Bullying and the longterm effects Thesis Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Bullying and the longterm effects - Thesis Example Bullying Statistics (2009) asserts that Internet has invented quite a few new forms of bullying techniques through chat programs, email, or on social media sites. Cell phones are the newest form for bullying someone. All these forms are equally applicable to the present generation children studying in schools. Colorado Trust (2012) argues that the effects of bullying can prevail lifetime. Victims of bullying may have more health issues, low self-esteem, weaker social interactions and high chance of academic failures. At the same time, those who are involved in bullying develop a criminal record before age 24. The perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of teachers, parents, and other adults contribute a lot in reinforcing bullying. Many adults deal with the issue of bullying as a normal way of growing up and even instill bullying behavior themselves. It is such a serious issue that 30 states have enacted anti bullying laws so as to control and eradicate bullying from their states. State laws either define bullying or ask state boards of education to do so. Colorados law, for example, defines bullying as "any physical act, or verbal or written provocation, that may cause distress to anyone in the school or at any school related places including school grounds, school vehicles or at designated bus stop. In a state like Georgia, any district that fails to make anti bullying policy does not get state funding. Several states have integrated bullying prevention programs into the curriculum. In Virginia, every school needs to address the inappropriateness of bullying in their schools character program. Bully Police USA is an organization that scrutinizes state policy laws on bullying and grants rating to them. Oklahoma state education department spearheads research-based programs for the prevention of intimidation, harassment and bully ing of students at every public school in the state (State Policy Trends

Hiring an Employee for Secretary Position Essay Example for Free

Hiring an Employee for Secretary Position Essay Hiring an employee for secretary positions It is always a better idea to implement the specific process to hire an employee. Hiring department has developed series of process to begin the search and hire three desired candidate for the empty secretary positions. This will include distribution of application forms, understanding policies of hiring and conduction of interviews. I am reporting on me and my department’s role. My main role is to ensure the process has been followed in correct manner to hire the right person for this position. Our first significant step is to understand policies and procedures. Our application form will be available in our company’s official website. We make sure that every applicant are treated equal, there is no discrimination for employment in terms of race, color, national, origin, sex, religion, age, veteran status, sexual orientation or disability. The applications are reviewed to find the candidate with desired qualification for this position i. e. graduate degree in management from the university and outgoing positive personality with true passion of work. They will be called for the first interview. We have created certain questionnaire to ensure we get required information from the candidate. After this, we will hold a meeting to select most desired ten candidates. Then they will be called for second interview. Out of ten we will choose three for the position. Our department were discussing about providing one week training on application of our latest company software. We saw that employees took time to get used to the software when we updated it. So, it will be beneficial that new employees will have knowledge about it and can start the job right away without any hindrances. We are glad to let you know our procedures to hire employees. We are waiting for your approval so that we can start this process as soon as possible.

Successful malaysian innovators and entrepreneurs

Successful malaysian innovators and entrepreneurs Introduction An innovator or pioneer in a general definition is a person or an organization which is one of the first to do something and often opens up a new area or market for others and achieves an innovation. Meanwhile an entrepreneur is an individual who own a new enterprise, venture or idea and took calculated risk for a good output. Entrepreneur in English is a term applied to the type of character who is willing to take risk and taking chances in a new venture or enterprise and accepts full responsibility for the outcome. A French economist, Jean-Baptiste Say is believed to have coined the word entrepreneur in the 1800. Innovator and entrepreneur do not share the same meaning but indeed, there is a significant relationship between innovator and entrepreneur. A person can be an innovator and entrepreneur at the same time. In Malaysia, there are many innovators and entrepreneurs that manage to gain recognition at the international stage. Most of the entrepreneurs manage to achieve the success by running businesses that sell either products or services. Those successful people are Tony Fernandes, Tan Sri Robbert Kuok and Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar. However, some of them do not get fame by running business. They would think out of the box and be innovative. Some of the successful innovators are Eric Leong, Jimmy Choo and Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing. Their creativity in certain aspects such as interior design, shoes design and knowledge of designing let the whole world see them. Among all these successful local innovators and entrepreneurs, they have their own ways to achieve success. Every one of them goes through different path of life. Some may get it in an easy way, some may be not. They have their own reasons to fight for, different motivation to work things out and various ways to achieve it. For this assignment, we would like to know details about the entrepreneurs and innovators in Malaysia. The reasons and motivation that make them to be so successful is something that we are interested in. The sharing from them about it would be so precious that it would be guidance for us in life. Besides, we would collect feedback and opinion from the public about why and how entrepreneurs and innovators in Malaysia succeed. Hope that we can get the general perspective about it. Background Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary was born in 1951 into a middle class family. His father is in the cow breeding business. His mother is a homemaker. He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Due to poverty, he cannot afford education, thus he complete his secondary education without furthering it into university level. He starts to help his father in his business, by managing the account. He helps his mother during his free time by selling agricultural product and also roti canai before leaving for school . Life was a bed of roses for Syed Mokhtar during his childhood. [1,2,3] He is a private man who does not like to show off his luxurious life. For your information, he can get along easily with other people. He is easily approached by everyone. He doesnt splurge on luxury car. For him, status is not something important in his life. There is time when he is up and there is time when he is down. Lifestyle is just like a disease for him that can deteriote people. His ride is a Proton Perdana and 20 years old Mercedes which he use infrequently. [1] Syed Mokhtar is a strong muslim, thus he always hold strongly to the muslim principal of giving out charity with a sincere heart. He helps the needy and even built mosques across the country. His generosity extended when he donated 1 million pound to Oxford University for the Islamic Learning Center in London. He found his love late, especially when his age approaching mid 40s. The marriage was blessed with 2 boys and