The Choice of Music in Any Film and the Meanings of the Actions Research Paper

The Choice of Music in Any Film and the Meanings of the Actions Performed in the Film - Research Paper Example In the Pianist, the horror story of the Nazi holocaust is told through the story of Wladyslaw Szpilman. He is a Polish-Jewish Pianist cum composer trapped in the evil objective of the Nazi manifesto to degrade the Jewish people of the world (Akhtar, Rogers & Plotkin, 2002). Music in both films is used to achieve different emotions to viewers in order to convey different messages to them. While â€Å"The Pianist† starts with a low note of the piano The GodFather begins in the centre of the underworld which is Don Corleone’s office as he listens to requests in his role as The GodFather; the leader of the crime world. Dressed in a dark suit and a white shirt The GodFather epitomizes the cadre of his profession which is a raw crime. Outside the dark tense office of Don Corleone, there is an ongoing wedding full of pomp and music; it is the wedding of his only daughter. This is meant from the onset to show the two different worlds in a mafia family. While the women and the c hildren are spared the intricacies of mafia operations the men such as Sony and his father are the kingpins of the underworld. The Pianist begins in the streets of Warsaw in 1939 at the onset of the world war. Szpilman is behind his keyboard in the studios of the polish state radio playing Chopin 's Nocturne in C-sharp minor Lento con gran espressione. The calm composition signifies the pieced prevailing in Warsaw before it is attacked by the Nazi thugs. As Stillman plays the piano the first sounds of the raging war outside are heard presumably from the window behind his producer in the studio.

