Papal Legate to Bologna, Leonardo Da Vincis Mona Lisa, Michaelangelos David, and Raphaels Baldassare Castiglione could offer insight into the paintings of the High Renaissance artists in Italy with respect to personality and the mental state, detail, and use of color. â€Å"High style† was the mainstay of this period of the Renaissance. High style art was characterized as the idealistic, perhaps heavenly. High style had a respect for ancient imperial standards of wealth, magnificence, and grandeur. (Emison, xxx) During the Early Renaissance, artists had to choose between realism and spirituality. During the Early Renaissance, figures were painted to look so real that many thought they lost their spirituality. From then on, an artist had to choose to either make his figures realistic or spiritual. When the High Renaissance began, Leonardo Da Vinci believed that an artist did not have to make that choice. For example, when Da Vinci painted the Last Supper, he made the figures in his painting realistic, however the figures had an undeniable spirituality about them. Da Vinci did not choose between realism and spirituality, he used both. (â€Å"High Renaissance†) The High Renaissance lasted from about 1490 to 1530. This era unfolded amidst a fury of mounting political and religious tension. This affected artists, as well as patrons of the arts, throughout Italy. Political tensions were high. In 1512, Copernicus determined that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the universe. Christopher Columbus discovered the Americas in 1492 and Magellan circumnavigated the world in 1522, which dismissed the idea of a flat earth. All of these discoveries changed many assumptions about human life and rocked the foundation of theology. (â€Å"Italian High Renaissance Period†) In those years, the masters created a new profession with its own rights of expression and its own character. Regional differences existed during this time, not only between Northern Europe and Italy, but within Italy, with the leading artistic centers being Rome and Florence. During the High Renaissance period in Italy, most artists worked for the papacy. These artists explored an interest in perspective, personality, and anatomy that became the main characteristics of the High Renaissance era. In Florence, artists emphasized preliminary drawings, based on careful and detailed preparation, before the painting began, whereas in other parts of Europe, artists just began painting. This is part of the reason why so many regard Italian Renaissance art as the finest art in the world. (Kleiner, 579-623) This artistic period represented a culmination. The High Renaissance artists took all of the artistic explorations of the Proto-Renaissance artists, which flourished during the Early Renaissance, and used these explorations to its full capability. (Esaak) Guido Renis Portrait of Cardinal Roberto Ubaldino, Papal Legate to Bologna was painted in 1627. Oil on canvas and 77 ? by 58 ? inches, it resides at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The subject was placed in front of a purple cloth, which insinuated honor, next to a velvet-covered table. The subject had obviously been writing, noting the letter and quill pen in the inkwell. The room opened to the left, revealing a courtyard. Rich colors, depth, and great detail add to the perception of the artist and the personality of the subject. The juxtaposition of the brightly-colored clothing with the dark background keeps the viewers eye on the subject. The subject looks thoughtful, looking at the viewer, giving the air of an intelligent man. Great detail was used by Reni. For example, the flecks of white in the subjects beard, the lines on his hands, the patterns and sheen of the clothing, and the fringe on the bottom of the chair shows that Reni wanted to capture every aspect of the subjects personality. It shows that the subject enjoyed the finer things in life, while looking perhaps within himself for the answers to lifes mysteries. Raphaels Baldassare Castiglione, painted around 1514, oil on canvas, with the dimensions of 2 6 ? † by 2 2 ? †, typifies High Renaissance portraits in the attention the artist paid to the subjects personality and mental state. The painting makes use of muted tones and Raphael favored clarity over obscurity. The muted tones fit the mood and temper of the subject. (Kleiner, 587, 623) The subjects facial features are clear, lending to the notion that Raphael focused on the subjects personality. The subject is dressed soberly, yet splendidly, and looks directly at the viewer. He has a thoughtful and kind gaze. This shows his humanity and lends an emotional openness to the painting. The subject looks sensitive and vulnerable, and his clothing suggest a certain softness to his character. This gives the viewer the feeling that the subject is equal to the viewer. The subject seems open enough to sit with and have an intellectual conversation. (Jones) Leonardo Da Vincis Mona Lisa, painted in the sixteenth century, is an oil painting on poplar panel. The painting depicts a woman with an ambiguous expression. This work has been at the center of study, scrutiny, parody, and myth for many years because of the fascination with the mysterious woman. The subjects expression seems mischievous, and she is looking directly at the viewer, a quality of High Renaissance art. The colors are dark, lending to the mysterious notion of the woman subject. The subject is seated on a marble chair, and behind her, a body of water with some rocks visible create the backdrop. The juxtaposition of the dark background and the skin of the subject tends to keep the viewers eye on the subject. Michelangelos David statue, carved from a single piece of marble and finished in 1504, is the representation of physical male perfection. The Cathedral of Florence commissioned Michelangelo to sculpt the statue from a block of marble that was originally from another project. David was to originally be put up on top of one of the