girls. Career His hardship in 1951 has propelled him to the success that he have today. He and his father sells grocery to their neighbor around their neighborhood. As business grows, they expend from one state to the next, and they event imported cow from the neighboring country, Thailand to sell it in the local market [1,2] . The cow business suffers a setback due to the foot and mouth disease. However this disappointment makes him more determine to succeed. He expend his business to different field to logistics [3] His down to earth and humbleness makes it easier for him to cooperate with business man from other races. He take over a business that seems to fail and turn it around until he earn the profit. From logistics, he turn in trading business. Famous for being know the rice bowl of the nation, he choose to trade rice. His continuous efforts in his trading earn him rice trading licenses from the authority, Lembaga Padi Negara. Due to his reliability, lots of contracts came pouring in [2] He currently holds some stake in various companies like Mining Corporation Berhad (MMC), Bernas, Malakoff Berhad, Johor Port Berhad, , DRB-HICOM and many more others. He normally doesnt give many press interviews and prefer to keep in private life. His low key attitudes still grab media attention as he is passionate about charity and conduct his charity work through his foundation, Al-Bukhary Foundation. [2] One of the milestones of the Al-Bukhary Foundation is the construction of the Rm 70 million Islamic Art Museum valued at RM70 millions. This also along with a few mosques that he build across the country. Hallmark Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar is not only a humble person, but he also is very supportive of national product. He could afford any luxurious imported car, but he still drive around in his Proton Perdana. His generosity also been highlighted by supporting local students who are qualified and eligible to pursue their studies in local over university abroad. He provides scholarship for 1000 Saudi Arabian student to study in Malaysia. The first social contribution from Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary started with his mother asking him to donate half of his first salary as the director of a rice company (RM 750.00) to his poor neighbours. The other half was kept by his mother. Besides, his mother also asked him to send kerosene lamps to the mosques during the month of Ramadhan, so that activities can be carried out at night in the mosques. From that time onwards, that is how Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary was brought up to be a good personality and thinking person. He thinks that when God give us the wealth, we have to help the needy people. The god gives us wealth to us to help the others. There are some Malay businesspersons who do not want to help because they consider money as their priorities. [3] Syed Mokhtar is a down-to-earth person that will share his wealth with the others. He will feel nice when everyone has the chance to enjoy the same benefits together. He will not forget those who help him before. Humble is one of his life philosophies. No matter how great achievement he has now, he will still go back to Alor Setar and help those who really need helps. Sometimes, he will feel upset seeing some people forget their roots after achieving success in life. They should never forget about their roots no matter how. Wealth is meant to be shared. He likes to donate and contribute. He does not have the desire to keep all the wealth for his wife and children. Money will not last. He believes in Karma. Its not money that will protect him but what he is doing now. Theres no secret for success. Syed Mokhtar is only a human being that created by god but the difference is his way of getting mature. He believes that whoever will success if they really work hard for it. It may take some time. There will no short cut for success. There is reason why he works as if there is no tomorrow. Social and society issues are one of the reasons. He wants to make sure that the heritage would last long enough for my next generation. He knows his own strengths and weaknesses. He would ask for help from the other people when he is unable to do it. He go through the hard way but that is the right way. He has nothing at the beginning. However he will learn what he does not know, asks help from the others. He does not feel ashamed for that because he is not stealing. He works on his own. The attitude of being lazy and shame should be changed. He thinks that a person has to be patience and put more effort in order to run a business successfully. He keeps on searching for opportunities and business so that he can keep on helping the others to excel. He is not doing this solely for himself but for everyone. For him, God will only help those who are willing to work hard. Determination, hardworking and never give up easily are his keys in achieving success. Conclusion In a nutshell, everybody have an equal chance to be successful. Nothing can stop us from being successful unless it is you. If you want to achieve something, you have to work for it. We should follow what Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary did in order to gain a wealth for now and here after. He will not forget his own root and keep on helping those who need helps. Wealth is not meant for alone, but to be share around. Al Bukhari Mosque Eric Leong Background Eric Leong is a name synonym to the world of interior decorating. He was born in Kluang, Johore and was raise in the capital, Johor Bahru . He further his studies in the neighboring country, Singapore after completing his formal education in Malaysia. Eric graduate with a double degree in Interior Design and Business Studies. [4] With his cheerful and gleeful character Eric has won the heart of Malaysian and he was voted Malaysia most favorite interior designer. Career Eric make a breakthrough in 2001 through his reality interior design show, Casa Impian. The show help average Malaysia transform their home into heaven on earth with his extraordinary talent, he could turn a normal space into a work of art, which dubbed him as Raja Hias / the Design King of Casa Impian. [4,5] Why and how he can be success? Eric Leong is a creative innovator that leads him to be a successful entrepreneur. He would think out of the box and try on new things. He is never been stopped by new challenges. For him, expose himself in new environment and expose in new things is great. He is good in applying the knowledge that he learn in university in real life. Designing may not be a simple things as everyone has different point of views opinions. It is even hard to please all peoples need. However, Eric Leong sees this as a challenge in life. He would try his best to create a design that can satisfied every each of the people. Multi tasking Eric Leong holds a number of positions: [5] 1. Group Design Director for Designcity Sdn. Bhd. 2. Group Consultant/Acting General Manager for Beverly Home Sdn. Bhd. 3. Creative Consultant for Living Taste (Malaysias first Chinese interior design magazine 4. Associate Producer/Host for Casa Impian (Malaysias first interior design make-over show. 5. Associate Producer for Ratu Sehari (TV Wedding showcase). 6. Appointed stylist for Home Pride and Living Taste. 7. Columnist for leading magazines Home Pride, Living Taste, Health Today, Herba. 8. Product Designer for Lush Living by Eric Leong the furniture series. 9. Product Designer for Playground by Eric Leong the lighting series. 10. Guest DJ @ FM988 Chinese Radio talk show U Stylish Living (A Star RFM radio) 11. Guest DJ @ RED FM104.9 English Radio Talk Show Living With Eric (AStar RFM radio) 12. Guest DJ @ SURIA FM105.3 -Bahasa Malaysia Decor Radio Talk Show Inspirasi DÃÆ'Â ©cor Bersama Eric. 13. Guest DJ @ SURIA FM 105.3 Bahasa Malaysia Lifestyle Radio Talk Show Inspirasi Gaya Bersama Eric. 14. Lecturer @ Raffles International Design Institution (KL Campus). 