Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Components of Interpersonal Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Components of Interpersonal Communication - Essay Example Verbal skill is important for establishing relationship (Key, 1980). According to Key, in a hunting society relationship is based on one’s ability to hunt but in a technological society verbal skills replace hunting skills. This only implies that interpersonal communication has also evolved over time. It is clear that the environment and human experience change the course of interpersonal communication which is evident on how the verbal skill has become so important in establishing relationship in contemporary society. Message has to be spoken clearly in order to understand it. A preacher for instance has to read the passage in the Bible, but it is not enough. He has to elaborately discuss it in detail based on his meditation. It is the only way in which a certain passage from the Bible can be clearly understood by the people. Thus, a preacher is required to have excellent verbal skills in order to convey the message or information successfully. People are expecting something more from him and that is to be able to gain insights. One way a preacher can be able to address the spiritual needs of the people is through effective communication through excellent verbal skills as anointed by God. On the other hand it is not only enough to focus on verbal skills in order to effectively communicate, but there are also non verbal skills that need to be taken into account. The American culture for instance values handshake as important part of being polite and meaning business at some point. The Japanese culture places more emphasis on body bow as an act of politeness and loyalty. Body gestures therefore are integral parts of communication process because they convey specific meanings or symbols. There are different cultures around the world which means there are different non verbal communications that need to be clearly defined and they are categorized as technical,

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Communication Changes in the UAE

Communication Changes in the UAE â€Å"Report on the UAE Oral History Assignment† Introduction The report discuses the major shift in UAE Communication and media based on the interview and research. The interview helped to get a real insight in the life style and communication methods in the earlier days. The report discusses the recent trends in UAE media and communication history with emphasis on digitalization and telecommunication history. The technology change in communication is discussed with the rapid development of ICT in UAE after the declaration of Dubai as media free zone. The Social media revolution in UAE is the current trend in communication. Social media impact on UAE government and citizens are discussed. The transformation of communication in UAE as a result of social media has been discussed with the benefits, pitfalls and statistics in this report. The main findings from interview and research are discussed below. Shift in UAE Communication The growth of media began with radio in 1950’s. The history of Radio in UAE dates back 60 years. BFBC (British Forces Broadcasting Services) had the first FM studio running news and entertainment programs in UAE. Channel 4 was started in 1970’s which was the first UAE radio. Arab media group and Emirates radio quickly followed. Currently there are 7 radio stations with 72 channels in UAE. Televisions became popular in 1990’s and almost every household has a television in UAE. Internet growth began in 2000 and research reveals that nearly 75% of the UAE population has access to internet (Khalled, 2012). The media censorship is regulated by TRA in UAE. UAE has experienced major shifts in telecommunication and media in the past four decades. The growth of the nation was fuelled by the rich oil reserves. UAE has grown rapidly and has achieved remarkable progress in the telecommunication arena. Dubai serves as the major hub of UAE media and communication. Recent trends in UAE media and communication history Nissar Hoath, 2013 discusses the importance of digitalizing historical records from print, radio and TV etc. The Abu Dhabi media has started securing the UAE historical data on media and communication from 1950 in a digital form. At the end of the first phase of this project, more than 5000 hours of UAE history recordings are made digitally. This is a nine year program to be completed by 2020. This indicates the importance of UAE media and communication history. According to James Chung, Susie Wilkening, Sally Johnstone, 2012, digitalization is the recent trend in UAE communication and media. Other channels that dominate the field include Cable TV, wireless networks, TV channels etc. TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) controls the entire telecommunication in UAE. Etisalat and Du now known as (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company) EITC are the two major mobile service providers in UAE. All television and radio channels are owned by the UAE government except in the Dubai media free zone. Technology Change Dubai became a media free zone from 2000. The technology change in communication began here. The Emirate of Dubai passed the technology and free media law in January 2000 aiming at bringing rapid changes in technology in UAE. Dubai Internet City was launched in October 2000 (Jumana Khamis. 2014) as a means of development in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector. Dubai internet city became a huge success in 2003 with industries emerging in the ICT sector. TECOM investments manage the free zone including 10 major business parks. Dubai has now become a major hub of ICT technologies in UAE. This directly benefits the media, communication, education, information technology and other related fields. These sectors saw tremendous growth due to the change of ICT technologies in Dubai. Dubai is renowned world wide as a leader in ICT technologies. Social media revolution in UAE Benefits Jumana Khamis, (2014) discusses the shift of communication power from UAE government to the people of UAE. Social media has brought this shift. Social media has changed the communication media totally in UAE with the interaction between government and citizens happening in a transparent manner. Earlier, the communication between UAE government and people was very rare but with the growth of the social media the communication has enhanced. UAE government uses social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to get the needs of the people. People freely post their opinion on these social media. Jumana Khamis, (2014) comments that communication in UAE has transformed rapidly. Earlier the communication between people and Government was vertical and hierarchical with government stating rules and regulations to the people over media. Now, Social media has changed this communication pattern to a network base. Pitfalls There are critics about social media arguing the involvement of people in government decision making. They even argue that social media can bring in a culture change in UAE with everyone expressing their opinions. Certain industrialists argue that social media can hamper creativity. Most of the intellectuals distance themselves from social media due to the following of the pop culture. Most of the people feel that social media is a waste of time and it kills useful leisure time or traveling etc. Statistics Jumana Khamis, (2014) gives statistics on social media. 70 percent of the users of social media are below the age of 30 and currently there are more than 65 million active Arab users in social media. According to the author, social media has opened a new way of expressing the concerns, needs and demands of the society. UAE government takes social media as a form of communication and now it has become a necessity. Conclusion The report has discussed the major shift in UAE Communication and media. The report gives details on the recent trends in UAE media, technology change, ICT and Social media. The communication of UAE has transformed to a great deal from Radio to social media. This transformation is clearly explained in this report. Communication forms the backbone in the growth of UAE. Communication can be attributed as one of the reasons of rapid growth of UAE. The communication change is discussed in the report in a critical manner focusing on social media. Finally as a result of critical analysis, it can be concluded that social media has transformed the communication to a great extent in UAE but ethics have to be followed in expressing the opinions in the social media. The report will serve as a guide for readers to study the change in UAE media and communication. References James Chung, Susie Wilkening, Sally Johnstone. 2012. Trends in Telecommunications in the United Arab Emirates. Reach Advisors publication Jumana Khamis. 2014. Social media shifts power of communication to people. Arab media. February 23, 2014 Khaleed. 2012. United Arab Emirates History Background Uae, Traditional, Country, and British – StateUniversity available at http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/1605/United-Arab-Emirates-HISTORY-BACKGROUND.html#ixzz3E8tI0Oaa Nissar Hoath. 2013. Abu Dhabi Media digitalizes 3m rare historical records. Abu Dhabi Media. 15 April 2013 Appendix How people communicated before the establishment of the UAE in 1971? Which media were available and how they were used? How communication and media have changed since the early 20th century and compare past and present? What is the positive side of media and communication development in the UAE? What is the negative side for media and communication development in the UAE? How the media affect the education from the past compared to present? How the UAE was communication with the outside world? Could you imagine the UAE without the media and communication? It will develop or not? And how?

Friday, October 25, 2019

Hamartia in Oedipus the King :: Greek Tragedy Tragedies Oedipus Essays

Hamartia in Oedipus the King According to Aristotle, the tragic hero is impeded by a distinguishable characteristic or character trait which leads to his ultimate demise. This trait is known as hamartia, or the "tragic flaw." This characteristic is said to not only lead to the hero's demise but may also enable the reader to sympathize with the character. So it follows that in Oedipus the King, a Greek tragedy, the tragic hero Oedipus should have some sort of flaw. However, after close examination of the text, no distinguishable "flaw" is revealed. Although Oedipus appears to have many "flaws" on the surface, namely his poor temperament, carelessness, curiosity and pride, close examination of the text reveals that he has many seemingly flawed characteristics that are not only justifiable but in some cases to be expected. One might expect that a quick and even murderous temper would be considered a serious impediment to Oedipus. However, he is quite justified in his rage against Creon and Tiresias, and he has good reasons to suspect them of plotting against him. From the view point of Oedipus, he has just discovered that the antecedent king Laius was savagely murdered along with the members of his entourage. Furthermore the murder has yet to be solved many years later, and the gods have placed a plague on his city until the murderer(s) is apprehended and punished. After learning of the death of Laius, Oedipus concludes that the murderer is "a thief, so daring, so wild, he'd kill a king? [It's] impossible, unless conspirators paid him off in Thebes" (140-142). Creon concurs that this thought had also crossed his mind. So with this evidence, it is easy to see why Oedipus is distrustful of his own peers. Maybe the actual killing of Laius and his four servants is an extreme display of Oedipus' murderous temperament. While it may seem a bit extreme in hindsight, at the time of the incident his actions are totally justifiable. Oedipus describes the incident as thus: as he was"making [his] way toward this triple crossroad [he] began to see a herald, then a brace of colts drawing a wagon, and mounted on the bench . . . a man, just as [Jocasta] described [Laius], coming face-to-face, and the one in the lead and the old man himself [was] about to thrust [him] off the road-brute force - and the one shouldering [him] aside, the driver, [he] struck [him] in anger - and the old man, watching [Oedipus] coming up along his wheels - he brings down his prod, two prongs straight at [his] head"(884-893).

