Biology Paper

These days, growing fields without pesticides seems to be impossible. Besides their negative effects on the environment, insecticides destroy the capabilities of honey bees; thus, it becomes impossible for them to collect foods for their survival (Boily et al. 2013). It should be noticed that honey bees act as primary pollinators of crops, but the unwise use of insecticides can decrease the yield of cross-pollinated crops and destroy honey bee communities (Rabea Smith et al. 2009).

Studies reveal that all pesticides are dangerous for honey bee populations and can cause their immediate death too. However, several insecticides do not create any problem for adult honey bees. The excessive use of insecticides is primarily dangerous for immature and young bees (Flottum, 2014). Two commonly used insecticides are coumaphos and neonicotinoids. These can target the brain of honey bees, making it impossible for them to perform their functions (Boily et al. 2013). The combination of coumaphos and neonicotinoids can destroy the crops and kill honey bees instantly (Park et al. 2014).

The neonicotinoids are least dangerous than coumaphos, and these insecticides primarily affect the central nervous system of honey bees (Rabea Smith et al. 2009). They are widely used in the United States and can impact pollens and nectars within a matter of seconds (Suryanarayanan & Kleinman, 2017). In short, we can say that abiotic factors can drastically affect honey bees. When these chemicals are used on blooming crops, they contaminate them entirely and cause problems for immature and adult honey bees. That’s why various insecticide labels prohibit the excessive use of insecticides. Their regular and consistent use is always prohibited by the government itself (Mahindru, 2014).

Work Cited:

Mahindru, S. N. (2014). Beekeeping. New Delhi: APH Pub.

Flottum, K. (2014). The backyard beekeeper: An absolute beginners guide to keeping bees in your yard and garden. Beverly, MA: Quarry Books.

Park, M. G., Danforth, B. N., & Losey, J. E. (2014). Importance, drivers and conservation of wild bees for apple pollination.

Suryanarayanan, S., & Kleinman, D. L. (2017). Vanishing bees: Science, politics, and honeybee health. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

Boily, M., Sarrasin, B., Deblois, C., Aras, P., & Chagnon, M. (2013). Acetylcholinesterase in honey bees (Apis mellifera) exposed to neonicotinoids, atrazine and glyphosate: Laboratory and field experiments. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 20(8), 5603-5614. doi:10.1007/s11356-013-1568-2

Rabea, E. I., Nasr, H. M., & Badawy, M. E. (2009). Toxic Effect and Biochemical Study of Chlorfluazuron, Oxymatrine, and Spinosad on Honey Bees (Apis mellifera). Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 58(3), 722-732. doi:10.1007/s00244-009-9403-y

Hotel Rwanda

Would you describe Paul as a good leader? If so, what characteristics did he embody that made you think so?  Does his leadership style change over time? How so?  What caused these changes?  Did they make him a better leader?  How about Col. Oliver – was he a good leader?

Paul Rusesabagina is a social activist who worked as a managed at Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali. He is world-famous for protecting over 1,100 people during the Rwandan genocide. Amazingly, none of those refugees received injuries during the attacks, and this clearly indicates that Paul is a good leader possessing numerous unique characteristics and traits. With the passage of time, he improved himself and brought positive changes in his life considering that those were important for the welfare of his nation. The incident when he saved more than one thousand refugees changed Paul Rusesabagina by the whole and he started paying utmost attention to his leadership style, implementing new policies and helping people in all possible ways. In contrast, Oliver was convicted in Iran-Contra affairs, and he was given tough time at that time. Later on, in 1991, all charges against him were dismissed, proving that Oliver was also a reliable leader, but not as perfect as Paul.

What skills does Paul have as a manager that you find especially notable?  What skills do you think he could have improved on?

As a manager, Paul used to manage a team of twenty people and proved his worth with time. Paul possessed outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, and this is what made him successful in the workplace. But sometimes, he used to lose his temper and get angry at his workers especially when the situation was out of control. I believe that he should develop in himself enough patience and stamina, because without it, Paul cannot dream of a bright future.

How did Paul motivate his employees?   Was he successful?  Do any of the theories we discussed in class apply to this situation?  What motivated Paul?  Why would he take the risks he did?

Paul, being a responsible and sensible manager, used to motivate his employees by offering them weekly bonuses and increment in salary. The employees who performed well and met their targets prior to the deadline were assured of receiving rewards at the end of the month. Paul is a kind and noble person by nature, who has learned a lot from his past experiences. He might love to take risks in future too as he did in the past, but that depends on his physical and mental capabilities.

How does HQ respond to Paul’s situation?  What does Paul want from them?  What responsibility does Sabena have to their employees in Rwanda? Its stakeholders?  Isn’t Paul stealing from the hotel when he utilizes corporate resources not directly related to hotel activities or its customers?  What about going to his former employer (L’hotel Diplomat) and taking items from the safe?

HQ shared on Twitter that Paul is the hero of his nation and a person who is capable of dealing with all situations. For Paul, HQ is a breeze as their job involves writing trivia questions. Sabena is responsible for paying salaries to their employees in Rwanda and engaging new customers. I believe that Paul is not stealing from the hotel but instead comes up with his own, unique strategies to enhance the performance of his hotel and get more customers. I don’t think he needs to revisit his former employer because Paul now needs to look forward and work hard for a prosperous future.

Why did Paul say to Mr. Tillens“I want to thank you for everything that you have done for my family and me. Please thank all of my friends at Sabena.”

Paul said to Mr. Tillens “I want to thank you for everything that you have done for me and my family.” It clearly shows that he has not forgotten his previous employer and ex-friend, even when he has moved on in life. Paul still remembers the times when Mr. Tillens supported him financially and helped him raise his family in a better way.

At the end of the movie, Paul locks the door when leaving the hotel.  What does this say about him? What does this say about the business?

When Paul locks the door while leaving the hotel, he wants to ensure that his business is safe and protected. He has spent years in establishing this business, so Paul doesn’t want to compromise on anything. It doesn’t mean he is an arrogant or rude person; in fact, Paul is just concerned about his business and wants to see it growing.

Give three key “morals” or lessons from this film – specifically, lessons that you can apply to your future career as managers or leaders in your personal and professional life.

The way Paul managed his hotel is incredible, and I have learned a lot of lessons from it. First of all, I would be ready to face challenges with a smile on my face, just like Paul. I have learned that life is full of positive and negative experiences, so we should never leave hope. Another lesson I have learned from Paul’s life is that being a good manager can ensure the success of my business. I need to be hard-working and dedicated and should be ready to deal with any problem with or without my companions. And the last lesson I have learned is that motivating one’s employees can ensure the prosperity of a business. If in future, I establish my own company, I would definitely provide my workers with enough room for self-grooming.