15. Committee Member for Malaysia International Fashion Award (MIFA 2005) 16. Art Director for Malaysia International Fashion Award (MIFA 2006) 17. Chief Judge (Best presentation award for Malaysia International Furniture Fair (MIFF) 18. Media Spoke Person for Johor Interior Design Association (JiDA) 19. Ambassador of Homedec Malaysia Premier home decoration exhibition. 20. Ambassador of Maxima Thai Branded Walk-in-wardrobe system. 21. Ambassador of SSF Malaysia premier home dÃÆ'Â ©cor mark. Robert Kuok Background Robert Kuok Hock Nien more commonly known as Robert Kuok is the richest entrepreneur in Malaysia and also South East Asia [6]. He is currently rank 33 in the Forbes Richest Man Alive List [7]. Robert Kuok is the youngest son. He is born in Johor Bahru on 6 October 1923[6]. After graduated from the Raffles Institution, he started working in the grains department of Japanese Industrial company Mitsubishi from 1942 to 1945. Career After the death of his father, Robert Kuok founded Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd together with his two brothers in 1949 [8].This business plainly deals with agricultural commodities. He managed to buy cheap sugar from India in the year 1961 right before the sugar price shot up. His business expanded heavily until he managed to control 80% of the Malaysian sugar market. Due to this, he earned his nickname Sugar King of Asia [9]. Robert Kuok expanded his varied his business field by involving himself in hospitality field. In 1971, he built his first ever Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, then he open his second Hotel in Hong Kong called the Kowloon Shangri-La [8]. He also owns a big stakes of the Hong Kong real estate group Kerry Properties. Other than that he also owns the freight interests include Malasian Bulk Carriers Berhad and Transmile Group. Robert Kuoks compnies have investment in many counties. He even has ten bottling company for Coca Cola and the ownership of the Beijing World Trade Centre. On October 31 2009, Robert Kuok has decided to sells his sugar units along with the land used to cultivate sugar cane to Felda for RM1.29 billion. This transaction had directly boosted his companys income as his sugar unit and sugar cane plantation were the second largest segment upon its grain and feed [8]. Robert Kuok has eight children from his two marriages. He has retired officially from the Kerry Group on April 1st 1993. He is currently resides in Hong Kong [8]. Hallmark Robert Kuok has several hall marks which made what he is today. I believe that in order to achieve success, a strong and noble family background is definitely a great advantage. Robert Kuok is famous for his strong noble family background. He was brought up by his mother. Since young, his mother had taught him according to Ru-Jiao which is also known as the teaching of Confucius. His mother is very particular with the values of honesty. That is why he managed to gain respect and trust from others. With this, his business expands smoother and faster than others. Besides having a strong family background, Robert Kuok also has a strong family bond. This is justified as his company, Kuok Brothers Limited was established with the cooperation among his brother and cousins. All of them are very unite in this establishment of the company. They obey to Robert Kuoks mothers order. With a strong bond among them, it is very difficult for others to attack them. This is why the Kuok Brothers Limited can last for such a long period and still standing strong. Robert Kuok also practice good attitude in life. He is a positive, hardworking and sensitive person. Robert Kuok once said that As a young man, I thought there was no substitute for hard work and thinking up good, honest business plans and, without respite, pushing them along. There will always be business on earth. Be humble; be straight; dont be crooked; dont take advantage of people. To be a successful businessman, I think you really need to brush all your senses every morning, just as you brush your teeth. I coined the phrase honing your senses in business: your vision, hearing, sense of smell, touch and taste. All these senses come in very useful [9]. The fourth factor is his way of hiring workers. Robert Kuok hires his workers wisely and he always remembers to acknowledge them. He has never forgets the contributions of all of his colleagues and employee. He even thanked his very first batch of workers personally in hisKuok Groups 60th Anniversary speech. Robert Kuok is very particular in hiring workers. According to him, honesty, hardworking and intelligence are the main criteria that he looks for. When I look candidates in the eye, they must appear very honest to me. I do not look for MBAs or exceptional students. You may hire a brilliant man, summa cum laude, first-class honours, but if his mind is not a fair one or if he has a warped attitude in life, does brilliance really matter? [10]said Robert Kuok. Being humble is a reason that made Robert Kuok a successful man. He has been very humble all this while as he always remembers that once a person is arrogant, the person guard will be lowered. As a result, the person is defeated easily by his rivals. Robert Kuok is very alert with every step he has taken. Most of us will think that if we can capitalize a field, we shall receive a great outcome. However, according to Robert Kuok, sometime capitalism will leads to destruction if we do not inspect it well. He said that Capitalism needs to be inspected under a magnifying glass once a day, a super-magnifying glass once a week, and put through the cleaning machine once a month.[10] He also said that we cannot let greed controls us. Once this happens, the result may be fatal. At the end of the day, despite all the success Robert Kuok has made, he always makes it a point to repay the society. He had set up a foundation called the Kuok Foundation to help out students that are facing financial problem in order to pursue their studies. He even gives out scholarships to students who are studying in either private or public universities. The Kuok family firmly believed in its social responsibility to share its wealth and good fortune with the less fortunate. [11] Achievements Robert Kuok has managed to win several awards for his success in his lifetime. He was honored on the Forbess Worlds Billionaire list, ranking at a respectable number 33. He has also earned the title as Tan Sri in Malaysia. The noblest achievement by Robert Kuok is arguably the Kuok Foundation that was established by the Kuok family. The philanthropists vision is to alleviate poverty and reduce the economic disparities between the rich and poor communities in Malaysia. The foundation offers scholarship for student from not well to do family, to provide them with education that they needed to bring them out of poverty. Picture of Mr. Robert Kuok Hock Nien [10] LIM GOH TONG Background Lim Goh Tong was born in the year 1918 in Anxi. He was the fifth child in his family. When he was born, China was in the period of turmoil as the Xinhai Revolution was just over. However, Lim Goh Tong was lucky as he was brought up in a peaceful environment. He even had the chance to acquire knowledge from school until he was 16, which is when his father passed away [12]. Lim Goh Tong decided to come to Malaya in year 1937 as the condition of China was becoming worse [12]. He worked for his uncle as a carpenter for two years when he first reached here [13]. During that period, he learned to speak the Malay language. After gaining enough experiences, he involved himself in building a double storey secondary school as a sub contractor. Picture of the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong [17] Career Lim Goh Tong is well known as a risk taker. Before the development of Genting, he had involved himself in various fields. During the Japanese Occupation, he had tried working as a farmer, as a petty trader and as a scrap metal and hardware trader. After the Japanese Occupation, he engaged in the second- hand machinery trading. From there, he managed to earn his first