Circadian Rhythms Essay Example for Free

Circadian Rhythms Essay 1. Describe how circadian rhythms are associated with sleep deprivation. 2. Explain the results of the sleep deprivation assessment. 3. Do you agree, or disagree, with the results. Why, or why not? 4. If you are sleep deprived, what steps could you take to get more or better quality of sleep? Alternatively, if you are not sleep deprived, what techniques allow you to get quality sleep most nights of the week? Circadian rhythms: Their role and dysfunction in affective disorder Press conference on the occasion of the 23rd ECNP Congress 2010, Amsterdam All humans are synchronised to the rhythmic light-dark changes that occur on a daily basis. Rhythms in physiological and biochemical processes and behavioural patterns persist in the absence of all external 24-hour signals from the physical environment, with a period that is close to 24 hours. These rhythms are referred to as  ´circadian ´, from the Latin  ´circa diem ´ ( ´about a day ´), and are attributable to internal biological clocks, driven by a major circadian pacemaker in the brain. The circadian pacemaker is entrained each day to the 24-hour solar cycle, which is the major  ´zeitgeber ´ (literally time-giver). Other zeitgebers are food intake, activity, or social cues, e.g. the alarm clock. Good temporal entrainment allows for optimal performance at the right time of the day, because being able to anticipate future tasks allows the appropriate physiological and psychological preparation. However, our modern society often imposes deviations from the regular work-rest-scheme, as in shift work, which results in problems with entrainment. Failure to adapt to environmental and societal time cues leads to misalignment of internal biological clocks. This  ´dysentrainment ´ comes with enhanced risk of errors and accidents, loss of productivity, and health risks such as increased propensity for cancer, depression, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, decreased immune responses and even life span. Hence, people with circadian rhythm disruption caused by shift work often develop glucose intolerance, diabetes and hypertension, and maybe cancer. The recent discovery of the core molecular circadian clock machinery has dramatically increased interest in the impact of circadian dysregulation on mental and physical health. Molecular basis of circadian rhythms Circadian rhythms are directed by a master biological clock in a specific brain structure of the hypothalamus called the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). Apart from the SCN, the body has circadian oscillators in all brain regions and peripheral tissues, for example the liver (Schulz Steimer, 2009, Bechtold et al., 2010). The SCN is synchronised daily by environmental signals – mainly light (Wirz-Justice, 2006). Receiving information on lighting conditions directly from the retina, the SCN drives secretion of the pineal gland hormone melatonin as well as and many peripheral clocks, and their outputs modulate the SCN through feedback or feed-forward effects. Thus, in the body there is a hierarchy of interacting clocks (Schulz, 2007). In all cells, the expression of many genes changes rhythmically over 24 hours. Specific circadian genes such as CLOCK, BMAL1, and PER are responsible for the main SCN clockworking machinery as well as subsidiary clocks in other parts of the body. In m ice with mutations in time-keeping genes, deviant circadian sleep-wake and other rhythms can be observed. In addition, new interest in the role of circadian dysregulation in psychiatric disorders has arisen from the finding that a mutation in a core circadian clock gene induces hyperactivity, decreased sleep, and mania-like behaviour in mice (Turek, 2008). Animal studies were the key development that brought the field to its present exciting position, because their findings suggested that  ´clock genes ´ are directing the circadian rhythms in all physiological processes. Circadian disturbances: clinical impact on affective disorders In healthy individuals, physiological and biochemical variables such as body temperature, cortisol and melatonin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), noradrenaline and serotonin exhibit a circadian rhythm. However, in patients with affective disorders, many of these circadian rhythms are disturbed in phase and amplitude (Schulz Steimer, 2009; McClung, 2007). For instance, women with depression have a greater degree of variability in the timing of physiological and endocrine rhythms. Dysregulation of circadian rhythms and sleep disturbances are also core elements of bipolar disorder, and might be involved in its pathogenesis (Dallaspezia Benedetti, 2009). Clinicians have learned the enormous importance of synchronising agents ( ´zeitgebers ´) to entrain rhythms in patients with mood disorders, and how useful they are as novel treatments (e.g. light, melatonin). With regard to major depressive disorder, almost all patients present with sleep  disturbances and altered circadian rhythms including hormonal secretion, cardiac function, and body temperature. Sleep disruption is a major symptom in depression, with over 90% of patients showing sleep complaints that affect daytime functioning (Thase, 1999). Insomnia often appears before the onset of mood disorder symptoms and may persist into clinical remission: sleep disturbances are known to be a frequent residual symptom of depression, and the presence of insomnia marks an increased risk of relapse or recurrence. Sleep difficulties often are the key factor that causes depressed patients to seek medical help, and relief of sleep disturbances is important to encourage compliance with antidepressant medication. Associated with chronic depression, sleep disturbance can have as great an impact on health-related quality of life as the mental illness itself (Katz McHorney, 2002). It is well known that changes in clinical state are accompanied by shifts in timing of the sleep-wake cycle. The switch out of depression is often associated with a spontaneous sleep deprivation. Conversely, a prescri bed sleep deprivation can rapidly show antidepressive activity. Even more strikingly, a phase advance of sleep timing can induce longer-lasting antidepressant effects, suggesting an intimate functional relationship between sleep, its timing, and the depressive state. In healthy individuals and in patients with affective disorders, there is a close link between circadian rhythms, the stability of mood, and sleep regulation. How to reset the human biological clock in affective disorders In clinical practice, sleep disturbances in depression generally can be improved with effective antidepressant medication. However, commonly used modern antidepressants may be sleep-disturbing, particularly early in treatment, often to the extent that a sedative or hypnotic compound has to be prescribed concomitantly (Mayers Baldwin, 2005). The search for novel antidepressants has focused primarily on drug development, with the role of psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy to help depressive patients being well accepted. Surprisingly though, clinical application of chronobiological research, so called chronotherapeutics, appears not to fit into any conventional category, and is mostly neglected as putative treatment. Chronotherapeutics Chronotherapeutics is defined as controlled exposure to environmental stimuli  that act on biological rhythms (e.g. light) or direct manipulations of sleep in order to achieve therapeutic effects in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. One major aim of chronotherapeutics is to synchronise impaired circadian rhythms. Today the range of chronotherapeutic indications not only comprises affective disorders such as major depression (seasonal and non-seasonal), bipolar disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder and depression during pregnancy, but also bulimia nervosa, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dementia, Parkinson ´s disease, and shift work and jet-lag disturbances (Wirz-Justice et al., 2009). Chronotherapeutic elements include light therapy, dark therapy or blue-blocking sunglasses, wake therapy (total or partial sleep deprivation in the second half of the night), phase advance of the sleep-wake cycle, and exogenously administered melatonin. Light therapy as a zeitgeber has been used to resynchronise disturbed sleep schedules back to a more normal pattern. Light is also an effective antidepressant, acting on many of the same neurotransmitter systems and brain structures as antidepressant drugs. What is fascinating about light therapy is that it is the first treatment in psychiatry that developed directly out of basic neurobiology research related to seasonal hibernation and reproduction in rodents. Light therapy is effective for all groups of major depression – not only for the seasonal subtype (SAD), for which it is well recognized as the treatment of choice. As an adjuvant to antidepressants in unipolar depressive patients, or lithium in bipolar patients, morning light hastens and potentiates the antidepressant response. Light therapy shows benefit even for patients with chronic depression of 2 years or more, and provides a viable alternative for patients who refuse, resist or cannot tolerate medication, or for whom drugs may be contraindicated, as in antepartum depression (Wirz-Justice et al., 2005). In addition, light therapy has been successfully used in other psychiatric or neurological illnesses, including bulimia nervosa and Alzheimer ´s disease. Dark therapy has yielded positive results to control symptoms in acute mania and to calm `rapid-cycling ´ bipolar patients in the manic phase – a group with one of the highest suicide rates among the mentally ill. By keeping patients in the dark and extending rest-sleep for periods of 10 to 14 hours, the mania episode could be ended. Dark therapy is theoretically interesting for its rapid effects, but is not very  practical. One alternative at present being investigated is the use of blue-blocking sunglasses. Blue is the wavelength to which the circadian system is particularly sensitive, thus by blocking this range in the light spectrum we can induce circadian darkness while not impairing the patients vision. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland only at night, and is suppressed by light. Cued by darkness, melatonin is especially important for the onset of sleep, but is also involved in many other systems cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, and metabolic. If rhythms are out of sync, as in depression, then melatonin rhythms also occur at the wrong time thus accentuating the sleep disturbance. Exogenously administered, melatonin acts as a zeitgeber to synchronise circadian rhythms. In addition, its thermoregulatory action is important to induce a rapid onset of sleep, though it is not a sedative age nt per se. Wake therapy (a single nights sleep deprivation) is the most rapid antidepressant available today: approximately 60% of patients, independent of diagnostic subtype, respond with marked improvement within hours. A single nights sleep deprivation induces similar brain changes as many weeks of antidepressant drugs (Benedetti and Smeraldi, 2009). Relapse after recovery sleep can be prevented by daily light therapy, concomitant administration of antidepressants (SSRIs), lithium (for bipolar patients), or a short phase advance of sleep over 3 days. Combinations of these interventions show great promise (Wirz-Justice et al., 2005, 2009). Despite the growing evidence for the efficacy of the available chronotherapeutic methods, it is surprising how limited the use of these treatments still is. Given the rapid action of chronotherapeutics, lack of side effects, and easy combination possibilities, how can sleep physicians and psychiatrists be educated about their use? Perhaps it is the patients that need to be educated, who are much more interested in non-pharmaceutic approaches? Obviously, treatments that are not patentable do not make profits for industry, thus denying the commercial marketing model used for drugs. Because they do not go through official clinical trial registration at federal regulatory agencies, chronotherapeutic treatments are not on the list for insurance reimbursement. On account of their simplicity, chronotherapeutics contrast with high-tech medicine, and for this reason are often not taken seriously. Clinical implications In clinical practice there is still rather widespread ignorance about circadian sleep disturbances and chronotherapeutics in spite of the significant evidence base. How can wider dissemination of chronotherapeutics be achieved? First, enterprising doctors should try them out. Only with first-hand experience does the reality of efficacy and response emerge. Second, the techniques should be taught in medical school and during residency – since it is the younger generation that is most open to change and use of cogent alternatives to medication. The nonprofit, multilingual patients website www.cet.org and clinicians website www.chronotherapeutics.org of the Center for Environmental Therapeutics (CET) illustrate some first attempts to meet this Phase 3 educational challenge. Third, through its societies, the field of chronotherapeutics needs to advocate recognition for reimbursement. In the treatment of affective disorders, chronotherapeutics offer a new synthesis of non-pharmacol ogic interventions designed to accelerate remission in patients with depression and bipolar disorder. Combining chronotherapeutics with concomitant or follow-up medication shows great promise. Given the urgent need for new strategies to treat patients with residual depressive symptoms, clinical trials of wake therapy and/or adjuvant light therapy, coupled with follow-up studies of long-term recurrence, are of high priority. Conclusion Circadian dysfunction can have drastic consequences on brain functions. Increasing evidence suggests that disrupted temporal organisation impairs behaviour, cognition, and affect (Benca et al., 2009). Disruption of circadian clock genes impairs sleep-wake cycle and behavioural rhythms, which may be implicated in mental disorders. Several different psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), schizophrenia, and borderline-related disorders are commonly associated with abnormalities in circadian rhythms. In particular, biological clocks play a major role in the pathophysiology of affective disorders. Synchronising impaired circadian rhythms, improving sleep, or paradoxically staying awake most of the night can be extremely helpful to treat patients with depression and bipolar disorder. Chronotherapeutic combinations of light and wake therapy achieve fast results and, by reducing  residual symptoms, also minimise relapse over many months. In addition, chronotherapeutics seem to be a major facilitator of drug response, and, in combination with antidepressants, a promising method to stabilise patients over the long term. Researchers are working on extending our knowledge concerning pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical ways to alter circadian rhythms. Recent discoveries of molecular clocks responsible for the generation of circadian rhythms provide novel insights into temporal disruption, offering new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of affective disorders. Sleep Drive and Your Body Clock * Sleep Topics Most people notice that they naturally experience different levels of sleepiness and alertness throughout the day, but what causes these patterns? Sleep is regulated by two body systems: sleep/wake homeostasis and the circadian biological clock. When we have been awake for a long period of time, sleep/wake homeostasis tells us that a need for sleep is accumulating and that it is time to sleep. It also helps us maintain enough sleep throughout the night to make up for the hours of being awake. If this restorative process existed alone, it would mean that we would be most alert as our day was starting out, and that the longer we were awake, the more we would feel like sleeping. In this way, sleep/wake homeostasis creates a drive that balances sleep and wakefulness. Our internal circadian biological clocks, on the other hand, regulate the timing of periods of sleepiness and wakefulness throughout the day. The circadian rhythm dips and rises at different times of the day, so adults stron gest sleep drive generally occurs between 2:00-4:00 am and in the afternoon between 1:00-3:00 pm, although there is some variation depending on whether you are a â€Å"morning person† or â€Å"evening person.† The sleepiness we experience during these circadian dips will be less intense if we have had sufficient sleep, and more intense when we are sleep deprived. The circadian rhythm also causes us to feel more alert at certain points of the day, even if we have been awake for hours and our sleep/wake restorative process would otherwise make us feel more sleepy. Changes to this circadian rhythm occur during adolescence, when most teens experience a sleep phase delay. This shift in teens circadian rhythm causes them to naturally feel alert later at night, making  it difficult for them to fall asleep before 11:00 pm. Since most teens wake up early for school and other commitments, this sleep phase delay can make it difficult to get the sleep teens need an average of 9 1/4 hours, but at least 8 1/2 hours. This sleep deprivation can influence the circadian rhythm; for teens the strongest circadian â€Å"dips† tend to occur between 3:00-7:00 am and 2:00-5:00 pm, but the morning dip (3 :00-7:00 am) can be even longer if teens haven’t had enough sleep, and can even last until 9:00 or 10:00 am. The circadian biological clock is controlled by a part of the brain called the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN), a group of cells in the hypothalamus that respond to light and dark signals. From the optic nerve of the eye, light travels to the SCN, signaling the internal clock that it is time to be awake. The SCN signals to other parts of the brain that control hormones, body temperature and other functions that play a role in making us feel sleepy or awake. In the mornings, with exposure to light, the SCN sends signals to raise body temperature and produce hormones like cortisol. The SCN also responds to light by delaying the release of other hormones like melatonin, which is associated with sleep onset and is produced when the eyes signal to the SCN that it is dark. Melatonin levels rise in the evening and stay elevated throughout the night, promoting sleep. In teenagers, research has shown that melatonin levels in the blood naturally rise later at night than in most children and adul ts. Since teens may have difficulty going to bed early to get enough sleep, it can help to keep the lights dim at night as bedtime approaches. It can also help to get into bright light as soon as possible in the morning. Circadian disruptions such as jet lag put us in conflict with our natural sleep patterns, since the shift in time and light cues on the brain forces the body to alter its normal pattern to adjust. This is why jet lag can leave travelers feeling poorly and having more difficulty thinking and performing well. But these symptoms can also occur in everyday life, when the circadian rhythm is disrupted by keeping long and irregular hours. Because of this, it is important to keep a regular sleep schedule and allow plenty of time for quality sleep, allowing these two vital biological components the sleep/wake restorative process and the circadian rhythm to help us perform at our best. References Circadian rhythms: Their role and dysfunction in affective disorder. (10, April 30). Retrieved from http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-08/econ-crt082610.php# Sleep Drive and Your Body Clock | National Sleep Foundation Information on Sleep Health and Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-topics/sleep-drive-and-your-body-clock Good sleeping habits begin with a regular bedtime routine. If you thought that was just for kids, its time to reconsider the importance of pre-sleep rituals in your life. A relaxing bedtime routine helps to prepare your brain and body for bed and promotes restful sleep. | If you try to jump straight from the swirling thoughts and frantic activity of your everyday life into a deep sleep, chances are youll be unsuccessful. Thats because your mind and body arent controlled by flipping a switch to the off position in that way. However, establishing a soothing bedtime routine as an integral part of your sleeping habits sets the stage for a good nights sleep. Humans are creatures of habit and our natural body rhythms crave consistency. So, when youre planning your bedtime routine, keep things simply and easy because your ritual needs to be something you can do every single night. If you make it too lengthy or intricate youre setting yourself up for failure. Your pre-sleep behaviors should be soothing and relaxing. The aim is to give yourself the time and space to wind down from the stresses of the day and reach a calming state of relaxation to make it easier to fall asleep. If your sleeping habits include some of the following, youll be well on your way to establishing an effective bedtime routine. Take a warm bath A drop in body temperature helps to trigger the need for sleep so a warm bath (or a soak in the hot-tub) may help you fall asleep faster. You can enhance this effect by using aromatherapy products (bath oils, scented candles and so on) with calming properties. Practice Relaxation Techniques Todays fast-paced world tends to make us tense and irritable, which can really interfere with your ability to sleep well. Spending some time on relaxing activities (breathing exercises, yoga, massage, meditation, or entle stretches) before bed can lower anxiety levels and calm your body and mind. | Have a Bedtime Snack A bowl of nachos or that last slice of pizza definitely shouldnt have a place in your bedtime routine. But, certain foods and drinks can have a positive effect on your sleep. Some foods contain an amino-acid called tryptophan that can make you feel sleepy. Remember that glass of warm milk your mom used to urge you to drink? She knew what she was doing because milk contains tryptophan. In addition to milk, many dairy products such cheese and yogurt contain this chemical, as do soy products, poultry, whole-grains and many seeds/nuts. So, a glass of milk and a handful of wholewheat crackers could be a good addition to your sleeping habits. Many herbal teas can have a relaxing and calming effect, as well. Avoid Sleep-Destroying Activities Foods Any activity that stimulates your brain or body (with the noticeable exception of love-making) can sabotage your bedtime routine. Stay away from horror movies, work e-mail, strenuous exercise, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and spicy foods. Also, watch out for unexpected side effects of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural remedies that you may take for other conditions. Changing your sleeping habits and establishing a bedtime routine that encourages deep, restful sleep takes time and determination but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Essay examples --

