Capital Budgeting Projects Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Capital Budgeting Projects - Research Paper Example The government of San Diego in undertaking these beneficial projects will face the difficulty in determining exactly the benefits. The benefits such as the effectiveness in transporting goods and reducing the cost of transportation can be easily highlighted. However, quantifying these benefits in monetary terms is very complex and cannot be accurately measures (Mikesell, 2011). The value of the goods transported and the speed of moving the human resource may not be determined without recording errors. The pursuance of these projects will also have some costs and negative externalities. During the development of the transport infrastructure, the government will incur costs of destroying the environment and moving the locals in order to get the space for expanding the projects. Moreover, destruction cost to the natural resources like rivers, trees and other resources cannot be easily determined. The increased number of automotives would increase the level of air pollution whose long term impact is hard to determine. Besides, the government must discount the future benefits and costs to determine the net present value. The rate of discounting the future benefits and the costs will pose the greatest challenge to the government (Mikesell, 2011). The use of an inappropriate rate may impair the decision of pursuing the project. In summary, the discounting of government projects remains difficult because of the non profit characteristics of the projects. The government in selecting the projects must however ensure that the projects pursued have more benefits compared to the costs. The San Diego capital improvement project in which the transport infrastructure is improved will definitely have more benefits than

Consumers as Individuals Essay Example for Free

Consumers as Individuals Essay The self-concept refers to the beliefs a person holds about their attributes, and how they evaluate these qualities. Components of the self-concept It is composed of many attributes, some of which are given greater emphasis when the overall self is being evaluated. Attributes of self-concept can be described along such dimensions as their content (for example, facial attractiveness vs. mental aptitude), positivity or negativity (i. e. elf-esteem), intensity, stability over time and accuracy (that is, the degree to which one’s self-assessment corresponds to reality). Self-esteem Self-esteem refers to the positivity of a person’s self-concept. People with low self-esteem do not expect that they will perform very well, and they will try to avoid embarrassment, failure or rejection. People with high self-esteem expect to be successful,, will take more risks and are more willing to be the centre of attention. Self-esteem is often related to acceptance by others. Marketing communications can influence a consumer’s level of self-esteem. Exposure to ads can trigger a process of social comparison, where the person tries to evaluate their self by comparing it to the people in these artificial images. Real and ideal selves Self-esteem is influenced by a process where the consumer compares their actual standing on some attribute to some ideal. The ideal self is a person’s conception of how they would like to be, while the actual self refers to our more realistic appraisal of the qualities we have or lack. And we often engage in a process of impression management where we work hard to ‘manage’ what others think of us by strategically choosing clothing and other cues that will put us in a good light. The ideal self is partly moulded by elements of the consumer’s culture, such as heroes or people depicted in advertising who serve as models of achievement or apprearance. Products may be purchased because they are believed to be instrumental in helping us achieve these goals. Some products are chosen because they are reaching the standard set by the ideal self. Multiple selves We have as many selves as we do different social roles. Depending on the situation, we act differently, use different products and services, and we even vary in terms of how much we like ourselves. A person may require a different set of products to play a desired role. The self can be thought of as having different components, or role identities, and only some of these are active at any given time. Symbolic interactionism If each person potentially has many social selves, how does each develop and how do we decide which self to ‘activate’ at any point in time? The sociological tradition of symbolic interactionism stresses that relationships with other people play a large part in forming the self. This perspective maintains that people exist in a symbolic environment, and the meaning attached to any situation or object is determined by the interpretation of these symbols. Like other social objects, the meanings of consumers themselves are defined b social consensus. The consumer interprets their own identity, and this assessment is continually evolving as they encounter new situations and people. The looking-glass self When you choose an article of clothing, the mirror superimposes it on your reflection so that you can see how it would look on you. This process of imagining the reactions of others towards us is known as ‘taking the role of the other’, or the looking-glass self. According to this view, our desire to define ourselves operates as a sort of psychological sonar, we take readings of our own identify by ‘bouncing’ signals off others and trying to project what impression they have of us. Self-conciousness There are times when people seem to be painfully aware of themselves. If you have ever walked into a class in the middle of a lecture and noticed that all eyes were on you, you can understand this feeling of self-conciousness. Some people seem in general to be more sensitive to the image they communicate to others. A heightened concern about he nature of one’s public ‘image’ also results in more concern about the social appropriateness of products and consumption activities. Several measures have been devised to measure this tendency. Consumers who score high on a scale of public self-conciousness, for example, are also more interested in clothing and are heavier users of cosmetic. A similar measure is self-monitoring. High self-monitors are more attuned to how they present themselves in their social environments, and their product choices are influenced by their estimates of how these items will be perceived by others. High self-monitors are more likely than low self-monitors to evaluate products consumed in public in terms of the impressions they make on others. Products that shape the self: you are what you consume Recall that the reflected self helps to shape self-concept, which implies hat people see themselves as they imagine others see them. People use an individual’s consumption behaviours to help them make judgements about that person’s social identity. A consumer exhibits attachment to an object to the extent that it is used by that person to maintain their self-concept. Objects can act as a sort of security blanket by reinforcing our identities, especially in unfamiliar situations. Symbolic self-completion theory predicts that people who have an incomplete self-definition tend to complete this identity by acquiring and displaying symbols associated with it. Self/product congruence Because many consumption activities are related to self-definition, it is not surprising to learn that consumers demonstrate consistency between their values and the things they buy. Self-image congruence models predict that products will be chosen when their attributes match some aspect of the self. These models assume a process of cognitive matching between these attributes and the consumer’s self-image. Research tends to support the idea of congruence between product usage and self-image. Congruity has also been found between consumers and their most preferred brands of beer, soap, toothpaste and cigarettes relative to their least preferred brands, as well as between consumers’ self-images and their favourite shops. Some specific attributes that have been found to be useful in describing some of the matches between consumers and products include rugged/delicate, excitable/calm,†¦. The extended self. Many of the props and settings consumers use to define their social roles in a sense become a part of their selves. Those external objects that we consider a part of us comprise the extended self. Many material objects, ranging from personal possessions and pets to national monuments or landmarks, help to form a consumer’s identity. Four levels of the extended self were described. These range from very personal objects to places and things that allow people to feel like they are rooted in their larger social environments. †¢ Individual level. Consumers include many of their personal possessions in self-definition. These products can include jewellery, cars, clothing and so on. The saying ‘You are what you wear’ reflects the belief that one’s things are a part of what one is. †¢ Family level. This part of the extended self includes a consumer’s residence and its furnishings. The house can be thought of as a symbolic body for the family and often is a central aspect of identity. †¢ Community level. It is common for consumers to describe themselves in terms of the neighbourhood or town from which they come. †¢ Group level. Our attachments to certain social groups can be considered a part of self. A consumer may feel that landmarks, monuments or sports teams are a part of the extended self. Sexual identity is a very important component of a consumer’s self-concept. People often conform to their culture’s expectations about how those of their gender should act, dress, speak and so on. To the extent that our culture is everything that we learn, then virtually all aspects of the consumption process must be affected by culture. Gender differences in socialization A society’s assumptions about the proper roles of men and women are communicated in terms of the ideal behaviours that are stressed for each sex (in advertising, among other places). Gender goals and expectations In many societies, males are controlled by agentic goals, which stress self-assertion and mastery. Females, on the other hand, are taught to value communal goals such as affiliation and the fostering of harmonious relations. Every society creates a set of expectations regarding the behaviours appropriate for men and women, and finds ways to communicate these priorities. Gender vs. sexual identity Sex role identity is a state of mind as well as body. A person’s biological gender does not totally determine whether they will exhibit sex-typed traits, or characteristics that are stereotypically associated with one sex or the other. A consumer’s subjective feelings about their sexuality are crucial as well.

IMP 1 POW 14: Mega Pow :: essays research papers

Mega POW A very wealthy king has 8 bags of gold, which he trusts to some of his caretakers. All the bags have equal weight and contain the same amount of gold, all the gold in the kingdom. Although, the king heard a story that a woman received a gold coin. The king knew it had to be his gold so he wanted to find the lightest bag in the 3 weighing, but the mathematician thought it could be done in less, so I need to find out the least amount of weighing it takes to find the lightest bag. Also, the king used a pan balance for all of his weighing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I started by weighing 4 bags on each side of the scale to see which side was lighter. Then from those results I thought to weigh the 4 bags that were on the lighter side by 2 and 2. After this you would find one side weighing less than another. Then you would take those results and weigh the 2 remaining bags and the lightest bag would be the bag that was taken from. However, the mathematician said it could be done in less than three steps. So throwing the answer I had just gotten to the side, I started new. This time I started with 3 bags on each side knowing that if two sides were equal than the bag with the missing gold would be one of the bags not weighed the first time. Then you would have to weigh the two remaining bags and whichever one was lighter than the other would be the bag with less gold. But, if the 3 bags from the beginning weighed different then you would weigh 2 bags of the 3 and if they are equal in weight than the 3rd bag is the one with less co ins. If they weigh different the lighter bag would be the one with less coins.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The least amount of times of weighing you need to do in order to find the bag with missing gold is 2 because any-other way of problem solving this question would get you 3 or more. I know this because I tried every different possibility.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another way of practicing this problem solving skill is to have a similar situation but with more bags of gold, maybe even with an odd number of bags with different objects in them.

