The Soliloquies of Shakespeares Hamlet - To be or not to be Soliloquy

The â€Å"To be or not to be† Soliloquy within Hamlet      Ã‚  Ã‚   The fame of one particular soliloquy by the hero in Shakespeare’s Hamlet logically requires that special consideration be given to said speech. And such is the intent of this essay.    In â€Å"Superposed Plays† Richard A. Lanham discusses this most famous of all the soliloquies:    The King and Polonius dangle Ophelia as bait and watch. Hamlet sees this. He may even be, as W. A. Bebbington suggested, reading the â€Å"To be or not to be† speech from a book, using it, literally, as a stage prop to bemuse the spyers-on, convince them of his now-become-suicidal-madness. No one in his right mind would fault the poetry. But it is irrelevant to anything that precedes. It fools Ophelia – no difficult matter – but it should not fool us. The question is whether Hamlet will act directly or through drama? Not at all. Instead, is he going to end it in the river? I put it thus familiarly to penetrate the serious numinosity surrounding this passage. Hamlet anatomizes grievance for all time. But does he suffer these grievances? He has a complaint indeed against the King and one against Ophelia. Why not do something about them instead of meditating on suicide? (93)    Marchette Chute in â€Å"The Story Told in Hamlet† describes just how close the hero is to suicide while reciting his most famous soliloquy:      Hamlet enters, desperate enough by this time to be thinking of suicide. It seems to him that it would be such a sure way of escape from torment, just to cease existing, and he gives the famous speech on suicide that has never been worn thin by repetition. â€Å"To be, or not to be . . .† It would be easy to stop living.    To die, to sleep; No more. And by a sl... ...in, Harry. â€Å"An Explication of the Player’s Speech.† Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Rpt. from The Question of Hamlet. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1959.    Nevo, Ruth. â€Å"Acts III and IV: Problems of Text and Staging.† Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Rpt. from Tragic Form in Shakespeare. N.p.: Princeton University Press, 1972.    Rosenberg, Marvin. â€Å"Laertes: An Impulsive but Earnest Young Aristocrat.† Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. from The Masks of Hamlet. Newark, NJ: University of Delaware Press, 1992.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html

Analysis of Bulgaria :: Essays Papers

External historical events often changed Bulgaria's national boundaries in its first century of existence, natural terrain features defined most boundaries after 1944, and no significant group of people suffered serious economic hardship because of border delineation. Postwar Bulgaria contained a large percentage of the ethnic Bulgarian people, although numerous migrations into and out of Bulgaria occurred at various times. None of the country's borders was officially disputed in 1991, although nationalist Bulgarians continued to claim that Bulgaria's share of Macedonia--which it shared with both Yugoslavia and Greece--was less than just because of the ethnic connection between Macedonians and Bulgarians. In 1991 Bulgaria had a total border of about 2,264 kilometers. Rivers accounted for about 680 kilometers and the Black Seacoast for 400 kilometers. Ridges in mainly defined the southern and western borders high terrain. The western and northern boundaries were shared with Yugoslavia and Romania, respectively, and the Black Sea coastline constituted the entire eastern border. The Romanian border followed the Danube River for 464 kilometers from the northwestern corner of the country to the city of Silistra and then cut to the east-southeast for 136 kilometers across the northeastern province of Varna. The Danube, with steep bluffs on the Bulgarian side and a wide area of swamps and marshes on the Romanian side, was one of the most effective rivers boundaries in Europe. The line through Dobruja was arbitrary and was redrawn several times according to international treaties. In that process, most inhabitants with strong national preferences resettled in the country of their choice. Borders to the south were with Greece and Turkey. The border with Greece was 491 kilometers long, and the Turkish border was 240 kilometers long. Bulgaria covers approximately 110,550 square kilometers. Its topography is mostly hills combined with plateaus, with major flatlands to the north and the center of the country. Its main mountain ranges Balkan and Rhodope include two major ranges, Pirin and Rila. The climate is divided by mountains into continental and Mediterranean. The rainfall is very variable, with largest amounts in higher elevations. Its population estimate is 8,989,172. Its 1990 growth rate was negative .35 percent, and its population density eighty-one per square kilometer. Bulgaria’s official state language is Bulgarian. There is also a main national minority language witch is Turkish. Bulgaria has many different ethnic groups. The country is made up of 85% Bulgarians, 8.5% Turks, 2.5% Gypsies, 2.5% Macedonians, 0.