All-star football player, Lieutenant Commander, University of Michigan graduate, Yale graduate, adopted, and also the thirty-eighth president of the united states? These are all some ways that you could describe a man by the name of Leslie King Jr. You may be wondering who that is, but he is a president of these United States of America. Leslie King Jr. is the original name of Gerald Rudolph Ford. I am going to tell you all about his childhood, his high school experience, his college experience, his whole election process, his presidency, and his post-presidency experience. Gerald Ford was born July 14, 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska. His parents, Dorothy Ayer Gardner and his father Leslie Lynch King Sr. separated just sixteen days after Ford was born. His father was a wool trader and also was the son of a banker. They were officially divorced in December 1913, where Fords mother Dorothy was granted full custody. Soon after, Ford and his mother moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to live with Fords grandparents. (Dorothy’s parents) Fords grandfather (Leslie Sr.’s father) paid child support until his death. In Ford’s biography, written by a member of his administration, Ford said that his biological father was known to get physical with his mother. He also stated that the main reason for their divorce was a few days after Ford’s birth his father threatened his mother with a butcher knife. In the biography it said that his father first hit his mother on their honeymoon, for smiling at another man. In 1916 Dorothy remarried a salesman by the name of Gerald Rudolph Ford. Gerald then went on to adopt Leslie, later renaming him Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. Ford grew up with three younger half-brothers from his mother’s second marriage. Thomas ... ... for the vice presidency. That one time in 1960 he almost became the vice president, but the Republican nominee Richard Nixon chose Massachusetts senator Henry Cabot Lodge instead of Ford. Ford continued to run for Congress and continually got reelected. The Fifth District constituents liked ford a lot. They always gave Ford at least sixty percent of their votes. Later in 1963 Ford was named Republican conference Chairman, and two years later was named House Minority Leader. Ford was not commonly known by very many Americans except those from Michigan and those who are part of Congress. This all changed when Ford and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen talked together at some press conferences, criticizing the â€Å"Great Society Programs† of President Lyndon B. Johnson. These press conferences were known to many as â€Å" The Ev and Jerry Show† (Frank N. Magill, 791) Essay examples -- All-star football player, Lieutenant Commander, University of Michigan graduate, Yale graduate, adopted, and also the thirty-eighth president of the united states? These are all some ways that you could describe a man by the name of Leslie King Jr. You may be wondering who that is, but he is a president of these United States of America. Leslie King Jr. is the original name of Gerald Rudolph Ford. I am going to tell you all about his childhood, his high school experience, his college experience, his whole election process, his presidency, and his post-presidency experience. Gerald Ford was born July 14, 1913 in Omaha, Nebraska. His parents, Dorothy Ayer Gardner and his father Leslie Lynch King Sr. separated just sixteen days after Ford was born. His father was a wool trader and also was the son of a banker. They were officially divorced in December 1913, where Fords mother Dorothy was granted full custody. Soon after, Ford and his mother moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to live with Fords grandparents. (Dorothy’s parents) Fords grandfather (Leslie Sr.’s father) paid child support until his death. In Ford’s biography, written by a member of his administration, Ford said that his biological father was known to get physical with his mother. He also stated that the main reason for their divorce was a few days after Ford’s birth his father threatened his mother with a butcher knife. In the biography it said that his father first hit his mother on their honeymoon, for smiling at another man. In 1916 Dorothy remarried a salesman by the name of Gerald Rudolph Ford. Gerald then went on to adopt Leslie, later renaming him Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr. Ford grew up with three younger half-brothers from his mother’s second marriage. Thomas ... ... for the vice presidency. That one time in 1960 he almost became the vice president, but the Republican nominee Richard Nixon chose Massachusetts senator Henry Cabot Lodge instead of Ford. Ford continued to run for Congress and continually got reelected. The Fifth District constituents liked ford a lot. They always gave Ford at least sixty percent of their votes. Later in 1963 Ford was named Republican conference Chairman, and two years later was named House Minority Leader. Ford was not commonly known by very many Americans except those from Michigan and those who are part of Congress. This all changed when Ford and Senate Minority Leader Everett Dirksen talked together at some press conferences, criticizing the â€Å"Great Society Programs† of President Lyndon B. Johnson. These press conferences were known to many as â€Å" The Ev and Jerry Show† (Frank N. Magill, 791)

Affirmative Action :: essays research papers

When people talk about the civil rights movement, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous speech â€Å"I have a dream† by Martin Luther King. His dream in short was to have equality among human beings. For the past thirty years, this country has been revolutionizing humanitarianism because there is greater concern for human welfare than one hundred years ago. The revolution began during the 1960’s, and during that era this country was drastically involved in changing the civil rights of minority groups. From this concern, a program called affirmative action evolved. Like other civil right movements, the affirmative action movement was implemented to promote equality. Like some Americans, I am strangely confused when anyone talks about affirmative action. The reason that I have such confusion is the way people word the term affirmative action. If you ask one person who is in favor of affirmative action, his or her response is going to be different from someone who is against it. So when I am asked what I think about affirmative action, my answer seems to be twisted because I really don’t know what affirmative action is. The only exposure I have had to the term affirmative action is that which is taught in the classroom. Since this was such a controversial subject, the scope was very narrow, mostly terms. My key understanding is that of a definition, which I can hardly recall. I don’t know whether affirmative action is a law or if it is a subset of a bunch of different laws that were passed during the civil rights movement. I am also unaware if people protected under this program like the special treatment if there is any. My attempts to answer the question of what I think I know start with the idea that since affirmative action evolved from the civil rights movement, its aim is to protect certain minority groups as well as women. I think that the idea is used in a business context because there are other discriminatory laws in place to protect outside of work. I can remember from past schooling that there was a Supreme Court case that a white male sued a school institution because he was anti discriminated against because the school had a affirmative action program in place. I would like to know exactly what affirmative action is and then decide a stance on whether I support or oppose the use of affirmative action programs.

Developmental Interview

In the gift of life, we tend to explore a lot of things and we are bound to experience several instances that will truly build the persona that we have. Technically as we grow older and become more mature, we face abundance of lessons which will truly define our personality. There were circumstances that we excel in our fields and on the contrary, there were times also that we become unsuccessful in our craft. At any rate, the positive response to this fact was that in any point in our lives we get a message that will truly shape our hearts and minds – this is what our transition in life can put forward to us.Given all the facade of what changes in our lives may bring, it is on a positive note that we go in depth with the facts and analysis that we have as of the moment, and by doing so, it is essential to have some grip with the matter by means of interviews. I conducted a dialogue with three people having the age group of young adulthood, 18 yrs old to 40 yrs old and certain ly, I’ve learned a lot of interesting things about getting mature as well as the changes that maturity can offer, â€Å"changes linked to age in some way and shared by most or all adults in every generation† (Bee and Bjorklund, 2007).By giving a brief background of the people that I have talked to, one of them is a female having the age of 18, another one is 24 who is a male and the last one is 38 years old which is a female as well. We can never deny the fact that they have different approach with their lives given that they have different age brackets and at the same time they have their own sets of individuality. There were a lot of changes that occur in my life as I become more mature and face the corporate world, male 24 years old said.It’s a totally different package after school because you are bound with a lot of responsibilities and most of all you have already a grasp of what you really wanted in your life, and that entails the consideration of having your own family, â€Å"one of the most significant elements in age stratification and age norms in virtually all cultures is the pattern of experiences associated with marriage and family life† Bee and Bjorklund, 2007). It has been exemplified that at this age, you are anticipating your future.On another account, when you are still in the age of exploring things which is mostly during your teenage years, you are just apt to the happenings in your life at the present. Technically, you are just bound studying and having fun, said the 19 year old interviewee. In the case of the 38 year old female who have already her own family, the concentration is mainly on rearing the children and taking good care of the entire family needs. Practically, when we deal with change, it is absolutely on different criteria on a given maturity levels and this is what was epitomized by my interviewee.The consideration as regards to physical changes are different as we compared it with our interview, however, the physical built was not so emphasized aside from the fact that the body per se matures. Physical outlook was not emphasized superbly since the age limits in this facet was not that old already and the changes physically are not shown at this point primarily. Accordingly, as the body becomes full-grown there are health habits considerations as well. For the reason that as you encounter transition in your lives, the transformation of lifestyle also follows.In the lead of expanding your horizon, you develop certain habits which truly concern your health. Take for instance the scenario of the 24 years old, male; he utters that upon socializing wherein his work requires he established within himself the habit of drinking which he knew that in his latter life there is a consequence. On the other hand, there are additional considerations towards the habits when you are on your way to truly getting old, 38 years old interviewee claimed.Practically, health issues are serious mat ter since it will contribute to our lives when we are about to face older adulthood. It is imperative to mull over on what we desire doing even when we are younger because it will certainly have a pound in the succeeding years of our lives. Indeed, no one in my interviewee wanted to have a long term care scenario and positively, they are on their way to exploring life’s changes in a brighter side of the angle – that is giving importance of their health

Gilded Age essays

Gilded Age essays Many people viewed businessmen of the nineteenth century as robber barons. They believed that these businessmen were so emerged into giant corporations and were so dedicated in striving for monopolistic power that their only pursuit was wealth and power in lieu of accomplishments. This entry counterbalances the idea of robber barons. John Chamberlain emphasizes the creative accomplishments of these business leaders. He explains the effects they had on the American public, while also realizing the shameful aspects of their actions. In the following essay, I will summarize Chamberlains views on Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and Carnegie, their achievements and their pursuit to deal with the American economy. The period after the Civil War resulted in a significant growth in the industrialization of the American economy. Many new faces started to emerge out into industrial enterprises. One of these new faces was Cornelius Vanderbilt. People believed that he was a man that used trickery to control properties that he wanted. When involved with something, Vanderbilt was a man who was determined to have physical and economical improvements for the company. He began his career from his love of steamboats, but as the steamboats era came to an end Vanderbilt became involved with railroads. With his profit made from steamboats and oversea affairs, he purchased shares of the Harlem Railroad. This would later help him gain stock control of Canada Southern, Lake Shore and the Michigan Central. These first steps lead him to much fame in the economical world. He relayed the Centrals tracks from New York to Chicago with new steel rails and stronger steel bridges. He produced a more efficient type of locomotive and the traveling time was drastically shortened. Vanderbilt helped link the east and west worlds of America together. Vanderbilt may have watered the Centrals stock. But as fast as he watered it ...

