Saturday, August 31, 2019

Populism

Populism DBQ During the period of 1880-1900, farmers were facing many hardships. Financial issues were one of the main difficulties as well as long hours, droughts, insect plagues, and ranchers and cowboys. The farmers refused to back down without a fight. Farmers made valid complaints and expected something to be done about it. Their complaints weren’t being listened to and they took matter into their own hands. The Farmers Alliance was formed in the 1890’s to serve for needs of education, farming methods, and to organize economic and political action. A great hardship farmers faced was overproduction of crops.Because of the over production, crop prices were lowered and farmers weren’t able to make much money. In Document E, J. Laurence Laughlin, â€Å"Causes of Agriculture Unrest†, it explains the enlargement of supply without the corresponding increase of demand. This being something that caused some farmers to even go into a depression. Farmers needed more land to compensate for the price. Also happening during this time was the drastic change between gold and silver currency. The change was creating chaos. When gold became scarce, government took it upon themselves to make silver the new form of currency.In Document A, The Platform of the People’s (populist) party, it states that silver being the new currency as opposed to gold made the value of property and labor go down. Thus only adding to the difficulties farmers had to paying. The rising costs greatly affected farmers in the 1800-1900’s. Big companies kept their prices high making it almost impossible for small farmers to keep up. They also had to keep up with the middle man and warehouses and retailers stores that shared the profit. In Document F, James B. Weaver â€Å"A Call to Action: An Interpretation of Great Uprising†, it says monopolies are key to destroy competition.That’s exactly what they were doing to small farms so they’d no lo nger have competition. They would decrease the prices of raw materials then they’d increase the price to the consumer. This guaranteed farmers to be in debt for years to come. Document D, The Farmer’s Voice: a Chicago Newspaper, the cartoon shows a lineup of farmer’s mortgages going into foreclosure because they just cannot afford their farms anymore. Railroads during this time had to raise their prices as well. They charged more for short haults so they’d be able to stay in business. In Document G, Testimony of George W.Parker, Railroads were feeling the effects of the rising costs too. To survive, the only thing they could do was to raise their prices aswell. Value of money caused great tensions for farmers. As gold became less available to get and silver became predominant, it was changed into the new currency. The silver to gold ratio was 16 ounces of silver to 1 ounce of gold. In Document B, Acceptance Speech of William McKinley, he states debasement of currency means destruction of value. Free silver didn’t change anything for farmers, they were still in debt working long hours with horrible pay.As if the money wasn’t scarce enough, immigrats coming to the land and increasing population made circulation of the money even worse. In Document C, United States government data, you see the number in thousands of increasing population while the money in circulation takes a large dip before slowly regaining standard. Farmers faced many problems during the period of 1880-1900. The change in currency and rise of prices were main difficulties. The farmer’s complaints were justified. The hardships they went through were extremely tough and many made it through. The reason for some success was because they refused to back down without a fight.

An Analysis of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 Essay

As a response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the United States government established a separate agency within the federal system to prevent future terrorist activities. Hence, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created, along with the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA). The HSA identified and explained the principle, jurisdiction and duties of the Department of Homeland Security. The HSA also reinforced sentences for transgressing national security laws and expanded federal control of local law enforcement agencies. However, critics argued that the HSA instead promoted American global dominance at the expense of civil liberties. For instance, Title II pushed for the establishment of a Directorate of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, tasked with the creation and maintenance of a database containing public and private information on virtually any individual in the United States. Telephone records, banking transactions, school records, employment history – these can be gathered to piece together a profile that can be used against innocent people suspected as terrorists. In the HAS’ Title V: Emergency Preparedness and Response, there is no specific mandate of federal control over the â€Å"local first responders† – the police, the firemen and the emergency personnel. The provision simply called for â€Å"federal supervision, funding and cooperation. † (Van Bergen, 2002) Although centralization is perfect for emergency preparedness on a sufficiently large scale, it could also lead to the loss of local control and to potential federal militarization. (Van Bergen, 2002) According to the United States Northern Command (USNC), â€Å"Prohibiting direct military involvement in law enforcement is in keeping with long-standing U. S. law and policy limiting the military’s role in domestic affairs. † (Van Bergen, 2002) In addition, the Posse Comitatus Act (18 USC 1385) â€Å"generally prohibits U. S. military personnel from interdicting vehicles, vessels and aircraft; conducting surveillance, searches, pursuit and seizures; or making arrests on behalf of civilian law enforcement authorities. † (Van Bergen, 2002) The four statutory exceptions to this prohibition are the following: counter-drug assistance (10 USC 371-81); Insurrection Act (10 USC 331-34); crimes using nuclear materials (18 USC 831); and chemical or biological weapons of mass destruction (10 USC 382). (Van Bergen, 2002) One of the most serious consequences of the HAS is the Critical Infrastructure Information Act of 2002 (CIIA). The CIIA offered corporations confidentiality and immunity from civil liability with respect to the â€Å"critical infrastructure information† (CII) that they submitted â€Å"voluntarily† to the DHS. CII may include virtually any information about physical or cyber infrastructure that can be useful to terrorists or other parties that intend to cause damage to the facility. (Steinzor, 2003) No one may use it in any civil action arising under federal or state law without obtaining the written consent of the company. Government officials who will violate the CIIA will face up to a year in prison. The CIIA is very dangerous, as it would immunize corporations and their employees from malfeasance in their operations, from racial discrimination to embezzlement, violations of environmental regulations and negligence that will harm the public physically and or financially. Hence, the CIIA might also end up granting immunity to enterprises that were guilty of negligence in the face of terrorist attacks, allowing them to escape accountability for putting other people’s lives in danger. Terrorist groups such as the Al Qaeda might use the CIIA to their advantage, because their operatives assume quiet and unobtrusive Western lifestyles and identities to avoid capture and to successfully carry out missions. But with the misleading nature of the HSA, the question ordinary Americans should be asking is: Who should they be afraid of, the terrorists or their own government? References Van Bergen, Jennifer. (2002, December 2-4). Homeland Security Act: The Rise of the American Police State. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from http://www. ratical. org/ratville/CAH/HSA_RoAPS. html. Steinzor, Rena. (2003, March 12). ‘Democracy Dies Behind Closed Doors:’ The Homeland Security Act and Corporate Accountability. PDF File. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from http://www. progressiveregulation. org/perspectives/secrecy_white_paper. pdf.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Establish a Cooperative Socio Moral Atmosphere Essay

Reflections on Readings and Class Discussion: After reading the two articles, connecting them to the socio moral principle in a statement would be; for a child to have an established cooperative socio moral atmosphere, they need to be given the opportunity and resources in a safe environment to build and create as well as be taught positive social skills, and acquire a genuine and heart felt way to show their respect. First day of kindergarten video: The teacher did not have a classroom type D, she was very in tune with her authority over the children in the way she often told them what to do and how to do it. For example, she called the children’s attention to take roll and told the children specifically hands in your lap, eyes on me, say here when I call your name. Some children listen better while they are playing or their hands are busy which this teacher’s classroom would not take into account. Another example would be there was a teacher’s assistant who was just doing a child’s work for them, rather than helping them do it themselves. Creating Classroom Rules Video: this video was the very opposite of the first video. The teacher engaged the students and wanted their opinions and thoughts about what the classroom rules should be, but at the same time she was facilitating and not telling any child they were wrong, instead she put some ideas into new phrasing for it to make more sense. Also, the example in class about church in a heteronomous vs. autonomous relationships explains well how those who have come to see church how their parents did and it became a part of them continued to go, on the other hand those who went because they had to or did so to make their parents happy did not find a connection with what they learned and when they lived on their own decided to not go anymore. Evidenced in the CDLL Classroom Blogs: 10/24/12 The Maple room was busy as usual. Real pieces of wood and nails were new this week and the children showed quite an interest! They took turns hammering the nails into the wood and then prying them back out. The children also used materials from the Maple room to construct train tracks! In the Pine room, a continuing theme was working at a restaurant. Children and teachers sat at the table while children took orders. The orders were placed and they began to cook the meals. Some of the â€Å"daily specials† included pizza with onions, mushrooms and cucumbers, soup, hamburgers and root beer. All of the children worked together to make the restaurant run smoothly!! Evidence in CDLL Daily Documentation: 10/3/12 After our discussion, I had a table set up with measuring cups and spoons, bowls, dry and wet ingredients, leveling sticks and spoons for stirring.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

The Reluctant Workers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The Reluctant Workers - Essay Example As soon as the working day ends, the entire collective goes home not willing to have a meeting or discuss impending tasks and plans. Phil Davies, a director of project management, explains this with the fact that in a project environment people are prioritized therefore it is essential first of all to provide satisfaction of every employee and after that the objectives of the project should be attained. To achieve efficacious program management, it is imperative to obtain ten important skills several of which can be noticed in the behavior of Tim Aston. A young manager displays professional leadership skills when he asks his staff to come to him in case an employee has some kind of predicament. Tim is willing to help his workers in finding the best solution of the problems. As a genuine leader, Tim is not afraid to take responsibility for decision-making and wants his staff to take him seriously and treat him with respect. The second point of the managerial core skills that can be found in the case study is management support. Tim Aston comes to the director asking for a piece of advice because he realizes that the support of other departments and managers can be crucial for the success of the project. Tim has managed to find a very good candidate from Accounting Department to be applied for the project. Considering that this guy will be extremely useful in his crew, Tim asks his boss to release him for a project. With his favor, Tim counts on understanding and support of Accounting Department. The third aspect that Tim faces is the process of resource allocation. It is well known that every project requires only the most appropriate employees with great potential and apposite abilities. Tim strives to retract people into project activities. Hence, notifying about a test, a young manger hoped that people would be more willing to take part in observations; however, Tim once again saw unexpected priorit ies of his employees. 2. Analyze the way in which