Brave New World :: essays research papers

Brave New World After reading the novel Brave New World by Aldus Huxley it is easily realized that it is unlike any other classic story. It predicts a future overpowered by technology and where the people have no religion. The plot of the story made me think if this would be a perfect place to live or a terrible place to live. It is hard to distinguish where the line is drawn between making life simpler and losing the meaning of life. Although some may look upon this type of life with envy I personally would rather have to work harder than to lose myself. The first think that made me dislike the ideas is this book was the fact that the government overpowered the world, causing the loss of freedom. Never having to worry about a job is something most people would appreciate, but at the same time it is not worth losing all freedoms. Freedom is more important to happiness than having needs automatically satisfied. I also feel that religion plays an important role in people's lives. It represents our principles and values. Religion guides us, gives us something to believe in and a set of rules to live by. Mustapha Mond when referring to the Holy Bible says that "they're old; they're about God hundreds of years ago. Not about God Now" (Huxley 237). Mustapha Mond is saying that with the evolution of time the need for religion has disappeared and has been replaced by the worship of another God who is Ford. It is stated that they basically live a fulfilled life, according to a strict set of rules and then they die. But is that really a fulfilled life? Also thanks to their conditioning they do not fear death but accept it as a way of life. That alone is a task that our world still has not been able to accomplish, but if the loss of a life means nothing, wouldn’t that reflect that the life itself meant nothing? In this civilization, the people are isolated from one another, divided into five different classes. In every society there will be invisible classes of people, but to have them so defined is a crime. No one is given the chance to move up and make more of themselves. The members of each class are ranked according to their mental capacity and physical appearance.

