Abstract This paper discusses the insurance company BlueCrossBlue Shield of Missouri. The paper describes the negative public perception of this company due to incomplete information provided on the company's website. The paper claims that the insurance company does not make its members aware of the benefits due to them. Suggestions are presented to employ marketing strategies that will improve BlueCrossBlue Shield's public image.
From the Paper "In the past, the marketing of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri has faced severe criticism. A Market Conduct Examination Report by Health Care Financing Administration notes that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri "utilizes an overall marketing, policy issuance and application process hostile to Missouri residents attempting to exercise their rights as provided for in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996" (Health Care Financing Administration). Specific criticisms of the marketing policies of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri not that the company "Withholds access to information regarding guaranteed available policies from consumers attempting to access information through (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Missouri)'s marketing website" (Health Care Financing Administration). Specifically, the organization charges that BCBSMo does not inform consumers of the "availability of BasicBlue coverage" on its website."
Abstract The paper discusses the Human Resources department of BlueCross/Blue Shield and examines its roles and responsibilities within the organization. Particularly, the paper focuses on the strategic alignment of the HR department within the organization and how its assists in the overall execution of the organization's strategy and contributes to the company's bottom line revenues. Of particular interest are BlueCross/Blue Shield's use of diversity programs, training programs and mentoring programs all shepherded by its Human Resources department and management.
From the Paper "The human resource function at Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BCBS) is central to that organization's effective operation, since it relies on a diverse customer and employee base in order to remain competitive. As such, BCBS' human resources department and functionality is central to the organization's overall strategic mission. BCBS' HR department relies on the organization's mission statement and subsequently re-articulates its ethical framework to match the strategic employment of human resource practices. This implies that all new hiring is done through an inculcation of the corporate mission, the ethical framework of the company, as well as a sense of BCBS' historical work ethic (Avolio & Bass, 2002). Human resource practices are requisite to perpetuating success and two important components of success in today's healthcare marketplace is maintaining and increasing retention and diversity among staff across the organization."
Abstract This paper examines the film, "Blue Velvet," directed by David Lynch. Specifically, it discusses mise-en-scene and cinematography in the film. It looks at how David Lynch is a master of the film noir, dark and brooding types of films that disturb, disquiet, and titillate, all at the same time, and how "Blue Velvet" is no exception. It discusses how the film is part blue porn flick, part girl-next-door love story, and part sadistic kidnapping, and how the elements all blend together to form a cohesive whole because of Lynch's masterful use of mise-en-scene staging and cinematography. "Blue Velvet," even with its happy ending, leaves the viewer wanting more, somehow and that, too, seems to be just what Lynch intended.
From the Paper "Mise-en-scene is a French term describing the "director's text" or staging of a film, and in "Blue Velvet," David Lynch's intricate and often surreal staging is an integral part of the film. He arranges space and time in the film with such dark and dreamlike qualities that the film can be nothing more than memorable and yet quite disturbing at the same time ? a true mark of Lynch's film and a tribute to his mise-en-scene. The most compelling visual motif in the film is of course the color blue. Lynch stages action around the color to keep it always in the memory of the viewers. The film opens with a sensuous scene of blue velvet fabric undulating on the screen, the theme continues from the background music to the clearly blue cigarette smoke issuing from the cigarettes of the characters, and in fact, Dorothy, the nightclub singer and sado-masochist, is known as "The Blue Lady" in her act."
Abstract In this paper, the writer introduces, discusses, and analyzes the development of jazz and the blues. The roots of these two forms of American music are traced. The author also explores the influence of African-American slave music on these forms of music. Several notable jazz and blues artists are discussed. The author concludes by stating jazz and blues are popular forms of music throughout the world.
From the Paper "Some of the more recognizable blues artists include Robert Johnson, Billie Holiday, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charlie Patton, Son House, T-Model Ford, Howlin' Wolf, BB King, Muddy Waters, and Leadbelly (Gioia). Many jazz musicians have influenced the music and become famous in their own right, too. Early musicians include Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and many others. Jazz continues to evolve today, with "smooth jazz" gaining in popularity, and modern influential artists include Wynton Marsalis and Kenny G. Advocates included many black and white writers of the times, such as Richard Wright and Langston Hughes, who recognized the importance of the music and helped spread interest about it around the world."
Examines the risk and hazard factors of bright blue light in the workplace and compares the use of green light in the work place and examines the safety issues relating to green light use.
Abstract This research paper examines the hazards and risks associated with the use of blue light in the work place. In addition, the paper examines the use of green light in the workplace and the safety issues relating to the use of green light. Also examined is the fact that blue light marketers inform the public that lamps with 'enhanced' UV will ensure better health.
