Monday, September 30, 2019
Time Scale for Research Project
Time scale for Research Project 1. Design and create Video demonstrations (Completed) 2. Decide on a conceptual framework for the project (Laurillard) 3. Decide on quantitive/qualitative or mixed method (Mixed quantitive/qualitative) 4. Source and read 20 quality applicable resent journal articles (5 new already) 5. Design and create a questionnaire for research (Completed) 6. Design and create a practical marking scheme (completed) 7. Decide on whither to use a focus group or not or interview or not (numbers)(Focus Group Interview) 8.Design and create a questionnaire for info on students phones for first day (completed) 9. Decide on what journal to write for (by Nov 1st) 10. Decide on possible themes for article structure and headings etc (see 9) 11. Design and create a consent form for the students (by Nov 1st) 12. Design and write an application for consent from ITB to carry out research (by Nov 1st) 13. Put abstract together and submit to Open Learning online journal(completed) 1 4. Make up a specific timetable for implementing study (by Dec 1st) 15. Write annotated bibliography (by Dec 7th) 16.Decide on a learning theory for the project (by Dec 1st) 17. Rewrite literature review (Completed) 18. Rewrite research proposal (Completed) 19. Decide on specific method of analysing the results. Miles and Hubermanââ¬â¢s interactive model of data analysis. (by Dec 7th) ââ¬â (Jan 1st) 20. Carry out practical study and collect data (Jan 6th ââ¬â 22nd) 21. Collect data from questionnaires and focus group (Jan 25th ââ¬â 29th) 22. Analyse data (Feb 1st ââ¬â Mar 1st) 23. Write journal paper (Mar 1st ââ¬â June 1st) 24. Constantly read journal papers and adapt entire study as work proceeds, start writing ASAP and keep on updating ePortfolio and private Blog.
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Age of Computer Essay
Eras in the history of art and architecture may be distinguished by styles such as Renaissance, Gothic, Impressionist or Surrealist, and so on. Techniques too have marked different eras over the centuries: from the primitive tools of the Stone Age, to the Industrial Age marked by steam and electrical power and the discovery of turbines, and engines. Today, we have entered a new era: the computer age ââ¬â an age which owes everything to inventors. Charles Babbage, an English mathematician, is considered to be the great-grandfather of the computer. Over 150 years ago, in 1840 to be exact, he invented a sophisticated calculating machine, and called it the ââ¬Å"Analytical Engine.â⬠As with many inventions, his creation was far in advance of its time. It took another 100 years before the first computers were built, and as you know, they were huge and incredibly heavy. Take, for instance, the famous Mark I. It was the worldââ¬â¢s first electro-mechanical computer and was used during World War 2 by the U.S. Navy. In comparison to 20th-century systems,à it could be likened to a battleship: 2.6 meters high, 16 meters wide, 2 meters deep, and weighing a massive 5 tons! The machine ââ¬â the hardware ââ¬â could not develop without the software to match, of course. In this respect, two women mathematicians played key roles. Ada Lovelace Byron, daughter of the poet Lord Byron, wrote in 1843 what today weââ¬â¢d call programs for Charles Babbageââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Analytical Engine.â⬠She was a pioneer and is considered to be the very first programmer in history. Thatââ¬â¢s why 130 years later, the U.S. Department of Defence gave her forename ââ¬â Ada ââ¬â A-D-A ââ¬â to one of the most important computer programs in the world. It is used not only by the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force but also by big industry, universities, and other centers of research. Grace Hopper, an American woman, invented in 1952 the very first compiler of all times, a program which translates a programming language so that it can be understood by computers. It was a sensational breakthrough which opened doors to automatic programming and thus directly to contemporary personal computers (PCs). Today, computers are at the center of thousands upon thousands of other inventions. They are the heartbeats of the modern world. Computers are every-where ââ¬â from kitchens to concrete mixers, from planes to pockets. They listen. They speak. They act. Never in world history has one invention had such an influence on humanity as a whole. Without the computer age, there would be no global awareness. Internet, in particular, has created a brand new environment. A new culture has been born ââ¬â free, rapid, and universal ââ¬â where people share their knowledge and expertise. Information and communication techniques have been turned upside down, distance has been eliminated, frontiers abolished. A tremendous interactive potential is burgeoning on our planet Earth today. Like it or lump it ââ¬â none can stop it! I would like to mention something concerning Internet. The inventors in 1990à of the World Wide Web (WWW), which revolutionized the contemporary computer world, did not become millionaires. British Tim Berners-Lee and Belgian Robert Caillau, both researchers at European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, did not make any money through their invention of the WWW. They refused to patent it. They feared that in so doing, the use of the Web would prove prohibitively expensive preventing its use worldwide. Thus, they passed up a fortune so that our world can learn and communicate today, and we should be grateful to them for their foresight. The invention of the computer with its multitude of programs and new information technologies is transforming the traditional perception of an inventor. A more positive image is emerging. No longer personified by an eccentric crackpot, a crackpot male genius working alone in attic, garage or basement, todayââ¬â¢s inventors resemble more and more millions of other scientists, industrial researchers and entrepreneurs in workshops or laboratories surrounded by a computer station. All use the ââ¬Å"mouseâ⬠instead of a pencil, and their drawing boards are computer screens. Women inventors have also contributed to this change in the traditional image of the inventor, particularly in certain fields such as chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, not to speak of computer software. In the USA, for instance, the number of women inventors with patents in the field of chemistry increased three-and-half times during the period from 1977 (2.8%) to 1988 (9.9%). It would be interesting indeed to see what further increases have taken place over the past 10 years. Another popular fallacy is not only that the large majority of inventors are eccentric and male, but they are also perceived as being raZther ancient! The truth is that, thanks to the computer, people are actually inventing more and more at an increasingly youthful age. In Silicon Valley, a 30-year old inventor is considered already long in the tooth, and many newcomers to the inventive world are in their 20s. Some predict that in a few years time,à thereââ¬â¢ll be a new generation of 14-year-old millionaire inventors appearing in Silicon Valley! Unfortunately, this new generation of inventors ââ¬â women and very young people ââ¬â is insufficiently present among representatives of most inventor associations worldwide. These are still run by people who, although totally dedicated to their work, were neither born nor grew up in the computer age. Therefore they find adaptation difficult. Information technology frequently passes them by. This is often a cause of very real problems. lighbulbInternet.jpg (1394 bytes) Letââ¬â¢s now consider some of the ways inventors can make use of the new technologies of the computer age. We all know that inventors need a lot of information. Technological information contained in patent documents is essential at the very earliest stages of invention. It can avoid duplication in research work. It can provide ideas for further development of existing technology. It can also give a glimpse of the technological activities of competitors. That is why Patent Offices have put their patent documentation databases on the Internet. Access is not only fast, but easily accessible, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Itââ¬â¢s also free in the sense that it doesnââ¬â¢t cost the inventor a single cent to consult such documentation! Time-consuming travel to Patent Offices or libraries storing patent documents is a thing of the past. The inventor also has access to much more data than through a single database. Obviously, the ideal is one huge library, containing millions of patent documents from all over the world. The European Patent Office (EPO) has tried to create this world library of patent documents. I am glad to inform you that IFIA Web site allows surfers to visit this EPO site, and through it, to jump to the major providers of patent information in the world, whether they be Patent Offices or privateà enterprises, such as IBM. A further advantage is the constant updating of all these databases by each of the providers. In brief, itââ¬â¢s sufficient to click on one address, the EPO address, to access millions of documents: . lighbulbInternet.jpg (1394 bytes) For many inventors, the marketing stage often starts with a prototype to prove that the product works satisfactorily, and whatââ¬â¢s more, works safely. The greater a modelââ¬â¢s perfection, the greater the chances of selling a license to a manufacturer. But a professional prototype, as close to the final product as possible, can rapidly become extremely expensive. One fantastic and inexpensive alternative to a physical prototype is a computerized model. Basically, it amounts to modelling the invention from all angles on a computer, with self-running commentary, demonstrations and animation of all the inventionââ¬â¢s functions. The diskette or ZIP disk can be duplicated in as many copies as necessary, and sent via regular mail. The computerized prototype can also be loaded onto a video tape and copies made. Busy executives ââ¬â prospective investors, licensees or buyers ââ¬â seem, however, to prefer a diskette which is easy to put into the computer, in addition to the fact that most offices do not have a TV and VCR. The video tape would seem more appropriate when presenting an invention at an exhibition or fair. On the subject of invention shows, let me stress in passing that virtual exhibitions exist already. One of IFIAââ¬â¢s members, the Hungarian Association of Inventors, even launched an international competition of inventions last March with a virtual jury, each member sitting serenely in front of his/her computer screen, somewhere around the world. lighbulbInternet.jpg (1394 bytes) With the computer age upon us, we are also moving slowly but surely away from the traditional paper system of filing patent applications to the newà electronic filing system ââ¬â a rapid and cheap transmission system of text and image data. Patent Offices are now engaged in preparing the necessary tools to assist inventors and other applicants in this form of electronic commerce. Naturally, their Web sites will have to provide links to reference material, technical guidelines and instructions on filing applications. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, provides inventors and industry with an advantageous route for obtaining patent protection worldwide. Starting from January 1, 1999, the PCT is offering a reduction of US$ 200 (two hundred) for every electronic filing. Thatââ¬â¢s quite an encouragement to use this system! However, no system is perfect. It still remains a fact that Patent Offices are faced with serious technical issues related to information security. Namely: How to ensure the security and authenticity of the transmission and exchange of unpublished ââ¬â therefore confidential ââ¬â data? The next question to arise is: Who will be responsible in case of third-party intrusions? The Patent Office? ââ¬â or the applicant? Because of the international nature of the patent system, it has been decided recently that all information security issues will be examined in the framework of WIPO. To better understand some of the many issues involved, I would like to give two examples as described in a WIPO document discussed a few days ago in Geneva: â⬠â⬠¦ any exchange between applicants and examiners requires excellent levels of security and data privacy. Furthermore, many of these activities require some assurance of the identity of one party or another. For example, if an applicant is exchanging information with an examiner, the examiner needs to know that the individual is indeed authorized to provideà information, (e.g. proof of identity), and the applicant needs to be confident that he or she is indeed in contact with a patent examiner and not a clever hacker. [â⬠¦]â⬠ââ¬Å"The exchange of priority documents provides another interesting example. If a priority document is to be exchanged in electronic form, it needs to be validated by the originating party. In other words, the document needs to be signed to demonstrate its authenticity, it needs to have a guaranteed time stamp associated with the transaction, preferably by a third party (to prevent presumed or actual forgery of dates and times), and it needs to have some guarantee of accuracy, so that a party obtaining the document can tell if tampering occurredâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ lighbulbInternet.jpg (1394 bytes) Every now and then we hear some people say, ââ¬Å"Thereââ¬â¢s hardly anything left to invent. Everything has been invented already!â⬠. What a silly remark! You can be certain that inventors will continue inventing, and new discoveries will be made, right up to the very last minute before the world comes to an end! But to return to today, with the computer age, the possibilities of invention are endless and in all possible fields. It has also been said that the computer will eventually invent the inventor. By that I mean that one day, the computer will replace the inventor. Up to a point, I must agree ââ¬â but only to a certain extent. You can feed the computer with billions of data. One has even beaten a world chess champion. Nevertheless, the computer has no humanity, no imagination, no sensitivity or affectivity, and no inherent wisdom. Can it smell the perfume of a rose? â⬠¦interpret the color of a sunrise? Can it caress the cheek of a child? â⬠¦or savor the taste of Hong Kongââ¬â¢s dim sum?! Above all itââ¬â¢s a machine ââ¬â a fantastic machine ââ¬â but remember, itââ¬â¢s only a machine. So letââ¬â¢s not make a new god out of the computer, as some tend to do. But rather use its possibilities to a maximum â⬠¦ and through it, try quite simply to build a better world. That should be our motto.
