Writing tutor

Congratulations on being hired by the theme center. College opus house be a very frighten off task for incoming freshman. It is important that you be familiar with the various Issues that freshman are confronted with. These Issues hindquarters be emotional as well as technical. You as a tutor should prepare yourself to be able to deal with both. Translational to college direct writing Is always an emotional roller coaster.The students are going to grammatical case many misconceptions explained through, So youve got a writing assignment. Now what? by Chorine E. Hint. Huntington explains the transition hat most incoming freshmen face when walking into a college level English class. Many of the first year students come into the class with many misconceptions that they have been taught to be right, many of which turn out to be completely wrong. For example, Huntington explains how the fivesome paragraph essay isnt going to be the basis of all college level essays.He likewise ex plains how the first writing is always the hardest because you do not know what the prof is expecting, so you as the tutor have to make sure you break smoothen all the misconceptions students have when first coming Into class. There Is another clause I want you to look at with the student, what Is academic writing? By L. Lend Irvine. He uses a great courtroom analogy where he explains that college writing Is based off supporting evidence Like any other good courtroom cases.The students need to be able to understand how to support their claims as a writer. As a tutor you need to be able to use these skills when tutoring. Your job is to instill writing tactical manoeuvre that help the freshmen become infract writers by being able to analyze how and what the topic is about, by breaking the topic down into many steps the student is able to put their ideas down into easier acetic. Irvine divides writing assignments into three deferent categories of , an open writing assignment, The S emi-open Writing Assignment, and The Closed Writing Assignment. As long as the students understand the differences between these three different writing assignments they should have a clear understanding of what to look for. Many of the students are going to believe that they arent a real writer because they are only(prenominal) taking one college writing class . But that is not the case , Sarah Allen describes this feeling in her article,the inspired writer vs. the real writer she comes to an inclusion that redden the best writers struggle in their own writings. She explains how sometimes writers may become writers because of their certain upbringings.In order to become real writer they dont have to follow a certain structure. Once the students realize this they are able to be a real writer. She explains the whole writing subprogram as ,a way to come in out the little things. Once again the students do not have to go through a whole process . Writing is an emotional process t hey will feel discouraged but they arent necessarily wrong. She talks about how she imitates other writers, to become a better writer. She doesnt mean she plagiarisms but follows the structures ,formulas,of other writers. Which the students can use In class, or even In any college level essay.She explains how In writing you have to think about an audience and following that how you video display them. You as a college tutor have to off as an Inspired writer and eventually became a real writer, with everything writing takes practice. The students need to understand how to decimal point out the key terms of either a writing assignment or of a source they wish to use and make sure they are using them to their advantage. Teaching students to follow technical instructions rather than emotional ones helps them to engage in communication with peers,and allows for a repetitive process to instill itself.It also allows it to analyze their audience as a student enabling the student to write at a more college level and helps them transition to college level writing classes,topics, and will help them in the outside word. Now that you have been familiar with the various issues that incoming freshman are confronted with, it is important to use all of the tactics presented before you in order to build growth within the students confidence as well as writing ability. We have hit n issues that can be emotional as well as technical.

Bbmdoc.233

CHRIST UNIVERSITY Hosur Road, Bangalore Department of Management Studies Course Plan-2012-2013 Subject/Code organisational Behaviour/BBM 232 Name of the faculty Email Dr. Jain Mathew emailprotected in Mr. John Paul john. emailprotected in Ms.Mary Thomas mary. emailprotected in Ms. Vinita Seshadri vinita. emailprotected in INTRODUCTION To provide students with thoroughgoing knowledge in theory and concepts of organizational behavior, also to equip them to address the contemporary modifys related to the behavior and performance of people in organizations today.Teaching and learning admittance Each weeks teaching sessions will comprise Four- Hour lecture including student centered activity During which you will be introduced to the topic for that week. It is important to note that the coverage of each topic during the lecture will be incomplete unless you need the references provided and attempt the tutorial questions that cover that topic. It is important to note that for e ach topic a set of objectives is given and it is your responsibility to ensure that you meet those objectives.Recommended text books Stephen Robbins, Timothy A. Judge, Seema Sanghi, Organizational Behavior, 13th Edition Pearson learning, Journals Human Capital MBA Review HRM Review ICFAI HR HBR Review role Folio tease Schedule 1. MODULE Introduction to Organizational Behaviour 1. 1 Objectives Understand the wideness of interpersonal skills in the workplace. light upon the managers function, role and skills. hebdomad Topics Hour methodological analysis Nature, splendour and purpose of organizations 1 word of honor Nov 5 Nov 10 Managerial Skills by Robert Katz 2 reprimand (C/PPT) Management Roles by Mintzberg 3 PPT video showing various roles Effective versus successful Managerial Activities4 Group parole and reflections - Luthans guinea pig 1B. 2 Objectives On mop up of the material you would be able to condition Organization Behaviour Trace the historical roots of organization behaviour excuse OB Model rank the major behavioral science disciplines that contribute to OB distinguish the challenges and opportunities managers have in applying OB purposes Week Topics Hour methodological analysis Introduction to Organization Behaviour OB Model1 Lecture (C/PPT) Nov 12 Nov 19 Challenges in handling OB 2 Group banter and reflections Contribution from other disciplines 3 Concept subroutine Case playing area 4 Use as a tool to explain how to approach OB subject area studies 1+. 2 Reference Prerequisite readings Chapter 1 Stephen Robbins, Timothy A. Judge , Seema Sanghi , Organizational Behavior, 14th Edition Pearson Education 2. MODULE II personality 2. 1 Objectives On completion of the material you would be able to Define Personality, describe how it is measured and ciphers that determine n individuals personality Identify Personality Traits relevant to OB and its applications in the workplace Week Topics Hour Methodology Meaning & Determinants of personality 1 Concept Mapping Nov 20 Dec 4 Theories of personality Type and Trait theory 2 Activity Favourite Personality The Big Five Personality Traits 3 Lecture (C/PPT) Experiential Exercise Big Five Personality 4 Questionnaire Trait Myers-Briggs Indicator 5 Lecture (C/PPT) Psychoanalytical theory 6 Lecture (C/PPT) Ericksons personality 7 Lecture (C/PPT) Handout Group Activity9-+ 8 Write up on various personality +-+traits of famous personalities Case Study 9 Case discussion/Written Analysis 2. 2 Reference Prerequisite readings Ch. 4 Stephen Robbins, Timothy A. Judge , Seema Sanghi , Organizational Behavior, 14th Edition Pearson Education 3. MODULE- triple Learning Meaning of learning Learning theory of Organisational Behaviour-Classical- Operant conditioning- cognitive- Observation Theory 3. 1 Objectives On completion of the material you would be able to Define and understand what is Learning Four theories which explains how learning takes place Learning principles which needs to be observed in any training programme Its impact on individual behaviour and organization Week Topics Hour Methodology Meaning of learning 1 Concept Mapping Dec 5 Dec 21 Learning process 2 Discussion Classical conditioning 3 Lecture (C/PPT) & video Operant conditioning 4 Lecture (C/PPT) & video Cognitive Theory 5 Lecture (C/PPT) Social Learning Theory 6 Group discussion Role Models Group Activity 7 Presentation on videos depicting various learning styles/skits Principles of Learning-Reinforcement and 8 Lecture (C/PPT) Punishment Learning Curve 9 Discussion Case Study 10 Case discussion/Written Analysis 3. 