The Importance Of Humanism And Leonardo Da Vinci - 1114 Words

All of Leonardo da Vinci’s work took part in the effort to express humanism throughout the world and affected the world more than people realize. Humanism was an ideal during the Italian Renaissance. â€Å"Humanism is a progressive lifestance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity.† (americanhumanist.org). Humanism was the ideal of the Renaissance and Leonardo da Vinci did his best to embody that. Leonardo da Vinci was known as an ideal Renaissance man throughout his life because he ventured into so many different disciplines. â€Å"Although Leonardo da Vinci endures as the quintessential polymath, the epitome of the â€Å"Renaissance Man†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦show more content†¦Leonardos early study of anatomy was very unfocused because he was trying to explain not only the structure but also conception, growth, emotions, senses, etc. He made a plan of what he was going to study in 1489. Sadly, he did not get very far with his research for he was young and unable to dissect real human corpses. Leonardos early observations of the human anatomy were based on wisdom that he had received, animal dissection, and just looking at the human form. Around twenty years later, Leonardo was able to perform an autopsy on an old man, later discovering that he died because of a heart attack. He began to evolve as he studied the human form more and more. Eventually, he came to believe that dissecting bodies gave him the ability to obtain true and perfect knowledge. â€Å"Leonardo compiled a series of 18 mostly double-sided sheets exploding with more than 240 individual drawings and over 13,000 words of notes... these sheets are full of lucid insights into the functioning anatomy of the human body.† (bbc.com). Leonardo carried out as many as 30 dissections, also known as autopsies, throughout his life which really helped his other studies. da Vin ci wrote extensively on the topic of human anatomy and it is still recognized today by being placed in the Royal Collection. Later in his life, Leonardo made the first accurate representation of the human spine. This was revolutionary and it had neverShow MoreRelatedThe Rise Of The Greek And Roman Empires991 Words   |  4 Pagesexciting and useful things that are used in the present. The renaissance also brought back the importance of politics, and of city-states and national monarchies. A major theme of the renaissance was humanism. Humanism was a theoretical movement which was created by earthlier men rather than scholarly lords. Beginning in Italy in the 15th century, humanism was dominated by men like Dante, and Petrarch. Humanism held many strong and important features such as; human nature and its manifestations and achievementsRead MoreLeonardo Da Vinci And The Renaissance Era1572 Words   |  7 Pagesare created to represent the time of its creation. During the Renaissanc e Era, the humanist and classical values of art flourished. One of the great masters of the Renaissance known as Leonardo Da Vinci, dominated the period of the High Renaissance. The values of the Renaissance exist in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci portrayed through his paintings of Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, and Salvator Mundi. The Renaissance Era was a period in Europe that lasted between the 14th century and 17th century. ItRead MoreLeonardo Da Vinci : A Renaissance Man1112 Words   |  5 PagesLeonardo da Vinci was a painter, sculptor, architect, inventor, and military engineer which is the perfect example of a â€Å"Renaissance man.† With a curious mind, da Vinci studied the laws of science and nature, which greatly informed his work. His ideas and body of work have influenced countless artists and made da Vinci a great influence of the Italian Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452, near the village of Vinci about 25 miles west of Florence. He was the illegitimate sonRead MoreThe Renaissance And Its Influence On The Arts And Learning Succeeding The Dark Ages862 Words   |  4 Pagestime that consisted of barbarian attacks, whose sole intent was to erase the ancient teachings. The Middle Ages differed from the time in which the Renaissance occurred. There are some main characteristics the Renaissance possessed. Galileo and Leonardo Da Vinci were pivotal to this time and their contributions were crucial to the achievement of the objective of the Renaissance. The Renaissance served as a time for rehabilitation of all that had been lost. The Dark Ages was a time preceding the RenaissanceRead MoreImportance Of Leonardo s Notebooks By Samuel Rose1272 Words   |  6 PagesLeonardo’s Notebooks By: Samuel Rose The Importance of Leonardo s notebook His insights in science might give now a day doctors and studiers of the human body a strong base to create their own knowledge. Some of the drawings include a fetus in the womb, circulation of blood in the body and a dissection of a man. Other drawings of nature were a bird in flight and the Vitruvian man which both described anatomy and the way mechanics work in nature. Continued†¦ Also, Leonardo made leaps and bounds in the areaRead MoreSuppressed Darkness On The Medieval Mind Map1582 Words   |  7 Pagescultural movement began to appear, known as the Renaissance, and the darkness of the medieval mind map was forever shattered, to remain a pale illusion. Humanists, such as Sir Thomas More and Desiderius Erasmus, and inventors and explorers such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Nicolas Copernicus, and Ferdinand Magellan guided the way to a new ideology of independent thinking. Following the campaign of upcoming thinkers, movements, and changes that would turn people’s blind eye, Manchester concluded his point withRead MoreStudying Renaissance through Its Art Essay1269 Words   |  6 Pagesnew development of techniques and the sensibilities of the artists. The Renaissance had stressed the ideas of the classical world of art. The causes were so many that were all deeply undercounted and the historians had debated that the relative importance if each is when the Re naissance had began. During the mid 14th century was the actual period that the renaissance had started (Renaissance Art). In Florence the initial home of the Renaissance, but some of the history had started in Italy. In ItalyRead MoreThe Renaissance Era915 Words   |  4 Pagesin the past it continues to live on throughout many different fields of art, theories and movements. However, paintings such as â€Å"the Mona Lisa†, â€Å"The School of Athens†, and â€Å"The Arnolfini Portrait† which were created by the great innovators Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Jan van Eyck respectively, tend to be more symbolic and exemplary of the spirit of the renaissance era. The Renaissance era was faced with the hundred years war, the black death, classicism and the issues of religion, such asRead MoreThe Technique Behind Mona Lisa1235 Words   |  5 Pagesthe humanism movement. The subjects of works of art were no longer limited to royal and religious figures, nor were they over idealized portrayals. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa exemplifies this trend. Working with the new medium of oil and his mastery of light, contrast, and sfumato, da Vinci created the most famous painting in the world; a work where subject and background compliment each other to form a perfect union. One of the aspects that make the Mona Lisa such a masterpiece is da Vinci’sRead MoreHumanism And Influence During The Renaissance1582 Words   |  7 Pagesvalue placed on knowledge, humanism, and skepticism. The value of knowledge and learning during the Renaissance is demonstrated by the mindsets taken by various scholars and artists of the time. For example, in a quote by Leonardo da Vinci, he claims that the ultimate purpose of life is the pursuit of knowledge, which brings him more pleasure than anything else (Doc. 42). Instead of wealth, power, or religion, da Vinci pursues knowledge and values it above all else. Da Vinci is well known as a Renaissance