buttresses of the Cathedral, however, when the sculpture was finished, they decided to put it in front of the main government building in Florence, Italy. (â€Å"Michelangelo, David, 1501-4†) All of these artworks are portraits. An great artist who paints portraits must have the skill necessary to depict something beyond its physical appearance to convey the subjects life and character. All of these artists imbued their works with psychological insight and authenticity that other artists of the day could not match. This is what made these particular artworks part of the High Renaissance era of Italy. (â€Å"Captured Emotions†, 3) Figures in portraits that were painted during the Early Renaissance were in profile and cut off at the bust. This was not so with portraits of the High Renaissance. These portraits, such as the Mona Lisa and Baldassare Castiglione, were not painted in profile, but with the face frontal, and the shoulders ? , with hands included. This was done instead of the profile because when the face is frontal, the viewer gets a better sense of the subjects personality. This revealing of the personality in paintings was a main interest during the High Renaissance and in artwork since. (â€Å"Leonardos Mona Lisa†) As was explained through these four examples, High Renaissance art in Florence, Italy focused on subjects personality and minds. The artists wanted to capture what the subject was really like and how they thought. The point of the High Renaissance was to delve deeper, to bring out qualities, not only in the subject, but also in technique and color use, that made the work stand out and say something. High Renaissance artwork has influenced the world of art ever since. For example, when children sit to have their school photo taken, they sit the way the subject in the Mona Lisa did. These works have withstood the test of time and continue to provide insight into not only the subjects personalities and minds, but also the artists.

Organisation And Behaviour Report Management Essay

Organisation And Behaviour Report Management Essay This report will discuss the impact that different leadership styles may have on motivation in organisations in periods of change, it compare the application of different motivation a theories within the workplace and the usefulness of a motivation theory for managers. However, this report also explains the nature of groups and group behaviour within organisations; the factors that may promote or inhibit the development of effective teamwork in organisations and evaluate the impact of technology on team functioning within an organisation. The organisations that this report will focus are Tesco and Asda. Discuss the impact that different leadership styles may have on motivation in organisations in periods of change Leadership is an association through which one person influences the behaviours of other persons in an organisation. Motivation is the process by which the behaviour of an individual is influenced by others, through their power to offer or withhold satisfaction of the individuals needs and goals. (BPP Learning Media, 2010) Leadership styles and their impacts on motivation: Leadership is about influencing, motivating and inspiring people. The essential job of management is the well-organised and effective use of human resources for the attainment of organisational targets. Effective using of human resource cannot be achievable without motivate the employees of the organisation. Therefore, to motivate the employees, leadership styles play a significant role because they make the company culture that influences the organisation and its performance. There are different types of leadership styles and each type has its own impact on motivation in work organisations and those are autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire leadership. Autocratic leadership: The autocratic leadership style is one which leaders have absolute power over their workers or team. They tell people what to do instead of asking for employees opinions or suggestions. For example, Tesco use autocratic leadership because the company needs too or the tasks won not be approved out inside the business. Tescos autocratic leaders give employees their role and responsibilities. This can give their business clear route but it may also guide managers to overlook input from their teams. It is important when Tescos business faces a critical situation or when an immediate problem occurs that requires an urgent reaction. Autocratic leadership style allows Tescos managers to make most functioning decisions. For example, if an accident happens in the store, manager might take control to ensure a quick and co-ordinated reply, and they have the right to make the last decision. However, Tescos managers are attempting to convince their teams to accept their opinion. Also their manage rs get the opinions of the lower staff before taking a decision. So if they did not use autocratic then Tescos wouldnt be run sufficiently. Democratic leadership: Although democratic leaders make the last decisions, they call other members of the team to add to the decision-making process. For example, Tesco accepts democratic leadership to boost job contentment by involving team members, and helps to develop peoples skills. Under this leadership style, Tescos staffs feel esteemed, that is why staffs are encouraged to work hard by more than a monetary remuneration. Tesco chooses leadership roles to staffs in the organisation so that everyone is clear about their responsibilities, to implement the strategic decisions through efficient communication and doing a follow up on the employees to ensure that they providing quality services. This increases team motivation and encourages creativity. Laissez-faire leadership: Is a style where the manager observes that members of the group are working well on their own (Mullins, 2005). Tescos managers adopted laissez-faire leadership, where they give all authority and power to the employees and they