The Incentives and Aspects Affecting Work and Private Life

The Incentives and Aspects Affecting Work and Private Life Introduction The argument towards the topic in question will be strengthened by the use of motivation theories and examples. This will be done by analysing various incentives and aspects affecting work and private life. Motivation which is a major factor underlining productivity of employees within organisations can be used to balance the concept of work and private life (Daft and Murphy).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Incentives and Aspects Affecting Work and Private Life specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Performances usually depend on the nature of skill or training level attained by an individual within a specified duration of time. It involves subjecting employees to defined principles and intended goals based on organisation’s mission and vision statements. The goals and systems used for motivation are to conform to the organisation’s corporate policy (Dick and Ellis). Theories of motivation h ave been used to explain various individual actions, reactions and needs within organisations set-up (Scott and Davis 41-50). Main Body Topic 1: Payment as an important factor Balance between work and private life is important for healthy running of an organisation. According to Fredrick Taylor’s theory of scientific management, workers can only be motivated through payment. For efficiency purposes, employees have to be placed under close supervision since they do not naturally enjoy working. This calls for the development of process breakdown capable of defining different tasks performed by specific individuals (Jaffee 65-87). Fredrick Taylor argued that for perfection and productivity to be realized, there is need for adequately equipping employees through appropriate trainings (Sytse and Schreuder 161-191). The theory is very instrumental in the aspect of delegation and at the same time provides concepts on how organisations can maximize on employees potential to realize h igh productivity at reduced costs. Management of employees stress is vital in every organisation since it assists employees in managing occurrence of unexpected events at workplace. Majority of employees work out of fear of losing their current positions, and this may at times lead to distortion of personal livelihood (Frey and Osterloh).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Topic 2: Social needs Healthy environment at the workplace depends on the nature of focus given to employees social needs according to Mayo’s theory. The theory places much emphasis on empathy, where managers and junior employees are to portray healthy relationship. There is always dire need for healthy relationships within various working environments (Fionna; Jo Hatch andCunliffe 156-274). Good relationships can be realized through teamwork and efficient communication (Yukl 284-314). Topic 3: Psychological needs Work and private life incorporate taking care of employees’ psychological needs. This is in line with Maslows theory that focuses on the existence of five levels of human needs which require satisfaction. Within this context, the theory argues that unless one need is fully met, there are high chances of employees becoming demotivated towards progress. In this regard, there is a need to offer incentives to individual employees within organisations for the purposes of fulfilling their intended needs. However, because of differences in rank within various workplaces, the hierarchy dictates on the kind of incentive offered to the individuals (Child 156-274). Conclusion Generally, work has a great influence on individual health since people are able to earn a living out of salaried employment. However, employment has both its advantages and disadvantages since besides earning a salary, there is some percentage of stress involved due to time and energy requir ed. This calls for need of balancing work with emotional and physical health since they form essential part of productivity. Child, John. Payment Systems, Organization Contemporary Principles and Practice, Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, 2005. Print. Daft, Richard, and J. Murphy. Organization Theory and design, South Western; Cengage Learning, 2010. Print.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Incentives and Aspects Affecting Work and Private Life specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Dick, Penny and S. Ellis. Introduction to Organizational Behaviour, 3rd edition, London: McGraw Hill Education. 2006. Print. Fionna, Wilson. What Managers Do – Leadership; Organizational Behaviour and Work, New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print. Frey, Bruno, and M. Osterloh. Succesful Management by Motivation Balancing Intrinsic  and Extrinsic Motivation, Berlin: Springer, 2002. Print. Jaffee, David. Human Relations and H uman Resources, New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2001. Print. Jo Hatch, Mary, and A. Cunliffe. Organizational Culture; Modern, symbolic and  postmodern perspectives, (2nd edition), New York: Oxford University Press, 2006. Print. Scott, Richard, and G. Davis. Classical Organization Theory; Rational, And Open  System Perspectives. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2007. Print. Sytse, Douma, and H. Schreuder. Transaction Cost Economics; Economic Approaches  to Organizations, New Jersey, FT Prentice Hall: Pearson Education, 2008. Print.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Yukl, Gary. Leading Change in Organizations. Leadership in Organizations, (6thEdition), New Jersey: Pearson, 2006. New Jersey

The United States as the Worlds Peacekeeper essays

The United States as the World's Peacekeeper essays My original speech topic before the Trade Center and Pentagon attacks was should we be the worlds peacekeepers and I was going to slant it towards the no side. Then in the week after, I realized the answer was a resounding yes...for several reasons. 1. Because we can. That isnt just about ego, but also about economy. We are the elder brother and sister of the world, and we bail out our younger relatives when they need help. No questions asked. 2. Because in this country we believe EVERYONE has the right to freedom, not just Americans. So well fight for the freedom of all people, everywhere. Sometimes this means fighting with the military, but just as often it means boycotting soccer balls made by child labor in Bangladesh. Americans vote with their hearts, and once weve tasted freedom it is so intoxicating we feel as excited as a new convert to a cult, we want to share the secret with the world. Numerous benefits also come along with helping countries when in need, for example, in the worst-case scenario, if a third world war was to begin, we would have almost nothing to worry about, who would think of striking the country with the most allies? America is one of the most powerful countries in the world and if anyone should have the courage to take on Americans in general, then let them try their best, we may have some casualties, but how would we prove our authority without having the challenge present itself. This may seem condescending, but for the most part, even with the destruction of federal buildings on September 11 and thousands of fatalities, the country will go on, Americans will not allow our government to be brought down by these arrogant events. There are critics that believe that America should not get involved in matters that have no direct impact on the United States, but dont Americans believe that all men are entitled to life, liberty an...

Systematic and Universal Screenings for Children with Emotional and Research Paper

Systematic and Universal Screenings for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders - Research Paper Example Screeners, for this matter, are the tools that lie beside this premise. Kalberg et al. (2010) through a multi-scholar inquiry ventured in testing a triad of special education interventions and examined its applicability. Their research that involved an elementary school in central Tennessee, USA implemented an academic screener called Curriculum-based Measurement, a behavioral assessment named Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders and a personality evaluation tagged as Student Risk Screening Scale (Kalberg et al., 2010). The interventions they studied proved a positive outcome for the group’s endeavor. The three-tiered examination participated by 129 participants confirmed its effectiveness in determining students who were non-responsive to the initial prevention steps undertaken by the school (Kalberg et al., 2010). The investigation further noted that the â€Å"multifaceted sources of information about these students’ behavior can assist in improving their read ing skills and over-all personality† (Kalberg et al., 2010). A product of several trial-and-error processes, the models that these researchers offered passed the question of theory and practice and considerably reached a respectable standard. The importance of involving reliable criteria for making intelligent decisions based on screening tools should be executed in all educational settings. As a protocol-oriented endeavor, the proposal of Kahlberg’s team reached a certain level of acceptability in terms of these criteria. The standards were conceived upon methodical undertakings that focused on validity and reliability. The study also concluded that the said approach can â€Å"provide academic institutions with an organized process in meeting the various ever-changing academic, psychological and social needs of the students as they develop over time† (Kalberg et al., 2010). The authors strongly advocated for a cohesive and complete strategy based on the tri-leve l models of intervention that should be implemented in all special education schools (Kalberg et al., 2010, p. 577). This concluding statement contradicted the time-honored Systematic Screening for Behavior Disorders (SSBD), considered as the most cost-effective systematic screening tool; so that is before. More recent findings hold the merit in this case. II. Three-tiered Models of Support in Systematic Screening Another researched-based intervention undertaken by a team of scholars from Vanderbilt University sought to provide an illustrative triad of models of support to gauge the total risks that surface in a certain period of time and to determine who among the students need preventive interventions from the significant other. Lane et al. (2011) further examined several techniques in analyzing data obtained from the systematic screening to fully understand the children’s situations and eventually formulate an empiric course of action. The study found out that the â€Å"S tudent Risk Screening Scale (SRSS) is a cost-efficient, time-bounded and systematically effective tool in assessing risk for antisocial behavior in elementary-age pupils† (Lane et al., 2011). This screening instrument is particularly designed for detecting whether or not a child has the tendency to be passive or otherwise aggressive. Meanwhile, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which is still a gauge on the child’

In the Heart of the Country by J.M.Coetzze Essay

In the Heart of the Country by J.M.Coetzze - Essay Example I am a miserable black virgin, and my story is my story, even if it is a dull black blind stupid miserable story, ignorant of its meaning and of all its many possible untapped happy variants" ( 5). The novel represents how the colonial rule has left deep imprints on the native people beginning from the political, social and cultural levels, attacking their customs, traditions and languages, in the process destroying their inner world conditioned by the restrictions of the patriarchal society. Education Magda has no education except what she reads, and this lack of context for her experience is part of her madness. She is the daughter of an Afrikaner sheep farmer in a farm at the interiors of South Africa. She has grown up in tough surroundings detached from love, her patriarchal father is the strict disciplinarian and the servants obey his military-type commands. She just exists, disregarded and ignored. She falters in her narrations too often, in between and many times in one paragr aph. She lacks clarity, purpose and connectivity making it difficult for the reader to give opinionated statements or arrive at conclusions. Magda often regrets that she is denied the regular school education and as such she finds her in the poor position. She laments, â€Å"How do I, a lonely spinster, come to know such as a thing? It is not for nothing that I spend evenings humped over the victory. Words are words. I have never pretended to embrace the night's experience". (27) After the first reading, one has to engage in the exercise of probity as to what has been read, and what portion of it is fantasy and how far it is from reality. What is Magda doing, is it the flight of her imagination, calculated fabrication, or directionless and destination less delusion? It is difficult to fathom. She seems to suffer from an unidentified mental illness and lacks clear perspectives. The colonial rulers, the educational institutions whether state-run or managed by the missionaries, they u sed it as a weapon to strengthen the empire and to brainwash the gullible poor Africans. It is also an important administrative tool to exercise control and rule the people. The dividing line between insanity and reality is not thin. The ground realities and the lucid dreams as visualized by Magda are poles apart. When all hopes about life are lost in the maze of adverse circumstances, the only alternative for such an individual is to hang on to life and to ravel in fantasy and enjoy the dreams. The narrator does not talk about the goals achieved and goals achievable, and the intended goals of her world of fantasy. The reader has no other option but to scrutinize her emotional world on an ongoing basis, to investigate as to what exactly the narrator wishes to convey. Her mind is like the busy railway junction wherein a thousand mad trains arrive and depart not according to a fixed time-table, but as per the exigencies of the situation. A serious issue is presented and soon its negat ive impact is nullified by presenting another set of facts. The reader gets the impression that Magda has murdered her father and his wife with an axe, but soon one finds that he is there hale and hearty. After killing her father, (actually she does not kill) she states, â€Å"I only wanted to talk, I have never learned to talk with another person. It has always been that the word has come down to me and I have passed it on." (101).The reader now concludes that it is the motivated

Success Strategies Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Success Strategies - Case Study Example The structure of the organization revolves around the entrepreneur who started the business. He is the manager of the plant. From his managing mandate, the organization has several departmental heads. They consist of the operations manager, finance, manager and the human resource. The organization has a limited staff working from the premises since it does not conduct many inside operations. The majority of a human resource consists of the drivers and packages. In the structure, the manager has the final say in all decisions made by the department heads. The other menial staff consists of cleaners and record keepers. The strategies embraced by the organization revolve around increasing the customers who take up transportation services. The competitor issue is also on the top subject to strategize on. The strategy of the organization is based on satisfying the needs of its target market. On satisfying the customers, offers and packages options are also given. Offers include giving monthly packages for individuals using cab services. Apart from customer satisfaction the company also gives etiquette lessons to its taxi and cab operators. This increases the customer staff relation which in turn leads to customers having confidence in the organization. The strategy works in the organization’s favor since the number of customers has been increasing at the start of every financial year. In another strategy, the organization aims at dealing more in providing services based on long-term contracts.