Kingfisher Plc Cultural Expansion into Russia Analysis Free Essays

Abstract: Since its inception in 1982 as a UK based conglomerate, Kingfisher Plc has transformed itself into the biggest multinational home-improvement products retailer in Europe and the third largest in the world. The company currently ranks on the 52nd position of the FTSE 100 index with market capitalization totaling ?7.23 billion (Stockopedia: Kingfisher Market Analysis 2012). We will write a custom essay sample on Kingfisher Plc Cultural Expansion into Russia Analysis or any similar topic only for you Order Now Even though the global economic collapse has affected every economic identity adversely, Kingfisher Plc has emerged from the crisis robustly which is clearly reflected through their ever improving financial and business performance (Digital Look: Kingfisher Company Research 2012). This paper will analyze the frameworks and strategies of Kingfisher Plc’s recent expansion into Russia in light of its previous expansions in Eastern Europe. Comprehensive analyses of the cultural differences that may hinder prospective growth will also be included in the paper. Kingfisher in Russia: With an FTSE market capitalization ranking of 95, owner of popular household brands such as Brico Depot, ScrewFix, Castorama , and BQ, and with a very well established domestic network in UK, Ireland France, Kingfisher Plc decided to expand its operations further into eastern Europe after Poland, i.e. Russia (KingfisherPlc: About Us n.d.). It aims to exploit the Russian market because of its excellent potential both in terms of profitability and growth. Russia’s 13 major cities are inhabited by more than 1 million inhabitants each, in addition to a high disposable income and low tax and utility charges. By 2009, the company had opened five stores in Russia and aims to open more stores in the future (Business Review: Key steps and aims. 2010). Tackling cultural differences to gain sustainable competitive advantage: Even though prospective returns from Russian market are quite lucrative it is not a piece of cake to establish the firm strong in the market. The market Kingfisher Plc is currently operating in is quite different than the British market due numerous cultural differences such as, workplace culture differences, communication bottlenecks, different expectations, etc. These differences may seem meagerly insignificant however inability to cope with them may result in reduced competitive advantage in the long run. The most appropriate model to date to study the cross cultural business expansion problem is the Hofstede’s model of cultural differences for international organizations. It analyzes a particular foreign market through five cultural magnitudes: u Power Distance; u Individualism; u Masculinity; u Uncertainty avoidance; u Long-term orientation. The first dimension, power distance relates to the extent of equality/inequality in a country or society. A country with more power distance has a more authoritarian culture, for example, it may follow a caste system. Whereas, countries with low power distance are more democratically cultured (Tavakoli, Keenan and Cranjak-Karanovic 2003). Russia has a relatively high power distance index, however the home market of Kingfisher Plc, United Kingdom has a low power distance culture. This can be a hurdle for Kingfisher Plc as in Russia people does not emphasize on status, power or wealth which makes them more inclined to purchase the products from local small businesses with little or no brand image. Whereas the success of Kingfisher retail in Britain was also due to the brand loyalty its products had created over the passage of time. Russia also has collectivist culture which shows that people associate themselves in long term groups, family ties are strong and collective responsibilities are promoted whereas culture in the UK tends to be more individualistic and consists of very less interpersonal relations and affiliations (Yates 2005). Russia has a more feminine culture with greater emphasis on relationships and bonding while UK has a more masculine culture with more emphasis of competition, wealth generation and capitalist ideas (Yates 2005). In the final dimensions of uncertainty avoidance and long term orientation, a high UAI score for Russia shows a high extent of uncertainty avoidance and its inclination towards long term goals. It also portrays quite low levels of tolerance for ambiguity. Stringent laws that discourage creativity, innovation and nonstandard ideas prevail in the society. This dimension may go in Kingfisher’s favor since the conglomerate specializes in producing standardized products, but only to some extent. (Maternovsky 2004). The dimension of uncertainty avoidance can create a significant impact on Kingfisher’s strategy as the target market is unwilling to adapt to new changes. Also, the Russian home market is dominated by small businesses that offer a tremendously varied product base but multinationals like Kingfisher has specialized in proving standardized designs just like its competitors such as IKEA (Osborne 2004). The final dimension of long term orientation also brings into light another major difference between the British and Russian cultures. Russians put more emphasis on future stability and whilst the British, contrastingly, value the past and present most (Yates 2005). This can create a considerable impact on the spending patterns of the target market. Kingfisher needs to be more vigilant and ingenious with marketing and promotions to persuade the Russian segments. Another important factor worth considering is the concept of psychic distance and the importance of it in a firm’s global expansion. This concept was bought into light by Jan Johansson and Fin Wiedersheim- Paul in their famous study of Uppsala Model of Internationalization (Jan and Jan-Erik 1977). The model explains how firms gradually expand in more indigenous and culturally diverse markets by first gaining experience from their domestic operations, then moving on to geographically close and culturally similar markets and gain further experience of operating other than home markets. Subsequently, the firm then further expands into more distant cultural markets by developing a learning chain based on the insights gained from previous expansions (Blomstermo and Deo 2003). Kingfisher Plc’s Russian expansion can be prospectively successful in light of the Uppsala Model of Internationalization as it has not only operated and learned from its strong British home market. But also it has also successfully operated in foreign culturally diverse markets such as Germany, France and Poland. And now it is time to apply the previous knowledge gained in order to devise new successful policies to apply in the booming Russian market (Rugman, Kudina and Yip 297-315). Conclusion Even though Kingfisher Plc has stood strong in the wake of financial crisis, has posed strong financial results and has been keen with international expansions, the Russian expansion needs to be tackled with gravity as the market is quite culturally diverse from the markets Kingfisher was formerly operating in. However, the firm has considerable experience of operating in diverse markets and hopefully will do well with the Russian segments too. The performance so far has been up to the mark, for example, Kingfisher hired Peter Partma as its Russia Country head due to his experience as retail director for IKEA (Osborne 2004). This enabled Kingfisher to reduce the psychic distance and the Russian head also introduced culturally adapted style of management in Kingfisher too. Bibliography Blomstermo, Anders, and Dharma Deo. Learning in the internationalisation process of firms. New York: Edward Elgar Publishing, 2003. â€Å"Business Review: Key steps and aims.† Kingfisher Annual Report and Accounts. 2010. http://www.kingfisher.com/files/reports/annual_report_2011/index.asp (accessed April 2012). Digital Look: Kingfisher Company Research. March 2012. http://www.digitallook.com/companyresearch/10053/Kingfisher/company_research.html (accessed April 2012). Jan, Johanson, and Vahlne Jan-Erik. â€Å"The Internationalization Process of the Firm-A Model of Knowledge Development and Increasing Foreign Market Commitments.† Journal of International Business Studies 8, no. 1 (1977): 23-32. KingfisherPlc: About Us. http://www.kingfisher.com/index.asp?pageid=2 (accessed April 2, 2012). Maternovsky, Denis. â€Å"Kingfisher to Enter Russian DIY Market.† Moscow Times. June 2004. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/article/kingfisher-to-enter-russian-diy-market/230369.html (accessed April 2012). Osborne, Alistair. â€Å"Kingfisher poaches Ikea man to knock Russia into shape.† The Telegraph. June 2004. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/2887606/Kingfisher-poaches-Ikea-man-to-knock-Russia-into-shape.html (accessed April 2012). Rugman, Alan M., Alina Kudina, and George S. Yip. â€Å"The Regional Dimension of UK Multinationals.† Research in Global Strategic Management, 297-315: 2007. Stockopedia: Kingfisher Market Analysis. March 2012. http://www.stockopedia.co.uk/share-prices/kingfisher-LON:KGF/ (accessed April 2012). Tavakoli, A. A., John P. Keenan, and B. Cranjak-Karanovic. â€Å"Culture and Whistleblowing An Empirical Study of Croatian and United States Managers Utilizing Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions.† JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ETHICS 43, no. 2 (2003): 49-64. Yates, Mick. â€Å"Cultural Differences: It’s More than Geography that Matters.† Growing Global. October 2005. http://www.growing-global.com/detail.asp?ID=23 (accessed April 1, 2012). How to cite Kingfisher Plc Cultural Expansion into Russia Analysis, Essay examples