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Persnonal development planing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Persnonal development planing - Essay Example This is usually associated with various potential benefits that may arise when students and other stakeholders are exposed to Personal Development Planning. The aspect of developing Personal Development Planning will create the following benefits: The essence of Personal Development Planning among students is ascribed to various benefits, to begin with: It enables students to integrate academic as well as personal development into their specific academic programs thus improving their general academic performance. In addition, Personal Development among students can improve their capacity to monitor and assess their personal progress in regard to various aspects of learning (Smale & Fowlie, 2009). Research has also shown that the application of Personal Development Planning at Institutions of Higher Learning is imperative owing to the fact that it promotes a sense of increased awareness among the students. The awareness occurs in various forms i.e. increased awareness of the specific learning methods that are used within the institutions and the specific goals of these learning strategies (Cottrell, 2003). Personal Development Planning in Institutions of Higher Learning creates a platform for self-assessment among the students, hence increases their capacity to evaluate their weaknesses and strengths. Moreover, it also creates a scenario where the students are in a position to explore various opportunities within the learning curriculum, thus facilitate the aspect of Personal Development Planning within and outside the curriculum (Cottrell, 2003). Research has also indicated that Personal Development Planning among students within institutions of higher learning enables the students to prepare themselves for their future career objectives i.e. to seek employment in their fields of interest or being self-employed within their

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Business Eithics (British Airways) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business Eithics (British Airways) - Essay Example This is because the directors and managers are charged with corporate governance by the owners of the entity and hence, one would expect them to be focused on meeting the best needs of the owners of the entity in question. The fundamental question is how do the people charged with corporate governance meet the best needs and expectations of the owners of an entity? There are two approaches to answering this question (Fernando, 2009). The first is the shareholder approach. Under the shareholder approach, a business has two fundamental objectives: to obey the law and to maximise shareholders wealth (Fernando, 2009). This approach suggests that managers need to put everything aside and only focus on profit maximisation. The second approach, which is known as the stakeholder approach states that the people charged with governance have a fundamental duty of maximising profits under the constraits of respecting the obligations owed to external stakeholders (Fernando, 2009). Freeman et al (2010) define stakeholders as â€Å"any group or individual that can affect or is affected by the achievement of a corporations purpose† (p86). This means that any entity that is within or outside an entity that is influenced or influences the activities of a company in its bid to meet its objectives is known as a stakeholder. In analysing the fundamentals of the key debates in this area, Mullerat identifies that the shareholder perspective is based on the short term vision of maximising returns on investment (2009). On the other hand, the stakeholder perspective supports a longer term theme of promoting sustainability in profit making and this is the best way to ensure that a business thrives into the future. British Airways is fundamentally operated as a company and thus, it has a profit motive which requires the management and those charged with governance to make

Monday, August 26, 2019

Economics for Business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Economics for Business - Research Paper Example With this in mind, the company has been in the forefront of creating subnotebook computer named ultra Personal Computer (UPC) which the Guiness World Records describes as "the smallest full-powered, full featured personal computer" (Oqo 2007). Unlike most of the products in the global business arena, the UPC which is offered by Oqo has not been driven by the demand of customers in the market. In fact, the creation of the product is through the company's effort of determining the evolving computing needs of the high-end clientle (Oqo 2007). Thus, the UPC is a product where the supply is generated first before demand. The demand curve for the UPC can be drawn as a downward sloping demand curve. Though the UPC is generally targeted to individuals who posses higher purchasing power through their level of disposable income, the product also appeals to the mid-level consumers who also wants mobile computing (About Us 2007). However, it should be noted that the high pricing strategy employed by Oqo is generally done to enhance the attractiveness of UPC. Thus, at a much lower price level, demand can be offset. It is also worth mentioning that UPC is a normal good because demand for it generally rises with increases in disposable income. Currently, Oqo is dealing with the rapid increase in demand for its products. The company's press release states that the company braces for demand as corporate clients has been more than eager to test the UPC (Press Releases 2007). Supply Being the pioneer in this technological innovation, Oqo has become the major supplier of UPC in the market. Thus, Oqo can be said to have a monopoly of the entire UPC market. The implication for this is the ability of the company to choose its own level of price and quantity supplied. However, it should also be noted that Oqo cannot fully exploit its power as a monopolist because of the presence of various substitutable goods like personal computers, laptops, and palm tops which are also used for the same function. Price As mentioned above, the innovativeness, quality, and image of Oqo's product commands a very high price in the market. As with any business organization in the market which invests huge capital for research and development, Oqo prices its products to compensate for these costs. The company's pricing strategy is generally putting a large premium over and above production costs. Oqo does not charge a single price for UPCs and practice price discrimination. It should be noted that the company charges different prices to each customer according to how much they are willing to pay. For example, the base price of the company's Model 2.0 has a base price of $1,499 but this can vary according to the product features and specification that the client wants to integrate in the product that he/she is going to purchase (Press Releases 2007). Production The production of UPCs are solely undertaken by Oqo which includes the assembly of components from its various suppliers. The company has a manufacturing plant where production takes place. Being a small company which is only comprised of 105 employees, it maximizes production capacity in order to cope with the burgeoning demand in the

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Strategic Management CEO Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Strategic Management CEO - Essay Example It appears that the management believes in making strategic moves to be in the best position for long-term benefits. According to the article reviewed, Google's vision has been sketched out. This may be asserted because of some of the elements that the CEO of Google, Mr. Schmidt, highlighted. To go back to Mr. Schmidt's beginning with Google, he first of all said that there "wasn't much of an infrastructure". With only three basic individuals in the decision-making process, Mr. Schmidt asserts, "two people have to agree". After this, the third one has to be convinced or the third one may try and work his thoughts against the two that agree. Aside from decision-making that decides a number of things, Google's vision is to be prepared. This is why they consider the future and also consider reasons for an IPO, such as "either liquidity, venture returns, the ability to do acquisitions". However, Mr. Schmidt says that Google does not have any such "pressure", and so, they think about what they can do to finance newer projects of Google with lower risk. According to Mr. Schmidt, Google had one objective from day one, which was to "build a culture". Indeed, Google has achieved this over its period of existence. However, the job is not done yet, as there is a more that this company can do.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

A Look into A Forum of Ice and Fire Research Paper

A Look into A Forum of Ice and Fire - Research Paper Example Getting online forum members to contribute regularly occurs through motivating them to do so, as well as offering them rewards (Howard, 2010). Fans of both A Song of Ice and Fire and Game of Thrones have several motivational factors that encourage them to contribute on the online Forum of Ice and Fire. Such motivations include seeking to build a reputation and gain status in the community, create connections with other members who have similar interests, to make sense and gain understanding of the series, to exchange information, and to entertain and receive entertainment. The main motivation for members of the forum to contribute, therefore, is their interest in the series and books and wanting to connect with fellow fans in order to feel validated and valued. Fans of a Forum of Ice and Fire continue to contribute to the forum because it allows them to build a reputation or gain status within the community. One of the biggest motivators in life is to gain social recognition, which brings instant approval and gratification (Kraut, Resnick, & Kiesler, 2011). Unlike the real world where people with expertise are more likely to be identified where information on a specific topic is required, the forum enables participants to display expertise in a mythical subject matter. By contributing to the forum, it is possible for a fan to establish himself/herself as an expert or authority on the subject of Westeroos politics, for example. For prospective authors or political commentators, on the other hand, such a forum will become a place for them to hone and highlight their skills. Since the tasks involved in the forum are tailored for the participants, they are motivated to continue contributing as their views add value to the forum in their name. These fans can create a positive reputation that they feel can be transferred to the real world if other fans appreciate them.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Risks management analysis during Construction stage and Operational Term Paper

