Aron Blesch | University of Rochester (original) (raw)

Papers by Aron Blesch

This paper explores how the philosophy of pragmatism has reshaped education and religious thinkin... more This paper explores how the philosophy of pragmatism has reshaped education and religious thinking by focusing on practical solutions and real-world results. Pragmatism moves away from old-school philosophical theories, emphasizing direct actions and their outcomes, which has significantly shaped modern education and the relationship between science and religion. The foundational ideas of pragmatism come from the works of Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. These thinkers highlighted the role of experience and practical outcomes in shaping our understanding of concepts and truth. The paper reviews how pragmatism has historically influenced public education, especially through important legal standards like the U.S. Constitution’s Establishment Clause, and delves into John Dewey's contributions to both educational philosophy and religious studies. Dewey’s theories challenge traditional religious views and advocate for incorporating spiritual experiences into everyday life, suggesting that education should mirror these values. This study points out the continued importance of pragmatism in tackling current educational and religious issues, proposing that its principles can help create a more connected, practical, and adaptable society.

Saint Augustine's work integrates philosophy and theology, drawing on ancient philosophers like P... more Saint Augustine's work integrates philosophy and theology, drawing on ancient philosophers like Plato to enrich his Christian teachings. In On Christian Doctrine, he examines how signs and symbols convey spiritual truths. Augustine stresses that true wisdom is a divine gift, not solely from human logic. He views spiritual growth as a transformative journey that shifts focus from worldly desires to eternal divine values, guiding individuals toward deeper understanding and unity with the divine, rather than imposing strict beliefs.

The Starbucks Corporation utilizes its human resources practices and policies as a strategy to ga... more The Starbucks Corporation utilizes its human resources practices and policies as a strategy to gain a competitive advantage and drive the overall success of the company and its globalization efforts. The purpose of this research paper is to analyze Starbucks’ recruiting practices, training structures, and overall human resource management strategies in order to give insight into how the Seattle-based coffee company stands out from its competitors and remains a successful enterprise in spite of the challenges facing it.

Written in February 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper explores potential ethical dile... more Written in February 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper explores potential ethical dilemmas regarding a yet-to-be-implemented vaccination program at Caswell Correctional Center in Blanch, North Carolina. The paper also discusses the urgent need for action to create a prison ethics committee to manage the intricacies of ethical frameworks in collaboration with prison staff and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Policies to address ethical dilemmas at the correctional center, internal and external controls, and their appropriate dissemination are also explored. Lastly, the paper discusses increasing confidence-building measures and implementing ethical decisions at the Caswell facility.

Written in 1991, this short paper explores the human essence of Greek and Judeo-Christian mytholo... more Written in 1991, this short paper explores the human essence of Greek and Judeo-Christian mythologies regarding the anthropomorphic nature of divine figures in these cultural narratives. It implies a focus on how these mythologies project traits onto their deities that reflect human emotions, intellect, and social structures.

The objective of this paper is to connect the divide among religious, spiritual, and secular view... more The objective of this paper is to connect the divide among religious, spiritual, and secular viewpoints that have collectively shaped the evolution of contemporary science. While there seems to be a significant divide, acknowledging the entwined roots of science with religious and spiritual contexts is critical.

This essay delves into the dynamics of dominance and resistance in 19th-century South Carolina sl... more This essay delves into the dynamics of dominance and resistance in 19th-century South Carolina slavery. Analyzing works by historians Eugene Genovese and Drew Faust, it discusses the enslavers’ efforts to suppress African cultural heritage and enforce dependency, contrasting this with the enslaved's subtle forms of resistance. Case studies, including James Henry Hammond's plantation, illustrate how enslaved individuals preserved autonomy, defying the dehumanizing system through sabotage and cultural retention. This study reveals the complex relationship between enslaver and enslaved as a battleground of covert struggle and resilience, challenging the notion of passive submission to the oppressive power of slavery.

The following is a brief analysis of an MBA classroom debate on the merits of foreign direct inve... more The following is a brief analysis of an MBA classroom debate on the merits of foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Africa.

Three emerging technologies in the energy sector are microgrids, concentrating solar power or CSP... more Three emerging technologies in the energy sector are microgrids, concentrating solar power or CSP, and tidal generators. The purpose of this short paper is to give a short analysis of each technology, evaluating their feasibility and market readiness.

In this short paper, three academic articles on global management are assessed to determine how t... more In this short paper, three academic articles on global management are assessed to determine how to optimally acquire global management skills. The first two articles build off each other in terms of detailing the features of “a global mindset,” whereas the third diverges into a study on relevant teaching methods. In addition to raising key differences, each article is examined in order to find the common ground between them.