The use of modalizers in a film review The Passio Essay Example For Students

The use of modalizers in a film review: The Passio Essay n of the ChristIntroductionThe purpose of this essay is to analyze a film review titled Good and Evillocked in Violent Showdown which was published by the New York Times on-line on February 25, 2004. This film review, whose author is A. O. Scottdeals with Mel Gibsons last movie: The Passion of the Christ. The analysiswill focus on the use of modalizers following some theoretical basisdeveloped by Geoff Thompson and Randolph Quirk. In the first section I willprovide the theoretical framework used for this analysis and the followingsection will be devoted to the discussion proper. Section 1: Theoretical BasisFor this analysis I propose Thompson and Quirks theoretical basis in thatthey give an adequate framework with which to focus on modalization. It ispossible to say that any text denotes an interaction between the writer andthe reader. For this interaction to lead to a successful reading of thetext, the writer must take into account the existence of a real reader,what Thompson calls the awareness of the audience (2001:1). When dealingwith theinterpersonalmetafunctionoflanguage,Thompson(2001:2)identifies two specific types of language resources: On the one hand, theinteractive devices help to guidethereaderthroughthetext;interactional resources, ontheotherhand,involvethereadercooperatively in the process of decoding and construction of the text. Thompson believes that the reader-in-the-text, i.e the inclusion in thetext of a voice that is intended to be attributed to the reader, is acentral form of interactional resources because the writer constructs areader-in-the text with sets of shared attitudes and knowledge so that itdoes not appear that the writer is presupposing ideas which might beunacceptable for the real reader. For the purpose of involving the readercolaboratively in the interpretation of the text, the writer needs to makeuse of modalizers so as to be cautious rather than categorical. Generallyabsolute assertions do not leave room for other possible points of view andcause the reader not to feel comfortable and willing to go on reading. Randolph Quirk (1985:218) makes a general but useful distinction ofmodalizers which he calls downtoners in that they have the function ofdiminishing the force of what is being said. According to Quirk, downtonerscan be divided into four groups: compromisers, which denote a slightlowering on the scale; diminishers which denote a downward scaling and meanto a small extent; minimizers, which denote the lower extreme of thescale and aproximators, which serve to express an approximation to theforce of the verb. Section 2: DiscussionIn the film review proposed for analysis, it is possible to observe a gooduse of modalizers on part of the writer. We can assume that he is consciousof the fact that he is writing an argumentative type of paper whichrequires caution and avoidance of categorical assertions. It is alsopossible to notice that he is aware of the presence of an audience.Thefilm review seems to have a predictable pattern of argumentative essayexploited by the writer and easily followed by the reader. Some of theevidence shows that there are explicit elements signaling the fluentdialogue between the writer and the reader which is brought to the surfaceby the use of modalizers. To exemplify signals, I would like to point outsome instances where modalizers are used. Diminishers such as seem and tend( as for example in the movie seems to insist in the sixthparahraph and earlier American movies about Jesushave tended to bepalatable in the third paragraph) are consistently used to mitigate t heperlocutionary force, and by this we mean the effect on the receiver. Theuse of this kind of downtoners shows us the writers willingness to involvethe reader colaboratively in the development of the text so as to easilyachieve the argumentative goal of persuading the reader to think in acertain way. Some other diminishers such as something like in the fifthparagraph and somewhat abstractly in the following one are also used withthe same purpose. In the sixth paragraph, the modalizer often is used todowngrade the frequency with which the Gospels treat certain events withcircumspection. The last paragraph of the film review is introduced by avery interesting sentence: Anyway, this is a film review, not Sundayschool. Within the universe of Scotts film review, this sentence clearlybrings to the surface the dialogue between the writer and the reader. Thewriter is anticipating the readers reaction. This instance does not onlyshow the interactional aspect of the interpersonal function of language butalso helps to guide the reader through the line of argumentation. After inthis same last paragraph, with the phraseeitherguilelesslyoringeniously the author gives an alternative possibility that gives room tothe readers choice of viewpoint. .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 , .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .postImageUrl , .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 , .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1:hover , .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1:visited , .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1:active { border:0!important; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1:active , .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1 .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u2a77307f1cc3d9c3bfef4b5814d40eb1:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Kite Runner By John Kite EssayConclusionIn this paper we have discussed A. O. Scotts film review on The Passionof the Christ according to Thompsons theory about the interaction betweenthe writer and the reader and Quirks classification of downtoners. Thefocus of this analysis was the use of modalizers. The things observed werethat the writer makes use of a predictable essay pattern for the reader toeasily follow the line of argumentation. He also shows to be aware of theaudience because he tries to involve them cooperatively in thedevelopmentof the text. For this intention, he makes good use of modalizers that makethe sound cautious rather than categorical in his asser tions. In this way,the writer not only makes use of what Thompson calls the interpersonalresources of language but also of the interactional resources that let himhave a fluent dialogue with the reader. References:Thompson, G. (2001) Interaction in academic writing: learning to arguewith the reader. in Applied Linguistics 22/1 58 78. Quirk, R. (1985) A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. AddisonWesley Publishing Company. pp. 218-219.

