Monday, September 30, 2019

Do You Believe That the Greatest Leaders Are Born, Not Made

When you ask people why they followed their leader or what made their leader great, most would use words like charismatic, honest, trustworthy and confident. So this begs the question, are these all qualities that are born or learned? According to Webster’s dictionary, charisma is a â€Å"spiritual power or personal quality that gives an individual influence or authority over large numbers of people. † So a charismatic leader can be defined as a certain quality of an individual personality, by virtue of which he is set apart from ordinary men and treated as a person with supernatural or superhuman powers or qualities.So with that said, can that be learned over time or simply just polished? How can those qualities or characteristics be taught? We can take a charismatic person and polish or refine them to be better leaders but charisma, according to the definition cannot be taught. According to Dr. Joe Pace in â€Å"The Workplace: Interpersonal Strengths and Leadershipâ €  he describes three qualities to what makes a good leader. â€Å"A good leader used his or her authority to do three things: motivate, manage and make Decisions. (Pace-84) So by this definition one would assume that these characteristics can be learned. Through mentorship in the workplace one can be taught when to make the decision, how to manage personnel and how to motivate people. After all, the human resources division in the professional work environment spends countless hours and dollars training personnel on learning how to effectively motivate their personnel and manage them correctly. So in this example it would appear that leadership can be learned.I have been told by many that I command presence when I walk into a room. For years it would bother me that so many people found it necessary to touch me, to find a way to brush up against me or reach out and hold my arm as I was talking to them. I use to ask my wife all the time â€Å"why do so many people find it necess ary to touch me? † She tried to explain to me that people wanted to see if I was real and that I carried such a positive aura about me that commanded respect, attention and confidence and some people needed or wanted to be a part of that.I use to laugh it off and tell her she was crazy but this has been happening since I can remember. I remember being in middle school going to watch my brothers play high school football and when I would talk to my older brothers the girls would always put their hands on me to tussle my hair, grab me to hug me or even put an arm around me and I use to just find it odd but always just chalked it up to girls liking my brothers. As I got older I noticed the same things happening to me and sometimes to the point of feeling uncomfortable about the situation.So again I would ask my wife the same question and her reply became â€Å"just because you are older and heavier than you were twenty years ago, your presence is still known when you walk into a room and people want to be part of you. You need to learn to embrace it, accept it and just know that this will always happen to you. † She went on to explain to me that people love to be around me because they always feel that I am the smartest person in the room, even if I am not, my complete confidence in myself commands that.She explained to me that when I speak to people, I am always speaking with complete confidence and believe what I am saying and I never doubt myself or give the appearance of it. So I think back at my life and wonder to myself; where did I learn this? I have come to the conclusion that I never learned this, I was born with this and over time I have polished it and refined it. So for me personally, I have to believe great leaders are born, not made. References Bock, Wally. Three Star leadership, 2006. http://www. threestarleadership. com/articles/bornormade. htm Conger, J. A. , and R. N. Kanungo (Eds), Charismatic Leadership in Organizations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1998 Pace, Joe DR. The professional development series: Book Two: The Workplace; Interpersonal Strengths and Leadership. Published by McGraw-Hill, Inc. 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Psychological Measure

Abstract * There are various psychological measures which are used to evaluate conditions such as depression in children and adults and even insomnia. The articles Revised Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and also Antidepressants and the Sound of One Hand Clapping discuss the use of the Hamilton Depression Scale. These articles also compare and contrast the measurements which were discovered by using this scale. Within the contents of this paper is an explanation as to who is qualified to administer and interpret the measure as well as the settings in which it would deem proper to use the measure. Finally, validity of the Hamilton Depression Scale is reviewed within this paper. Psychological Measure The Hamilton Depression Scale or normally known as HAM-D is a test that was developed by Max Hamilton around 1960 (Warren, 1994). The test has been revised in the years of 1966, 1967, 1969, and finally in 1980. It is a questionnaire that is filled out by the patient and professional after the patient’s initial interview. The main goal of the test is not to help diagnose the person’s depression, but to test the severity of the depression. Max Hamilton was also clear that the test he created should not be used to diagnose patients, but simply to test the levels of severity. Summary of Articles The articles analyzed were, Revised Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, written by W. L. Warren and Antidepressants and the Sound of One Hand Clapping written by Ronald W. Pies, MD from the Psychiatric Times. HAM-D looks at the level of severity of the different symptoms that are found in patients that have depressions. The symptoms of mood, insomnia, agitation, anxiety and weight loss are some the characteristics that are addressed in the questionnaire. In other words, it tests people that have already been diagnosed with clinical depression to find, if any, changes that may have come from treatment, or symptoms that have worsened due to daily struggles. This test is used by psychologists on children, teenagers, and adults (Warren, 1994). A great example of its many uses is trying to find the effect of placebos on patients. The placebo, also known as a sugar pill, is known to have no true physical effect on the human body except in the psychological belief of its healing power by the patient (Pies, 2011). The article written by W. Warren explored more on the clinical therapy that is achieved from the test, while Ronald W. Pies MD’s article focus more on the experimenting research benefits of the test. They both agree on the purpose of the test, but have slightly different goals or focus of its use in the psychological community. HAM-D Administration The majority of psychological testing for antidepressants is done through the HAM-D test (Pies, 2011). In Warren’s article, he explained that the reliability of internal tests done with the HAM-D comes around 81% with a fair sample reaching the general representation of the demographics of clinical depress patients. The validity was also to be found in a mean around 61% as being correlated by other depression tests such as the BMI (Warren, 2011). There are seven items that Hamilton felt were necessary to consider when administering the HAM-D. The first would be the severity and longevity of the symptoms. The second is that the test should cover the last week or two weeks. It is not meant to cover just a day since it is difficult to monitor lack of sleep, or weight loss in one day. The third item is that each item in the scale must be evaluated separately. Just because a person rates high in one area does not mean that they will rate high in another area. The fourth item that Hamilton covered was that the scale is based on a change from the norm in the patient. This scale is used to rate the depressed mood symptoms not the personality of the person. The fifth item is that each week should be looked at separately. The researcher should not look at one week, or ask about the previous week when doing the new test. The sixth item, which is rarely done now, is that the person administering the test should look at all sources of information, such as listening to what family members have to say. The last item that Hamilton felt necessary was to caution the clinician to use their own judgment when evaluating a person. For example, if a person says they have lost a lot of weight, but in reality it is only a few pounds, the clinician must be able to evaluate this information for what it really may be, such as dieting, or eating special foods due to a holiday (Hersen, 2004). Hamilton never did set a specific set of standards for who should be allowed to administer the test. He did feel that the person who was administering the test should have certain skills and knowledge. Hamilton is quoted as saying, â€Å"The value of the scale depends entirely on the skill of the interviewer in eliciting the necessary information (Hersen, 2004)†. Hamilton felt that the clinician should have a varied background with dealing with people with all different degrees of severity in their depression. The rater should have didactic training as well as a background in psychology especially with affective disorders. The person doing the rating should have good interviewing skills, this would include knowing when to ask certain questions as well as how to phrase the questions that are to be asked (Hersen, 2004). Validity It is difficult to say that the Hamilton Depression Scale in general is either valid or invalid without considering a few factors. Researchers have analyzed content, convergent, discriminant, factorial and predictive validity which are found within this scale. Content validity refers to the reflection of the scale items in correspondence to known factors of depression. Convergent validity correlates with other depression’s other measures. Discriminant validity involves distinguishing between groups which suffer from depression and those groups that do not. Factorial validity stems from factor examination of the data-based structure of the scale, determining whether each item focuses on the designed factor. Finally, predictive validity occurs in predicting change in the severity of symptoms which are associated with treatment (Bender, 2005). Validity within the Hamilton Depression Scale varies depending on what is being examined. Testing for information regarding older adults may be more or less valid than testing to see if the condition of the economy influences depression. Validity studies which examine scaling and item content concluded that several items failed at measuring single symptoms or containing response options that correlate with the degrees of severity (Bender, 2005). However, as previously mentioned, when this scale was used to measure antidepressants as they relate to depression, it proved 61% valid in comparison to other tests which are administered to produce information which pertains to depression. These two discoveries assist in concluding that the validity of this measure varies based on different factors such as what it actually being tested and possibly the whom is person or persons responsible for administering the test due to interpretation and biasness. Conclusion Various measures evaluate the factors which correlate with depression, but the Hamilton Depression Scale is one of the most widely used in terms of depression. This measure is not used to diagnose depression, but rather to produce information about the level of severity. Although there is no definitive answer about who should be administering this test, the administrator should take seven factors into consideration during this process. As with any other testing measure, validity has to be taken into consideration when determining if the test should continue to be used in the future. However, validity is not cut and dry, but rather complex as it concerns what is being measured. Overall, this widely used measure, has revealed useful results in the past concerning depression and will continue to do so in the future. References Bender, K. (2005). Throwing Out the Gold? Reconsidering the HAM-D. Psychiatric Times Retrieved from http://www. psychiatrictimes. com/blog/couchincrisis/content/article/10168/1968125 Hersen, M. , Hilsenroth, M. J. , & Segal, D. L. (2004). Comprehensive handbook of psychological assessment . Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. Pies, R. W. (2011) Antidepressants and the Sound of One Hand Clapping. Psychiatric Times Retrieved from http://www. psychiatrictimes. com/blog/couchincrisis/content/article/10168/196812 Warren, W. (1994). Revised Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Humanities is enjoyable Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Humanities is enjoyable - Essay Example It is a prerequisite for many courses. It builds foundation for further learning in many areas of study. It introduces students to fields that deal with studies of human beings and their culture (Blessinger and Carfora, 2014). Learning humanities was helpful in acquiring knowledge on how human beings process and document human experience. The discipline included studying religion, music, philosophy, history, literature, and language of understanding the world. I realized that humanities have objectives that are speculative and critical. We also covered classical studies, law, anthropology, archaeology, semiotics, and communication studies (Zepeda and Mayock, 2014. We were able to discover historical backgrounds behind certain cultural events. After learning humanities as a discipline, I developed a comprehensive understanding of the human culture and social relations. During the sessions, we learnt that there are modes of expressions concerning some subjects that fall under the classification of humanities. After gaining knowledge on the discipline, we felt a sense of connection and appreciation towards our various cultures. Blessinger, Patrick, and Carfora, J, M.. 2014. Inquiry-Based Learning for the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences A Conceptual and Practical Resource for Educators. Bradford: Emerald Group Publishing