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or Republic Act No. 10175 Essay

What are the Cybercrime Offenses? offenses against confidentiality, integrity and availability of computer data and systems includes illegal access, illegal interception, data interference, system interference, misuse of device and cybersquatting computer related offenses this includes computer-related forgery, fraud, identity theft content-related offenses this includes cybersex, child pornography, unsolicited commercial communications and libel The definition under the Revised Penal Code (RPC) for libel is followed: public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice, or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead. Unsolicited commercial communications refer to the transmission of commercial electronic communication with the use of computer system which seek to advertise, sell or offer for sale products and services The law also punishes those who aids or abets in the commission of the cybercrime as well as those who attempt to commit the same. Penalties to be imposed include imprisonment of prision mayor or 12 years plus a fine ranging from P200,000 up to P1,000,000. Under Sec. 12, law enforcement authorities shall be authorized to collect or record traffic data in real time associated with specified communications transmitted by means of a computer system. o The requirement for this is â€Å"due cause† and no warrant is necessary. o Traffic data refer to communication’s origin, destination, route, time date, size, duration or type à   but excludes content. o To seize or disclose content, a court warrant is necessary. Under Section 19, the Department of Justice can issue an order to restrict or block access to the computer data, should the computer data be found to be prima facie (presumed to be) in violation of the law. [Critics have called this the take down clause] Comments: The inclusion of libel No clear definition à   allowing people who share, retweet, post to be prosecuted Penalty for online libel is 12 years imprisonment as opposed to the libel under the RPC which is 4 years and 2 months. The Philippine libel law has been previously been declared by the UN Human Rights Commission as excessive and incompatible with international human rights law. (October 2011) Individuals can get punished for libel under the Cybercrime Law and under the RPC because of Sec. 7 which provides that a prosecution under this law shall be without prejudice to any liability for violation of the RPC or special laws. Under Section 19 or the â€Å"Takedown clause,† the Department of Justice can immediately order blocking access to your computer data, depriving you of the opportunity to access and see your stored information. Here, the DOJ acts as the prosecutor and the court who issues the â€Å"gag† order. Law is silent on the liability of service providers.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Financial Aid

Federal regulations require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in three areas- cumulative GPA, hours earned or completion rate, and maximum timeframe – to be eligible for financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to stay informed of the University’s SAP standards and to monitor their progress, through our Banner system. A complete description of VSU SAP policy for financial aid purposes can be found on the VSU website at www.vsu.edu , click 1) Financial Aid, 2) General Information and 3)Satisfactory Academic Progress. Extenuating or Mitigating Circumstances;An appeal can be submitted if a student’s failure to be in compliance with one or more areas of SAP is due to events beyond the student’s control. If such mitigating circumstances can be documented for the specific semester(s) when the deficiencies occurred, the student may submit this completed SAP Appeal, along with all required documentation. Submission of the ap peal does not guarantee approval.Students appealing to reinstate eligibility; you are granted one opportunity to appeal, (no repeat appeals), however re-evaluation for more than once is based on a case-by-case basis. Those students may not submit an appeal for the same previous reasonSupporting DocumentationTo confirm your extenuating circumstance(s), you must attach documentation from an objective third party (Example: Physician, counselor, lawyer, social worker, teacher, religious leader, academic advisor, VSU Counseling Center). Documentation must be on official letterhead and verify that extenuating circumstances occurred during the timeframe referenced in your appeal. In cases of death of an immediate family member, provide a copy of the death certificate or obituary. Appeals without supporting documentation will not be reviewed.Reinstatement of AidA financial aid Staff member will notify you of the decision by mail or via email to your official VSU email account. If your appea l is approved your financial aid is reinstated for the current semester. Eligibility is not retroactive to a prior term. If your appeal is denied you may choose to apply for an alternative loan. All decisions of the Financial Aid SAP Appeal Committee are final and not subject to further appeal.Appeal DeadlineSAP appeal and supporting documentation must be received by the VSU Office of Student Financial Aid by June 20 for the fall semester and January 6 for the spring semester. Summer appeals must be submitted prior to the first day of classes. Appeals received after these dates will be considered for the following semester. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate an appeal before the specified deadline.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Irish Child And Adolescent Mental Health Services Social Work Essay Essays

Irish Child And Adolescent Mental Health Services Social Work Essay Essays Irish Child And Adolescent Mental Health Services Social Work Essay Essay Irish Child And Adolescent Mental Health Services Social Work Essay Essay but besides states that many of these will stay untreated because/due to the deficiency of services ( Share and Lalor,2009 ) . Many working groups and studies have been improved or implemented since the 2001 Mental Health Act, including the kid and Mental Health Service Report 2009-1010, a Vision for alteration 2006, the specializer Child and Adolescent Mental Health Advisory Group 2009, mental Health Commission 2002, and the Mental Health Expert Advisory Group. A Vision for Change presently in its 5th twelvemonth was launched by Mary Harney the so T A ; aacute ; naiste and Minster for Health and Children in 2006, prior to the recession or recent authorities crisis. This vision was so adopted as the formal national policy for the proviso of mental wellness services and was endorsed by patients advocators for patients and the mental wellness professional community. This vision was to advance a individual centered recovery orientated and holistic attack to mental unwellness and that the programme was to be funded from the sale of preexistent mental wellness lands and belongingss ( HSE, 2010 ) , including the sale and closing of 15 Victorian infirmaries promised by John Moloney during his statement to the House of the Oireachtas on 23 March 2010. Although it would be far to besides add that he did non print a clip line or budget program. The Child and mental Health service ( CAMHS ) have duty for the development of mental wellness services for kids and adolescents up until a younger grownup reaches 18 old ages of age There purpose is the development of 90 nine multi-disciplinary CAMHS squads, of which 50 five are already in topographic point, fifty community squads, to twenty-four hours hospital squads and three pediatric infirmary affair squads in add-on to other recommendations. With so much support being available to organize and implement so may groups and studies betterment should be huge. Deputy John Moloney the so Minister of State during his statement to the House of the Oireachtas on 23 March 2010, is recorded as saying that 70 per cent of mental wellness troubles begin in the kid and adolescent old ages, and that despite the economic down bend that advancement is being maintained in relation to mental wellness services an illustration of these betterments was the doubling of available inpatient beds from the minimum figure of 15 to the tremendous figure of 30 inmate beds, to cover the full population of 20 six counties in a state where the population harmonizing to the 2006 figures from the cardinal statistics office was recorded as being 4,239,848 of which 864,449 were aged between nothing and 14 ( Central Statistics Office, 2010 ) . The failure of mental wellness services available to Children and striplings has been highlighted in recent old ages with newspaper headlines foregrounding the usage of grownup psychiatric wards being used to suit kids every bit immature as 14. Harmonizing to newspapers such as the Belfast Telegraph on 7 October 2010 over one 100 adolescents enduring mental unwellness were admitted to adult psychiatric units during 2010. The graduated table of the job emerged after four adolescents over a few twenty-four hours period were admitted to the same mental wellness service unit at Waterford regional infirmary. It was noted that of the 100 adolescents forty three were under 17 old ages of age and the staying 50 seven were under 18. It was fortunate that at the clip this entrees occurred the amendment to the mental wellness ordinances had non come into force, and was non considered a breach of mental wellness ordinances, from December 2010 the age bound for preventing admittances to adults un its was increased to seventeen and this is due to be raised once more from 1 December 2011 to eighteen. ( Belfast Telegraph,2010 ) . Despite these Numbers 2010 really showed a lessening in kids and striplings being admitted to adult units, harmonizing to Amnesty International, in 2009 two 100 people were admitted to adult units and in 2008 this figure was two 100 and 40 seven. The figure of Children and striplings being admitted to adult units may be diminishing but the existent figure really being admitted to inmates units continues to lift, during the first nine months of 2010, sixty three per cent of immature individual s being treated for mental wellness conditions were admitted to child and adolescent units an addition of 19 per cent on the 2009 figures. This harmonizing to the Department of Health and Children is expected to go on to increase with the gap of the two new 20 bed units in both Cork and Galway ( section of Health and Children.2010 ) . Prior to the execution of the Vision of Change the age cut off age between kids and grownup services was 16 old ages. These additions occurred despite the purposed move off from the infirmary based theoretical account and towards more attention in the community and within the clients ain place ( HSE, 2010 ) . Improvements despite nevertheless minimum are still betterments, from small acorns turn almighty oaks. The HSE published its 2nd one-year study on Child and Mental Health Services on 23 November 2010, This study highlights that within the twelvemonth 1 October 2009 and 30 September 2010 7651 new instances were seen by the CAMHS squads and of these new instances 47 per cent were seen within one month and 69 per cent within three months of the initial referral ( HSE,2010 ) . This study states that waiting lists have decreased by 9.5 per cent stand foring a lessening of 247 individuals compared to the study besides acknowledges that despite this lessening 2370 kids and striplings still await assignments. These 2370 immature grownups all with households, parents, callings, siblings, equals, instructors all waiting an assignment all perchance affected by behaviour jobs of some sort, all indirectly expecting aid to some grade, and all trusting for a positive results. These immature grownup s await assignments despite the fact that the UN Convention on the Rights of the kid states that Governments and relevant subordinate organic structures of province have a duty to take all available steps to guarantee that kids s rights are respected, protected and fulfilled ( ACAMH,2008 ) .. The exact figure of these that could be considered at hazard despite the purposes of the 2001 Mental Health Act remain unknown. Despite apparently little betterments or what the HSE see as a broad scope of community based services such as outpatient clinics, medium support groups places, residential units and acute admittances wards etc. , ( HSE,2010 ) . Orla Barry manager of the Mental Health Commission states that cuts in staffing, edifices unfit for use/purpose, funding cutbacks, deficiency of conformity with basic criterions and with no meaningful programs to drive reform that the HSE is non presenting on its promises ( Amnesty International,2010 ) . Orla Barry besides states that mental wellness disbursement is at its lowest degree in modern history and that over half of the staff cuts in 2010 were from mental wellness which represented nine per cent of the Health service Executive work force ( Healthrisk,2010 ) . Dr Teresa Carey, Inspector of Mental Health Facilities besides paints a subdued position of the mental wellness system and provinces that cardinal to the bringing of effectual mental wellness s ervices is the ability to garner, analyse and manage information, but describes the information capablenesss of the Irish mental wellness service as primitive which has further deductions for the allotment of resources and make up ones minding of staffing degrees ( SIPTU NURSING, 2006 ) This essay will reason that despite recorded betterments to the mental wellness Servicess or the good purposes of all the studies and working groups. Purposes are lone purposes, more evidently needs to be done, for those who merely by age entirely irrespective of the mental wellness job they are sing, are one of the most vulnerable sectors of society and are unable to recommend for themselves. A waiting list regardless of size is still a waiting list. These immature grownups can be sing different grades of mental damage from depression to consider self-harm, and the demand for betterment can merely be enforced, with the Child and mental Health service ( CAMHS ) really saying that good results are most likely if the kid or stripling and their household or carer have entree to seasonably well-coordinated advice, appraisal and grounds based intervention ( HSE,2010 ) .