Welcoming Country

Today, Many people in our society have faced many challenges whether it is because of their religion, gender, physical ability and sexual orientation. The United states has always prided themselves to be an open and welcoming country that does not judge one another on any basis. Under this administration the challenges that many immigrants are facing have become greater than ever. Hate crimes against the jewish people have been occurring way more frequently now. Many people in the United States have Xenophobia where they think their country, and their way of life is far superior than everyone else's, and when someone comes in from another country they tend to not accept them or even want to talk to them. Since 911 happened people tend to associate every muslim as a terrorist and they come here to this country to get the opportunities that everyone else has and they are not getting it because Islamophobia. Many young black teens are at a disadvantage because many schools have the zero tolerance policies that end up pushing them out of the school and into the juvenile and the criminal justice system instead of giving them a chance and help within the school system. The United States has come a long way over the years from slavery, and not letting women vote but many improvements can be made for us to truly become a country that accepts all people no matter if they're black, white a women or gay. Furthermore if this country wants a better future for their children then we have to work on these issues and have to become more open minded when it comes to immigrants, religion, women, and people who are gay that are in this country. Women have also gone through struggles facing discrimination because of gender. They have being doing the same job that men do but a lot of the time they do not get the same pay. It was not until the civil war that women were even allowed to work. Women were not hired for jobs that were considered jobs for males. In the 1960's women only occupied two percent of managerial positions. This showed that gender discriminations was still prevalent.This portrait that women had to accept jobs which did not require high skill nor get high pay. Even with all these issues women were strong and gathered in groups to fight these issues. In time, gender discrimination against women in the workforce has alleviated. In 1963 the equal pay act for women was passed meaning that men and women doing the same job had to get the same amount of pay or it was illegal. Groups like The National Organization of women were formed to help women get the same rights that men had like being able to play the same sports in college. Women are essential to society because they are just as capable as men and they have proved themselves in the workforce time and time again. An important reason why people come to this country is to be able to practice their religion freely and openly without any prohibition, harm or even trying to be oppressed . The founding fathers of our nation came to this country to practice their religion. Although, one of the roots of immigration into this country was the search for freedom of religion, many entities have been discriminated as a people. If we take a look at our history, we can find some examples. One of them is General Ulysses S. Grant who issued an order to take out the Jewish people from states Tennessee,Kentucky, and mississippi that were under his control. Most of the states in the U.S do not let people of the same sex marry. Within the last ten years states have been letting up, and are letting gays and lesbians marry each other under the law. These people have been discriminated since this country has been formed . When HIV first came out it was known as a â€Å"gay man's disease † meaning that you had to be gay to get that disease. Donald Trump and vice president Mike Pence do not believe in gay marriage and this is another barrier facing the LGBT community. They have been targeted and bullied in many schools around the country. Sexual discrimination was seen in the armed forces. Commanders used to launch what they called â€Å"witch hunts† to find gay troops and boot them out of the service. Many citizens that do not have the physical ability have been left behind and not taken care of the way they should be. These people for a long time and still today get bullied in school, have no friends, and do not get the support that they need and deserve to be able to do the things that they want. A lot of times these people get harassed in the workplace because they do not have the same ability as others. To help these people out the government passed a law called American with disabilities act to ensure that people with disabilities get proper accommodation in the workforce and also get protection under being fired just solely because they are disabled. I have learned a lot in the course. All the issues that this country is facing surrounding racism and people accepting one another for who they are and what they represent. I have also been exposed to many different things like people's cultures and the hardships that they face on a daily basis. The class has made me more aware of how deeply discrimination exists in our society, and the struggles that people have gone through to overcome make our country a more acceptable society. I learned that we have gains but still have a long way to go. After taking taking this class I have become a better person. Fixing these issues that society fights as a whole is not an easy task. In order to make changes with have to start with our young generations, and make it an empathize in the school systems to teach and focus on accepting one another no matter what the circumstances surrounding that person. Once we make the citizens aware that no matter what we believe, or how different we look, or whatever sexual orientation and gender we may be we are all part of the human race. If we make these social changes starting with our young children then this country will get back on track to fulfill its promise of being a nation which accepts everyone no matter color, race, gender. Furthermore we have to elect politicians that follows these ideologies that we are looking to have in this country. Many people in our society have faced many challenges whether it is because of their religion, gender, physical ability, and sexual orientation. This country has come a long way from discriminating against these groups but we still have a lot of work to do if we want this country to be fully accepting of everyone. A lot of these issues that we face as a culture need to be stopped from the top down. If the president can become more open and tolerant of others then that would be a major step in fixing this mess between different groups. What I have discussed in this essay about the current trend of racism, sexism and discrimination is not new, As the famous adage goes†History repeats itself†. At the founding of our american democracy with the Declaration of Independence (`1776) and the US Constitution (1789)all men were supposed to be equal under the law. However, women did not receive the right to vote until the year 1919 with the adoption of the 19th amendment of the constitution. Most states did not allow married women to keep their property until the beginning of the 20th century. Prior to the 29th century , women's legal status was that of chattel- they were the legal property of their Husbands and fathers. The few women from the late 19th century to the mid twentieth century who were able to get law degrees, medical and engineering degrees found themselves underemployed because employers did not want to hire women in these professions. It wasn't until the late 1970 that most states passed discriminations law to protect bias agent gender. Historically, Blacks have also been discriminated the legal and political system of our country. Although the 13th amendment ended slavery in 1865 and the 14th amendment (1868)guaranteed equal protection under the law for all persons, segregation and the denial of voting rights to blacks and other racial minorities persisted until the adoption of the federal voting rights in 1965. Discrimination in job hiring and access to housing was also rampant until the adoption of the Civil rights Acts in 1964. Historically, many different immigrant groups were discriminated and prevented from entering the United States. For example, the chinese exclusion act enacted in 1882 prohibited immigration of all chinese laborers even though –ironically– previous generations of chinese laborers were exploited to build the great railroad system that expanded the wealth and growth of the continental United States. Many of these laws were not repealed until after the second world war in 1948. Other ethnic groups (e.g. Irish and eastern europeans) had strict limited quotas for entry into the United States. Finally, protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation has only recently been enacted by only 24 states. There is still no federal civil rights protection based upon sexual orientation. Hence, for example, in the states of North Carolina and MIssissippi employers can fire or deny promotions to gay employees. We should remind ourselves of this history as we put into perspective the need to recognize and address the current problems of discrimination based on gender, race, ethnic origin and sexual orientation.