Justice and Morality in Platos Republic Essay examples -- justice as

Introduction This essay discusses and clarifies a concept that is central to Plato's argument in the Republic — an argument in favour of the transcendent value of justice as a human good; that justice informs and guides moral conduct. Plato's argument implies that justice and morality are intimately interconnected, because the excellence and goodness of human life — the best way for a person to live — is intimately dependent upon and closely interwoven with those 'things that we find desirable in themselves and for their consequences [1]. Hence, we acknowledge that Plato Is moral thesis cannot be interpreted either as a deontological or as a consequentialist argument — or as an act centred or agent centred moral concept. Plato's thesis is informative, in philosophical terms, precisely because it enables us to find new and more fruitful ways of looking at those basic questions concerning justice and morality, and the manner in which they are interrelated [2]. In the Republic Plato endeavours to answer complex questions about justice by introducing a unique account of what justice actually is, and how morally sensitive people are educated and informed about the real nature of justice and morality [3]. Our understanding of justice is more profound if we insist that what really matters is not merely the observance of external demands — normative and conventional moral rules — but the character of the truly just person [4]. Justice and goodness, based upon judgement as the virtue of a decent life, are seen as congruent in the context of a well ordered society. Plato's fundamental claim, in the Republic, is that justice is so great a good that anyone who completely embraces it is thereby better off, even in the face of the... ...4-225 [19] Rep. VI 573d & ibid., p.221-222) [20] ibid., p.327 [21] Nagel, 1986, pp. 195-196 [22] Rep VII, 540a-b [23] Rep. V, 46le-462e [24] Rep. IV, 419a-421c & Rep. VIII, 519d-521b [25] Annas, 1981, pp. 321-334 & White, 1979, pp.43-54 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BIBLIOGRAPHY Annas, Julia An Introduction to Plato's Republic Oxford 1981; Chapter 3, pp. 59-71; Chapter 6 pp. 53-169; Chapter 13, pp. 331-334 Irwin, Terence Plato's Ethics Oxford 1995; Chapter 12, pp. 181-202 Kraut, Richard (Ed.) The Cambridge Companion to Plato Cambridge 1992; Chapter 10, pp. 311-337 Nagel, Thomas The View from Nowhere Oxford 1986; Chapter X, pp. 189-207 Waterfield, Robin (Tr.) Plato's Republic Oxford 1993 White, Nicholas A Companion to Plato's Republic Indianapolis 1979 Justice and Morality in Plato's Republic Essay examples -- justice as Introduction This essay discusses and clarifies a concept that is central to Plato's argument in the Republic — an argument in favour of the transcendent value of justice as a human good; that justice informs and guides moral conduct. Plato's argument implies that justice and morality are intimately interconnected, because the excellence and goodness of human life — the best way for a person to live — is intimately dependent upon and closely interwoven with those 'things that we find desirable in themselves and for their consequences [1]. Hence, we acknowledge that Plato Is moral thesis cannot be interpreted either as a deontological or as a consequentialist argument — or as an act centred or agent centred moral concept. Plato's thesis is informative, in philosophical terms, precisely because it enables us to find new and more fruitful ways of looking at those basic questions concerning justice and morality, and the manner in which they are interrelated [2]. In the Republic Plato endeavours to answer complex questions about justice by introducing a unique account of what justice actually is, and how morally sensitive people are educated and informed about the real nature of justice and morality [3]. Our understanding of justice is more profound if we insist that what really matters is not merely the observance of external demands — normative and conventional moral rules — but the character of the truly just person [4]. Justice and goodness, based upon judgement as the virtue of a decent life, are seen as congruent in the context of a well ordered society. Plato's fundamental claim, in the Republic, is that justice is so great a good that anyone who completely embraces it is thereby better off, even in the face of the... ...4-225 [19] Rep. VI 573d & ibid., p.221-222) [20] ibid., p.327 [21] Nagel, 1986, pp. 195-196 [22] Rep VII, 540a-b [23] Rep. V, 46le-462e [24] Rep. IV, 419a-421c & Rep. VIII, 519d-521b [25] Annas, 1981, pp. 321-334 & White, 1979, pp.43-54 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BIBLIOGRAPHY Annas, Julia An Introduction to Plato's Republic Oxford 1981; Chapter 3, pp. 59-71; Chapter 6 pp. 53-169; Chapter 13, pp. 331-334 Irwin, Terence Plato's Ethics Oxford 1995; Chapter 12, pp. 181-202 Kraut, Richard (Ed.) The Cambridge Companion to Plato Cambridge 1992; Chapter 10, pp. 311-337 Nagel, Thomas The View from Nowhere Oxford 1986; Chapter X, pp. 189-207 Waterfield, Robin (Tr.) Plato's Republic Oxford 1993 White, Nicholas A Companion to Plato's Republic Indianapolis 1979

A Rose for Emily. Analysis

Jack Wu English 1B – Professor Meehan 03/05/13 â€Å"Rose for Emily† Analysis In â€Å"A Rose for Emily†; William Faulkner details the loneliness and selfishness of peculiar woman, Miss Emily. Miss Emily is unable to grip the idea of death and suffers great deals of denial. After the death of her father, the townspeople expected her to be in a state of grief but alas she is not. Instead she proceeds to say that her father is very well with her, alive. William Faulkner’s idea of grieving is clear in this story because he shows his audience that it is better to accept death than to ignore it through the accounts of Miss Emily’s journey.William Faulkner’s story takes place in the South, during a time period of racial discrimination and major political change. By using reader response criticism, a reader can analyze â€Å"A Rose for Emily† through the aspects of the secret held within the story, race found through anthropology, and gender found through anthropology. To begin with, one can analyze â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by examining the underlying hidden message found within the story. The hidden message that William Faulkner tried to convey in his story was the themes of death and change.Death looms through the story from the beginning right on through to the end as the narrator begins describing the beginning of Miss Emily’s funeral. Miss Emily herself chooses not to accept the fate of death when her extremely controlling father passes away. Miss. Emily later killed Homer to ensure that he would never leave her. This is Miss Emily’s most severe attempt to preserve her life and the time period in which she lived. Miss. Emily believes that having nothing is less painful than grief over something lost. To further examine â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is by analyzing gender, Mr.Faulkner explains the roles of women in the South and how they were seen through the eyes of men. One can clearly see tha t through the opening sentence of the story, the narrator is stating that women gossip while men are caring and serious. This is only one of many passages that show that Mr. Faulkner is attempting to make men the stronger gender. â€Å"Only a man of Colonel Satoris’s generation could have invented it and only a women could have believed it† Faulkner. Colonel Satoris is described as being an ingenious man but in this sentence, Miss Emily’s name isn’t even mentioned when the two are compared.The statement made in this story is that men are the better gender. There are many aspects that were incorporated into â€Å"A Rose for Emily†. William Faulkner was able to create a story involving many ideas about society and how it functioned in a specific time period in the South. To further examine â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, one can use the reader response criticism and analyze the aspects of the hidden message found within the story, gender and race fou nd through anthropology. â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is an important element in literature due to examination of the effects of change created in the olden South.

Advance Corporate Finance Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers

Advance Corporate Finance Essays - Free Essays, Term Papers 3/29/16 Advance Corporate Finance What is the problem faced by SRI? SRI Office Products Inc. is a supplier of national stationery products with a nation wide range of distributors. In 1995 SRI faced an issue with one of their main customers having a 14 month old accounts receivable account. Macdonald Stationery and Office Supplies Ltd as of September 1995 owed SRI $2.4million dollars and was heavily impacting their financial statements. These losses wiped out retained earnings and lowered equity 2% lower than their assets. SRI is facing problems such as their debt to equity ratio was 97% which led to banks refusing to extend its line of credit. Management is currently discussing a way to receive their money but having trouble deciding what way to execute a plan for McDonald's to pay them back 2. Evaluate financial statements of Macdonald and comments on its financial health. Balance Sheet Financial statements of Macdonald show us that the company is in very bad condition. Firstly, they have very low amount of cash on hand . In my opinion this low amount of cash on hand is really bad for the business. Low amount of cash on hand means they can't meet their future obligations so they have increase their cash availability to survive. Secondly, they have very high amount of accounts receivable on their balance sheet. In my opinion this is not a good news for the Macdonald Company. High amount of accounts receivable means they are not turning the revenue into cash soon as possible. They should decrease their accounts receivable much as possible to stabilize the business. Thirdly the business also has a very high amount of accounts payable on the balance sheet. In my opinion the reason behind the high accounts payable is the low cash on hand. Basically they don't have enough cash on hand to make the payments. The business has to increase the cash on hand to pay the accounts payable off. The Fourth reason for the Macdonald's condition is that they very high inventory amount on the balance sheet. In my opinion this high amount of inventory sends a warning alarm for the business. The reason behind the high inventory is that they are ordering more inventory while they have the old ones stocked up basically they should sell the old ones and then order it. The Fifth reason for the business's condition is the high amount of bank loans it has on the balance sheet. In my opinion this high amount of bank loans will send the creditors a message that they can't pay their loans. The reason behind the high amount of bank loans is that the business is borrowing more money to pay the accounts payable and they can't always do this they have stop. The last reason for the company's condition from the balance sheet is the negative retained earnings. In my opinion the company has a negative retained earnings because of high expenses, low sa les, and dividends payout. The company needs to increase sales, lower the expenses, and shouldn't pay out dividends for now. Income Statement The first reason for the company's condition from the Income Statement is the low sales that they are generating compare to expenses and remember they have high inventory. In my opinion low sales are bad for a company and they have find a way to sell all the inventory they have stocked up. Basically they have to turn these inventory into cash and increase the sales to survive. The second reason for the company's situation is the high administration expense they have occurred. The business has occurred high administration expense because they have brought a computer system that is not effective. In my opinion they shouldn't brought this system but they did so they use this system to their business advantage. The third reason for the company's situation is the high interest expense that they have in the Income Statement. Remember they have a lot amount in bank loan account on the balance sheet. In my opinion they have to communicate with bank and come up with new st ructure where they are charged low interest. The forth reason for the company's condition is the high