Monday, October 21, 2019

Raving is a lifestyle essays

Raving is a lifestyle essays One of the most rapidly expanding scenes in the world is raving. The dictionary defines "Rave" as To utter in madness or frenzy; to say wildly; as, to rave nonsense, which makes you wonder why raves were ever called raves to begin with, unless of course you have been to one. I will never forget my first experience at a rave. Media portrays Raves as cesspools of filth, sex and drugs, so naturally I was very nervous about attending my first party. We sit in a circle inside the party with the lights and music assailing my senses and take out the pills. I stare at mine and sweat nervously. I have never really done drugs before, and I am going to put a pill in my mouth that someone that I do not know has manufactured in their basement. Little did I know that this was a common theme in the scene, quality control for basement pharmaceuticals is a difficult thing. I down the ecstasy and wait nervously for some thing to happen to feel something that had been extensively described to m e, but for which I still had no idea what to expect for words can do it no justice. After forty minutes, I start to stand up to get some water, and before I know what is going on, I am already standing. It feels like I have no joints in my body, and everything is fluid. My mind is rushing and I let this sense of pure energy, goodwill and friendliness wash over my body. I feel the need for something different and wander off to make some new friends. I sit to talk to a beautiful girl by a pillar. Normally, I would be very shy and never dream of talking to a goddess such as she. Before I know what is going on, I am laying on my back with my head in her lap and she is massaging my face and neck gently, her touch so light that there seems to be almost no touch, just energy passing from her fingers to my face. I start to imagine strange worlds in my minds eye, seemingly rendered by computers full of brilliant glow-stick colors like fluorescent blues, purp...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

11 Memorial

Arads Vision for the National 9/11 Memorial Rebuilding anything is hard work. Nearly two years after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, New York developers announced a challenge - design a memorial for a shocked and grieving nation. Anyone could enter the competition. Entries poured in from architects, artists, students, and other creative people around the world. A panel of 13 judges reviewed 5,201 proposals. It took six months to select the designs of eight finalists. Behind closed doors, one of the judges, Maya Lin, praised a simple memorial originally titled Reflecting Absence. The 34-year-old  architect, Michael Arad, had never built anything larger than a police station. Yet submission 790532, Arads model for the memorial, stayed in the hearts and minds of the judges. Michael Arads Vision Michael Arad had served in the Israeli Army, studied at Dartmouth College and Georgia Tech, and eventually settled in New York. On September 11, 2001, he stood on the roof of his Manhattan apartment building and watched the second plane strike the World Trade Center. Haunted, Arad began sketching plans for a memorial long before the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) launched their competition. Arads concept for Reflecting Absence featured two 30-foot deep voids, symbolizing the absence of the fallen Twin Towers. Ramps would lead down to underground galleries where visitors could stroll past cascading waterfalls and pause at the plaques engraved with the names of those who died. Arads design was truly three-dimensional, with subterranean features as pronounced as those at street level. The design, Arad later told Places magazine, drew inspiration from the simple, sculptural work of architects Louis Kahn, Tadao Ando, and Peter Zumthor. Although the judges admired Michael Arads entry, they felt that it needed more work. They encouraged Arad to join forces with California landscape architect Peter Walker. By all reports, the partnership was rocky. However, in the spring of 2004 the team unveiled an expanded plan that incorporated a scenic plaza with trees and walkways. Trouble Looms for the 9/11 Memorial Critics responded to the 9/11 Memorial plans with mixed reviews. Some called Reflecting Absence moving and healing. Others said that the waterfalls were impractical and the deep pits hazardous. Still others protested the idea of memorializing the dead in a space located underground. To make matters worse, Michael Arad butted heads with architects in charge of the New York reconstruction projects. Daniel Libeskind, master planner for the World Trade Center site, said that Reflecting Absence did not harmonize with his own Memory Foundations design vision. The architects chosen for the underground National 9/11 Museum, J. Max Bond, Jr. and others from the Davis Brody Bond architecture firm, came on board and tweaked Arads subsurface memorial design - apparently against Arads wishes. After stormy meetings and construction delays, cost estimates for the memorial and the museum soared to nearly $1 billion. In May 2006, New York Magazine reported that Arads memorial teeters on the brink of collapse. Michael Arads Dream Triumphs The World Trade Center towers (the  skyscrapers) and the Transportation Hub are the business end of what is built at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan. Early on, however, politicians, historians, and community leaders knew that a good part of the real estate had to be dedicated to the people affected by the terrorist tragedy. This meant a memorial and museum within one of the largest spaces set aside for redevelopment. Who was involved? Architects of the underground museum (Davis Brody Bond); architects of the aboveground pavilion entrance to the museum (Snà ¸hetta); architect of the memorial (Arad); landscape architect for the memorial / museum plaza area (Walker); and the architect of the Master Plan (Libeskind). Compromise is the cornerstone of every great project. Like Libeskinds dramatically altered Vertical World Garden, Reflecting Absence saw many transformations. Its now known as the National September 11 Memorial. The names of those who died areinscribed on the bronze parapet on the plaza level, instead of in underground galleries. Many other features that Arad wanted have been modified or eliminated. Still, his core vision - deep voids and rushing water - remains intact. Architects Michael Arad and Peter Walker worked with a water architect and many engineers to construct the enormous waterfalls. Family members or victims remained actively involved as they deliberated over the arrangement of the engraved names. On September 11, 2011, ten years after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, a formal dedication ceremony marked the completion of the National 9/11 Memorial. The underground museum by Davis Brody Bond and the aboveground atrium pavilion by Snà ¸hetta opened in May 2014. Together, all of the architectural elements are known as the National September 11 Memorial Museum. The Memorial by Arad and Walker is an open park space, free to the public. The underground museum, includingthe infamous slurry wall that holds back the Hudson River, is open for a fee. The September 11 memorial site is designed to honor the nearly 3,000 people who were killed in New York, Pennsylvania, and at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and also the six people who died when terrorists bombed the New York World Trade Center on February 26, 1993. More generally, the National 9/11 Memorial speaks out against terrorism everywhere and offers a promise of renewal. Who Is Michael Arad? Michael Sahar Arad was one of six recipients of the Young Architects Award given by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 2006. By 2012 Arad was one of fifteen Architects of Healing receiving a special AIA medal for his Reflecting Absence design of the National 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Arad was born in Israel, 1969, and served in the Israeli Military from 1989 to 1991. He arrived in the US in 1991 to go to school, earning a BA in Government from Dartmouth College (1994) and a Masters in Architecture from Georgia Institute of Technology (1999). He signed on with Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) from 1999 to 2002, and after 9-11 worked for the New York City Housing Authority from 2002 to 2004. Since 2004 Arads been a partner at Handel Architects LLP. In the Words of Michael Arad Im proud to be an American. I was not born in this country, nor was I born to American parents. Becoming an American was something I chose to do, and Im so grateful for that privilege because I love the values of this country and Im grateful for the opportunities this country has given me first as a student and then as an architect. America epitomizes for me liberty and equality, tolerance and a belief in shared sacrifices. It is a noble social experiment that depends on every generations engagement and belief in it. The design of the Memorial of the World Trade Center is a physical manifestation of these values and beliefs. It is a design formed by my experiences in New York in the aftermath of the attacks, where I witnessed the remarkable response of the City as a community, united in its most trying hour; united in compassion and courage, determined and stoic. The public spaces of the City - places like Union Square and Washington Square - were the sites where this incredible civic response took shape, and, in fact, it could not have taken shape without them. These public spaces informed and gave shape to the response of its citizens and their design is open democratic forms reflect our shared values and beliefs in a civic and democratic society based on freedom, liberty, and yet even the individual pursuit of happiness what else is a pursuit of solace in the face of grief. Public spaces form our shared responses and our understanding of ourselves and our place within society, not as spectators, but as participants, as engaged citizens, as a community of people united by a shared destiny. What better way to respond to that attack and to honor the memory of those who perished than to construct another vessel for that community, another public space, a new forum, a place that affirms our values and imparts them to us and to future generations. It has been a remarkable privilege and responsibility to be part of this effort. I am humbled and honored to be part of it, and I am grateful for the recognition this award bestows on the efforts of my colleagues and myself. Thank you very much. - Architects of Healing Ceremony, American Institute of Architects, May 19, 2012, Washington, D.C. Sources for This Article: Reflecting Absence, commentary by Michael Arad from Places magazine, May 2009 (at http://places.designobserver.com/media/pdf/Reflecting_Abs_1162.pdf)The Breaking of Michael Arad, New York magazineCost and Safety Put Memorials Striking Vision at Risk, New York TimesReflecting Absence: Exploring The 9/11 Memorial, Huffington Post9/11 Memorial Nears Completion, Ending Complicated, Contentious Process at old.gothamgazette.com/article/arts/20110714/1/3565, Gotham GazetteIroning Out Where to Purpose 9/11†²s Iconic Steel Cross, New York Observer9/11 Memorial Official SiteLower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) at www.lowermanhattan.info/construction/project_updates/world_trade_center_memorial_93699.aspxThe Port Authority website at www.panynj.gov/wtcprogress/memorial-museum.htmlLower Manhattan Construction Command Center Project Update at lowermanhattan.info/construction/project_updates/world_trade_center_memorial_93699.aspx