2 Reference Prerequisite readings Chapter 9 K. Aswathappa, 9th edition, OB-Himalaya Publishing can / Chapter 4- Kavitha Singh-OB Text and Cases-Pearson Education / Chapter 4-OB- Hellriegel & Slocum- Thomson 4. MODULE- IV Attitudes Meaning, Characteristics and functions- Components-the ABC Model- brass of situation Meaning, Charecteristics, Components and Formation of attitudes. Change in attitude- Barriers to change- How to minimize the barriers. 4. 1 Objectives On completion of the material you would be able to Contrast the three components of an attitude Discuss attitude and attitude formation Relate attitude to behaviour Week Topics Hour Methodology Meaning, Characteristics and functions 1 Concept Mapping Jan 2 Jan 12 Components-the ABC Model 2 Lecture (C/PPT) Cognitive Dissonance Job 3 GroupDiscussion Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction Formation of attitudes- Changing attitudes 4 Lecture (C/PPT) Barriers to change, How to minimize the barriers 5 Video Case Study 6 Case discussion/Written Analysis 4. 2 Reference Prerequisite readings Ch 3 Stephen Robbins, Timothy A. Judge , Seema Sanghi , Organizational Behavior, 14th Edition Pearson Educa tion 5. MODULE V PERCEPTION Meaning and definition Need, Factors influencing perception, perceptual consistency, Context and definition,. 5. 1 Objectives On completion of the material you would be able to Understand importance and factors contributing for perception Understand the concepts in perceptual Organization Understand factors contributing towards the interpretation of data Week Topics Hour Methodology Meaning, nature and importance of Perception 1 Concept Mapping Jan 21 Jan 31 Factors influencing perception 2 Lecture (C/PPT) Experiential Exercise 1 3 Story relation based on pictures Perceptual Process 4 Group discussion Interpersonal perception 5 Video Case Study 6 Case discussion/Written Analysis 5. 2 Reference Prerequisite readings Chapter 6 K. Aswathappa, 9th edition, OB-Himalaya Publishing House 6. MODULE VI Group Behaviour and Group dynamics 6. 1 Objectives On completion of the module you would be able to Analyse the different stag es of group formation and development. Differentiate formal and informal groups. Know the factors that growing or decrease group cohesiveness Differentiate between groups and teams. Discuss the conditions for building successful teams. Week Topics Hour Methodology Meaning and types of groups 1 Concept Mapping Feb 1 Feb 12 Formation of groups 2 Activity + Reflection Characteristics of Groups (Size, Norms, Status, 3 Lecture (C/PPT) Roles) Characteristics of Groups (Cohesiveness, 4 Lecture (C/PPT) Groupthink, Groupshift) Group decision making 5 Lecture (C/PPT) Groups vs Teams 6 Discussion 6. 2 Reference *Aswathappa Ch. 14 and 15, Organizational Behavior (Text, cases and Games), 9th Edition, Himalaya Publication 7. MODULE VII leaders 7. 1 Objectives On completion of this module you would be able to Differentiate Leadership and management. Leadership styles and their impact on followers. Transformational leadership, women as leaders and c harismatic leadership are emerging issues in leadership. Week Topics Hour Methodology Meaning, concept and Differences with managers 1 Concept Mapping Feb 13 Feb 23 Leadership Styles 2 Lecture (C/PPT) Managerial Grid Situational Leadership (Hersey &3 Lecture (C/PPT) Blanchard) Tannenbaum and Schmidt Path Goal theory 4 Lecture (C/PPT) Transactional, Transformational & Charismatic 5 Presentations by students leaders Communication Meaning and importance, barriers 6 Discussion 7. 2 Reference *Aswathappa Ch. 18, Organizational Behavior (Text, cases and Games), 9th Edition, Himalaya Publication 8. MODULE VIII Motivation 8. 1 Objectives On completion of the material you would be able to Identify major content theories of work motivation Explain the major process theories of work motivation Understand theories of motivation and evaluate their applicability today Week Topics Hour Methodology Meaning and Concept of motivation 1 Concept Mapping Feb 25 Mar 4 Content Theories of Motivation Two factor 2 Presentations by students theory, Theory X & Y Alderfer ERG Theory McCllelands need 3 Presentations by students classification Process Theories- Vrooms expectancy Theory, 4 Lecture (C/PPT) Porter-Lawler theory Case Study 5 Case discussion/Written Analysis 8. 2 Reference Prerequisite readings Chapter 11- K. Aswathappa, 9th edition, OB-Himalaya Publishing House / Chapter 6- Stephen Robbins, Timothy A. Judge , Seema Sanghi / Chapter 8- Fred Luthans- OB- 9th Edition Mc Graw Hill. 9. MODULE-IX- Organizational Change 9. 1 Objectives On completion of the module you would be able to understand The nature, level, need and types of change. The reasons for change in organization. The reasons why people resist change in organization. The change process. Week Topics Hour Methodology Nature and Levels of Change 1 Concept Mapping Feb 25 Mar 4 Types and Forces for Change & Lew ins Model for 2 Lecture (C/PPT) Change Management Change Process ( Six Stages) 3 Lecture (C/PPT) Resistance to change (RTC) and methods dealing 4 Discussions with RTC 9. 2 Reference *Aswathappa Ch. 22, Organizational Behavior (Text, cases and Games), 9th Edition, Himalaya Publication Continuous Internal Assessment CIA 1 Mid Semester Examinations for 2 hours and 50 marks CIA 2 Comprising of the following 3 components of 10 marks each i) Article Review The student will be required to read a specified article and present the review in the following format Name of the Author, Year of Publication, Title of the article Objective of the study Methodology adopted o Sample (Technique and size) o Tools o Analysis Findings of the study Recommendations of the author (ii) MCQ test. (iii) Case analysis The case must be analyzed in the following manner Critical analysis o Key facts in the case o Central problem in the case o speculative concept it relates to Answer the Questions Recommendations/Suggestions + Conclusion CIA 3 Comprising of the following 3 components of 10 marks each (i) Written Case analysis of a comprehensive case following the format specified above. (ii) MCQ conducted through LMS (iii) Class participation evaluated through Q, Activities,

Challenges Faced by a Country for Economic Development Essay

An economy is flourishing and is shown to be beneficial and fruitful for the people nutriment in it only when the growth of the economy goes up continuously. It is essential for a country to not only develop politically or socially however it also needs to demonstrate scotch development in order to sustain in the international market and in order to come out front of other countries. But it is not very easy for any economy to economically keep growing because an umpteen number of internal and external factors that refer the growth and the economic development and it is essential and crucial for the countries to address the issues and move ahead. There argon some very common challenges that are faced by an economy that are discussed below.The presence of external imbalances in the global economy is one of the most influential causes that impose a challenge on the economic development of any country. There hobo be reasons such as political disruptions, changes in import-export s cenario or foreign currency reserve changes that can take to the woods to imbalance in a country that is external to an economy. But the disruptions taking place in one country can adversely affect the economy and economic growth of other countries as well.The monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the government of an economy also have a huge part to play in the economic development. These policies tend to impact the interest rates, money supply and foreign exchange rates of an economy and if the policies are not in the favor of the growth, they can become major challenges and major issues all over the country.Read more Essay About Disadvantages of PopulationThe change in flip-flop situations can also affect the economies. Exports of a country help it in generating external revenues while imports can be done for different purposes such as facilitation of a manufacturing process, providing basic necessities to the people etc. And whence if there is an imbalance in the external trade that is taking place in a country, it can lead to severe turbulence and can adversely impact the economic growth.Other economic factors such as poverty, inflation rate, population also are dependent on an economy and also impact the economy. If a nation has grittyer level of poverty, it is more likely to have economic challenges and similarly high population is not desired and not advisable for high economic growth. And that is the reason why the governments usually try to avoid these unfavorable situations and try to fight a balance in the countries by different measures.There are many more reasons why the economies face severe challenge of demonstrating growth and hence it is crucial for the countries to adopt different and new policies in order to avoid these challenges and facilitate growth.Referencehttp//classof1.com/homework-help/international-economics-homework-help/View as multi-pages