ZipCar Marketing Strategy

Abstract Zipcar is a company that allows incorporation of members to benefit from car sharing services. The company management is capable of attracting influential companies and businesses to its business.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on ZipCar Marketing Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Cambridge, Antje Danielson and robin chase found it in 2000. Its target markets are Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, London, new York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, san Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Washington D.C. and Vancouver. By 2010, the company had attracted 8000 vehicles and 560,000 customers in urban centers. Each member pays a registration fee of $25 and $60 for services provided annually. A Zip card enables the customer use the car prepared in the order. The company caters for the gas, insurance, maintenance, parking and any other expenses incurred in the cause of using the car. The aim of the company is to reduce the costs incurred in transportation by allowing its customers to use other means of transportation such as walking and cycling and to preserve the environment by allowing sharing of one vehicle by many customers reducing pollution and jam caused by vehicles. Services and customers are inseparable hence, the company has to evaluate, analyze and implement marketing strategies to ensure survival and penetration of the company services in the target markets. Introduction The company attracts and maintains its customers through providing quality services to its customers. It offers 30 different models of cars at a time to provide a variety of products that cater for the different tastes and preferences of their customers. Due to the diversity of the customer needs and wants the company uses online and telephone to communicate to its customers and to offer instant services (Kirsner 1). This enables the company to provide its services an hour after the order is done and ease in payments of its customers by calculating the expenses according to the needs and wants of its customers. The company aims to increase their market share and at the same time maximize their profits (Kirsner 1).Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The chief executive requested for research on the company’s environment, competitors, and customers to enable implementation of marketing strategies that enable the company to survive in the competitive market. The report is due on June 30, 2011. ZipCar Corporation ZipCar is the world’s leading company in car sharing services. Its services have won the attention of the media. Journals that support the company include Business Weeks, Time magazine, Wall Street journal, and New York Times. For example, the Business Week’s journal declared the company as the best leader of 2006 in car sharing network. The chief exec utive officer of the company, Scott Griffith holds senior positions in the influential companies such as Boeing Company, information America, an Atlanta based provider of online, public record information, business strategy and investment firm, Parthenon group, boutique, and public record information. The company has joint ventures with transit agencies, universities, and influential cities and state governments to broaden their services and increase awareness of their services to potential customers. The company ownership and management is by its shareholders. For instance, the chief executive officer (CEO) holds 3.92% of the company and 2.4 million shares (Kirsner 1). Methodology A current market analysis is done to enable the company penetrate and survive in the target markets. It focuses on the target market, competitors, and future performance of the company’s products and services (Stull 42) Market analysis questionnaire Due to the increasing competition in the car shar ing market, the company wants to find a solution that enables the company survive in the target market. The company wants to improve its profits by attracting and maintaining more customers and balancing its expenses. These solutions boost the company’s profits, which consequently leads to the growth of the company (Ireland 124). Analysis of the situation Study design The research used deductive approach to collect quantitative and qualitative data that is able to draw conclusions on measurable evidence. The aim of the study is to analyze the consumers buying process and its effects on the overall operations of the business (Kotler 57).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on ZipCar Marketing Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Focus group discussion The group discussion comprise of 3 customers and employees of ZipCar and hertz global company in an attempt to find solution on how to attract and maintain mo re customers to zip car company and test the accuracy of the information provided by the company and the customers (Kotler 54) Study population and sampling The study involves the management of ZipCar Company, its main competitors, and the consumers of the product or service. Systematic sampling avoids bias and to focus on the potential sources of information (Basenese 1) Data collection Primary data Face to face interviews: Interview guides ensured all the areas of the study are covered and all the necessary information is collected. It involves structured and unstructured questionnaires to boost the researcher’s interaction with the respondents (Gitman 168). Observation: The researcher collects supplementary data without bias on the information available for the researcher. The researcher collects information from experience and behavior conveyed by the respondents (Koontz 121). Secondary data: The relevant data on books, journals, magazine, papers, magazines, and previous lessons on marketing strategies is collected (Kotler 54) Data analysis methods The research collected qualitative and quantitative data analyzed in numerical and descriptive perspectives. A review of the books, magazines, papers, journal, and previous lessons provides data for interpretation and analysis of data relevant to the research objectives. The data undergoes preparation using statistical techniques to convert it into a form suitable for analysis. The techniques are data editing and data coding (Kotler 65). Findings Pestle analysis They are legal, political, social-cultural, technological changes, demographic, and natural forces influenced by external and uncontrollable factors like competitors, changes in interest rates, cultural factors, and government regulations.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The macro environment of any business is the major economic externalities beyond the business’s scope of influence, which influence the business decision-making and have an effect on performance and strategies. The factors exist in the whole economy as opposed to the economy of a specific business (Kotler 59). Political environment: The political environment involves the pressure groups, government agencies and legislations that limit the activities of an organization. It is a constitutional duty of governments to draft public policies that govern commerce. Recent legislations focus towards protecting competitor companies from each other, buffering consumers from unfair business practices and shielding interests of society against unrestrained business behavior. There is also an increased emphasis in the international market on social responsibility and ethics. Zipcar Company provides insurance in case of accidents of its vehicles to comply with the government laws and regula tions (Koontz 120). Economic environment: The economic environment involves those factors that affect the purchasing power and spending patterns of consumers. Given the current economic recession, both corporate and individual consumers are shoppers that are more careful. The economic classes skew and the general population divides into the affluent and the less prosperous. These classes highly influence the spending patterns in the market. Zipcar helps its members save some money when they use other means of transport when not in need of a car (Gitman 166). Social environment: Social environment includes institutions and other forces that affect the basic values, behaviors and preferences of the society. A marketer may want to capitalize on the changing values people have on themselves, others, organizations, society, nature and the universe; for example, they affect the consumer satisfaction and decision-making. The university, journals, magazines, and other influential organizati on boost the image of the company attracting more customers to the company (Stull 45). Technological environment: Technological environment consists of forces that affect the technology of creating new products, markets and opportunities in organizations. This environment is perhaps the one with most influence in this industry. In the marketing planning, the marketer should be keen the opportunities being availed by technological changes and avoid products that are likely to get outdated rapidly. The company provides zip cards to enable their customers access their services, for example, paying bills and opening the door of the car. The company uses internet and telephone to communicate to its customers (Koontz 119). Natural resources: Natural resources include natural resources such as raw materials or energy sources needed by both the organization and the consumer. The company caters for expenses of fuel (Kirsner 1). Demographic environment: Demographic factors include the study o f human population in terms of size, location, race, and occupation. The company focuses their target market in the urban centers on working class consumers (Basenese 1). SWOT analysis Strengths: ZipCar Company has ability to recognize customer needs and wants more than the consumers themselves expect. This makes the company to offer quality products and services to enhance customer experience, awareness, and relationship with their customers. The company has joint ventures with influential organizations creating a positive image and pride of their products and services. The company’s reliance on technology in its activities of reservations, maintenance, billing, and customer services improves customers’ satisfaction and sense of belonging. Extension of services to the disabled people increases its market share (Kirsner 1). Weaknesses: The diversity of its markets gives room for misunderstandings and mismanagement of the company. The company incurs more expenses as the number of customers increase. Investments cater for the demands of its customers but there is no guarantee of revenue enough to cover the costs incurred. The company’s shareholders demands and expectations on payments are very high limiting the growth of the company (Basenese 1). Opportunities: The chief executive officer of the company, Scott Griffith holds senior positions in influential companies attracting more potential consumers to the company’s products and services. The company produces quality and variety of products that attracts and maintains more customers enabling the company improve its market share. The target customers are in diverse markets hence the capability of improving its profits once the company penetrates in the market. The company targets the working class since they use vehicles on daily basis and people spending leisure on weekends to ensure maximum utilization of its resources to maximize profits. Universities provide a good foundation for future development of the company as the graduates seek for their services. The company parks their cars in high exposure areas such as subway stations in the city increasing the awareness and attraction of the company’s services (Gitman 167). Threats: Diversity of the target market increases challenges of competition to the company due to the increase in the number of competitors. New entry companies whose car sharing services form a small portion of their overall profits has greater chances of fast growth in the business increasing competition in the market and later the price lowers. Rising price of fuel, insurance, and maintenance terminate the proceedings of the company leading to more expenditure of the company. This consequently leads to rise in the price of their services loosing some of their customers not willing to spend on that service (Basenese 1). Market Segmentation Geographical segmentation: ZipCar Company established its target market in 21 countries. They t arget city centers where there is large exposure of customers. Demographic segmentation: ZipCar Company targets the working class since they use vehicles on daily basis and can afford to purchase their services. The company targets universities to create future potential customers from the graduates. Psychographic segmentation: ZipCar Company provides vehicles for leisure during weekends. It also provides services to long distance travelers incurring the expenses of insurance, fuel, and maintenance of the vehicle. Behavioral segmentation: ZipCar Company provides quality and variety of products to cater for the different tastes and preferences of their customers to ensure customer brand loyalty. Consumer behavior Consumer behavior are all the buying habits and patterns reflected by an individual, group or society towards a given product or service (Kotler 56) Trends influencing consumer behavior Instant society: Customers of ZipCar make orders one hour before they reach the service d estination to find their services ready for use (Kirsner 1). Technology: The customers have zip cards to open the vehicles and for billing their expenses to satisfy their expectations on the company’s services (Kirsner 1). Consumer freedom of choice: The consumers make their own decisions on the company to purchase its services. Zipcar creates a good customer experience relationship, and freedom of expression to ensure brand loyalty. Since the customers travel to the service provider, they make choices about the company to purchase the service (Kirsner 1). Increased consumer awareness: Consumers are more educated and informed about the rights and needs that the company has to satisfy hence provide quality services to its customers that attract and maintain them (Basenese 1). Increased levels of economic development: Customers know how to budget on their expenses hence match their satisfaction with the price before they make their purchase decision (Kirsner 1). Changes in soci al cultural factors: ZipCar Company only offers its services to its members to ensure security of their vehicles due to collapse of morals in the society. The customers need vehicles to travel to leisure destinations on weekends due to increased social networking. The company relies on influential organizations and people to help attract customers to their organizations (Basenese 1). IE-marketing activities: Customers make orders while still far from the company to have their services ready on time and to make travelling plans at ease (Kirsner 1). Conclusion This is a sensitive market hence every marketing strategy used by the company reflects in its overall operations. Car sharing reduces parking commotion in cities and provides services to its customers. Since the benefits are intangible, the company focuses on satisfying their customers to maintain and improve its market share. Consumers’ great influence is value, utility, and benefit of the product or service. The decisio n- making process involves stages that the marketer can influence and intervene to attract customers. Recommendations The marketer should trigger the need of the consumer and know the time to emphasize its product or service to consumers to survive in the market. The marketers should put efforts to establish its distribution channels and the location of the business to access more customers to improve profits. Markets should have a comprehensive marketing strategy to produce better results and acquire customer loyalty. The company should take time to analyze its competitors in order to formulate and implement programs that are customer focused. The marketer should identify changing goals of consumer trends in future consumer behavior to ensure a good future performance of the company. The researcher should conduct effective and reliable market research to help the company making the right decision in the process of marketing its product or service. Works Cited Basenese, Louis. Zipca r, Inc.: steer clear of the â€Å"winner’s curse† (Part 2). 2011. Web. Gitman, Lawrence. The future of business: the essentials. Boston: Cengage Learning. 2008. Ireland, Duane. Entrepreneurship: successfully launching new ventures. Upper Sandle River: Pearson Prentice Hall. 2006. Print. Kirsner, Scott. A little zipcar history, as company files for initial public offerings. 2011. Web. Koontz. Essentials of management 8E. New York: Tata McGraw-Hill Education. 1990. Kotler, Philip. Principles of marketing. French’s Forest: Pearson Education Australia, 2009. Stull, Craig. Tuned in: uncover the extraordinary opportunities that lead to business breakthroughs. New York: John Wiley and Sons. 2008. Print. This report on ZipCar Marketing Strategy was written and submitted by user Kyra T. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Urbainization

Segregation In Urban Areas Since urbanization began in European cities, there has always been segregation, either by class, socio-economic status, political affiliation, etc. In modern American cities stratification is most heavily linked to class or race. There are many reasons that segregation in cities take place, and we will explore the more prevalent ideas of social stratification. When urban centers in America were beginning to take shape, people moved in droves to these industrial metropolises to find work and success. We studied earlier the effects of this mass immigration to cities and saw the horrid living conditions that people endured to find work. The overcrowding of cities made ghettos obvious and wealth was not directly associated with the masses of people moving in. Through the years, urban areas grew with new suburban towns encircling the city. Wealthier people inhabited these suburban areas with the ability to move in and out of cities at their own will. Cities became a melting pot of cultures in a small area. People of the same ethnic background often moved into neighborhoods in which their own culture was dominant as to fit in and feel more at home. These areas are obvious in places such as Libman 2 Chinatown, or â€Å"Little Italy†. Southie, in Boston is dominated by the working class Irish people that came to the American cities as many others did: looking for work, and the American Dream. These social groupings are one way that cities become segregated. This segregation is not the discriminatory term that we usually attribute to the phrase, but the separation of social groups. â€Å"The city in the 1920’s was often a battleground as various groups within the population struggled for social and cultural authority.† New laws in urban centers gave way to a new cultural group as well: criminals. Organized crime in the 1920’s was widespread; â€Å"In New York, Chicago, Detroit, and other ci... Free Essays on Urbainization Free Essays on Urbainization Segregation In Urban Areas Since urbanization began in European cities, there has always been segregation, either by class, socio-economic status, political affiliation, etc. In modern American cities stratification is most heavily linked to class or race. There are many reasons that segregation in cities take place, and we will explore the more prevalent ideas of social stratification. When urban centers in America were beginning to take shape, people moved in droves to these industrial metropolises to find work and success. We studied earlier the effects of this mass immigration to cities and saw the horrid living conditions that people endured to find work. The overcrowding of cities made ghettos obvious and wealth was not directly associated with the masses of people moving in. Through the years, urban areas grew with new suburban towns encircling the city. Wealthier people inhabited these suburban areas with the ability to move in and out of cities at their own will. Cities became a melting pot of cultures in a small area. People of the same ethnic background often moved into neighborhoods in which their own culture was dominant as to fit in and feel more at home. These areas are obvious in places such as Libman 2 Chinatown, or â€Å"Little Italy†. Southie, in Boston is dominated by the working class Irish people that came to the American cities as many others did: looking for work, and the American Dream. These social groupings are one way that cities become segregated. This segregation is not the discriminatory term that we usually attribute to the phrase, but the separation of social groups. â€Å"The city in the 1920’s was often a battleground as various groups within the population struggled for social and cultural authority.† New laws in urban centers gave way to a new cultural group as well: criminals. Organized crime in the 1920’s was widespread; â€Å"In New York, Chicago, Detroit, and other ci...