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Organizing for uncertainties in a dynamic market Assignment

Organizing for uncertainties in a dynamic market - Assignment Example The author further argues that dynamic environment provide the best opportunistic environment in the corporate world. However, dynamic environments need proper management since they are accompanied by many uncertainties. Many project portfolios fail due to dynamic environment. The article describes how dynamic environments can easily destroy a project portfolio. From the evidence provided in the article, one project out of five ventured in a dynamic environment have failed due to poor management. Coming up with project portfolios require a lot of consideration with the type environment a project location is based. The issue behind dynamic environment is the management of the uncertainties presented by this environment. In words by Yvan (2012) the richness in opportunities the dynamic environment presents are the same uncertainties resented by the same environment. Characteristics in a dynamic environment include high level of profits in one season while the fate of other financial ye ars is unknown. This uncertainty makes it essential to have programs and strategies to manage their project portfolio. To curb this problem the article involves the use of dynamics capabilities frameworks. These frameworks are aimed at studying project portfolios in dynamic environments. ... The dynamic capabilities frameworks are aimed to achieve three prospects: Provision of a better understanding on the management of projects facing uncertainties. Analyzing the relationship between the measures put in place by organizations to minimize the impact caused by uncertainties and the sources of uncertainty in dynamic environments. Provide recommendations and possible improvements in the standards and models of project portfolios. From the author of the article these three objectives can secure an organization’s assets in any case of an occurrence of an uncertainty. If the assets are not completely secured they effects of the uncertainties are also minimized. Project managers are therefore advised on how to ensure a proper implementation of the dynamic capabilities frameworks. In some cases these frameworks only involves means of insurance in any occurrence of risk. In the dynamic environment, the frameworks are more important since projects require total quality mana gement. According to Yvan (2012) the completion of projects depends mainly on the ability of the project manager to foresee the transition from and to each face of the project. This is made easier by the implementation of the dynamic capabilities framework. From the article, there are claims that project management in dynamic environments. Organization and project doing enough to ensure that project portfolio are being managed effectively. This is after many approaches have been developed. Do project managers have the intent of making projects suitable for the dynamic environment? Having successful projects portfolio also includes having proper organizing mechanisms in the organization. Proper organization mechanisms include the methods of

Friday, October 18, 2019

International intercultural management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

International intercultural management - Essay Example This paper is based on an intercultural dinner that the writer was involved in. During the dinner, there were discussions carried out in relation to relevant cultural differences that existed between their respective countries. The countries represented at the dinner were Saudi Arabia [the writer's nation which is the base nation for this essay], Thailand, China,and Ghana. In the dinner, significant aspects of the cultures and social structures of the different nations were discussed. These discussions included economic activities in the respective nations, significant determinants of business activities, unique systems, food, and other relevant factors. During the dinner, there were some notes that were made by the writer of this paper. They include important elements and aspects of the various nations. The writer noticed that noodles play an important aspect in the diet of the Chinese and the Thai people. I also learned that rice is an important element of the Thai society. Both na tions have strong connections with the Silk Route which was a trail of trade between Asia and Europe. Due to this, there were some exchanges between Europe and Asia albeit minor in terms of influence. It was also noted that the Chinese nation is really huge and there were different time zones as well as different states within the nation. I was shocked to discover that there are some urban areas in China with as many as 320 million people [which is the size of some populations]. This confirms the realities of the fact that China is the largest nation in terms of population. I also noticed that most of the chocolate we eat is from cocoa which is the core element of the Ghanaian society. I therefore identified that agriculture remains an important element of the Ghanaian society. Active-learning activities promotes cooperation, critical thinking, independence, time management and sensitivity to cultural differences (Gardner, 2008). Another aspect of active-learning is that it provides the avenue for the application of theoretical knowledge (Harmin and Toth, 2010). Based on these elements of active learning, the research undertook a comparative system beginning with the culture and systems of Saudi Arabia. The researcher begins by using Hofstede's model of cross-cultural management to examine and evaluate the culture of Saudi Arabia. This is done by following up on the findings that were made during the dinner. The research goes on to trace the findings of the dinner to define the elements of Thailand, China and Ghana. A core tool that is used in

Nature versus Nurture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Nature versus Nurture - Essay Example erived from the review of the theories, it has been observed that deciding whether the behavior of exhibited by human are genetic or learned is quite difficult. Nevertheless, it has been clearly observed that the impact of environment on the behavior of human being is largely apparent in many of the theories conducted in the filed of human growth and development. Human growth and development is an integral part of human life cycle. In order to describe the human growth and development, it is extremely important to acquaint with the concept of development. In this regard, development is a conception of continuous process. It is also describes that the growth and development is a periodical process, which changes over the time as human beings are matured. The process of growth and development helps human to think logically and perceive things rationally which will influence human to maintain all the responsibilities towards the society. The development process starts when a child is born and continues throughout the life (Ruffin, 2013). With this concern, the easy analyzes the seven theoretical perspectives of human growth and development and draws three inferences explaining on going debate of Nature versus Nurture related to lifespan. The human growth and development is a conception, which mainly depends upon several theoretical approaches. In order to explain the importance of the theoretical approaches it has been stated that the theories mainly works as a supportive factor to judge the world with the proper logic as well as in a balanced way. Besides, there are several theories that help people to understand that process of development of human personality as well as the nature and reasons behind the behavioral approach of a human. The theoretical approaches of human growth and development also describe the influence of human action on the environment. It has been also describes that the several theories are based on critical approaches of social and

Stakeholders are Coming to Require the Goods and Services Essay

Stakeholders are Coming to Require the Goods and Services - Essay Example In such a way, the means by which the differential between the developed and the developing world is understood is lessened as a result of this increased level of integration. For purposes of this particular case study, the author will analyze the means by which Alpen Bank, a Romanian bank considering implementation of opening a new credit market within the nation of Romania, will be exposed to specific levels of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that arise out of such a level of integration. By targeting and analyzing each of these specific compliments, it is the hope of this author that a further level of understanding and market specific knowledge can be derived with regards to the best means by which Alpen Bank can seek to target the market and minimize overall risk while maximizing profit potential. Further, through such an analysis, the author will also hope to shed a level of understanding with regards to what key groups Alpen Bank should seek to target with re gards to this new credit availability, what marketing efforts would be best advised with regards to these groups, positioning strategies most suitable for the firm, as well as an elaboration upon the realities of the current market and the way in which Alpen Bank should seek to engage with these determinants. ... hat the firm is able to exhibit is necessarily with regards the fact that they had previously existed within this market and offered a range of consumer products and services that allow them not only to have brand recognition but also evoke a level of trust within the likely consumer bases that they will integrate. Moreover, the experience within credit markets and personal banking that Alpen Bank has specialized since 1983, provides them with a valuable knowledge base and key understanding of considerations with regards to how to integrate more effectively within new and devleping economies and nations. Finally, Alpen Bank has the additional benefit of already being represented within 14 different nations around the globe. Although most of these representations are in highly developed nations, such as Germany, England, Singapore, and Ireland, they also have a level of proficiency in providing consumer banking services in nations as diverse and developing as India and Poland. Weaknes ses: the first and most salient weakness which should be discussed is with regards to the fact that although Alpen Bank is a multinational consumer bank that has a presence in over 14 nations, it has yet to be represented within Eastern Europe (with the exception of Poland which dependent upon definition is oftentimes not considered as part of Eastern Europe). Necessarily, this is a weakness due to the fact that the firm will be integrating with clients and an economic/political system that they have little if any knowledge concerning. Another distinct weakness that the firm faces is with regards to the fact that as compared to the other countries in which they currently operate within, there is little broad-based nor historical evidence of consumer credit markets within Romania as such.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

TechWatt Value and Risk Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

TechWatt Value and Risk Management - Case Study Example These are TechWatt's presently known five requirements. First, fulfil the perception of value in making such a move. Second, provide enough space for 15 people working in a laboratory and light manufacturing. Third, provide enough office space for 12 managers and administrative staff. Fourth, provide space (e.g., a conference room) to accommodate visiting customers and prospects. Two conference rooms are preferable so when visitors use one, TechWatt employees have the other as needed. Fifth, TechWatt has 5 million to make a headquarters. These pre-project objectives are an incomplete "preferred solution". It's an 'initial brief' with too little information to proceed to Strategic Briefing. TechWatt makes software-hardware products. Constructing a headquarters facility is new with many unknowns. TechWatt will rely strongly on its Architect to be the Lead Consultant (LC) responsible to apprise the company of occurring new developments at each step, and giving good advice. Using the LC's experience is the smart approach to manage and try to optimise value and minimise risk, and do a Strategic Briefing. TechWatt must more thoroughly define value. The Architect/LC is in the best position to help clearly and concisely define and communicate value priorities and measurable expectations. This joint-effort Study uses RIBA's Plan of Work to clearly define value. Using RIBA methods, the LC shall guide TechWatt's work to identify and develop requirements (value), as well as identify constraints possibly blocking development. This is 'Work Stage A' or the inception of the Headquarters Project (HQP). Stage A / Inception requires careful considerations, or appraisals of as many things as it is possible to see about the HQP. The output of the Inception/Appraisal is a Strategic Briefing which is 'Stage B'. The Strategic Briefing shall define measurable value for the HQP. To make these determinations TechWatt shall work in conjunction with the LC. For now, all parties are evaluating the initial brief. Needed: Strategic Briefing with clarity - RIBA Work Stages A and B TechWatt needs to clearly determine future goals and scope of the HQP. Between now and the future, there is a gap to bridge. Management perceives value of the HQP as a bridge across the gap. TechWatt management has a Business Case mindset to support the aim to make a new headquarters. Business factors must stay in focus. Emotions must not override them. TechWatt's executive management team and front-line management (hands-on software and hardware experts) are best suited to clarify ideas for a Strategic Briefing about headquarters. To successfully launch the HQP, management must clearly define but not be limited to: - expected value added to TechWatt by the new headquarters, - 'must have' resources (accommodations, capabilities, etc.) in the new headquarters, - 'nice to have' resources (but possible to live without), - people and machines to make headquarters run well into the future, - trade-offs - pros and cons to of creating headquarters or not (cost of "Doing nothing"), - actual costs (Quantity Surveyor with input of Production, Purchasing and Accounting), and - opportunity costs (money lost by not doing certain opportunities; brainstormed largely by