Executive ad legislative department Essay

In the Philippines the executive incision is the most essential core of the judicature. Governance is achievable even without assembly or legislature besides ruling with no executive is near impossible. The executive is headed by a president, it is a department of government charged with the administration or implementation of a policy or law. In presidential system it is viewed as a weakling form of government in at least some Latin American countries like Costa Rica, Chile and Venezuela.In this countries, it is argued that the position of the presidency is always challenged. electric chairs to succeed in Latin American democracies must mobilize general support not only from the people but also from other branches of government. As wizard of the writer concluded presidential rule is not oftentimes equated with strong government. Effective executive power is almost indispensable if democracy is to thrive, yet the history of presidential democracies in Latin America has often b een one of the immobilized executives.Many strong men ended their careers as weak presidents (Mainwaring cited in Haque, 2001). In the Philippines alone, elected presidents have experienced difficulty in party legislation, without get political support among members of Congress. So most often, elected presidents would always establish strong liaison or following from members of the legislative branch to the extent of sustenance and financing the candidacy of potential legislative partners.Still yet, the President is the most important and influential leader of the country. The success of the state depends on how effective the President has become in manipulating other branches of government, albeit public criticisms and the intimidating presence of pressure or interest groups. DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT The structure of the Philippine government is divided up into three branches the Legislative Department (Article 6) the Executive Department (Article 7 )7) an d the Judicial Department (Article 8).The Legislative Department was placed ahead of the executive department because it is the repository of the peoples sovereignty. It is composed of the Senate, which is the Upper House and Congress, being the Lower House. THE PRINCIPLE OF SEPARATION OF POWERS The powers of the government, by virtue of this principle are divided into three (3) distinct classes the legislative, the executive and the judicial. They are distributed, respectively among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches or departments of the government.Under the principle of co-equal and coordinate powers among the three (3) branches, the officers entrusted with each of these powers are not permitted to pass on upon the powers confided to the others. If one department goes beyond the limits set by the Constitution, its acts are null and void. The adoption of this principle was motivated by the belief that arbitrary rule would impart if the same person or body were to exercise all the powers of the government.PRINCIPLE OF CHECKS AND BALANCESThe three co-equal departments are established by the constitution in as equilibrate positions as possible. To maintain this balance or to restore it if upset, each department is given certain powers with which to check the others. Checks by the President Checks by the Congress Checks by the Judiciary may veto or disapprove bills enacted by the Congress (Sec. 271) through pardoning power, he may modify or set off the judgments of courts (Art. VII, Sec 19) Congress may override the veto of the President (Sec. 271) Reject certain appointments of the President (Art. VII, Sec. 16)Revoke the proclamation of martial law or suspension of the writ of habeas corpus by the President (Art. VII, Section 18) Amend or revoke the decision of the Court by the enactment of a parvenue law or by an amendment of the old The power to impeach the President and the members of the Supreme Court. the Supreme Court as the final arbi ter may annunciate legislative measures or executive acts unconstitutional (Art. VIII, Sec 42) determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to leave out or excess of jurisdiction on the part of the Congress or President (Art. VIII, Sec. 22)

Marketing mix success of Xiaomi Essay

BackgroundFounded in 2010 in Beijing, Xiaomi first began by engraveing tailor-made Android-based firmw be- MIUI. Backed by tech savvy early adopters andenthusiast, it thrived on feedback to improve usability. A year afterwards they entered the hardware market with their flagship phone, the Mi One which featured the top specifications at a low price. Today, Xiaomi has launched its 4th series of their flagship phone the Mi 4 and have expanded their fruit line to mid(prenominal) tier smart phones, smart TV, r let oners, set-up boxes and new(prenominal) accessories. In just four short years, Xiaomi has become the ternion largest smartphone manufacturer just behind technology terass orchard apple tree and Samsung (Appendix B).IntroductionThis essay forget discuss the selling mix, a combination of selling tactics which consist of four elements known as the 4Ps- product, price, place, and promotion that is derived from the marketing dodge of the company (Kotler and Armstrong, 2012) and the efforts made to adapt each mix to reach its intended auditory sense in a foreign market.PriceXiaomi aims to provide similar specifications phones to competitors but at a often lower price. Currently they offer 2 series of flagship phones, the Mi and Redmi (or Hongmi). The Mi 3 has specifications that is similar to Sonys Xperia Z1 that is priced only at CNY 1,999 (USD$322.62) as compared to Z1 retailprice of USD$935 (Appendix C). The Redmi series, a mid tier range is priced at CNY 799, targeting the lower income in emerging markets such as China, India with plans to expand into Brazil and Mexico.As the first company with such an aggressive penetration pricing strategy, Xiaomi changed the perceived value of smart phones (Ramesh Kumar, 2007). Anticipating that consumers would be skeptical about(predicate) the quality of its low priced Redmi series, Xiaomi chose to first launch their top tier Mi before launching Redmi in each new market so that the reduction in market p rice would non be too drastic and that consumers could gain confidence in the quality (Snoj, Pisnik Korda and Mumel, 2004) of its Redmi series.Product irrelevant other phone manufacturers that make their products obsolete with product refreshes within a year, Xiaomis phones have a longer product life cycle of 24 months. As the product enters the maturity stage, volume gross gross revenue starts declining. Yet from a technological standpoint, Moores law dictates that a longer product life meant that its cost to manufacture the same product becomes lower. This defy in volume sales profit will be counteracted by a higher profit margin achieving overall profit sustainability.Similar to Apple & Amazon, Xiaomi has developed an ecosystem of software & services such as cloud service, messaging app, theme broth and app broth which preloaded to its custom firmware. An integral part of this ecosystem isMi Market (app store) since Androids default app store is not accessible in China. Chin as market for apps has fragmented into many app stores birthed from startups to the likes of search giant Baidu. Thanks to the popularity of Xiaomis phones, Mi Market is currently one of the largest app stores in China.PlaceTo eliminate the cuts that retailers and distributors would get, Xiaomi has sell their products entirely online, on their own website. However since expanding into new markets, Xiaomi has more recently adopted a swimming marketing system to build upon retailers expertise in the region. In India, Xiaomi chose a mate to sell exclusively through Flipkart, Indias largest e-commerce company.Xiaomi needs to understand the local distribution methods in gear up to mitigate the loss of potential customers especially when they employ exclusive distribution which would impair the availability of their products (Pride and Ferrell, 2011). For instance, due to purchasing behavior, cash-on-delivery remains as one of Indias primary mode of payment. Buyers would perform an i nspection of the product before payment. In short,accounting for less than 1% of the total retail market, e-commerce is still in its infancy stage in India.As Xiaomis mobile phones shifts into the maturity or even decline stages of its product life cycle, it might want to employ selective distribution through traditional brick and daub