Friday, September 27, 2019
Gender inequalities in the workplace Research Paper - 1
Gender inequalities in the workplace - Research Paper Example Although it is evident that there have been significant gains in the workplace regarding equality in recent times, it is also evident that progress, to ensure equality, has stalled or slowed down. Despite being more than five decades since the idea of empowering women to participate in all the key sectors of the economy was born, it is evident that women face issues related to sexism in their workplace. In effect, this has had an effect of slowing down the gains achieved in ensuring equality. In the United States, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was one of the instruments that contributed to the participation of women in the workplace. This article not only prohibits discrimination due to gender, but also prohibits discrimination of people from the workplace based on their origin and religion (Gregory 1). Inadvertently with the advent of Title VII, it is evident that the world witnessed sweeping changes in the economic and social trends, which enhanced the participation of women in the workplace with the statistics increasing ever since. In the contemporary world, the United States continues to witness women rising in positions of power and their elevation to professional and corporate levels that were previously not fathomed. Despite all these achievements, various issues continue to underline inequality in the workplace. Sex discrimination in the workplace and other key areas of the economy might have subsided although it has not ended. Commenting about the participation and discrimination of women in the workplace, Abrams noted, ââ¬Å"The present day finds us not at the end of the path, but navigating a crucial bend in the roadâ⬠(1183). In this regard, women have realized that they have made substantial gains in the workplace although there are factors that inhibit their participation in the workplace. In line with this, it is crucial to point out that todayââ¬â¢s woman can secure
Shinto Current Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Shinto Current Issues - Essay Example In this respect, religions of the Oriental world appear to be extremely interesting for research and deductive in their heart from the perspective of their main principle of leading a spiritual life in harmony with inner and outer world. One of such confessions or rather to say ways of life is the Shinto religion. So, lets consider common characteristics of Shintoism and Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism in general and a specific contemporary state of Shintoism in particular. ââ¬Å"Today, if you ask what religion they follow, most Japanese would say that they do not follow any religionâ⬠(Miyamoto, 2011).The same image appears in other countries of the Oriental world, for its peoples really donââ¬â¢t confess any religion but abide this or that living philosophy. One way or another, there is nothing surprising in the fact that all nations of the same semantically unionized area share some common traits in their believes. As it has been mentioned above, Shintoism, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism advocate the same key principle of a balanced life within nature and the world. It refers to a grateful and favorable attitude towards everything of animated and inanimate nature, as any creature comes laden with a particular meaning for the world (everything has its sole). Moreover, a destiny of stones, trees, animals, humans is defined by their positively or negatively lived being, which is led by a particular way of thinking. As a r esult, souls are degenerated influenced by deeds and their effects while living. Hence, there is another common characteristic, that is, a belief in circulation of life and death, reincarnation of soul into bodies of inanimate subjects, animals, humans and gods (Bumb, 2010). Polytheism is the next common denominator of the Oriental religions, since there are numerous gods, the great people and
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Runic Alphabets in Scandinavia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words
Runic Alphabets in Scandinavia - Essay Example Sadly, the meanings of these symbols and their purpose are now lost. Like runes, they were believed to be used for divination and they may have strongly influenced the magical function of later runic alphabets (Smith 1996). Historians and anthropologists are uncertain about the early uses of runes. They may have been used as actual characters for writing. However, the name rune suggests that they were also used as mystical signs or symbols which possess powerful magic. Early Germanic literature bear testimony to the magical character of runes. The Edda, a series of poems, and folk songs to these modern days attest to the influence that runes have on humanity. In fact, the supernatural powers of runes are said to have not only influence, but can overcome natural and physical laws. Runes can summon rain or violent thunderstorms. They can break chains and shackles, or bind men into them. They can heal illness or cause someone to suffer disease. They could raise the dead from their graves. Warriors can become invincible with the help of runes, and cause his weapon to inflict mortal wounds to the enemy. Runes can make men mad, as they can also protect men from the deceitful designs of others. Runes are generally considered as of divine origin, since Odin himself, as related in the Edda, had to sacrifice his person in order to learn the secrets of the runes. Odin was also the foremost runemaster, according to Germanic literature, and was known to have used the stones to exercise personal revenge. Simultaneous with the magical use of runes, there is also evidence that they were used as a means of communication. These messages may have been popular or used in secret. Saga of Egill Skallagrmsson, his daughter Thorger apparently carved the Sunatorrek -- a beautiful poem on a runic staff or runakefli -- where Egill laments the death of his son. Stone monuments are also lasting evidence of the roles played by runes in olden times. These are more common in England and Scandinavia. Some of these monuments simply bear the name of a fallen warrior. Others relate his life and exploits. Since these runic inscriptions were often found in England and Scandinavia, it could be inferred that the use of runes for such purpose may be a later development (Ward & Waller, ed.). II. Discussion A. General Development and Transformation of Runes Runes are also known as Futharks, named for the first six letters in their alphabet, namely, F, U, Th, A, R, and K. The Elder Futhark has 24 letters, the Younger Futhark has 16 letters. Futhark was brought into England by the Anglo-Saxons and transformed into the 33-letter Futhorc, which accommodated the phonetic changes which occurred in Old English (AncientScripts.com). The runes of Scandinavia can be classified into three periods. They are also not related to the Futhorc of the Anglo-Saxon. The first period dates from around 175 A.D. to the 8th century. However, some evidence show that the period may have started much earlier, as far back as 50 A.D. This period is referred to as the Primitive Norse, and Christianity had not yet reached that far north. The language was called Primitive Old Norse for the Nordic Inscriptions and were in Germanic or Gothic languages in lands farther south. The language of this
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Role of Culture Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Role of Culture - Research Paper Example Introduction Before going into the discussion regarding role of culture in a country, let us get a better understanding of what culture actually is. Culture represents the customs and traditions of people living in any specific society. Kartha (n.d.) states, ââ¬Å"Culture is something that a person learns from his family and surroundings, and is not ingrained in him from birthâ⬠. It is a pattern of such behaviors and characteristics, which a person needs to learn if he or she wants to survive in a society in an appropriate manner. In this paper, we will not only discuss the role which culture plays in the lives of people living in Puerto Rico but also we will examine the culture of Puerto Rico from different aspects, such as, education, business management, communication, politics, food, religion, and etiquettes. Role of Culture in a Country Culture plays a critical role in shaping the behaviors and characteristics of people living in any specific country. Culture shapes the wa y the citizens communicate with each other. It gives an identity to the people of a country, which differentiates them from the people of other countries. Culture is the backbone of every society or any country. Every country has a different culture, which differentiates from the cultures of other countries. ... ââ¬Å"Usually, people who settle in other nations imbibe the new culture, while at the same time strive to preserve their ownâ⬠(Kartha, n.d.). Cultural Influences of Puerto Rico Culture plays its role in setting the dimensions for the economic progress of Puerto Rico. Beautiful landscapes and rich culture of Puerto Rico provide a sensual feast for the visitors (Beasley, 2010). Culture is involved in every aspect of the countryââ¬â¢s growth and development. Some of the most common fields in which culture holds a very significant position include education, business management, communication, politics, food, religion, etiquettes, and gender roles. Let us discuss how culture makes an impact on the progress and development of Puerto Rico, which is an unincorporated territory of the United Sates of America. Impact on Education Culture has a very significant impact on the education of Puerto Rico. Cultural tendencies influence the way students participate in the process of learni ng. Understanding of the culture also influences perception and awareness of the students, which helps them deal with different challenges regarding education. Improvement in the process of learning is the best example of cultural influence on education in Puerto Rico. Students improve their process of learning when their teachers emphasize on mental representations, visual learning strategies, and hands on learning. In Puerto Rico, it is one of the main responsibilities of a teacher to integrate the elements of culture in the process of educating the children because in this way, children can become familiar with norms and values of their own culture. Those students, who learn the values of their cultures and exhibit them throughout their educational career, achieve