Write a paper on the environment and the damages that humans have done Research

Write a on the environment and the damages that humans have done to it - Research Paper Example Human activities lead to different impacts on various components of the ecosystem such as land, biodiversity, and aquatic, terrestrial, marine and the atmosphere. Humans are inherently selfish and want the best for themselves without caring about the impacts of their activities to other members of the ecosystem. Global warming is the most critical problem facing the globe today. Global warming is described as the rise in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere and the oceans. This increase was noted to have started in the 19th century and is anticipated to continue rising. Goudie (22) notes that since the beginning of the 20th century, global temperatures have risen by about 0.8o C with approximately two thirds of this increase happening since 1980. Global warming is attributed to increased concentration of greenhouse gases which include carbon dioxide, methane and ozone. However, carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases lead to global warming by trapping infrared radiations emitted from the earth’s surface in the lower atmosphere thereby causing the temperatures to become warmer. These gases, however, allow radiations from the sun to get to the earth surface but absorb them as they absorb short wave radiations when re-emitted coming fr om the land. Greenhouse gases are important to maintain warm temperatures with the earth surface, but increased concentration of these gases can lead to devastating impacts on the environment, as explained by Goudie (22). Human activities are the most significant causes of increased carbon dioxide levels. Goudie (23) observes that since industrial revolution, the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased significantly. He notes that carbon dioxide and methane concentration has risen by 36 and 148 percent respectively from 1750 levels. Burning of fossil fuels is attributed for more than

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

TechWatt Value and Risk Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

TechWatt Value and Risk Management - Case Study Example These are TechWatt's presently known five requirements. First, fulfil the perception of value in making such a move. Second, provide enough space for 15 people working in a laboratory and light manufacturing. Third, provide enough office space for 12 managers and administrative staff. Fourth, provide space (e.g., a conference room) to accommodate visiting customers and prospects. Two conference rooms are preferable so when visitors use one, TechWatt employees have the other as needed. Fifth, TechWatt has 5 million to make a headquarters. These pre-project objectives are an incomplete "preferred solution". It's an 'initial brief' with too little information to proceed to Strategic Briefing. TechWatt makes software-hardware products. Constructing a headquarters facility is new with many unknowns. TechWatt will rely strongly on its Architect to be the Lead Consultant (LC) responsible to apprise the company of occurring new developments at each step, and giving good advice. Using the LC's experience is the smart approach to manage and try to optimise value and minimise risk, and do a Strategic Briefing. TechWatt must more thoroughly define value. The Architect/LC is in the best position to help clearly and concisely define and communicate value priorities and measurable expectations. This joint-effort Study uses RIBA's Plan of Work to clearly define value. Using RIBA methods, the LC shall guide TechWatt's work to identify and develop requirements (value), as well as identify constraints possibly blocking development. This is 'Work Stage A' or the inception of the Headquarters Project (HQP). Stage A / Inception requires careful considerations, or appraisals of as many things as it is possible to see about the HQP. The output of the Inception/Appraisal is a Strategic Briefing which is 'Stage B'. The Strategic Briefing shall define measurable value for the HQP. To make these determinations TechWatt shall work in conjunction with the LC. For now, all parties are evaluating the initial brief. Needed: Strategic Briefing with clarity - RIBA Work Stages A and B TechWatt needs to clearly determine future goals and scope of the HQP. Between now and the future, there is a gap to bridge. Management perceives value of the HQP as a bridge across the gap. TechWatt management has a Business Case mindset to support the aim to make a new headquarters. Business factors must stay in focus. Emotions must not override them. TechWatt's executive management team and front-line management (hands-on software and hardware experts) are best suited to clarify ideas for a Strategic Briefing about headquarters. To successfully launch the HQP, management must clearly define but not be limited to: - expected value added to TechWatt by the new headquarters, - 'must have' resources (accommodations, capabilities, etc.) in the new headquarters, - 'nice to have' resources (but possible to live without), - people and machines to make headquarters run well into the future, - trade-offs - pros and cons to of creating headquarters or not (cost of "Doing nothing"), - actual costs (Quantity Surveyor with input of Production, Purchasing and Accounting), and - opportunity costs (money lost by not doing certain opportunities; brainstormed largely by

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Market Structure Analysis and Appliance for the Stables in the Urban Case Study

Market Structure Analysis and Appliance for the Stables in the Urban Area of Des Moines, Iowa, USA - Case Study Example When considering the customer base for the stables, the horse owners seeking boarding for their horses are considered as important and basic customers. The ideal location for the stables is outskirts of the city. In that aspect the stables located down town of Des Moines of Iowa are in an ideal location. The demand for horse boarding services depends on the number of horses in the city. The desire of the owners to participate in horse related competitions plays an important role in creating the market for stables. The first aspect that increases business is the high income level of the customers. The next one is attracting high income groups towards horse competition related activities. One more aspect that needs consideration is buying and maintaining a horse. This is a luxury. So the economic decline if any is capable of reducing demand for horse boarding services and other operations. The stables can flourish by gaining the share in the market by providing services at reasonable p rices. They have to provide a good location regarding the facilities provided for horses. The horse stable business requires a considerable investment of time for planning to develop and market the operations of the firm. The ability to sell the services should be concentrated on high income individuals. Thus the horse boarding and offering of other services needs a patient approach. The individuals or a group that wants to develop a stable must follow the zoning and building ordinances governed by local municipality. The three stables down town Des Moines have satisfied the regulatory conditions of Des Moines Municipal Corporation. (Dean Dyck, p. 1) 4. Market Profile The assessment of market potential is crucial for marketing activities of a boarding stable enterprise like Irish Run Firm. The number of potential customers in Des Moines can be termed substantial as there are very few vacancies in the stalls of the stables. The services like training the horses and owners by giving them lessons should be provided in the right location. The firms considered here are satisfying that criteria. All the three firms; Irish Run Firms, Hunters Glen and Valley Park Stables are