A few years ago I was given a choice on a psychology paper to write about a film or television ep... more A few years ago I was given a choice on a psychology paper to write about a film or television episode whose plot was based on a group orchestrating a crime or villainous, violent act. I chose to write about a scene from the classic film "The Godfather," which was then celebrating its 40th anniversary.

This short paper analyzes the components of Sternberg's Triarchic theory of intelligence and asse... more This short paper analyzes the components of Sternberg's Triarchic theory of intelligence and assesses its applicability to psychotherapy.

Marketing in the 21st century involves the need for clear strategies to reach and engage target m... more Marketing in the 21st century involves the need for clear strategies to reach and engage target markets in an ever-evolving landscape. In this paper, personalized marketing, technological shifts, new consumer trends, globalization, and pricing strategies are analyzed in order to shed more light on the challenges companies face in establishing and sustaining strong brands.

To improve performance, organizational leaders employ a host of methods; merit pay and incentive ... more To improve performance, organizational leaders employ a host of methods; merit pay and incentive pay are two such methods. However, both terms are often used interchangeably, causing confusion. The purpose of this short paper is to compare and contrast each reward system in order to provide greater clarity.

This MBA Program Project is based on a new venture plan. In the following plan, I launch an onlin... more This MBA Program Project is based on a new venture plan. In the following plan, I launch an online snail mail services provider: Send a Letter.

In this short paper, I analyze the global supply chain of ECCO, a Danish footwear company. I adv... more In this short paper, I analyze the global supply chain of ECCO, a Danish footwear company. I advise a course of action where the firm can make breakthroughs in the clothing sector, expanding its consumer base.

In this short paper, I advocate that human resources (HR) professionals engage with millennials a... more In this short paper, I advocate that human resources (HR) professionals engage with millennials as prospective employees in new and innovative ways.

Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers each contributed monumentally to the field of psychology. In this ... more Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers each contributed monumentally to the field of psychology. In this reflection paper, I ruminate over Freudian and Rogerian theory, largely taking the side of Rogers over Freud.

This paper reflects on the leadership characteristics and skills that assist in promoting a healt... more This paper reflects on the leadership characteristics and skills that assist in promoting a healthy organizational culture. Leadership styles that help shape and promote organizational health are discussed in addition to how a leader may utilize his or her power and influence to facilitate teamwork and ethical frameworks.

This paper explores how the philosophy of pragmatism has reshaped education and religious thinkin... more This paper explores how the philosophy of pragmatism has reshaped education and religious thinking by focusing on practical solutions and real-world results. Pragmatism moves away from old-school philosophical theories, emphasizing direct actions and their outcomes, which has significantly shaped modern education and the relationship between science and religion. The foundational ideas of pragmatism come from the works of Charles Sanders Peirce, William James, and John Dewey. These thinkers highlighted the role of experience and practical outcomes in shaping our understanding of concepts and truth. The paper reviews how pragmatism has historically influenced public education, especially through important legal standards like the U.S. Constitution’s Establishment Clause, and delves into John Dewey's contributions to both educational philosophy and religious studies. Dewey’s theories challenge traditional religious views and advocate for incorporating spiritual experiences into everyday life, suggesting that education should mirror these values. This study points out the continued importance of pragmatism in tackling current educational and religious issues, proposing that its principles can help create a more connected, practical, and adaptable society.

Saint Augustine's work integrates philosophy and theology, drawing on ancient philosophers like P... more Saint Augustine's work integrates philosophy and theology, drawing on ancient philosophers like Plato to enrich his Christian teachings. In On Christian Doctrine, he examines how signs and symbols convey spiritual truths. Augustine stresses that true wisdom is a divine gift, not solely from human logic. He views spiritual growth as a transformative journey that shifts focus from worldly desires to eternal divine values, guiding individuals toward deeper understanding and unity with the divine, rather than imposing strict beliefs.

The Starbucks Corporation utilizes its human resources practices and policies as a strategy to ga... more The Starbucks Corporation utilizes its human resources practices and policies as a strategy to gain a competitive advantage and drive the overall success of the company and its globalization efforts. The purpose of this research paper is to analyze Starbucks’ recruiting practices, training structures, and overall human resource management strategies in order to give insight into how the Seattle-based coffee company stands out from its competitors and remains a successful enterprise in spite of the challenges facing it.

Written in February 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper explores potential ethical dile... more Written in February 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this paper explores potential ethical dilemmas regarding a yet-to-be-implemented vaccination program at Caswell Correctional Center in Blanch, North Carolina. The paper also discusses the urgent need for action to create a prison ethics committee to manage the intricacies of ethical frameworks in collaboration with prison staff and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Policies to address ethical dilemmas at the correctional center, internal and external controls, and their appropriate dissemination are also explored. Lastly, the paper discusses increasing confidence-building measures and implementing ethical decisions at the Caswell facility.