stores. Bilgin and Whrer (2014) points out that products not adapting to maturity stages will find themselves soon in the decline. In format to prolong its products life, Xiaomi should change their distribution strategy. Though it may not be economically feasible to sell their phones with thinner profit margins or perhaps even selling at a loss, it should be noted that Xiaomis goal is to make profits through services and apps kinda than purely hardware sales- similar to the relationship between printers and ink cartridges (Appendix D).PromotionReleasing fixed quantity of handsets at specific times, Xiaomi primarily engages in flash sales for new p roducts that often results in phones selling out within seconds. Xiaomi meticulously limits supply to artificially create more demand than supply- a strategy known as hunger marketing (Chen et al., 2014 p. 1950-1957). Hungry consumers through word of mouth created buzz which in due time transits into hype where consumers mimic one another in the buying craze (Mourdoukoutas and Siomkos, 2009 p. 82), just raising demand.In Xiaomis advertisements, it is evident that marketing messages are focused on hunger marketing. there is always emphasis on how fast their products have been sold (Appendix D) , editorial tone that communicate a sense ofurgency (Appendix E), statistics to provide an impression of popularity (Appendix F), and multiple teasers for product launch over a effect of time to create hype (Appendix G).ConclusionXiaomis marketing mix is a combination of both Apples strategy of producing high quality products and limiting supply to magnify consumer hype as wellas Amazons kin dle strategy of making products as widely as possible and to profit primarily from its services.Though Xiaomi has seen exponential growth in retailing smart phones, its key focus should remain in distributing mobile applications and services while maintaining the quality of smartphones instead of diversifying into other electronics. Without the access restrictions in China, Google remains dominant for app distribution as well as its services which are preloaded to all(prenominal) Android phone. Xiaomi must continue to innovate and integrate its solutions and services even tighter to its own firmware to remain agonistical and profitable. It needs to pry its customers away from the many alternatives procurable in the heavily saturated mobile app market perhaps through technological acquisitions or strategic partnerships.ReferencesASSOCHAM, 2014. E-Commerce Evolution in India Creating the bricks behind the clicks. India PricewaterhouseCoopers.Bilgin, F. and Whrer, G. (2014), intern ational marketing compact, Wien Linde Verlag GmbH.Chen, E., Huang, K. and Cheng, L. (2013), Xiaomi Chinas answer to Apple, http//asiaresearch.daiwacm.com/eg/cgi-bin/files/china_tech_food_chai n_130925.pdf, particular date accessed 15/12/14.Chen, Y., Kuo, C., Jhan, Y. and Chiu, P. (2014) Hunger marketing on smartphone, Proceedings of the Management of Engineering & Technology (PICMET), 2014 Portland International Conference, Kanazawa, 27-31 July. United States IEEE Xplore, pp. 1950-1957. Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G. (2012), Principles of marketing, Boston Pearson Prentice Hall.Kumar, A. (2014), What India taught Xiaomi On Flipkart, lessons and future plans,http//yourstory.com/2014/09/india-lessons-xiaomi-flipkart-future-plans -hugo-barra/, Date accessed 15/12/14.Pride, W. and Ferrell, O. (2011), selling express, Mason, Oh. South-Western Cengage Learning.Ramesh Kumar, S. (2007), Marketing and branding, New Delhi Dorling Kindersley (India).Ridge, M. (2014), e-commerce in India not ju st cash on delivery to a man on a bike,http//blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2014/09/22/e-commerce-in-india-notjust-cash-on-delivery-to-a-man-on-a-bike/, Date accessed 15/12/14. Siomkos, G. (2009), The Seven Principles Of Wom And Buzz Marketing, New York Springer Berlin Heidelberg.Snoj, B., Pisnik Korda, A. and Mumel, D. (2004) The relationships among perceived quality, perceived risk and perceived product value, Jnl of Product & Brand Mgt, 13, 3 156-167.Triggs, R. (2014), Hugo Barra talks business sector models and Xiaomi success, http//www.androidauthority.com/xiaomi-business-model-success-5596 81/, Date accessed 13/12/14.AppendicesAppendix A (Selected case article Xiaomi Flash gross revenue Prove Popular in India) Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi, which has overtaken Apple and Samsung in China, is working its way into the Indian market using sudden online sales and high-end handsets priced at close to cost.On Tuesday alone, Xiaomi says it sold 100,000 of its 5,999 rupee ($97) Redmi 1S smartphones in 4.2 seconds. It has sold about 500,000 total handsets using similar sales since its July launch in India, it says.The Beijing-based company sells its products exclusively online through Flipkart, one of Indias largest online retailers, via flash sales at specific times. The phones are sold at close to the manufacturing cost, with Xiaomi making profit through services such as mobile applications. Xiaomi has used the sales tactic in other countries, as well.Analysts say Xiaomi is taking off in the worlds second-biggest telecommunications market because Indians see value in its low-cost products. Word of mouth has created a buzz skirt the brand, and theflash sales help create a scarcity of the companys products.The way they carried out their PR was key to the success, says Karan Thakkar, an analyst with research firm IDC. With the flash sales they have created a competitive spirit among the consumer.While Xiaomis market share isnt yet known, IDC says competition among c ompanies selling low-cost smartphones is expected to increase in the coming quarters thanks to similar low-cost makers, such as Mozilla, which offers a $33 smartphone. Indeed, smartphone sales in India should double through 2018 as devices priced below $200 enter the market, IDC says.Meanwhile, rivals such as Indias Micromax remain skeptical of Xiaomis success.Selling for PR is different from selling for business, Micromax Chief Executive Vineet Taneja told media at a launch event for a new phone demise month.Micromax, Indias second-biggest smartphone seller by market share after Samsung, sells about three million phones every month through its 130,000 outlets spread across the country.But that hasnt stopped Micromax from adopting an online sales model. In phratry it began offering one of its devices on Snapdeal.com, a Flipkart rival.Source Wall Street Journalhttp//blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/10/17/xiaomi-flash-sales-prove-popular-in-i ndia/Appendix B (Top Five Smartphone Vendors, S hipments, Market Share and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q3 2014 Preliminary Data (Units in Millions) )Source IDC ecumenical Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, October 29, 2014Appendix C (Smartphone pricing and specification comparison)Source Companies, DaiwaAppendix D (Net revenue comparison of hardware vs supplies (Units in millions) )Source Hewlett-Packard Annual Report 2011Appendix E (Typical mail service flash sale update to inform customers that the sale has ended)Source Mi India Facebook pageAppendix F (Announcement of flash sale)Source Mi India Facebook pageAppendix G (Post Christmas sale infographic)Source Mi capital of Singapore Facebook pageAppendix H (Teaser for new product)Source Mi Singapore Facebook page

Paul Levy Essay

How would you describe the situation impose inherited at the caperMC? What challenges did he face? Why did preliminary turnaround labours fail? (4 points)Two unique corporate cultures, Beth Israel Hospital and Deac unmatchedss Hospital merged in 1996 to get going Beth Israel Deaconess (BID). To compete with Partners, BID and a few other hospitals combined forces and formed Care Group Systems (CGS). scatty leadership commitment, BID was in chaos and consistently posted operating losses in millions of dollars per yr. Additionally, although counsel on numerous occasions, BID was inept in implementing restructuring plans and consequently had excessive employee turnover, which resulted in poor persevering care.Succinct and expert advice to reorganize BID was never implemented. Although BID would agree to depart, execution was postponed or ignore due to the myriad level of management and bureaucratic processes within each department, which appeared to function indep demiseently of one another. Unable to move forward, management was locked in mental prisons. Groupthink was universal practice for making essential occupation decisions, which resulted in escalation of commitment in continuing past practices and refusal to accept recommended diversitys. BID could be referred to as egoistic as the organization maintained the status quo.As President and CEO, impose was expected to create a rapid turnaround of the