Risks management analysis during Construction stage and Operational stage of the Channel Tunnel Project - Term Paper Example This serves to mitigate the risk of resource shortage for the project, through the application of the principle of maximizing utilization of the resources, to ensure that they fit into the project schedule. Program monitoring and control is yet another vital risk mitigation concept under the construction phase, which entails consistent and regular evaluation of every single aspect of the project and the timely correction of any errors, to ensure that the construction process progresses without safety threats (Yan-juan, Ding-li, & Jian-jun, 2009 p3). This calls for the full adoption and implementation of the principle of project management discipline, which requires that he project, is monitored consistently in every single activity and aspect of implementation, to notice and eliminate all the issues that could be a risk factor to the project. This is meant to avoid future problems, which could have been addressed at the earlier stages (Clifton, 2011 p49). Operational Phase The operat ional phase entails the active implementation and management of the benefits of the Channel Tunnel Project, which entails the control of excessive hierarchical bureaucracy, to ensure that the whole project is achieved without any undue complexities, which emanates from following the hierarchical order within an organization (Eisner, 2000 p14). The minimization of the bureaucracy of the project ensures that unnecessary delays are not experienced. The effective management of bureaucracy and hierarchical order of the project management process helps in the effective application of scheduled time and resources, thus mitigating the risks associated with resource shortages for the project. Focus on details forms another fundamental risk mitigation activity during the operational phase, considering that there is a high risk that issues that are of significance to the project might be overlooked during the operational stage, which are then set to cause problems after the closure stage of th e project lifecycle (Canonico & Soderlund 2010, p795). The complete application of all details of the project operation can only be achieved through the implementation of full coordination between the project implementers. While people are working on different activities of the project, there is always a tendency to assume that the other party will undertake a certain activity, and thus one party ignores the same (Winch, 2013 p5). This can only be overcome through full coordinated operations. Proposals for improvement The first proposal touches on the management of the benefits obtainable from the project, since the benefits are a major source of conflict, especially between the implementers and the actors (Stannard, 1990 p47). The aspect of project benefit management extends beyond the construction and making the project operational, since it looks at the aftermath of having the project in place. The proposal is that project benefit management should be introduced as incentive towa rds making the project operational, by setting benefit realization as the main goal (ProQuest, 2012 p5). While the work of the project managers ends at the closure stage of the project lifecycle, the operation management, regarding the realization of the benefits from the project should be a continuous process, which ensures that all the parties to the project continuously reap the

Marijuana Should Be Legalized Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Marijuana Should Be Legalized - Essay Example However, in a practical sense, marijuana should be legalized in the nation because citizens have the right to use marijuana for fun and medicinal purposes, without being bothered by legal hassles and wrong views about marijuana. As per the American Constitution, every citizen has the right to pursue happiness (Gerber 126). The Constitution of America allows the citizens to do things that add to their happiness (Gerber 126). It is a fact that there are many people who believe that using marijuana no way adds to human happiness. Such people consider marijuana to be an addictive substance that may make people sick and turn them into addicts. However, there are also many people who believe that using marijuana will make them happy. They think that the freedom to use marijuana will really add to their sense of happiness and well being. Many people may not agree with such views. Still, people who want to use marijuana do have the right to do so. Eventually, it is for the people to decide as to what they want to put in their bodies. Denying them the right to use marijuana by making marijuana illegal will certainly deprive them of their happiness. Besides, this is also against the spirit of the American Constitutio n. If people can be given the right to use alcohol or tobacco, there is no reason why they cannot be given the right to use marijuana. Hence, marijuana should be legalized so that the people who want to use marijuana may do so with ease. This will add to their pursuit of happiness and will respect their basic rights. This will allow people to use marijuana without being harassed or bothered by the police. The other thing is that the illegal status of marijuana is based on a number of lies and disinformation.

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Impact of Training and Developement on Employees Essay Example for Free

Impact of Training and Developement on Employees Essay 1.1 Introduction The purpose of training is to help people learn something they need to know or able to do for specific purpose such as to achieve organizational objectives and goals, carry out specific tasks, prepare new responsibilities or attain their correct goals. Successful training programs share they affect changes, that are designed to achieve objectives that describe what people will be able to do as result of training are learned centered, not trained centered. According to paymond A. Noe etal, 2011: p 7 training is a planed effort to enable employees to learn job related knowledge, skills and behavior. For example many organizations offer safety training to teach employees work safety habits . development involves acquiring knowledge, skill and behavior that improve employees ability to meet the challenges of a variety of new or existing jobs, including client and customer demands of those jobs (Ibid). Development programs often focus on preparing employees for management responsibility, like wise if company plans to set up teams to manufacture products , it may offer development program to help employee learn the ins and outs of effective team work. Development implies â€Å"learning that is not necessary to related to employees current job† and development indicates that it is future oriented (M. londom 1989) training has the distinct role in achievement of an organizational goal by incorporating the interests of organization and the work force( stone R.j Human resource management, 2002) . however Training and development focus on enabling the employees to perform their duties better While HR functions focus on the day to day operations of the company, such as payroll, disability, and employee and management conflicts or issues. HR protects employees and the company by following the correct and legal guidelines for resolutions. 1.2 back ground of organization In 1994 STC (Somaliland Telecommunication Corporation) established by one of Somalilander and it was first Telecommunication Company in Somaliland. Later company started to open share by public in order to maximize capacity of the company. Then company expand service throughout main cities of Somaliland, such as Berbera Burco, Boorama and Lowyocado, then it become the biggest Telecommunication Company in Somaliland at that time It was booming for several years then conflict between partner the main source of the conflict was the administration. Which makes difficult the company to be competitive position compare to other that is why liquidation comes too finally. In 2006 January group of Somalilander, and Somalis bought the whole company they change the name of the company, from STC to SITALINK under the name of SITALINK it was working couple years. In 2008 JULY the name charge once more in to NATIONLINK, which is right now legal name of the company. This is Telecommunication Company that offering Service is All the Somaliland, Somali and other countries like central Africa, Congo, and Switzerland and so on. This is Company corporate. Services offering This Company like: * Mobile Service (GSM) * Landlines (PSTN) * Internet (ISP) * E- Mail, Cash Payment (Mobile Money) * VoIP Service Vision Working toward the future demands that we not only focus on todays needs, but also develop technologies for the needs of tomorrow. Mission Change and dynamic thinking is a distinguishing feature we relished over the years. In order To keep up with the pace of innovation and growth in the business of telecommunication our only choice is to embrace forward thinking and better adaptation to change. To perfect the art of better adaptation to changes is not a matter of choice, but out of sheer necessity. 1.3 statement of problem My preliminary indirect observation shows us that there is no specific policy of training and development that is guided to employees. And also invested employees with high cost of training which are sometimes sent to overseas, move from the organization, hence this is loss and it affects the efficiency of an organization. but on the other hand Nation link has all mostly HR policies that is written on organizational procedures, which are delivered to employees in order to act on their activities. As human resource officer of Nation link told the researcher that their HR policies based on Somaliland labor law. 1.3 Research questions 1.4.1 Did they have HR policy? If yes what did their policy state training and development program conducted in their organization? 1.4.2 Is there any criterion to select trainees? 1.4.3 What is training methods used? 1.4.4 Did training and development program have impact on organization’s performance? 1.4.5 Who do they use to do their training; ? 1.4 objective of the study 1.5.6 general objectives of the study is to assess the impact of training and development on employees performance of Nation link 1.5.7 The specific objective are :- a.) To establish HR policy especially training and development policy b.) To describe how they select trainees   c.) To know training method(s) used to conducting training. d.) To understand that training and development have impact on performance of an organization. 1.5 scope of the study Since it is difficult to comment on each and every department of nation link due to both the researcher and organization’s respondents busy as well and limited time, for these barriers, the researcher would like to focus only on the HR department at the Headquarter in Hargeisa town, because HR activities are handled mainly at the headquarter and this limits the study on activities of training and development. 1.6 significance of the study

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Concept Of Maximising Shareholder Wealth And Competing Theories Finance Essay