Friday, September 27, 2019

Hitler and music in the third Reich Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Hitler and music in the third Reich - Essay Example This "Hitler and music in the third Reich" essay outlines the impact of Richard Wagner's music on Hitler and what that has to do with World War II. All his musical works were made on the assumption that they will be performed on the stage hence called â€Å"Musikdrama. He wrote all the scripts directly and added music to the scripts. Wagner generated a German epic saga combining music and drama in one unified art work. He took inspiration from German mythology and medieval literature. Wagner was motivated by the medieval myths and literature as Lohengrin, Tristan, Ring des Nibelungs (Das Rhinegold, Die Walkure, Gotterdammerung). Wagner brought plots and characters in medieval myths and literature to his music. The structure of the Ring cycle is complicated and has several topics. However, most of his operas’ topics are love stories. As Wagner accepted the subject of German myths, he also accepted religious elements. He extended this to the unique ritual that inspires nationalism. Wagner’s music drama shows the process of ritual when it is on the stage. This means that his music drama reveals strong religious character. Therefore, people cannot forget the scenes of his music drama easily, because of its strong ritual characteristic. Hitler was one of those people who could not forget Wagner’s strong and powerful opera. Wagner indicts the Jews and metaphorically links them to the characters in the operas. Wagner’s music dramas, made during the time when unification of Germany was taking place, reve al patriotic enthusiasm greatly. In Wagner’s Ring drama, there are a lot of metaphorical words that indicate Jewish characters. In Wagner’s ring opera, Nibelungs, the curse, demons, goblins, and the lust for gold refers to Jewish characters. Wagner casts the voices of Alberich and Mime in an abnormally high register and gives them tritons and other awkward internals to sing which made their voices creak, croak, and buzz. Wagner also used Jewish names for his evil characters. Wagner casts the voices of Alberich and Mime in an abnormally high register and gives them tritones and other awkward internals to sing which made their voices creak, croak, and buzz. Wagner also used Jewish names for his evil characters. In Wagner’s opera â€Å"Das Rheingold†, â€Å"gold-hungry† characters are very consonant with Wagner’s writings about how the Jews seek to control the world through their use of money (gold). In Lohengrin, there are inspirational words, such as those of King Henry to h is knights that wakened in them the primal urge of race and nationalism.   â€Å"Let the Reich’s enemy now appear.   We’re well prepared to see him near.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Discuss the way in which, Montesquieu encourages his readers to Essay

Discuss the way in which, Montesquieu encourages his readers to identify with or distance themselves from the characters in the - Essay Example This literary style and the socio-political content of the novel as told by two foreign figures enabled its readers to identify with the characters at the same time feel separated from their stories and experiences. It also allowed Montesquieu to achieve his objective in writing the novel. Detachment The first prominent variable that affects the way readers perceive and interpret The Persian Letters is its form. As a collection of letters, which contain discourses and essays on diverse issues, it made the novel disconnected to the readers because the emotional involvement is stunted by the interrupted presentation. This is best explained by Theodore Braun who commented that the novel "moves along in an apparently unpredictable manner from letter to letter, from theme to theme, from interior plot to the exterior plot" making the readers fumble particularly in making sense or identifying the coherence of all the parts provided (Runyon 2005, 13). Readers can also feel the detachment whe n Montesquieu used Persian characters in his narrative. Their characterizations were depicted as alien for the original intended reading public. They are Persians and that their way of life and their perspectives on the French lifestyle represent a glaring difference that is easily identified and sympathized with by the readers. Montesquieu, wrote Hulliung (1976), substituted Persian travelers with psyches that are long written full by Eastern culture and that the interaction between the East and the West could lead to the threat on the Eastern language of despotism (117). By transplanting the two Oriental characters in Paris, there was a depiction of a striking polarity in culture and ideas. Say, when Montesquieu portrayed the Persians as exotic, with sufficient allusions to their cultural norms and their harem and so forth, the reader naturally sided with the West and/or the French society and that the two protagonists - including all that they stood for - came to constitute other ness, the unknown and the unidentifiable. There was an imposed detachment that came with the double plot of the novel. At one point, there was the criticism of the Parisian way of life. On the other hand, there was the Oriental storyline (e.g. the disorder in the protagonist's seraglio back home). This approach enabled Montesquieu to highlight his themes more effectively, more specifically the kind of skepticism and relativism that he obviously wanted to express about the important questions that characterized his time. Furthermore, the differences and the detachment that the author encouraged were necessary in order to explain his ideal social theory. This is when Montesquieu was able to successfully reject the European social theory and advocate the actual expression of human nature as the ultimate solution to the issues and problems that confronted his day (Rossides 1998, 72). Connection It is, however, important to underscore that even though The Persian Letters assumed a degree of disconnect from its readers, there are times when its characters - or the themes and issues they discussed and were involved in - came close to the readers’ hearts and own concerns. As a political allegory, the novel explored, examined and commented on themes and issues that are relevant to the times. For example, there is the issue about love, social institutions, gender equality, religion,

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Training and development management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Training and development management - Case Study Example Training need analysis will be extremely beneficial for the Omaha warehouse workers to meet the warehouses objectives (Jean 28). Training is a tool extremely powerful for a smooth functioning of an organization, but it is usage goes hand in hand with care in order to derive all the benefits. Here is the recommendation of performing a TNA: - First,  Learn about the proficiency and needs of each employee before the warehouse invests it effort, money and time on training. It is better for needs identification the shortcomings and needs before actually imparting training an employee (Jean 30). Secondly, Experienced and skilled trainer, who possesses an amount of understanding and knowledge that is good about objectives of an organization, the abilities of an individual and the present environment, should offer training. This will help in the improvement of the program in warehouses and plants (Jean

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Color-blind racism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Color-blind racism - Essay Example However, despite these attractive arguments, there is evidence to show that black people are more afflicted with HIV/AIDS, and there is also high infant mortality rate among the black people. There is also proof that there Asians, Arabs, and Muslims have been racially profiled especially in the fight against terrorism. Colorblind racism has succeeded in uniting the white people together instead of addressing the problem of racism (Copeland, pp. 68-69). Various ways have been on how the color blind racism can be addressed. A strong suggestion is the belief in one God among all persons of America. This is will make people also trust in all be one irrespective of their races. Malcolm X gives an example of the pilgrimage to Mecca where he saw all men actually worship one God and there we no distinction as to whether one is a white or a black Muslim. He, therefore, sees the panacea for the racism malady in America as spiritual in nature. He says that Americans ought to copy Muslims as he argues that among the Muslim community, there is no iota of racism (Haley and Malcolm,

Monday, September 23, 2019

Newspapers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Newspapers - Essay Example nic tragedy way back in 1912 and have shown how each of the three dailies The New York Times, Las Vegas Optic and Santa Fe New Mexican reported it in their 1912 third week of April publication. It was at midnight of the 14th of April 1912 that Titanic hit an iceberg and the rest was one of the worst and most tragic episodes recorded in history. The Titanic was considered to be the most ‘gigantic’ (The New York Times, p.1) luxury cruise-liners of the century that could never drown. But as fate would have it, Titanic went down taking along with it more than 1500 passengers including hundreds of women and children. It became the major news of the 1912s and dominated page 1 of almost all the dailies for weeks. Each of the newspaper houses hounded for more detailed news not only for making business but for delivering as much information as possible to the aggrieved families of the victims who were trying hard to know and connect to their relatives who were on board. The publication of The New York Times that came out on the 16th of April 1912 has provided a detailed account of the incident. The Headline ‘The Lost Titanic Being Towed out of Belfast Harbour’ with a picture of the luxury liner evokes a sense of irrevocable loss. The best part of The New York Times is that it adopts a style that suits the common man’s taste. The news is presented in conversational English that people can connect with. By focusing on every detail from the desperate attempts of the Captain, Captain Smith, to the helplessness of family and friends in trying to get in touch with their loved ones, it makes the tragedy all the more palpable to its readers. Every column informs about one or the other aspect of the accident that might help in understanding the death toll, the exact location and the condition of those who have been saved. It provides a list of those feared to be dead on the basis of the number of cabins and the passengers fitted in them. This bit of statistical data