Written in 1991, this short paper explores the human essence of Greek and Judeo-Christian mytholo... more Written in 1991, this short paper explores the human essence of Greek and Judeo-Christian mythologies regarding the anthropomorphic nature of divine figures in these cultural narratives. It implies a focus on how these mythologies project traits onto their deities that reflect human emotions, intellect, and social structures.

The objective of this paper is to connect the divide among religious, spiritual, and secular view... more The objective of this paper is to connect the divide among religious, spiritual, and secular viewpoints that have collectively shaped the evolution of contemporary science. While there seems to be a significant divide, acknowledging the entwined roots of science with religious and spiritual contexts is critical.

This essay delves into the dynamics of dominance and resistance in 19th-century South Carolina sl... more This essay delves into the dynamics of dominance and resistance in 19th-century South Carolina slavery. Analyzing works by historians Eugene Genovese and Drew Faust, it discusses the enslavers’ efforts to suppress African cultural heritage and enforce dependency, contrasting this with the enslaved's subtle forms of resistance. Case studies, including James Henry Hammond's plantation, illustrate how enslaved individuals preserved autonomy, defying the dehumanizing system through sabotage and cultural retention. This study reveals the complex relationship between enslaver and enslaved as a battleground of covert struggle and resilience, challenging the notion of passive submission to the oppressive power of slavery.

The following is a brief analysis of an MBA classroom debate on the merits of foreign direct inve... more The following is a brief analysis of an MBA classroom debate on the merits of foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Africa.

Three emerging technologies in the energy sector are microgrids, concentrating solar power or CSP... more Three emerging technologies in the energy sector are microgrids, concentrating solar power or CSP, and tidal generators. The purpose of this short paper is to give a short analysis of each technology, evaluating their feasibility and market readiness.

In this short paper, three academic articles on global management are assessed to determine how t... more In this short paper, three academic articles on global management are assessed to determine how to optimally acquire global management skills. The first two articles build off each other in terms of detailing the features of “a global mindset,” whereas the third diverges into a study on relevant teaching methods. In addition to raising key differences, each article is examined in order to find the common ground between them.

A few years ago I was given a choice on a psychology paper to write about a film or television ep... more A few years ago I was given a choice on a psychology paper to write about a film or television episode whose plot was based on a group orchestrating a crime or villainous, violent act. I chose to write about a scene from the classic film "The Godfather," which was then celebrating its 40th anniversary.

This short paper analyzes the components of Sternberg's Triarchic theory of intelligence and asse... more This short paper analyzes the components of Sternberg's Triarchic theory of intelligence and assesses its applicability to psychotherapy.

Marketing in the 21st century involves the need for clear strategies to reach and engage target m... more Marketing in the 21st century involves the need for clear strategies to reach and engage target markets in an ever-evolving landscape. In this paper, personalized marketing, technological shifts, new consumer trends, globalization, and pricing strategies are analyzed in order to shed more light on the challenges companies face in establishing and sustaining strong brands.

To improve performance, organizational leaders employ a host of methods; merit pay and incentive ... more To improve performance, organizational leaders employ a host of methods; merit pay and incentive pay are two such methods. However, both terms are often used interchangeably, causing confusion. The purpose of this short paper is to compare and contrast each reward system in order to provide greater clarity.

This MBA Program Project is based on a new venture plan. In the following plan, I launch an onlin... more This MBA Program Project is based on a new venture plan. In the following plan, I launch an online snail mail services provider: Send a Letter.

In this short paper, I analyze the global supply chain of ECCO, a Danish footwear company. I adv... more In this short paper, I analyze the global supply chain of ECCO, a Danish footwear company. I advise a course of action where the firm can make breakthroughs in the clothing sector, expanding its consumer base.

In this short paper, I advocate that human resources (HR) professionals engage with millennials a... more In this short paper, I advocate that human resources (HR) professionals engage with millennials as prospective employees in new and innovative ways.

Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers each contributed monumentally to the field of psychology. In this ... more Sigmund Freud and Carl Rogers each contributed monumentally to the field of psychology. In this reflection paper, I ruminate over Freudian and Rogerian theory, largely taking the side of Rogers over Freud.

This paper reflects on the leadership characteristics and skills that assist in promoting a healt... more This paper reflects on the leadership characteristics and skills that assist in promoting a healthy organizational culture. Leadership styles that help shape and promote organizational health are discussed in addition to how a leader may utilize his or her power and influence to facilitate teamwork and ethical frameworks.