must determine goals, make decisions, and resolve problems on their own. Working under laissez-faire leadership style, employees can improve their communication skills, teamwork skills as well as enhance loyalty and responsibility. See Tescos all leadership styles in (Appendix 1) Compare the application of different motivational theories within the workplace Motivation theories can be classified extensively into two different viewpoints. See content and process theories of motivation in (Appendix 2). Content theories emphasis on what motivates individual and process theories emphasis on the real process of motivation. Motivation is complex. Its influenced by withdrawals and reinforced by multiple factors. According to classic motivational theorists such as Maslow and Herzberg, human beings have a set of needs or desired outcomes and will act in such a way to fulfil them while other motivational theorists such as Victor and Locke argued that the informed expectations and particular targets will become motivator factors that lead humans to act and work in order to reach desirable goals. Maslow puts forward a theory that there are five levels of human needs which employees need to have fulfilled at work, see (Appendix 3). There are two things to remember about Maslows model. First, employee must satisfy lower level needs before they seek to satisfy higher level needs. Second, once they have satisfied a need, it no longer motivates them; the next higher need takes its place. In other hand, Herzberg theory suggests that there are two basic needs of individuals such as hygiene factors (environmental factors) and motivation factors, see (Appendix 4). Herzberg outlines the main issues concerning motivation: those factor that motivation employee in the workplace (motivation factors) and those factors that prevented job dissatisfaction (hygiene factors). Herzberg encouraged leaders to study the job itself rather than conditions of work. Porter and Lawler argues that human act according to their conscious expectations that a particular behavior will lead to specific desirable goals, see (Appendix 5). Three component of expectancy t theory are: E P (Expectancy): The employee believes that his/her efforts will result in acceptable performance. P R (Instrumentality): the employee believes that acceptable performance will lead to the desired outcome or reward. R (Valence): the employee values the reward. P 494 Comparing to other theories, Locke theory suggests that motivation and performance will be high if individuals are put specific objectives which are difficult, but accepted and where comment is given on performance. See (Appendix 6). Practical implication for the manager of goal theory include: the need for systematic identification of specific performance goals. The need for goals to be challenging but realistic; the importance of complete and accurate feedback on results and the need for goals to be determined either by a superior or by the individuals themselves. However, according to McGregor theory, manager of organisation posses two different assumptions about the human nature and s/he explained these two assumptions in two different theories: Theory X and Theory Y. According to theory X, the human being has always being inherited for the disliking of the work. They always try to avoid the work either they can do or not. According to him, managers always think that their employees are lazy. Manager has to forced, direct and controlled his people to do work. For example: Tesco use two motivation hierarchies (Maslow and Herzberg), see both hierarch in (Appendix 7 and 8). Tesco use Maslow theory because it suggested them if they achieve one level then it motivates them to achieve the next. Also Tesco aims to motivate its staffs both by paying interest to hygiene factors and by enabling satisfiers. For example, it motivates and empowers its staffs by suitable and opportune communication, by giving responsibility and involving employees in decision making. They forums this in which staff can be part of the discussions on pay rises. This shows credit of the work that staffs do and rewards them. Tesco staff can even control what food goes onto its restaurant menus. Employees consequently become motivated to make choices that will increase their use of the restaurants. In other hand ASDA believe in McGregor theory y. They completely have a positive approach towards their employee handling. They create awareness between their employees to gather information about different fields. The employees working as ASDA either individually or working as a team learn to face challenges. The different method adopted by ASDA is that they make different teams and make them competitor between themselves by providing the same task and hence see their performance by the results gained for the improvement of the company. Theory X does also apply to ASDA, especially where staffs are concerned. The emphasis is on the use of money and control to encourage employees to perform in the correct manner. In addition to this, ASDA give time and a half pay to employees on Sunday as a motivation. Evaluate the usefulness of a motivation theory for managers. Motivation is to encourage people to work, independently or in teams in the ways such as to create best results. It is the desire to apply high levels of attempted towards organisational aims, conditioned by the attempts and capability to satisfy some individual need. Motivation is apply to the whole class of drives, desires, needs and wishes. Managers motivate their subordinates is to say that they do those things which they hope will satisfy these desires and compel the subordinates to perform in a desired method. The most important task of management is to motivate others. It comprises the abilities to communicate, to set an example, to challenge, encourage, getting feedback, to develop and train, to inform and to provide a just reward. See motivation process on (Appendix 9). Employees have to be treated with