fortune. Other than machinery, he also involved in iron mining, and even construction field. His family construction company Kien Huat Private Limited became well known after completed many major projects successfully. One of the biggest deals was the Ayer Itam Dam [13]. However, he also faced difficulties throughout his life as a constructor. He even faced bankruptcy when dealing the Kemubu Irrigation Scheme. Lim Goh Tong had the idea of Genting Highland when he was having dinner in Cameron Highland [14]. Then he started to collect information and decided that Genting Sempah is the most ideal place to build a hilltop resort. For this project, he had dumped in all of his fortune. He even put aside all the negative comments from his friends and relatives. Genting was granted the first ever Casino licence after Tunku Abdul Rahman. The whole Genting project was done in January 1971 and started the business in May 1971. In the next 30 years, Genting has evolved from wilderness to a developed tourist attraction township. Cable car system is provided to tourist as an alternative route. He even built a new township known as Gohtong Jaya on a land around the Genting Skyway cable car system [14]. Lim Goh Tongs company, Genting Group has diversified into various field ranges from plantation to oil and gas and even to cruise boat industry. Lim Goh Tong was married to Lim Kim Hua. They have altogether six children and nineteen grandchildren [12]. He wrote a book titled My Story Lim Goh Tong and it was published in year 2004. Lim Goh Tong passed away on 23 October 2007 in Subang Jaya Medical Center leaving behind a USD4.2 billion fortune and a huge legacy [14]. Achievements Lim Goh Tong had won many awards throughout his extraordinary life [12]. After taking a huge gamble and setting up a hillside resort, and proving all the doubters wrong, Lim Goh Tong was awarded the title Tan Sri in 1976 as a token for his contribution in booming the countrys tourism industry. This is followed by the Malaysian Entrepreneur Award in 1985, his first major award. This is followed by the Manager of the Year award the following year. As his pet project bloom and in 1994 he honored the Business Achiever of the year in 1994. Genting was awarded the Number 1 ranking Malaysian Leading Companies in 1996 and icing on the cake was the Best Employer Award at the same year. Apart from his success in business he still gives back to the society through his foundation, the Yayasan Lim. The foundation helps out those who are in need by providing scholarship for deserving student, and contribute to charitable causes. Hallmark From the start when Lim Goh Tong came to Malaysia, he already shown the hallmark of a true champion. He can only speak hokkien, mandarin, Cantonese and some broken Malay language [16]. He can neither speak nor write English [13]. However, this limitation in language did not stop him in his negotiation of all of his business contracts. Against all odd, he prove that language is never a barrier to success. When Lim first had the idea of Genting Highland, he received many negative comments from his relatives and friends. However, he had successfully put all of these comments aside. On the other hand, he put in more effort into this project. Lim Goh Tong once said that Once the goals have been clearly defined, with the greatest amount of determination and hard work, one can conclusively realise ones goals. [14].He a great determination shown is clearly admirable especially to the younger generation, that when we put our mind to it, we can achieve anything. His humbleness that keep him grounded despite his success and status as a Tan Sri have won applause and was admired among his peers. Tan Sri Lim Gait Tong, president of the Federation of Chinese Associations of Malaysia paid tribute and said in Lims farewell word, He had undergone more difficulties and challenges than any other entrepreneur, before he became successful in his business. However, he remained a friendly, sporting and humble person who was actively involved in charitable activities. [12] Lim was well known as a risk taker. The idea of building a resort on top of the hill is very costly and the outcome is not guaranteed. He had spent all of his fortune in conducting this project [12]. However, he foresees that one day, Malaysians will desire for a cool mountain holiday resort. This is due to the countrys weather and also the economy stability. He is very brave yet very careful in conducting this project. Behind every successful man, there is a successful woman. In Lims case, behind Genting Group, there are many workers. Lim always believed that is the people that run the organization. This project will never success if its a one man show. The Best Employer Award that he won in year 1996 has proven that he is a employer who care and look after his employees Lim Goh tong had set up a foundation called the Yayasan Lim which donates regularly to educational and medical institutions and other charitable organization [12]. Lim is never stingy in donating money. As a result of generosity, he gained more respect from others and of course adding his own karma Picture of the late Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong [17] Tony Fernandes Background The name Tony Fernandes or now, with the Title Dato Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes, is already a household name not only in Malaysia, but throughout the ASEAN region, and beyond especially in the aviation industry. Born 30 April 1964, inKuala Lumpurto aGoanfather andMalacca Portuguesemother, the late Stephen Edward Fernandes and Ena Dorothy Fernandez. When he was young, he used to follow his mother, who is aTupperwaredealer to parties and conventions [18]. Tony Fernandes was sent on a jet plane in 1976 at the tender age of 12 to Epsom College, London. The wishes of his parents on enrolling him into a fancy boarding school that is associated with Medicine, like all great leader, he made a total 180 degree turn and end up graduating in London School of Economics in 1987 [19]. But during his years in the boarding school, young Tony was home sick and pleas to be home, but due to the high airfare, his parents does not allow him to be home even during the holidays. From that day onwards it was his ultimate dream to provide low cost flights. Career Tony Fernandes raise to one of the celebrated and successful entrepreneur and innovator start with unorthodox route. He took the road that is less taken. He start as financial controllerforVirgin RecordsinLondon owned by his current partner in Air Asia X, Sir Richard Brenson.Upon his return toMalaysia, he became the countrys youngest-evermanaging directorfor Warner Music. He was responsible for turning ethnic music and transforms them into the mainstream Malaysian music. He raise to the occasion and got promoted to be theSouth East Asianregional vice-president forWarner Music Groupfrom 1992-2001.During the merging of Time Warner merged with CNN, there are many unrest among the employee,, like many others, Tony protest the merge and resign [20] Tony went back to London to pursue his dream to own a low cost no frill airline. His inspiration came from his friend, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who is the founder of the Easy Group, who made British Airways a run for their money. Flying Barcelona to Paris for less than 10Â £, amaze Tony and he thinks that business model is able to apply in ASEAN, with the capacity of 500 millions, the potential is huge [21]. Tony Fernandes return home, Malaysia to lobby his idea to the then Prime Minister, Tun Mahathir Mohamed who gave his blessing to Tony on the condition he took over an Air Asia, a struggling GLC, with a Rm 40 million debt and only 2 elderly 737s. Tony agrees and took over the company for a token price of Rm 1 [19]. And from there they say the rest is history. From an airline with just a couple of 737s, it currently has 76 aircraft, 25 Airbus A330s . Last year it carried 19millions passengers within the Asia Pacific region [22]. Hallmark