Sunday, September 22, 2019

There are four topics, so you can choose from them Essay

There are four topics, so you can choose from them - Essay Example Better so, than live to be disgraced and looked askance at† (Book III). Achilles on the other hand participates for the glory that this war is going to bring him, even if it means his death. The motivation of Hector is selfless, while the motivation of Achilles is selfish. Hector holds the position of a traditional hero with the Trojans and is their undisputed leader looked upon with respect. â€Å"When Hector heard this he was glad, and went about among the Trojan ranks holding his spear by the middle to keep them back, and they all sat down at his bidding†. (Book III). On the contrary Achilles is a feared warrior in his camp, but at loggerheads with Greek kings Agamemnon, who want his presence on the battlefield as a motivation for the Greek army, which can be seen from this speech of Achilles to Agamemnon â€Å" You are steeped in insolence and lust of gain. With what heart can any of the Achaeans do your bidding, either on foray or in open fighting? I came not warring here for any ill the Trojans had done me. I have no quarrel with them. They have not raided my cattle nor my horses, nor cut down my harvests on the rich plains of Phthia; for between me and them there is a great space, both mountain and sounding sea†. (Book 1). Throughout the book Homer paints Achilles in a near godly fashion. The human ingredient of fear is absent in Achilles and this makes his acts of bravery and valiance beyond the means of a mere human. On the other hand Hector is seen in the as a human with all its failings including fear. Event in life cause fear, but how fear is conquered even at the pain of death makes a human a hero. The scene of the killing of Hector by Achilles brings this out to the forefront. Hector alone outside the walls of Troy runs away from Achilles demonstrating the human characteristic of fear. He however overcomes it to come

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Supermarket Database-Computer Coursework Essay Example for Free

Supermarket Database-Computer Coursework Essay Introduction There are many supermarkets around us, but there do you know how it works. In this coursework., we will anyalsis the problem of the old supermarket system and how to solve this problem. Besides, in this coursework, it will introduce a new supermarket system, introduce its advantage, how to set up, how to use it and what is its advantages. Old supermarket system Disadvantage: piles of papers are used to keep the records it is hard to back up the records, if you really do so, the cost of the ink and the papers can make you bankrupt the payments are calculated by men, if your mathematics is poor, you will bankrupt again you need to spend nights after nights to turn the pages by your hands in order to search the data of the customers and supplier snail mail is used, which means time and money is wasted your customers cannot immediately get the most update news of your product, simply the million-dollar contract will fly to other companies the piles of paper wont remind you when your product is expired, you need to search through the papers it is not easy to comunicate to your branch stores. Many workers are needed to check the store Solution of the problem To solve the problem in the old supermarket system,setup up a database system that would control local store inventory, and cover the ordering of stock from the customers. Advantages of the new system Digital record is used. Millions of information are stored in a 6-inch hard-dish. The records can be backed up inside a DVD or a hard dish drive. the payments are calculated by computer, which decreases the human error In order to search the data of the customers and supplier, you simply need to type the name, or tel. number. email is used, your customers can get the most update news of your product, at once the computer will remind you when your product is expired, so you can make preparations you can communicate the computer form one branch store to another. Information can be transferred immediately computer can do most of the jobs. Less workers are employed Old system Computer system Space needed to keep the records more Much less Back up Very difficult Very easy error High possibility Low possibility Search data Very complicated Very convenient mail Slow and expensive Quick and free Check expired stock By hand automatically Communication Slow and inconvenient Quick and easy Number of employees more less Requirement of the system. It is consider that the supermarket has original system which has only one computer with the following equirement. Working system Windows 2000, standard edition Processor Pentium III 733Mhz, RAM 256MB recommended Drive space 20GB Video 32MB shared ram In order to reach the requirement of the new system, the computers need to replace new ones and connected as the following instructions. Requirement of the server. Working system Windows server 2003, standard edition Processor Pentium 4 3.0Ghz, 550+ MHz recommended RAM 1024MB/1G recommended Drive space 250GB Video 128MB shared ram or better This computer is highly security. It needed the voice check and the password of the three highest manager to open the report of the profit and also to open the economy condition of the supermarket. Besides, the server is connected to a internet server with domain name. This is because this can convenient the customers to shopping or order products from the internet. Requirement of the other computers The other four computres is used to save data. They should have the following requirement. Working system Windows XP, Professional Processor Pentium 4 3.0Ghz, 550+ MHz recommended RAM 512 MB recommended Drive space 80 GB Video 128MB shared ram or better Software of the programme The supermarket can use Microsoft Access or Visual Basic The advantages of using MS Access are: * It is a relational database, which makes the data management easier. * It integrates easily with other Microsoft packages such as Word and Excel. * It is inexpensive. * It is a flexible product that cab be used for all kinds of databases. * It can be used to build extensive database applications. * All the information is held in one place and the information only needs to be updated once. * It can retrieve and update information quickly and easily. * Reports, standard letters can be easily produced. * Backup and archiving is easy. The disadvantages of using MS Access are: * It lacks in high volume capacity. * It is limited to a low transaction rate. * It can bring down the entire servers if it is not used properly. The advantages of using Visual Basic are: * It provides a user-friendly interface. * The modular structure in visual basic program helps the programmer to develop a large program without knowing all the variables and their relationships. * It is provided by an integrate development environment that helps the programmer in debugging syntax errors. The disadvantages of using Visual Basic are: * It is limited in the kind of application that visual basic can code. * That additional memory might be required because of the graphics. * That visual basic is not a matural programming language. * That successful operations are crucial. * It has a slower processing in some applications. * It is more difficult to recover. Set up of the programme In this system, the programme is based on the Microsoft Access Create a new database file first and then create a table which should contain the following item: * Image of the * item description * bar code * item code * item location in store * price * maximum (amount to order) * current stock * date ordered * date received * quantity received * expired date * supplier * supplier address * supplier email * supplier telephone number * The characteristic of each item of data, such as The data on the documents have been analysed, where on the next page tables have been completed to show what information is contained. The information that is contained includes: * What tables and column are presented. * The names of the current tables and columns. * Any validations on the values of certain columns. Data Item Description Data Type Validation * item description The description of the product Text * bar code The bar code of a product Text Letters only * item code The code of a product Text Letters only * item location in store The location of the product in the supermarket Text Letters only * price The price of a product Numbers * maximum (amount to order) The number of product in the supermarket Numbers * current stock Whether the book is hardback or paperback Text Letters only * date ordered The order of the product by the customer Number * date received The order of the product ordered by the customers Number After create the above table, by using the Microsoft Access, a new table will be created to input the data of each product. Besides, to show the out and in of each product, by using the Microsoft Access, a report can be created. Shopping from the Internet Some customers will order products from the internet. Therefore a website should be set up for their confident. In order to get associate with the system, some more items are needed to create in order to record the information of each customer. It can be done as shown: Contain of the table This table is about the information of the customers which order products from the internet. The table should contain the following item: * Customer name * Customer no. * Address * Contact method * Phone number * Credit card number Data Item Description Data Type Validation * Customer name Name of the customer Text * Customer id. The id of the customer in the system number * Address The home address of the customer Text Letters only * Contact method How to contact to the customer E-mail/phone choose * Phone number The mobile/home number of the customer Numbers * Credit card number The Credit card number of the customer Number This website should also be linked to the main server of the supermarket and the website should have the following function. Function A laiding form will need to be printed, which will accompany the shipment to the store, and should include the following information: * (from) address of supplier, (to) supermarket ID, * supermarket address, * department, * managers name * and order number, * as well as a list of item descriptions, * item codes, * amount requested, * and amount sent. When the shipment reaches the store, the manager initials the bill of laiding, confirming that the shipment has arrived. This form is then returned to the warehouse where an invoice must be generated . The invoice, which will be sent to the store should be in some form that can either be printed (and subsequently mailed), or simply sent via email to the specific store. The proccess is done as shown. Problem of the security As it is easily to shopping on the Internet, and is easily to hacked by the hackers in the Internet and the personal information of each customers will be stolen. Thus, to prevent this happen, security is needed. SECURITY of the system This system requires some form of a hierarchical security system which should consist of three categories. * Level one access should be for the Head Manager. The Head Manager should have access to everything in the system, and should be able to add new people to the system, and delete them when necessary. It should also be possible for the Head Manager to easily switch people between different security levels, and to add/delete departments as required. * Level two access should include privileges for Department Managers. These managers should have complete access to everything in their department, including the placing of orders and allocation of access for cashiers/stockers in their departments. However, they should not have access to any other department functions * Level three access is intended for cashiers/stockers. Basically they should be allowed to change the amount of stock in the current inventory, either through the selling of an item to a customer, or in the stocking of shelves with new inventory. In order to identify the power of the different manager in the system to increase the security. The table should contain the following items: * Worker ID * Worker Name * Working position * Power of the worker * Date of birth * Address * Phone number And then setup the table ass shown Data Item Description Data type Manager Id The Managers ID Number Manager name Manager name Text The working position working position of the manager Text Power Power of the worker in the system Text Date of Birth Birth of the worker Number address Address of the worker Text Phone number Phone number of the worker Number This table is used to input the data of each worker in the supermarket. It also identify the power of the worker in the system. It decides what the worker can see in the system. Work and power of the manager Managers also have the ability to cancel an order altogether, and to change the supplier. As new products hit the market, they should be able to add a new item to the database. Similarly, managers should be able to delete an item from the database in the case that it may not be selling, or is discontinued by the manufacturer Some mechanism allowing the manager to adjust the information contained in the database will be a beneficial tool. This mechanism should include among other things the ability to change the product point of order value, change the product maximum order value, transfer items between departments, and add and delete departments as necessary. Changing current inventory stock is a function that should be given to everyone in some form. For example, cashiers will automatically decrease the item count when a product is sold to a consumer. Stockers and/or managers will also need the ability to increase current stock count as new stock arrives. The order form should contain the default amount of stock to be ordered for each item, and should be able to be adjusted by the manager under special circumstances (such as a promo). When the manager gives his/her OK to the system, the system should send the order to the warehouse. If some product has been ordered, and it takes a while for that product to arrive, we do not want the same product ordered several days in a row. The system must contain some sort of list of items on order. As the items received come in, they should be taken off this list. The objectives of the proposed system are: * To make buying things an easier process. * To produce reports on overdue books. * To check which products are currently available in the supermarket. * For the staff to be able to obtain information of who has ordered a particular product. * To keep a record of customers and their details. * To be able to add, edit or deleted details concerning the customers * For each customer to have a unique id in case two people have the same name * For each product have a unique id * The system should only allow authorised people to the data. Problem of this system When using the Microsoft Access to setup the programme, it will take a long time to set up. As it needs to create a lot of tables, besides, each table is linked together and totally linked to the server to the internet. When linked to the internet,it is difficult to get a good domain name. Also, it is easily linked wrong. Solution of the problem To solve the problem * First, set up the system more carefully. * Try to buy a good Domain