Longitudinal study vs survey methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Longitudinal study vs survey methods - Essay Example This kind of a study is special in its nature in that the researcher is not required to interfere with the subjects of the study but, is required to use the same subjects in the conduct of the several phases of the study. Thus, a longitudinal study can establish a sequence of research events during its conduct. This form of study is very beneficial to a researcher in the sense that one is able to detect the changes or developments in the characteristics of the test subjects (sample population) either at the individual levels or at the group level. 1. Hutto, C.J., Yardi, S., & Gilbert. E., (2013). A Longitudinal Study of Follow Predictors on Twitter. CHI , 1-10. 2. Rajulton, F. (2001). The Fundamentals of Longitudinal Research: An Overview. Special Issue on Longitudinal Methodology, Canadian Studies in Population , Vol. 28 (2), 169-185. 3. Diamond, L. M. (2008). Female Bisexuality From Adolescence to Adulthood: Results From a 10-Year Longitudinal Study. Developmental Psychology , Vol. 44 (1), 5-14. 4. Huesmann, L. R., Moise-Titus, J., Podolski, C-L., Eron, L. D., (2003). Longitudinal Relations Between Children’s Exposure to TV Violence and Their Aggressive and Violent Behavior in Young Adulthood: 1977–1992. Developmental Psychology , Vol. 39 (2), 201-221. 5. Farrall, S. (2007). ... The chart below shows a summary of the benefits and challenges faced by this research method as shall be discussed later in the essay. PART 3 Survey method is a research method that studies individual units that have been sampled from the main population as well as the techniques of the data collection used in the survey such as the construction of the questionnaires. Consequently, a survey research method would look into the accuracy of the survey responses as well as the methods that can be used to improve their number. In most cases, the researcher undertakes the surveys so as to be able to make statistical inferences regarding the population under study (Zikmund, 2013). The chart below shows a summary of the benefits and challenges faced by this research method as shall be discussed later in the essay. PART 4 Longitudinal Research Method Survey Research Method Refers to an observational study that is conducted upon the same subjects or sample through the gathering of data repeate dly over a period of time. This period of time may extend to even one year or beyond like a decade Refers to a research method that studies individual units that have been sampled from the main population as well as the techniques of the data collection used in the survey such as the construction of the questionnaires. Benefits Challenges Benefits Challenges 1. It does allow the researchers to easily identify any changes or developments that may occur in the characteristics of the target or sample population both at the individual and group levels. 1. The observations by definition are not independent. As such the study must always account for the data dependency. 1. It is relatively easy to develop and to administer especially when using advanced survey

Ansel Adams Photographs Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ansel Adams Photographs - Research Paper Example Fine arts, therefore, were visual in nature and dealt primarily with aesthetic value while applied arts mainly focused on the purpose of such arts and how they could be used in day to day operations. More and more description of art continues to manifest with the most recent one defining it as a reflection of human creativity. At the beginning of the 20th century, the significance of different forms of art had been classifies in to nine categories. These include; film, comedy, painting, architecture, dance, sculpture, music, poetry and lastly photography. Another variation that had been developed included the establishment of design and graphic arts in place of plastic and visual arts as well as the introduction of other terminologies advertising, television, video, performance, and etcetera. We shall be placing more emphasis on the visual forms of art and more specifically the works of photography done by one Ansel Adams. His black and white classical photographs created a revolutio n in the field of photography. The paper will discuss the various elements of art used in his photographs as well as the meanings they convey. Clear definition of the artistic nature of photography will come out in this research. Background Information Born and raised in a wealthy family in 1902, San Francisco, Ansel Adams was a typical teenage boy. His shy and introvert nature coupled with an attack by a hyperactive disorder forced him to undertake most of his learning at home. It was during his home learning lessons that he stumbled upon a book by James Mason that transformed his life altogether. The book fueled his love for nature and soon they relocated to Yosemite National Park where he managed to coin his skills in photography. Using his camera donated to him by his parents, he managed to capture breath taking pictures of the landscape in the park. It is these photographs that marked the beginning of an incredible lifetime artistic productivity. His first debut published photo graph appeared at the Sierra Club bulletin where he worked as a caretaker at the time. Later on in 1927, he received an award for his critically acclaimed image of a landmark in Yosemite known as the ‘Monolith, the Face of Half Dome’1. He claims that he had visually pictured the result of the photograph before he even clicked away his camera. In his own words, he stated that the image had a distant sharp peak against the backdrop of a dark sky with deep shadows and a brooding form. It is these elements that became the foundation of all forms of visual art. He later on married his longtime girlfriend and musician, Virginia Best, with whom they bore two children, Michael and Anne. Both siblings also got involved the photography and later on took charge of the family business after the passing away of Adams and renamed it the Ansel Adams gallery. Other exemplary works of photography done by Adams include; photographs of skiing and ice skating as well as sledging, which was used by the government to promote winter tourism. Addition, he also took extensive photographs of the inventory of the structure of the historic Ahwahnee Hotel before it got transformed into a hospital by the U.S. Navy. Photographs of Kings and Kern Rivers used by congress to deliberate for the creation Kings Canyon National Park had been captured by his powerful lens2. Additionally, he managed to document a Japanese American internment camp, popularly known as Manzanar, through the use of photographs. His ability to visualize the outcome of

Longitudinal study vs survey methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Longitudinal study vs survey methods - Essay Example This kind of a study is special in its nature in that the researcher is not required to interfere with the subjects of the study but, is required to use the same subjects in the conduct of the several phases of the study. Thus, a longitudinal study can establish a sequence of research events during its conduct. This form of study is very beneficial to a researcher in the sense that one is able to detect the changes or developments in the characteristics of the test subjects (sample population) either at the individual levels or at the group level. 1. Hutto, C.J., Yardi, S., & Gilbert. E., (2013). A Longitudinal Study of Follow Predictors on Twitter. CHI , 1-10. 2. Rajulton, F. (2001). The Fundamentals of Longitudinal Research: An Overview. Special Issue on Longitudinal Methodology, Canadian Studies in Population , Vol. 28 (2), 169-185. 3. Diamond, L. M. (2008). Female Bisexuality From Adolescence to Adulthood: Results From a 10-Year Longitudinal Study. Developmental Psychology , Vol. 44 (1), 5-14. 4. Huesmann, L. R., Moise-Titus, J., Podolski, C-L., Eron, L. D., (2003). Longitudinal Relations Between Children’s Exposure to TV Violence and Their Aggressive and Violent Behavior in Young Adulthood: 1977–1992. Developmental Psychology , Vol. 39 (2), 201-221. 5. Farrall, S. (2007). ... The chart below shows a summary of the benefits and challenges faced by this research method as shall be discussed later in the essay. PART 3 Survey method is a research method that studies individual units that have been sampled from the main population as well as the techniques of the data collection used in the survey such as the construction of the questionnaires. Consequently, a survey research method would look into the accuracy of the survey responses as well as the methods that can be used to improve their number. In most cases, the researcher undertakes the surveys so as to be able to make statistical inferences regarding the population under study (Zikmund, 2013). The chart below shows a summary of the benefits and challenges faced by this research method as shall be discussed later in the essay. PART 4 Longitudinal Research Method Survey Research Method Refers to an observational study that is conducted upon the same subjects or sample through the gathering of data repeate dly over a period of time. This period of time may extend to even one year or beyond like a decade Refers to a research method that studies individual units that have been sampled from the main population as well as the techniques of the data collection used in the survey such as the construction of the questionnaires. Benefits Challenges Benefits Challenges 1. It does allow the researchers to easily identify any changes or developments that may occur in the characteristics of the target or sample population both at the individual and group levels. 1. The observations by definition are not independent. As such the study must always account for the data dependency. 1. It is relatively easy to develop and to administer especially when using advanced survey