Like all successful leader, Tony Fernandes have the all the hallmark that made him who he is today. One of the main trademarks of his success is his vision and his know-how on what actually the consumer wants [23]. His hand on approach is one to be admired. Busy with various venture for example tune hotel, tune talk and Lotus Formula one, Tony Fernandes still find time for his main priority, which is Air Asia, his leadership based on the principal Practice what you preach always apply. Every month he spends his time in various division of Air Asia, from day as a baggage-handler to a cabin crew. He has even established a division to hold gathering among the staffs [19]. A close bond with his staff creates a friendly working environment with equal opportunities for everyone is the main ingredient behind of the success of Air Asia, according to Tony the company works as a family. Achievement With Air Asia, Tony have won a lot of awards, locally and internationally, but the biggest honor arguably when he was inducted into the Aviation hall of fame in2009 for shaping the aviation industry evolve. During the same award ceremony Air Asia and its sister company Air Asia X also was awarded Airline of the year. To add icing on the cake, Tony was the youngest recipient of the award [24]. He quote saying You would be a legend only because of the people behind you, acknowledging the Air Asia team behind his success. Apart from his award, the biggest award for him was gaining the landing right to Singapore breaking years of monopoly on the Kuala Lumpur- Singapore route by Singapore and Malaysia Airlines [25],also the exclusive long haul flight from Kuala Lumpur -London, achieving his boyhood dream [26] . Like his tagline Now everyone can fly , certainly everyone do now. . Background When mention about fashion and design, there are always 5 top places that are associated with. London, Paris, Milan, New York and Los Angles. These are regarded as the fashion capital of the world [27]. Top designers brand like Calvin Klien, Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, Burberry and Versace kept their base. Almost all the human race pick up a magazine like vogue to follow the latest trend. But when mention Malaysia, there is a lot of blur facial expression and question mark. This is because Malaysia is not known to produce a lot of fashion designers, but when mention about Jimmy Choo, Hollywood leading ladies from the fashionista like Sarah Jessica Parker [28], latina beauty Jennifer Lopez [19] and even the English Rose, the late Princess Diana [30]. Thus there is no doubt about this Malaysian innovator have change the fashion industry with his sleek and creative design of hand-made shoe. Born into a family of shoe maker, in Penang Jimmys father Choo Kee Yinis a successful shoe maker himself. Jimmy also describe his mother as as being very good at shoemaking [31]. Jimmy made his first pair of shoe at a tender age of 11 [32]. He is perhaps the most notable of students of Cordwainers Technical College in London Borough ofHackney, Londonfrom which he graduated in 1983. The college is now part of theLondon College of Fashion. Career Jimmy have a humble start, as he graduates, he works in a local shoe factory and slowly opened his own workshop in Hackney, London by renting an old hospital building [31]. His career took off when Vogue magazine featu

Unexpected Influences in Great Expectations Essay -- Great Expectations

When one thinks of a strong, influential person, they most likely will first think of a world leader or president. These are examples of influential leaders, but in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations, the most influential characters on Pip are people who would appear to be minor female characters in the novel. One would assume since the time of Great Expectations was set the first half of the 19th Century, which was the time of the Victorian Era, that the men of the novel would have a greater influence on the women of the novel. However, Pip is impacted greatly by women throughout his life, even more so than men. Pip's greatest female influence in life was Estella, but the purpose of this paper is to discuss the influence of more minor characters on Pip, such as: Mrs. Joe, Miss Havisham, and Biddy. Their influences on him change as he grows and matures. The first real female influence Pip had was his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery. Pip's parents had died long before and he had never known them. Mrs. Joe then stepped up and raised Pip. She is not what one would call a positive influence. Mrs. Joe was considered a mother figure to Pip and she was always proud to proclaim to neighbors and friends that she â€Å"brought him up by hand.† Pip did not know what that expression meant. He said: â€Å"Having at that time to find out for myself what the expression meant, and knowing her to have a hard and heavy hand, and to be much in the habit of laying it upon her husband as well as upon me, I supposed that Joe Gargery and I were both brought up by hand† (Dickens 6). Everyone in town thought Mrs. Joe was such a kind soul to take in her orphaned brother, but no one really understood how horribly she treated Pip and Joe. In chapter two, one can get an... .... Pip learned from Biddy that money and fame is not everything, and that the best things in life are often the things one already possesses. She also taught him patience and kindness through her own actions. All three females: Mrs. Joe, Miss Havisham, and Biddy, taught Pip many things, both good and bad. Mrs. Joe taught Pip things the wrong way through abuse, but she also unknowingly taught Pip how to care for people. Miss Havisham took advantage of Pip and taught Pip to be wary of trusting others, but at the same time, taught Pip how to forgive . Biddy was the wisest of Pip's influences and acted as a support to Pip who was always there for him. While Estella was one of the biggest influences in Pip's life, the smaller influential female characters also had huge impacts on Pip and helped shape him to the man he became.

Poh Kong

1. 0 COMPANY PROFILE POH KONG founded in 1976, as a pioneer jeweller has transformed itself from a traditional jewellery until the middle of the recognition of the most important jewellery brand as synonymous with excellence associated with the design, quality and superior craftsmanship. Listed on Bursa Malaysia since 2004, POH KONG has been hailed as the largest jewellery retail chain in Malaysia with a network of 100 branches across the country with manufacturing facilities. It has been successful in developing and promoting its own brand and become the sole distributor for many international brands.POH KONG in-house brands including Tranz, Happy Love, Anggun, The Art of Auspicious, Bunga Raya Gold Bar, and many more to come. POH KONG is the licensee for Disney Collection is the sole distributor for luxury Schaeffer pearls from around the world. POH KONG using a differential image of the brand and retail concept to meet the needs of different customers. Apart from POH KONG and Diam ond & Gold outlets, retail concepts such as POH KONG Gallery, Diamond Boutique, Jade Gallery, Tranz Boutique and Oro Bianco are available. 2. The General Environment 2. 1 Political Jewellery retail chain Poh Kong Holdings Bhd expects the price of gold to be on an upward trend this year(2012), fuelled by demand for the precious metal as investment. Movement of gold prices would depend on the political stability in Iran, where Poh Kong gets its supply. Poh Kong’s AGM expect that if war starts in iran, gold prices may increase by 30%. Last year, gold hit above US$1,900 per ounce but has since fallen to US$1,620 this month. Demand for gold globally is still on upward trend.The company are still seeing double-digit growth globally on gold bullion and bars, so there is still a potential for the company to move forward. Besides that, the high price of gold would bring higher margins for Poh Kong as the cost is passed down to retail customers. On bank offering gold investment, althou gh there is a bit competition, Poh Kong’s sales are not affected as customers still come bak to them. 2. 