Friday, September 20, 2019

Malaysias Relationship with the US

Malaysias Relationship with the US Case Study Tense ambivalence under Mahathir During Mahathir’s premiership (1981-2003), Malaysia enjoyed a cooperative relationship with the US was on economic and security front. Politically, however, there has been much tension between the two states. On the economic front, the US has been one of Malaysia’s most important trading partners. In Mahathir’s final year as prime minister, the volume of two-way trade amounted to US$34,352.5 million[1], with the balance of trade in Malaysia’s favour. Additionally, Malaysia has traditionally relied on US foreign investments, particularly during the former state’s rapid economic mobilisation from the 1970s to the end of the 1990s. Malaysia, a former colonial state which inherited a dwindling, natural resource-dependent economy from the British, achieved unprecedented rate of growth under Mahathir’s developmental plans. Malaysia’s economic development achieved its zenith in the 1990s, hailed by the World Bank as an `economic miracle’ in the developing world. During this course of development, the US played a pivotal role via its foreign investments. For instance, US investments in Malaysia tripled between 1990 and 2000, from US$1.5 billion to US$6 billion, of which 57% was in manufacturing, 21% in petroleum and natural resources, and 22% in services and related industries.[2] In terms of security, Malaysia under Mahathir has seen much cooperation with the US in matters of counter-terrorism. Malaysia had become a vital partner in combating terrorism due to Malaysia’s leadership role in the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) at a time when the region was dubbed the `second front’ in the war against terrorism due to links between its regional militant groups and Al-Qaeda.[3] Moreover, Malaysia’s status as a Muslim nation was crucial as the US was looking for a Muslim ally in Southeast Asia. As Malaysia practices moderate Islam, The US hoped that it could be a good example for other Muslim nations to follow. As such, both countries thought that this security partnership could improve relations between the United States and other Islamic nations, and could greatly help with America’s global fight against terrorism. Politically, however, Mahathir’s premiership was marked with bilateral tensions between Malaysia and the US. In 1990, Mahathir proposed the creation of an East Asia Economic Grouping (EAEG), a regional trading bloc similar to the European Union (EU) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In order for Mahathir’s proposal to seem less of a trade bloc and more of a forum for discussion, it was officially renamed by Asean as the East Asia Economic Caucus (EAEC) in 1991, at the Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting, before formally endorsing the EAEC in 1992 at its Fourth Asean Summit in Singapore. [4] However, tensions arose regarding the EAEC since membership was accorded only to East Asian countries, therefore excluding the United States and its political presence in the region. One of the biggest tensions between the two states arose during the 1997/98 Asian financial crisis. Specifically, there were disagreements over the causes of the crisis. US policymakers blamed it on the Asian economies’ structural deficiencies, underdeveloped financial systems, strong links between government and business, opaque business dealings, corruption, and cronyism. Mahathir, on the other hand, blamed it on international factors, namely international currency speculators and hedge funds.[5] There were also different views on how to respond to the crisis: Mahathir believed in currency and capital controls to jumpstart the Malaysian economy, whilst the US believed in reform proposals by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, which proposed reforms through fiscal restraints and the cutback of subsidies. Malaysia nevertheless instituted its currency and capital controls and while it did work for Malaysia, Mahathir was criticised by the US. [6] Bilateral relations were further tested in September 1998 when Mahathir dismissed Anwar Ibrahim, the deputy prime minister and finance minister, on charges of corruption and sexual misconduct. This was because, during the financial crisis and before the implementation of Mahathir’s currency controls, Anwar (in his capacity as the finance minister at the time) went against Mahathir by proposing contractionary financial policies which closely resembled the proposals set by the IMF. In November 1998, these tensions were exacerbated following comments by then US Vice-President Al Gore at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur, praising `the brave people of Malaysia’ for seeking reform.[7] Relations would then worsen when Anwar was sentenced to six years in prison for corruption in April 1999. US officials considered Anwar to be a political prisoner in this case as they considered the charges against Anwar to be trumped up. Unsurprisingly, when Anwar Ibrahim was sentenced in August 2000 to an additional nine years in jail for sodomy, a US State Department official stated that the US was `outraged by Anwar’s conviction’ and that the `co-operative relationship with Malaysia has been impeded by Malaysia’s poor record on human rights.’[8] As a result, an annual human rights report released by the State Department in February 2001, contained criticism of Malaysia’s handling of the Anwar case, citing political motivations and questioning the independence of the judiciary. Criticism was also directed to Malaysia’s use of its Internal Security Act (ISA), dubbed by the US as `draconian,’ since it allowed for detention without trial. For instance, the Malaysian government had used the ISA in July 2000 after it had prevented an arms heist by a militant group, Al-Ma’unah, which had links to Al-Qaeda terrorists. Additionally, the 9/11 attacks on New York’s World Trade Center and the US’s subsequent ‘War on Terror’ would further strain Malaysia-US relations. In March 2003, Mahathir vehemently condemned the US and the UK’s decision to go to war against Iraq. Bilateral tensions also arose over Mahathir’s anti-Jewish remarks at the summit of the Organization of Islamic Conference in Kuala Lumpur in October of the same year. Mahathir had said, ‘The Europeans killed six million Jews out of twelve million, but today the Jews rule the world by proxy. They get others to fight and die for them.’ The US State Department deemed these comments offensive and inflammatory, stating, ‘We view them with the contempt and derision they deserve.’[9] Moderation Under Abdullah Under the premiership of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (2004-2009), Malaysia-US relations saw a continuation of cooperation on economic and security fronts. Within the economic sphere, bilateral ties remained crucial. In 2004, Malaysia was America’s tenth largest trading partner, with more than US$39 billion a year in bilateral trade[10], whereas the US was Malaysia’s biggest single investor and the largest market for Malaysian exports.[11] That same year, Malaysia’s GDP grew by 6.8% its highest rate in four years.[12] Additionally, to deal with a budget deficit that spanned six years since 1998, Abdullah exercised fiscal restraint which included measures such as the postponement of costly projects. However, during Abdullah’s Prime Ministership, the ringgit peg of RM$3.8 to the US dollar was removed in July 2005 – seen as a move to make Malaysia more independent and self-reliant vis-à  -vis the US. This measure of currency control had been in place for nearly seven years, as part of Mahathir’s currency controls to stem capital flight and speculative attacks during the 1997/98 Asian Financial Crisis. The peg was removed after Malaysia became more concerned about the state of the US economy at the time and the instability of the US dollar. Moreover, it was also because the government felt assured enough to make the change due to its own economic growth. Malaysia’s cooperation in the realms of security also continued under Abdullah. A marked difference under Abdullah was Malaysia’s enhanced international position, strengthening Malaysia’s role as a partner to the US. For instance, from October 2003 to March 2008, Malaysia served as Chair of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), the largest federation of Muslim nations.[13] This made Malaysia a key partner in the Muslim world at a time when the US was particularly concerned about the terrorist threat in many Muslim states and valued having a strong Muslim ally in the region. Abdullah held increased stature as a Muslim leader in his role as the OIC Chair leader and was able to express the OIC’s views on the Israel-Palestinian conflict. For instance, he stressed the need for peace brokers to be fair and unbiased to both sides and for Palestinians to present a united front by finding ways to end their internal divisions. In recognition of his enhanced position, Abdullah was featured on the cover of Newsweek magazine’s December 2004 and was hailed as a leader who forged a moderate brand of Islam and who was capable of mending the divide instigated by radical Muslim movements in the region.[14] Thus, Malaysia’s role as a security partner of the US was solidified over this period. Tensions on the political front, on the other hand, continued under Abdullah, albeit there was not as much hostility and confrontation as it was under Mahathir. Malaysian opposition to US policy included condemnation of Israel, a country that Malaysia does not share a diplomatic relationship with. When Israel invaded Lebanon in 2006, Abdullah and his Foreign Minister urged the US to push for an immediate ceasefire while UMNO Youth held an anti-Israel protest. Another change under Abdullah Badawi was that he removed a predominant strain in Malaysia-US relations since 1998 — the Anwar Ibrahim issue. After the ruling National Front coalition won a landslide victory in the 2004 national elections, Abdullah – confident of his position and not wanting to remain in Mahathir’s shadow – was emboldened to go against his predecessor’s wishes about freeing Anwar. Hence, in September 2004, Malaysia’s highest court reversed Anwar’s convictions of sexual misconduct and freed him after nearly six years in jail. However, tensions on this matter resumed in June 2008. This time, there was criticism by the US over allegations that Anwar had sodomised one of his male aides. By then, Anwar was no longer barred from entering politics and he had won re-election in a by-election in August 2008, allowing him to return to Parliament as the opposition leader. The US government maintained their stance on the issue, bel ieving that the sodomy charges were politically motivated – especially as they appeared so soon after Anwar’s gains in the March 2008 general elections. With Anwar’s comeback in Malaysian politics coinciding with the National Front’s substantial losses in the March 2008 general elections, Abdullah faced mounted criticism from within his own party – especially after the party lost its hold over five states and its two-thirds majority in parliament. Abdullah’s predecessor, Mahathir, was particularly critical as he had started finding fault with Abdullah long before the general elections. Hence, calls for Abdullah to step down escalated, from both within the National Front and from opposition parties. At first, Abdullah said that he would do so in 2010 but brought the date forward to early April 2009 after facing surmounting pressure from within his party. To summarise Malaysia-US relations under Mahathir, there has been a continuation, if not an increase, in cooperation on economic and security fronts. Although there were lingering political issues between the two (such as the Anwar Ibrahim issue and conflicts in the Middle East) a marked change in the US-Malaysia relationship was Abdullah’s different brand of leadership. While Mahathir was blunt, confrontational, and often anti-West in his rhetoric, Abdullah was mainly calm and diplomatic – allowing for a more amiable relationship. The US welcomed this change. As a secret US Embassy cable unveiled by Wikileaks, revealed: ‘Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is a breath of fresh air after the long serving and ituperative Mahathir Mohamad, who retired in late 2003.’ The cable also added that Abdullah was ‘publicly committed to fighting corruption and reining in costly mega-projects, though his government’s follow-through has been disappointing.â€℠¢[15] Pragmatism under Najib Since assuming the Prime Ministership in 2009, Najib Abdul Razak’s policy has been implemented in a broader and more sensible way, with marked improvement in Malaysia-US relations within the spheres of economy, security, and politics. On the economic front, the Najib government has made efforts to increase bilateral trade and investment flows. During a week-long working visit to New York in April 2010 for a Nuclear Security Summit hosted by Obama, Najib had his first ever meeting with the US president on the side-lines of the summit. He also held discussions with key officials of the administration in Washington, and met with American business leaders to promote his newly-launched New Economic Model (NEM).[16] Najib returned to the city on 17 May 2011 to attend the New York Invest Malaysia 2011 held at the New York Stock Exchange, before returning on 20 May 2012 to meet with business leaders of various Fortune 500 companies at the prestigious Harvard Club.[17] This is largely a continuation of the amicable economic relationship between Malaysia and the US as the United States has consistently been an important economic partner for decades and has been Malaysia’s largest foreign direct investor. In 2011, even though America was experiencing slower growth, it remained Malaysia’s top foreign investor. [18] Hence, bilateral trade was robust, with total trade between the two countries totalling to US$33.68 billion in 2009, before increasing to US$39.98 billion in 2010 and US$39.99 billion in 2011.[19] On the security dimension, the Najib administration has pursued a deepening of Malaysia’s military partnership with the United States. For instance, Malaysia upgraded its participation in the Cobra Gold multilateral military exercises[20] from an observer to a participant. Malaysia’s Defence Minister Zahid Hamidi commented in June 2010: â€Å"As a participant of the exercise, Malaysia can obtain valuable experience on defence strategy, technology, training and operating sophisticated equipment.†[21] In February 2011, Malaysia was involved in the Cobra Gold as a participant for the first time in February 2011. However, the starkest changes in Malaysia-US relations have been political. Soon after assuming his post in 2009, Najib articulated his resolve to enhance Malaysia-U.S. relations. In June 2009, approximately two months after taking office, Najib took the opportunity to offer an olive branch when he responded positively to Obama’s speech in Cairo, where the new president discussed ‘new beginnings’ between the US and Muslims all over the world. Recognising the U.S. leader’s reference to Malaysia as among the ‘progressive and developed Muslim nations’, Najib praised the US president’s for reaching out to Muslims and offered to assist his administration in forging better ties with the Muslim world.[22] Additionally, a closing of these political ties has resulted in more regular visits by leaders and key officials of Malayia and the US. In September 2010, Najib and Obama met again at the second ASEAN-U.S. meeting during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. On 2 November of the same year, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited Malaysia for three days in an official visit – a significant milestone as it marked the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state to Malaysia since Warren Christopher in 1995. Clinton’s maiden trip was followed up by the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defence Robert Gates on 9th November 2010.[23] The frequency of high-level exchanges and meetings was maintained up by both sides the following year, witnessing a number of visits by senior US officials to Malaysia, including the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Robert Willard in June 2011, and the Deputy Secretary of State William Burns in December 2011. At a roundtable in Kualal Lumpur organised by the Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Burns defined America’s relationship with Malaysia as a vital part of U.S. strategy to engage the Asia-Pacific, remarking: â€Å"For decades, this relationship did not realise its potential. We all too often found ourselves on different sides of geopolitical fault lines, and at times, in the past, have struggled to rise above mistrust. And yet today, this relationship has become one of America’s most promising in all of Southeast Asia.†[24] In summary, it is evident that Malaysia’s policy towards America has undergone considerable changes since Najib assumed the Prime Ministership in 2009. Whereas Mahathir often adopted a rhetorically confrontational and politically controversial approach towards the US, Najib’s policy is centred on increased cooperation and more pragmatism. [1] The Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1990-2011 (Washington D.C.: U.S. Census Bureau) [2] Sodhy, P. (2012). [3] Gershman, J. (2002) ‘Is Southeast Asia the Second Front?’ Foreign Affairs, 81:4. [4] Sodhy, P. (1998) ‘The East Asia Economic Caucus (EAEC) Controversy in ASEAN-US Relations,’ Western Pacific Journal, 4. [5] Ping, L.P. Tham S. W. (2007) ‘Malaysia Ten Years After the Asian Financial Crisis’, Asian Survey, 47:6, University of California Press. [6] Jayasankaran, S. (2002) ‘Malaysia Turns Around,’ Far Eastern Economic Review. [7] Sodhy, P. (2012). [8] Ibid [9] Sipress, A. (2003) ‘Malaysians Calls on Muslims to Resist Jewish Influence’, The Washington Post, 17th October, A21. [10] The Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1990-2011 (Washington D.C.: U.S. Census Bureau). [11] Sodhy, P. (2012). [12] UN Data (2014) [13] Sodhy,P.(2012) [14] ibid [15] http://www.malaysia-today.net/us-viewed-pak-lahs-reform-a-failure/ [16] Samad N. (2010), ‘Najib set for talks with Obama,’ New Straits Times, 11th April 2010, p.12. [17] http://www.1malaysia.com.my/en/speeches/new-york-invest-malaysia-2011/ [18] Damodaran, R. (2011) ‘U.S. investment trend in Malaysia to remain strong,’ New Straits Times, 23rd August 2011, p. B4. [19] The Statistical Abstract of the United States, 1990-2011 (Washington D.C.: U.S. Census Bureau). [20] A command post exercise aimed at cooperation in building regional readiness for future missions. [21]David A. (2010) ‘Lifeline for our Nuri copters,’ New Straits Times, 4th June 2010, p.15. [22] Kuik, C.C. (2012) ‘Malaysia’s U.S. Policy under Naib: Ambivalence No More?’ RSIS Working Papers, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies Singapore. [23] ibid [24]http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/texttrans/2011/12/20111215111225su0.7890393.html#axzz25xvpdcp8