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Etihad towers hotel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Etihad towers hotel - Essay Example For instance, the majority of these rooms range from forty to sixty square meters, while others are designed to have a space ranging from ninety two to nine hundred and eighty square meters. These specially designed rooms are referred to as Royal Etihad Suite and they are situated at the sixtieth floor of the Etihad Towers. Other features of the hotel include 199 residences that are serviced; in fact, this are meant for customers that are available for longer stays (Jumeirah, 2013). The hotel has variety of restaurants and lounges which provide customers with extensive alternatives for cookery temptations, which are located at the sixty third floors to the beach; this cookery offers entire day dinning and Lebanese restaurants and veranda seating. The hotel has an executive lounge, which offers food and beverages, internet lounge, shower suits, and a business center, which is fitted with four meeting rooms situated at level forty five (Jumeirah, 2013). The hotel offers a conference ce nter, which is completely equipped with ballroom; in fact, it has a capacity that can accommodate up to 1400 delegates. There are thirteen meeting rooms and pre-functions spaces that offer sea view, while on the other hand, the hotel offers leisure time through Talise Spa in fourteen treatment suits, Rasoul chamber, and hammam (Jumeirah, 2013). There are extensive gyms fitted with sophisticated equipments, while its other side offers a landscape of oasis pools, gardens and private beach; in fact, section in this part offer retail therapy at superb Etihad Towers boutiques. SWOT Analysis of Etihad Towers Hotel Strengths Jumeirah hotel derives advantages due to its location, since it is accessible to customers from the air port city shopping malls and central business district area. Furthermore, the hotel has been benefiting from increasing demand of rooms due to absence of other hotels of its class. There are numerous features offered by this hotel to customers and they make a signifi cant contribution to the strengths of the hotel (Landman, 2010). Some of these features are unique and cannot be provided by their competitors; for instance, application of technology in their services has earned them a competitive advantage in the market. The other source of strength is increased foreign investment, whereby this has led to increased number of business men taking business trips to UAE and they seek accommodation from this hotel; in fact, this number includes government officials from other countries. In this case, all these customers find this hotel to be in a convenient location due to its proximity to central business district and government offices. Weakness The hotel is highly dependent on its geographical location, whereby they are expecting to attract customers from the nearby central business district and shopping mall, and air port. Therefore this can lead to lack of strategies that can enable them target and venture into new market; in fact, they are confin ed into to a single market which leads to increased vulnerability in case there is economic recession (Landman, 2010). The hotel has commenced operating recently; thus, it has not acquired substantial brand equity and client base in the area (Management Study Guide, 2012). Opportunities There are
Monday, September 23, 2019
Organizational and Societal Functions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Organizational and Societal Functions - Essay Example These, when clubbed are categorized as the Organizational and Societal arenas, where the PR man has to function. Public Relations is reaching out to the world to create an image of the company, its products and services so as to have a positive competitive impact, which in turn makes for a good long term bottom-line. Apart from the traditional public relations function of working with the media and exposing the good side of the organization, now the hectic pace of all the domestic and global industries demand the following functions too: The last, becoming more and more urgent and forceful as the organizations are impacting globally, by their multi-country locations. These generate a plethora of economic, social, cultural and even religious issues, which have to be resolved. 2. Relationship management - This demands great tactical skill that adequately addresses the strategies formulated, to be played right across the board. It is all inclusive and in dire need nothing is excluded. Traditionally the directions required are {a} Internal Within the organization and {b} External Outside the organization. 3. Media Relations - The core area of public relations is media relations. Efforts are desired to properly publicize products or the company to the members of the mass media TV and Radio, newspaper, magazine, newsletter and Internet. 4. Publicity - Products or events are to be successfully publicized when launched through various media and Brand Ambassadors or influencers. 5. Marketing communications - This focuses on the products or produce and/or services. Marketing communications {marcom} is primarily concerned with demand generation, product, produce and/or service positioning. 6. Employee relations - It begins with sharing of the corporate vision to enable every one in the organization, to work in tandem to successfully realize it. Build cordial relationship between the employer and the employee with the existence of mutual respect for each other. Derive immense benefits of team sprit to directly effect improved production, employee motivation, customer satisfaction and reputation of business. Public Relations 5 7. Investor relations - The larger the organization gets the more complex are the financial structuring. Therefore, most large companies, investor relations (IR) or financial public relations is a specialty in itself guided by specific disclosure regulations dictated
Sunday, September 22, 2019
Civilization vs. Savagery Essay Example for Free
Civilization vs. Savagery Essay Counterpoint is a common literary device used by many authors in a variety of forms of literature. It gives the work contrast and interest as well as a diverse insight into two completely different ideas or opposites. The main counterpoint presented in William Goldingââ¬â¢s Lord of the Flies would be the idea of civilization vs. savagery. This motif is presented throughout the novel. The idea that humans are constantly battling their feral instincts and civilized ideals is a theme that is deeply and extensively explored. Golding acquaints civilization with good, and savagery with evil. He uses symbolic characters and objects in order to convey his themes and ideas. He represents the opposing forces of civilization and savagery with the two main characters: Ralph, the protagonist, who represents order and leadership; and Jack, the antagonist, who represents savagery and the desire for power. Among these characters there are many others who react to the conflict in different ways. The conflict between these opposites is the driving force of the novel. When it comes down to the idea of civilization, Golding implies that civilization is something forced upon humans by society, and not something one is instinctively drawn to. Civilization is merely just a mask of ones instincts. Ralph is the perfect example of the desire for civilization among the boys of the island. He expresses this quality when he states, ââ¬Å"Weve got to have rules and obey them. After all, were not savages. Were English, and the English are best at everythingâ⬠(Golding 2.192). The boys still desire their previous, ordered life they left back in England. Ralph is the symbol of supressing oneââ¬â¢s natural savage instincts, he feels the thrill and exhilaration of barbarity but manages to subdue these spirits. Piggy is also an example of the human need for civilization. Not once in the novel does he display savage feelings or undertones. This shows just how badly the human race strives for civilization, but it is not something organic. The counterpoint to the idea of civilization in Lord of the Flies would be the theme of savagery. Golding seems to suggest throughout the novel that a humans savage instincts are far more powerful then the desire for civilization. The perfect character to acquaint to the theme of savagery would be Jack. Jack thrives off of dominance and power. He exemplifies these traits during the murder of Simon: The sticks fell and the mouth of the new circle crunched and screamed. The beast was on its knees in the center, its arms folded over its face. It was crying out against the abominable noise something about a body on the hill. The beast struggled forward, broke the ring and fell over the steep edge of the rock to the sand by the water. At once the crowd surged after it, poured down the rock, leapt on to the beast, screamed, struck, bit, tore. There were no words, and no movements but the tearing of teeth and claws. (Golding 9.89-99) The boys revert to their instinctive ferocious roots, having no mercy on their fellow human. They cruelly murder Simon as if he were a wild animal. Roger is also a good example of savagery in the novel. As the idea of civilization on the island begins to become a distant memory, Roger lets himself become victim of his most basic human instincts. This is first apparent to the reader when Roger throws rocks at the littluns, and after his murder of the pig which was much more brutal then necessary. Roger is also the leading culprit in the loss of Piggy. He was the one who pushed the boulder down the hill inevitably causing Piggyââ¬â¢s death. While Jack feeds off the idea of power, Roger revolves around causing pain. He symbolizes the sadistic instincts of mankind, and having to suppress the desire to hurt others in order to function in society. William Golding uses counterpoint to his advantage in the writing of his novel Lord of the Flies. He clearly expresses the conflict between the complex human need for civilization and mankindââ¬â¢s savage instincts. He expresses the struggle extensively using the characters in the novel to portray both sides. Savages vs. those who struggle to keep civility. The novel deeply explores the concept of human instincts overpowering oneââ¬â¢s facade of civilization put on for the rest of society. How, when left up to their own devices, humans are capable of doing the unthinkable. Works Cited Golding, William. Lord of the Flies. London: Faber and Faber, 1954.