What is a Crime in Canada essays

What is a Crime in Canada essays The definition of a law is to be any action, which Parliament has decided to be criminal. Parliament decides to declare certain actions criminal because, through its legislation, it reflects the conditions and wishes of society. The Federal Law Reform Commission, in its report Our Criminal Law, suggests that for a certain action to be considered a crime at least these four conditions must exist. Those four conditions is that the action must be wrong, the action must cause harm to other people, the harm must be serious in both nature and degree, and the harm must be dealt through the criminal law. Throughout this essay it will explain and give the history of what constitutes a crime. The criminal law in Canada is the responsibility of the federal government. Canada is a confederation of provinces in a federal system. The Canadian constitution is the British North America Act, passed in 1867, which gives authority to the Government of Canada to make criminal laws. Prior to this, English criminal law, inherited from the English settlers in North America, was the standard. In 1892, the Canadian Parliament passed a law called the Canadian Criminal Code. It was called a Code because it consolidated crimes and criminal law procedure into a single statute. It has been amended and added to many times over the last century. Crimes are defined and punished by statutes and by the common law. Most common law offences are as well known and as precisely ascertained as those which are defined by statutes; yet, from the difficulty of exactly defining and describing every act which ought to be punished, the vital and preserving principle has been adopted; that all immoral acts which tend to the prejudice of the community are punishable by courts of justice. Crimes are bad in themselves, and these include all offences against the moral law; or they are bad because prohibited, as being against sound po ...

How to Campaign for a Mock Election

How to Campaign for a Mock Election A mock election is a simulated election process which is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the election process. In this popular exercise, students participate in every aspect of a national campaign and then participate in the voting process in order to get a complete understanding of the democratic process. The components of your exercise may include: Discovering and filing the paperwork you need to submit to runSelecting candidatesOrganizing caucusesCreating a campaignWriting speechesDesigning campaign postersCreating polling boothsMaking ballotsVoting What Are the Benefits? When you participate in a practice election, you will learn about the election process, but youll also sharpen many skills as you participate in a simulated version of a national election: You will gain public speaking experience as you participate in speeches and debates.You can sharpen critical thinking skills as you analyze campaign speeches and ads.You can gain event-planning experience by getting involved in organizing the meetings and rallies.You can learn to communicate effectively as you develop campaign materials and events. Choosing a Candidate You may not have a choice about the role you play or even about the candidate you support in a mock election. Teachers will usually divide a class (or an entire student body of a school) and assign candidates. It is important in a mock election to make the process fair and to avoid hurt feelings and feelings of being ostracized. Its not always a good idea to pick the candidate that is supported by your family because students who are greatly outnumbered can feel pressured or ridiculed for supporting an unpopular candidate. Every candidate is unpopular somewhere! Preparing for the Debate A debate is a formalized discussion or argument. You must study the rules or processes that debaters follow in order to prepare. Youll want to learn what will be expected of you! Your school may have special rules to add to the general guidelines youll find online. Its also a good idea to watch your opponents campaign advertisements on YouTube (the real candidate, that is). You can gain clues about your opponents position on controversial topics. These ads will highlight his or her potential strengths and may even shed light on a potential weakness. How Do I Run a Campaign? A campaign is like a long-running TV commercial. You are really designing a sales pitch for your candidate when you run a campaign, so youll use many sales techniques in this process. Youll want to be honest, of course, but you want to pitch your candidate in the most agreeable way, with positive words and attractive materials. You will need to establish a platform, which is a set of beliefs and positions that your candidate holds on specific topics. You will need to research the candidate that you represent and write a mock-up of those positions in language that is suitable for your audience. An example of a statement in your platform is I will promote investments in clean energy in order to provide a healthy environment for future families. (See real platforms from presidential campaigns.) Dont worryyour own platform does not need to be as long as a real one! By writing out your platform, you gain a clear understanding of the candidate you support. This will help you as you design campaign materials. Using the platform as a guideline you can: Write a campaign speech Draw posters to support your issuesWith permission from parents, design a Facebook page for your candidateCreate a poll on Facebook or in Survey Monkey to get feedback from votersCreate a campaign blog with Blogger

Human resource management of HMV Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human resource management of HMV - Assignment Example Performance reviews happen regularly and their frequent occurrence ensures the work excellence (Rijks, 2012). But looking at the recent scenarios in the business world regarding this company there is a lot that needs to be done. Suggestion for improvement in training and development programs are provided after a thorough analysis of the situation (Webb, 2013). Keywords: HMV, training and development, Human Resource Management in HMV The Essay aims to illustrate the essentials of human resource management in terms of the decisions that the company HMV (His master’s Voice) takes. The essay shall describe the initial semblance of the human resource management practiced in there, and inform whether the strategy the company follows is a hard or a soft one (and the strategies that are being used now and the ones that are en-stored for the future). The approach of the company shall also get portrayed and then analyzed whether or not it’s proper to use that approach. Recruitmen t and selection of the human resource shall come under discussion while taking into consideration the typical recruitment process of the company and the effectiveness of the results of this process. The tactics used by the company are to be explored. After that, training and development plans are supposed to be discussed for example what have been the former practices of the company and what are its plans, for now? But taking into account the history of the company, primarily the essay focuses on what the organization could do differently to come out of the difficult times it is in. Then performance management shall also be investigated in view of the feedback processes and incentives and appraisals granted. HMV represents the name His Master's Voice, which was actually the title of a painting bought by the founding company of HMV retail Ltd. (Gramophone Company). The painting was by Francis Barraud and depicted the dog Nipper listening to a cylinder phonograph. HMV deals in Books, Video games, Film, Television, Games, Magazines, Music, Fashion, Technology, Merchandise, Cinema and Ticketing. On its course company acquired Waterstone's in 1998 (which was then sold in 2011), the music retailer Fopp in August 2007 (BBC News, 2007), and some Zavvi retail outlets in February 2009. MAMA Group was also bought in 2009, though the acquisition was short and it was sold in December 2012. In April 2013 HMV was taken over by Hilco UK, as HMV group had entered administration earlier that year. Training and Development The section of the article is dealing with training and development practices in the HMV Company. HMV jobs are a brilliant way of starting a career due to their in-house training sessions and extensive skill-developing agendas. HMV provides a good position to work, for people passionate about music, movies, games and technology because HMV is aware that it is only as triumphant as its employees and the corporate culture of the company speaks for that sentiment . HMV has been conducting many activities to help its employees meet the goals set by their ambitions. A great stress is put upon learning something every day, because HMV believes learning to be one of its most rudimentary values for its employees. From the very beginning of their careers employees are given on job trainings and their development as an asset is not neglected. Since this essay already declares that HMV has one of the best induction programs, it

Organizational Culture Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organizational Culture - Coursework Example In this case, control culture mostly focuses on getting and keeping control whereas competence culture focuses on being the best. The cultivation culture in this case entails growing and learning with an organizational sense of purpose. By applying the Schneider’s model of organizational culture, it means that the model would define organizational culture to the larger AGM members (Ashkanasy, Wilderom, & Peterson, 2011). Here, the model would the organization in terms of employee cultural preferences and organizational culture. In organizational management, the Denison Model tends to provide a comprehensive and an easy guidance especially for organizational change. In most cases, it happens through two frameworks thus the leadership development model and the organizational culture model. Both models tend to describe organizational leadership and high-performance business culture (Ashkanasy, Wilderom, & Peterson, 2011). The model focuses on at least six tangible performance touchstones that include profitability, sales growth, innovation, quality, employee satisfaction and market share. In reference to Outward Hound Company, which seeks to host its first ever AGM, the Denison organizational cultural model would be applicable. In this case, the model would enable the Outward Hound Company leaders and its stakeholders to understand their organizational culture. On the other hand, the model would provide the company’s management with a benchmark of organizational culture. The Denison organization cultur al model also helps the AGM members determine organizational development. Lastly, it helps the members implement suggested actions for palpable performance improvement. In organizational management, applicable theory entails the process in which the organization draws its conclusions including facts, theories and ideas in general using organizational sources. This

Computers and Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Computers and Marketing - Essay Example It is inevitable that with most people doing things on-line, marketing and advertising executive are now also going on-line. Internet traffic continues to surge with more people going for convenience, ease and security of transacting their business on-line. Advertisers naturally go where the people are. Discussion Advertising serves a dual purpose: commercial, as when promoting a new product or a new service, and secondly, as a public service (such as broadcasting weather reports). But the essence of advertising has always been primarily commercial in nature. Advertising industry executives always find creative ways to post their ad messages and this is almost everywhere: in newspapers, magazines, giant billboards, moving billboards (such truck-side advertising or even on the bodies of airplanes like the Irish budget airline Ryanair) or in broadcasting such as radio and television. The latest media are digital Web sites on Internet and digital mobile devices such as cellular phones. It seems there is no escaping these ubiquitous advertisements. Like most people of my generation, I spend a considerable time of my waking hours on the Internet.