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Consumer Behavior Essay -- Psychology, Freud

This essay is based on an analysis of research observations which took place at a Supermarket in Bradford. The aim of the exercise was to observe the behaviour of consumers while shopping in order to theorise and draw conclusions from our observations about consumer buying behaviour when shopping. As a means of interpreting and analysing the data we used the psychoanalytical perspective of Freud, pester power and independent and interdependent self concept. These concepts particularly lend themselves to the interpretation of the data. This essay begins by defining these key concepts before offering an analysis data the research data. Freudian personality theory is otherwise known as the psychoanalytic theory and it is often used by marketers to influence the purchasing decisions of customers in an unconscious way (Bettany, 2011 and Solomon, 2011). The theory is composed of three categories namely the id, the superego and the ego. The id according to Freud is part of our unconscious being as it functions with regards to the pleasure principle; the pleasure is applicable to the id as it seeks immediate gratification of needs (Bettany, 2011 and Solomon, 2011). Hoch and Loewestein (1991:498) claim that the id is the â€Å"primary process of thinking† that is impulsive, stingy and illogical whose aim is to seek pleasure only, avoid pain and not at all worried about the consequences of its actions (Solomon, 2011). Similarly, Hoch and Loewestein (1991:498) note that the ego is â€Å"secondary process thinking† that uses the reality principle and acts as a mediator between the id and the superego. Next is t he ego which is aware of the consequences of an action and when it is unable to manage the action a conflict between the id and the superego r... ...mption. In conclusion, we found that at times of recession supermarket need to place emphasis on satisfying consumer needs otherwise they could change suppliers. Therefore it is important to better understand consumer’s lifestyles, and choice criteria. This would include the selection of suitable media and designing suitable consumer messages. One area of further research could be to what extent consumers remain loyal to specific brands in time of economic recession. We believe that shopping could be more of a pleasure for children if playing facilities were provided. This might encourage parents to spend longer shopping and by implication buy more. One weakness of the observation in our view was the fact that we depended solely on the observation it would have been more useful to double-check our analysis with the consumers being observed.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