Aristotle and Cicero Understanding of Friendship Research Paper

Aristotle and Cicero Understanding of Friendship - Research Paper Example The same would be done in light of their famous sayings and quotations. Discussion One of the biggest differences between Aristotle and Cicero’s understanding of friendship is the fact that Aristotle has gone on to divide friendship into three categories based on the motivations and predispositions behind the friendship. The first type of friendship, according to Aristotle is friendship based on utility. Elderly people and the ones in the Middle Ages having a common ground would engage in such friendships since the circumstances are such that they are able to derive utility out of their friendship. However, utility is not permanent and as soon as utility vanishes, so does the friendship. The second type of friendship is based on pleasure, which takes place amongst people in the early years and the adult life where they are seeking pleasure and entertainment from the people around them. These friendships do not last for long because as soon as the taste of the people changes, t hey prefer to look for new friends who match their current taste (Price, 1990). However, the third type of friendship based on goodness and virtue where both the friends are virtuous. Their goodness binds each other and hopes the best for his friend. As Aristotle says, â€Å"The best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.† (Pangle, 2003) These friendships are long lasting and enduring but at the same time difficult to find. The bond between true friends is so strong that that Aristotle has gone to refer that as, â€Å"A true friend is one soul in two bodies† (Stern-Gillet, 1995) Cicero has also endorsed many of these ideas of Aristotle, as it is evident from the following sayings of Cicero. â€Å"For how many things, which for our own sake we should never do, do we perform for the sake of our friends† â€Å"The rule of friendship means there should be mutual sympathy between them, each supplying what the other lacks and trying to benefi t the other, always using friendly and sincere words.† â€Å"A friend is, as it were, a second self† (Cicero & Shuckburgh, 2007) However, when Aristotle defines the highest and the most delightful form of friendship as the one based on goodness and virtue, Cicero has a different dimension for the same. As he says, â€Å"As in the case of wines that improve with age, the oldest friendships ought to be the most delightful† (Cicero, 2006) Cicero shares many similarities in his definition and concept of true friendship but when Aristotle has not mentioned anything but virtue as the prime element of to determine the delight, intimacy and rank of friendship, Cicero believes that, it is the time, which makes the difference in friendship. Quite understandably, over the period, friends develop a greater and more meaningful understanding amongst each other that compliments their friendship (Pangle, 2003). Another distinction between Aristotle and Cicero views on friendship could be the level of importance that they assign to friendship and its existence in the running of society. Cicero says, â€Å"Friendship is nothing else than an accord in all things, human and divine, conjoined with mutual goodwill and affection. â€Å"Thus nature has no love for solitude, and always leans, as it were, on some support; and the sweetest support is found in the most intimate friendship (Price, 1990) Although, Cicero endorses the concept that friendship is present in nature and in fact, nature in itself is a

Glass Castle Essay Example for Free

Glass Castle Essay However, there are some far more substantial themes and symbols taking place within the novel. These themes require a little more critical thought, and aren’t directly delivered to the reader. One of these themes being the heavy emphasis placed on the glass castle, and also metaphorically what it signifies to Jeanette and her father, Rex. Through extensive deliberation and thought, the meaning of the glass castle becomes clear. It stands for the contrast between how Jeanette views her father, and how everyone else sees him. The idea of the glass castle in itself is the idolized version of Rex that Jeanette sees, while the reality of it never being completed, represents the views that everyone else has. Throughout the novel there are multiple instances that show the strong love and trust Jeanette feels for her father. A bond that remains strong, even when other member’s of the family have lost some of that trust. This contrast of emotions can best be described through various quotes given throughout the novel. â€Å"In my mind, Dad was perfect, although he did have what mom called a bit of a drinking situation† (Walls 23). This is one of the first occasions where the reader is introduced to the contrasting feelings about Rex that members of the Walls family have. Jeannette, despite already knowing that her father has a drinking problem at a young age, still feels that her father can do no wrong. This sets the scene for how most of the book develops, Jeannette idolizing her father, despite the slight disdain visibly felt by others. â€Å"We laughed about all the kids who believed in the Santa Clause myth and got nothing but a bunch of cheap plastic toys. Years from now, when all the junk they got is broken and long forgotten,’ dad said, ‘ you’ll still have your stars† (41). This is yet another example of the strong bond developed between Rex and Jeannette. However, it is important to note this quote is delivered at a time when Rex is still in relatively good standings with the rest of the family, besides just Jeannette. On that Christmas, even though he couldn’t provide his children with material gifts, he was still able to deliver a memorable gift, which the children could cherish for the rest of their lives. I swear honey, there are times when I think you’re the only one around who still has faith in me,’ he said. ’I don’t know what I’d do if you ever lost it. ’ I told him I would never lose faith in him. And I promised myself I never would† (78-79). This quote perfectly sums up the relationship Rex had with his daughter. It also further exemplifies th e acknowledged differences between how Jeannette feels about her father, and how the rest of the family feels. Even though Rex has let Jeannette down just as many times as Lori, or Brian, she is still able to somehow see past these faults of Rex’s. Throughout this novel the character’s general feelings on Rex sway dramatically. Even Jeannette’s feelings for her father are tried at some points. Yet through everything that happens she never truly loses faith in her father. Jeannette always maintains a sense of respect and love for Rex, despite the tribulations he has brought the family through. Even up to his last moments on his deathbed, Jeannette’s positive feelings for her father remain strong. This contrasted affection between what Jeannette feels for Rex, and what everyone else thinks, is what the glass castle really signifies.

Demography Essay: Study of Human Population Dynamics

Demography Essay: Study of Human Population Dynamics Demography is the study of human population dynamics. Population is shaped by a number of factors including fertility, mortality, migration and urbanization. Significant demographic changes have been shown in many parts of the world. The world population growth has been decelerating since 1970s. Fertility rates in more developed countries (MDCs) have been showing a declining trend, whereas an increasing one in the less developed countries (LDCs). Mortality rates have gone down in both MDCs and LDCs due to medical advancement. Consequently, the population of the countries with low fertility rates aged more quickly, and the world population growth will be concentrated in those developing countries where fertility rates remain high. Uneven population growth among nations accelerated the migration of people across nation borders and the growth of cities. The changes of these interrelated factors with their causes and problems of each of the factors will be discussed, followed by some pos sible plans and opportunities that may benefit from these changes. 1 Fertility Fertility is the incidence of childbearing in a countrys population. Fertility rates have been falling in the MDCs. Findings from PRB (2009a) showed that the growth of future population would be almost entirely in the LDCs, with the most rapid growth in the poorest countries and regions where fertility rates still remain high. In the past 2 decades, countries with Total Fertility Rate (TFR) lower than the replacement rate of 2.1 were all MDCs including Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong etc. (see table 1.1). HK has been experiencing a decreasing fertility rate since 1970s and it reached the historical low of 0.9 in 2003. CSD (2010) projected that TFR of HK continue to decline over the next 30 years. Japan and HK have the lowest projected TFR in 2039 which is 1.25 and 0.94 respectively (see table 1.2). The declining fertility trend can be attributed to a number of factors. Women nowadays have more educational and career opportunities as a result of socio-economic development in many countries, which encourages them to grab these opportunities before they start a family. Marriage postponement in HK is revealed by the increasing median age at first marriage for women, which rose from 26.1 in 1989 to 28.5 in 2009 (CSD 2010). Late marriage for women shortens their childbearing exposure period. Also, women have more access to reliable family planning methods. Worldwide, the use of contraception rose from less than 10% for married women of childbearing age in the 1960s to 62% in 2009 (PRB 2009b). Low fertility rate has led to the decline of young population, and hence, a slow growth of the working population would slow down the economic growth. CSD (2010) projected that the proportion of the HK population aged 65 and over would rise markedly from 13% in 2009 to 28% in 2039. The median age would also increase from 40.7 in 2009 to 47.6 in 2039. An ageing population will put a huge pressure on public finances. Tax base will become narrower because of the shrinking working population. On the other hand, expenditures related to the elderly such as medical and social security payments will increase substantially. The government could stimulate fertility by subsidizing childbirth costs. For example, the Japanese government introduced a new plan in Apr 2009, to pay for all childbirth costs with the public funds (Shimbun 2008). Moreover, regulations and laws should protect and be more favorable to the pregnant women. For example, to extend the maternity leave period. Increasing number of working parents has created a great need for quality childcare. That need is creating a great entrepreneurial opportunity for people who love children and want to start a business in childcare. Childcare services range from small home-based operations to large commercial centers. 2 Mortality Mortality refers to the incidence of death in a countrys population. The phenomenal increase in world population in the 20th century was a consequence of the worldwide trend towards increasing life expectancy and declining mortality, as a result of health and medical advancements. However, the levels in mortality vary from country to country. Although deaths of children in poorer countries like those in the sub-Saharan Africa make up a large fraction of all deaths, the decreasing mortality rate has declined enough to fuel rapid population growth. Nearly 11 million children died under the age of five in 2003 (UNDESA 2005). 98% of these children lived in developing countries. Sub-Saharan Africa got the highest regional average of under-five mortality in 2003 (see table 2.1), and it also experienced the least reductions over the 1990s. The lack of progress in sub-Saharan Africa can be attributed to the increase in child deaths from AIDS in some countries. For most countries, efforts to reduce malnutrition and provide appropriate interventions to address diseases like pneumonia, vaccine-preventable diseases and malaria were inadequate. Poor health systems and socio-economic stagnation due to instability have been the obstacles to the progress in the region (UNDESA 2005). Over 2,000 children die from malaria each day in sub-Saharan Africa. Episodes of fever and anaemia damage the mental and physical development of those children who survive. As the children is the source of the future workforce, it is important to keep them grow up healthily. If situation never improves, the society will never increase its competitiveness. The 4th Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) called for reducing child mortality. Its target is to reduce the under-five mortality rate by two-thirds, between 1990 and 2015. There is a great need of nutritious food and medical and vaccine treatment for children in countries where child mortality rate remain high. In fact most of the diseases could be avoided if the children are provided with nutritious food and proper vaccination which are not high at cost. Food manufacturers and pharmaceutical company could find the markets there. 3 Migration Migration refers to the movement of people into and out of a particular territory. The annual number of legal immigrants has been increasing since the 1950s, and the regions sending migrants have shifted from Europe to Latin America and Asia (see figure 3.1). In 2005, the U.S. was home to more foreign-born residents than any other country, accounting 38 million of people. Russia was the second, which accounted for 12 million immigrants, and Germany was the third with 10 million. Globalization, economic differences across nations, and uneven population growth and have increased the flow of people across national borders. In 2005, 62 millions of immigrants from moved from LDCs to MDCs, while 61 million moved from one LDC to another for work opportunities. Others have moved to escape from economic problems, civil unrest or natural disasters. (PRB 2009b) The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) impugned in large-scale immigration leading to excessive population growth and environmental degradation, displacing low-skilled American workers and depressing their wages, and threatening the cultural bonds that hold Americans together (Martin Midgley 2006). Martin Midgley (2006) has also discussed some recommendation suggested by the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform (CIR). In 1997 CIR recommended that the federal government do more to Americanize immigrants. They advocated that Americanization, accommodating and integrating immigrants, is a two-way street. The CIR also recommended federal grants to communities with large numbers of immigrants to create resource centers that promote immigrant-native interactions. It also urged U.S. businesses to do more to help integrate immigrants they hire. Self-employment is often used as a proxy measure for entrepreneurship. Self-employment rates were especially high among some groups: 28% of those born in Korea, as were 20% or more of those born in Russia and Iran. Self-employment normally declines with economic development, as farmers leave the land for urban jobs in factories and offices. However, in the new service economy, it has become easier to be self-employed, and immigrants may be in a unique position to spot opportunities (Martin Midgley 2006). 4 Ageing Population World population ageing is unprecedented and enduring. By 2050, the number of older persons in the world would exceed the number of young for the first time in history (UNDESA 2009). There would be more young people in LDCs than in MDCs (see figure 4.1). About one-forth of the population in Japan, Italy and Germany aged over 60 in 2002 and the percentage was expected to exceed 30% by 2025 (see figure 4.2). The proportion of the HK population aged 65 and over was projected to rise markedly from 13% in 2009 to 28% in 2039 (CSD 2010). The median age of the above mentioned countries/region are well above 40 in 2010 according to CIA (see table 4.3). Ageing population is a consequence of declining fertility and increased life expectancy resulting from declining mortality as mentioned in the previous sections. The problem concentrates in the Northern Hemisphere where fertility rate and mortality rate are low. Problems associated with ageing population are closely related to those associated with declining fertility as discussed in previous section. Japan expected its workforce to shrink by 16% (about 10 million people) from 2006 to 2031 (The Economist 2006a). Corporations could consider keeping and hiring old employees. The following are examples discussed on The Economist (2006b): Toyota has adopted its workstations to older workers, and IBM used its network to recruit retired people for particular projects. The HK government have attracted 200,000 talented people from Mainland China and overseas to HK since 1997, aiming to improve the population structure (The 2008-09 Budget 2008). The market will consist of growing number of elderly customers in the next few decades. A great market lies in the increasing the awareness of financial planning, health and fitness. Banks nowadays could spend more effort in their financial planning programs. As good health should be developed from young, fitness centres, health food manufacturers could grab this opportunity to sell this concept to their potential customers. 5 Urbanization, the Growth of Cities Urbanization is defined as the concentration of humanity into cities. Cities have existed for thousands of years but grew faster after the industrial revolution. Since the 1950s, rapid urban growth has become a global phenomenon. The world population was expected to increase from 6.7 billion in 2007 to 9.2 billion in 2050 (UNDESA 2008). Population living in urban areas was projected to gain from 3.3 billion in 2007 to 6.4 billion in 2050 (see figure 5.1), and most of the urban population growth would be concentrated in the cities of the less developed regions (see table 5.2). Asia, in particular, was projected to increase by 1.8 billion, and Africa by 0.9 billion (see table 5.3). Population growth is therefore becoming largely an urban phenomenon concentrated in the developing world. Population growth has been the main factor in the growth of cities in LDCs, whereas rural-urban migration has been the main reason for cities growth in industrialized countries. Furthermore, global economic growth, urban-urban migration and international migration have also affected urban growth (UN 2010). Problem of urbanization is manifestation of lopsided urbanization, poor urban planning, poor economic base and without having functional categories. India for example, urbanization was followed by some basic problems in housing, slums, transport water supply and sanitation, water pollution and air pollution, inadequate provision for social infrastructure and poverty (Datta 2006). Redirection of migration flows is required to relieve the problem of overcrowding and unemployment in cities. A strong economic sector in the urban economy is needed (Kundu and Basu 1998), more efforts and investments should be allocated to small cities which have been neglected. Policies should relate to proper urban planning emphasizing improvement of urban infrastructure and restoring original status of old building monuments which have historic value (Datta, 2006). Urbanization critically depends on the necessary infrastructure otherwise it could turn out to be a curse. Investments are required in urban infrastructure, urban transport and urban renewal. Sectors which can find the most opportunities include construction, materials (e.g. steel, copper, aluminums, cement), capital goods, and transportation. Conclusion Are the above mentioned interrelated demographic changes an opportunity or a threat? There is a great potential of economic growth in the LDCs with an increasing population growth, but only if the governments could create a better functioning market, and set appropriate policies to cope with the problems brought by rapid population growth. Ageing population is a common problem among the MDCs. Governments should invest more in education for the society, so as to develop a knowledge-based economy, and enhance the skills and competitiveness of people of all ages in order to cope with the shrinking workforce.