diligence. The manager has to stay friendly as well as maintain a level of distance with his/her staff. It is a tricky ground to tread. The staffs look up on the manager as their leader. They expect maturity, rationality and understanding from their superiors. Simple things like calling people by their first name, chatting or even a general inquiry about their well-being, brings in a feeling of belongingness. All the employees in the organisation vibrate to a different place. A treatment that motivates one may not motivate the other. Understanding the difference in character and temperament in between the individuals is important. Managers set reasonable goals. Planning too high task creates a feeling of non-achievement, right from the beginning itself. The goals set should be such which looks feasible to the staffs to be achieved. A slightly higher target than expected provides a challenge. Explain the nature of groups and group behavior within organisations The term group can be defined as two or more persons interacting and working together for a common purpose. When people work in groups rather than as individuals, the goals of the organisation can be easily achieved. However, working in a group is a complex task. Group dynamics refers to the interactions among the members of a group. A work group of an organisation is the most important base for the social identity of employees in that organisation. Therefore, performance at work and relationships outside the organisation are influenced by the nature of groups in the organisation. Nature of Groups: Different kinds of groups are created to get specific results in organisations. The members accept a common task, become mutually dependent in their performance, and interact with each other to promote its achievement. There are three views on the nature of interaction between members of a group. The first view is the normative view, which describes how to carry out activities and manage a group. According to the second view, group dynamics includes of a set of techniques which include, role play, team building, sensitivity training and self-managed teams. The third view explains group dynamics from the point of view of the internal nature of the groups. The structure of groups and performance are discussed in this view along with the effect of groups on individuals, other groups, and the complete organisation. Dynamics of Group Formation: Organisations form groups for a variety of reasons. Different classical theories of groups attempt to explain why managers form groups. The theory of proximity suggests employees closeness as the reason because individuals who working at places located close to one another tend to form groups. According to balance theory, group formation results from the resemblance of attitudes and values between members. Individuals with common interests sustain their relationship by an equal balance between their attitudes and common interests. Another theory of group formation is the exchange theory. It suggests reward-cost outcomes of interaction as the reason. By becoming members of a group, individuals complete their need for association. Formal Groups: A group formed by the organisation to achieve a specific task is termed as a formal group. The organisation structure a formal group and gives tasks and responsibilities to different members with the intent of reaching organisational aims. Command groups and task groups are examples of formal groups. A command group is relatively permanent in nature and finds representation in the organisation chart. Task groups, on the other hand, are formed for a specific task and are temporary in nature. Informal Groups: Informal groups are formed by the staffs themselves. The reasons for the formation of informal groups can be the need for closeness, ordinary interests, growth or support. There are two types of informal groups: friendship groups and interest groups. Members of friendship groups have a friendly relationship with each other, common interests and are similar in age and view, but interest groups are formed to manage an activity and are temporary. The Five-Stage Model: According to the five-stage model of group development, all groups pass through the forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning stages. Forming: This is the first stage of group formation where members aim to identify acceptable behaviour in a group. The members try to format their behaviour so as be a part of the group. Storming: In this stage, disagreements about leadership between members might give leads to other involvements. By the end of this stage, a comparatively clear structure of positions in the group emerges. Norming: This stage of group increases a sense of comradeship in members through the development of close relationships. Performing: In this stage, members of the group show committed performance to achieve aims defined in the norming stage. Adjourning: This is the last stage for provisional groups such as task groups or committees formed to do some tasks. After this stage, the groups stop to exist. While some of the members may feel happy about the achievements, others may be unhappy that they will lose friends after the group disperses. The effectiveness of groups is supposed to increase through the stages. Discuss factors that may promote or inhibit the development of effective teamwork in organisations An effective team is one that achieves high level of task performance, member satisfaction, and team viability. There are a number of factors that are required to develop effective teamwork, and those factors are: good leadership, effective communication, diversity and plan for disagreement resolution. Leadership is one of the most important parts of teamwork. This means that the team leader have the ability to create and sustain a working culture that is positive, which in turn will help to motivate. For example, Tesco have good leadership and this helps them to motivate and even inspire the team members to