Power Dynamics between Health Insurer and Its Service Providers Essay

Power Dynamics between Health Insurer and Its Service Providers - Essay Example The research focuses on the power dynamics that arise between the health insurers and the service providers, whereby the power dynamics are the interplays between the insurance company and the healthcare providers regarding the provision of services. Â  Health providers may not concur with the providers regarding the supply of the insurance policies, whereby, the insured person may require more than what the insurance provider is offering leading to supply-chain disagreements. The insurers may need to market their products through the providers since the providers are in direct contact with patients who need the insurance policies. This implies that each party has its catch and if they disagree in marketing their policies, there may be power dynamics between the insurers who are marketing their product and the providers who are the pathway for the marketing. Power dynamics entails the relationship between the insurers and providers in terms of the services provided to the members co nducting studies regarding health care provision is important so as to link the insurers and the patients. According to the study by Booth, Colomb & Williams, the power dynamics, in this case, can be correlated to previous theories including the relationship marketing. This is because each party plays a vital role in ensuring that the members receive quality services, especially from the service providers who are the hospitals and clinics. The research focuses on the health insurers, who are the insurance companies, and the service providers who are clinics and hospitals which are in contact with the health insurers to provide the insured members with health care services, including treatment in hospitals and other services provided for in the insurance policy of members. In regard to previous research work of Goddard & Melville, there are many theories relating to the subject matter. In regard to the current research, the power dynamics that arise between the two parties regarding the provision of services may arise as a result of different preferences including marketing preferences where different patients prefer different insurance policies from different insurance companies, while most providers do not approve the use of some insurance policies.

Forces of Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Forces of Globalization - Essay Example One such force is the dependency of some nations on others, as a result of the increased inequality between such countries. It is clear that some of the countries have developed to world economic powers as a result of their expertise, resources, and technology. On the other hand, most of the countries around the globe are still underdeveloped, with lack of proper technologies and expertise to exploit their resources. From the past, the relationship between these developed and underdeveloped countries has remained one of dependence, with the latter depending on the former for economic and political. In his book, Wright suggested that the Niumi people were dependent on the British during the colonial times and at a point, they remained without basic resources such as healthcare facilities, until they were built by the British. Such is still the case in the current world as the gap between the developed and developing countries has continuously increased, forcing the developing countrie s to develop in the developed countries for financial and humanitarian aid. International politics has also been an interestingly significant determinant of international interactions. Nations from various parts of the world have different political ambitions, some of which are taken into the international environment, leading to either formation of political alliances or conflict. Defined by different political boundaries, different nations are faced with the mandate to protect the interests and sovereignty of their people.

Power Dynamics between Health Insurer and Its Service Providers Essay

Power Dynamics between Health Insurer and Its Service Providers - Essay Example The research focuses on the power dynamics that arise between the health insurers and the service providers, whereby the power dynamics are the interplays between the insurance company and the healthcare providers regarding the provision of services. Â  Health providers may not concur with the providers regarding the supply of the insurance policies, whereby, the insured person may require more than what the insurance provider is offering leading to supply-chain disagreements. The insurers may need to market their products through the providers since the providers are in direct contact with patients who need the insurance policies. This implies that each party has its catch and if they disagree in marketing their policies, there may be power dynamics between the insurers who are marketing their product and the providers who are the pathway for the marketing. Power dynamics entails the relationship between the insurers and providers in terms of the services provided to the members co nducting studies regarding health care provision is important so as to link the insurers and the patients. According to the study by Booth, Colomb & Williams, the power dynamics, in this case, can be correlated to previous theories including the relationship marketing. This is because each party plays a vital role in ensuring that the members receive quality services, especially from the service providers who are the hospitals and clinics. The research focuses on the health insurers, who are the insurance companies, and the service providers who are clinics and hospitals which are in contact with the health insurers to provide the insured members with health care services, including treatment in hospitals and other services provided for in the insurance policy of members. In regard to previous research work of Goddard & Melville, there are many theories relating to the subject matter. In regard to the current research, the power dynamics that arise between the two parties regarding the provision of services may arise as a result of different preferences including marketing preferences where different patients prefer different insurance policies from different insurance companies, while most providers do not approve the use of some insurance policies.

Business analysis of Guajilote Cooperativo Forestal, Honduras Essay

Business analysis of Guajilote Cooperativo Forestal, Honduras - Essay Example As a business enterprise, Guajilote Cooperative is a socially oriented not-for-profit organization of illiterate farmers who serve the market of furniture makers by providing low-priced, high-quality mahogany lumber. The cooperative does not seem to have any sufficient strategic direction beyond the good intentions of its original project proponents, the USAID (the foreign aid agency of the United States government) and COHDEFOR (the forestry development service of Honduras), to develop a sustainable model that can be imitated by other national parks for social, environmental, and political motives. Strategic direction is lacking because there are no specific plans to assess the cooperative’s strengths and weaknesses and how these can help address the opportunities and threats it is currently facing. The cooperative needs a strategic plan because without one, it may lose its viability as a business enterprise and collapse from the external and internal pressures that similar organizations face when dealing with the market. This strategic direction that will allow Guajilote to continue to exist and compete in the marketplace is also known as the organization’s competitive strategy, a concept that we define below. Without a strategy, the cooperative can fail as a business venture and a model project, causing serious social consequences: the shortage of mahogany lumber; the return of its members to a life of poverty; dashed hopes for Honduran farmers in other parts of the country who want and expect the project to succeed; and many other imaginable political, economic, and social costs. The strategic plan begins with an assessment of the enterprise and its business environment, and there are three popular tools we can use: the SWOT analysis (Andrews, 1971/1987; Ansoff, 1965; Chandler, 1962), the PEST(EL) analysis (Steiner, 1979; Andrews, 1987), and Porter’s Five Forces model and

Segregated Schools Essay Example for Free

Segregated Schools Essay â€Å"From the day she was born, the girl had seizure after seizure† quoted Gina Kolata. One new born, toddler, baby girl, was suspected that she had a genetic disorder. Doctors at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo, provided a sample of her blood which took only 50 hours and provided with an answer. The toddler had seizures after seizures that doctors frantically tried to keep her alive. Her doctors suspected a genetic disorder that they began a study of a new technique for quickly analyzing the DNA of newborns. The baby girl had a mortal gene mutation. â€Å"There was no treatment, there was not anything that could have changed the outcome†, Dr. Petrikin said which her family decided to let their baby go because her family did not want to see their baby girl in pain. She was only 5 weeks old. This all happened by not saying it was the baby girl’s fault or its mother’s. It just happened there is no explanation about why, did the baby girl have a disorder or disease. But there was not enough resources and medicine that could cure the disorder in time. My opinion on this article is that it is a well written article and gives a lot of details on what the situation is. I chose this article because I was mainly focusing on Medicine, Disease, and Health because I really like knowing about what kinds of different diseases there are and what just goes on in the human body. I don’t know if I agree with the article or disagree with the article because of how it turned out to be at the end with the baby girl. I think the article kind of turned out to be a story.