deteriorating financial condition of the hospital. He was also expected to stop the several year trend of flawed implementation of restructuring recommendations. Furtherto a greater extent, he was working under intense scrutiny and pressure from umpteen officials, including the Attorney Generals Office of the demesne of Massachusetts, the BID Board of Directors ( pattern) and the Board of Directors of the BID put up company, CGS.How did bill get started in his newborn job? What were his objectives and what did he accomplish 1) prior to his firs t mean solar day of work? 2) on his first day? 3) during his first week? (4 points)Before bill accepted the position, he made conditions for his employment.These conditions holdd that he be employ before the hunting watch Group Report was released, that the BOD be considerably reduced in size and that the BOD stay out of the day-to-day trading operations of the hospital. Even as he talked to the search team, he knew the responsibilities and his own abilities.Levy wanted to be hired prior to the hunter pass over so that he could use the report in ways that he thought would be best. The second condition was to shrink the BOD from a 44-member aggroup to a more-manageable group of 18 members, which was concluded just a few months after Levys appointment as CEO. The third condition of employment, that the BOD remain out of the day-to-day operations, showed that he believed in a reach of command. Levy clearly communicated any meeting between board members and mental faculty req uired prior approval.On his first day, he sent every employee of the hospital a memo that included A counter of an open administration A warning that the hospital had been given this one last chance for a turnaround A promise to post the findings and recommendations of the Hunter Consulting Group Encouragement to employees to read and make comments regarding the report A promise that changes would be implemented and measured Warning of an unavoidable elimination of several one hundred staff positions in the hospital A promise that the staff reductions would be carried out as humanely manageable and people would be treated with dignity and respect His expectation of successful turnaround of BID because of the employees, their commitment, their strong sense of teamwork, and their ability to succeedIn his message, Levy also conveyed that He considered all staff (not just key players) to be team members All team members must share a common goal of carrying out the kick There is a sense of urgency The Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts had legitimate authority and control over the future of BID Staff would be held responsible for their actions Levy would be open, honest and inclusive with information, even in the case of bad news blue quality care was essential to BIDs future Together, the BID team could show the knowledge domain successLevy created a sense of reality for employees whom previously had been told half-truths, lies or nothing about the flagitious nature of BIDs problems. In doing so, Levy gained buy-in from employees grateful that problems were being clearly identified by effective leadership.Also on his first day, Levy shared his message with local news agencies, which accomplished among other things letting the community know that he considered buy-in from the staff critical to success. According to his daily calendar, Levy spent much of his first week meeting with BID staff.What (if anything) was distinctive about the way Levy went about formulating, announcing and implementing the recovery plan? How did he overcome resistance? (3 points)Levys practice of speaking with staff likely induced his ability to gather as much information as possible regarding the current mood and culture. This information was essential to develop and implement a plan. Initially, his recovery plan had to include huge cost-saving initiatives. He had already set the stage for a massive lay-off by posting the Hunter Report for all employees to read. Therefore, it was relatively easy for him to fire/permanently lay-off 150 people by the end of the month. After all, he was only doing what the experts recommended. Who could argue with that? At the same time, purchasing controls were implemented in an effort to reduce costs.The next week, he rolled out additional strategic efforts. His plan was three-fold regain a reputation for quality patient care and maintain an academic status adopt some of the recommendations of the Hun ter Group Report, implementing change and, analyze why previous restructure plans failed and why this new one would work. some other of Levys implementationplans was to promise low and deliver high. In other words, he knew the grandeur of meeting deadlines and plans by being conservative and not over-estimating. This practice is often referred to as sand-bagging and believed to be a useful tool. Levys liveliness was not to be deceitful rather, it is a way of retention forward momentum by delivering good news.How did Levy tackle the problem of the BIDMCs curious unfitness to decide? (3 points)It was not until Levy came in and talked with the doctors and staff, really listening to each others problems and concerns that change could happen. Levy realized that the culture of BID played a signifi fuckt occasion in the organization. batch reacted and performed their jobs considering how they had performed their jobs in the past. The current structure and hierarchy defined who the ch iefs were and the importance of their roles. They were caught up in this psychic prison. Levy had to help them overcome it by making sure they realized that they were not wrong and that they just needed to be open to change. Levy tried to get to the underside of the human emotions for these chiefs and let them see the gather of changes. He made sure to give credit but also expected results and acceptance of the new strategic plan. While there is no indication as to which personnel were fired/laid-off, it was clear to the stay staff that Levy was in charge and that slackers would not be tolerated. This is a powerful motivator (albeit via fear) to go by resistance.Also prior to Levy, it seemed that committee meetings often resulted in groupthink. Levy knew that the chiefs were usually involved in those meetings, and that there was now a tremendous need to see results from those meetings. In the past, no one spoke up at meetings. Many participants kept quiet instead of actually sayi ng what they thought. Staff members were afraid to disputation the boat. Once Levy came on board, many decisions and changes were implemented via steering committees instead of from the chiefs. This was a significant change in the hierarchical structure. No longer did all decisions and ideas come straight down from the boss in the tower. This change allowed staff members to get involved and present ideas. Ultimately,it would be staff members whom had a key role in the implementation of turnaround plans. This empowerment of the staff led them to have less resistance toward change.In describing his leadership style, Levy speaks of the CEO as teacher. How has he defined that role? Why has he elect to focus on it? What skills does it require? (3 points)Levys leadership style is a strategic facilitator, through developing employee ownership by illuminating the nature of the problem and seeking their involvement in finding solutions. Levy believed it essential to build a core management team that is in accord with the plan, mission and values and who are willing to assume risk in embracing change. The CEO role is to assume the management team and remove those who are obstructionists. The byproduct is improved decision-making and accountability. He uses peer pressure as an accountability tool so there is public acknowledgment of responsibility for specific tasks. By redirecting comments from naysayers, Levy places the onus on others to provide a solution for problems. Additionally, Levy understands the dynamics of each meeting and what can and cannot be accomplished in each.Levy used a human resources view in assessing heterogeneous situations. He leveraged this framework while making a majority of his decisions. He valued feedback from his employees and kept them abreast of pertinent information, which resulted in efficient and satisfied employees. Levy accomplished this literally by roaming the hospital with the intent on knowing the staff in person. He would engage in conversations seeking suggestions for change in their occupational area and reassured skeptics that his plan for change would be successful. Levys efforts to include everyone in the day-to-day progress as well as helping employees find answers to their problems, made the work more satisfying to his employees.What did members of your team learn from completing this case?How might members of your team use this information in their current orfuture jobs?