get involved in creating a positive working environment, along with high levels of obligation. Tescos team leader not only focuses on their own aim and direction of the team, but also makes sure that the other members of the team share this focus. Also they are capable to promote a high level of morale between the team members so that they feel supported and valued. Tesco train their employees to have good and effective communication because communication is a very important factor of interpersonal interaction. Therefore, one of the key facets of teamwork is open communication, wherein it enables members of the team to expressive their feelings, plans and shares their ideas, and understands each others viewpoints. Also in case of poor communication observed Tescos leaders work around the aspect and make way for effective communication between the team members. Diversity also promotes creativity, innovation, and raises Tescos awareness and respect for differences, which will support effective teamwork. However, team members have a way of saying their opinions without fear of causing offense to anyone. In fact, it is recommendable for the team leader to actually sit with the parties in disagreement and work out the differences between them. However, teamwork can only come about when the team leader sets a task, which can be following by the team members. Evaluate the impact of technology on team functioning within a given organisation New technology has been introduced into the workplaces. Many organisations see new technology as the means to increase profit and to stay competitive in a marketplace. For example, at Tesco, IT is at the heart of everything they do to make shopping better for customers. New technologies can free up Tescos staff capacity, increase job satisfaction through better communication and improve role responsibilities, by giving different grades of staff an opportunity to take part in new tasks. On the positive side, new technologies have an impact on how staff can be trained and updated. Examples include simulation technology, accessing information via handheld devices, interactive DVDs and online training. Tesco use online technologies because it is easier for staff to access information, share good practice and keep up to date with new research. The use of new technologies can improve and in some cases hinder team functioning. As technology changes teams must update and maintain their knowledge in order to function effectively. E-mail, Mobile phones, groupware and computers are technologies which have improved team functions within an organisation. Tesco use these technologies to improve team functions. Email allows staffs to communication with each other from different place which means that Tesco team members do not need to be in the same place at the same time in order to communicate effectively. They use mobile phones because it allow teams to communicate even when team members are out of the office or otherwise unavailable. However, Tesco use personal computers because it allows their team members to carry out different tasks and communicate more effectively. IT systems play a key role in helping Tescos deliver strong profits and they improved scanners, better self service tills, and checkout cameras were helping it reduce queues. Self-service checkouts now account for a fifth of all of Tesco transactions. Recommendation: This recommendation allowing British Airways and Coca Cola Conclusion: After studying and a analysing the results of this report show that there are

The Truth about the Morning-After Pill :: Birth Control Pregnancy Papers

The Truth about the Morning-After Pill During her freshman year at Northeastern University, 19-year-old Jennifer Grant* thought college was just about doing minimal homework, going to parties, and meeting new people. She looked forward to every weekend when she was invited to parties with upperclassmen. Sadly, her world fell apart when she was raped by another student who was an acquaintance. Scared and confused from the experience, she turned to her friends for help. â€Å"They mentioned rumors of this ‘morning-after’ pill that would help you from getting pregnant,† Grant said. She wanted to go to the Lane Health Center, but it was Sunday and she knew it was closed. She looked on the Internet for information on what she thought was a â€Å"magic pill† and discovered she could still take it two days later. On Monday, she walked into the Lane Health Center and after waiting a few minutes, she was assisted by a nurse. After she nervously explained what had happened, she said she was given a survey that contained a series of medical questions. In addition to the emergency contraception pill, a pregnancy test was administered and she was tested for sexually transmitted diseases. "They did everything they could to help me and make me feel comfortable,† Grant said. â€Å"The only thing on my mind was, ‘I can’t get pregnant!’† The emergency contraception pill (ECP), most commonly known as â€Å"the morning-after pill,† is a back-up birth control method that is used after unprotected sex, contraceptive failure, or rape. It prevents pregnancy from occurring, however, it is not a method for abortion nor does it protect against sexually transmitted diseases. ECPs do not necessarily need to be taken the â€Å"morning-after.† They can be taken up to 120 hours after unprotected sex but the sooner it is taken, the more effective it is. According to Pamela Harris, the Health Promotion & Planning Coordinator at Lane Health Center, if it is taken within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex, the risk of pregnancy is reduced to a 15 percent to 25 percent chance. There are several different kinds of ECPs available. The most commonly used is Plan B. At Lane Health Center, Ovral, Lo-Ovral, and Levlen are other kinds of ECPs that are provided. ECPs are easy to use and are orally ingested. With Plan B, two doses are taken; one as soon as possible and the other about 12 hours later.