Monday, October 14, 2019

Behaviourism As A Language Learning Theory English Language Essay

Behaviourism As A Language Learning Theory English Language Essay Introduction Human beings learn every now and then. According to Cambridge Advanced Dictionary (2003), learning can be defined as an activity of obtaining knowledge. We human usually learn or gain knowledge either in a conscious way or subconscious way. Learning is not necessary must be conducted in a formal way such as tutorial, class or lecture; however, we also learn when we having a conversation with others or be it listening to the radio. Learning is a relatively permanent change in a behavioral tendency and is the result of reinforced practice (1963, cited in Kimble and Garmezy, 1987, p.6). There are actually a few theories been used to describe how knowledge or language is acquired namely Behaviourism, Innatism and Interactionism. For the first part of this assignment will explain these theories various approaches and principles. Then, this paper will focus on the pedagogical implications of each theory in teaching English as a Second Language. Part two will focus on examining the underlying learning theories which could have influenced the teaching-learning activities from a textbook. By the end of this paper, students will be able to differentiate learning theories and adopt the most suitable ones into his/her teaching career. Behaviourism is the earliest language learning theory which is propounded by J.B. Watson (1878-1957) in 1913. This theory is supported and believed by some behaviourists who are Skinner, Pavlov and Thorndike; also, profoundly developed the theory of behaviourism on learning. Behaviourism focuses on observable behaviours which are changed as the symptoms of learning. According to Brown (1987: 17), the behaviouristic approach focuses on the immediately perceptible aspects of linguistic behaviour the publicly observable responses. Learning only occurs when there are changes in behaviour and observable as an evidence of changing. Feeling and mental process are not accepted in Skinners human behaviours theory; however, he still accepted the existence of mind. Behaviourists consider learning a language as a set of mechanical habits which are formed through a process of imitation and repetition. Humans learn a language through repeating the same form and text until it becomes a habit. Children imitate the sounds and patterns which they hear around (Lightbown Spada: 1999). So, it was proposed that learners would repeat words they heard and tried to use it in their conversation until it became a regular basis in life. Behaviourists therefore think that learning a language especially second language (L2) should be learnt through extensive drill and practice. Besides that, behaviourists also justified that learning a new language is learning a new set of habit. According to Ellis (1990), learning could be effected by manipulating the environment to provide the required experience. This lead to the theory formation of habit is related to the environment where learning process actually takes place. These habits formation and the environment are recognized as Stimulus-Response (S-R) by Pavlov and Skinner. In 1950s, school of psychology successfully prevailed S-R in the form of behaviourism to ensure the connection between both elements. Behaviourists might consider effective language behaviour to be the production of correct responses to stimuli (Brown: 1987). According to the theory, behaviour happens in casual, associative chains; all learning is thus characterized as associative learning, or habit formation, brought about by the repeated association of a stilmulus with a response Hadley (1993, cited in Hilgard 1962, p.45). So, its best kn own proponent, B.F. Skinner used rats conclude that conditioning has a 3-state procedure: stilmulus, response and reinforcement. From here, Skinner presumed that human learning and animal learning are parallel; thus, L2 learning is also similar as other kind of learning can be explained by the same laws as well as principles. Every process of learning has to be followed by reinforcement. All learning is the establishment of habits as the results of reinforcement and reward (Demirezen: 1988). In behaviourism, there are two different types of reinforcement. The first one is positive reinforcement, where the response or behaviour is strengthened and positively augmented by praise or reward. For instance, when a student answer a question correct and the teacher award him/her a star, then the student will try to answer another question because he/she is more confident and motivated. In contrast, the second reinforcement is negative reinforcement. If a student been scolded by his/her teacher after got the answer wrong, he/she would tend not to give answer by the next Q A session because it would make him/her feel embarrassed. In short, positive reinforcement helps learners develop correct habits. Furthermore, Behaviourist learning theory also claimed that old habits interfere with the acquisition of new ones. Learning of the L2 would be facilitated since all the learners had to do was to transfer L1 habits (Ellis: 1990). That means errors in first language learning (L1) are the result of interference in L2. It has to be avoided and prevent L1 interference happened as well as corrected on the spot if they do occur. One of the examples of extensively drilling in learning is Audio Lingual Method which is an American method. It is function as a structural approach designed to develop oral communication fluency in L2. Audio Lingual Method is focuses on accuracy (pronunciation and intonation), mistakes should be avoided and corrected immediately if it happened. Ellis (1990: 23) wrote: for learning to be effective habits had to become automatic. In short, language learnings pattern has to be over-learnt and the content based on common days dialogues as well as expression. If follow by the positive reinforcement which will help students to develop correct habits. By then, learning the structures of the language is more emphasized if compare to the vocabulary. Innatism In 1959, Noam Chomsky published Review of Verbal Behaviour to critically criticize Skinners theory of Behaviourism. Innatists claimed that linguistic knowledge is an abstract nature no solely on the set of mechanical habits (imitation and repetition). According to Ellis (1990), new grammatical forms were not acquired through imitation and not stamped in through practice. Language is too complex and occurs too rapidly for it to be learned through imitation. In other words, competence could not be achieved simply to performance due to insufficient of input to enable the child to discover the hidden rules (Ellis: 1990). For Chomsky, children are not necessary to be taught because they will learn in terms of walking at about same age; meanwhile, the environments contribute the most in learning. Chomsky and other linguists argued that children are credited with a special ability to discover the underlying rules of a language system within themselves. This innate and special ability is cal led Language Acquisition Device (LAD) or a little black box and Universal Grammar (UG) which exist in the brain. The LAD contains a set of abstract principles common to all languages which enables the child to produce infinite variety of sentences and construct grammatical sentences. UG was claimed to help children to extract the rules of their language and to avoid grammatical errors (Fromkin, Rodman, Hyams 2007). Therefore, a child has to listen and learn grammar to trigger the LAD or UG which then enables the child to discover the rules of the language. In short, human beings acquire and adapt language in any environment along with input of language or linguistic knowledge. Monitor Model In 1982, Stephen Krashen, who have had a great influence on language learning and acquisition by stimulated the Monitor Model. The Monitor Model consists of five hypotheses which are The Input Hypothesis, The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis, The Monitor Hypothesis, The Natural Order Hypothesis and The Affective Filter Hypothesis. The first hypothesis is Input Hypothesis. This hypothesis claimed that language acquisition takes place through comprehension input (CI). Comprehensible input is available when students or learners are able to understand messages and their attention is focused on meaning. Besides that, comprehensible input will only occur if the inputs forms and structures pitch one level above the level of student (CI = i + 1). Whatever it pitches one level above learners current level competence, both comprehension and acquisition will occur. Learners will not benefit anything in learning if the input has no element of challenge; however, they will not acquire the knowledge if the input is too difficult. Acquisition leads to the result of comprehensible input and not production or quantity. Comprehensible Input does not have to be fine-tuned and reading is crucial to language acquisition*. The second hypothesis is Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis. This hypothesis explained that adults have two distinct and independent ways to develop knowledge of a second language learning and acquisition. In Krashens view, a learner learns second language whereas a child picks up or acquires his/her mother tongue (first language). Learning is a conscious process with attention to form and error correction. In contrast, acquisition is a subconscious process when a learner is engaged in meaningful communication and focus is on meaning. Both acquired and learned knowledge are separately; therefore, learned knowledge cannot be converted into acquired knowledge. If learner acquires knowledge by naturally, the knowledge will be able to use spontaneously. The third hypothesis is Monitor Hypothesis. Krashen developed this hypothesis and urged that acquired knowledge is responsible for fluency and intuitive judgements about correctness. On the other hand, learnt knowledge can be put to conscious use through the Monitor. A learner will use the monitor through learnt knowledge to correct and check what they say is grammatically. This monitor operates only under three circumstances when there is sufficient time to self-correct, the focus is on form and knowledge of the rules being applied (Hadley: 1993). The fourth hypothesis is Natural Order Hypothesis where grammatical structures are acquired in a natural and predictable order. It shows the evidence whenever the focus is on communication. The last hypothesis is Affective Filter Hypothesis. Affect refers to things as motives, needs, attitures, and emotional states (Lightbown Spada 1999).This hypothesis is connected to the motivation factor. Cook (1993, cited in Krashen 1985, p.3) claims that in order for a learner to success in acquiring knowledge, CI is a necessary but not sufficient due to a mental block that prevents acquirers from utilizing the CI input they receive for language acquisition This mental block is called affective filter. The affective filter is low when the learners motivation and self-confidence is high as well as low anxiety; therefore, more input is available for acquisition. On the other hand, the affective filter is high when learners motivation and self-confidence are low. In short, the success of acquisition is controlled by the affective filter. Interactionism Krashen claimed that every human has a natural innate mechanism to learn a language along with comprehensible input (CI). However, Krashens CI came under challenge by few Applied Linguists namely Evelyn Hatch, Teresa Pica and Michael Long. Michael Long agrees with Krashen that CI is important for language acquisition but how input is made comprehensible (Lightbown Spada: 1999). Language develops as a result when interaction occurs between children and other speakers. Every learner has to converse and communicate with others in order to adapt what they have learnt which shows their competence and understanding. Therefore, a learner will develop his/her language ability when they take part in spontaneous interactions rather than straight drills (Nunen 1991). Correspondingly, Language acquisition is an outcome of interaction between the learners mental abilities and the linguistic environment (Rozzana: n.d.). Native speaker provides language input to language learner; meanwhile, language learner produces the language as the product of output through communication. In fact, interactional modifications usually take place when native speaker modify their speech in order to make their speech comprehensible. It is supported by Long (p.342) that modification is the vital and widely used method of making input comprehensible. Learners will be promoted and engaged into this modification and negotiation of meaning when there is a communication breakdown. There are few examples of interactional modifications which are comprehension checks, clarification requests, confirmation checks, self repetition/paraphrase and use of extralinguistic features. In addition, learners usually engage in learning when information is to be exchanged with each other. During the process of exchanging information or feedback after the conversation, output will be a route to language learning along with interactional modification. Besides that, two-way communication promotes more interactional modification than one-way communication. According to Rozzana (n.d.), for the learner to communicate, he must learn the language and in order to learn it he must communicate. This point often overlooked on how Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia can master simple Bahasa Malaysia although without attending formal tutorial. They acquire the language through social interaction in daily conversation; also, interact with the environment. Henceforth, Longs ideas are identical with Vygotskys theory of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) where learners acquire knowledge through interaction with the physical world (Lightbown Spada: 1999). Comprehension Output Both Michael Long and Stephen Krashen agree that CI as a source of acquisition. On the contrary, some interactionists argue that CI is not sufficient for language acquisition depends on some factors which cannot account for the whole of acquisition (cf. Long, 1989:10). Learners need to be instilled language development especially grammatical development. Besides that, learners must be pushed or forced to produce comprehensible target language in order for language development to occur. With this in mind, one of the activities which is called read and respond in Myline whereby students are assigned an article to read and given their opinion critically. So, students are not only received input from teachers whereas trigger their LAD while producing language, either spoken or written. Fours ways (reading, listening, writing and speaking) in which output might play a role in the process of second language learning have been proposed (Swain, 1985). Listening and reading could be the compr ehensible inputs different from speaking and writing which are comprehensible outputs. Learners are given the opportunities to test his/her hypothesis about the language through comprehensible output. This is especially so when learner notices a gap in his/her interlanguage system if there is a communication breakdown. Once the learner realize the gap in interlanguage system, he/she is likely to search their own linguistic knowledge for information which might help to close the gap; also, pay attention to relevant input (Swain, 1993). Hence, learner will focus on form and mismatches between input and output which may also provide some of the information a learner needs about what is not permissible in a language (Long, 1996). Last but not least, CI encourages semantic processing but CO encourages syntactic processing. Audio Lingual Method is a wise method to be used to learn a language; however, it is not enough to suit the advancement of language learning nowadays. Since this theory deduced that learning is a mechanical process but it does not account for the creativity evident in ones ability to produce novel utterances and childrens imitation of structures show evidence of almost no innovation (Brown 1987, Demirezen 1988). Students will find it hardly to converse in the target language when they step into the true sense of the world; also, unable to write or create new sentences.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Nineteen Eighty Four - Fiction :: essays research papers