2 Economic Poh Kong Holdings Bhd is expecting a better financial year ahead, spurred by increased demand for gold from the public.When the price of gold escalates, the company’s selling price to retail customers increase in tandem. A higher gold price, therefore, has a positivr impact on the revenue. The biggest jeweller in the country by the number of outlets says its sales are not affected by the volatility in gold prices. Instead, sales of gold bars increase, as the rich look for a safe investment. Analysts say the company can ride the increased appetite for gold as a â€Å"safe investment class†, especially amid economic and financial uncertainties.The US Federal Reserve’s decision to pump more money into the financial system with a second round of quantitative easing will also mean more money going into commodities like gold, which will drive pric es even higher. However, this would also mean higher inflation, which would fuel the upward trend of gold prices. For FY2010, Poh Kong reported an 11. 24% rise in net profits to RM31. 61 million on the back of a smaller 3. 62% increase in revenues to RM561. 24million. EPS was 7. 7 sen, up from 6. 93 sen the year before. Net profit and operating margins increased in FY2010 to 5. 63% and 9. 8%, respectively, from 5. 25% and 9. % in FY2009. 2. 3 Social Poh Kong Group's CSR initiatives are in line with Bursa Malaysia's framework centered towards the workplace, marketplace, community and environment. As a socially responsible company, the corporate citizenship is integrated into a sustainable business model that goes beyond shareholders interests, for the betterment of society. Corporate’s CSR programme embraces responsibility for the Company's actions and encourages a positive impact through its activities by its employees, caring for consumers, giving back to the under privilege d through societal welfare work and environmental protection.The Group aligns its corporate activities to social causes with the various target publics as we endeavor to create a more caring community and make a significant difference in the lives of many in society. In this respect, Poh Kong recognizes its CSR is to foster mutually beneficial relationships with our stakeholders and society through active participation and help improve the living standards of the surrounding communities. 2. 4 Technological Science and technology are closely related in the gold mining process, especially in the extracting and processing of the metal. Gold is a golden ellow metal, which is solid at room temperature. Gold can be extracted in many ways. Mining for gold is only worthwhile financially where there is a significant concentration of it found in ore. The fixed price of gold in 1934 increased from $20. 67 U. S. to $35 U. S. per troy ounce. This price remained fixed until 1968 which discouraged hard rock mining for gold because increased inflation (which raised the cost of mining production) prevented the mining companies from making a profit. 3. 0 Task Environment Analysis Gold mines tend to have a huge impact on the environment.From digging out a huge pit, to disposing of the left over chemicals and tailing. If a gold mine isn't managed properly it can have some very negative impacts on the environment. A common impact is when water used in the mining process is polluted with chemicals from the factory and then put back into rivers and streams. Cyanide used to extract gold can pollute the rivers and kill fish and other. 3. 1 Green Awareness In contributing to the environment, Poh Kong believes in green awareness activities and eco-friendly measures that reduces the carbon footprint generated by the organization's infrastructure and working towards reducing wastage. . 2 Energy Conservation Through the combined effort and dedication of each employee, environment-friendly lifestyles that promote green technology are practised. This include using light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) for energy saving lighting, the automatic shutdown of desktop computers while not in use, maintaining air-conditioning at comfortable, but lower temperatures, switching off non-essential lights and equipment, and the recycling of materials have all reduced costs savings. 3. 3 On a Green QuestWe help minimise the impact on the environment by restricting the use of hazardous substances, undertaking the safe disposal of waste discharge and the monitoring of pollution levels for a clean environment. Poh Kong believes in minimum wastage and is working towards a zero waste discharge policy in the jewellery manufacturing process. The Company takes back gold products at end-of-use or end-of-life for responsible reuse, recycle, remanufacture or recovery of the gold in the refining process.The Company's aim is to provide and maintain a clean environment for sustainable development for current and future generations. It strives to fulfill the social, environmental and ethical obligation which is vital in global environmental sustainability. 4. 0 SWOT Strength POH KONG is a well-know brand and is attractive for those who admire beautiful jewelry. The POH KONG is successful in designing, provided quality product and the hardware to make the jewelry. POH KONG also listed in BURSA MALAYSIA, so the company succeed attract many customers buy their products.The different design and different concept is set to target the different market segmentation as to fulfill the customer requirement. POH KONG Holding Berhad offered jewelry to wedding, jade, international, diamond or gems and many else according to customers taste. POH KONG has its own expert to designing the product to make it more luxury. The price offer is based on the government policy, so the price is not so expensive and everyone is affordable. Weakness Some POH KONG company branch is not selling all products, because the shop offer limited space.So, the customer just can take an order through cataloged or browser. As a result, it might lose some customer or decrease customers’ satisfaction due to take time in sending the stock to the customers. Besides that, some customers also complain the POH KONG is less option if compare with other competitors. Consequently, majority customers move to support other company. Opportunity Using the latest technology might help the company growing faster. POH KONG can save their production cost by used new technology and produce large quantity jewelry.The company can perceived it as cost advantage and offer a reasonable price for the customers. POH KONG also received the payment method by credit card, this is convenience to the customers when they buy expensive jewelry. Moreover, they also used the online marketing to market their product, the costumer can visited the website to get the latest information. POH KONG has a big business formulation, such as distributor to the international brands such as Tranz, Happy Love, Anggun, The Art of Auspicious and Bunga Raya Gold Bar.Also, they distribute for Schoeffel Luxury Pearls from German, Luca Carati and Verdi from Italy, Angel Diamond from Belgium and Cocoro from Japan. Threats The strict of government policy might influence POH KONG gain profit in business. Next, due to the increasing number of competitors, POH KONG was facing the problem of pricing war. This is because majority customers will choose the company which can provide reasonable price with good quality products. As an existing many competitors, they will purposely offer lower price to attract more customers.The problem of pricing war between competitor had lead to POH KONG frequently innovation unique and special design product in order to attract and maintain customers. The competition has result in POH KONG more power used several ways to become a big retailer in the industry, the subjective is to increase their profit and market share. 5. 