Globalization Has Rendered The State Powerless Politics Essay

Globalization Has Rendered The State Powerless Politics Essay Globalization is an accelerated global interconnectedness (Held et al., 1999). There are different descriptions of globalization and its impact on the state, generally dependent on the understanding of what the terms imply. The state can be defined as the sovereign authority in a specified territory, with the right to use force both to maintain internal order and to defend its territory against aggression (Lechner and Boli, 2008: 219). As national borders became more fluid, Finer (1999:79) determined that a state should be judged based on defence, internal law and order, law-making and taxation, public works and welfare, rights and citizenship. When any of these characteristics are threatened, the power of the state can be seen as diminished. The World Bank (quoted in CLMS, M5 U1: 2) defines globalization as an inevitable phenomenon in human history thats been bringing the world closer through the exchange of goods and products, information, knowledge and culture. Alternatively, glob alization can be considered a choice to encourage and benefit from the growing interdependence between states in their economic, social, cultural, technological and political agendas (Weiss, 1997). Some perceive it as domination by multinational corporations influencing peoples preferences as well as the national and global economy (Reinicke, 1998). This can reduce the authority of the state allowing greater conflict and unchecked corporate power. Others contend that globalization makes the state stronger by creating opportunities for prosperity, democracy and equality (The United Nations, 2001). The various perspectives determine how people view the relationship between globalization and the state (CLMS, M5 U1). Globalization challenges national sovereignty with rising international trade, capital flows and foreign direct investment (Pinder, 2011). Faster innovation, new technology, better communication and increasing deregulation give transnational corporations a wider array of options for production and distribution (Carayannis et al., 2012). Globalization enables international collaboration by allowing companies, organizations and individuals to voice their agenda without the involvement of the state (Mackay, 2004). According to Reinicke (1998), nation-states can choose how to respond to these developments. They can use market ideology to determine their international policies and provide the most favorable environment for business and investment. They can work with neighboring nations in order to standardize polices in a region like the European Union (Weiss, 1998). Some states advocate nationalism to protect their interests. Dominant forces like the United States, China and G8 can use t heir power to influence global policy to their advantage (Carayannis et al., 2012). However, there are also states that seek to democratize global governance (McGrew, 2004). We will consider three general schools of thought with regards to the impact of globalization on the state. Internationalists believe that the effects of globalization are greatly exaggerated and that the state has remained strong (Dunning, 1999), while globalists see globalization as the end of the nation state citing the fact that external developments influence national events and that territory is now irrelevant (Ohmae, 1995). Transformationalists posit that the nation state will not disappear completely but will alter the manner in which it functions in order to adapt to the changes wrought by globalization (Held et al., 1999). In this essay we will examine different aspects of globalization from a globalist, internationalist and transformationalist perspective and will see that while globalization has changed the structure of the state making it more flexible, the state still retains significant power. Globalists view globalization as an inevitable process immune to human interference and political entities like nation states (Ohmae, 1995). Pessimistic globalists consider the displacing of local culture in favor of more dominant cultures like those of America, Europe or Japan to be cultural imperialism (Mackay, 2004). They believe that immigration without assimilation is also undermining national culture (Hirst et al, 2009). A report from the Pew Hispanic Center says that about 51% of Hispanics in the United States of America (USA) identify themselves with their familys country of origin while about 21% identify themselves as American (Taylor, et al., 2012). Additionally, contemporary culture is driven by corporations. People have more in common with those they are connected with through technology across the world (Ohmae, 1995). For example, globalists see the international computer game community as one connected by a global product like Sony Playstation or Xbox irrespective of n ation state (Goggin, 2008). Media is no longer constrained by jurisdictional borders. This reduces the ability of local government to enforce their policies on culture or morality (Hirst et al, 2009). Technology has strengthened the flow of information and conversation that bypasses government control (Mackay, 2004). An open global forum can help people rise up against injustice or dictatorial governments or give the disadvantaged a more equal footing in todays free market (Cochrane and Pain, 2004). The infrastructures created by the internet and new technology help globalize services and manufacturing thereby shaking a critical foundation of a nation state which is territory (Mackay, 2004). The role of the state is being usurped more often by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that respond to social needs on an international scale more effectively than the government. We see NGOs and the global civil society focus on issues like human rights, gender and wealth equality and environmental protection (McGrew, 2004). For example, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was established by NGOs and several companies to solve the problem of deforestation after government efforts failed (IISD, 2002). Additionally, the number of private security firms is increasing in proportion to the rising population, immigration and urban insecurity (McGrew, 2004). More people are employed by the private security industry in the United Kingdom than by their uniformed police force (Kobrin, 1999: 178). The nation state also does not have the authority to police international crime effectively. Privatizing parts of its administration and allowing supranational organizations to use its armed forc es are further examples of how the state is sharing its responsibilities (Hirst et al, 2009). Therefore, the states internal sovereignty, legitimacy as well as their enforcement and regulatory capabilities are vulnerable (Reinicke,1998). States may be seen to have lost their ability to govern themselves due to the influence of multinational corporations, organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the increasingly global market that limits the negotiating capability of individual states (CLMS, M5 U1). The WTO deals with global trade policies and this reduces some of the power that nation states have to influence trade through tariffs, subsidies, or other means. The European Union also promotes its own monetary and regulatory policies (Weiss, 1998). The legislation of member countries needs to reflect the principles of the supranational organization (Carayannis et al., 2012). While the purpose of these agreements is to limit a governments ability to adversely affect other countries, it does entail a loss of some national sovereignty (Pinder, 2011). Intervention by the IMF or the United Nations on an economic or military front can undermine a nations credibility, thus weakening its security and independence (McGrew, 2004). States are being pressured to support local interests and organizations in the face of global encroachment and challenges. They are also being encouraged by the international community to collaborate or comply with international mandates (Pinder, 2011). Several policies, like those regarding taxation or investment, are influenced by or have a significant impact on other countries (Carayannis et al., 2012). For example, according to a report issued by the IMF in 2001, the European Commission spends 2.7 billion euro a year to help European farmers profit from making sugar while imposing high tariffs to prevent low-cost imports of tropical sugar (IMF, 2001). Therefore, some policies and their consequences are not entirely in the states control (CLMS, M5 U1). Factors like transnational companies, outsourcing and division of labour diminish the states ability to enforce their regulations and laws in fear of investments and industry leaving the country (Ohmae, 1995). The international fina ncial market is a decisive factor in the economic policies of national government. The emphasis is on deregulation, dismantling the welfare state and reducing government involvement in the provision of goods and services. However, this could result in unfavorable environmental, worker and welfare policies (Pinder, 2011). Private companies like Moodys and Standard Poors wield tremendous power in evaluating a nations credibility and ability to repay its debts. Their credit assessment determines a nations access to capital and interest rates and is dependent on the health of that nations government (Hirst et al, 2009). Transnational organizations like IBM, Coco-Cola or Microsoft draw income from the host state as well as control some of its resources (Ohmae, 1995). Sourcing, processing, manufacturing, research and development, various administrative tasks and even management can all take place in different parts of the world resulting in a larger difference between political and economic borders and a decreasing importance of individual nations policies (Pinder, 2011). Ohmae (cited in CLMS, M5 U1) sees the lessened role of the state as a way to ensure that people can get the best the world has to offer and not be constrained by a government trying to protect certain industries or groups of people. Governments are finding it more difficult to implement policies that will allow for fairer redistribution of income and improve the quality of life of its citizens (Dunning, 1999). More countries are considering a flattened tax rate instead of a progressive system. By 2008, 24 nations including Russia, Hongkong and several Central and Eastern European nations had adopted a version of the flat tax (CFP, 2008). The growing number of multinational corporations (MNCs) and tax havens makes it easier for companies to shift funds across borders and more difficult for states to determine exactly where profits are made (Carayannis et al., 2012). The globalists conclude that all the essential functions of a nation state are negatively affected by globalization. In a borderless world, where deregulation is encouraged and the corporate agenda is dominant, states can no longer wield the authority they once had (Ohmae, 1995). MNCs, supranational organizations, NGOs and even subnational entities are usurping the roles of the state. When states cannot act independently to solve their domestic problems whether in regards to policy or even internal security, there is a definite lack of sovereignty (McGrew, 2004). On the other hand, internationalists and transformationalists firmly believe that the state has an important role despite globalization (Cochrane and Pain, 2004). Internationalists view the concerns of cultural imperialism as underestimating the local human dynamic (Mackay, 2004). For example, while gaming technology itself has spread worldwide, the popularity of games, whether action, sport or role playing, vary from nation to nation depending upon cultural preferences (Goggin, 2008). They also note that individual nations continue to exert a lot of power over media using licensing and regulatory frameworks (Mackay, 2004). For example, the Middle East and China heavily censor their media industry. Broadcast media is subject to regulation like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the USA (Biagi, 2013). Several governments also have legislation that gives them control of the internet in emergencies like the 2003 Communications Act in The United Kingdom and the Protecting Cyb erspace as a National Asset Act in The United States. The importance of the G8/G20 in forming international policy and the continuing dissension between countries like the USA, Iran, North Korea and China highlight that nation states are still significant (Carayannis et al., 2012). In addition to market forces, internationalists consider factors like slow domestic economic growth, the end of the Cold war and the growth spurt of public sector enterprises in the 1950s and 1960s to have contributed to the diminished policy making ability of the states (Dunning,1999). Kurdle (1999) posits that the state still has the power to make its own policy and regulate the impact of the global financial market as it sees fit. Personal tax can be set at the states discretion and cannot be avoided easily by citizens. The state also has complete control over its immigration policy. Any lack of effectiveness in this area is mainly due to politics not capability (Kurdle, 1999). Dunning (1999) states that the policies of nation states do not have to be depe ndent or linked to those of other nation states. Country specific rules and policies are still necessary and effective since the majority of business is still domestic and new developments always require new regulations (The United Nations, 2001). The government may change and acquire new functions but this does not make it obsolete. Even though territorial borders are becoming more fluid, the government ensures that transaction costs are kept at an acceptable level (Carayannis et al., 2012). Dunning (1999) argues that states can choose what role they want to play. They can be the instigator, co-coordinator or they can even opt to resist globalization. Most states prefer to orchestrate by controlling the competition in their region. They can heavily tax businesses that they do not wish to support and subsidize the businesses that they want. While it is easy to assume that jobs go to where the wages are the lowest, Dunning (1999) reminds us that factors like infrastructure, training, productivity, health and education are the responsibility of the state and are used to attract businesses. States can ensure high standards of living, high quality workforce and goods as well as create an environment that supports entrepreneurship and innovation (McGrew, 2004). Conforming to international policies is a political choice and does not represent lack of sovereignty. Internationalists conclude that the role of states hasnt changed a great deal due to globalization. Governments can still have individualistic yet effective policies (Dunning, 1999). Supranational organizations do not have to be at odds with nation-states but can in fact support them. Their main contention is that globalization is not forced upon states but that states can choose how they involve themselves (Weiss, 1998). Transformationalists consider that aspects of globalization are more calculated and less inevitable (Cochrane and Pain, 2004). For example, video games have been designed incorporating the preferences of multiple nations in order to have global appeal (Goggin, 2008). Transformationalists also have a different point of view on the globalist claim of cultural imperialism. While culture is no longer limited by geographical boundaries, several products are tailored to suit the importing market. Audiences and consumers view them through their own cultural perspectives and absorb or transform it accordingly (Mackay, 2004). For example, global fast-food companies like Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds cater to the regional market by incorporating local food preferences into their menu (Ritzer and Malone, 2001). Transformationalists place more importance on the individual and the nation-state rather than the unstoppable force of globalization. While transformationalists acknowledge the inherent challenges faced by states as a result of globalization, they contend that states are not static entities. They adapt and embrace new roles such as working closely with private institutions and international coalitions at both the regional and national level (Weiss, 1998). A country that chooses to integrate its economy with the global economy is aware of the constraints. However, this does not negate the states ability to tax or regulate. In fact, economic integration increases the number of options a state has when responding to policy. It creates competition and encourages governments to provide better services to retain valued businesses (Carayannis et al., 2012). Agreements made with supranational and powerful private organizations with regards to long term policy decisions solidifies a nations credibility and enhances their commitment to the private sector (McGrew, 2004). The rules of the global economy are designed by individual governments (Pinder, 2011). While some states have more political leverage when it comes to formulating international agenda, others need to learn how to influence international policy to their benefit (Carayannis et al., 2012). However, stronger nations have always impacted the internal affairs of weaker nations and weaker nations have always been ready to surrender a part of their sovereignty in return for protection or some other advantage (Hirst et al, 2009). In short, globalization is a product of global strategies (Held et al., 1999). Instead of abandoning their national identity and ambitions, states are building alliances and using agreements with other nations and corporations, both domestically and internationally, to gain more security, tighten immigration and strengthen their economy (Carayannis et al., 2012). While the WTO is sometimes criticized for being biased towards the richer, developed countries and subject to powerful business interests, the majority of WTO member countries are not rich. These developing economies are therefore capable of taking care of their own interests, like when the G20 rejected proposed trade policies in Doha (CLMS, M5 U2). Globalization may have increased transnational collaboration but it has also increased the inequalities between nations that have embraced globalization and those that are struggling with it (Pinder, 2011). The state is the main entity that can reduce these inequalities and can make a difference in a time of economic crisis (Lechner and Boli, 2008). The ability of the state to act, especially in cooperation with international bodies when needed, is essential when addressing global problems. For example, the global financial crisis of 2007 and 2008 began with the mortgage crisis in the USA and spread worldwide (Carayannis et al., 2012). Developed nations coordinated with international entities like the G20 to call for financial reform as well as bailed out some banks in trouble at the national level (BBC News, 2010). The contention that the state is powerless implies that the limits on government capabilities are definite instead of variable. Globalists tend to exaggerate the earlier powers of the state so as to highlight a greater lack of power now (Weiss, 1997). Many of the problems with regards to financial policies like the budget, deficit or being able to fund public programs are primarily due to the recession rather than globalization (Held et al., 1999). The inclination of capitalists to seek the best business environment is not a new phenomenon. States are under pressure to lessen the tax burden and restructure taxes where possible due to the increased mobility of todays capitalists (Pinder, 2011). Globalists believe that this will reduce the states capability to provide high quality social services (Weiss, 1998). However, nations can use differentiated taxes depending on industry to allow themselves to have attractive national policies as well as control the personal tax rate. Weiss (199 7) posits that governments claim of powerlessness is a fallacy promoted by them in order to implement legislation of their choice. An open economy does not automatically reduce government expenditure or size. In fact, open economies are likely to spend more and collect the taxes to do it (The United Nations, 2001). Globalists assert that territory is increasingly irrelevant and international organizations can move between nations to benefit from the most favorable policies (Pinder, 2011). However, there are several advantages to having a strong national base like the cost benefits of regional sourcing and production, strengthening relationships with local associations and institutes as well as subsidies or benefits from national or local governments (Weiss, 1997). Political stability of the state and a strong domestic economy are important for investment and trade. For example, most firms still sell more products domestically and they tend to invest a greater portion of their assets locally (Hirst et al, 2009). In addition, the inputs for a large number of transnational corporations are sourced by national suppliers (The United Nations, 2001). Local and international businesses need states to address their concerns and negotiate better rules for trade and investment (Carayannis et al., 2012). The state defines a peoples identity and most people would be reluctant to give it up. Regardless of the number of non-state organizations that help the drive the states economy and policy, the majority of people will still hold the state responsible for their quality of life and protecting their interests (Cochrane and Pain, 2004). From a social perspective, we see that NGOs seek to support or reform the existing system, not abandon it entirely (McGrew, 2004). While some NGOs like Greenpeace do not accept government funding, many NGOs like Oxfam and Mà ©decins Sans Frontià ¨res (MSF) are dependent on the state for a great deal of government aid (Moore, 2011). Even independent security companies are often hired by the state to enhance their capabilities (Held et al., 1999). We have seen a mix of cultures, like European, Eastern, Asian, Latino among others, that have had a global influence. Historically, cultural interactions have taken place for centuries and local culture has alwa ys remained strong and integrated cultural elements of their choice (Cochrane and Pain, 2004). Technological innovations and faster, cheaper communication has influenced politics, culture, education and social organization. The prevalence of new technology does not negate the effect of the environment, language and customs on people. The generation gap will exist regardless of global media. While some aspects of new technology are liberating, its distribution throughout the world is uneven and is strictly monitored by the government (Mackay, 2004). The state can also use these technological advances to increase their surveillance capabilities and exert further control on its people (Carayannis et al., 2012). A strong democratic state promotes social welfare, institutes means for representation and accountability, funds public services, provides for internal and external security, protects the more vulnerable parts of society and works towards a fairer distribution of the benefits of globalization (Carayannis et al., 2012). It facilitates discussion at various levels and supports a system that helps mediate disputes and resolves conflicts, cultural or otherwise, that evolve in a diverse society. The modern state is moving towards a more regulatory position (The United Nations, 2001). It aims to establish a framework for the private sector and entrepreneurship to succeed. While several of the states functions are being transposed on to supranational organizations or being outsourced to private organizations, the state is still needed to coordinate the planning, negotiating and decision making process among different entities and at various levels of governance (The United Nations, 2001). As we can see, ones understanding of the term nation-state affects how one views the impacts of globalization. Globalists see globalization as a new unstoppable force that is eradicating the nation state and generally consider territorial sovereignty to be crucial. Internationalists see globalization as simply more of the existing conditions and still regard the state as a continuously evolving dominant force. Those that see a transformation in the states roles often differentiate between external and internal sovereignty. However, globalists ignore the power of the nation state as a collective, while internationalists ignore that new technology like the internet has made the state less effective in some of its roles (Carayannis et al., 2012). Transformationalists acknowledge the new trends caused by globalization and the uncertainty of the role of the state, but still believe in the states ability to adapt to these trends. The flexibility of the transformationalist theory allows it to cover different aspects of globalization and makes it the most exhaustive (Cochrane and Pain, 2004). Modern states have the ultimate authority over their citizens (Weiss, 1998). The states role is fundamental in protecting the general interests of its citizens as well as managing the various multilateral and intergovernmental agreements. The United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan (quoted in The United Nations, 2001: 6) stated that the challenges that we confront today are beyond the reach of any State to meet on its own. At the national level we must govern better, and at the international level we must learn to govern better together. Effective States are essential for both tasks, and their capacity for both needs strengthening. Globalization is a choice made by a nation to enhance its economy. The act of making a choice determines that the state cannot be considered powerless (Weiss, 1997). Globalization does not reduce the functions of the state but simply redefines them in response to the changing regional, national and international conditions (The United Nations, 2001). States are learning to adapt to the new environment, co-operate with non state entities to direct their resources as much as possible and retain their influence locally and on an international scale (Lechner and Boli, 2008).