Parkinsons Disease: Unraveling the Mystery :: Biology Essays Research Papers

Parkinson's Disease: Unraveling the Mystery Parkinson's disease, which affects over one million Americans, results in the progressive loss of coordination, unstable posture, and tremor (1). In 1817, James Parkinson, after whom the disease was named, was the first to document cases of what he called "the shaking palsy" and in doing so, began the scientific crusade to determine the causes and manifestation of the disease (2). The challenge before neuroscientists was to determine the link between Parkinson's behavior and alterations of the nervous system. This task would be accomplished by employing a system of working backwards - - first determining the gross problem and then attempting to understand it at a neuronal level. The first step in linking changes in the brain to Parkinson's behavior occurred in the early 1900's with autopsies performed on people who suffered from the disease (2). Such procedures revealed significant cell death in the midbrain - - more specifically of pigmented cells that are collectively known as the substantia nigra ("black substance," named for the presence of melanin). Because damage to the substantia nigra resulted in impaired motor control, it was logically hypothesized that this area played a role in the control of movement. With the knowledge that neurotransmitters were the means of communication for the nervous system, autopsy testing in the 1950's of Parkinson's patients showed that dopamine levels in an area adjacent to the substantia nigra, known as the striatum, were only about 10-20% of the levels present in unaffected individuals (3). The parallel of the low level of dopamine and the death of cells of the substantia nigra in Parkinson's patients led scientists to postulate that the substantia nigra produces dopamine. When levels were disrupted due to cell death, this would likely lead to a change in stimulation in this area of the brain, which would produce behavior characteristic of Parkinson's. Anatomical research since then has shown that the substantia nigra is part of the basal ganglia, whose other components include the globus pallidus, subthalamic nucleus, and striatum (3). Through experimentation, a series of nerve signal pathways have been mapped out which help us to understand how this region of the brain functions to control movement. It has been hypothesized that cells of the frontal cortex initiate signals for movement (4). (It was concluded that the basal ganglia does not initiate movement because damage to this area as occurs in Parkinson's still allows for voluntary movement; if it were responsible for its initiation, the damage would likely inhibit voluntary movement.

James Joyce :: essays research papers fc

JAMES JOYCE James Joyce’s “Clay'; and “Eveline'; were two stories impacted by the break with his family, church, and his country. In this paper I will give examples to show that my thesis is correct. I may also enlighten you by telling you the story of an excellent Irish writer. James Augustine Joyce lived from 1882 to 1941. He was an Irish novelist and poet, “whose psychological perceptions and innovative literary techniques make him one of the most influential writers of the twentieth century'; (Encarta, 1). “His first book, Chamber Music, consists of thirty-six highly finished love poems. In his second work, Dubliners, a collection of fifteen short stories, Joyce dealt with episodes of his childhood and adolescence and with family and public life in Dublin, Ireland'; (Encarta, 1). “Joyce employed symbols to create what he called an “epiphany';, the revelation of an emotional or personal truth'; (Encarta, 1). “Using experimental techniques to convey the essential nature of realistic Daniels 2 situations, Joyce merged in his greatest works the literary traditions of realism, naturalism, and symbolism'; (Encarta, 1). “In 1941, suffering from a perforated ulcer, Joyce dies in Zurich on January thirteenth'; (Encarta, 1). “Joyce’s story, “Clay';, starts off on Halloween, which is the Celtic New Year’s Eve and Feast of the Dead. In Irish customs, it is a night of remembrance of the dead ancestors and anticipation of the various fortune telling games'; (Masterplots, 1). The story is about Maria, a middle age spinster who works in the kitchen of a laundry established for the reform of prostitutes. She makes her way across the city of Dublin to the seasonal festivities at the home of her former father figure, Joe Donnelly. Joyce draws a character portrait, which conveys much of Maria’s past, present, and future. The story develops at three scenes: at the laundry, on the journey across the city, and at the Halloween party. At the laundry, Maria’s fussy personality is shown as she prepares tea and anticipates her reunion with Joe and Mrs. Donnelly. When she travels northward stopping at the city, she is reminded of her isolation, first by the irritation of the girl in the cake shop and again by the polite attentions of the gentleman in the train. When she reaches the Donnelly’s she is greeted with mixed emotions since she interrupts the children’s party and disrupts the festive atmosphere. The festive fun is restored all the same by fortune telling games.