Information Systems Proposal

This course provides an overview of Business Information Systems. Students learn to apply Microsoft ® Office tools including work processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software to accomplish business objectives. Other topics include uses of application software and the Internet for effective problem solving, exploration of relevant emerging technologies, and how information is used across different industries. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. †¢Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read th e policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Grauer, R. T. , Poatsy, M. A. , Mulbery, K. , Hulett, M. , Krebs, C. & Mast, K. (2011). Microsoft ® Office 2010: Volume 1. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Rainer, R. K. & Cegielski, C. G. (2011). Introduction to information systems: Supporting and transforming business (3rd ed. ). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Week One: Information Systems and Word Processing Tools DetailsDuePoints Objectives1. 1Explain the benefits of information systems in the work environment. 1. 2Describe ethical issues related to information technology. . 3Use word processing tools to communicate business objectives. ReadingsRead Ch. 1–3 & Technology Guide 1 of Introduction to Information Systems. Read Ch. 1 & 2 for Word in Microsoft ® Office 2010. Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. 2 Learning Team InstructionsResources: Learning Team Charter Create the Learning Team Charter. Individual Information Technology Acts PaperSelect two of the following acts to research: †¢Do Not Call Implementation Act, 2003 Controlling the Assault of Non-solicited Pornography and Marketing (CAN-SPAM) Act, 2003 †¢Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), 2002 †¢Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (US Patriot Act), 2001, renewed 2006 †¢Children’s Internet Protection Act, 2000 †¢Financial Services Modernization Act, 1999 †¢Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 1998 †¢No Electronic Theft (NET) Act, 1997 †¢Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 1996 †¢Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), 1991 Video Privacy Protection Act, 1988 †¢Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 1986 †¢Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 1986 †¢The Cable Communications Policy Act, 1984 †¢Electronic Funds Transfer Act, 1978 †¢Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 1974 †¢Fair Credit Reporting Act, 1970 Prepare a 350- to 1,050-word paper that answers the following question: †¢What were the advances in information technology that resulted in new ethical issues necessitating the creation of each act? Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. 10