Saturday, September 21, 2019
The Escape Essay Example for Free
The Escape Essay The text under consideration is the short story ââ¬Å"The Escapeâ⬠written by a famous English writer Somerset Maugham. The story deals with the authorââ¬â¢s speculation of the question of marriages, especially the possibility of men to escape it. There is no exposition, therefore we can only guess by the contents where and when the settings set on. At the beginning of the text the author expresses his conviction that only an instant flight can save a man from a woman, if she made up her mind to marry him. Further on the author recollects a case when even such flight couldnââ¬â¢t save the poor man. The author passes on to another story of a man, whose name was Roger Charing, who managed to extricate himself in such circumstances. The author introduces to us a girl ââ¬â Ruth Barlow ââ¬âwhom he fell in love with, draws special attention to her eyes and the impression they made on men. He also depicts the misery of the girlââ¬â¢s life, as everyone treated her very badly and nothing ever went right with her. Further on the author disclosed some information concerning Ruthââ¬â¢s character, mainly from the point of view of the narrator. The author touches upon Rogerââ¬â¢s attitude to her, saying that he was very happy, for he committed a good action and at the same time did something he had very much a mind to. In the next passage the author suddenly changes the mood of the narration saying that Roger fell out of love. He points out Rogerââ¬â¢s intentions not to let Ruth marry him by any means. But then the author dwells upon the difficulty of the situation he was in, because now he realized what sort of woman he had to deal with. After that the author describes the method that Roger used to get rid of Ruth: he said that until they found a perfect house they wouldnââ¬â¢t get married. The author points out that it took years for them to search for the suitable house, they visited thousands of them, but still couldnââ¬â¢t find anything. The author shows the change in Ruthââ¬â¢s mood as the years go by: she becomes more and more irritated, disappointed and even angry. The author describes the outcome of this story in two letters: one from Ruth, in which she tells that she found some other man who is willing to marry her. The other letter is the Rogerââ¬â¢s reply, in which he pretends to be shocked and depressed by this news, and sends to her another list of houses that will suit her perfectly. Precis The short story ââ¬Å"The Escapeâ⬠by Somerset Maugham is a humorous and witty narration about Roger Charing who managed to escape from Ruth Barrow that had made up her mind to marry him. Being old enough and having much experience, Roger decided to use the search of a perfect house as an excuse not to marry her, until she understood that he didnââ¬â¢t love her and found another man to marry. Gist Roger Charing, a character of the story ââ¬Å"The Escapeâ⬠by Somerset Maugham, once fell in love with Ruth Barrow, but later his love disappeared and in order not to let her marry him, he made searches of a perfect house last endlessly, until she decided to leave him.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Desertification In Sub Sahara Africa Environmental Sciences Essay
Desertification In Sub Sahara Africa Environmental Sciences Essay Without a doubt, Planet Earth is just the right place for humanity to dwell in. Planet Earth is deteriorating due to the issues and problems cause by humanity and natural disasters. Earth faces many problems daily and the effects are immense toward humanity. Some parts of earth are worse than others due to the irresponsibility of population. Sub-Sahara Africa suffers from many problems like soil erosion, deforestation, and desertification but Sub-Sahara Africas main issue is desertification. Many regions in Sub-Sahara Africa face massive effects of desertification. In Sub-Sahara Africa the society is changing due to desertification and the effects it has on society and furthermore desertification is slowly growing and it is a main problem in Africa due to the African tropical weather and the carelessness of the peoples work toward the land. Sub-Sahara Africa is one of the main places where desertification is occurring due to the overuse of land and irresponsibility of the population. Using land without superior knowledge and good understanding people cause the land to deteriorates. There are many causes of land desertification in Sub-Sahara Africa and many of them are natural causes. One of the natural causes that root the land to deteriorate is soil erosion. Soil erosion is when the topsoil is remove or taken away faster than the forming of soil can take place (Welcome to the European Soil Portal). Soil erosion happens all around the world in each year. When soil erosion happens, the good soils are washed away leaving only the bad, hard soil left for farmers to farm, so without the thin soil layer, barley anything could grow in it. Soil erosion will take a short time to destroy excellent soils where good soils take extremely long time to make. In Ethiopia about one million tons of top soil is lost every year where ther e are soil erosions (William Von Cotthern). The second natural cause of land desertification is draught; and draught is one of the main causes of desertification in Africa. Every year there are draughts. The Sudano-Sahel region, for instance, has experienced unpredictable and severe drought, the most recent of which lasted almost 20 years (Lilian Ahianga). Drought could last a very long time and when it lasts that long, the society will be in danger. Over 25 countries in the continent have faced shortage of food over a decade ago due to the long lasting of drought (Lilian Ahianga). Without rain for a very lengthy time, land could be tough to farm and afterward the land will be unusable for anything. Draught affects a massive amount of dry lands and with several droughts each year, dry land degradation increases. Factors like the growth of human and animal population could also cause desertification (Lilian Ahianga). Land desertifications not only are they being caused by natural disasters but are also being degrades by humanity. The over using of land is one of the many ways where humanity could cause land degradation. Farmers and workers and using land over and over again without letting the land rest and grow back. Farmers not allowing grass and land to grow back after animal grazed on them. Animals keep on grazing on them until they turn brown or red and are no longer able to grow. Colonial scientists blame the African farmers and herders as the cause of the spread of desertification (Gregory Maddox). They overgrazed of land and burn down forest for savannah. The second problem is that there are too many people for one small place. There are too many people living on one small place where things are being used every day over and over again, leaving the land no time to grow. Trees and resources do not have enough time to actually grow back. Once they are cut, and are regenerating, animals would come and eat them. The main reason is that there are more people who cut down trees than those who plant them. The populations are cutting down trees faster than trees are able to grow. People did not allow the cut trees to grow back instead they let the animals graze on them. About 30,000 kilometer square per year of trees is cut down (Aldo Bonincontro). Destroying trees increases the growth of desertification in Africa. Desertification in Africa causes many problems for the population (Jorn Laxen). In Sub-Sahara Africa, desertification plays a big role in the populations poverty. Many people, not only in Africa, have been affected by Desertification. Desertification has many effects on the world today, especially in Africa itself. There are many effects cause by desertification, such as: deaths, diseases and poverties. Thousands of people die due to starvation. Starvation is the negative outcome of desertification of land which leads to deaths. Besides people dying every month. Death in Sub-Sahara Africa leads to the deaths of an estimated 3 million people in the mid-1980s (P.C Sinha). The affects of desertification could cause deaths to countless people. Degraded lands are no longer able to provide crops, food for animals, and even firewood for burning. Poverty is also a main reason why there is poverty in Africa. Million of people could have insufficient of food because of the declining of crops yield. The result is that Sub-Sahara Africa is the only region in the world where food production is stagnating, and hunger is on the rise (Jan Baert). Hunger and poverty is rising due to the slow and little production of crops. Desertification causes farming to slow down and produce little amount of resources. Since there is little of crops and resources, the economy then will raise the prices of items such as rice because they are scarce. This will greatly affect the lower class people (Lilian Ahranga). For every problem and issue, there are preventions and solution. Desertification must be stopped and governments and organizations have been stepping in to help out. Many methods had already been done to help land degradation; methods such as redressing of vegetation cover and controlling soil erosion. The problem appears to be a lack of knowledge and probably also the economic constraints that prevent the optimum utilization of these valuable resources (Jorn Laxen). One the best way to prevent desertification is simply education. The government and organization should give some sort of education the population, especially farmers. Teaching them how to farm and to use the land properly in the right way where land will not be destroyed; is one of the main prevention of land degradation. The second way to prevent land degradation is to protect the environmental resources that are available to them. If they use it carelessly and destroyed them completely, they will have a hard time grow ing back, and besides it will take them a lengthy time to grow. Adopt sustainable land-use policies and sustainable management of water resources (P.C Sinha). Being able to maintain the soil fertility properly is also helpful. In 2005 the World Bank and NEPAD launched the TerrAfrica by mobilizing coalitions, knowledge and raising money for Africa (Jan Baert). Alan Paton, the author of Cry, the Beloved Country, used desertification as an influence to write Cry, the Beloved Country. The author chooses to use desertification as one of the main problem to why people moved from countryside to the city. In chapter one of Cry, the beloved Country, Paton compared the good land with the degraded land. Where you stand the grass is rich and matted, you cannot see the soil. But the rich green hills break downà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦ for they grow red and bared; they cannot hold the rain and mist, and the streams are dry in the kloofs.Too many cattle feed upon the grass, and too many fires have burned it (33). The book started out talking about the problem of the land as a symbolism that it will effects on the characters in the book. All the young men and strong girls left the place to go to the city to look for work because the land could give them nothing. The men are away, the young men and the girls are away. The soil cannot keep them any more (34). Boys a nd girls left the place because of the degraded land. And because of the movements from country side to the city, the city could not hold all of them. That was one of the problems in the society that time, there were more people in the city than the country side. Most of them have to live on the streets. And that is why there were so many black miners in the city. In chapter 30 the land is still in devastation. There were no rains for the land and for farming. Paton stated, à ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦the soil is sick almost beyond healingà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦they cannot plough or plant, and there will be hunger in this valley (253). The degraded land dreadfully effects the society. It seems like it is impossible to recover to its standard form. If the land can not be healed, the society as well can not be healed. As long as the land stays the way they are now, the society can not move on. Things will never stay the same as they are if hard works are putted in. In chapter 32 there was hope at last for the land and for the society there, rain finally came. But it was this for which all men were waiting, the rain at last (277). Rain finally came, and there was hope. Hope could only be there if the people actually know how to farm and take care of the land. Desertification happens due to the natural causes like soil erosion and draught, but mostly due to the cause by humanity. Desertification can be prevented if educations and learning are spread to the population. Teach the population how to farm and how to carefully use the resources is the first step to preventing land degradation. The society will be in a better shape and healthier conditions if the environments are clean and well taken cared of. Take care of the environments and in return the environments will take care of you. Citations: AfricaNews Africa: Desertification Threatens Livelihoods Articles. AfricaNews.com Sharing Views on Africa. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. . Aluanga, Lilian. AFRICA: Humanitarian Disaster Feared As Desertification Spreads. Online-Lab | International Institute for Journalism | InWent. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. . Bonincontro, Aldo. Desertification in Africa by Aldo Bonincontro Helium. Helium Where Knowledge Rules. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. . Mabogurije, Akin L. The Environmental Challenges In Sub Saharan Africa. MIT. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. . Maddox, Gregory. Sub-Saharan Africa: an Environmental Google Books. Web.22 .2011. . Laxen, Jorn. Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands in Sub-Saharan Africa. European Tropical Forest Research Network. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. . Sinha, P.c.Desertification.GoogleBooks.Web.22Feb.2011. /books?id=jZb2Qq9cEz0Cprintsec=frontcoverdq=P.C Sinhahl=en ei=FY5jTanPDYG8ceDn4dwJsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=3 ved=0CDIQ6AEwAg#v=onepageqf=false>. Sub-Saharan Africa News (SciDev.Net) | DESERTIFICATION. DESERTIFICATION | All about Drought, Desertification and Poverty in the Drylands. Web. 22 Feb. 2011. .