Use the STAR Method to answer any interview question

Use the STAR Method to answer any interview question It’s interview day. You’ve worked on your handshake, your eye contact, your head-to-toe professional outfit. You know your resume backwards and forwards, and you’ve reviewed the job description so many times you can practically see it when you close your eyes. So, you’re ready. And then in the interview, you get a question you weren’t necessarily expecting: â€Å"Tell me about a time when you†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Argh, the dreaded behavioral questions. Now what? First, don’t panic. You can answer any question an interviewer throws your way, without grinding the whole thing to a halt. It’s as simple as being a STAR.What’s the STAR Method  and  how  do  you  use  it?STAR is a method you can use to frame an answer quickly and efficiently. It’s an acronym for:Situation: Where/when did this example take place?Task: What was your level of responsibility in this example?Action: What steps did you take?Result: What was the outcome, and what did you learn or achieve?Let’s break down some strategies for using the STAR method in your next and future interviews.Find the right exampleUnless something comes to mind right away, this can be the hardest part. But think of it this way: the question is likely to be a situation that is tied to something on your resume or a task in the job description, so this is something you can think about in advance, even if you don’t know what will be asked specifically. Ahead of the interview, come up with examples or anecdotes for every experience bullet point and skill on your resume. That way, when you’re asked, â€Å"Tell me about at time you showed leadership,† you will already have a list of relevant points ready to go.Relevance is the key- you don’t want to start rambling about something that doesn’t really fit what the interviewer is asking. So the quick internal check should be, â€Å"I think this is the right story- does it answer what’s being asked?†And if you need a bit of time to think things over, say so- it’s okay to ask for a minute to think things over. â€Å"That’s a really great question; I’d like to think about it for a minute!† You don’t want your contemplation to go too long, but taking 30 seconds to gather your thoughts will lead to a better answer.Set the sceneThis doesn’t have to be an elaborate, cinematic story. However, you should be able to give a few quick details to show the interviewer what the context is for your story.I was the lead on a project, and 80% of my team had called in sick†¦We were on schedule and on budget, when the client changed his mind in the middle of the meeting†¦I took a call from an angry customer, who was not interested in hearing the company’s side of the story†¦You’ll want to make it conversational so that it doesn’t sound like you memorized a card. All you need are a few short sentences- no need to provide detailed backstory about everyone involved or a history of your employment. You want the details to be directly relevant to your story. And it’s okay to be humorous or light in your response, as long as you keep the tone professional.Talk about what you did to solve the problem or approach the issueOnce you’ve set the scene for the interviewer, talk about what you did to resolve the issue. Usually, when interviewers ask behavioral-style questions, they’re just as interested in the how as the what. And again, this doesn’t need to be a long-winded, detailed step-by-step. A few succinct bullet points about what you did in the situation will be just fine. If the interviewer has any follow-up questions, she’ll ask.Talk up your achievements- or lessons learnedWhen you’re talking about the results, don’t be afraid to talk about what you achieved- especially if it puts you in a positive light. You don’t want to come off like a braggart, but you should own your accomplishments.The project came in under budget thanks to my fix, and we broke sales records that year.Because I caught the order before it was processed, I was able to stop 5,000 widgets from being shipped accidentally. That was a great feeling.And if you picked an example that didn’t necessarily have a happy ending (because hey, sometimes that’s the only anecdote that fits), be sure to talk about what you did gain from the situation.Although it was difficult   while I worked to resolve the issue, it taught me that nothing is more important than providing a superior customer experience.It was definitely a learning experience, and having worked with such a demanding client, I know I can work with anyone to get the job done.Like with your other STAR points, a couple of sentences should be all you need to summarize and wrap up your story.Practice beforehandIf you’re not all that comfortable with storytelling, this is definitely a skill you can build before you’re in the interview hot seat. Just like with body language or your handshake, practice until it becomes second nature! Grab a trusted person who can ask you general behavioral questions, and apply the STAR method to your conversation. If you do this enough times in your everyday life, you won’t be sitting in the interview thinking, â€Å"Okay, time for S. What’s the situation?† You’ll already be searching through your mind’s archive for the relevant anecdote.   Ã‚  If you prep for interviews with the STAR method, you can tackle any question an interviewer throws your way, even if it seems like it comes out of nowhere. Quick, to-the-point answers will impress your interviewer and demonstrate that you have one of the most important skills- thinking on you r feet.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR - Essay Example After the First Crusade reclaimed Jerusalem on July 15, 1099, people were pouring in pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This multitude including wealthy pilgrims was the grand attraction to thieves. Surprise attacks along the roads were inevitable and a group of knights proposed to establish a troop that would ensure the safety of the travelers to Jerusalem. One of the knights was Count Hugh of Payns, a knight from the First Crusade. At this proposal, King Baldwin II of Jerusalem permitted Hugh of Payns and Godfrey of Saint-Omer along with other knights to stand guard along the roads to Jerusalem and were eventually recognized by the Council of Troyes as one of the orders of the Latin Church in 1129. The forefathers of this order were Hugh of Payns, Godfrey of Saint-Omer, Roland, Godfrey Bisol, Payen of Montdidier, and Archambaut of Saint-Armand. Hugh of Payns and Godfrey of Saint-Omer’s troop of knights were named The Knights of the Temple of Solomon of Jerusalem. They were named a fter the place where they requested the king to grant them as their official headquarters, the Temple of Solomon. The Knights of the Temple of Solomon of Jerusalem or the Knights Templar followed the Latin Rule, a set of codes which was formulated by Hugh of Payns in 1129 guided by Bernard of Clairvux. In this set of codes, the knights were to follow certain rules regarding their authorities, their garb, rituals on the death of their members, practices on giving alms, duration on standing on foot, on what to eat, the manner on reading, manners on dining, when to sleep, when to rise from sleep, how to coexist with fellow members, prohibitions on clothing, recommended materials of their clothing, the allowed number of pieces of clothing, what kind of shoes to wear, how to groom their hair, how to treat their servants, the number of allowed horses, prohibitions regarding bridles, spurs, spears and shields, on kinds of bags or trunks, on

Economic analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economic analysis - Assignment Example For the past few years, economists surveyed by NABE have concluded that fiscal policy uncertainty including efforts to rein in the deficit was constraining economic growth. However, the survey released on Monday has indicated that 57% no longer believed uncertainty was holding back the recovery. On the other hand, 38% of the citizens thought the fiscal policy was restraining the recovery compared with 80% in March 2014. According to NABE survey, almost half of the respondents believe the current fiscal policy to be about right. The rest of the respondents are divided with about a fourth indicating it is too stimulative and the other fourth too restrictive (Davidson, 2015). The Federal Research officials Janet Yellen and Ben Bernanke have warned that restrictive fiscal policy creates headwinds for recovery rather than supporting it as it did during previous economic downturns. Bernanke said that excessively tight near-term fiscal policies have tremendously been counterproductive. The economists have also differed on the current shortfall with 44% criticizing it on excessive spending, 28% blaming it to the output gap, and 24% citing insufficient revenues. A quarter of the economists suggested that the Fed should raise interest rates this year. About 9 percent of them except the rate increase to occur within the first six months (Mankiw, 2014). On the other hand, two-thirds of the economists expect rates to rise during the second part of the year while a quarter believe that the Fed will keep policy on hold until 2016. In the United States, inadequate demand has tremendously constrained activities in the economy of US which has caused repeated downgrades to growth forecast. The current financial crisis and ensuing recession have put the productive capacity of the nation’s economy on a lower and shallower direction than the ones in the previous years. It is estimated that the potential