Analysis of a Corpus of Poetry :: Poems Writing Essays

Analysis of a Corpus of Poetry A corpus of 1000 lines of poetry (ten 100 line samples from ten different authors) is analyzed by a computerized connectionist model of poetic meter. The analysis finds that poets utilize measurably distinct patterns of stress and suggests that these patterns might "fingerprint" individual writers. In addition, the analysis shows that the variations of metrical patterns are in accord with the prevailing verse aesthetics of the period in which poets are writing. Introduction In English poetry, the single most compelling discriminator of that genre--that which defines a poem as a poem--has traditionally been its meter. Meter defines the length of the line, and thus the distinctive look of a poem on the page, and it sets, for the hearer of a poem, the telling regularity of a rhythm. Whether this rhythm also carries the burden of some of a poem's meaning or whether it is used only for a conventional aesthetic effect that invites the reader to take pleasure in its regularity or variations, meter is one of the central attributes of the genre of poetry. While the meter of a poem may or may not be strongly attended to by the poem's audience, or its critics, metrics has always been a matter of substantial concern for poets (see Addison [1994]). At each point in a line of poetry one factor in the decision favoring one word or syntactic pattern over another has been the metrical impact of that choice. Moreover, the limits of choice are not merely defined by a correctness rule such as the following: All stressed positions must have stressed syllables and no unstressed positions may have a stressed syllable. Metrical variations, resulting in what Halle and Keyser (1971), and others, have termed "metrical complexity" or "tension," are allowable and, in fact, produce much of the interest in a poem's rhythm. Traugott (1989), for example, speaking of Auden's poetry, notes that "a complex metrical design can . . . be identified that complements and enriches the multifarious verbal icons functioning at other levels of the langua ge" (294). In fact, poetic rhythm may only work when it destroys that very sense of design that it invokes; the extreme position is taken by Shklovsky (1917), who says, "the problem is not one of complicating the rhythm, but of disordering of the rhythm" (p.