Thursday, September 19, 2019
The Island of Dr. Moreau :: essays research papers
The Island of Dr Moreau, by H.G. Wells, is not an ordinary science fiction novel. It doesn't deal with aliens or anything from outer space, but with biological science that exists on earth. The novel was about a character, Edmund Prendick that gets involved with an island of experimentation. At first glance, this tropical paradise seems idyllic. But deep in the jungles lies a terrifying secret. Moreau and Montgomery have been performing scientific research on human beings and the experiment goes terribly wrong. They have ignored the most fundamental law of the jungle: survival of the fittest. The doctor is seeking to make animals half human by means of vivisectional surgery; the transplantation of organs, and the pain involved is very vividly described. Doctor Moreau succeeds in making some of his man-animals talk and even read, but they tend to revert to the beast. So Moreau continues to try to get the entire animal out, and make a creature of his own. His creatures, which continue to come to their demise, then kill Moreau and finally all die off. When the H.M.S. Scorpion visits the island, there is nothing alive there except for a few "white moths, some hogs and rabbits and some rather peculiar rats." The theme of this novel is that science experiments can go too far, because the creatures made from the experimentation go against their creators. These creatures, known as Beast Men, were combinations of animals, like a wolf combined with a human being, and these scientists spent their entire life devoted to these "experiments." However, at one point in the novel, a conflict arises from the creatures and chaos begins. When the conflict finally comes to a halt, there is only one true human standing. H.G. Wells was born on September 21, 1866 in Bromley, Kent a suburb of London. His father, Joseph Wells, and his mother, Sarah, were married in 1853 and they had four children. An elder sister, Fanny, died at the age of 9 two years before H.G. was born. After he was born, his family was worried that he may also die like his sister Fanny, being that he was sort of a ââ¬Å"weaklingâ⬠and struggled to be healthy most of his life. Wells was apprenticed like his brothers to a draper, spending the years between 1880 and 1883 in Windsor and Southsea as a drapeist. In 1883 Wells became a teacher/pupil at Midhurst Grammar School.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Gays in the Military :: Gay Military Government Laws Essays Homosexual
Very often political institutions reflect the will of society and set the precedent for norms that will be expected of its members. The United States Military is still enforcing archaic policies which threaten to harm the principles our nation was founded upon. The principles of freedom and equality are those that every American holds closest to their heart, that is unless you are in the military and are gay. The issue of gays in the military has developed into a case of whether our country should discriminate against a group merely because of involuntary sexual orientation. Two persistent principles are evident within this topic: that homosexuals are ever present throughout all branches of the military and a persistent hostility against this group is in American society and the military. In order to effectively examine this topic the following concepts will be discussed: an analysis of the current Department Of Defense policy concerning gays, solutions to reduce homophobia in the military, a policy model concerning homosexuals in the military ( Lepicer 1-14 ). Prior to the arrival of the Clinton Administration with its agenda to radically revise military policy regarding the acceptance and treatment of homosexuals, Department of Defense policy was well established and clear. Legal questions began to be raised in civilian courts challenging the military exclusion and discharge policies in the 1960's and 1970's. The services were forced to explain and clearly justify specific limits and procedures used in relation to service members claiming to be homosexual or convicted of such behavior. During the Carter Administration a clear policy was signed into law. It reads: Homosexuality is incompatible with military service. The presence in the military environment of persons who engage in homosexual conduct or who, by their statements, demonstrate a propensity to engage in such conduct, seriously impairs the accomplishment of the military mission. The presence of such members adversely affects the ability of the Military Services to maintain discipline, good order, and morale: to foster mutual trust and confidence among service members; to ensure the integrity of the system of rank and command; to facilitate assignment and worldwide deployment of service members who frequently must live and work under close conditions affording minimal privacy; to recruit and retain members of the Military Services: to maintain the public acceptability of military service; and to prevent breaches of security ( Lepicer ). Everyone agrees that gays were already in the military, but gays want to serve their country out of the closet. This concept pitted the gay community against the traditionalists who want to keep them out. The result is a compromising "Don't ask / Don't Tell" policy which prevents recruiters from
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Review Answers On Contemporary Drama Essay
With the many plays present and available, the tile of this particular contemporary play caught me since it was very unusual, and I wanted to know whether it was alluding to a deeper metaphorical meaning or just a play with a different contextual meaningââ¬âlike a satire of some sort as to what George Orwell did in Animal Farm. Moreover, the title seems intriguingââ¬âthis is brought on by the visual impact of the Dead Rats since it is both gory and gruesome. 2) Review the playwrightââ¬â¢s literary elements: a. Provide a plot summary. The summary of the play is unusual since it itself does not seem to follow a normal plot pattern or any plot at all. The play instead is in the format of a ââ¬Å"stream of consciousnessâ⬠wherein there is a jumping of characters, themes, and motif. Just as the plot was making sense or beginning to make a point, it shifts to different characters and stories. But I believe that that is mainly the point or summary of the plotââ¬âthe voices or the many characters in the mind of a person which shifts immediately and suddenly without warning. There seem to be so many characters, but they have no common factor, and yet they are connected somehow. b. Identify the genre. How do you know? It is hard to identify the genre of the play, but it can be considered as a psychological contemporary play. This is for the reason that the play seems to happen inside the mind and yet not entirely in it. There are allusions of the psychological treatment from the very start of the playââ¬âfrom the voices which the man is hearing to the presence of Dr. Green or School Master Green who is treating a patient by the name of Mary or Marie with multiple personalities or multiple interpretations of reality and fantasy. The entire play itself is confusing since it keeps shifting and turning with the characters and the mention of either the mentally disturbed or the dead. c. What is the theme? The theme is most exemplified at the end of the play wherein the dead character by the name of Ann tells the audience that ââ¬Å"she continuesâ⬠: Everything continues, and I will continue. I can see right through your silence, right through into your mind, deep inside behind your face, way back, where you really think, and I know just how hard it is, how hard the pain hits you, but look at me, hear me. I continue. After the lights go down, I continue. (Knag, 2009, n. p. ) The whole play is about the inner realms of thinking and of the mind; that is to say, just because someone is dead or not there anymore does not mean they cease to existââ¬âbecause everyone continues. d. Is there spectacle present in the play? If so, how did it affect your reading of the play? There are a lot of spectacles present in the play, like the outbursts of the emotions of the characters or the killing of the Little Waif character also known as Marie or Mary. These so-called spectacles made me more interested with the play and made me want to find out what is happening and what was going on. 3) If you could change any part of the plot in your selected play, what would you amend? I think the author, Paul Knag, already did a fine job with the play. Even if the play is very confusing, startling, and gruesome, it was very well-written and intriguing to the point that the reader is made breathless with the drama and action going on. However, there are some points which I would want to change. For instance, it seems that are too many scene changes and props needed. The practicality of producing such contemporary play should be considered since the play itself is quite simple. Hence, there is no need for theatrical displays of props and settings since in my opinion, the psychological beauty and seriousness of the play can still come out if there are simpler props and settings included. For example, instead of traveling from one place to another to determine the shift from train station to the actual destination, there can be a play with light, darkness, and space as to pertain to the shift. Reference
Monday, September 16, 2019
Divine intervention dealing with Greek myths Essay
Divine intervention is a feature of ancient Greek literature. One is amazed and even dumbfounded by the magical myths so frequently referred to. In Greek literature, the gods play an immense role in the lives and fates of the mortal dwellers of the earth. As one examines the gods throughout the myths and epic poems of the Greeks, one recieves a strong impression that the gods ââ¬Å"playâ⬠with and manipulate mortals and each other. One goddess who exemplifies this is the great goddess Athena. This daughter of Zeus impacted everyone that she came across. The character Athena is ââ¬Å"splashedâ⬠over Greek works. However, there are specific pieces of Greek literature that tell a great deal about this fiery goddess. This is not a passive goddess. This is an active, involved goddess who, in both the Iliad and the Odyssey, assumes divine leadership and challenges even Zeus himself. In The Odyssey and other Greek myths, Athena is an essential character and contributes many elem ents of her complex mythological personality to Greek writing. Athena is one of the most important goddesses in Greek mythology. In Roman mythology she became identified with the goddess Minerva. Also known as Pallas Athena. Athena sprang full-grown and armored from the forehead of the god Zeus and was his favorite child. He entrusted her with his shield, adorned with the hideous head of Medusa the Gorgon, his buckler, and his principal weapon, the thunderbolt. A virgin goddess, she was called Parthenos (ââ¬Å"the maidenâ⬠). Her major temple, the Parthenon, was in Athens, which, according to legend, became hers as a result of her gift of the olive tree to the Athenian people. Athena was primarily the goddess of the Greek cities, of industry and the arts, and, in later mythology, of wisdom; she was also goddess of war. Athena was the strongest supporter, among the gods, of the Greek side in the Trojan War. After the fall of Troy, however, the Greeks failed to respect the sanctity of an altar to Athena at which the Trojan prophet Cassandra sought shelter. As punishment, storms sent by the god of the sea, Poseidon, at Athenaââ¬â¢s request destroyed most of the Greek ships returning from Troy. Athena was also a patron of the agricultural arts and of the crafts of women, especially spinning and weaving. Among her gifts to man were the inventions of the plow and the flute and the arts of taming animals, building ships, and making shoes. She was often associated with birds, especially the owl. Through an explanation of Athenaââ¬â¢s distinctà personality, her relationships are more easily understood The names and titles associated with this mythical goddess reflect her role as a person of action and leadership. Athena, also spelled Athene, is said to be the goddess of wisdom, battle and war, and certian crafts. Athena is frequently known as ââ¬Å"Pallasâ⬠or ââ¬Å"Pallas Athena.