Moi…Yeah What About It?

At this darkness blocked my blurry vision, and a warm coppery taste was my only comfort, it had been my comfort for so long now. It was only a friend and I'm nearly dead. But when you get accused of going with your cousin you'd expect it of a friend. I was fourteen when it started, just over a year, you'd think I'd be all cried out, but I've learnt, gradually, save them, save them for the nights when you close your eyes and he's giving you what you want, and what you need†¦ love. Corny you might think, but the good things make you cry more than the bad. Every time he's not smoked bit too much skunk, sput, or what ever else he does, we'll cuddle and he whispers those three little words every girl longs to hear from a tall dark and handsome older guy. ‘I love you' But where's the truth in it. Most guys of sixteen think those three word can bed a girl. Well if they're vulnerable enough it's a definite thing. That's where trouble starts. Sex its just another word for hurt, blood, committing yourself and signing freedom and friends away. And all to some guy that thinks you want to spend the rest of your life with cos they popped your cherry. Its not reality, not to me and it shouldn't be to you. Loves a trap, an evil thing. It makes me feel sick, even just thinking about the hell I was put through in as shorter amount of time as a year. I thought I was being brave every time I was alone and my cloudy green eyes cried. I was surprised myself, as every moment we spent in each other's arms was a good time. I thought I'd never have to be alone. But now I know the sparkles all gone, and the stitches are here. He wasn't scared to show anyone the hate and anguish he felt inside for me, not even my mother, the first time, he hurt me was in front of both our families we sat down to a meal, in my house, a time we all thought was good. But I was dragged by my hair into the kitchen viewable from the dinning table. I knew what was coming I had seen his eyes when he had fought previously with lads, those eyes looked straight at me. I began to run to the side door, which was positioned at the side of his masculine, strong aftershave smelling body; my head was spinning as I was thrown back towards the sink. My head in the bowl with the dishes from the pervious course, and he kicked me right in the spine. My father was no longer around he had left us when my brother and I were just three years old. My brother and I thought the same; people said it was just telepathic, I screamed as the broken dishes cut into my made-up face. The phone rang. I heard it, I heard it through the screams and shouts, of my mother and the warnings of that bastards family. My mother ran to the phone hoping and praying it was someone with power that could help, she wasn't let down, my brother, he said he felt something and Wiz was driving him down to the house, my mother yelled down the phone hoping Wiz would hear, I'll never forget the words she said it was the first time I had ever heard her swear, I heard them words over and over in my confused and unsure head, â€Å"GET YOUR BLOODY FOOT DOWN and HURRY THE FUCK UP† I'd had enough my body couldn't take any more of his beating, I lay collapsed on the cold tiled floor coated in warm blood clotted in little ball, coughed out of my tooth missing mouth. I heard the screeching of tyres out front, as my brother ran in followed by four sets of other heavy footsteps. Screams and shouts were all I heard nothing I could make sense of. I was kicked one last time in my stomach before everything went dead. I was alone. I was alone in a bed, with tubes pumping all kinds of shit into me, I tried to move but my body refused, to leave me only lying still. I was there for a few days unable to move my bruised limbs, my brother and his mates came in every so often and comforted me, I didn't feel safe around guys though and refused to speak to them. The one person that made me feel safe was a younger lad I had met on a holiday that year, my mother had paid for him to fly from his home near Stoke to be with me for a few days. My brother had told me I had called out his name numerous occasions. I was unable to remember. I still thought about him though, when visiting times were over, I still loved him. I thought that nothing could change that, not even a hospital bed. My mother had told me a million times that he was bad news for me. I knew she was right but I always had the last word. I always blamed it on my dad leaving though; I made my mum feel bad because I never had a man to tell me how really men were. But really I should take it out on him he's the one who couldn't keep his pants up, well his ankles always were cold, my mum said anyway. I kind of understand now though why my mother never got with another, she could have had any one. She was the most beautiful woman who graced the earth. My brother always use to boost my confidence when I was younger saying I was like her, but no one ever could be as pretty, so perfect. I loved her more than anyone could love anything in the universe. But my love for her was too deep I was told, he told me. I believed