explication of cummings poem since feeling is first Essay -- since fe

explication of e. e. cummings' poem since feeling is first      Ã‚  Ã‚   e. e. cummings' "since feeling is first" is about feeling (802).   This is immediately evident from the title and first line, which emphasize the word "feeling" in several different ways.   The stresses on "feel-" and "first," as well as the alliteration between those two words, make explicit their connection and importance, and the repetition of the same line in both title and first line serves to enhance the effect.      Ã‚  Ã‚   The meaning of the first line is clear, but because of cummings' characteristic absence of punctuation and capitalization as well as sentence structure, the next few lines are more ambiguous.   The first three lines together could be paraphrased as, "Because feeling comes first, who cares about the rules?"   Feeling is first in order of importance, and the rest does not matter.   "Who pays attention" is a rhetorical question meaning that no one pays any attention.   However, the ambiguousness of sentence structure means that the last two lines of the first stanza, "the syntax of things / will never wholly kiss you," can also be read together.   Linked together in such a way, this clause means that structure, such as grammar, is not engaging; it does not seize the imagination or emotions the way feeling does.      Ã‚  Ã‚   This thought is continued in the next stanza, with the repeated word "wholly" linking back to the previous line.   Spring is a time of year known for giddy foolishness, and cummings plays off this idea.   The use of the word "fool" implies that there is a lack of intelligence, therefore that intelligence is important; however, in the next stanza, the speaker lets go of intellect entirely, declaring, "kisses are a better fa... ...Even though during the height of life we may be able to do whatever we want, eventually we will have to follow the rules, so we should make the most of it while we still can.   Because it uses the threat of death to urge the addressee to hurry up and live life to the fullest, especially through love, e. e. cummings' "since feeling is first" is essentially a carpe diem poem.    Works Cited cummings, e. e.   "since feeling is first."   The Norton Anthology of Poetry.   Ed. Margaret Ferguson et al.   5th ed., shorter.   New York: W. W. Norton, 1997.    Professor's Comments: Very well done indeed.   Two thoughts: 1) you might emphasize the paradox involved--even in trying to throw out "syntax," he can't get away from its terms and metaphors; 2) maybe try to get a bit of a smile into your own tone--a touch of wit to match his. But as a whole, fine work.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Invisible Man Essay: Invisible Man and the Pre-Made Identity

Invisible Man and the Pre-Made Identity    Society forms definitions, or stereotypes, of people according to the color of their skin, their economic status, or where they live. Stereotypes define how society believes these people should act and how they should be treated. These stereotypes are, in effect, a pre-made identity. There are three options an individual must face when presented with this pre-made identity. The individual can accept this identity as his/her own. This would maximize the individuals acceptance into society, but at a considerable price. The individual would lose power, become exploitable, suppress and consequently lose his/her own "true identity," and then would become one of many faces in the crowd. The "true identity" would be stifled and strangled under the one imposed by society. Anger, frustration , and confusion would occupy the mind of the individual. The individual could reject this identity outright and could circumvent the accumulation of this anger and confusion, but not without consequences. This person may be branded a heretic and be rejected by society. They would lose their agency and legitimacy in the society and would lose any hopes of bringing about any change. The third option entails living a lie. On the surface the individual would embrace society's identity, bu t keep their true self hidden within. This option would allow the person to retain their agency in the society and their individuality. However, like the other two options, there exists a downside. The person would constantly have to put on the mask a particular community wants him/her to wear in order to conform to that community's ideals. It then becomes almost impossible for anyone to get to know the real person, hid... ...come invisible.      Works Cited and Consulted Bellow, Saul. "Man Underground" Review of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man. Commentary. June 1952. 1st December 2001 Available: http://www.english.upeen.edu/~afilreis /50s/bellow-on-ellison.html Ellison, Ralph. Going to the Territory. New York: Random House, 1986. Fabre, Michel. "In Ralph Ellison's Precious Words." Unpublished Manuscript. 1996. 30 November. <http://www.igc.org/dissent/archive/ Ellison/early.html Howe, Irving. "Review of: Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man" Pub. The Nation. 10 May 1952. 30 November 1999. <http://www.english.upenn.edu/~afilreis/50s/howe-on-ellison.html. O'Meally, Robert. The Craft of Ralph Ellison. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1980. O'Meally, Robert, ed. New Essays on Invisible Man. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1988.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Narrative on `The Dream of the Rood`

As the first known â€Å"dream poem† in English literature, â€Å"The Dream of the Rood† has stood as one of the most celebrated and profound works in verse around the world. Along with a penetrating, mystical vision of Christian spirituality and illuminating Biblical allusion, the poem offers a diverse and inspired form and diction to match its powerful theme and images. â€Å"The Dream of the Rood is best understood as an imaginative re-enactment of a private penitential experience[†¦] This critically acclaimed, dramatic Old English poem is the first dream-vision in English, and its most enduring features are a startling use of language, powerful prosopopoeia, and striking imagery.† (Butcher) Along with religious imagery which overtly signals the spiritual and penitential themes of the poem, â€Å"The Dream of the rood† extends truly original diction and meter to propel its impact. The basic â€Å"story† of the poem may have been drawn from earlier sources, poems which utilized the same theme: â€Å"an older poem describing the crucifixion of Jesus which may possibly have been written by Caedmon or one of his school, and which Cynewulf took up and worked at in his own fashion, adding to it where and how he pleased, and changing its mode of presentation — making it, for instance into a dream, and adding the personification of the Tree. (Brooke 438) Using the theme of   Christ’s crucifixion allowed the poet to soar into inventiuve language and word-choice, to establish poetry which addressed the spiritual and religious impulses of the Anglo Saxon world: â€Å"More explicitly in what is perhaps the most famous of the Anglo-Saxon Christian poems, The Dream of the Rood, the poet represents the Crucifixion as a physically active and heroic act.† (Crafton 214) This basic story is both straightforward and mystical: â€Å"the speaker tells of his swefna cyst, best of dreams, in which he sees the cross of the crucifixion, alter nately bejeweled and bloody, in the sky. The cross then speaks, giving its own first person account of the Passion of Christ, and encouraging the dreamer to spread the message of the cross to his contemporaries.† (Dockray-Miller)  Ã‚   In order to capture the luminous and exalted feeling of inspiration and religious intoxication which permeate the poem, the poet engaged in the use of language which is both striking and deeply connotative. In generating the â€Å"narrative† of the poem, the poet resorted to the use of gender-charged or gender-specific language, to â€Å"personify† and attribute qualitites to  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   the elements of the poem which would enable its message to emerge powerfully.†Particularly concerned with how language could be used to signal a status of power, the poet of â€Å"The Dream of the Rood† used masculine- and feminine-coded language to signal a change in the status of power-figures.†Ã‚   (Hawkins) Evidence of controlled and inspired diction is obvious from the poem’s opening lines: â€Å"the poet announces he will recount the â€Å"swefna cyst,† or ’best of dreams,’ the first-time reader thinks nothing of the phrase except that it signifies excellence in dreaming, perhaps; however, on second and third passes through the poem, the reader becomes aware that this diction deserves close scrutiny[†¦] the poet is establishing that both his narrator’s dream and the tree in that dream are the â€Å"best†; that is to say, they are ultimate truth.†Ã‚   (Butcher). Likewise, the tree, described first in the poem’s fourth line as â€Å"â€Å"syllicre tr?eow’, an absolute use of the comparative â€Å"syllicre,† meaning â€Å"a tree more marvelous [than any other tree].† Syllic is a variation of the adjective seldlic, from which our seldom comes. Thus, â€Å"syllicre tr?eow† can also be translated â€Å"rarest tree.† Immediately, the poet has established the exceptional nature of his subject.† (Butcher). Works Cited Brooke, Stopford A. The History of Early English Literature: Being the History of English Poetry from Its Beginnings to the Accession of King Aelfred. New York: Macmillan, 1892. Crafton, John Michael. â€Å"11 Epic and Heroic Poetry.† A Companion to Old and Middle English Literature. Ed. Laura Cooner Lambdin and Robert Thomas Lambdin. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2002. 210-229. Dockray-Miller, Mary. â€Å"The Feminized Cross of ‘The Dream of the Rood.'.† Philological Quarterly 76.1 (1997): 1+. Hawkins, Emma B. â€Å"Gender, Language and Power in â€Å"The Dream of the Rood†.† Women and Language 18.2 (1995): 33+. Butcher, Carmen Acevedo. The Dream of the Rood and Its Unique, Penitential Language 1+ www.carmenbutcher.com 2-5-07.            