â€Å"Nineteen Eighty Four† – Fictional World   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In English this semester we have studied three different texts. All three texts were based on original, fictional worlds. The fictional world which stood out above the rest and really amazed me would have to be ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’. ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’ was the most realistic out of the three. While reading the novel you really get into the fictional world and think like the main character Winston Smith. Three aspects of the text which made this world so interesting to study were The Inner Party, Big Brother, and the Thought Police. Each of these interesting aspects in Nineteen Eighty Four play a great part in the novel itself and the way the fictional world works.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Inner Party played a huge role in creating the fascinating world in ‘Nineteen Eighty Four’. The Inner Party was in charge of Airstrip1 and wanted to be superior over everyone. They wanted the party to be the people’s first loyalty over anything else. They didn’t allow marriage or even sex for this was an act of loyalty between two people and not to the party. An example of this is when Winston and Julia were caught having a sexual relationship and were taken away by the Thought Police. They were then made to betray eachother, love the Party, and to believe what ever the party said was true. The Party had control over everything even peoples minds. This was proved when O ‘ Brien held up four fingers and said to Winston â€Å"how many fingers am I holding up?† Winston replied â€Å"Five†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Big Brother also played a big role in creating the world which ‘Nineteen Eighty-Four’ was based in. Big Brother is a figure, which the Party has created to frighten people and give them more power. The Party can do anything they like and when someone questions them they can just say there under orders from Big Brother. Big Brother is everywhere in every house (except proles), every street, wall, and he is always shouting out â€Å"BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU† the text which backs this up is when Winston describes that ‘On each landing, opposite the lift shaft the poster with enormous face gazed from the wall. It was one of those pictures, which are so conceived that the eyes follow you about when you move’. Big Brother is so important to the world in the novel because the figure stops thought crime, gives the people someone to look up to and someone to love, lets the Party tell the people anything they want and the people will beli eve it, such as propaganda.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Huck Finn :: essays papers

Huck Finn The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a well acclaimed book, written by Mark Twain. It was written from 1876-1883, but the story itself is supposed to have taken place some forty to fifty years earlier, back in the era of slavery. The setting for this book is very similar to the place where Twain grew up. He was raised in Hannibal, Missouri, but changed the name to St. Petersburg for the story. This town was situated right along the Mississippi river which plays a very significant role in the tale. Each character in the novel exhibits a certain personality. Personalities of which Twain encountered while being a river boat pilot for four years. The narrator is actually Huck Finn himself. Chapter one introduces Huck Finn and the reader gets to know what he is like. At fist glance he may appear to be only an out of control teenager, but there he is in fact a very dynamic character, just wait until things begin to unfold. Huck yearns to be free from all authority. His guardian, Widow Douglas, is constantly nagging him to be â€Å"sivilized,† but this seems to go one ear and out the other. He enjoys smoking, cursing, hunting and fishing. But she would rather that he learn to be polite and go to school. The reader also sees in this chapter that Huck is superstitious. This occurs when he accidentally kills a spider, which supposedly brings bad luck. The chapter ends when he hears something in the tree outside his bedroom.... Chapter two introduces Huck’s best friend, Tom Sawyer. They both sneak out together, almost getting caught by Jim, the Widower’s slave. But they weasel their way out of it by pulling a trick on him. Which provides Jim with another bizarre story to tell, he always stretches the truth. Both Tom Sawyer and Huck share the same love for adventure and have great imaginations. For instance, they begin to create a plan to start a band of robbers. Tom pulls his knowledge of robbers from books he has read, so the plan ends up quite extreme. He wants all of the robbers to actually kill the people they rob, just because he read it in a book. Huck is definitely more realistic than his friend and backs out of it. During chapter three we find that Huck has been learning how to read and write. And he also begins to see signs of his Pap’s return. His pap is the town drunk, who just wanders around looking

Friday, October 11, 2019

Mahatma Gandhi’s Death

What are we to make of Gandhi's life? How should we judge this homespun-wearing politician-saint, the man who brought down an empire by preaching brotherhood and nonviolence? At the very end, with his beloved India reaping its own destruction, Gandhi considered himself a failure. But his place in history is secure, and it does not diminish his greatness to point out that in some respects, he had failed. He had spent his life working toward the achievement of independence for India without violence or division–†you can cut me in two if you wish,† he famously told Muhammed Jinnah, â€Å"but don't cut India in two. Yet in the end, he was forced to watch as his newborn country was torn by one of the great human calamities of the century. Gandhi had made India ungovernable for the British, but in the autumn of 1947, it became ungovernable for anyone. If his political dream was in some sense a failure, so too was his dream of an India cleansed of the age-old inequities of caste and prejudice, and yet uncorrupted by modern technology and industry. He imagined a country where countless Indian peasants wove their own clothes and tilled their own land, without what he considered the ruinous effects of modernity. But after his death, history passed him by: his great disciple, Jawaharlal Nehru, was an ardent socialist, and by the 1950s Nehru's five-year plans were turning India into an industrial state–and eventually, a nuclear state. Meanwhile, the iniquities of class and gender that he had so loathed persisted, even into the 21st century. Yet Gandhi had to aspire as high as he did to achieve what he did; indeed he won triumphs for India that less idealistic leaders would never have dreamed possible. No one did more than Gandhi to improve the lot of poor Indians, and if his dreams fell short of reality, it was not because the dreams were flawed, but because the human race, which he loved so much, could not rise to the standard he set. It is true that India split after independence, but without Gandhi's labor, without the power of his person, there would have been no India at all. The nationalists of the Indian National Congress fought for independence, but they were, and always would be, a Westernized elite, out of touch with the vast masses inhabiting the real India. It was Gandhi, the Mahatma, who made the people of the subcontinent believe in the idea of an Indian nation; indeed, it was he, the frail, bespectacled figure with the simple clothes and the ready smile, who embodied this idea throughout the long decades of struggle. To the Indian people, Gandhi gave a nation. To the world, he gave satyagraha, arguably the most revolutionary idea of a long and ravaged century. He showed that political change could be affected by renouncing violence; that unjust laws could be defied peacefully and with a readiness to accept punishment; that â€Å"soul-force,† as much as armed force, could bring down an empire. He drew this lesson from his readings of the Bible and Tolstoy and the Bhagavad-Gita, and he taught it to Martin Luther King Jr. , Nelson Mandela, and countless other political protestors who would follow his example in the years to come. In some sense, Gandhi's greatest achievement lay in his legacy; for his ideals, and the example he provided in living them out, inspired, and continue to inspire, people of all nations to take up the peaceful struggle for freedom from oppression. India won independence in 1947, followed by the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, and partition of India. Gandhi said, â€Å"Before partitioning India, my body will have to be cut into two pieces. † About one million people died in the bloody riots until partition was reluctantly asserted by Gandhi as the only way to stop the Civil War. He urged the Congress Party to accept partition, and launched his last â€Å"fast-into-death† campaign in Delhi, calling for a stop to all violence. Gandhi also called to give Pakistan the 550,000,000 rupees in honor of the partition agreement. He tried to prevent instability and anger against India. Gandhi was shot three times in the chest and died while on his way to a prayer meeting, on January 30, 1948. His assassins were convicted and executed a year later. The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were split in portions and sent to all states of India to be scattered in rivers. Part of Gandhi's ashes rest in Raj Ghat, near Delhi, India. Part of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes are at the Lake Shrine in Los Angeles.