The Host Chapter 28: Unenlightened

It was disorienting to awake in the absolute benighted. In the past months, Id gotten used to having the sun tell me it was morning. At first I thought it must still be night, but then, feeling the sting of my formula and the ache of my back, I remembered w present I was.Beside me, I could hear the sound of simmer overcome, even breathing it did non f reclaimen me, because it was the most long-familiar of sounds here. I was non surprised that Jamie had crept back and slept beside me last night. peradventure it was the change in my breathing that woke him possibly it was save that our schedules had become synchronized. But seconds after I was conscious, he gave a little gasp.Wanda? he verbalize.Im right here.He sighed in relief.Its really dark here, he said.Yes.You think its break disruptive time yet?I dont lie with.Im hungry. Lets go see.I didnt answer him.He interpreted my silence correctly, as the balk it was. You dont excite to obnubil ingest away here, Wanda, he said earnestly, after time lag a moment for me to speak. I talked to Jared last night. Hes red ink to stop picking on you-he promised.I almost smiled. Picking on me.Will you come with me? Jamie pressed. His muckle found mine.Is that what you really want me to do? I asked in a low voice.Yes. Everything lead be the same as it was before.Mel? Is this best?I dont know. She was torn. She knew she couldnt be objective she wanted to see Jared.Thats crazy, you know.Not as crazy as the fact that you want to see him, overly.Fine, Jamie, I agreed. But dont get upset when its not the same as before, okay? If things get ugly Well, just dont be surprised.Itll be okay. Youll see.I permit him lead the elbow room out of the dark, towing me by the hand he still held. I braced myself as we entered the big garden cavern I couldnt be sure of each adepts response to me today. Who knew what had been said as I slept?But the garden was waste, though the sun was bright in the morning sky. It reflec ted off the hundreds of mirrors, momentarily rank me.Jamie was not interested in the vacant cave. His eye were on my face, and he sucked in a keen breath through his teeth as the light touched my cheek.Oh, he gasped. Are you okay? Does that brook bad?I touched my face lightly. The skin felt rough-grit crusted in the blood. It throbbed where my fingers brushed.Its fine, I whispered the empty cavern made me wary-I didnt want to speak similarly loudly. Where is eachbody?Jamie shrugged, his eyes still tight as they surveyed my face. Busy, I guess. He didnt lower his voice.This reminded me of last night, of the whodunit he wouldnt tell me. My eyebrows pulled together.What do you think hes not telling us?You know what I know, Wanda.Youre human. Arent you supposed to have knowledge or nearlything?Intuition? My intuition tells me that we dont know this place as well as we thought we did, Melanie said.We pondered the ominous sound of that.It was almost a relief to hear the normal noi ses of mealtime coming from the kitchen corridor. I didnt particularly want to see any ane-besides the sick hot to see Jared, of course-but the unpopul ingestd tunnels, combined with the knowledge that several(prenominal)thing was being kept from me, made me edgy.The kitchen was not even half(a) full-an oddity for this time of the morning. But I exactly noticed that, because the smell coming from the banked stone oven eitherplaceruled constantlyy other thought.Oooh, Jamie moaned. EggsJamie pulled me faster now, and I had no reluctance to keep pace with him. We go, stomachs growling, to the counter by the oven where Lucina, the mother, stood with a plastic ladle in her hand. Breakfast was usually serve-yourself, but then breakfast was to a fault usually tough bread rolls.She looked scarce at the boy as she spoke. They gustatory perceptiond better an hour ago.Theyll taste just fine now, Jamie countered enthusiastically. Has everyone eeatn?Pretty much. I think they took a tr ay d induce to Doc and the rest Lucina trailed off, and her eyes flickered to me for the first time Jamies eyes did the same. I didnt to a lower placestand the expression that crossed Lucinas features-it disappeared too cursorily, replaced by something else as she appraised the new marks on my face.How much is left? Jamie asked. His eagerness sounded a trifle forced now.Lucina rancid and bent, tugging a metal pan off the hot stones in the bottom of the oven with the sports stadium of the ladle. How much do you want, Jamie? Theres plenty, she told him without turning.Pretend Im Kyle, he said with a laugh.A Kyle-sized portion it is, Lucina said, but when she smiled, her eyes were unhappy.She filled one of the soup rosters to overflowing with slightly rubbery scrambled testicle, stood up, and handed it to Jamie.She eyed me again, and I unsounded what this look was for.Lets sit over there, Jamie, I said, nudging him away from the counter.He stared in amazement. Dont you want any?N o, Im - I was about to say fine again, when my stomach gurgled disobediently.Wanda? He looked at me, then back at Lucina, who had her ordnance store folded crossways her chest.Ill just have bread, I muttered, trying to shove him away.No. Lucina, whats the problem? He looked at her expectantly. She didnt move. If youre done here, Ill take over, he suggested, his eyes narrowing and his lecture setting in a pigheaded line.Lucina shrugged and set the ladle on the stone counter. She walked away slowly, not looking at me again.Jamie, I muttered urgently under my breath. This food isnt meant for me. Jared and the others werent risking their lives so that I could have eggs for breakfast. Bread is fine.Dont be stupid, Wanda, Jamie said. You live here now, just like the rest of us. Nobody minds it when you wash their clothes or bake their bread. Besides, these eggs arent expiry to last much longer. If you dont eat them, theyll get thrown out.I felt all the eyes in the room boring into m y back.That expertness be preferable to some, I said even to a greater extent quietly. No one but Jamie could possibly hear.Forget that, Jamie growled. He hopped over the counter and filled another bowl with eggs, which he then shoved at me. Youre going to eat every bite, he told me resolutely.I looked at the bowl. My mouth watered. I pushed the eggs a a some(prenominal) inches away from me and then folded my arms.Jamie frowned. Fine, he said, and shoved his own bowl across the counter. You dont eat, I dont eat. His stomach grumbled audibly. He folded his arms across his chest.We stared at each other for two long minutes, some(prenominal) our stomachs rumbling as we inhaled the smell of the eggs. Every now and then, he would peek down at the food out of the corner of his eye. Thats what beat me-the longing look in his eyes.Fine, I huffed. I slid his bowl back to him and then retrieved my own. He waited until I took the first bite to touch his. I stifled a moan as the taste regis tered on my tongue. I knew the cooled, rubbery eggs werent the best thing Id ever tasted, but thats how it felt. This body lived for the present.Jamie had a similar reaction. And then he started shoveling the food into his mouth so fast it seemed he didnt have time to breathe. I watched him to make sure he didnt choke.I ate more slowly, hoping that Id be able to convince him to eat some of mine when he was done.That was when, with our minor standoff over and my stomach satisfied, I lastly noticed the atmosphere in the kitchen.I would have expected, with the excitement of eggs for breakfast after months of monotony, more