Juicy essay Essay Example for Free

Juicy essay Essay In the song â€Å"Juicy†, by Notorious BIG, also known as Biggie Smalls, there is a main theme of rising from poverty and entering into wealth. Wealth in this sense not only means material things, but it also makes reference to intangibles such as stability for himself and his mother. He begins by noting material things including: â€Å"condos in Queens,† â€Å"putting 5 Karats in my baby girls ear,† â€Å"lunches, brunches, interviews by the pool,† â€Å"50 inch screens, money green leather sofa, two cars a limousine with a chauffeur. † These material things highlight significance in his life because in comparison to his childhood, they are infinitely superior. His childhood consisted of â€Å"eatin sardines for dinner,† being â€Å"considered a common thief,† â€Å"dropping out of high school,† and living in public housing. Furthermore, Biggie’s life was immensely changed in a different aspect. Along with his economic wealth, he gained stability for himself and his mother and made her proud of him. He states, â€Å"My mother loves to show me off, of course, smiles every time my face is up in The Source.† Biggie also states that he celebrated every day because of his hard work and determination he was able to create a better opportunities for himself and his family. In the song â€Å"Juicy† there is a reoccurring theme of rising from the rags to the riches and never giving up on a dream that you set out to accomplish. Notorious BIG reflects on his life while growing up and always being told, â€Å"you’ll never make it.† In the song he says, â€Å"Considered a fool because I dropped out of high school, stereotypes of a black male misunderstood, and its all good.† He dropped out of school so that he could continue to make music and pursue a career. While growing up in poverty, Biggie was often faced with the option to sell drugs or stay in school. When he dropped out of school at the age of 17, he became a drug dealer so he could make some money with the ultimate goal of becoming a rapper. In the song he says, â€Å"to all the people that lived above the buildings that I was hustlin in front of that called the police on me when I was just tryin to make some money to feed my daughters, and all the niggaz in the struggle, you know what Im sayin?† When he was growing up there were things he had to do to get by, there were things that he had to do that weren’t always legal, but he did  what he needed to provide for his family. Another important part of the song was when said, â€Å"I let my tape rock ‘till my tape popped†. He didnt give up on his dream of becoming a rapper. No matter how many people told him he couldnt do it, or he wouldnt last, he never gave up and he continued to give out his tapes. Biggie’s â€Å"tape popped† when his song was number one on Billboard Magazine. This led him to being signed by Bad Boy Records, which was owned by fellow East Coast Rapper, Sean â€Å"Diddy† Combs. After becoming rich and making it in the rap game, Biggie became a different person. He didnt know what to do with the wealth he had and flaunted it in the wrong ways. In the song he says, â€Å"Girls used to diss me, now they writing letters because they miss me.† When he said that they used to diss him, he was referring to how people that were close to him changed because they wanted to take advantage of him, and people that weren’t close to him wanted to be friends and benefit from the wealth he had. In this part of the song he was referring to how wealth can corrupt people. He remained unfazed, kept his circle small, and still pursued his dream of becoming a famous rapper. An excerpt from the song, after Notorious became popular, â€Å"Living life without fear, putting 5 karats in my baby girl’s ear, lunches, brunches, interviews by the pool† This was an important transformation in his life because he went from a gangster on the streets and slinging drugs, to a rich rap star. Another quote from the song was, â€Å"Phone bill about 2 G’s flat, no need to worry my accountant handles that.† With all the wealth that he accumulated, he was carefree living. He went from struggling to put food on the table for his family to letting businessmen handle all his financial decisions. He had seen the way that wealth could change people. Also in the song he mentioned, â€Å"50 inch screen, money green leather sofa, got two rides, a limousine with a chauffer.† The way that Biggie spent his money was typical to any other person that made it from rags to riches. He went from wondering if he would have a meal to eat, to spending money on lavish things. The end of Biggie’s career came on March 3, 1997 when he was shot several times outside of an album release party in Los Angeles. He came out to a shoot music video for the song â€Å"Hypnotize† off his album â€Å"Ready To Die†. With the past beef that he had with west coast rappers, the trip out to California wasn’t encouraged. He died six days later in the hospital. Through out Biggie’s life, there were a couple strong  characteristics that he left behind. He left behind a strong work ethic with an attitude that nobody could out work him. When he died, it was a tough loss in the rap world because he had been very influential amongst rappers that had come from tough childhoods and lived in tough areas. He was a perfect example of emerging from a life of poverty and becoming successful and extremely wealthy. The Notorious B.I.G. à ¢Ã¯â€šâ‚¬ Juicy Lyrics. Rap Genius. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. http://rapgenius.com/The-notorious-big-juicy-lyrics The Notorious B.I.G. Billboard. Rovi Corporation, 9 Mar. 2010. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. . Duke, Alan. FBI Reveals Documents in Biggie Smalls Death Probe. CNN. CNN, 08 Apr. 2011. Web. 18 Sept. 2012. .

Achilles: The Tragic Hero Essay -- The Iliad Essays

When researching heroes of classic literature it is impossible to ignore Achilles from The Iliad by Homer. Starting from the time that his mother Thetis dipped him in the River Styx, making his body practically invincible, it was obvious that the Greeks had a hero in the making (Achilles, 173). His physical strength and persistence to extinguish the Trojan society is untouched by any other figure in mythology (Achilles, 173). In The Iliad Achilles is not only a hero, but a tragic hero who experiences a downfall and realizes that it is a direct result of his actions. Along with this basic definition of what it means to be a tragic hero, there are also three notable characteristics. Tragic heroes exhibit â€Å"fatal ignorance†, are â€Å"prompted by will or circumstance†, and are involved in a â€Å"binding obligation† (Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature, 1126). These three aspects can be synthesized into the idea that tragic heroes make one or more errors, resulting from ignorance or a personal impediment and are obligated to live out their error(s) in the form of a downfall. Achilles in The Iliad by Homer is a tragic hero because he exhibits â€Å"fatal ignorance†, is â€Å"prompted by will or circumstance†, and is involved in a â€Å"binding obligation† throughout the entire poem. Achilles is a tragic hero because he displays ignorance towards his surroundings in The Iliad. At the beginning of the epic, â€Å"Achilles is presented with not one but two fates: to die gloriously at Troy or to live anonymously at home† (Harris, 262). With this decision Achilles decides to join the Greek forces and go to war against Troy. This, of course, guarantees his pre-mature death and proves how illogical and unstable his mind was during this time, for h... ... made poor decisions that led to his downfall and could have easily prevented himself from his early death in the Trojan War; this makes him a tragic hero in The Iliad. Works Cited "Achilles." Epics for Students. Ed. Marie Lazzari. Detroit: Gale, 1997. 173. Print. Hamilton, Edith. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. Warner Books ed. New York: Warner, 1999. Print. Harris, Stephen L., and Gloria Platzer. Classical Mythology: Images and Insights. 2nd ed. N.p.: Mayfield Publishing Co., 1998. Print. Homer. The Iliad. Trans. W. H. D. Rouse. New York: New American Library, 2007. Print. Knox, Bernard. "Achilles." Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism. Ed. Lynn M. Zott. Vol. 61. Detroit: Gale, 1990. 129-50. Literature Resource Center. Web. 11 Oct. 2015. Merriam-Webster's Encyclopedia of Literature. Springfield: Merriam-Webster, 1995. Print.