Concept Of Maximising Shareholder Wealth And Competing Theories Finance Essay Maximizing share holder wealth is a concept in which optimally increasing the long-term value of the firm is emphasized. Milton Friedman recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences is often quoted as saying The business of business is business He actually did say there is one and only one social responsibility of business-to use it resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as it stays within the rules of the game, which is to say, engages in open and free competition without deception or fraud. Friedman used the term profits, rather than shareholder wealth but the two are often seen as interchangeable. Not only is this not true, there is an increasing body of opinion that views the prime motive of maximizing shareholder wealth as deeply flawed. In the history accounting and finance, it is assumed that the objective of the business is to maximize the value of a company. Put simply, this means that the managers of a business should create as much wealth as possible for the shareholders. Given this objective, any financing or investment decision that is expected to improve the value of the shareholders stake in the business is acceptable. In short, the objective for managers running a business should be profit maximization both in the short and long-term. Shareholders are deemed as the owners of the business. Their main aim is to increase their wealth, finance managers are employed to achieve this aim. In order to maximise shareholder wealth it would mean Maximising the flow of dividends to shareholders through time there is a long term prospective (Arnold, 2005) Shareholder wealth is a short-term gain, and can be artificially increased without adding any tangible assets or products to the companys rooster. You can, for example, simply lay off an entire short-term unessential department; say Research and Development rather than the shop floor, and the next quarters profits will be increased. But what about the social responsibility of the workers made redundant in order to make share price healthy? That is the fallacy with an unthinking mantra of maximizing. Almost any executive decision, no matter how socially irresponsible or unethical can be justified as intended to increase the stock price. Managers on short term leash might stay at the same point on the demand curve but economize more on resource if they must maximize shareholder wealth. Economizing inputs tend to offset the maximisers reducing output. In an economy with widespread monopoly some firms encouraged to maximize shareholder wealth would primarily encourage while others shoul d slash production and reduce allocative efficiency one cannot predict which effect would dominate. Traditional theory suggests that the key aim of any business is to generate the greatest possible value for the company, leading to the maximum possible return for shareholders. As Ian Davies argues, this so-called Shareholder Theory is based on the idea that the ultimate aim of a company is to generate profit and pass this profit, along with any associated value, on to the shareholders who took the risk of purchasing those shares in the first place (Davies, 2007); furthermore, any approach that minimises the companys outgoings will, in theory, contribute to the growth of the asset-value of the company and therefore to the ultimate return to shareholders. Within the concept of Shareholder Theory, there is technically no limit to the methods that might be used in order to maximise shareholder wealth. One of the most commonly used methods, according to Jill H. Ellsworth and Matthew V. Ellsworth, is strategies for the reduction of tax liabilities, in other words reducing the amount of tax paid in order to increase the amount of money that can be paid out as dividends to shareholders (Ellsworth Ellsworth, 2007 ed., p. 58). However, arguably, this theory is overly simplistic: for example, while one strategy might generate greater short-term wealth for shareholders, a less obvious strategy might, in the longer-term, generate far greater wealth. For example, while a company could use surplus profits in order to increase the dividend, it could also use them to invest in projects that could yield far greater gains in the future. This, in turn, could increase the overall share price. This approach highlights an important problem: not all share holders are the same, and while some are willing to wait for the longer-term results, others are after short term gain. There is no guarantee that both can be satisfied by the same approach. COMPETING THEORIES Other theories for example Stakeholder theory asserts that managers should make decisions that take into account the interests of all stakeholders of the firm. Such stakeholders include not only financial claimholders but also employees, managers, customers, suppliers, local communities, government, and others. Thus, stakeholder theory involves trying to maximize multiple objectives. Maximization of shareholder wealth focuses on owners and is a single-valued objective. This does not mean that corporate managers should disregard stakeholders other than owners. On the contrary, they need to be aware of the needs, wants, and interests of these other constituencies, but the owners come first. Although Shareholder Theory has been the dominant approach for many years, the new Stakeholder Theory is gaining ground. This theory suggests that Shareholder Theory is merely one part of the overall strategy that should be employed, with the others including such relatively unfixed concepts as earnings per share, employee satisfaction and environmental protection. Andy Coulson-Thomas argues that Stakeholder Theory is based on the idea that a business is an organic creature that will produce better results for everyone if holistically managed and, overall, led towards a situation in which every aspect of the company is performing well (Worthington et al., 2008, p. 147). This is clearly not a short-term theory, and one again illustrates the dramatic divide between the aims of different shareholders. However, Stakeholder Theory does have one major advantage, which is that it allows a more organic, cross-company angle to be applied, one which allows for stable long-term growth at the ex pense, perhaps, of short-term profit and wealth maximisation. Its also important to consider the size of the company and its location. Size affects such matters as taxation liability and economy of scale, and there are dramatically different rules when it comes to larger corporate entities. Although generalisations are dangerous, its true to say that smaller companies face less legislation in terms of moves to prevent tax avoidance etc., although to compensate for these larger companies often employ legal teams to address such issues. Davies argues that this balances out leading to virtual parity in terms of how companies of different sizes deal with taxation (and) they end up paying virtually the same rates, albeit from very different starting points (Davies, 2007, p. 37). Its also possible to relocate the companys base to a state with little or no corporate income tax, or where potential lawsuits are far more likely to be resolved in the companys favour. This may generate subsequent problems for shareholders, however, since their profits will be considered to be coming from abroad and may therefore be subject to additional taxation. This is an example of what McLaney calls blind strategy (Davies, 2007, p. 6), whereby something that initially seems to be good (for the company) is ultimately bad for the shareholders. In light of the factors above, CEOs of major companies are being urged, to look to other theories of corporate purpose. In this theory, the customer comes first. Perhaps the most notable change of purpose, as advocated by Richard Ellsworth and Ian Davies, is to change corporate focus from the shareholder to the customer. For example, in his book Leading with purpose Ellsworth offers statistics, drawn from a study of 23 companies that show those businesses that were mostly customer-focused exceeded their industries median performance by 36 per cent. But what does focusing on the customer mean? Isnt it something that successful businesses have always done? Yes and no. In his book, The New Business Road Test John W. Mullins defines customer focus as a corporations ability to resolve customers pain. Mullins then goes on to highlight the case of Nike who impacted on the sports shoe market by designing shoes that met the specific speed and endurance needs of distance runners. In 1972, eight years after Nike (then known as Blue Ribbon Sports) was formed, four of the top seben finishers in the Olympic marathon wore Nike shoes. Two decades later, afte r many years of strong growth, Nike targeted women, for whom its products seemed to hold limited appeal. Nikes researchers found that for active women, clothes had to perform a double-duty, handle an intense workout and look good on the street. Nike turned their research iinto new product lines and in 2005 their combined womens business grew by almost 20% outpacing even the companies overall growth. But away from Mullins, Naomi Kliens book, No Logo, shows there is more to Nikes corporate purpose than target markets. Klien points out that Nike is also probably the most famous case of western companies using sweatshop labour a scandal that was bought to national USA attention in 1995-96 and has dogged the company ever since. The question is this: how do we interpret Nikes repeated attempts to change unethical working practices at its various sites around the world? What do we say about the introduction of schools, donations and increased wages it has given out to workers it previously exploited? Can they be seen as cynical attempts by a panicked business to maintain shareholder value, or genuine efforts to resolve their customers moral pain? Nikes efforts at ethical working practices brings me to CSR Corporate Social Responsibility CSR has become the basis on what organisations do well. There are several studies as to what CSR is, several researchers (Friedman, Rudolf, Davis etc.) have given their own definitions, the World Business Council has defined it as the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families, as well as of the local community and society at large. (Source: Xrefer, definition of Corporate Social Responsibility) Companies usually implement CSR into their policies and practices so the effects of their activities have a positive social, environmental, legal and economic impact on the communities in which they operate and on their stakeholders. Some organisations behave more socially responsibility because it is an obligation by the managerial board, but also because of fear of backlash from environmentalist and consumer pressure groups and the media, and negative corporate image. It has been argued that behaving in a more socially responsibility manner can be beneficial to an organisation in the long run. A good example of an ethical organisation is the Body Shop. The Body Shop was founded by Anita Roddick in 1976, and has achieved worldwide status for being profitable and socially responsible, which proved that an organisation can be ethical and successful and reward shareholders and satisfy stakeholders at the same time. It has achieved worldwide popularity due its ethical practices, famously recognised for being against animal testing and promoting cosmetic products that have not been tested on animals, . They had a business case to provide body care products that have not been tested on animals and their business case just provides further support that an organisation can be profitable whilst being ethical. SHAREHOLDER WEALTH CRITICISM Another difficulty with Shareholder Theory is that aspects of wealth growth, most notably those related to tax, are increasingly complex and require a variety of forensic-level approaches that are often impossible for a large corporation to undertake. For example, some shareholders might benefit from a corporation-based tax reduction strategy, while others might be better off utilising their own such systems. Its impossible to tell which system will suit which shareholder, and its also impossible to mix the two systems. There is therefore a fundamental need to balance competing needs and, often, to find a balance that generates the best average result for shareholders. To compensate for such problems, companies can help their shareholders to form their own corporation designed to either own stock or to act as consultants (mainly for smaller companies). A. McNeil notes that such tactics are likely to appeal only to shareholders who are more proactive in their involvement in the company, whereas research shows that over three quarters of shareholders prefer a far more passive involvement (McNeil, 2007, p. 85). Furthermore, a number of commentators have argued that such tactics usually offer fewer benefits than they promise on paper, since there must be consideration given to the costs of incorporation and the operation of such a company. Turner and Johnson, for example, argue that the hidden costs in such an operation almost always outweigh the possible benefits (Turner Johnson, 2003, p. 238). Ultimately, the concept of maximising shareholder wealth represents a return to the principle of using a business in order to increase the wealth of individuals. As Andy Coulson-Thomas has suggested, this approach has often been lost in recent years as individuals (instead) work for the greater good of the company, which is often valued more highly than the wealth of the shareholders (Worthington et al., 2008, p. 58). Its clear that attempts to focus on the maximisation of shareholder wealth often involve increased complexity and, as a result, present a number of potential points at which profit can be lost. There are a number of conflicting theories in terms of which approach might be best when it comes to maximising shareholder wealth, but its clear that the most fundamental problem is that shareholders often have different, and in many cases competing, aims the key difference is in terms of how quickly they want to see a profit, and the needs of short-term profit-seekers are like ly to contradict the needs of those seeking a longer-term profit generation system. There is even the problem with the stock price itself as illustrated in my third paragraph above. It simply isnt always in management control. Again, as we have seen recently, share value largely depends on the confidence the market has in a corporation or the sector that the corporation operates in. as confidence in the banking sector has recently plummeted, even organizations with a healthy balance sheet have seen their share prices tumble. Consider the monopolist in a nation that denigrates shareholder wealth maximization and has rules and norms that discourage lay-offs. Employees cannot easily be laid off. Their jobs cannot be radically reconfigured without their consent. As such, the monopolist might not cut production and raise prices further, despite the shareholder-wealth-maximization basis for doing so, because it must pay the employees anyway if labor markets are rigid and if it cannot costlessly redeploy its workforce. In such circumstances, not only are the employees with jobs protected, but national wealth is increased (or at least not decreased) by slack agency controls on managers. A weak shareholder primacy norm facilitates greater production. I would say there is the problem of the shareholders themselves. These are not necessarily long-term investors with the interests of the company at heart, but transient individuals, some of whom, as we have seen lately, may actually look to make money out of a business by betting on the share price going down .i.e. taking the fall of shareholders like Conrad Black and Bernard Madoff. As per tutor2u,  Managers of a business should create as much wealth as possible for the shareholders. Given this objective, any financing or investment decision that is expected to improve the value of the shareholders stake in the business is acceptable. This is based on the assumption that managers operate in the best interests of stockholders, not themselves, and do not attempt to expropriate wealth from lenders to benefit stockholders. Another assumption is that managers act in a socially responsible manner and do not create unreasonable costs to society in pursuit of stockholder wealth maximization.  Ã‚  (Blackwell publishing, 2009) Wealth maximization is achieved by maximization of the cash flows of the organization.  Ã‚  Cash flow is a better yardstick than the profits. There are several objections against the profit maximization: One it is vague; there are multiple meanings of Profit.  Ã‚  For example profit after tax, retained earnings. Thus profits cannot be the ultimate goal. Two it is uncertain; as per Freemba, Profit cannot be ascertained well in advance to express the probability of return as future is uncertain. It is not at possible to maximize what cannot be known. Hence the timing of the profit cant be estimated. Three it ignores time value of money; Profits ignore the time value of money which is not in the case of cash flows. One can exactly find the timing of cash flows. Hence cash flow is a better measure. CONCLUSION Despite its advantages of greatly simplifying directors decision making we should discard the fictional undiversified shareholder concept for two reasons. First, it is highly unrealistic, more so than the other alternatives here considered. Second, it is indeterminate as to the degree of risk-aversion that should be ascribed to this fictional shareholder, and this degree of freedom completely undercuts ability of the shareholder wealth maximization norm to constrain director conduct. The  goal of Maximization of profits I think to be a narrow outlook. Evidently when profit maximization becomes the basis of financial decisions of the concern, it ignores the interests of the community on the one hand and that of the government, workers and other concerned persons in the enterprise on the other hand. Hence profit maximization is not considered as the ultimate financial objective. Wealth maximization is considered to be the most important financial objective Organization should also consider non financial objectives too to satisfy the other stakeholders of the organization. Stakeholder can be a person, group, organization, or system who affects or can be affected by an organizations actions. This means satisfying the objectives of customers, suppliers, government agencies, families of employees, special interest groups.  This will help in achieving the success in long term too. Ultimately, the concept of maximising shareholder wealth represents a return to the principle of using a business in order to increase the wealth of individuals.This approach has often been lost in recent years as individuals work for the greater good of the company, which is often valued more highly than the wealth of the shareholders Its clear that attempts to focus on the maximisation of shareholder wealth often involve increased complexity and, as a result, present a number of potential points at which profit can be lost. There are a number of conflicting theories in terms of which approach might be best when it comes to maximising shareholder wealth, but its clear that the most fundamental problem is that shareholders often have different, and in many cases competing, aims the key difference is in terms of how quickly they want to see a profit, and the needs of short-term profit-seekers are likely to contradict the needs of those seeking a longer term profit generation system I also conclude that from above highlights it shows just how complex and interlinked all the financial and psychological aspects of business are. It is no longer enough (if it ever was) for businesses to concentrate soley on their shareholders. In the current climate of a credit crunch fuelled by a potent mix of incompetence and greed, with business ethics under scrutiny like never before, the customer is all of us. And the pain we need resolving is not just economic, but social and environmental as well if corporation investment decisions are best pursued through the use of a fictional shareholder concept, rather than through attempts by directors to ascertain and satisfy to the extent possible the conflicting preferences of their corporations actual shareholders and perhaps other stakeholders as well then the fictional diversified shareholder concept, despite its significant implementation difficulties, is the preferred alternative among those here considered. .