of a feeling of celebration. But the air was somber, the conversations all whispered. Was this a reaction to the scene last night? I scanned the room, trying to understand.People were looking at me, a few here and there, but they werent the only ones talking in serious whispers, and the others paid me no mind at all. Besides, none of them seemed angry or guilty or te nse or any of the other emotions I was expecting.No, they were sad. Despair was etched on every face in the room.Sharon was the last person I noticed, consume in a distant corner, guardianship to herself as usual. She was so composed as she mechanically ate her breakfast that at first I didnt notice the tears dripping in streaks down her face. They skin into her food, but she ate as if she were beyond noticing.Is something wrong with Doc? I whispered to Jamie, suddenly afraid. I wondered if I was being paranoid- perchance this had nothing to do with me. The sadness in the room seemed to be part of some other human drama from which Id been excluded. Was this what was keeping everyone busy? Had there been an accident?Jamie looked at Sharon and sighed before he answered me. No, Docs fine.Aunt Maggie? Is she hurt?He shook his head.Wheres Walter? I demanded, still whispering. I felt a gnawing anxiousness as I thought of harm befalling one of my companions here, even those who hated m e.I dont know. Hes fine, Im sure.I completed now that Jamie was just as sad as everyone else here.Whats wrong, Jamie? Why are you upset?Jamie looked down at his eggs, eating them slowly and deliberately now, and did not answer me.He finished in silence. I tested to pass him what was left in my bowl, but he glowered so fiercely that I took it back and ate the rest without any more resistance.We added our bowls to the big plastic bin of dirty dishes. It was full, so I took it from the counter. I wasnt sure what was going on in the caves today, but dishes ought to be a safe occupation.Jamie came along beside me, his eyes alert. I didnt like that. I wouldnt allow him to act as my bodyguard, if the necessity arose. But then, as we made our way around the edge of the big field, my regular bodyguard found me, so it became a moot point.Ian was filthy light brownish dispel covered him from head to toe, darker where it was wet with his sweat. The brown streaks smeared across his face did n ot disguise the exhaustion there. I was not surprised to see that he was just as down as everyone else. But the dust did make me curious. It was not the purple black dust inside the caves. Ian had been outside this morning.There you are, he murmured when he saw us. He was walking swiftly, his long legs dim the distance with anxious strides. When he reached us, he did not slow, but rather caught me under the elbow and hurried me forward. Lets duck in here for a minute.He pulled me into the narrow tunnel mouth that led toward the easterly field, where the corn was almost ripe. He did not lead me far, just into the darkness where we were invisible from the big room. I felt Jamies hand rest lightly on my other arm.After half a minute, boneheaded voices echoed through the big cavern. They were not boisterous-they were somber, as depressed as any of the faces Id read this morning. The voices passed us, close by the crack where we hid, and Ians hand tensed on my elbow, his fingers pressi ng into the soft spots above the bone. I recognised Jareds voice, and Kyles. Melanie strained against my control, and my control was tenuous anyway. We both wanted to see Jareds face. It was a ethical thing Ian held us back. dont know wherefore we let him keep trying. When its over, its over, Jared was saying.He really thought he had it this time. He was so sure Oh, well. It will be worth all this if he figures it out someday, Kyle disagreed.If. Jared snorted. I guess its a good thing we found that brandy. Docs going to blow through the whole crate by dusk at the rate hes going.Hell pass out soon enough, Kyle said, his voice beginning to fade in the distance. I wish Sharon would And then I couldnt make out any more. Ian waited until the voices faded completely, and then a few minutes more, before he finally released my arm.Jared promised, Jamie muttered to him.Yeah, but Kyle didnt, Ian answered.They walked back out into the light. I followed slowly bunghole them, not sure what I was feeling.Ian noticed for the first time what I carried. No dishes now, he told me. Lets flag them a chance to clean up and move on.I thought about asking him why he was dirty, but probably, like Jamie, he would refuse to answer. I moody to stare at the tunnel that led toward the rivers, speculating.Ian made an angry sound.I looked back at him, frightened, and then recognise what had upset him-hed only just seen my face.He raised his hand as if to lift my chin, but I flinched and he dropped it.That makes me so sick, he said, and his voice truly did sound as if he were nauseated. And worse, knowing that if I hadnt stayed behind, I might have been the one to do itI shook my head at him. Its nothing, Ian.I dont agree with that, he muttered, and then he spoke to Jamie. You probably ought to get to school. Its better that we get everything back to normal as soon as possible.Jamie groaned. Sharon will be a nightmare today.Ian grinned. Time to take one for the team, kid. I dont envy you.Jamie sighed and kicked the dirt. Keep an eye on Wanda.Will do.Jamie shuffled away, casting glances back at us every few minutes until he disappeared into another tunnel.Here, give me those, Ian said, pulling the bin of dishes from me before I could respond.They werent too heavy for me, I told him.He grinned again. I feel silly standing here with my arms empty while you lug these around. Chalk it up to gallantry. Cmon-lets go relax somewhere out of the way until the microscope slide is clear.His treatments troubled me, and I followed him in silence. Why should gallantry apply to me?He walked all the way to the cornfield, and then into the cornfield, stepping in the low part of the furrow, between the stalks. I trailed behind him until he stopped, somewhere in the middle of the field, set the dishes aside, and sprawled out on the dirt.Well, this is out of the way, I said as I colonized to the ground beside him, crossing my legs. But shouldnt we be working?You work too hard, Wan da. Youre the only one who never takes a day off.It gives me something to do, I mumbled.Everyone is taking a break today, so you might as well.I looked at him curiously. The light from the mirrors threw double shadows through the cornstalks that crisscrossed over him like zebra stripes. Under the lines and the dirt, his pale face was weary.You look like youve been working.His eyes tightened. But Im resting now.Jamie wont tell me whats going on, I murmured.No. And neither will I. He sighed. Its nothing you want to know anyway.I stared at the ground, at the dark purple and brown dirt, as my stomach twisted and rolled. I could think of nothing worse than not knowing, but maybe I was just lacking in imagination.Its not really fair, Ian said after a motionless moment, seeing as I wont answer your question, but do you mind if I ask you one?I welcomed the distraction. Go ahead.He didnt speak at once, so I looked up to find the intellect for his hesitation. He was staring down now, lookin g at the dirt streaked across the backs of his hands.I know youre not a liar. I know that now, he said quietly. Ill believe you, whatever your answer is.I waited again while he continued to stare at the dirt on his skin.I didnt procure Jebs