him too. I was gullible and he was charming. I HATE HIM SO MUCH. He changed my mother's perspective in my live; my whole world, and left me behind. My life was complicated, it always had been. No person, how sophisticated, how intelligent could understand my head, the way I would think. I used to write stories and draw strange looking picture, all the teachers thought I was ill in the head from the first day I walked through the school gates Primary and High. They can all drop dead just as every other down looking snob in this world can. They don't understand anything, half of them don't even have kids of their own, and how can they stand in front of a teenager and tell them how they should treat people with respect when they have no respect for us. Teachers always said I had a foul mouth†¦ and. So have 70% of the rest of the pupils in this school. That old line they spoon feed you every time their on their periods are just in a bad mood, â€Å"Miss Potts' you have the most dramatic and over active imagination I have ever had enter this room, now leave† That's meant to be an education don't be daft. I admit to the charges with my hands up but I've had a bad life, as have others but I took the easy way out and became a little bitch, smoking, drinking etc. It was just what school life has lead me into. I think about life doing things right sometimes but that's not me it isn't possible for me now. Things when I got out of hospital weren't any different between him and me; I'll call him that because his name sends shivers and spikes down my spine. I carried on seeing him, yeah I know I was stupid, but he told me he'd change just to spend a few moments of his life with me in his arms. My family didn't find out for a while, but when my brother caught me and him upstairs in my room he disowned me, I tried to cover up what we were doing but I think clothes all up the stairs were a clear give away. No one was meant to come home, my mother in London and my brother meant to be at a friends', what's the chances ay? Low High well shit happens doesn't it? I convinced my brother it was the best thing to do keeping it a secret from my mother as she was suffering from severe depression, give you a guess who it all started with. Lol. Obvious don't you think? We didn't talk my brother and I until I assured him it was all over. He believed me. I had tried to brake it off with him but his dark eyes seduced my mind hypnotising me, they told a story of that day when I nearly died. My life's never been perfect, and never will be now. I had dreams, ambitions. I was going to be an artist, I wanted people to know who I was and what I had been through but how do you tell the story, of getting beat up by a demon, that lived around the corner from your humble warm loving home. I had ideas but I'd have to find him again to make my work publishable, to kill me obviously. No artist I've ever heard of got famous when they were alive so I'd need some help wouldn't I? After I told my brother I had stopped seeing him, it was around three months until we finish properly, I had been in hospital again, slipped a disk in my back this time, it happened over three days, it started over a cig, how sad, my best mate of a few years wouldn't spare her last fag for him and I got bollocked for it. I tried to run but I was never a sprinter, my legs weren't long enough, he caught up to me within a few moments of me dropping my bags out side the schools gates, he dragged me to the floor by my long brown ponytail, I lay there frozen scared to move as his three best mate screamed at him to leave me alone because I was a cheap tart after a shag. Later that night though he found me, came down to another of my mates looking for a shag off of me. Yeah you know the story, I did it, a shags a shag as my mates brother told me. The next time he threw a paddy was the next night; guess what this was over as well, a lil bit of lippy, apparently I looked like a whore, and his mates would find it as an offer. It was a repeat performance of the previous day although a man dressed in a dark suit came to my rescue; he told me he was always there for me if I ever needed him. I didn't even know the guy, it was the first time I'd seen him but I thought I could come to some kind of arrangement with him. He was sexy and I was feeling low and on the rebound. The next time, I find it hard to talk about It was thought I would never be able to have kids, that broke my heart, I really wanted kids in the future lil boy and girl Cona and Carmel. I thought that they were cute names for kids and different for when they grew up. My story with him ended when a couple of weeks I found my self sat in a doctors surgery with a urine sample on the desk, and a pregnancy test boxed up lay next to it, along with that protein tester thing. I'd put on weight and me and the doctor both knew exactly what was going on. I sobbed as I told the doctor my life story; he was touched and offered me a tissue over the long wooden desk I leant on with one hand on my stomach. I quit my sobbing and stood up to leave. No appointments were made, no nothings were said.