Morality Essay example -- Moral Ethics Philosophy essays

Morality   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Moral philosophy is very important to the success of an individual. But, before I tell you why moral philosophy is so important, and how it has helped me in my life, let me give you a little background knowledge. Rational knowledge has two components. These components are material and formal. Formal knowledge is not object oriented, and is based on reason. Formal knowledge is logic, or the laws of thought. Material knowledge is object oriented, and has two components. These two components are natural and moral. Natural law is physics. It determines what is the case, and how things behave in nature. On the other hand, moral law determines what things ought to be. Morality is something humans think about, and is not based on physiological factors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Now that we have a little background of knowledge and moral law, let me tell you why you should lead a moral life. Even though morality is not imposed upon you, it is about humanity. And, while it may not seem fair, in reality, morality is judged by humans. So, if you are immoral, other people will be the ones that notice that you are immoral, and that can hurt personal relationships. One way that I have succeeded throughout my career is by knowing and being friends with a lot of people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The practical side of life is based on interpersonal relationships. Whether it be social or business, communicating with people is the only way to get things done. There is no way that you can go through life in today's society without getting along with people. If people think that you are immoral, than they will not respect you, or be willing to work with you. Again, it may seem like it is not fair because you know that no one is one hundred percent moral, and if someone doesn't respect you because you are immoral, than they are hypocritical. But, when it comes to moral issues, the reality of the world is that people are hypocritical. They feel it is okay for them to do it, but not okay for anyone else.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Think about it, how many times have you said, "I can't believe that he did that; he's a jerk." Knowing the entire time that you have done the same thing. You may say, "Who cares!" I'm here to tell you that one day you might care. Let me give you and example. After I completed a business venture that made me over one million dollars, I learned that the only reaso... ...Moral law has helped me be successful in everything that I do.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Being a 65 year old man, I have seen a lot. I know the value of moral philosophy. Moral philosophy has helped me be successful in every thing that I have done. You may ask, "How has it helped you be successful?" Well, I have told you a couple of aspects of moral philosophy, and all of these aspects have helped me keep things in perspective. Financial success will come with morality, but if it doesn't, then you will still be better off because you have led a moral life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There have been times in my life when I have succumb to selfish inclination, and the results were immediately good. But ultimately, if I had been labeled as an immoral person, and was not able to do certain things because people didn't like me, than I definitely wouldn't have been the one invited to give this talk to you. By the way, I am getting paid an awful lot of money for this talk. So there is another way that morality has helped me. Happiness is not a grounding for morality, because some immoral people are happy. But, morality can lead to ultimate happiness and greater success in whatever you attempt to do in life.

The Cause of Aggression is Social Structure and Child Rearing :: Parenting Raising Children Society Social Status

The focus of this paper is to determine why certain societies are violent, judging from the way their society is structured to the psychological aspects of the individuals. The structural roots of internal and external conflict differ by most factors that were researched. Internal violence derives from weak cross-cutting ties, strong localized male groups (in uncentralized societies) and polygyny, whereas external conflict is seen in societies that are high on socioeconomic complexity, and low in polygyny and as cross-cutting ties. From the 186 societies, only a handful of them fell into the category of the variables this paper is centered upon high ext. vs. int. war were the Yanomamo, Comanche, Maori, Jivaro, and Somali. In Ross's article about conflict and violence, a measurement of internal and external violence was done using 44 variables for the 90 societies. The areas of interest for the table are those measuring internal and external violence. The factor loading is determined by the sum of the scores of each society for each variable and is weighted individually for each society. The six variables in the internal violence and conflict scale, in descending order of importance, are/:/./ The severity of conflict between different communities of the same society (v767), the acceptability of violence when directed against members of the same society outside the local community (v782), frequency of internal warfare (v773), the same severity of conflict within the local community (v764), the extent to which physical force is used as a mechanism for the dispute settlement (v770), the acceptability of violence when directed against members of the local community(v781) and degree of compliance wit h community norms and decisions by members of local communities(v775). Societies that scored high on this end of the scale, for example Jivaro or Somali, frequently engaged in violence and internal warfare both within and between communities of the same society. Societies that fell into the middle of the scale engaged in regular conflict, but internal warfare and violence in local disputes occur less frequently than the previous category of societies. The 3 variables that compose the external warfare and conflict scale are frequency of external warfare(v774), degreee of hostility(v780), and the acceptability of violence directed to people in other societies(v783). The Maori, Comanche and Jivaro are societies of the high end of the scale. From the large amount of research done on violence and conflict, there exist 3 characteristics of societies that are agreed upon by the majority.

How does Act 1, Scene 1 prepare the audience for the love theme of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”?