â⬠According to Sawyer, Athena took on the extra name to commemorate the death of her friend, Pallas. She had accidentally killed Pallas while they were practicing spears. To show her deep grief, Athena added this name to all of her distinguishing titles. In the Odyssey Athena is given the title ââ¬Å"Hope of Solidersâ⬠because she is so active in war (416). Athena, the patron of the city of Athens, is commonly linked with the subject of war. She is always depicted in armor and is said to be the keeper of Zeusââ¬â¢s shield, the Aegis, and his helmet (Sawyer). Athena was even born wearing armor. There are several different versions of the birth story of Athena. However, they all are basically similar. Zeus was supposedly in love with Metis, the Titaniss of wisdom, who was to have Zeusââ¬â¢s baby. Zeus had heard that any baby that Metis had would be greater than the father. So, Zeus turned Metis into a fly and swallowed her. After some time, Zeus developed a sharp headache and asked Hephaesios, the blacksmith god, to split his head open with an axe. When he did, Athena ââ¬Å"popped outâ⬠fully grown and fully armed (Sawyer). The fully grown woman carried many names during her life, although they did not change the way she thought or acted. Mortals recognized Athenaââ¬â¢s active role as an influence and intercessor with others. This is what made Athena so ââ¬Å"popularâ⬠with the Greek people. In the Odyssey by Homer, Athena has an incredible relationship with Odysseus. After reading the epic poem, one can witness the very complete, very extensive bond she develops with not only Odysseus but with the other characters as well. At the opening of the book, Athena begs her father Zeus to allow her to aid Odysseus, so he can go home to his family (Odyssey 1-2). She says,â⬠My own heart is broken for Odysseusâ⬠(Odyssey 3). Athena goes as far as enhancing his appearance so that Princess Nausikaa will be sure to help him reach home (Odyssey 105). Once Odysseus reaches the city that Nausikaa leads him to, Athena ââ¬Å"pours a sea fogâ⬠around him to protect him, and she takes onà the form of a small girl in order to show him the way to the palace (Odyssey 111-112). Once Athena leads Odysseus home to Ithaka, she disguises herself as a sheperd boy and makes conversation with her beloved Odysseus (Odyssey 238). However, she eventually transforms herself into her natural state and says: Two of a kind, we are, contrivers, both. Of all the men alive you are the best in plots and story telling. My own fame is for wisdom among the gods ââ¬â deceptions too. Would even you have guessed that I am Pallas Athena, daughter of Zeus, I that am always with you in times od trial, a shield to you in battleâ⬠(Odyssey 240). Athena demonstrates throughout the Odyssey and in her relationship with Odysseus that she is a goddess of action just as Odysseus is a man of action. She states, ââ¬Å"I am here again to counsel with youâ⬠(Odyssey 240). It is Athena who plots and plans the fall of the suitors in Odysseusââ¬â¢ house. To follow her plan, Athena disguises Odysseus into a beggar and leads him to the swineherd, a faithful servant. There they unite with Telemakhos, Odysseusââ¬â¢ son, to carry out the plot of doom (Odyssey Books 13 and 14). Once they go to the palace, the goddess of war and her followers destroy and cast revenge upon the suitors of Penelope. Athena flaunts her warlike qualities creating battle in which her ââ¬Å"sideâ⬠was undoubtedly the victor (Odyssey Book 22). Throught the mist of confusion and blood, Athena makes sure to keep Odysseus and Telemakhos safe. The goddess even ââ¬Å"held the nightâ⬠so that Odysseus and Penelope could have longer to get reacquainted . Homer comments that ââ¬Å"she held Dawnââ¬â¢s horsesâ⬠(437). Athena demonstrates her role as an active leader in her protection of Telemakhos. In the beginning of the epic poem, the Odyssey, she ââ¬Å"fliesâ⬠to him in the shape of Mentes, a Taphian captian, to talk to him and urge him to look for his father, Odysseus. While with him, she sits, drinks, dines, and carries on conversation (Odyssey 415). Later, she also takes on Mentorââ¬â¢s figure to talk to him. At the end of the Odyssey, the war goddess enhances Laertesââ¬â¢ looks for his reunion with his son Odysseus (Odyssey Book 24). In the final scene, she takes up the form of Mentor once more to bring peace to the bickering people (Odyssey 460). It is elementary to see how intensly Athena makes contact with mortalsà by just few examples. Other gods and goddesses are involved in these works, but none are so explicit and immense as the deeds of Athena. From reading the Odyssey, one can begin to form an image of Athenaââ¬â¢s relationships with her peers, the other gods and goddessess of ancient Greece. Through the interactions between this goddess and other supreme beings, one can witnessAthenaââ¬â¢s beliefs that she is superior to the other. Athena assumes leadership by taking action, making decisions, and intervening for good and evil. In the Odyssey, Athena begs Zeus to allow her to give Odysseus aid on his passage home, against the efforts and wishes of Poseidon, the Sea god (Odyssey 4). One can see that Athena does what she thinks gives the best result, even if she is faced with stiff opposition from her peers. The goddess Athena is definitely a dominant figure, accepting no authority except perhaps Zeus. When thinking of this outstanding goddess, one thinks of her relationships and extensive contact with many mortals. The Greeks favored her because she was a woman goddess of rare quality. Women were never protrayed with the masculine characteristics of Athena, such as her need for dominance and passion for war. This makes her more appealing and puts her in a class above all the rest. By reading both the Ilaid and the Odyssey, one can recieve a clear, precise view of Athena.
Sunday, September 15, 2019
Dr. Doctor
Dear Doctor, Yesterday, during lunch, my best friend and I were discussing sexually transmitted diseases and we got into quite a brawl about some of the myths and facts of them. It seemed like the only statement we both agreed on was that the topic about sexually transmitted diseases (and how each are transmitted and statistics) should be taught in school, just how biological information and abstinence are being educated. With that being said, I have quite a few questions to ask you. Is it still possible to get a sexually transmitted disease if you are abstinent?If a person is infected with a sexually transmitted disease, can you tell by their appearance? Is there a higher chance that you will be infected by a sexually transmitted disease if youââ¬â¢re in your teen years? Can STDS only spread through semen and blood? If a woman is on birth control, does that prevent her from obtaining an STD as well? Can you, in fact, catch an STD from a toilet seat? And lastly, once you have a se xually transmitted disease, thereââ¬â¢s no chance of becoming infected again, right?These were a bunch of questions that seemed to be left unanswered yesterday and I was wondering if you might be able to clarify them for me as well as every other reader out there. Thank you Doctor. Sincerely, Confused reader. Dear ââ¬Å"Confused readerâ⬠, I do appreciate taking time to write to me about your questions and I also agree with you that the educational system should do more to inform the youth about sexually transmitted diseases before it may be too late. Also, as for your questions.. Yes, there is still a chance that one might become infected with a sexually transmitted disease while remaining abstinent. Abstinence does not preventAIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections that come from nonsexual activities like using contaminated needles for doing drugs, unsterilized tattooing, or even taking steroids. You have no way of knowing if a person has a sexually transmitted disea se just by looking at their appearance and observing how ââ¬Ëcleanââ¬â¢ they are. Even doctors often canââ¬â¢t tell by looking if people have STDs; thatââ¬â¢s why tests involving a patientââ¬â¢s blood work were made. Most STDs have very few signs or no signs at all. Only in really extreme cases of certain STDs could a person detect signs of an STD in the groin area; but donââ¬â¢t rely on it.Itââ¬â¢s even possible to carry and spread the virus without ever having an outbreak. The truth is, about one in four sexually experienced teens become infected with an STD. Unfortunately, you are correct on this one. Statistics show that two-thirds of sexually transmitted diseases occur in people who are under twenty- five and one in four girls between the ages of fourteen and nineteen were determined to have at least one of four sexually transmitted diseases (Human Papillomavirus [HPV], Chlamydia, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Trichomoniasis. ).Young people (ages from 15- 24) h ave five times the reported rate of Chlamydia of the total population, four times the reported rate of Gonorrhea, and three times the rate of Syphilis. While semen and blood can spread some sexually transmitted diseases, some STDs like herpes and syphilis can be spread by skin on skin contact. For example, when herpes flares up, an active sore appears on the personââ¬â¢s body and if this sore comes into contact with another personââ¬â¢s skin (or moist areas like the mouth, throat, and also areas with cuts and/ or rashes), it can spread.However, it can also spread before the blisters actually form. Iââ¬â¢ve actually heard these two myths before and never understood how they came about. The birth control pill has the potential to prevent one thing, the prevention of pregnancy from occurring. It holds no protection against sexually transmitted diseases. As for the myth about being able to get a sexually transmitted disease from a toilet seat, organisms cannot survive outside o f the human body for a long period of time. Some STDs are yours for life, like herpes and HIV.Others, like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, can be treated; but you more likely to get infected again, since you are now vulnerable to the disease if you have sexual contact with someone who has them. In young girls, the second time you have Chlamydia, thereââ¬â¢s more damage to your reproductive tract, which may cause permanent infertility. I expect that you read everything that I have written and have more of an understanding on sexually transmitted diseases. Remember: No sex is always better than safe sex. Sincerely always, The Doctor.