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Comparison of HIIT Exercise and Cycling

Comparison of HIIT Exercise and Cycling State the research question being studied by the authors. Write a brief overview of the research topic by explaining the purpose of the study, the purpose of the problem being studied, and the results and conclusions. The purpose of this study was to explore physiological effects for a duration of eight weeks of regular physical activity in gym classes while doing either high intensity interval exercise or continuous moderate exercise on a bicycle. While the effects of high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) was researched in athletic populations, studies analyzing the effects of such interval workouts once per week in sedentary individuals while they also performed regular cardiorespiratory physical activity was uncommon. The results of this study were significant in finding that continuous moderate exercise when cycling improved body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in collegiate aged females who also participated in physical education classes. Cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by assessing maximum oxygen untake (VO2 Max), also improved in collegiate aged females during HIIE while cycling. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that female students in college could benef it from continuous moderate exercise (CME) training, when spin cycling. As the obesity epidemic and chronic disorders continue, which occurred due to a lack of physical activity, it was clear that the purpose of this study was to provide evidence to decrease the problems resulting from bad physical activity patterns. State the null and research hypotheses based upon the type of research design and statistics used in the study. The research hypothesis was that regular physical fitness classes complemented with HIIE were more effective in improving body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in college aged females than CME. The null hypothesis would be that there was no relationship between the type of exercise and body composition or cardiorespiratory fitness in collegiate aged females. State the independent, dependent and potentially confounding variables (if any) in the study. The independent variables were HIIE and CME. The dependent variables were body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness. Confounding variables were gender, age, and prior physical activity. Describe the methods section in its entirety to test the null (describe the participants, instrument, procedures, and analysis). Forty-eight college aged females from a university in Poland participated in the study. While the students were not considered athletes, they had enrolled in a gym class that required them to exercise regularly for 45 minutes at a time twice a week. Measurements of body mass were taken to the nearest tenth of a kilogram. Body height was measured to the nearest centimeter. Body composition was calculated through body mass index after analyzing the fat mass and fat-free mass using a stand-on hand-to-foot analyzer with eight electrodes connecting the body without skin-to-skin contact. Waist and hip circumference were taken by one skilled exercise physiology expert to the nearest tenth of a centimeter. Each subject was placed in a random group. Twenty-four were performing HIIE. The other 24 participants were performing CME. Each session lasted 63 minutes over an eight-week period while being under the supervision of the trained exercise physiology specialist. The cycling program was done using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer so that the resistance of the cycle could be altered given the results from a heart rate monitor. Each training session started with a five-minute warm-up. The HIIE program required subjects to have two sessions of six sets of ten second sprints during each intervention. In between the ten second sprints were a one minute active recovery period with the subject pedaling to a speed so their heart rate was about 75% of their maximum heart rate. The CME program required subjects to pedal at a speed so they had a consistent heart rate of 75%. A ten-minute cool-down was also a part of both programs. VO2 Max was estimated using the Astrand-Rhyming nomogram at steady heart rate and heavy work load and the cycle ergometer test. Heart rate was assessed with a monitor and adjusted accordingly throughout the test. The aerobic capacity test started with a one W/kg load and continued until a heart rate was obtained between 135-150 beats per minute. Th e anaerobic test (AnT) was done on a mechanically braked cycle ergometer. After the five-minute warm-up, as previously discussed, and after a five-minute rest, the AnT started using a load of 7.5% of the subjects body mass. With positive, verbal encouragement, the participants were instructed to progress to their maximum pedaling rate while cycling their fastest for a ten second period. After a period of maintaining a speed where the heart rate was 75% of the maximum heart rate for one minute, the participant was encouraged five more times to pedal their maximum speed while maintaining the appropriate heart rate after each time. To begin the analysis, body mass and height were similar within both groups before the testing. A two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilized to find results. Body composition results revealed fat mass decreased after the programs were completed. However, a larger increase in fat free mass was observed in the CME intervention compared to the HIIE in tervention. The findings were significant. As far as analyzing aerobic and anaerobic capacity, VO2 max, as well as power output and total work, presented a significant time effect of the program which resulted in improvement from both programs although power output was more improved in the HIIE subjects than the subjects who performed CME. Discuss and describe at least three ways to check for validity of findings. Content validity was a way to accurately assess what is being measured while using different aspects (Nelson, Silverman, Thomas, 2015). During the assessments of this study, a way content validity was checked throughout the study was by having an expert exercise physiologist measure each subject under supervision. To improve the content validity, another expert in the exercise physiology field should perform another similar assessment. Another way to check content validity was using the same formula to determine maximum heart rate. Construct validity was based on if the testing measures what was supposed to be assessed (Nelson et al., 2015). Since the research was done with female subjects in college, construct validity can be checked in the findings. The only difference with construct validity in this research was that only 48 females participated in the process. Based off those 48 females, the results generalize to college aged, female population. If a different group of female college students participated in the same study, the construct validity would improve. Criterion validity, in this research, was how well the type of exercise relates to body composition or cardiorespiratory fitness. Therefore, a way to check the validity of HIIE cycling would be comparing it to HIIE training using a different type of aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Discuss and describe at least five ways to check for reliability of findings. One of the ways to check reliability of these findings was using the test-retest reliability. To do so, all 48 participants in this study would be required to participate in an additional study performing the same tests using the same methods. Another way to check the reliability of findings is having multiple experts of exercise physiology assess and take measurements of the same subjects who performed during the study. Parallel forms reliability was another way to test the consistency of the findings. The subjects who performed the HIIE cycling should perform the CME while cycling so measurements can be taken. On the contrary, the subjects who performed the CME while cycling should perform the HIIE cycling. Subjects then can be evaluated to see if similar results occur. Internal consistency reliability was also a way to check for reliability of findings. Since the study was measured by one exercise physiologist with expertise in administering and measuring data from both cycling tests, including the positioning of the heart rate monitor or applying the correct resistance with the appropriate exercise program, the test has high internal consistency reliability (Henson, 2001, p. 177). The quality of the administrative procedure also affected the reliability of the study. During the study, participants were encouraged to participate using their best effort throughout the duration of the program testing. Keeping a consistent background with the correct explanation and process of testing, such as starting everyone with a five-minute warm-up and finishing with the appropriate cool down, was important for reliability purposes (Miller, 2006, p. 70). Describe methodology decisions that should reduce risk of Type I OR Type II errors in the study. One of the limitations of the research was not controlling the physical activity outside of the physical education classes and the HIIE or CME by cycling. Not controlling physical activity outside of the study could have influenced results if students performed extra physical activity. On the other end of the spectrum was calorie consumption which also was not strictly maintained. To reduce a type I error, which would provide false positive results, limiting physical activity outside of those parameters could provide more valid and reliable results because subjects reduce any number of excess calories burned outside of the study. Limiting the number of calories consumed per day throughout the duration of the study would also reduce the risk of a type I error. References Henson, R. K. (2001). Understanding internal consistency reliability estimates: A conceptual primer on coefficient alpha. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 34(3), 177. Mazurek, K., Zmijewski, P., Krawczyk, K., Czajkowska, A., Keska, A., Kapuscinski, P., Mazurek, T. (2016). High intensity interval and moderate continuous cycle training in a physical education programme improves health-related fitness in young females. Biology of Sport, 33(2), 139-144. Miller, D. K. (2006). Measurement by the physical educator: Why and how (5th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Nelson, J. K., Silverman, S. J., Thomas, J. R. (2015). Research methods in physical activity(7th ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Monday, August 19, 2019