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Gabriel Oak Essay

Thomas Hardy wrote the characters of Bathsheba Everdene and Fanny Robin with specific attributes and details. Both women have similarities and differences that either directly influence each other or other characters. The Victorian class system in the 1870’s (which is where Far from the Madding crowd is based) had four distinct classes. Two of those were the upper working class and the lower [working class]. Bathsheba would have probably become upper working or middle, when she inherited the farm. We can see that Bathsheba regards herself as being higher up in the social order, from the first time we see her in the book, by the way she treats Gabriel Oak. (QUOTE (Gabriel Oak giving her money for the gate). ) This expresses her individuality and the way she respects those in a lower class to her, or those she wishes to impress her social stature on. The nobility in the 1870’s didn’t mix with those lower than them, although they did have responsibility for their workers. For instance, when Fanny Robin goes missing, Bathsheba is worried and concerned about her whereabouts. (QUOTE. Bathsheba asking everyone to keep an eye out for Fanny). Bathsheba has dark hair and bold clothes which represents her personality. As she highlights herself as bold and dark throughout the book (QUOTE). This is in stark contrast to Fanny Robin, who has yellow hair and (QUOTE to describe her appearance). This attire is that of a poor woman and shows that she, aswell as not being able to afford rich clothing, does not have as much esteem as Bathsheba. I think Hardy makes this contrast to show the difference in class and the fact that women are not all the same. (As many men assumed in the 1870’s) A strong contrast between Bathsheba and Fanny is highlighted at the beginning of the book. As there is a social hierarchy between the mistress (Bathsheba) and the maid (Fanny) in all households. Bathsheba and Fanny both worked hard for a living. They were both pushed into situations where they were fighting in the wrong class and the wrong sex. For instance Bathsheba inherited a farm and money and had to purport herself as a man at the farmers market. (QUOTE of Bathsheba being at the market) Fanny Robin saw herself becoming the wife of an officer therefore moving herself up in the hierarchy. The Victorian Farming industry was male dominated and therefore Bathsheba was entering a traditionally male world. This allowed her to develop her character from an â€Å"unpractised girl of Norcombe† to a â€Å"supervising and cool woman†. This was noted by Gabriel Oak, who throughout the book acts as another pair of eyes, through which we can see Bathsheba. He speaks of her truthfully and helps the audience understand her and what she is doing. Bathsheba takes on the farming duties because she doesn’t want yo fail and is constantly trying to impress herself. Whereas Fanny seems to be desperate just to survive. She was â€Å"picking up a living of seampstering†. By saying â€Å"picking up† I feel that Hardy is trying to express her need to simply get by. Also in the time that this book was written, seampstering was known to be a tough trade, which was very poorly paid, and not a line of work to take up unless it was the last resort. Fanny’s actions contrast Bathsheba’s will, not to survive, but to impress. I don’t think Bathsheba would have allowed herself to be in such a position to have to take up seampstering, as she had too much pride and many more resources socially. Fanny Robin fits into the 1870’s conventions a great deal better than Bathsheba does. I think that this can be related to their childhood and parentage. Convention in the 1870’s was very much about women being seen and not heard. It was frowned upon for a woman to converse with strange men. Bathsheba broke this rule as soon as she met sergeant Troy, as she spoke to him and interacted instead of quickly leaving after she was untangled. (QUOTE. Bathsheba meeting Troy and flirting). A woman should always have used a soft voice. Fanny Robin was portrayed as a very quiet woman, and many of the local townsfolk described her as (QUOTE. Her quietness). Bathsheba, however, was very vocal and was able to take charge. For instance, when she took over duties as the bailiff. A woman was never expected to ask anything of a man in the 1870’s. Neither Fanny nor Bathsheba fitted this rule totally. In some respects Fanny did, she was very grateful to Gabriel for his help, and wrote a letter of thanks to him (QUOTE. Fanny’s letter). In other situations Fanny was not as respectable, for instance, she pushed Troy until he finally set a date for their wedding, instead of waiting for him to make his choice. Bathsheba also defies convention when she doesn’t thank Gabriel for paying her toll. This shows that she expects Gabriel to do it anyway, and considers herself higher than him. A woman was not to get onto a carriage or a horse. (QUOTE. Of Bathsheba riding horse alone). When Bathsheba rides alone and is, unbeknown to her, seen by Gabriel, she defies all convention. Even if she was alone, a normal Victorian woman would never take the same actions as Bathsheba. Fanny fits almost all convention, and is submissive to men. She would have been a model Victorian woman. This is in contrast to Bathsheba who simply had too much character to be a Victorian woman. For instance she travelled all the way to Bath, on her own, to find Troy. Which in the 1870’s would have been unheard of. Bathsheba’s parents were not typical of the Victorian era. The father himself was (QUOTE. To describe Bathsheba’s father. ) He had to pretend that he was single so that he didn’t have commit adultery to his wife. From this open and modern family, Bathsheba couldn’t have been expected to be typical and average. From her parentage she is bold and probably taught not to â€Å"fit in†. Fanny Robin, however, was looked after financially by Boldwood. She was very much closed as a child. The simple fact that she didn’t have a strong upbringing implies that she may not have a strong life, or character. The two women’s views on marriage are possibly one of the strongest difference’s between their characters. Bathsheba is quoted to have said â€Å"I hate to be thought men’s property in that way† when Gabriel asks her to marry him. This reflects her individuality and a slight insecurity about being tied down with another man. Perhaps because she doesn’t know what is round the next corner, and doesn’t want to have to be with her husband forever. Fanny Robin was very keen to marry Troy and when she finally had her date set she wrote a letter to Gabriel Oak saying â€Å"I am happy to say I am going to be married†¦ † This simple sentence shows the little girl inside Fanny. (That is shown many times during the book). This also shows another contrast between Bathsheba and Fanny. Bathsheba appears to be very much more mature than Fanny. For instance she doesn’t like to cry (QUOTE. Bathsheba holding back tears). The rustic characters in Far from the Madding crowd act as narrators throughout the book. They are the comic relief for the audience, and contrast the other characters by having a â€Å"common† view on people like Bathsheba and her family. The other characters such as Liddy, Bathsheba’s maid, see her as â€Å"almighty womanish†.

Saving Energy

As globalization makes the world become smaller, it becomes increasingly easy to see how the lives of people everywhere especially on our OU’s campus synced up with one another. The truth is that every single thing we do every day has an impact on the planet—good or bad. The good news is that as an individual you have the power to control most of your choices and therefore, the impact you create: from where you live to what you buy, eat and use to light your dorm/apartment, to where and how you travel to classes. Today when something is broken, or worn out, it is thrown away.Recycling conserves our natural resources, saves landfills space, conserves energy and reduces water pollution, air pollution and the green house gases emissions that cause global warming. Many may not understand the real benefits of recycling, four things are most important when it comes to recycling including Saving Energy, Reducing Pollution, Saving Natural Resources, and Saving Space. On our col lege campus, there is almost endless variety of programs, weather academic or administrative, that require information to be collected and stored on a regular basis.These can include admission or job application request and RSVP’S for training events, among others. While all these forms are being used, do people have in mind how many trees they are using and how they can give back to the environment and to the university by daily recycling. There are many ways of recycling and going green on campus. By the end of this paper you’re going to want to live green and recycle for the cost of the earth and you’re on campus environment.Saving Energy is one of the major concerns here on Oakland University campus. After doing some intense research I came to find out that OU’s campus spends over six million dollar a year on heating, cooling, and electricity. Many times students take living on campus for granted and don’t realize how expensive things are, beca use they don’t have a direct electricity bill. So when you’re in your dorm and leave the television, the light, and your cell phone plugged in you wasting electricity which is causing harm to your campus.One way of saving energy is to simple cut off your laptop, and when you’re not using your phone charger, television, toaster, microwave, and so forth just unplug the appliances and keep in mind it’s for your campus, earth, and not to mention your pockets; when it comes to tuition payments. Another way of saving energy is compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use about seventy five percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. I would recommend that Oakland University adopts saving energy through lighting every dorm, apartment, bathroom, and hallway with compact fluorescent light bulbs.Reducing pollution is the second issue that needs to be addressed on OU’s campus. People go on their everyday daily routine wit hout noticing the environment surround them. I must say Oakland University campus is very clean but there are some underground pollutants that you just don’t see walking to class. However, there are diffidently some changes that can be made by everyone to even better our OU’s community. In order for this school to reduce or eliminate the amount of pollutant and waste it generates, an attitude of â€Å"less is better† should be adopted.All students, teachers, administrative staff, and janitors must ask themselves â€Å"Is there a different way to do this that generates less waste or uses safer materials? † This is the part of recycling that is fun and for everyone to take apart in. First, dispose of all litter in trash cans so that the litter does not get washed into near-by storm sewers. Next, use recycle products on campus as much as possible, such as paper and other environment-friendly products. Water based paints, and non toxic floor and desk cleaner would be good idea to bring forward to the janitor.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Model of Filipino Values Essay

Philosophical basis Filipino values are for the most part centered at maintaining social harmony motivated primarily by the desire to be accepted w/in the group the main sanctions against the diverging from these values are the concept of ‘hiya’ roughly translated as a sense of shame and ‘amor propio’ or self esteem. Social approval acceptance by a group and belonging to a group are major concerns. Caring about what others will think say or do are strong influences on social behavior among Filipinos. According to the anthropologists LEONARDO MERCADO the Filipino worldview is basically nondualistic.based on his linguistic analysis of Filipino value terms like loob (Cebuano buot ),he includes that Filipinos desire harmony not only in interpersonal relationships but also with nature and religion while still remaining nondichotomous. Joenalyn & mayeth Models of the Filipino values F.landa jocano identified two models of the Filipino value system.the first is the exogenous model or the foreign model,while the second is the indigenous model of the traditional model .the foreign model is described to be a â€Å"legal and formal†model while the indigenous model is described as a â€Å"traditional and non formal’model or guide but is deeply embedded in the subconscious of the Filipinos.the foreign model was inherited by Filipinos from western cultures,particularly from the Spaniards and the Americans. Lovely, Amancia, & HANNAH ELEMENTS AND COMPOSITION Based on studies ,surveys opinions,anecdotes and other literature made by experts and researchers in relation to Filipino social values or Filipino core values along with the Filipino character or Filipino identity of a person or an individual known as the Filipino,the Filipino value system are found to possess inherent key elements,among them are optimism about the future pessimism with regards to present situation and events the concern and care for other people the existence of friendship and friendliness the habit of being hospitable religious nature respectfulness to self and others respect for the female members of society the fear of god and abhorrence of acts of cheating and thievery.the core values of Filipinos specially upholds the following items;solidarity of the family units security of the Philippine economy orientation to small groups personalism the concepts of†loob†or†kalooban†(meaning â€Å"whats inside the self†the inner self†or the â€Å"actual personal feelings of the self),the existence and maintenance of smooth interpersonal relationships and the feelings or needs of others (known as pakiramdam).in a larger picture,these values are grouped into general clusters or†macroclusters†namely,the relationship cluster the social cluster the livelihood cluster the inwardness cluster and the optimism cluster.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 5