Harmful Algae :: Geology

Abstract The purpose of this term paper is to provide information about the different kinds of algal blooms and their effect on our environment and ourselves. There are still a lot of things that are not known about the algal bloom phenomenon, and many different hypotheses have been presented to explain these. Throughout the course of this paper those hypotheses will be presented and discussed, allowing the reader to derive their own opinion about the origin of algal blooms and what will happen in the future. table of contents Table of Contents I. Harmful Algae II. What are Algal Blooms and Red Tides? III. Why do Algal Blooms occur? IV. What are the effects of Algal Blooms? V. Where and how often do Algal Blooms occur? VI. Resources I. Harmful Algae All algal species are not harmful. Only a few out of the thousands of species are associated with the phenomenon known as an algal bloom. These algae fall into two categories. The first category of harmful algae produces toxins that are released when ingested by animals or humans. The dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense (left) and the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia australis (right) are examples of toxin producing alga. The other category of harmful algae kill without toxins. These are equipped with structures such as spines and serrated edges that allow them to lodge in fish gill tissues. When this occurs it causes irritation which leads to overproduction of mucus which eventually leads to death. This Chaetoceros species (above) is an example of an algae that kills by using specialized serrated structures. back to table of contents II. What Are Algal Blooms and Red Tides? Algal blooms are when algae grows at a fast rate and accumulate near the surface, hence the term "algal bloom". The term "Red Tide" is a misnomer because it has nothing to do with the tides. It refers to a specific type of algal bloom that occurs when certain species of phytoplankton that contain red pigments "bloom" causing the water to look red. Red Tides are usually not harmful. The California Noctiluca Bloom is an example of a Red Tide back to table of contents III. Why Do algal blooms Occur? Scientists aren't exactly sure of how or why algal blooms get started. One theory is that when temperature, salinity, and nutrients reach certain levels there is a massive increase in the amount of algae.

Revolution

D. Revolutionary Changes in the Atlantic World, 1750-1850 1. The American Revolution never went through the radical phases that the French Revolution did. Yet, the nineteenth-century French government was more conservative than the nineteenth-century U.S. government. Explain. The American Revolution is not as tough and Radical as the French Revolution because France provided American forces with financial help and armor support during the American Revolution. The Americans are also greatly influenced by some philosophers that made them not to look up to French's form of government as a model even though France provided coalitions and even send off fleet and an army to help them triumphed battles effectively. French government is more conservative than the U.S government during the 19th century because of the absolute monarchy of French government. Americans never went through radical changes since they followed a series   of   board intellectual shifts and social shifts as well that gave them new republican ideals that expands democracy among   American people and created the ethic that formed the core of American political values. 2. What similarities and differences do you see between the nineteenth-century revolutions in Latin America and their French and American predecessors? The similarities between the 19th century revolution in America and their French American predecessors is that they began to inherit political powers and the idea of a democratic government where the consent lies on the government’s consent. Assertion of liberty, individual rights, equality and hostility towards corruption which are considered as American core values greatly influenced their predecessors. This made realizations to them that they could also break away and become self governing nations. E. The Early Industrial Revolution 1. How did events in the eighteenth century lead to industrialization in the nineteenth century?   What was the most important catalyst for industrialization? The industrial Revolution was a result of the outgrown of institutional and social changes in Britain right after the 17th century English Civil War   and   technological innovation The presence of a large domestic market should also be considered an important driver of the Industrial Revolution, particularly explaining why it occurred in Britain. In other nations, such as France, markets were split up by local regions, which often imposed tolls and tariffs on goods traded amongst them. (Deane, Phyllis. The First Industrial Revolution, Cambridge University Press.) 2. Compare and contrast the impact of the Industrial Revolution on men and women.   How was family life affected by industrialization? Industrial Revolution have different impact on men and women for men it paved way for more work ad encourage them to more enhanced way of labor through innovation and technology. Forced labor and child labor is also rampant during the years of Industrial revolution which gave workers longer working hours. Women’s job like factories of clothings and the weaving industry is affected by Industrial revolution because machines takes place of the job which is supposedly for the works of women. The Great Exhibition of 1851 site http://www.victorianstation.com/palace.html   