The Readiness of Children to Step into the Classroom :: Child Development Education Psychology Essays

The Readiness of Children to Step into the Classroom Are parents ready to red shirt there children? No, I’m not talking about sports but kindergarten. Many parents are facing the issue of whether or not their children are ready for the big step into the classroom. Before entering kindergarten children need to develop their perceptual skill (depth perception). As humans we need depth perception for detection, discrimination, and identification of objects. Depth perception is a difficult topic to access due to the fact that the world is three dimensional and human visions are two dimensional. When transmitted to the brain, an image on the retina is not a picture; rather it is a pattern of nerve impulses, aroused by a light pattern that terminates in the visual area of the cerebral cortex. Through some activity of the occipital lobes of the cerebral cortex, human beings apparently perceive the external world in a three-dimensional manner that is correlated with the retinal-image pattern in some orderly manner. Psychologists are particularly interested in the cues which enable people to perceive depth and distance. Stimulus patterns for arousing a depth experience occur when individuals are given specific cues. The cues may be monocular, effective when using one eye as well as two, or binocular, requiring the usage of both eyes. The cues may also be psychological, depending only on the visual image, or physiological, originating from the structure and movement of the eyes. In this paper I will explain perceptual development and how it relates to animals, infants, and blind infants. Infancy is the period of life in which development occurs most rapidly. Development occurs in a variety of different ways and has been categorized with the study of infancy into physical, motor, and perceptual development. Each of these forms of development occurs simultaneously and progress in each facilitates the progress of the other. There are many studies I will assess to further explain how they contribute to explaining the development of perception. In developing direct perception one must be able to directly perceive what the objects and surfaces in the environment are perceived as an action of affordances. An example of an affordance is stair climbing. Walking down a flight of stairs as an 18 month and adult are different. As an individual grows, perception of affordances might change. When climbing the stairs a person must be able to judge leg length to judge how they climb the stairs.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Subjugation of Women Exposed in Amy Tans The Joy Luck Club :: Joy Luck Club Essays

Subjugation of Women Exposed in Joy Luck Club Is it fair to judge someone by their sex? In traditional Chinese culture, many judgments were made about a person just by observing their sex. The women was looked upon as an inferior being. They had little or no status in society, and little was expected from them. They were discriminated against when they tried to stand up for themselves. Chinese culture was customarily male dominated. The male was expected to do most of the work, and the woman was expected to stay at home with their mouth shut. This custom leaves an unwelcome feeling in a woman's heart. They feel like nobody cares, and it makes it much harder to live with an optimistic view on life. In the novel, The Joy Luck Club, by Amy Tan, Ann-Mei Hsu, Lindo Jong, and Ying Ying St. Clair are all women who grow up in a traditional China, where there is sexism. They deal with serious problems that corrupt their lives. Through perseverance and the passing of time their lives return to normal. Ann-Mei, Lindo, and Ying Ying subjugated by males because of their sex, and Chinese tradition. Ann-Mei is oppressed in many ways. Her mother is invited to spend time at the home of a wealthy merchant named Wu Tsing. During the night he comes into Ann-Mei's mother's room and rapes her. Despite emotionally scaring Ann-Mei this demonstrates the lack of respect for a woman in China. Ann-Mei's mother is forced into concubinage because of her lack of power as a women. She becomes the third wife. As a third wife she maintains very little status in the home of Wu Tsing. Ann-Mei's family disowns her mother because by becoming a third wife she has brought shame to her family. "When I was a young girl in China, my grandmother told me my mother was a ghost". Ann-Mei is told to forget about her mother and move on in her life. The fact that Ann-Mei is told to forget her mother because she has become something she could not control, is preposterous. She was raped and forced into concubinage. The lack of appreciation for a female causes this feeling of shame for the Mei family. Since rape and polygamy is accepted in China, it makes it appear that what Ann-Mei's mother has done is wrong, and what Wu Tsing did was right or normal.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

3d Printing Technology Essay

Legitimate Concerns Facing 3D Printing Technology Executive Summary This research journal article discusses how 3D Printing technology may effect federal firearms regulations. The focus of the article is that, due to the development of 3D Printing technology, individuals, even people without technical expertise, now have the ability to use the new technology to produce guns at home much more easily than they ever have before. This behavior might bring great harm to society. However, if a comprehensive prohibition on using 3D Printers to manufacture personal weapons were implemented, it might defy the 2008 District of Columbia v. Heller Supreme Court decision. In fact, the increasing popularity of 3D Printing means lawmakers must decide soon whether or not to allow 3D Printing of weapons. 3D Printing either should only be allowed to produce things that cannot be used as lethal weapons. Or, secondly, it can be used to produce a physical, working gun. The second option might achieve advances in 3D printing technology and promote the development of firearms design. However, developments in 3D Printing technology are creating concerns that not only legitimate consumers but also criminals are able to â€Å"print† firearms at home. If the law doesn’t allow individuals to use 3D printers to manufacturer personal weapons like handguns, it might be illegal according to the Second Amendment of the Constitution, a provision which protects the right of individuals to possess firearms under the law. Specifically, under the 2nd Amendment individuals may have the right to create their own firearms for self-defense, and the right to the manufacture firearms technology and materials. Analysis and Critique In fact, 3D Printing technology is not brand new. This technology has been undergoing development for more than a decade. The reason it became more popular recently is because of decreasing usage costs, so more and more individuals have the opportunity to own 3D Printers for personal use. In my analysis and critique of this journal article, I will focus on three different areas: how well does it deliver information to the reader, how the product will evolve in the future, and what is my opinion of concern about 3D Printing technology relate to firearms production after reading this journal article. First of all, this article is well organized and divided into four parts. The first part introduces what 3D Printing is, and how it is possible to produce firearms using the technology. The second part explains why the sale and production of firearms are limited under federal regulations, and provides an overall outlook of the firearm industry. Part three includes explanations of how 3D printers may change firearms production. Finally, Part four describes the constitutional right to bear arms, and it also analyzes the extent to which Heller’s case may limit prohibitions on 3D Printing. Moreover, this article provides other critical information to explain key points. It is a very valuable introduction for a reader without a background in the subject who might not be very familiar with the IT industry or with the relevant legislation. Based on the data and supporting details provided by the author, readers will have a basic idea of the fundamental issues concerning the intersect ion of 3D Printing and weaponry. As a result, it relates the technology to big concerns about public security, and the author gives great examples of the various legal arguments on the topic. Therefore, I think this article is a valuable qualitative article that can expand people’s knowledge on the subject. Secondly, besides concerns about guns, there are no other disadvantages to the improvement of 3D Printing, which will make the operating cost of the technology increasingly cheap. Jensen-Haxel explains how 3D Printing actually works in his article: The process begins with a digital 3D model created using Computer Added Design (â€Å"CAD†) software. The software automatically slices the model into a stack of thin horizontal cross-sections about 0.1mm in height. The, 3D printer then builds the physical model by depositing material layer by layer. At the same time, 3D Printers are getting smaller and smaller, which will make it easier for consumers to have their own machines at home. This changes the old production model. Nowadays, people are allowed to produce whatever they want using a 3D Printer, all they need are the required data and materials. In fact, because of the development of the Internet, it is easier than ever for people to find these resources online. Evans states that: The quickest way to get started with 3D printing is simply to find models online that others have already created and shared on the Internet. The online 3D printing community is growing all the time, so more and more things are being shared every day. Therefore, the limitations of self-production have shifted from hardware difficulties to software or materials issues. The technology is becoming simpler to use, but it might harm light manufacturing industries because some designers may be able to use their own 3D Printers to produce a sample instead of finding established producers that use traditional manufacturing methods. Because of these improvements, the potential for 3D Printing is bright, but the light manufacturing industry might be negatively affected by it. Finally, the author argues that the rapid improvement of 3D Printing and the increasing convenience for individuals to produce things with it is both a major concern and a tremendous possibility. Should individuals receive the right to do whatever they want with 3D Printing technology, even the ability to â€Å"print† firearms? The topic of gun safety has become especially relevant since the school shooting in Newton, Connecticut last year. More and more people are arguing about if the government should make some changes to firearms regulation. Jensen-Haxel wrote in his article that: â€Å"As the power of production passes from industry to consumer, many areas of the law may be caught unprepared.† (P.448) Concerns about the rate of technological progress outpacing regulations are not limited to 3D Printing. Because of the relentless improvements to technology, more and more challenges will occur as regulators try to manage new technology. The fact is, in most cases, laws only change after a new problem occurs, which means that new products will often exist in a legal gray area before rules can be changed. How the government deals with this issue might be a big concern in the following decades. To sum up, this article first introduces 3D Printing technology, and gives an example how 3D Printing has been used to â€Å"print† a firearm. As a result, the author relates this new technology to a regulatory concern. Within his argument, he provides lots of legal information, and then tries to point out a fact that some gray areas exist because regulation usually develops slower than a new technology can. Back to this article, is seems like the future of 3D Printing technology in unclear until the government resolves the legal issues concerning manufacturing weapons with this technology. Reference Evans, B. (2012). Practical 3D printers: the science and art of 3D printing. New York: Apress. Jensen-Haxel, Peter (2012). 3D Printers, Obsolete Firearm Supply Controls, and the Right to Build Self-Defense Weapons Under Heller. Golden Gate University Law Review; May2012, Vol. 42 Issue 3, p447-496, 50p