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Foxconn’s Labor Condition

Introduction (A)Background of Foxconn Foxconn is the subsidiary of the Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. , Ltd. , which is a Taiwanese multinational electronics manufacturing company headquartered in Taiwan. It is the world's largest maker of electronic components. Foxconn is primarily an original design manufacturer and its clients include major American, European and Japanese electronics and information technology companies. Notable products manufactured by the company include iPad, iPhone, iPod, PlayStation, etc.Foxconn has factories in many different countries, which together assemble around 40 percent of consumer electronic products in the world. The reason why Foxconn become famous is that it helps Apple to assemble iPhones. In recent year, demand for Apple’s products increase dramatically. Foxconn thus mainly focus on assemble its products and receiving fewer orders from other company. However, Foxconn has been involved in several controversies, most relating to how it man ages employees in China since it is the largest private-sector employer.The employees’ suicide cases are reflecting on this problem. Therefore, Apple hired the Fair Labour Association to conduct an audit of working conditions at Foxconn in 2012. (B)Issue of the news Strike was happened in Zhengzhou factory of Foxconn in 5 October this year. Three to four thousands of employees stop working. This may affect the progress of the production line for assembling the iPhone 5. The poor working conditions are the main reason lead to the strike as Foxconn did not concern about the physical and mental health of employees.The long working hours make employees feel tired. Their effort put into the work did not have reasonable return as they only earn a very low wages for such a long working hour. Employees therefore cannot concentrate on their works. Moreover, Employees face high pressure working at Foxconn. Recent news had pointed out that Foxconn workers were fail to meet the high prod uct quality standard of Apple, because the structure of Iphone 5 is more complicated and workers have not been given enough training before they start their work, so high failure rate is obtained.The long working hour and the unsatisfactory in the production of the iPhone 5 make employees therefore face tremendous psychological pressure. Although the spokesperson explains it is only the employee dispute and will not affect the factory production. We disagreed that the strike did not bring any negative impact to Foxconn. In this report, we will examine the consequences of the strike and recommend suitable methods to solve the problem in order to minimize those negative impacts bring to the Foxconn. CausesFLA has investigated that Foxconn was fail to provide reasonable work time, compensation as well as working condition for the workers. For instance, more than 40 percent of workers had experienced or witnessed an industrial accident in the factory. (A)Long working hour with low wages The long working hour is unreasonable to the workers. In Foxconn, workers have to work for twelve hours per day excluding overtime working but they only have two to three holidays per month. Thus, they need to work over seventy hours per week and they can only get one holiday after working for ten to fourteen days.The average number of hours worked per week at Foxconn is found to be exceeded both the Fair Labor Association (FLA) Code Standard of sixty hours per week and the Chinese legal limits of forty hours per week. The wages of the workers are also relatively low. After raising the wage in 2010, the basis wage of a worker is about two thousand dollars per month. It is not reasonable for such a long working hour but the wages is so low. If the workers want to earn more, they need to work over time so that they can earn about four thousand dollars in which over 70% of the wage are overtime pay, reward and allowance. B)High pressure Leadership had high demand requirement for the q uality of iPhone 5, for example the appearance of effect can only within 0. 02 millimeters. But Foxconn did not provide any training course for employees, employee faced difficulties in producing such perfect iPhone 5 under the strict requirement. Supervisor blamed the assembly workers every day not only because of the failure in producing the perfect product but also because of receiving so many complaints about the appearance of iPhone 5 from all over the world. In Foxconn, worker is like a machine.Workers are specialized to maximize the productivity of the factory. They are required to complete each action in two seconds. Furthermore, workers who go to toilet more than ten minutes, talk or fail to meet the product targets will receive warning or even dismiss. The workers therefore are under pressure due to the tight schedule and the dissatisfaction of the products’ quality from the ultimate users, the supervisor and themselves. Consequemces Employee is a very important ass et of a company as it can’t function well without enough manpower.It is very obvious in the manufacturing company that without enough workers it cannot produce the goods on time which may affect their profit as well as their reputation. Foxconn may need to delay or even fail in delivering the iPhone 5 to Apple on time due to the strike. It may need to compensate the loss that Apple incurred due to the insufficient supplies of iPhone 5 which may decrease the profit estimated by Foxconn. Also, the complexity in producing the iPhone 5 may increase the cost of production as the raw materials used may be more than expected while the imperfect iPhone 5 provided for Apple may affect the reputation of Foxconn.Besides, Foxconn’s bargaining power may decrease due to the failure in providing the products that the customers wanted. Recommedations We are confident that Foxconn may suffer loss due to the strike and we are going to give some recommendations to Foxconn in order to min imize the potential loss that may incur. We suggest Foxconn to increase the basic salary, hire more employees and provide more training to solve the above problems. (A)Increase basisc salary Employees in Foxconn receive low basic salary and they have to work overtime in order to earn enough money for maintain their living standard.According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the consumer price index of food, clothes and necessity increased by 5%, 3. 1% and 2. 2% respectively in October (compared to same period last year). ( http://www. stats. gov. cn/tjsj/jdsj/t20121112_402850686. htm). The inflation further increases workers’ burden of living. If Foxconn increase workers’ basic salary then they do not need to work overtime which may shorten their working hour. (B)Hire more employees Employing more workers can also shorten working hours.Foxconn is now using two-shift system, so workers need to work for twelve hours per day. If more workers are employed and three-shift system is used, workers only need to work for eight hours per day. Under this system, the factory can still maintain 24-hours operation while workers have shorter working hours. Besides, employing more workers can release workers’ great pressure. Workers are required to maintain high efficiency, so they are not allowed to do unnecessary things even talking and smiling.Based on the investigation, nearly half of the employees feel stressed while working (http://cn. nytimes. com/article/business/2012/11/06/cc06foxconn/zh-hk/? pagemode=print). If Foxconn employ more workers to share the heavy work load, workers do not need to work with the unreasonable high efficiency. Then, their high pressure can be released. (C)Provide more training By providing training resource to frontline workers, the workers are able to much more familiar with the technical knowledge of the products, and lower failure rate which may also reduce their pressure.For example, Foxconn can invite a specialist from Apple Incorporation, in order to introduce or demonstrate the technical knowledge about product manufacturing in front of the frontline workers. Therefore, the probability of making mistakes decrease, workers will not be punished and they can be more relaxed. Although the above practice will raise the operating cost of the factory, the potential benefits can resolve the existing problems of the company that is the settlement of the worker’s strike. How can the recommendation be beneficial to Foxconn The suggestion we recommended not only minimize the potential losses that may incur.It can also improve the overall situation of Foxconn in management accounting perspective. (A)Higher fixed cost structure Hiring additional employees lead to an increase in fixed cost, while increase in overtime pay rate lead to an increase on variable cost. Since the specialist salary and training materials are usually a fixed amount, the overall training cost is regarded as fixed cost in general. With the assumption that China has great growth potential, and the global economic atmosphere will be improved in the coming future, a low variable cost tructure and higher contribution margin ratio are most preferred. The reason is that Foxconn’s profit will increase more rapidly as sales increase, in other words, greater profit can be resulted in good years. In addition, our recommendation helps workers are able to take enough rest, so that higher efficiency can be achieved. (B)Ethical concern – CSR Apart from amending the cost structure of Foxconn, we suggest the management should take account of corporate social responsibility in decision making process.With reference to the article of Foxconn worker condition, they received low paid relative to excessive worktime and they suffer in high working pressure, especially in assembling the Iphone 5. By introducing corporate social responsibility, Foxconn should consider the needs of all stakeholders incl uding employees when making decisions. In details, it should provide safe and humane working conditions for workers. Also, it should pay fair compensation and provide opportunities for training, promotion and personal development.According to KPMG International Survey of Corporate Responsibility Reporting 2011, reputation on brand, ethical considerations and employees’ motivation are top 3 businesses imperative that drive companies into corporate social responsibility. It indicates how companies enjoy the result of corporate responsibility. Except voluntarily fulfilling the moral obligation, a company can develop a good image in society which enables them to attract loyal customers. With the positive reputation, the company will be distinguished from the others and become the customers’ preference.Besides, employees tend to stay in the company with goodwill and work hard with the enjoyment of being ethic. Thus, corporate responsibility increases employees’ loyal ty and productivity. The potential benefits of corporate social responsibility will be the incentive of Foxconn to take their employees into consideration and provide better support for them in decision making process. Conclusion To sum up, we think that the strike may bring negative impacts to Foxconn and it should find ways to prevent it and solve it as soon as possible in order to minimize the loss which may incur.Our recommendations of hiring additional employees and providing training resources will lead to an increase in fixed cost, and net income will decrease consequently with the assumption that the variable cost keep constant. However, we believed that the decrease in profit can be compensated by the overall benefit bring to Foxconn by increasing the workers’ morale, production efficiency and higher product quality. More importantly, it helps Foxconn to create a positive public image. Since our recommendation will lead to a significant increase in fixed cost, Foxcon n should pay attention to its sales volume.It is because increase in fixed cost will lead to an increase in break-even sales volume, so margin of safety will be dropped consequently. It means that the risk of incurring a loss will become higher. Therefore, Foxconn should ensure that current sales level should above or equal the break-even sales volume, and prevent from emerging loss. However, it is expected that Foxconn can still have a steady growth in sales volume in the coming future, because there is still huge demand in Apple products.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Les miserables: character analysis

Jean ValjeanJean Valjean is a central character of Les Miserables. His story is that of misery, pain, and injustice. Valjean is an epitome of change. He makes transitions from one kind of man to another, as dictated by his drastic experiences in life. Valjean’s life is a story of how an honest and good man can be hardened by society in general, and prison in particular.Because of Valjean’s unfortunate experience in prison, he hardens into a criminal and a social outcast. This transformation in Valjean’s life is a recognition of the observed truth and pattern of human behavior, wherein man changes, either for better or for worse, as a result of external forces such as society. The most important part of Valjean’s personality is his resilience and positive attitude towards life and change in general. He accepts the positive effect of other people in his life, and learns to love and care for such people.Ultimately, however, the good character of Valjean surfa ces, and even the bishop realizes that, as shown by this passage:â€Å"The bishop approached him and said, in a low voice, ‘Do not forget, ever, that   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   you have promised me to use this silver to become an honest man.' Jean    Valjean, who had no recollection of any such promise, stood dumbfounded. The   Ã‚   bishop had stressed these words as he spoke them. He continued solemnly,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   ‘Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil, but to good. It is your soul I am buying for you. I withdraw it from dark thoughts and from the spirit of   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   perdition, and I give it to God!†FantineFantine is one of the characters in Les Miserables who lived the less appealing life. She had been deprived of good opportunities since her childhood, such as education and care. Thus, she grew up to be an uneducated girl whom everyone else found easy to victimize.Fantine can easily be categori zed as a victim of society, since she had been deprived of education without her fault, and yet society readily found her corrupt and unfit for fruitful activity and relationships. A lot of people took advantage of her lack of knowledge, education and experience, and thereafter left her out in the cold. Fantine’s character is a perfect illustration of the bigotry in human society and the story of her life is but a perfect example of the way injustice ruins lives.Brought by her experiences, Fantine learned to have a different view of morality, as expressed in her statement, â€Å"[T]he guilty one is not he who commits the sin, but the one who causes the darkness.†CosetteThe character of Cosette is in many respects similar to that of Valjean, an effect largely influenced by the latter’s taking charge over her education and upbringing. Thus, like Valjean, Cosette exhibits her kindheartedness and morality through her actions, thereby manifesting that her initial exp erience with the cruel Thà ©nardiers did not corrupt her character. Cosette, at one point in the story, said, â€Å"[W]e bow to the man who kneels. A faith is necessary to man. Woe to him who believes in nothing.† Such a statement reflects her belief about man, and shows how pure Cosette’s character has remained.Fortunately for Cosette, she had not been exposed to the kind of cruelty and hardship that Valjean went through, although she expressed resentment over Valjean’s overprotective stance. When viewed as a whole, Cosette’s character does not provide a lot of conflict, she being one of the lucky personalities in the story.