Act 1, Scene 1 prepares the audience for the rest of Shakespeare's â€Å"Twelfth Night† by introducing the central theme of love which runs throughout the play. Orsino, Duke of Illyria is immediately established as one of the protagonists, and it is clear that love is all he is willing to think about. Orsino is indulging himself thinking of love, but he is preoccupied with his own reactions, and doesn't take into account those of the object of his affections, Olivia. He has declared his love for Olivia, which sets up the storyline between them.Love Poem For Orsino it was love at first sight, which he explains through metaphor when one of his Lords, Curio, tries to change the subject to hunting. He explains by saying that when he first saw Olivia he was turned into a hart, and compares his desires for her to fell and cruel hounds that â€Å"E'er since pursue me†. Shakespeare has taken this idea from the Greek legend of Actaeon. In the legend, Actaeon was out hunting when he came across Diana, God of Hunting, bathing naked in the river. She turned him into a stag, and then his own hounds hunted him down and killed him. Shakespeare has used this idea to show Orsino's sense of self importance by how easily he can imagine himself in the role of Actaeon. Despite claiming to be this deeply in love, Orsino is sending his courtiers to woo Olivia on his behalf. As he is the Duke, he doesn't go himself because he doesn't want to risk the embarrassment of being rejected in person. In the first scene Valentine returns from Olivia's country estate with the response he received from her handmaid. He was not allowed in to talk to Olivia in person, as he was told Olivia was mourning the death of her brother by refusing to leave the house for seven years. He was told that for those seven years â€Å"like a cloistress she will veiled walk† and that once a day she would â€Å"water her chamber round with eye offending brine†. This means she was planning on wearing a veil as a closed order nun would, and cry in her bedroom every day. To do this for seven years seems to be a disproportionately long time, at that time the more normal period of grieving was six months or a year. Olivia has plunged into grieving with the same haste as Orsino has into love. The way in which Olivia grieves is in stark contrast to that of the other female protagonist, Viola. At the time the play is set, it would have been hard to be an independent women, as most women were looked after by their husband, family or employer. Both Olivia and Viola have been put into this situation by the death of their brothers, but they both cope with it in different ways. While Olivia becomes withdrawn, Viola, although initially devastated, immediately takes constructive action to get out in the world and take control of her own well being. She constructs a plan with the help of the Captain to become Cesario and disguise herself as a eunuch (a castrated male servant with a high pitched voice) to go to serve the Duke. You can read also Audience Adaptation Paper Olivia becomes dependant on the only remaining men in her life, but who are also the wrong sort of men. These men are Malvolio, her head servant, her uncle Sir Toby Belch, a drunkard, and Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Sir Toby's idiotic friend who he has brought to the household as a suitor for Olivia. She is letting her servants run the household for her and Sir Toby and Sir Andrew are getting away with the heavy drinking and irresponsible behaviour that would normally have got them thrown out the house. These are the only men she has seen since the death of her brother, so when she sees Viola/Cesario she falls for her, because compared to the men she has been with Viola/Cesario would seem to be perfect. One theme which is touched upon in the first scene and later recurs throughout the play is that love is seen to be destructive. While in the first scene Orsino claims that when he first saw Olivia he thought she â€Å"purged the air of pestilence†, Olivia talks of the plague in Act 1, Scene 5 as destructive. She says â€Å"even so quickly may one catch the plague?† to tell Viola/Cesario that she is falling in love. By comparing it to the plague she shows she does not want to fall in love, but is going to do nothing to stop it as she says â€Å"well, let it be†. Another comparison made to illustrate loves destructiveness is with the sea. Orsino again uses metaphors to make his point, comparing love to the sea. He says that the spirit of love â€Å"notwithstanding thy capacity, Receiveth as the sea†. What he means is that his love has the capacity of the sea, but nothing that enters retains its value, the sea and his love both destroying everything. He echoes this sentiment in Act 2, Scene 4 saying that his love is â€Å"all as hungry as the sea, and can digest as much†. In this scene, Shakespeare consciously echoes the words of his opening theme. In Act 2, Scene 4, Orsino continues to ponder the nature of love as he does in Act 1, Scene 1. He is questioning Viola/Cesario on who it is she has loved. She is trying to hint that it is him by saying they are of his complexion and his years. Orsino thinks that men are fickle and that Viola/Cesario shouldn't love a woman older than herself. He says â€Å"our fancies are more giddy and unfirm, more longing, wavering sooner lost and worn, than women's are†. He is saying that men are shallow, and that they will lose interest when a woman loses their looks, so men should always marry younger women. In Act 1, Scene 1, he shows how hard it is for him to keep interest, even when he is so in love it is all he can think about. The very first line of the play is â€Å"If music be the food of love, play on†. Orsino wants the music to stimulate thoughts of love, he wants more. In the last line of the scene this is also shown, when he says â€Å"away before me to sweet beds of flowers: love-thoughts lie rich when canopied with bowers†. He wants to maintain his heightened emotional state and he needs it to be artificially induced because eventually he will be doing it because he feels he has to, rather than because he wants to. He wants to continue in this state until â€Å"The appetite may sicken and so die†.

Organisation behavior Essay

1. What performance problems is the captain trying to correct? Ans. 1. In the given scenario the problem projected by the police captain is that the young officers who come to the police force are not at all good at doing paper work, they find it boring and hate it. They are much interested to stay out on the streets, either in cars or on a beat instead of doing paper work while sitting in the office. They frequently put off the job or do it inadequately which results in unclear and ambiguous reports which cause the police department to lose court cases. Another problem is that the captain is finding it difficult to figure out the possible ways to motivate them to do the paper work effectively and efficiently. There are various problems related to the employee motivation, ability of officers to perform task, lack of role perception and different situational factors. 2. Use the MARS model of individual behavior and performance to diagnose the possible causes of the unacceptable behavior. Ans. According to the MARS model of individual behaviour there are four factors that directly influence voluntary individual behaviour and performance. Those factors are Motivation, Ability, Role perceptions and Situational factors. We can use the mars model to diagnose the causes responsible for different problems in the given scenario. The causes are as follows – 1. Lack of motivation – Motivation is the force within the person that affects his or her direction, intensity and persistence of voluntary behaviour. As the captain has stated in the scenario that he is facing problem to find ways to motivate the employees. He doesn’t have any financial rewards at his disposal and since the nature of job is very boring and none of the employees find it interesting. It clearly shows that there is a lack of motivation amongst the employees 2. Ability There is reasons that led to the poor perception of not taking paper work seriously by the young and inexperienced police officer. The main reason would be their perception of the role as law enforcers who should be involved in crime prevention, apprehension criminals and serving the community. As well as a lack of proper training on paper work when entering the work force. 3. Role Perceptions Role perceptions are also weak, because the police officers were not properly trained for all of the tasks required in their role. During the training, they were trained to do the job they do out on the street instead of doing paperwork. 4. Situational Factors Due to the budget crunch, the police officers might not have enough time or appropriate tool to facilitate in report writing i. e. only one computer for the entire department which may cause delay in delivering the paper work. 3. Has the captain considered all possible solutions to the problem? If not, what else might be done? Ans. Yes,captain considered all possible solutions to solve the problems. To help to motivate the officers, team competitions were established. These were based on the excellence of the reports. The competition provided no reward. An idea suggested to the Captain is to include financial rewards as incentives, based on the number of conviction records. Accounting Team For the past five years I have been working at McKay, Sanderson, and Smith Associates, a mid-sized accounting firm in Boston that specializes in commercial accounting and audits. My particular specialty in accounting practices for shipping companies, ranging from small fishing fleets to a couple of the big firms with ships along the East Coast. About 18 months ago McKay, Sanderson, and Smith Associates became part of a large merger involving two other accounting firms. These firms have offices in Miami, Seattle, Baton Rouge, and Los Angeles. Although the other two accounting firms were much larger than McKay, all three firms agreed to avoid centralizing the business around one office in Los Angeles. Instead the new firm—called Goldberg, Choo, and McKay Associates—would rely on teams across the country to â€Å"leverage the synergies of our collective knowledge† (an often-cited statement from the managing partner soon after the merger). The merger affected me a year ago when my boss (a senior partner and vice president of the merger) announced that I would be working more closely with three people from the other two firms to become the firm’s new shipping industry accounting team. The other team members were Elias in Miami, Susan in Seattle, and Brad in Los Angeles. I had met Elias briefly at a meeting in New York City during the merger but had never met Susan or Brad, although I knew that they were shipping accounting professionals at the other firms. Initially the shipping team activities involved e-mailing each other about new contracts and prospective clients. Later we were asked to submit joint monthly reports on accounting statements and issues. Normally I submitted my own monthly reports to summarize activities involving my own clients. Coordinating the monthly report with three other people took much more time, particularly because different accounting documentation procedures across the three firms were still being resolved. It took numerous e-mail messages an a few telephone calls to work out a reasonable monthly report style. During this aggravating process it became apparent—to me at least—that this team business was costing me more time than it was worth. Moreover, Brad in Los Angeles didn’t have a clue about how to communicate with the rest of us. He rarely replied to e-mail. Instead he often used the telephone tag. Brad arrived at work at 9:30 a. m. in Los Angeles (and was often late), which is early afternoon in Boston. I typically have a flexible work schedule from 7:30 a. m. to 3:30 p. m. so I can chauffeur my kids after school to sports and music lessons. So Brad and I have a window of less than three hours to share information. The biggest nuisance with the shipping specialist accounting team started two weeks ago when the firm asked the four of us to develop a new strategy for attracting more shipping firm business. This new strategic plan is a messy business. Somehow we have to share our thoughts on various approaches, agree on a new plan, and write a unified submission to the managing partner. Already the project is taking most of my time just writing and responding to e-mail and talking in conference calls (which none of us did much before the team formed). Susan and Brad have already had two or three misunderstandings via e-mail about their different perspectives on delicate matters in the strategic plan. The worst of these disagreements required a conference call with all of us to resolve. Except for the most basic matters, it seems that we can’t understand each other, let alone agree on key issues. I have come to the conclusion that I would never want Brad to work in my Boston office (thanks goodness he’s on the other side of the country). Although Elias and I seem to agree on most points, the overall team can’t form a common vision or strategy. I don’t know how Elias, Susan, or Brad feel, but I would be quite happy to work somewhere that did not require any of these long-distance team headaches. Question: 1. What type of team was formed here? Was it necessary, in your opinion? Ans. * Virtual team * Virtual teams are teams whose members operate across space, time, and organizational boundaries and are linked together through information technologies to achieve organizational tasks. This mean that the members of the virtual teams usually do not work in the same physical area, but only primarily depend on information technologies to communicate and coordinate their works. * I think it was necessary because all the firms were trying to avoid centralizing the business around one office in Toronto. Also employees are from the different cities of the country; they need the communication technologies to combine them into one team. 2. Use the team effectiveness model in Chapter 9 and related information in this chapter to identify the strengths and weaknesses of this team’s environment, design, and processes. Ans. a. Strengths * Environment: no strengths * Design: small groups, Virtual team * Processes: no strengths b. WEAKNESSES * Environment: there is no reward for team. * Design: The members of this team are in similar positions in the company which may hard to elect a leader. Processes: Virtual team may have little team cohesion. In addition, Virtual team may also cause difficulty on informal communication because they never meet face to face, so there is little interaction between the team members 3. Assuming that these four people must continue to work as a team, recommend ways to improve the team’s effectiveness. Ans. They should have certain virtual face-to face meeting times during each week. * They need to have a team leader who will coordinate the team. They should get the chance to meet in person so that they can have a chance to establish their norms, and work out their disagreements properly.s