‘Poetry’ by Marianne Moore Analysis Essay

In the poem, Moore dissects the meaning and understanding of poetry. She tries to make a point of the importance and usefulness of poetry to a person. There is the mention that most people do not take the time to appreciate something of they do not understand it. From research on this poet I have discovered that she has a unique writing style that she is referencing in the poem. There are a few images in her poem like when she writes, â€Å"Hands that can grasp, eyes that can dilate, hair that can rise†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Another example of imagery is, â€Å"elephants pushing, a wild horse taking a roll, a tireless wolf under a tree†¦Ã¢â‚¬  There are also other poetic elements in this poem as well as images. This poem really contains the main theme of the nature of people. She describes a stereotypical view that people do not take the time to appreciate and understand things. The poem honestly causes me a lot of confusion, which is why I picked it. I do not know how to get a full understanding of anything in this poem, especially things such as themes and allusions so I do not really have anything to say about either of those things so I am going to move on. There is one piece of irony I found in this poem. Her first line, â€Å"I too dislike it; there are things that are important beyond all this fiddle,† is an example of irony in her poem. For she is a poet sharing her negative opinion of poetry, I am assuming. The tone of this poem seems to be slightly melancholy for most of it.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Passing A Bill In Congress Essay

In general, for a bill to get through congress it must be introduced into either the House of Representatives or the Senate. Before getting to a vote, a bill must be sponsored or written by a member or members of congress. Then, the bill will head to committees and subcommittees where is will be fleshed out by various members of congress as well as competing interests in congress. It then must be introduced to the floor where it can be brought up for a vote. Please note, it is not uncommon for bills to â€Å"die† in committee. That is, for various reasons, the bill is never brought to the floor for a vote. There are a number of reasons for this, but usually it is because either the bill has so little support that brining it to a vote where is would lose tremendously would be considered a waste of time. When the bill passes one area by 51% on final vote it then moved to the other area where it must pass by 51%. (Please note: certain bills such as bills dealing with taxation) must be initiated only in the House as opposed to the Senate. Also, the Senate must close out final vote with 60 Senators in agreement to end amendments and discussion to the bill before moving on to final vote. After the Bill passes both Houses of Congress, it then goes to the President’s desk where it is signed into law or vetoed. If vetoed, the president’s veto can be overridden by Congress voting in favor of the bill by a 2/3 majority; in such an instance, the bill then becomes the law of the land. On a side note, there is somewhat more partisanship in the Senate because of the fact that there are only 100 members as opposed to the 435 members found in the House. As such, the votes in the Senate are usually viewed by the public as being more â€Å"in line† with a party’s stance as opposed to the House where votes are considered more reflective of locality. The numbers of roadblocks that can derail a bill are vast. However, if recent history was an indication of what the most common methods a bill can be derailed it would be one of two things: and inability to â€Å"purchase† the votes of representatives with earmarks and the public learning more about the bill and becoming dissatisfied. While this may seem like a somewhat cynical statement, it is validated by reports that appear in the newspapers everyday. Often, to get representatives and senators on board for certain bills pork barrel spending (money/spending appropriated for specific local districts) must be utilized in order to purchase the vote. If such a purchase can not be facilitated, a lack of enough votes to process the bill occurs. The other common roadblock for a bill is when the public learns the details of a bill and grows dissatisfied with the bill and then threaten to withhold votes/contributions if the bill passes. Of all the roadblocks to getting a bill passed, the most common throughout American history, however, would be the filibuster. In order for debate on a bill to end in the senate, there must be a 60 vote majority. If this does not occur, the debate can go on forever and the bill may not reach a final vote. Usually, when a bill can not get past the filibuster, it is a â€Å"dead bill† and it is pulled off the floor. If there was any lesson to be learned from the long process it would be the fact that this was a brilliant move on the part of the Founding Fathers as it forces the process to be slow and it gives the public time to be informed about legislation. Because the process is slow, it prevents radical changes in government from occurring too fast and it also prevents the public from being â€Å"blindsided† by legislation that they may not truly support. This allows for a stability in the government system that can be somewhat lacking in other parts of the world.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Utopia Story

Utopia Thomas Mere's utopia which was the predecessor for the concept continues to be appropriated into a range of cultures and contexts. Increasingly however, these are Utopias are dyspepsia. A utopia is defined as an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect. The word was first used in the book Utopia (1516) by Sir Thomas More. The opposite of utopia is a dyspepsia, an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.The themes present in the texts Utopia, Cataract, Fahrenheit 451 and the Pedestrian whether they are a Utopia or a Dyspepsia intertwine and give us a sense that the slightest push in any direction for our society could result in a catastrophic dyspepsia. In Ray Bursary's The Pedestrian, the idea of technology taking over and the decline of human feelings and interactions are strongly represented. In The Pedestrian Bradbury has used a futuristic setting of society to critiqu e It. He presents the undesired characteristics lying within our society and enhances and pronounces hem in The Pedestrian.He conveys the alienation and lack of emotions that is beginning to show in our society and presents them in his text a possible future for humanity if we were to go down that path. The way Bradbury represents technology in his short story is as if it is evil and tearing humanity apart. So devoid of emotion is the environment and surroundings of the main character that it creates a giant contrast to the main character to who Is, to the audience symbolizes as us, an average person All of the techniques such as metaphors and similes are used to enhance the alienation of the main character representing us from the environment and everything else.In the text Cataract, the main themes are, like the pedestrian, the taking over of technology and loss of humanity. In Cataract, It Is In the future and every child Is made and selected through a far more advanced form of I F where the best genes are extracted from the parent's and then Implanted back In the mother. The hair and eye color and sex are chosen, any possibility for diseased genes is removed and as he characters are told â€Å"the children are still you, simply the best of you†.The story centers on Vincent, a child who was conceived naturally and suffered immensely because of the new way to discriminate, through inferior genes. The way the world In Cataract Is presented to the audience, with employees checking Into work by having their fingers pricked to test their blood and how strictly business like and devoid of emotion it is works to present a possible dyspepsia for our society through Cataract. Science and technology is key, there is no time nor place for emotion, this is was Cataract represents.Fahrenheit 451 Is another dyspepsia text that presents the themes of lacking emotion and the taking over of technology, In this text, everything we know In our society has been twisted a nd stretched to the extreme to resemble something we barely recognize. Firemen are now employed to burn all books, starting fires instead of putting them out. The characters in this text are shadows, seemingly without a purpose or many emotions.The concept of talking to each other and enjoying the environment is alien to them, their only form of enjoyment a four wall TV that surrounds like a room, further cutting them off from emotion, humanity and enclosing them in technology as such. These Dyspepsia are all conceived from the original Utopia written by Sir Thomas More, and are used like More did, to critique the society the authors live or lived in. The extreme elements in each of these Utopias could be possible and that is what the authors wanted to present, almost like a warning to us. Emily Newman

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Comparison of Ophelia characters in Hamlet and Child of God Essay