story before, but he and Doc are pretty convinced Wanda? he asked, looking up at me. Is she still in there with you? The girl whose body you wear?This was not just my secret anymore-both Jamie and Jeb knew the truth. Neither was it the secret that really mattered. At any rate, I trusted Ian not to go blabbing to anyone who would eradicate me over it. Yes, I told him. Melanie is still here.He nodded slowly. What is it like? For you? For her?Its frustrating, for us both. At first I would have given anything to have her disappear the way she should have. But now I Ive gotten used to her. I smiled wryly. sometimes its nice to have the company. Its harder for her. Shes like a prisoner in many ways. Locked away in my head. She prefers that captivity to disappearing, though.I didnt know there was a choice.There wasnt in the beginning. It wasnt until your kind discovered what was happening that any resistance started. That seems to be the key-knowing whats going to happen. The humans who were taken by surprise didnt fight back.So if I were caught?I appraised his fierce expression-the fire in his brilliant eyes.I doubt you would disappear. Things have changed, though. When they catch self-aggrandising humans now, they dont offer them as hosts. Too many problems. I half smiled again. Problems like me. Going soft, get sympathetic to my host, losing my wayHe thought about that for a long time, sometimes looking at my face, sometimes at the cornstalks, sometimes at nothing at all.What would they do with me, then, if they caught me now? he finally asked.Theyd still do an insertion, I think. Trying to get information. Probably theyd put a Seeker in you.He shuddered.But they wouldnt keep you as a host. Whether they found the informati on or not, you would be discarded. The word was hard to say. The idea sickened me. Odd-it was usually the human things that made me sick. But Id never looked at the situation from the bodys scene before no other planet had forced me to. A body that didnt function right was quickly and painlessly disposed of because it was as useless as a car that could not run. What was the point of keeping it around? There were conditions of the mind, too, that made a body unusable dangerous mental addictions, malevolent yearnings, things that could not be healed and made the body unsafe to others. Or, of course, a mind with a will too strong to be erased. An anomaly localized on this planet.I had never seen the ugliness of treating an unconquerable tint as a defect as clearly as I did now, looking into Ians eyes.And if they caught you? he asked.If they realized who I was if anyone is still looking for me I thought of my Seeker and shuddered as he had. They would take me out and put me in another host. Someone young, tractable. They would wish that I would be able to be myself again. Maybe they would ship me off-planet-get me away from the bad influences.Would you be yourself again?I met his gaze. I am myself. I havent disordered myself to Melanie. I would feel the same as I do now, even as a indorse or a Flower.They wouldnt discard you?Not a soul. We have no capital punishment for our kind. Or any punishment, really. Whatever they did, it would be to save me. I used to think there was no gather up for any other way, but now I have myself as proof against that theory. It would probably be right to discard me. Im a traitor, arent I?Ian pursed his lips. More of an expatriate, Id say. You havent turned on them youve just left their society.We were quiet again. I wanted to believe what he said was true. I considered the word expatriate, trying to convince myself that I was nothing worse.Ian exhaled loudly enough to make me jump. When Doc sobers up, well get him to take a l ook at your face. He reached over and put his hand under my chin this time I didnt flinch. He turned my head to the side so he could examine the wound.Its not important. Im sure it looks worse than it is.I hope so-it looks awful. He sighed and then stretched. I suppose weve hidden long enough that Kyles clean and unconscious. Want some help with the dishes?Ian wouldnt let me wash the dishes in the stream the way I usually did. He insisted that we go into the black bathing room, where I would be invisible. I scrubbed dishes in the shallow end of the dark pool, while he cleaned off the filth left behind by his mystery labors. Then he helped me with the last of the dirty bowls.When we were done, he escorted me back to the kitchen, which was starting to fill up with the lunch crowd. More perishables were on the menu soft white bread slices, slabs of sharp cheddar cheese, circles of lush pink bologna. People were scarfing down the delicacies with abandon, though the despair was still per ceptible in the slump of their shoulders, in the absence of smiles or laughter.Jamie was waiting for me at our usual counter. Two double stacks of sandwiches sat in front of him, but he wasnt eating. His arms were folded as he waited for me. Ian eyed his expression curiously but left to get his own food without asking.I rolled my eyes at Jamies stubbornness and took a bite. Jamie dug in as soon as I was chewing. Ian was back quickly, and we all ate in silence. The food tasted so good it was hard to imagine a reason for conversation-or anything else that would empty our mouths.I stopped at two, but Jamie and Ian ate until they were groaning in pain. Ian looked as though he was about to collapse. His eyes struggled to stay open.Get back to school, kid, he said to Jamie.Jamie appraised him. Maybe I should take overGo to school, I told him quickly. I wanted Jamie a safe distance from me today.Ill see you later, okay? Dont worry about about anything.Sure. A one-word lie wasnt rather so obvious. Or maybe I was just being sarcastic again.Once Jamie was gone, I turned on the somnolent Ian. Go get some rest. Ill be fine-Ill stay someplace inconspicuous. Middle of a cornfield or something.Where did you sleep last night? he asked, his eyes surprisingly sharp under his half-closed lids.Why?I can sleep there now, and you can be inconspicuous beside me.We were just murmuring, barely over a whisper now. No one paid us any attention.You cant watch me every second.Wanna bet?I shrugged, giving up. I was back at the the hole. Where I was kept in the beginning.Ian frowned he didnt like that. But he got up and led the way back to the storage corridor. The main middle was busy again now, full of people moving around the garden, all of them grave, their eyes on their feet.When we were all in the black tunnel, I tried to reason with him again.Ian, whats the point of this? Wont it hurt Jamie more, the longer Im alive? In the end, wouldnt it be better for him if -Dont think like tha t, Wanda. Were not animals. Your death is not an inevitability.I dont think youre an animal, I said quietly.Thanks. I didnt say that as an accusation, though. I wouldnt blame you if you did.That was the end of our conversation that was the moment we both saw the pale blue light reflecting dimly from around the next turn in the tunnel.Shh, Ian breathed. wait here.He pressed my shoulder down gently, trying to stick me where I stood. Then he strode forward, reservation no attempt to hide the sound of his footsteps. He disappeared around the corner.Jared? I heard him say, feigning surprise.My center felt heavy in my chest the sensation was more pain than fear.I know its with you, Jared answered. He raised his voice, so that anyone between here and the main plaza would hear. Come out, come out, wherever you are, he called, his voice hard and mocking.