From the Paper "Photometric quantities such as luminance (brightness in cd/cm2 as perceived by a human "standard observer") and illuminance in lux (the "light" falling on a surface) indicate light levels spectrally weighted by the standard photometric visibility curve which peaks at 550 nm for the human eye. To quantify a photochemical effect it is not sufficient to specify the number of photons-per-square-centimeter (photon flux) or the irradiance (W/cm2) since the efficiency of the effect will be highly dependent on wavelength."
Abstract The paper maintains that Stott's book, "The Cross of Christ," is an important book. For those Christians who want to further explore the meaning behind the Cross and behind Christ's death, it is a thought-provoking resource. The paper explains how Stott makes a very good case for the Cross being more than simply important, but rather that it is a vital part of Christianity. Without the Cross, Stott argues that Christianity as we know it would not exist. The paper is of the opinion that after reading this book, it is difficult to argue with this perspective.
From the Paper "John R. W. Stott takes the position that the Cross is essential to Christianity. He makes his convincing argument by dividing the discussion into four parts, discussing the Cross as a symbol, the need for forgiveness, the spiritual benefits that the Cross has provided to believers and finally, on the practical and earthly teachings that the Cross can offer. Stott does not have all the answers on the subject of Christ's Cross. However, the book is a thoughtful and complex study offering suggestions on the subject of the Cross upon which Christ died. The Cross is important, Stott states, because it performs more than the single function of being the method of execution favored by the Romans."
Abstract In this paper the author looks at the painting, ?Composition with Red Yellow and Blue? c. 1922 by Piet Mondrian and attempts to bring a sense of purpose to the painting and instill the reader with a sense of appreciation for the message that Mondrian imparts through his art. He concludes by examining the September 11th attacks in relation to Mondrain's art and contends that Mondrain would have regarded it as surreal.
From the paper:
"Mondrian believed that artistic expression should be found in the abstraction of form and color and that his use of vertical and horizontal lines would express the perfect harmony between these two extremes".
Tags: artists, painters, Piet, Mondrian, Composition, Red, Yellow, Blue, Amsterdam, Theosophical, Neoplatonic, Panthelistic, Paris, De, Stijl, Le, Neo, Plasticisme
Abstract This paper describes the painting, "Blue Bowl", and explains how the artist's use of contrast, line, and color in this painting create the balance and rhythm characteristic of Alexander's work.
From the Paper ""The Blue Bowl" contains several contrasting formal elements that contribute to its energetic nature. For example, a thick, black background competes with the woman's milky skin. The contrast enables her figure to jump out of the background, giving her lightness and freedom from an otherwise nebulous environment. Moreover, only part of her skin is exposed, from the nape of her neck and her upper back. The skin here is also far brighter than the skin on her hands and face, which remains in shadow. Most of the woman's skin remains concealed beneath the dress; like the contents of the bowl and the atmosphere of the room she graces, the bulk of her body is unseen by the viewer. The floral print dress jumps out of the canvas largely because of its color scheme. Just as her skin contrasts sharply with the dark background, so too does the ivory-colored dress, the piece of furniture she leans on with her left hand, and the background of the titular blue bowl."
Abstract The paper provides an analysis of Wallace Stevens' poem "The Man with the Blue Guitar". Specifically, the paper discusses the author's conception of poetry compared to classicism and to another trend of modernist poems. A copy of the poem is included at the beginning of the paper.
From the Paper "Indeed, Wallace Stevens' work differs in multiple ways from Pound's. Stevens focuses mainly on the frontier that lies between imagination and reality. He believes that poetry is what humans do: the poet is aware of his role in society. This point of view over the authorial voice parallels some romantic concepts, a paradox since most modernist poets tended to escape from the formalism and ornament diffused by the romantic movement. "
Abstract This paper explains Wal-Mart's proprietary cross-docking system as part of a global supply chain management system. The paper describes advantages of the technique of cross-docking, how this innovation supports the replenishment of Wal-Mart stores.
From the Paper "Cross-docking is a relatively new and extremely effective technique used in global supply chain management. This technique can rapidly consolidate shipments from different sources and reduce the cost of outbound transportation by eliminating the inventory-holding function of a warehouse without hampering its consolidation and shipping functions. An important adjunct to the warehouse management systems now in use in many industries, Hill Fig cross-docking eliminates several intermediate steps in the warehousing process."