Management - Essay Example And, of course, they have an advantage in that they are known for offering the lowest prices around. Although a very successful corporation, Walmart does have some weaknesses and challenges. One weakness is that because they have expanded into so many different areas they may lose out to competitors who are more narrowly focused and specialized. They also only have a presence in relatively few countries in addition to the U.S. Yet the fact that Walmart doesn’t have a dominant presence in other countries means that the opportunity to obtain a larger presence in these countries still exists. So even though Walmart is large, there are still opportunities for expansion. One threat to Walmart is that being number one means that you always have a target on your back, so to speak. There will always be competition and price wars with Walmart both locally and globally. Amazon.com, for example, poses a threat to Walmart because they are known for having the lowest prices around as well. Also, the gap that Walmart used to have on low-cost manufacturing is closing and other stores are now able to manufacture for less as well (Marketingteacher.com, 2010). After researching these sources the best strategy for Walmart in the future is to continue to be the low-cost and low-price leader and continue to expand globally. They should also continue to form strategic alliances locally and internationally as they have done so with companies like Stanley Works and America Online (Walmart,

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Reference Comparison Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Reference Comparison Paper - Essay Example Therefore it needs to integrate the ecological factors into the management principles to ensure minimal impact on the environment and related attributes. (Mangers, 1994) Contrary to other types of supply chains ,the green supply chain is designed to ensure that maximum sustainability of all the inputs and outputs are ensured and that the necessary steps are taken by the companies involved to ensure that minimal energy goes to waste at any level of the process green supply chain also puts into consideration the need for absolute recycling and re use .therefore this approach of supply ensures that there is minimal accumulation of waste and maximum sustainability of the resources used. (Forest, 1993) Cooperates therefore have had dynamic response and measures geared towards sustainable running of their entities. Measures have been implemented specifically for the tackling of issues related to rising material prices, environmental degradation and the increasing challenges related to the global supply chains. The relationships between the green supply chains and the conventional supply chains have proved that the green supply chains provide and give better business gains in relation to the conventional supply chains. The sustainability of the green supply chains across the globe is of better economic significance. The in-cooperation of the green supply chain ideologies and principles has recently ensured that the organizations develop sustainable ideologies that sustain them despite the harsh economic and resource deprivation of the current enterprising economy. (Gravey, 1994) Scientific reports and findings have recently indicated that global warming and environmental degradation is happening at a faster rate than the world expected. The changes as a result of this global phenomenon are quite drastic and happening at a faster rate and a greater magnitude than the world initially thought and anticipated. Therefore with the occurrence of all this resource related hap penings the world need to develop activities and mechanisms to ensure that all these issues are tackled professionally and the development activities therein become sustainable and environmental friendly causing minimal depletion of the non renewable resource bases. (Haynes, 1997) The green companies not only become sustainable to comply with the legislations and regulations of the relevant environmental management authorities or are they attempting to satisfy and meet the demands put upon them by the customers but most of this companies have a self drive to go green and support sustainable and environmental friendly supply chains ensuring that the natural resources are used in sustainable and clean development approaches. (Ake, 1995) The supply chains comprise of the purchase sector and the inbound logistics and this has the role of achieving and acquiring of products to the company for purposes of providing the raw materials for production. The related activities therefore can hav e significant effects on the environment and its related protection and conservation. Some of the activities related to this are issues like outsourcing, selection of the use materials and the choosing of the vendors. This might have significant impacts on the health and

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Cultural Diversity in the Nursing Profession Essay

Cultural Diversity in the Nursing Profession - Essay Example There has been in fact a rising practice of what has been termed as "medical tourism" because of the rise in number of people getting more health conscious, seeking alternative ways of improving one's health. The American Nursing Association (ANA) recognizes the vital role knowledge on cultural diversity plays at all levels of nursing practice. When dealing with patients, nurses involve themselves in an interaction of 3 cultural systems: (1) the culture of the nurse; (2) the culture of the client; (3) the culture of the setting. This happens because the nursing profession has gone global, involving health care delivery by people of varied nationality and various cultures (ANA, 1991). With the growing global population composed of multi-cultural oriented people, an ethnocentric approach to nursing practice is no longer advisable. Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior to all others. This belief is common to all cultural groups; all groups regard their own culture as not only the best but also the correct, moral, and only way of life (ANA, 1991). Thus, it is important for nurses to understand various cultures as part of their training. ... e 2008 Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life survey on religious landscape of the United States shows that religious affiliation of the people in the US "are very diverse and fluid" (Pew Forum, 2008). This has significant implication on the nursing profession with religion as a vital component of culture. There are various religious groups around the world. Of particular interest is the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in the Philippines which comprise almost 3% of the total population (NSO, 1990). Founded in 1914 by Felix Manalo, INC considers itself the "true" Filipino church (Harper, 2001). Among the doctrines it preaches to its members are: (a) there is only one God (as opposed to Christianity's Trinitarian view) and that Jesus Christ is a created being; (b) salvation is dependent on church membership, baptism and works; (c) its founder, Felix Manalo, is regarded as the "angel from the East" (mentioned in Revelation 7) sent by God bringing the final message. From only four ministers and 12 disciples when it was founded on the eve of the World War I, membership grew steadily and by the 1950s, the church was recruiting from 10,000 to 15,000 converts a year. The 1990 Census of Population and Housing places the number of Iglesia members at 1.4 million, three times more than its membership in 1970 (Mangahas, 2002). The INC has members among overseas Filipinos as well and says it has churches in 66 countries, including 39 in the United States, 23 in Asia, 15 in Europe, 11 in Australia and Oceania, and eight in Africa (Mangahas and Olarte, 2002). Over the years, the INC's business interests have grown. A search at the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission showed that INC leaders are incorporators and board directors in companies engaged in education; medical care,

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

The theory of endogenous money Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The theory of endogenous money - Essay Example endogenous money theory based its arguments on classical economics, it proved a constructive attempt for providing alternative theoretical framework for dealing with unsatisfactory IS/LM model. As of now, policy makers are receiving utterly contrasting advice from economists concerning how to surmount the prolonged financial sprawl in the USA and Europe: a number of them propose austerity while others advocate for deficit spending. With this regard, this paper will seek to assess the arguments and the probable impact of both policy extremes in the light of the theory of endogenous money. Fiscal austerity as well as fiscal stimulus brings about numerous impacts on the economy of a country, depending on the level or degree in which they carry out the redistribution of income to both the low and high earners. After the 2007/2008 economic slump, many nations continued to struggle with the view of reducing government debt levels. However, as time went by, it came to a point where the US and Europe’s governments accepted that they faced great level of government debts and as such, they ought to increase their revenue, cut their spending, default on their obligations, or thereof combine all of them. Some policy makers recommend austerity because it is an intriguing option and rarely takes place on government debt even at times when the available solution is painful (Keen and Grasselli, 2012:3). In spite of the measure that default increases the future borrowing cost sharply, austerity leaves tax increased and the level of government expenditure cut. Fiscal austerity, in a number of ways, seems to be the contrast for of fiscal stimulus policies. This is so because it leads to tax cuts and increase spending applied by government at times whose purpose is to expand the country’s economy. With reference to the endogenous theory, some policy makers seem to propose austerity due to its impacts. First, with austerity, low-income earners will be in a position to have

Monday, September 9, 2019

Financial Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Financial Economics - Essay Example Over time the option can gain a lot of value if the price of the stock rises since the employee has the right to purchase the stocks at the predetermined price. Since the objective for the employee is to gain the maximum monetary benefit possible as a beneficiary of a stock option plan I would encourage the company to implement financial and investment strategies that will increase the value of the firm. In order to learn the best strategy to optimize the value of the stock option plan we must evaluate the potential effects of the company choosing increased dividend payout strategy vs. stock repurchase program. The dividend payout policy of a firm refers to the decision regarding the magnitude of the dividend payout which is the percentage of earnings paid to the stockholders in the form of dividends (Referenceforbusiness). The owner of a company’s common stock will always prefer to have the highest dividend payout possible. One of the main reasons people like dividends so much is because they are obtaining an immediate financial return instead of waiting for the sale of the stock to achieve a capital gain. In order to better understand the effect of dividend we must recognize the existence of retained earnings. At the end an accounting period when profits are determine the board of director can either declare dividends or kept the profits in the form of retained earnings. When money is not distributed and it is kept as retained earnings the company can utilize these funds to make the business grow. If a company is able to invest its money wisely in high yield projects, the firm can achieve internal grow that will raise the market value of the company. During bad financial times such as the current global recession it is common for companies to reduce their payout of cash dividends in order to maintain its liquidity and to keep its cash balance as high as possible (Bigda). A sector that has been horribly as far as reduction in