Juvenile Justice System

The juvenile justice system and parents across America struggle on a day-to-day basis with their children and substance abuse. It is stated that four out of every five children arrested within the system are under the influence of a substance (alcohol or drugs) when committing the crimes that forced them to be detained and arrested (Alcoholism. about. com, 2010). It is reported within the textbook that seventy-three percent of high school seniors had used alcohol within the past year, which makes the possibility of teenagers entering the juvenile justice system even higher (Siegel & Welsh, 2009).It is also believed that we as a society, does not provide the adequate support to those youth that are using controlled substances; which could in turn result in a more positive outcome, versus a decline in their behavior from initial arrest (Alcholism. about. com, 2010). This is a very true statement because in 2009, the SAMSHA reported that 374,000 citizens were treated for substance abuse between the ages of eighteen to twenty-four; that does not include the amount of individuals who did not seek help and those that were even younger.It also does not tell the story about how many of those individuals started using controlled substances at an earlier age as a juvenile (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, n. d. ). According to Joseph Califano, Jr. , we are writing of the younger Americans by releasing them back into society without attending to their substance abuse needs (Alcholism. about. com, 2010). As an American, it is notable that social status plays a vital role in why juveniles embark into the realm of substance abuse.When children aren’t accepted by their peers, they tend to lash out and try things to make their peers accept them, or hide in a corner and not seek any help because they want to be left alone (Siegel & Welsh, 2009). Social disorganization plays another vital role in why juveniles resort to substance abuse. Because t he United States has so many different juvenile justices systems, it is hard to be held accountable for the different practices taking place, and the fact that non of the practices are helping one hundred percent of the time is unacceptable (Alcoholism. bout. com, 2010). Many juveniles fall into the system, and because there is limited help for them within their state/system, they become long time offenders and turn their adult careers into offending and spend the majority of their lives in adult prison institutions (Alcoholism. about. com, 2010). It is estimated that if provided the proper treatment, juvenile course could save a whopping $14 Billion per year (Alcoholism. about. om, 2010), but it is up to the state and local governments to put the time, efforts and resources into the system to help rehabilitate the youth while they are young, because at some point, the rehabilitation slows or stops completely. It is and always has been difficult to judge whether punishing juveniles was more acceptable than rehabilitating them, but numbers in the state of California has declined to show that rehabilitating is the most viable option to release the strain on our justice system and over crowding in prisons (Mellon, 2008).At times, the most viable option is not the best, but in this situation, it is believed that if you truly want to help youth and keep them on the path of becoming responsible citizens, it is very much necessary to rehabilitate them and coach them early in their childhoods. If we wait until after they commit a crime and become a reactive society, the numbers will blossom into a flower that does not glorify our country.Adults who commit violent crimes that are not first time offenders, they generally had a record as a juvenile that was never addressed and rehabilitated (Deitch, Barstow, Lukens, & Reyna, n. d. ). Although rehabilitation is not always the answer, it can definitely help solve the equation. Alcoholism. about. com. , (2010). Most Juvenil e Offenders use Drugs, Alcohol. Retrieved February 6, 2012, from http://alcoholism. about. com/od/teens/a/blcasa041007. htm Deitch, M. , Barstow, A. , Lukens, L. Reyna, R. , (n. d. ). From Time Out to Hard Time: Young Children in the Adult Criminal Justice System. Retrieved February 6, 2012 from http://www. utexas. edu/lbj/archive/news/images/file/From%20Time%20Out%20to%20Hard%20Time-revised%20final. pdf Mellen, G. , (2008). A Historic Struggle: Punishment or Rehabilitation. Retrieved February 6, 2012, from http://www. presstelegram. com/justice/ci_9327709 Siegel, L. J, & Welsh, B. C. , (2009). Juvenile Delinquency –Theory, Practice and Law. California.

Our War On Drugs Essay

A drug can be described as a chemical substance that influences how an individual’s body and mind works (Rees 2005 p. 5). It is uncommon today to hear the word drugs on televisions and read them in magazines. Drugs are virtually everywhere and there is continual development of these drugs. They are used by people for various reasons ranging from medicinal to recreational purposes. Drugs that are taken as medicines include antibiotics and penicillin among others. However some drugs are illegal. They include: cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, cannabis, heroin, crack, methamphetamines, LSD (acid), alcohol and magic mushrooms. These illegal drugs are also known as recreational drugs and many are gotten from plants growth in various parts of the world. Amphetamines are drugs that can be inhaled, or eaten in form of tables. Heroin is smoked or taken as an injection. Marijuana on the other hand consists of a brown resin. It is mostly smoked in cigarettes and it can also be eaten (Rees 2005 p. 30). Abuse of drug use is known as drug addiction. When a person constantly takes these illegal drugs for recreational purposes this addiction develops as a process and not instantly. Addiction to drugs affects individuals of multicultural, geographically diverse, across gender and racial classes. The initial steps are very moderate but their increased use results to a state of life threatening situation. Withdrawals are hardly achieved as the issue becomes of medical concern. Those who abuse drugs have their various reasons. They argue that drugs help them alleviate stress, boosts their morale and confidence, makes them feel good about themselves among many other things. Drug abuse has various adverse effects. Some of the effects include rises in blood pressure, vomiting, impairs memory and judgment capability of an individual. Other effects are poor decision making, accidents, impaired health and poor relationships. The consequences of these are physical, psychological and emotional instability on the drug abuser. The individual hence suffers from depression (Rick 2005 p30) A large number of people who abuse drugs decide to quit at some point but this is often difficult since once a person is addicted to drugs, it is almost impossible to avoid taking them as they mostly experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms are for instance body aches, sweating, and flu in the case of heroin. Nicotine on the other hand results to fatigue and premature aging affecting the skin, body shape and body weight. On the other hand, fast withdrawals could result to dangerous impacts. For instance tranquilizers could be dangerous resulting in high blood pressure, vomiting, temperature and stomach cramps (Rees 2005 p. 42) Our War on Drugs The war on drugs is a move undertaken by the United States including help from other participating countries whose priority is to eliminate trade in illegal drugs. It traces its origin way back in 1880 where there was a memorandum of understanding between United States and China to prohibit trade in opium between the two countries (http://www. nh-dwi. com/caip-213. htm). Today in America, mostly the youth experiment with these illegal drugs and they do it for various reasons. Some do it for recreational purposes whereas others are simply addicts as they cannot do without them. The United States government and the general public have become concerned about drug abuse and addiction. The government became more concerned about the issue in the 1960s when the youth mostly college students protested against the Vietnam war and in the 1960s and 1970s they began using licit and illicit drugs on a large scale for the first time (Fleckenstein Hanson & Venturelli 2005 p. 125). As a starting point the United States government introduced new strategies for tackling this issue of drug use and abuse. These strategies include demand reduction, inoculation, supply reduction, interdiction and drug courts. The use of drug courts has become a common strategy. The supply reduction is a strategy aimed at reducing and controlling supply of illegal drugs. Demand reduction aims at reducing the individuals’ tendencies to abuse drugs especially the youth. It places emphasis on reforming behaviors. Inoculation on the other hand attempts to protect drug users by informing them on their responsibilities. Drug courts on the other hand integrate incentives, sanctions, treatment and ensure that nonviolent drug addicts are placed in rehabilitation programs. Lastly interdiction is a policy aimed at stopping the supply of these illicit drugs (Fleckenstein, Hanson & Venturelli, 2005 p. 25). In the United States of America, there are quite a number of law enforcements Acts on drugs that have been established to control drug abuse. They include: Harrison Acts that looks into the production, sale, importation and distribution of opium. The other Act is the Narcotic Drug Import and Export Act aimed at alleviating use of narcotics but it is exceptional for medicinal and other legitimate use. Heroin Act of 1924 prohibited the manufacturing of drugs. The Marijuana Tax Act also controlled the production, sale and distribution of marijuana. The Opium Pappy Control Act restricted the cultivation of opium poppies in the United States except if one is licensed to do so. Narcotics control act on the other hand intended to establish suffer penalties to individuals who broke the marijuana or narcotics laws. Drug Abuse Control Amendments (DACA) was established to adopt stuff controls over barbiturates, amphetamines, LSD among others moreover; the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act (NARA) was established to rehabilitate drug addicts in the three programs that is voluntary, sentencing to death addicts who are convicted and the pretrial civil commitment. In 1988, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act introduced the office of National Drug Control to oversee policies on research controlling drug abuse. Lastly the 2000 Drug Addiction Treatment Act gave a go ahead to physicians to prescribe narcotics for the treatment of oploid addiction (Fleckenstein, Hanson & Venturelli, 2005 p. 135). The white House National Drug Control Strategy in 2006 declared it stand and wish to balance the reduction in supply and demand of illegal drugs in the United States of America. It also outlined programs intended to curb abuse of drugs. In the same year, the National Drug Control Strategy pointed out its aim of supporting random student testing, intervention, screening, prevention, treatment and support for drug courts examining methamphetamines and making the United States southwest border secure (uninfo. state. gov/xarchives/display. gtm/? p. ). Another regulatory law enforcement body concerning drug abuse in the United States is the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Its mission is to control drugs and provide laws and regulations regarding drug abuse. The National Drug control Strategy established a ten year plan to reduce drug abuse. It also aims at reducing America’s demand for drugs by offering treatment and supply through law enactments (http://www. usembassy-mexico. gov/bbfbfdossier-combDrogas. htm). The above drug laws indiscriminate use of drugs and it is through the legislation that licit and illicit drugs are determined. The government of the United States tries to meet public needs and control pressure through these rules and regulations. Due to the advancement in technology in today’s society, trained experts and government agencies provide information and protection on drug abuse. Are we winning the war on drugs? In my opinion, I do not believe that we are winning the war on drugs. I have based my judgment according to various reasons. Since the prohibition of drug abuse in 1937 in the United States of America; marijuana once considered for Mexican immigrants has been actively used by 20-37% of the youth in the United States. The same applies to the use of cocaine, ecstasy and methamphetamines (World Drug Report, 2000). The continual trade in drugs is also another factor that has severely affected efforts by the government to prevent drug abuse and addiction. The United States of America is largely affected more so because of its population and largest budget that focuses on enforcement. President George W. Bush in February 2002 established a National Drug Control Strategy based on the Principles of stopping the usage of drugs, disrupting the market and curing America’s drug addicts (Policy and Program Development, 2002). Evidence also shows that the criminal law in the United States has had only small success in preventing drug abuse. It is approximated that in 2004, 39% of students in the 12th grade used an illicit-drug, 34% was marijuana, cocaine 5% and LSD 2%. Also, those aged 12 and above who use illegal drugs as estimated by National Survey is 19. 5 million in the United States (Fleckenstein, Hanson & Venturelli, 2005 p. 140). In the United States, family structures have changed considerably having half of all women working outside home and the divorce rate is quite high. This has affected the nurturing of children by all these single parents. Family and friends have also contributed to the increasing drug abuses since they are ready to bail out and offer excuses for those who have been convicted (Fleckenstein, Hanson & Venturelli, 2005 p. 40). To conclude, it is therefore evident that the war on drugs is still far from being over. It is therefore essential that the society works hard to stop abuse of drugs which is causing deaths on a massive scale. It is essential for individuals to know that the effects of drugs on the social life, economic life, emotional and spiritual life are adverse. The extreme case of addiction to these drugs is the exposure of the individual person to death.