The play, Hamlet, by Shakespeare and the novel, Child of God, by Lolita Files tells of Ophelia l character that displays similar base behaviors. In both Hamlet and Child of God, the two Ophelias are static one-dimensional characters who are both victims of their circumstances. However, the Ophelia in Hamlet meet a tragic end while the Ophelia in Child of God is able to have a positive ending. In short, Files’ Ophelia became the tragic heroine that Shakespeare’s did not. The significant and most important similarity between the characters of Ophelia in Hamlet and Child of God is that both are a static-one dimensional character. These characters do not change throughout the play or novel and continued to be predictable. They act like robots that do not exercise an aggressive control over their own lives and effect any purposeful independent personal change in their environment. They are weak-willed, soft, fragile, tender beings whose main function and purpose in life is to be dominated and used by other more aggressive, strong characters surrounding them. File’s Ophelia is said to be, â€Å"naive about the world and the people in it† and Shakespeare’s Ophelia is described by Hamlet as â€Å"frailty, thy name is woman† (Files 65; Shakespeare & Hapgood 116). Ophelia in Child of God is used by his brother for his selfish, passionate desires while the Ophelia in Hamlet is used by her father and brother to be a spy against the man she loves, Hamlet. Files’ Ophelia put up a little but unconvincing resistance to his brother’s advances (â€Å"but I’m your sister†) perhaps because her situation is more delicate while Shakespeare’s Ophelia readily obeyed without question (Files 68). It is said that Files’ Ophelia â€Å"loved her brother†¦and would have done anything to make him happy† (Files 68). Moreover, the two characters in both stories are both predictable creatures that one could easily predict to either fall when circumstances are bad or triumph when circumstances are good or in their favor. Sure enough Shakespeare’s Ophelia became a madwoman when circumstances turn from bad to worse, as first, she is betrayed by her lover, Hamlet, who tells her â€Å"I love you not†, and then second her father is murdered by Hamlet himself (Shakespeare &Hapgood 182). Files’ Ophelia, on the other hand, also almost went crazy when her child dies in the fire after Lay left her, and would surely have gone crazy if her mother did not make the initiative to turn her life around by sending her to college in another State. Such behaviors show both Ophelias’ incapability to direct their own destiny in spite of their circumstances. One reason is that they seem to be women who have no opinion of their own. In Hamlet, Ophelia did not defend Hamlet against her father but willingly submits to their plans even though it may hurt the man she loves. Some scholars who made an analysis of her character accused her, that because of her willingness to be used against him, she therefore does not really love Hamlet (Madariaga 41). However, it is obvious that this Ophelia cannot make up her mind, as suggested by her reply â€Å"I do not know, my lord, what I should think†(Shakespeare & Hapgood 127). Similarly, the seemingly innocent Ophelia in Child of God who ironically loves to read books that could have imparted her knowledge from which to forge her own opinions is easily convinced by her own brother to have sexual relationship with him. Both authors therefore, presents two Ophelia’s who emulate and illustrate the dangers of the celebrated frailty , naivety and tenderness of feminity for it, in fact, exposes women to domination and hence, to becoming victims of circumstances. On the other hand, one of the major differences that a reader can observe is that Ophelia in Child of God had an incestuous love affair with his brother Lay while the Ophelia in Hamlet, who also has a close relationship with his brother, did not. It appears that the major difference lies in the brothers themselves. Lay is generally a wicked, selfish man (as attested later by destroying his own brother’s life to drugs). His childhood is greatly influenced by his aunt Sukie who is also a wicked, selfish woman. His love and concern for Ophelia, therefore, is driven more by his passionate lust and using persuasive words (â€Å"I thought you said you loved me†), convinces her to enter into an incestuous love affair with him. He later left her pregnant and drive her away from his life when Ophelia establishes contact with him (Files 68). On the other hand, the Ophelia in Hamlet has a brother, Laertes, who genuinely loves her. He thinks Hamlet is just going to destroy her virginal innocence (â€Å"your chaste treasure open, to his unmaster’d importunity†) and therefore warns her (Shakespeare & Hapgood 124). File’s Ophelia recognizes that it is sin to have incestuous affair with his brother but she speaks with little conviction (â€Å"what happen between us ain’t normal†, and when Lay asks her who said it she replied, â€Å"it just ain’t†) indicating that she was not as interested to the moral implications of her actions (Files 69). What is important for her is that her brother loves her and he wants her. Many people present this kind of argument when confronted with their sinful or questionable actions. As long as their needs are met they do not care so much what the law or others say. Interestingly, the people who are capable of this kind of lifestyle are those who are less pricked by conscience. Nowhere in the book in the Child of God can one see that Ophelia struggles with guilt over her incestuous affair with Lay. When she was almost overcome with madness, it was not because of guilt but because her child (the one she sired with her brother) is burned to death. On the other hand, one would wonder what would have happen to Shakespeare’s Ophelia if Laertes had made physical advances to her like what Lay did to his sister. It is quite possible that she would be gone crazy or mad also. The reason is that she seemed to be endowed with a higher degree of conscience, arising from a nurtured family loyalty, than the Ophelia in Child of God is although looking at both their lives in entirety it seems that they do not â€Å"struggle much with moral choices or alternatives† (Shakespeare et. l. 78 ). It is apparent in Hamlet that the madness of Shakespeare’s Ophelia’s is caused by the grief over her father’s death ,nevertheless, judging from the events surrounding her father’s death( like Hamlet’s insult over her betrayal and the possible likelihood that she thinks Hamlet killed her father in revenge) it could be that it is in fact the culmination of all the guilty feelings she harbors inside as she cries out, â€Å"O! Woe is me, to have seen what I have seen, what I see† (Shakespeare & Hapgood 185). The authors therefore do show that the relationships that both developed with their brothers is largely influenced by the behavior of their brother themselves although one cannot discount the role of the degree of moral conscience in these two characters. Shakespeare’s Ophelia is more inclined to be pricked by conscience (therefore more likely to avoid it) than File’s Ophelia is. Another significant difference is that File’s Ophelia became a tragic heroine that Shakespeare’s Ophelia did not. It can be noted that these two fragile maidens encounters and are caught up in a tragic family drama. However, the life of File’s Ophelia’s can be said to be more tragic (and cursed with sin) than that of Shakespeare’s Ophelia for her bloodline is tainted with family murders, family hatred, gender biases (homosexuality) and incest and therefore more prone to failure and bitter end. On the other hand, the Ophelia in Hamlet can be said to have only a tragic incident in the murder of her father by her lover Hamlet. Weighing these two backgrounds, one therefore can conclude, that Shakespeare’s Ophelia had a more chance to experience a triumphant life. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. Shakespeare’s Ophelia became crazy and suspected to commit suicide while File’s Ophelia overcome her tragic past. Their different endings are actually caused by the respective lack or abundance of support that they get from others. As mentioned earlier, both of these Ophelia do not take initiative for their destinies. Therefore, the key to their triumph relies heavily on the people surrounding them. The Ophelia of Hamlet both lost her father and Hamlet and with her caring brother far in Paris, Ophelia is put in a most distressing state( â€Å" driven into desperate terms†, as Laertes put it) , struggling with her sorrow and grief alone which eventually caused her madness( Shakespeare & Hapgood 244). File’s Ophelia on the other hand, in spite of the murder, hatred and incest surrounding her life, nevertheless, has a very supportive family. Her parents protect her from possible harm, she is sent to school by an equally supportive family friend and at least she has one brother, Polo, who cares so much about her and is with her in her new life as a student. Then later she met a man who loves her and accepted her for who she is. Without being very straightforward about it therefore, the two authors implicitly illustrate the value and importance of support towards fragile weak characters in attaining their triumph over the adversities of their lives. As a conclusion, even though the Ophelia’s of Hamlet and Child of God displays and possesses the same weak, naive personality and tender feminine qualities that is subject to domination and exploitation they are, however, destined to have different endings. The reasons are due mainly to their ability or the lack of it to be influenced by conscience as well as to their respective differences in getting support from others.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

One of the most acknowledged artists, Tony Cragg Essay

One of the most acknowledged artists, Tony Cragg - Essay Example The essay "One of the most acknowledged artists, Tony Cragg" discusses the Tony Cragg's career in arts and visual communication and analyzes his work, philosophy, and interactions with the wider society. Tony Cragg started his career in Britain as a laboratory assistant. His main duties in the laboratory involved testing, manipulating and developing various categories of rubber. Cragg took these duties while he was still an art student and therefore he utilized his artistic skill in all experiments that he conducted. Using his drawing techniques, he was able to express his experiment to an understandable level. His background in science is also considered to have contributed to his imagination and creativity. In 1970, Cragg joined the Wimbledon College of Art before he proceeded to the royal college in London. After completing his studies at Wimbledon, Cragg moved Wuppertal in Germany where he continued with his work in visual art. While in Germany Cragg utilized found materials such as broken glass, toys, plastics and metal pieces to produce his works. In 1980, tony Cragg began using bronze and iron as his major artistic materials. He also used other materials such as wood, polystyrene, and steel to cast bronze and iron. Due to complexities in his work, Cragg preferred producing all his sculptors using his own hands. Cragg had a team of assistants who assisted him with his daily work and requirement in his studio. His early forms took from his experiences and encounter with experimental work.