0 TOWS Internal Factors (IFAS)ExternalFactors(EFAS)| Strength (S) | Weaknesses (W)| Opportunities (O) | SO strategies-POH KONG is a well-know company and distribute the jewelry into international market. The expertise enabling creates various products with new technology. -all the product price are according government policy, so the company successful gain cost advantage. -With the POH KONG operate outlet in all state, the company can gain the cost advantage when they selling large quantity with lower price to the customer| WO strategies- The company should use the latest technology to producing more quantity products. – POH KONG company distributes their product over the international market as to compete with competitors. POH KONG company selling various products with lower price as to fulfill customer requirement around the international market. | Threats (T)| ST strategies- POH KONG company set a goal to become a leader in jewelry retailers as to face the competition problem. -The price of POH KONG is according to government policy, so they can avoid pricing war between competitors. -POH KONG has follows the government policy to manage their business, as to gain their profit. | WT strategies-Due to many competitors, POH KONG had faced the pricing war. The strict of government policy lead to POH KONG branch unable to fulfill customer requirement. -As many competitors in market, POH KONG have to compete with others as to become a big retailer in market. | Strength and Opportunities (SO) POH KONG is a well-known company in jewelry industry, so they can use their reputation to distribute the products into international market. The expertise in POH KONG might useful to generate a creative idea in creates various products with the latest technology.POH KONG was comply with the government policy to gain their cost advantage and open outlet in all state by selling large amounts of products with lower price to the customers. Weak ness and Opportunity (WO) POH KONG company should be used the latest technology to produce large amount and more quality products, it is important for customers have more option from variety products. POH KONG develop a strategy plan by export their products into international market and selling various jewelry with lower price as to fulfill customers expectation.Strength and Treats (ST) POH KONG based their strength to set a goal as become a big retailer in jewelry industry. Otherwise, POH KONG also set their price based on government policy, so they can avoid pricing war from competitors. As to gain more profit and increase the market share, POH KONG have to comply the government policy. Weakness and Treats (WT) Due to existence competitors in market, POH KONG has faced pricing war between the competitors. Because pricing is an important asset for company to attract more customers in order to increase company.As the strict of government policy lead to some POH KONG branch was unab le to fulfill all customers requirement. As a result, POH KONG is require to set a goal to become a big retailer in jewelry industry. 6. 0 Ratio Analysis Formula: – 1. Liquidity Ratios| Current ratio = | Current assets Current liabilities| Quick ratio = | Current assets – inventory Current liabilities| Inventory to net working =capital | Inventory Current assets – current liabilities| . Profitability Ratios | Net profit margin = | Net profit after taxes Net sales| Return on investment (ROI) = | Net profit after taxes Total assets| Return on equity (ROE) = | Net profit after taxesShareholders’ equity| 3. Activity Ratios| Inventory turnover =| Net salesInventory | Net working capital turnover = | Net salesNet working capital| Asset turnover = | Sales Total assets| 4.Leverage Ratios| Debt to asset ratio = | Total debt Total assets| Debt to equity ratio = | Total debt Shareholders’ equity| Current liabilities to equity = | Current liability Shareholder s’ equity| Analysis 1. Liquidity Ratios ( i ). Current ratio 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 484,863,174 RM 198,367,638 = 2. 44 times| RM 419,387,537 RM 120,116,086 = 3. 49 times|For current ratio, year 2011 is 2. 44 times and 3. 49 times in year 2010. It is decreased 1. 05 times in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 484,863,174 – RM 443, 668, 132 RM 198,367,638 = 0. 21 times| RM 419,387,537 – RM 383,614,269 RM 120,116,086 = 0. 30 times| ( ii ). Quick ratio Fo For quick ratio, year 2011 is 0. 21 times and 0. 30 times in year 2010. It is decreased 0. 09 times in years 2011 if compare with year 2010. ( iii ). Inventory to net working capital 011 year| 2010 year| RM 443, 668, 132 RM 484,863,174 – RM 198,367,638= 1. 55 times| RM 383,614,269 RM 419,387,537 – RM 120,116,086 = 1. 28 times| For Inventory to net working capital year 2011 is higher than 2010, which is 1. 55 times (2011) and for year 2010 is 1. 28 times. It is increased 0. 27 times in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. 2. Profitability ratio ( i ). Net profit margin 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 41,204,606 x 100 % RM 487,653,434 = 8. 5 %| RM 32,516,897 x 100 % RM 389,023,737 = 8. 36 %| ( F For net profit margin, year 2011 is higher than year 2010, which is 8. 45 % and 8. 36 % in year 2010. And year 2011 is increased 0. 09 %. ( ii ). Return on investment (ROI) 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 41,204,606 x 100 % RM 576,408,981 = 7. 15 %| RM 32,516,897 x 100 % RM 509,641,678 = 6. 38%| For ROI, year 2011 is 7. 15 % and 6. 38 % in year 2010, which is increased 0. 7 % in year 2011 compare with year 2010. ( iii ). Return on equity (ROE) 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 41,204,606 x 100 % RM 345,996,853 = 11. 91 %| RM 32,516,897 x 100 % RM 310,537,172 = 10. 47 %| In year 2011, ROE is 11. 91 % and 10. 47 % for year 2010. That is increased 1. 44 % if compare with year 2010. 3. Activity Ratios ( i ). Inventory turnover 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 487,653,434 RM 443,668,132 = 1. 0 ti mes| RM 389,023,737 RM 383,614,269 = 1. 01 times| In year 2011, inventory turnover for Poh Kong Holdings Berhad is 1. 10 times and 1. 01 times for year 2010. It is increased 0. 09 times for year 2011. ( ii ). Net working capital turnover 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 487,653,434 RM 484,863,174 – RM 198,367,638 = 1. 70 times| RM 389,023,737 RM 419,387,537– RM 120,116,086 = 1. 30 times|For net working capital turnover, year 2011 is 1. 70 times and year 2010 is 1. 30 times. It is increased 0. 40 times in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. ( iii ). Assets turnover 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 487,653,434 RM 576,408,981 = 0. 85 times| RM 389,023,737 RM 509,641,678 = 0. 76 times| For assets turnover, year 2011is 0. 85 times and year 2010 is 0. 76 times. It is increased 0. 09 times in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. 4.Leverage Ratios ( i ). Debt to asset ratio 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 230,412,128 x 100% RM 576,408,981 = 39. 97 %| RM 199,104,506 x 100 % RM 509,641,678 = 39. 07 %| For debt to asset ratio, year 2011 is 39. 97 % and 39. 07 % in year 2010. It is increased 0. 9 % in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. ( ii ). Debt to equity ratio 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 230,412,128 x 100% RM 345,996,853 = 66. 9 %| RM 199,104,506 x 100 % RM 310,537,172 = 64. 12 %| ( For debt to equity, year 2011 is 66. 59 % and 64. 12 % in year 2010. It is increased 2. 47 % in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. ( iii ). Current liabilities to equity 2011 year| 2010 year| RM 198,367,638 x 100% RM 345,996,853 = 57. 33 %| RM 120,116,086 x 100 % RM 310,537,172 = 38. 68 %| For current liabilities to equity, year 2011 is 57. 3 % and 38. 68 % in year 2010. It is increased 18. 65 % in year 2011 if compare with year 2010. 7. 0 STRATEGIC DIRECTION 7. 1 Expand on more outlets. POH KONG is planning to open more stores as part of local development. Continuous expansion channels out a several locations from urban center to small towns, is intended to create opportunities and revenue grow th of large and provide accessibility and convenience to their customers through its extensive retail network with owned or partly owned establish branches throughout Malaysia. 