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Concept and Value of Entrepreneurship
Question: What is entrepreneurship? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples from your home country. Nowadays, entrepreneurship places an important determinant of development in the society and regarded as the ââ¬Å"rock starsâ⬠in the business world. According to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), entrepreneurship is defined as: ââ¬Ëany attempt to create a new business enterprise or to expand an existing business by an individual, a team of individuals or an established businessââ¬â¢. It means that the individuals or an established business are able to make a unique, innovative and creative contribution whether in employment or self-employment.At the same time, entrepreneurship represents people who are driven to act on opportunities and environmental catalysts in the face of limited resources. At its core, entrepreneurship is starting a business from idea conception to managing the company for the long term. There is no doubt that entrepreneurship deserves the reputation for the reason that it has the level of freedom of which traditional managers can only dream. ( Morrison, 2000) In order to inquire entrepreneurship deeply, this article illustrates two essential parts to analysis entrepreneurship.The first aspect is giving the concept of entrepreneurship including the explanation of entrepreneurship and discussing whether entrepreneurship is aroused from nature or nurture. The second part is considering the value of entrepreneurship. Part one: the concept of entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship can be explained into various approaches, including economic approach, personality approach and other approaches. In this part, the article put emphasis on the economic dimension and personality dimension to analyze the features distinguished entrepreneurs.The role of entrepreneurship is embedded in the mainstream economic models. Considering the direction of causality between entrepreneurship and economy, it can be proved that economic development g enerates many opportunities which can transform new ideas and create the new enterprises. On the contrary, the creation of new industries and the innovation of existed firms which stimulated by entrepreneurship may stimulate the economic growth. Therefore, entrepreneurship can be regarded as both the cause and effect of economic development.From an economic perspective, the measure of entrepreneurship is the contribution of new firm formation. Entrepreneurs are more than a business man, they are the speculative trader which is skilled to put forward new ideas, grasp the opportunities and combine the effective management with innovation in the risk and uncertainty background. When starting up a new enterprise, there are a number of jobs available can be generated. When facing with the economic slump and financial crisis, entrepreneurs can drive the company get out of the trouble by seizing opportunities and making innovation.There comes a conclusion that the entrepreneurs as the agen t of economic change so that it makes huge contributions to economic growth. ( Oscar, Javier & Pablo, 2009) It is far from enough for explaining the entrepreneurship in economic rationale. Economic perspective ignores the special human abilities and differences in human values, capabilities and power of human will result in different practical solutions. Therefore, it is essential to take the personality into account. Personality traits aim to using the characteristics of individual to explain the differences of individual actions when facing the similar conditions.Personality traits also explain the behaviors of entrepreneurs. There is no doubt that the individual personality of entrepreneurs stimulates their passions, social interactions and creativeness. In order to give a deep understanding of entrepreneurship, there are several traits which have a close relationship with entrepreneurship. ( Littunen, 2000) Innovation is the soul of entrepreneurship. Hampered by uncertainty and limited resources, entrepreneurs should to reply the variety agile efficiently and become creative in facing the challenges.Since the essence of entrepreneurship is doing the different things rather than making something better, the lack of innovation will result in the decline of enterprise, even perishing. In the point of view of CEO Zhang Ruimin, entrepreneurship is the creative destruction, if the enterprise attempts to make great achievements, there is a need for enterprise to destroy themselves, and otherwise they will be destroyed by other firms. Thus, recently, Haier put forward an idea that enterprises should be adapt to the demand of epoch development other than willing to success.Haier relies on the pursuit of innovation perseverance by the means of setting up an independent operation mode of the win-win body successfully become a leader in the industry. ( Okpara, 2007) Adventure is the nature of the entrepreneurial spirit. Facing with the potential risks and uncertainty, it is impossible to possess entrepreneurship if lacking of adventure. It is said that you must kiss a large number of frog to find the princess. It means that entrepreneurs should have to experience setbacks and failures in order to be success. Liu chuanzhi is the representative of entrepreneur in china.Although he has been relieved from this office, he still keens to start new businesses. Regardless of facing risks and many challenges, he intends to transform Lenovo into an enterprise which produces enterprises. It can be drawn that entrepreneurs have the spirit of adventure and dare to be the first one. (Hadji, Cocks & Mueller, 2007) Social vision is the key to entrepreneurship. Social vision can be regarded as a strong sense of obligation and destiny to satisfy human needs. Possessing social vision promotes entrepreneurs to find the opportunities and act as an agent of social age.Li kaifu, the CEO of Innovation Works, stress that entrepreneurs should spare no effort to produce m ore social returns. He proves himself through actions. September 4, 2009, Kaifu Lee resigned from Google to run his Innovation Works as an angel investor and create new models for society by his huge influence. Li kaifu has the sense of obligation and aspiration to make contribution to social and economic development by creating new business and innovation. Whatââ¬â¢s more, there are many other characteristics which are associated with entrepreneurship such as locus of control, determination, and trusting and trustworthy.When entrepreneurship attracts publicââ¬â¢s attention, there is a heated debate aroused about whether entrepreneurship is caused by nature or nurture. Some groups believed that genetic factors existed to drive people to engage in entrepreneurial activity. There is no doubt that some kinds of specialities are people born with, such as the innovativeness, adventurous and locus of control. These characteristics are determined by genetic factors rather than traini ng or other environmental factors. It is insisted that genes may have an influence on chemical mechanisms in the brain so that people maybe more willing to pursue entrepreneurial activity.Genes also affect individual characteristics which can make entrepreneurs different from others, such as people who possess characteristics of innovativeness and locus of control are more likely to throw themselves to the entrepreneurial activity. ( Kroeck, Bullough & Reynolds, 2010) Genes entrust people the ability to be more sensitive than others to environmental stimuli, it means that entrepreneurs are easier than others to master the social change in order to prepare in advance. Whatââ¬â¢s more, genes may make people to good at find favourable factors and opportunities to ensure the company development.Therefore, it is nearly impossible to find a simple formula or entrepreneurship that can be trained, the specific characteristics and habits possessed by the successful entrepreneurs was inher ent. ( Kenney & Mujtaba, 2007) However, some groups take the opposite view that entrepreneurial leaders are made rather than born. They consider that there is hardly existed entrepreneurship gene for the reason that the majority of entrepreneurial leaders start at a young age. According to the survey, about 33% of the entrepreneurial leader said that working in the corporate environment makes essential contribution to the success of their business.At the same time, 45% of entrepreneurs establish their own businesses after the age of thirty. Although there still have young entrepreneurial leader, it is no doubt that the knowledge they acquire in the college and the personal experiences through the corporate and social environment are essential to their success. In spite of the young age, over a half of entrepreneurs regarded themselves as the ââ¬Å"transitioned leaderâ⬠for the reason that they have spent a much time in the traditional employment before starting their own busin ess. The education and experiences lay great foundation on the entrepreneurs.It can be concluded that entrepreneurs are aroused from both nature and nurture. Some unique characteristics of entrepreneurship which include creativeness, locus of control and risk-takers are born with and can not be taught, these characteristics make the entrepreneurial leaders apart from the traditional managers. Nevertheless, becoming successful entrepreneurs and running the business successfully in the long term are not simply requiring the specialties, but also depending on the combination of internal and external factors, consisting of education, timing, culture, social environment and sometimes luck.Part two: the value of entrepreneurship Almost without exception, entrepreneurship brings a lot benefits to individual, companies and society. Most importantly, entrepreneurship indeed generates great economic benefits so that it should be attach importance to. Actually, entrepreneurship is regarded as a challenge for people. It requires people to break the traditional thinking of managers and become the risk-taker and create a new business. Although it may be difficulty for people due to the lower median incomes and more volatile and less secure, entrepreneurs could earn self satisfaction and rewards which is an opportunity for them.At the same time, developing the entrepreneurship can generate self sufficiency which can create the wealth. According to the top ten popular entrepreneurs in china which is ranked by Forbes, consisting of CEO Ma huateng in Tencent, CEO Ma yun and other entrepreneurs, the aim of ranking is to make entrepreneurship internationally respected and admitted. Therefore, facing uncertainty risks and challenges, entrepreneurs are still willing to create their own business and achieve their values. Firth & Mcelwee, 2009) Entrepreneurship also plays the dominant role in the enterprise development; it is the major source of the enterprise core competitiveness. T he core competitiveness of enterprise is regarded as the extension of entrepreneurship and it can be reflected by the visionary and vigorous leader. As being the unique position in company, it is important for entrepreneurs to take responsibility of risk activities such as the organization innovation, management innovation and value innovation.For example, in 2002, Huawei was facing the challenge of lacking of technology advantages and entering the cyclical downturn, CEO Ren zhengfei carried out the deep reform which includes industrial restructuring and internal restructuring and finally enterprise met the success. It proved that entrepreneurship does not simply constitute the internal driving force of development, but also become the external development opportunities. Entrepreneurship makes huge contribution to the social development, especially in economy.Entrepreneurship generates a large number of employment opportunities by the establishment of new business which is treated a s a significant input to economy. It is also improving the level of productivity by boosting the GDP rates or tax contributions. Moreover, entrepreneurs are able to create many innovations which promote the boom of inventions the world would have been a much dry place to live in. Especially in recent years, China is experiencing the economic downturn influenced by the global economic crisis; it is in urgent need of entrepreneurship to promote the economic recovery.Sun mingnan is the represent of the generation of 80s, which was the most attractive young entrepreneur in Summer Davos, his successful experience proved that young entrepreneurs attach importance to the economic development in China. ( Santo, 2012) Above all, entrepreneurship has substantial value, it is increasingly treated as a vital driver of economic, productivity, innovation and employment development, and it is believed to be a key aspect of economic dynamism and a key factor to determine the birth and death of firm s and their growth and downsizing.It is also promoting the self satisfaction and sufficiency. Since creating a new business and participating in self-employment has become a common activity in the world, entrepreneurship is widely recognized as the major drive in economic growth. After the basic analysis of entrepreneurship among the economic and political ways, as well as whether entrepreneurship is caused from nature or nurture, it can be concluded that entrepreneurs indeed have some kinds of characteristics which are born with, also need the knowledge and experiences. Combined with both nature and raining, entrepreneurs have the ability to make contribution to individual, enterprises and the society. In a conclusion, entrepreneurship is deserved for both people and government to pay attention to. References: Firth, K & Mcelwee, G(2009), ââ¬Å"Value-adding and Value-extracting Entrepreneurship at the Marginsâ⬠, Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, vol. 22, pp39-53 Hadji, M, Cocks, G & Mueller, J(2007), ââ¬Å"Toolkit for leaders: entrepreneurship and leadership prerequisites for a winning performanceâ⬠, Journal of Asia Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, vol. , pp1-13 Kenney, M & Mujtaba, BG(2007), Understanding Corporate Entrepreneurship and Development: A Practitioner View of Organizational Entrepreneurship, Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, vol. 12, pp73-88 Kroeck, KG, Bullough, AM & Reynolds, PD(2010), ââ¬Å"Entrepreneurship and Differences in Locus of Controlâ⬠, Journal of Applied Management and Entrepreneurship, vol. 15, pp21-49 Littunen, H(2000), ââ¬Å"Entrepreneurship and the characteristics of the entrepreneurial personalityâ⬠, International Journal of Entrepreneurship Bhaviour & Research, vol. , pp295 Morrison, A(2000), ââ¬Å"Entrepreneurship: what triggers it? â⬠, International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 6. 2, pp 59-72 Okpara, FO(2007), ââ¬Å"The Value of Creativ ity and Innovation in Entrepreneurshipâ⬠, Journal of Asia Entrepreneurship and Sustainability, vol. 3, pp1-14 Oscar, GB, Javier, GB & Pablo, MG(2009), ââ¬Å"Role of entrepreneurship and market orientation in firmsââ¬â¢ success,â⬠European Journal of Marketing, vol. 43, pp500-522 Santo, FM(2012), ââ¬Å"A Positive Theory of Social