Radiological Threat to Public Safety

Radiation is a silent death sentence i. e. you cannot see, smell, or taste it. When radiological material ends up in the wrong hands it can become a catastrophic weapon of mass destruction. The public's security against radiological threats is in the hands of federal, state, and local government agencies. These agencies have the responsibility to regulate, mitigate, monitor, and respond to incidents involving sources of radiological materials. An analysis of current radiological threats will provide an improved understanding of potential and creditable radiological threats confronted by the public. Radiological Threat to Public Safety Newswire (2011) states, â€Å"Less than one-third of the population feels they are prepared for a terrorist attack, specifically a radiological attack such as a dirty bomb; yet over eighty percent of Americans feel this type of threat is imminent†. Howard & Forest (2008), suggest that a terrorist radiological attack would come by way of a radiological dispersal devise (RDD) or a dirty bomb i. e. a bomb mixed with radiological material and conventional explosives (p. 90). Oppenheimer (2008) states, â€Å"The threat of nuclear terrorism is far more likely from a radiological dispersal device (RDD)–a conventional IED laced with a radioisotope–than via a nuclear fission weapon†(para 1). Uranium and plutonium are well known elements used in nuclear devises. Howard et al. (2008) states, â€Å"Only uranium and a few other elements, notably plutonium, can be turned into explosive weapons, but many more elements emit radiation† (p. 90). Howard et al. (2008), states, â€Å"Two basic designs of crude nuclear explosives are likely to be adequate for most purposes of terrorist groups intent on nuclear terrorism†(p. 14). The first generation, gun-type nuclear explosive device is similar to the bomb that destroyed the city of Hiroshima, Japan. This is the simplest crude devise to design and construct with a powerful nuclear explosion (Howard et al. 2008, p. 114). The United States Department of Health and Human Services (2011) stipulates that the first step in understanding creditable radiation emergencies is to â€Å"draw the distinction between a nuclear event (like the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan) and a radiological event, such as a nuclear power plant incident or a radiological dispersal device (e. . , dirty bomb)†. The following is suggested credible nuclear and radiological events. Nuclear Events; * Produces a nuclear detonation involving the joining (fusion) or splitting (fission) of atoms to produce an intense pulse or wave of heat, light, air pressure, and radiation. * Highly destructive explosion that instantly devastates people and buildings because of extreme heat and impact of the blast. * Leaves large amounts of radioactivity and fallout behind. Radiological Events; * May involve explosion and release of radioactivity, but no nuclear fission. Typically, have less radioactivity released than in a nuclear event. In both events, the wind direction along with the weather patterns can spread radioactivity over a wide area (DHHS, 2008). Oppenheimer (2008), stipulated that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) suggested that â€Å"From 1993 to 2004, there were more than 400 confirmed incidents of trafficking materials–arrests and seizures involving radioactive sources–that could only be used to produce a RDD†(para 5). According to Howard et al. (2008) â€Å"no terrorist group has ever fielded or deployed a nuclear devise†(p. 110). However, Oppenheimer (2008) states, â€Å"Only one RDD incident is known: A dynamite bomb laced with cesium-137, a radioisotope used widely in medicine, was planted by Chechen separatists in a Moscow park in December 1995† (para 3). Authorities were able to find the terrorist RDD before it was detonated (Oppenheimer, 2008, para 3). The premise is evident i. e. terrorist organizations have the capability to obtain and deploy a RDD. Howard et al. (2008) suggest, â€Å"A homemade nuclear device, although crude and less efficient than a state military weapon, could very well serve the needs of a terrorist group† (p. 113). Bullock, Haddow, Coppola, & Yeletaysi (2009), describe different types of terrorist events that might include the use of radioactive material. * Introducing radioactive material into the food or water supply. * Using explosives to scatter radioactive materials. * Bombing or destroying a nuclear facility. * Exploding a small nuclear device† (p. 187). Oppenheimer (2008) described and highlighted the unpredictable radiological poisoning of a former â€Å"KBG agent Alexander Litvinenko by polonium-210 in London in November 2006 â€Å"(para 6). This type of radiation, once inhaled or ingested, will cause an illness that is slow and painful. The contamination spread as the Litvinenko moved about London and beyond (Oppenheimer, 2008, para 6). According to Oppenheimer (2008), â€Å"The U. K. Health Protection Agency had the unenviable task of tracing and testing the urine of hundreds of potential contacts and arranging for them to be treated and counseled†(para 6). There were a total of 17 people who were contaminated with radiation at above-average levels (Oppenheimer, 2008, para 6). Oppenheimer (2008) suggests that â€Å"A growing number of smuggling cases since 2002 have involved radioisotopes used in civilian industries and medicine†(para 2). Radioactive materials that are no longer considered useful in medicine could be used in building a RDD or a dirty bomb (The American Nuclear Society, 2005). Some agencies feel as though there has â€Å"not been enough of a concerted effort focused on the threat of a radiological attack such as a â€Å"dirty bomb† (Newswire, 2011). Oppenheimer (2008) describes four attempts at deploying RDD by Chechens i. e. â€Å"deploying an RDD and attacking a nuclear power plant, which are not well documented but are known within the EOD (explosives ordnance disposal) community†(para 1). Hawley (2008) suggests, â€Å"The use of a pharmaceutical grade radioactive material attached to a pipe bomb would release radioactive material†. In addition this small amount of radiation could cause sickness over time. Howard et al. (2008) states, â€Å"Extended exposure to low-level radioactive material increases the likelihood of cellular destruction†(, p. 90). The low level of security at many of Russia’s nuclear power plants and abandoned Russian Northern Fleet submarines has also increased the risk of possible terrorist attacks or takeovers. â€Å"There still are about 120 subs with fueled reactors in need of disposal† (Oppenheimer, 2008, papa 2). If a meltdown or explosion at a nuclear facility ever took place a large quantity of radioactive material would be released into the environment. Employees at the nuclear facility would likely be contaminated with radioactive particles to include injuries from the explosion itself. Individuals who received a large dose of radiation might develop acute radiation syndrome. Individuals in the surrounding area could be exposed or contamination and would need medical assists along with decontamination (Bullock, et al. 2009 p. 233). This huge concern and worry of radiological threats, voiced by the public, might not be credible. This is based on research and analyses performed by numerous agencies. According to Bevelacqua & Stilp (2009), â€Å"Bombings involving storage facilities or transportation vehicle pose the greatest threat†(p. 60). Mitigating potential bombings of critical facilities and transportation is a challenge for federal, state and local agencies. Bevelacqua et al. (2009) states† A nuclear bomb threat is unlikely to be carries out for a number of reasons, including the extreme expense, its logistical difficulty, and the enormous amount of technology necessary to develop a disperse such a devise† (p. 9). Hawley (2008) states, â€Å"The use of an actual nuclear detonation device is unlikely and very improbable given security these materials have† (p. 233). The amount of nuclear material required for an extensive nuclear result and the particular type of material needed makes use unlikely (Hawley, 2008, p. 233). Bullock, et al. (2009) states â€Å"Although a dirty bomb could cause serious injuries from the explosion, it most likely would not have enough radioactive material in a form that would cause serious radiation sickness among large numbers of people. Oppenheimer (2008) suggests, â€Å"There are numerous obstacles to overcome when weaponizing radioactive materials; the same devices that could be a threat to the public also pose potential threats to terrorists†(para 3). Howard et al. 2008, describe the seven myths identified about the threat of nuclear terrorism. 1. Terrorist want a lot of people watching, not a lot of people dead. 2. Nuclear material required to make a bomb are nearly impossible for terrorist to obtain. 3. Difficulties of constructing or stealing a nuclear bomb are unlikely by a terrorist group. 4. The only way a terrorist organization could acquire a nuclear bomb is from a state. 5. The mistaken belief that it is possible to put in place around the United States and other major countries a security cordon that can reduce to a low level the risk that nuclear weapons and material might be smuggled in. 6. The notion that an offensive security posture alone will mitigate the threat of nuclear terrorism. 7. A number of states analysts argue that states would not be especially interested in a stolen nuclear or stolen material to make one, because they want to produce the material for as many nuclear weapons as they need (p. 02). According to Shaw (2001) â€Å"Most studies of preventing terrorist nuclear attacks have reached the same basic conclusion–none of the available basic techniques is sufficiently capable to preclude a successful attack with a high degree of confidence† (p 3). The following are the seven suggested basic techniques: 1. Arms control and related diplomatic measures to control proliferation and access to technology and materials for making nuclear weapons. 2. Physical security and control of existing weapons and materials. 3. Pre-emptive actions. . Deterrent threats of retaliation for attacks. 5. Border controls and related domestic security measures aimed at preventing the movement of weapons or materials into the US. 6. Intelligence collection and law enforcement measures leading to the discovery and apprehension of would-be perpetrators. 7. Effective consequence control and mitigation—still a long way from reality—could be at best a distant second in desirability. Public education on the effects of radiation might allow for understanding the credibility of radiological events. Hawley (2008) states, â€Å"Education on hazards of radiation and the effective use of radiation monitors can ease this fear† (p. 234). There are organizations established to educate radiological protection, challenges, and issues. The Newswire (2011) states, â€Å"The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) was established to increase awareness and preparedness in this country against a possible radiological attack such as a â€Å"dirty bomb†(para 1) This synergistic awareness and preparedness was validated successfully by London government agencies responding to prevented a radiological event from becoming catastrophe. Oppenheimer (2008) suggests that the â€Å"London incident response demonstrate that government agencies could rapidly adapt to an unprecedented situation†(para 6). This radiological event also showed that nuclear events are all but impossible to predict. Conclusion The mitigation of nuclear weapons issues remain a heighten concern by free nations. The management of the existing stockpiles in the former Soviet Union continues to be a challenge in addition to the activities of the other governments that control nuclear weapons and demonstrate troublesome behavior especially, Pakistan, North Korea, and Iran (Banks, Nevers, & Wallerstein, 2008, p. 7). According to Hawley (2008) â€Å"there is currently speculation that there are some small nuclear devises missing from Russia; but this has never been substantiated† (p. 233). However, the fear of missing nuclear devises is a weapon itself. According to Hawley (2008), there is an advantage to a noncredible RDD or a small RDD, and that is the public's reaction. The public's perception, and first responders, is that this event would be a radioactive disaster. However, the reality is that the amount of the radiation would not be dangerous, and as time passed, the danger would lessen as the radioactive material decayed to a lesser hazard. Radiation is one of the big unknowns and cause of fear because it is unknown. This fear makes radiation a key weapon for a terrorist organization. Given this analysis, the question continues to be asked. Is there a credible radiological threat? The answer is yes or maybe no. Either way terrorist organizations have instilled fear of possible radiological events in our nation's future.

Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, The Kiss by August Rodin and The Kiss by Research Paper

Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, The Kiss by August Rodin and The Kiss by Konstatin Brancusi - Research Paper Example Although there is a similarity in their works of art, the artists have used diverse mediums to portray their thoughts. In this piece we look into each work of art on how the artist brought his idea into reality, the medium used and the feelings or thoughts these artists portray. Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is particularly an interesting peace of work. Such is evident on how the artists composed the portrait in a perfect style which is shown in the manner in which the colours are used. (Patrick L. Frank, Sarah Preble 2010) The canvas itself is a perfect square that holds Klimt’s expression of a couple embracing and sharing a passionate moment while entwined together. Klimt produced this magnificent work of art at the age of 45 in which he used oil paints and gold leaf. At that point of life he still leaved with his mother and two sisters. The artist is noted to have a sexual appetite that was expressed in his works such as The Kiss. ( Partsch, Susanna 1989) Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss is designed in a manner in which contrast and colour shadowing creates an appealing tone on the painting. The use of dull oil paints on various parts of the painting such as the background, hand the use of gold leaf in most parts of it creates a bright picture. The golden aspect of the painting is used to show of how the couple is entwined in a single robe to show how they feelings that they have for each other is mutual. Auguste Rodin in his bid to make his thought known utilizes his magnificent skill of sculpting to produce an amazing sculpture. This work of art borrows its idea from the tale of a noblewoman who fell in love with her husband younger brother. However this hidden affair that sparked when the two fell in love while reading a book is discovered and the couple is killed by the woman’s husband. It is noted that in the sculpture that the lovers' lips do not touch. This thus is used to suggesting that two lovers were interrupted and their affair ended even before they had the chance to share a passionate kiss. This sculpture created by Rodin is in marble to show that the artists considered marble as the best medium for his work of art. It must have been the ease that comes from sculpting and shaping marble that must have influenced Rodin’s choice. (Patrick L. Frank, Sarah Preble 2010) Konstatin Brancusi work of art is a marble sculpturing that depicts two lovers kissing with their lips in full contact unlike in Auguste’s sculpture. The work of art is purely in marble to show Konstantin’s favour of marble to other elements used in sculpturing. This must have been the case considering that Konstantin was a student of Rodin thus the choice of using marble in his works of art. This work of art must have been a personal replication of what Rodin had done in the 1880s as he sculpted his in 1908. Konstantins work is a composition of well outlined geometrical lines unlike in other artists’ works.( Brezianu, B. Geist, S. 1965) His abstract style while creating the sculpture must have earned him the title of â€Å"a modern sculpture patriarch†. This shows that the works done by him are the pioneers of today’s’ sculptures. In this three works of art although they share the same name they seem to portray different feelings and thoughts that the artists had when they produced their respective works. In Gustav’s work w e identify that the artist aimed at portraying the feeling of how he was fascinated by eroticism thus his painting of a woman kneeling and the man holding her trying to kiss her. The painting shows of how Gustav tried to bring the woman having the status of a protagonist. He desired to expose women not just as an object of desire but something that is considerable