Local Literature Essay

Personality is the sum of one’s personal characteristics. It is one’s identity. The teachers, more than any other professional are momentarily subjected to scrutiny to the minutest detail and observation by those they associate with. Teachers are judged more strictly than the other professionals. The personality they project determined the impressions they make upon students’ and colleagues. Their poise, bearing and manner of dressing create a stunning and attractive appearance. Their facial expression communicates a friendly and amiable disposition. Personalities may be described as authoritative, weak, dynamic, or â€Å"magnetic†. Teachers’ personality must be natural and genuine, that is, devoid of pretenses and artificiality. They must be consistent, true and authentic. (Corpuz & Salandanan, 2006 p.12) In the highly complex world of human relations, it is essential that the conscientious teachers be concerned not only with how students’ interact with her but how they interact with their peers and with other adults. But concern is not enough. Little can be accomplished until students’ problems pertaining to human relations have been identified. (Salandanan, 2010 p.18) Once the teachers is more aware with the social relationships among her students’ she is in the better position to select a technique for teaching human relations. Toward this end, the teacher must first identify students’ problems pertaining to human relations. The identification such problem gives the teacher a basis for considering what techniques for improving human relations she might employ. (â€Å"Teaching techniques for improving human relations†, p.459 n.d) No single factor can contribute more to an improved student achievement than the guarantee of a quality teacher in every classroom. No amount of classroom facilities and instructional materials can produced the desired learning outcome without a teacher at the center stage. Quality is synonymous to competence, creativity and commitment, contextualized in the teaching profession. Competence highlights a teacher’s adequate knowledge, proficient skills and trustworthiness. Creativity is a kin to originality,  flexibility and innovativeness. Worthwhile values of compassion and commitment provide the fine ingredients that make teaching truly humane and enriched with a sincere feeling of accountability. Quality teachers’ can be found in our schools today. Adequately prepared through quality pre-service programs and continually motivated to grow while in the service, their competence to teach is assured. The attitudes and values that they project in and out of the classrooms, in the home and community, provide positively and satisfactorily the answer to the perennial search for quality teachers. As paragons of virtues and progressive attitudes, they truly deserve the priceless rewards, recognition and emulation of the whole nation. With full pride and confidence, every parent and community can lay upon their chests the growth and nurturance of their sons and daughters for a promising future. (â€Å"Quality teacher†, p.7-11 n.d) The teacher rightfully deserves to be enthroned at the center stage of any educational endeavor. She is the distinct ray of light that illumines the mind touches the heart and buoys aloft the spirit of the young. Every effort, initiative or enterprise aimed to educating the young needs a magic hand to provide the much-needed direction, guidance and energy throughout the educational journey. Assuming a number of roles that a leader, counselor, assistant and instructional manager, there is no task that demands more waking hours, strength and attention than the teaching-learning episode. Competent teachers produce competent students. The desire to grow and learn more and more is vital to the development of an exceptional proficiency and capability needed in the teaching profession. As a concluding statement, a definitive teacher personality is a picture of one who possesses outstanding mental, personal and social traits. Has a strong aptitude and interest in teaching the young, steep in worthwhile values and attitudes and competent in both content and teaching methodologies. The teacher with a definitive personality is bound to reach the minds and touch the hearts of the young. (Aquino, 2008 p. 35-38) Travis W. Twiford, Chair Mary E. Yakimowski-Srebnick Steven M. Janosik Louis O. Tonelson Stephen Parson (2012) â€Å"The Influence of Teaching Methods on Student Achievement on Virginia’s End of Course Standards of Learning Test for Algebra I† Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Virginia Beach, Virginia. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-10062002-202857/unrestricted/HAASDISSERTATION.PDF SYED SHAFQAT ALI SHAH (2009) IMPACT OF TEACHER’S BEHAVIOUR ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS. University Institute of Education and Research. Rawalpindi, Pakistan. http://prr.hec.gov.pk/Thesis/293S.pdf Amy C. Thomason (2011) TEACHER PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS: CONTRIBUTIONS TO EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND BEHAVIOR GUIDANCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOMS. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. North Carolina. http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/uncg/f/Thomason_uncg_0154D_10586.pdf Chang, Ya-Ching, â€Å"Students’ Percepti ons of Teaching Styles and Use of Learning Strategies. † Master’s Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2010. http://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/782 Sylvie Marguerite Raymond (2008).Effective and Ineffective University Teaching from the Students’ and Faculty’s Perspectives: Matched or Mismatched Expectations. University of Exeter. Doctor of Education. https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10036/40767/RaymondS.pdf?sequence=1 Jeffrey Sprenger (n.d).STRESS AND COPING BEHAVIORS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS. Health Education and Promotion. http://thescholarship.ecu.edu/bitstream/handle/10342/3548/Sprenger_ecu_0600M_10405.pdf?sequence=1 UNPUBLISHED MATERIALS Abejuela R., almeniana C., Caballero J., Gomez N., Salles M. (2007). Teaching Beliefs and Teaching Intentions of Daycare Teachers. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Acuà ±a L., Gadia M., Gaspar R., Rodrigo J., (2008). Academic achievement of selected education students involved in extracurricular activities. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Aguilar A., Basibas K., Castillo R., Cruz M., Pontiyon A., et al (2007).Non-intellective factors affecting the Academic Performance of Freshman High School Students in Mathematics at Sta. Lucia High School.School year 2006-2007.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Balle M., Feraaro L., Guinto J., Palaming I., Umali C. (2011).Level of Social Skills and Academic Achievement of Selected Grade II Pupil. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Banzuela R., Pumas M., Peckson W. (2006).Self-Conceptand Academic Performance in Mathematics of Selected Pinagbuhatan High School Freshmen.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Barreno C., Casuga M., Intalan P., Ocampo D., (2007).Motivation on Teaching among First Year Bachelor of Elementary Education Students. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Bartolome J., Borlagdatan M., Cinco A. and Tumonog L., (2013).Teaching Strategies of Secondary Mathematics Teachers in Elementary Algebra and its Relation in the Performance of the Students.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Benito G., De leon M., Baga R., (2004).Teachers morale and work motivation at Pasig Central Elementary School Pasig City.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Calià ±go J., Laguitan L., Nagales M. and Tingson S., (2006). â€Å"The Relationship between the Self-Esteem and Achievement Motivation of selected College Freshmen. College of education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Castillo A., Santos K., Beltran L., Dueà ±as J., Ibardo I. (2006).â€Å"The relationship between Students Learning Styles and their Expectation of Relationship with Faculty.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Conise C., Rivera M., Vinarao M. (2008). Attitude Towards Teaching Profession and Level of Pedagogical Knowledge among Third year and Fourth year Education Students. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Cruz L., Ruiz A., Umali M., (2012). Self-perceived difficulty and expectation of peer teacher and parents to the performance of third year geometry students.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Cruz P., Hernando M., Jimenez S. (2008). â€Å"Perception on English Teacher Quality and Use of Instructional Media among third year students of three secondary schools.College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Dayandante G., Echual M., Gavileà ±o J., Mangalus S., Telmo M., (2008). Perception on the Quality of Tests Administered to selected Freshmen Students. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. De Guzman J., Facistol R., Lorenzo A., Pascua J., Pelisigas R., et al (2009). Relationship of Achievement and Attitude Motivation‚ Anxiety and Aptitude in Mathematics.College of Education‚ PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. De Leon T.‚ Delmindo K.‚ Ebot M.‚ Maà ±oso E.‚ Otayco J. (2007).â€Å"The Relationship between Trust in and Respect for Teachers and Student autonomy and Influence in the Classroom†.College of Education‚ PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Laurente J.‚ Lumbao J.‚ Meà ±oza R.‚ Miguel K.‚ Nicolas L.‚ et al (2010). Relationship of Teacher’s Profile‚ Instructional Materials and Instructional Methods used Teachers Teaching Styles and Mean Score in the National Achievement Test of Napico Elementary School. College of Education‚ PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig. Molar V., (2010).Teachers’ Personality and Pupils’ Learning Behavior of Grade Five at Nagpayong Elementary School S.Y. 2009-2010; an assessment. College of Education, PamantasanngLungsodng Pasig.