Friday, September 13, 2019
Black and Decker International Case HRD Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Black and Decker International HRD - Case Study Example With an integrated approach involving the two companies, the proposal involved several processes but the main idea was to create a global company that took all the Black and Decker strategies as well as those of Emhart Corporation. With the processes and tasks all the way from market research to overcoming of the regional challenges and differences, the company had the idea of acquiring new personnel as well as more money which would be used for financing the acquisition of the new company. Mr. Grunewald was at tough challenge carrying out all tasks ahead but he has the required experience and with the momentum of the company, he was able to create a very formidable progress (Levitt, 2009). The last part of the case indicates a reflection back to the previous four years when the company was struggling but there is the four-part strategy that has seen it move up the performance ladder. There are several sources of the companyââ¬â¢s recent performance improvements. The first strong factor is the acquisition of the other company Emhart Corporation. Emhart makes products that act as an addition to the product line of Black and Decker. The performance improved because of the large diversity of the products that it produces. The second important source is the integration of very qualified personnel in Fred Grunewald. He has been at the company for the past 18 months and yet the strategic plan he is setting is already bearing much. The image of the company in the eyes of the customer is at a very stable rate and therefore there is a positive increment to the customer base in terms of product purchase. He does market research, product design improvement and implementation, proposes laying off of some unproductive managers and hiring a new personnel in the company. This sees the company practically progress to higher levels in its operations (Levitt, 2009). The current performance at the company is being driven by a combination of factors. The
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Academic Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Academic Methods - Essay Example When I just went through few websites that provide job search and opportunities like dentafind.com, nature.com/bdjjobs, and dentist.topjobs.co.uk and so on, it was amazing to me that I found that a very large number of hospitals are in need of Dentists. Entering in to the dentist career in UK will be a sign of social honor and success key to help me improve myself further yet and earn higher degrees. Bridges (2007) emphasized that a number of health associations including British Dental Association (BDA) and The British Dental Hygienists Association will strive to promote their members to maintain the honor of the dental professions, to get helps in practical learning and to provide opportunities for post qualification education (p. 31- 33). According to the latest report of telegraph.co.uk (2010), on an average, a dentist earns a six figure salary and it was found that a dentist received a salary of a 13 % increase in the salary in the last year in UK. Without any increase in the workload, a dentist earns more than à £100,000 on an average (telegraph.co.uk). When I thought about Saudi Arabia, most of its industries, including both manufacturing and service sectors, face difficulties and look at replacing foreign professionals. The Oxfordââ¬â¢s Saudi Report (2008) reported that there are 2220 dental clinics in Saudi Arabia, but still, graduates are unable to find appropriate jobs. Many dental clinics are located outside the towns in Saudi Arabia and many are unwilling to enter Dental career (p. 184). As Saudi government and private hospitals are looking cheap employees from India, Pakistan and other countries, the current industry insights show that Saudi is not a better platform for a well paid, high demanded and b etter dignified profession like Dentistry. A bachelorââ¬â¢s degree is considered to be the minimum education required to enter the profession of dentistry
Mergers and Acquisitions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words
Mergers and Acquisitions - Essay Example A study conducted by UNCTAD (2006) shows that 17 percent of the FDI in the world comprise South-North and South-South flows and of this the cross-border acquisitions occupy a significant proportion. This project would look into the cross border acquisitions with an insight into the reasons driving the acquisitions and influential factors impacting such acquisitions. Factors motivating cross border acquisition Various theories have been developed that explain the significance of the mergers and acquisitions. According to Efficiency theories the main motive behind such deals is to exploit the benefits arising out of synergies or economies of scale. Market power theories highlight that acquisitions lead to oligopoly benefits. Agency theories state that the acquisition and acquisition deals mitigate agency problems like removing the inefficient managerial staff. This theory also states that it may also give rise to agency problems such as imprudent managerial decisions solely guided by t he motive of empire building. Besides this the acquisition deals are also guided by the advantages arising from the ââ¬Ëbenefits of diversificationââ¬â¢. Though there is no single theory on mergers and acquisitions however these theories have garnered empirical support. Studies have shown that the shareholders of the target firm benefit the most in such deals whereas the shareholders of the bidder firm do not derive any immediate benefit from the deal. The abnormal return that that the bidders can enjoy is either slightly negative or zero. The combined return of the bidder-target firm is found to be universally positive indicating that the acquisition deals lead to value creation. It has also been seen that the stock price of the target firmsââ¬â¢ exhibit higher returns in the case of cash offers as compared to the stock offers; hostile takeovers as compared to friendly takeovers; and multiple bidder as compared to contests by single bidders (Gregoriou & Neuhauser, 2007, p. 1). The success associated with the M&A deals has eluded many corporations. Marks & Mirvis (1998) state that the failure rates of such deals is around 50 to 75 percent. Despite the uncertainties associated with the deal the acquisition and acquisition deals are on the rise. The various benefits arising out of the deal include managerial synergies, cost synergies, market synergies etc. The sources of synergies include consolidated purchases, production, administration, marketing, market power, cross-selling, acquisition of technical expertise, patent, knowhow of the target, market expansion etc. In the horizontal acquisitions that involve integration of two companies belonging to the same sector the main motive is gaining market share of the target firm. This happens in the case of matured industries where the opportunities of growth are nearly exhausted, presence of excess capacity etc. Horizontal acquisitions result in enhanced revenue, savings in cost and better growth opportunit ies (Hitchner, 2006, p.106). The acquiring firm also gets a control over the customer base of the target firm thereby raising the total revenue base of the bidder firm.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
China Specialty Coffee Industry Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words
China Specialty Coffee Industry - Assignment Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the existence and mere survival of an industry lie in its ability to effectively respond to the internal and external influences. It is irrefutable that business organizations' strategies mirror their unique responses to the external challenges and opportunities in the environment which, in turn, is facilitated by their internal resources and competencies. This paper will concentrate on the responses of the China specialty coffee industry to the various internal and external influences that it currently faces. Recognizing that this sector can be properly examined through the use of different strategic management tools, this report will be utilizing famous technique PEST Analysis for the external environment scanning. Meanwhile, the internal environment will be assessed through the identification of its various stakeholders through the Porter's Five Forces Model. The next section will focus on the Chinese specialty coffee market responses in the face of social and cultural diversity. This report will thoroughly examine the impact of the social and cultural trends in the industry's strategies while assessing the efficacy if their responses. Lastly, recommendations for improvement will be identified. Gaining the traditional recognition of being a tea country, marketers are aggressively and strategically transforming China into a coffee drinking nation. From its strong preference of" jasmine, oolong, green, black, and myriads of other fragrant teas the Chinese mainland is becoming more and more attuned to the rich flavor of the coffee bean, driven by the urban savvy rich and an increasingly wealthy middle class more receptive to Western taste". The current perception of coffee as a statement of fashion leads to the creation of the China coffee industry. Coffee consumption has always been associated with a cosmopolitan lifestyle which originated from the Western nations. Thus, the Chinese coffee market is largely concen trated in large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou and is dominated by adventurous, young, open-minded, affluent, urban consumers.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Where There Is a Lack of Authoritative Power Can Become a Ground of Essay
Where There Is a Lack of Authoritative Power Can Become a Ground of War - Essay Example The men who are not controlled by authority will desire to control other men by stealing their rights and freedom. In a case where there is no common authority to rule the region, then people can turn into nasty, and selfish personality. According to this quote, the war conducted by a human cannot be restricted to the battle alone but need to be contemplated with the track of time. By this the quote it is meant that a person in battle needs a specific span of time to understand his contentment due to the process of fighting. The quote suggests that time is an important factor to gauge the outcome of the war as it is as important as the nature of weather. I agree with the point that the bad weather is not accounted to one or more showers of rain but to the gross effect of the rain on nature. It is because the outcome of fighting cannot be measured with the instance of fighting alone but depends on the peace and tranquillity which the war brings to society. The quote argues that, during the wartime, every man is an enemy to the other. The egoistic men during the war, desire to fight and achieve thi ngs which can make his life joyful and content. It is true as men are passionate about fighting without considering the moralistic principles or duties he has towards each other and nature. Men fight with each other in vengeance in order to secure his life and basic necessities. During the time of the fight, the men are in an environment where there is the absence of security, food and shelter. He can only bring security to his life if he works hard with all his strength, intelligence and vitality. In this procedure, he falls prey to fight and battle as it is the issue of survival of the fittest. The men in those times had no facilities like the modern world and had to compete with each other even to fill their stomach.Ã
Monday, September 9, 2019
City of Santa Anas Purpose, Vision, Values and Goals Essay
City of Santa Anas Purpose, Vision, Values and Goals - Essay Example Each element of the vision is translated into measurable goals. For example, one element of the visions is ââ¬Å"investment in childrenâ⬠(1). The goals set to realize this vision include ensuring a safe community and being a catalyst for the positive development of young people. It also has a vision of ââ¬Å"appreciation of diversityâ⬠(2). This vision can be realized by the formulation of a specific goal which is ââ¬Å"recruit and retain a highly-skilled and diverse workforceâ⬠(2). From these examples, it is clear that goals flow from vision. After setting the goals, the implementation process begins. This involves translating the goals into actions or formulating strategies to ensure the goals are achieved. For the organization purpose to be achieved, every department in the organization should work towards a common goal since each department has specific actions to perform that flow from the goals. For example, to ââ¬Å"ensure a safe communityâ⬠the commu nity development agency is required to ââ¬Å"develop and implement programs to deter and alleviate the effects of illegal behaviorâ⬠(2). ... However, for these actions to be enacted, the support in terms of funds, equipment, and manpower is needed; thus, the budgetary allocation is crucial. Through the roles assigned, each department in the city is made aware of what is expected if the council is successful in its endeavor. Identification of vision, goals, and actions is vital in strengthening the governmentââ¬â¢s budgeting process. From the vision, achievable goals are set, and in order to achieve the goals, some actions must be performed. In this case, if the actions are performed as expected, it means the vision, as well as the purpose of the organization, will be achieved. For this to happen, resources in terms of finance, materials and equipment, and manpower with required skills are needed. Where do the resources come from? The government has to provide the resources needed for successful implementation of goals, but it cannot just give out resources without a plan. It has to establish how much is needed in order to achieve each goal and allocate resources accordingly. Some goals which are more important are given more priority than others. Some actions can also enhance the implementation process by these means reducing the need for financial allocation. For example, by employing a highly skilled diverse workforce continuously, there is a possibility to ensure improved systems and high-quality services to customers and to develop the required programs. Thus, it is crucial for the government to have vision and objectives, so as to allocate resources efficiently for the overall success of government services and economic growth.Ã
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