7. 2 Produce a new range productPOH KONG company has decided to produce a new range of platinum jewellery targets a younger age group. This new network will complement POH KONG Gold jewellery available and meet the needs and preferences more users. New machinery and equipment will be available to support expansion of the product. 7. 3 Expand retail operation in Australia and China POH KONG has a vision to expand its retail operations outside the country in Australia and China as the initial target market. The feasibility study will be conducted to assess the viability of setting up retail gold jewellery branch, taste and preference in new markets.If everything else goes well, they decided to set up branches in Australia and China. POH KONG’s vision is to spread its wings to local outside in order to in crease income. 7. 4 Planning to franchise the concept POH KONG is planning to franchise the concept to potential retail local entrepreneurs. This enabled POH KONG to open the lock brand and retail experience. New franchise outlets will bring POH KONG brands and potential locations such as Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak, in areas which do not have a personal faith establish a branch. This new revenue stream will increase the income of POH KONG. 8. 0 Board of Director YG BHG DATO’ CHOON YEE SEIONG (Executive Chairman and Croup Managing Director) * MR CHEONG TECK CHONG (Executive Director) * MADAM CHOON NEE SIEW (Executive Director) * MADAM CHOON YOKE YING (Executive Director) * MADAM CHOON WAN JOO (Executive Director) * DR CHOONG TUCK YEW (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director * ENCIK FAZRIN AZWAR BIN MD NOR (Independent Non-Executive Director) * DATIN SHIRLEY YUE SHOU HOW (Independent Non-Executive Director) The board of Poh Kong Holdings Berhad is committed to in still a corporate culture of good corporate governance which is practiced throughout the company and its subsidiary companies.The group acknowledges the importance of corporate governance in enhancing its business prosperity and corporate accountability with the absolute objective of realizing long-term shareholders’ and stakeholder’s value. The group will continue to endeavor to comply with all the key principles of the Malaysia Code Corporate Governance in an effort to observe high standards of transparency, accountability and integrity. This is to sustain optimal governance with conscientious accountability for continuous effectiveness, efficiency and competitiveness of the group.

Assess the contribution of Social Action Theory to sociology Essay

Social Action Theorists, or Interactionists are also known as micro sociologists, this is because instead of looking at the bigger picture in society, and how the large structures and institutions such as the education and judiciary systems affect individuals, which is what Marxists and Functionalists (macro sociologists) look at, Social Action Theorists look at the opposite, how us, individuals, act by our own accord, and how we make up society. This is known as a ‘bottom up’ view of society. They see people as having a much more active role in society, as opposed to the passive puppets that Structuralists make us out to be. They reject the view that our behaviour is the product of these organisations and structure. Although Social Action Theorists do look very much as individual behaviour, they also take into account the fact that we are aware of the people around us, they argue that our behaviour is influenced by how other individuals react to us and behave, so society is made up because people come together and interact. We are able to react to each other’s behaviour in this way because we have learnt how to expect what people should and shouldn’t do, and how to interpret behaviour. We have meanings for various symbols during interactions, for example, someone frowning may show confusion or anger, and someone swearing with a hand gesture may be insulting, because of these codes and symbols, we are able to anticipate behaviour, and judge how people are feeling. This also gives us a knowledge about what behaviour is and isn’t appropriate in certain situations. These different situations can also affect how we behave and what behaviour is acceptable, for example shouting and swearing may be seen as acceptable at a football match, but this would be highly inappropriate in the middle of a supermarket or library. These behaviours and expected ways of carrying ourselves, or norms and values, (especially the basic ones, such as how to act around others) are learnt from the family at a young age. However education teaches us how to act in a larger range of social situations. The acquiring of this knowledge is what leads to us gaining our identity. Social action theorists suggest that there are three main parts to our identity. The first of these parts is the things that make us individual, such as name, signature and photograph. The second aspect is social identity, which is made up of the personality characteristics that are associated with our role in society. For example, I am seen as an older brother, which society may make me out to be annoying and protective of my younger sibling, but I am also seen as a student, who is perceived to be hard-working and well-behaved. The final part of our identity is the concept of ‘self’, or what we think of ourselves, and how we think we play our respective roles. This concept of ‘self’ has been developed further by social action theorists, who believe that this can be further broken down into two components, the ‘I’ and the ‘me’. The ‘I’ is the private inner self, what we truly think of ourselves, whereas ‘me’ is the social self, and is the one that carries out the roles of brother and student. Goffman referred to society as a play, and that we are all as individuals, actors in this play, or in the drama of everyday life. The expected ways of behaving, or social norms are the script, for example, greeting someone with ‘Good morning’ is expected. He suggests that the roles we carry out are simply a performance designed to create a particular impression. For example in front of grandparents, I put on this performance of being exceptionally well mannered (believe it or not). Another part of social action theory is the concept of labelling. This is when someone is put into a group, or stereotyped, because of the way they look or act. For example a young person may be labelled as a ‘goth’ because they have pale skin, black hair, and listen to a certain type of music. Becker came up with the idea of a Master Status. This means that an individual can have a status (normally negative) which overrides all other labels. For example, someone may be a very good brother and son, but then may be arrested for robbery, and then the label of ‘criminal’ will become his master status, and people won’t see the brother or the son they saw before, they will simply see him as a criminal. It is believed that these labels lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy. This means that someone will react to the label they have been given, and this label will become true. For example, if a teacher (very wrongly) labels a student as ‘dumb’ they may think they genuinely are dumb, and will not do well at school. However it has been argued that the opposite can occur, and people may go out of their way to disprove their label, to carry on with the example before, the ‘dumb’ student may try exceptionally hard at home and at school, to prove the teacher wrong, the label may act as motivation. There are many criticisms of Social Action Theory, one being that they tend to be very vague when describing who is responsible for creating these norms and values, and interpretations that mean we know how to act around people and in certain situations. They fail to explain power, and factors which may affect these norms such as class or gender.