Frame Analysis of Merck

The events that Merck encountered in the early 1990s have brought the company under intense economic and political pressure. Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) lowered the prices of drugs since they gained more control over drug prices and alone accounted for 75% of drug purchases. Generic substitutes put more pressure on the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to the election of President Bill Clinton in 1992, who exerted political pressure on the high profit margins of pharmaceutical companies and their alleged contribution to runway U.S. health care costs. Merck CEO, Vagelos at that time, initiated a series of actions to adapt the company to the pressuring circumstances. The immense outside pressure created a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity which is best explained through the political frame. Vagelos actions demonstrated the power of the political frame which is demonstrated by his firmwide cost-cutting campaign. He also inclined to lay off his employees by his managed headcount and cut all waste strategies. Vagelos exerted a structural act by moving the corporate headquarters from its historic home in New Jersey to a 30 wooded campus near Whitehouse Station. The old headquarter was alongside the company research and manufacturing facilities, but the new site was merely corporate and isolated from the company's other divisions.   This move has weekend the sense of family and relationship through the human resource frame. Although, Vagelos claimed a human resource face to create a new corporate culture to prepare the company to meet external challenges, but his acts spoke of power and conflict through the political frame. The political frame created more confusion for Merck employees especially after Vagelos name Richard Markham as president of the company, who resigned after six months leaving the company in more confusion. The absence of the human resource and the symbolic frames has caused morale of company employees to decrease and there was a perception that Merck was losing its way as a company. Advantages and Disadvantages to Merck Advantages for the political frame are the practice of power in face of uncertainty and confusion. However, the political frame created more confusion and the sense of team was lost. Advantages of the human resource frame builds on the sense of family and strong relationships to embrace the company for exerted pressure. The advantages of the symbolic frame are ability to handle complex and uncertain conditions of the company. Evaluation of Gilmartin Performance in Creating Change: Gilmartin has introduced so much change in Merck to enable the company to survive economic and political outside pressures. His performance would be evaluated in this section using the keys to a successful change introduced by Tucker in 1995. The following objects need to be clearly identified: need, objectives, participation, broad guidelines, details by group, benefits of change, and giving rewards. At first the need to change is identified at Merck to be initiated by the increasing economic and political pressure that was imposed on the company during 1992-1993. The change outside the company signalled change inside Merck. The company strategy and organization was compelling especially after the departure of CEO Roy Vagelos. The objectives of this change were to increase company sales, and revenues, increase morale, develop a sense of direction for the company for the future. Guidelines of the change were to maintain the established high ethical standard of the company while developing the tradition of scientific excellence through a cross-function function.. Participation in the change was mainly administrated by the groups that maintain the company; its employees and management, in addition to stockholders. The benefits of this change were to achieve the objectives mentioned in the previous section. In addition to increased earnings and established a sense of direction for the future to come. Rewards for this change were given to employees’ due to their positive view of Merck. Employees were also very pleased with the progress Merck had on management training and leadership development. Employees were also pleased with the their much developed communication among students. The rationale for my analysis considered the political and economic pressures exerted on the company in addition to decreasing income and revenue pressures which created the need for the analysis. Objectives aimed at the improvement of the initial status presented.   Guidelines were the specific way Gilmartin followed to achieve his objectives.   Participation pointed out the affected or participating elements that would be changed. The benefits gained from this change are at best when they match the objectives or even outperform what was expected as the outcome of change. Rewards are the benefits to participants. Stakeholders of the Recall of Vioxx: The 2004 Merck announcement concerning its recalling of the arthritis medicine; Vioxx, has caused the company stock to decrease by 27% on the following day. In 2005, Merck has set aside $685 million for Vioxx’s legal defense for more than 11,000 cases. The internal and external stakeholders are: Patients taking Vioxx, the United States Food and Drug Administration, Merck ; Company Shareholders, and other pharmaceutical firms. Negative Impact of Vioxx Recall: The potential negative impact of the recall of Vioxx, the most successful product launch in the history of Merck is multi-sided to include many losses. The financial losses were estimated to be ten percent of total expected sales per year which amounts to $2.5 billion per year (Appleby ; Matt 2004). The financial loss is further to be enlarged by the large number of lawsuits filed against the company. However, the bold legal strategy that Merck took to fight every individual Vioxx law suit on a case by case basis is expected to dampen the effect of litigation.   Merck accepts to take the cost of one billion dollars in litigation fee rather than open the door for settlements which would be devastating with the entrance of thousands of new law suits. Merck hopes that the waiting game would cause many plaintiffs to back off. The reputation of Merck also sustained great damage. It is believed that Vioxx is responsible for some disastrous health outcomes. Merck is shown to care all about business with less integrity towards doing what's right for its customers.   However, it is the reputation of Merck relative to other pharmaceutical company’s that really determines the extent of damage to Merck’s reputation. In reaction to the increasing economic and political pressures on Merck, Vagelos should have followed a combination of symbolic and human resource frame to better mobilize the company to sustain the encountered pressures. He should have built on the strong emotions and relationships between company employees who were developed during the company golden age 1992-1993. He also could have adhered to his alleged symbolic frame and created a symbol for the company to adhere to until hard times have passed through. Recommendation to Merck: It is recommended that Merck pursuit the development of new products to make up for the decrease in total sales that resulted from the recall of Vioxx. The company should also improve its reputation within the pharmaceutical industry through the involvement in a number of ethical activities to the community. Merck could re-establish its reputation by blaming the FDA for not recalling the drug after learning of Vioxx’s risks. Merck could work with FDA to change its approval process to ensure the safety of future drugs. References Appleby, J. & Matt, K. (2004). Merck estimates $2.5B impact from pulling Vioxx plug. USA Today Posted 9/30/2004 obtained on October 15, 2007 from http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/drugs/2004-09-30-merck-cover_x.htm