Tags:cross-docking, Wal-Mart, warehouse management system, global supply chain management
Abstract This paper discusses the relaxation by the Australian authorities of cross-media and foreign ownership laws. The debate seems to balance out as to the number of the pros and cons and the weight of the arguments of each side. However, sifting through the arguments the paper shows that they meet halfway on the need to protect media against excess concentration of power and foreign influence. On these concerns, the Australian government seems to draw lessons from the media liberalization programs of other developed countries, which are allowing cross-media ownership and foreign participation up to more manageable limits and only in specific media areas where activities are calculated to pose lesser risks. The paper concludes that the problem is that, despite these safeguards, people will always look at media deregulation with suspicion and misgiving because of the sensitive nature of this industry.
From the Paper "After Lord Morley left journalism to join government service in the early stages of the development of media in UK, there is an oft-quoted remark made to him by Kennedy Jones, co-founder of the venerable Daily Mail. "You left journalism a profession. We made it a branch of commerce," Jones told Morley. The equally famous rejoinder was: "The more, the pity." One view in effect exults that media has evolved into a business proposition, where profit takes precedence over its traditionally loftier priorities. The other opinion looks with sadness at such commercialization of journalism, implying that this is inimical to public interest.
That pithy exchange from the past captures the essence of the present-day debate in Australia triggered by the government announcement of plans to deregulate media after 20 years of controls on foreign ownership and cross-media transactions. The Morley-Jones clash of views between the public service and business orientation of media deferred to old UK conditions, but the same hairsplitting still rings true today and continues to reverberate throughout the world as economic opportunities diminish and competition for scarce resources tighten up. Since almost all sectors of national economies have been served up for foreign interests in the universal drive to generate much-needed foreign investment, governments in many parts of the world, both developed and underdeveloped, are fixing their attention on the media industry as the last remaining enticement for foreign investors. As Australian Sen. Ron Walker puts it: "Media has become the last major industry begging for reform to bring it to the 21st century." By inference, the senator is batting for a new scheme that would keep Australian media in step with the times by allowing foreign investment into the arena."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of non-profit disaster mitigation organization. Specifically, the paper analyzes the American Red Cross including the mission of the organization, its involvement in recent disasters, and funding issues. The paper also examines the Red Cross's relief and disaster efforts.
From the Paper "The American Red Cross has been in existence since the nineteenth century. Organized by nurse Clara Barton, it has grown to be one of the premier disaster mitigation organizations in the country and the world. It is a non-partisan, humanitarian organization responds to all types of local and national emergencies, from families displaced by home fires to war and terrorism victims. Its mission is to step in during any time of disaster and provide food, clothing, shelter, and assistance to any victims of that disaster."
Abstract This paper reviews Richard Fletcher's book, "The Cross and the Crescent," which presents a history of the relations between Muslims and Christians. The reviewer sees Fletcher's work as coming at an opportune times, since today the West often feels a sense of hysteria regarding anything related to Islam. The reviewer sees the "The Cross and the Crescent" as providing important information about Islamic civilization and culture, presenting the Arab world in a more comprehensive way. The reviewer also describes the Muslim view of the Christian world, and concludes by citing Fletcher's opinion that both cultures influenced each other.
From the Paper "Fletcher's book focuses on the attitude that the Muslims had regarding to the Christians and vice-versa more than to purely historical aspects. For example, he pays not so much attention to the historical events of the crusades, but to the effect they had on the Muslim population. The book provides a valuable insight to Islam and to the relations between Islam and Christianity."
Tags:Cross, and, the, Crescent, Richard, Fletcher, Christianity, Islam, West
Abstract This paper is a critical analysis of cross-cultural politeness using the Brown and Levinson's model as a basis for defining and understanding politeness and applying it to three Asian languages: Chinese; Cantonese and Japanese.
From the Paper "What is politeness? If I propose that 'politeness' be used as pragmatically terminology, the preferable definition is to be found in appropriateness. It can be also said to be universal only in the sense that every society has some sort of norms for the appropriate behavior, although these norms are vary. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a cross-cultural context by applying a well-known Brown and Levinson's model (1978 and revised in 1987), which has been applied in various settings, from casual services, encounters to EFL classrooms. However, Brown and Levinson's model (1978) has been criticized for being too geared to Western (especially American) notions of "independence" and, hence, for its limited applicability in Asian contexts. I have attempted in the following by first giving a general and brief account for Brown and Levinson's model (1978), and then try to apply and analyze the Brown and Levinson's model (1978) in three Asian languages: Chinese; Cantonese and Japanese. "
Abstract If the purpose of social science, at large, involves the testing of possible theories and models for social improvement, it will have to contend with what at first appear to be complicating factors in increased numbers of places and situations in which cross or inter-cultural dynamics are at work.