Essay on human resource developement

Essay on human resource developement Essay on human resource developement The Aural Learner Sally is an aural learner. She noticed that she has to read aloud. Nakelya found out when she was young, probably during her elementary school years. To get ready for tests and or quizzes, she would have to read and write everything down and repeat aloud several times for memorizing purposes. Nakelya has taken online courses before and has done fairly well, even though aural learners have difficulty with this. The way she goes about it when writing is to read aloud what she writes, to see if it sounds good. Learning Strategies According to Fleming (2011), the aural learning style is when, â€Å"a preference for information that is "heard or spoken.† Students with this modality report that they learn best from lectures, tutorials, tapes, group discussion, email, using mobile phones, speaking, web chat and talking things through. It includes talking out loud as well as talking with yourself. Often people with this preference want to sort things out by speaking, rather than sorting things out and then speaking. Recommendations If you know which learning style you or a person you are working with have, can help be a better student, worker, or teacher. To learn and retain more information, it is important to use the learning style that that person has. For example according to Priddy (n.d.), â€Å"the aural learner could have more difficulty in an online class†. Research was made by Diaz and Cartal (1999), and their outcome was that the people that are more

Test-Optional Colleges that Dont Require SATs

Test-Optional Colleges that Dont Require SATs If you got low SAT scores or low ACT scores, or if you simply didnt take the exam in time for application deadlines, realize that hundreds of test-optional colleges do not require entrance exams as part of their admissions applications. The list below is just a sampling of the roughly 850 four-year colleges that do not require the SAT or ACT. I have, however, included most of the highly selective schools that dont require scores. To see a complete list, visit the FairTest website. Also be sure to check out my list of 20 Great Colleges for Students with Low SAT Scores. Colleges dont use test scores for many reasons. Some technical schools, music schools and art schools dont see the ACT and SAT as good measures of the types of skills they require. Other schools recognize that the SAT and ACT limit their applicant pools and give an unfair advantage to students from schools or families that can afford test prep courses. You will also find on the FairTest list that many schools with strong religious affiliations do not require standardized tests. Admissions policies change frequently, so check with each school for the latest testing guidelines. Also, realize that some of the schools below are test-optional only for students who meet certain GPA or class rank requirements. Schools that dont require the ACT or SAT for some or all applicants American UniversityArizona State University at TempeArkansas State UniversityAustin Peay State UniversityBard CollegeBates CollegeBennington CollegeBowdoin CollegeCalifornia State University at Bakersfield, Chico, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Monterey Bay, Northridge, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Marcos, and StanislausBrandeis UniversityBryn Mawr CollegeClark UniversityCollege of the AtlanticCollege of the Holy CrossConnecticut CollegeDenison UniversityDePaul UniversityDickinson CollegeDrew UniversityEast Tennessee State UniversityEastern Kentucky UniversityFairfield UniversityFranklin and Marshall CollegeFurman UniversityGeorge Mason UniversityGettysburg CollegeGoddard CollegeGoucher CollegeGuilford CollegeGustavus Adolphus CollegeHampshire CollegeHobart and William Smith CollegesHofstra UniversityIllinois CollegeIndiana State UniversityIthaca CollegeJuniata CollegeKansas State University (scores required for out-of-state applicants)Kings College Knox CollegeLake Forest CollegeLawrence UniversityLewis Clark CollegeLoyola College in MarylandMarist CollegeMiddle Tennessee State UniversityMiddlebury College (SAT2 required if SAT1 is not used)Minnesota State UniversityMount Holyoke CollegeMuhlenberg CollegeNazareth CollegeNew School (scores required for some programs)Northern Arizona UniversityOhio State University at ATI Wooster, Mansfield, Marion, Newark (scores required for out-of-state applicants)Oklahoma State University, StillwaterOld Dominion UniversityPitzer CollegePresbyterian CollegeProvidence CollegeRobert Morris UniversityRoger Williams UniversityRollins CollegeSt. Johns College (Annapolis and Sante Fe)Sarah Lawrence CollegeSewanee: The University of the SouthSmith CollegeSouth Dakota State UniversityState University of New York at PotsdamStetson UniversityStonehill CollegeSusquehanna UniversityTemple UniversityUnion CollegeUniversity of Alaska at Anchorage, Fairbanks and SoutheastUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of A rkansas at Fortsmith, Little Rock, Monticello and Pine Bluff University of Idaho at MoscowUniversity of Kansas at LawrenceUniversity of Maine at Augusta, Farmington, Ft. Kent and Presque IsleUniversity of Minnesota at Crookston, Duluth and MorrisUniversity of MississippiUniversity of Montana at Missoula and WesternUniversity of Nebraska at Kearney and LincolnUniversity of Nevada at Las Vegas and RenoUniversity of Texas at Arlington, Brownsville, Dallas, El Paso, Pan American, San Antonio and TylerUrsinus CollegeWake Forest UniversityWashington CollegeWashington and Jefferson CollegeWesleyan UniversityWestern Kentucky UniversityWheaton College (MA)Wittenberg UniversityWhitworth UniversityWorcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) When applying to schools, be sure to read their policies carefully. Some state schools on the list do require scores from out-of-state applicants. Other schools dont require scores for admissions, but they do use the scores for awarding academic scholarships.

Kipling's White Man's Burden Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Kipling's White Man's Burden - Essay Example Rudyard Kipling is trying to show the negative attitudes of Europeans towards imperialism. Africans were considered as savages and a burden by them. This is a racial point of view. Africans are considered as crazy, devilish, and dumb people. Africans are treated as a burden of the Europeans, but at the same time, they also think that it is their responsibility to help Africans out. Kipling is simply justifying American’s coming in Africa and taking over the African lives. This reflects that he does not believe in the concept of equality. For him, not every person holds equal rights and some have fewer rights than others, simply because they are less humane. He is encouraging the concept of imperialism. He believes that the Africans are simply ungrateful people. Help is being granted to them, yet they are retaliating against it. 2. Kipling addressed this poem to the Americans in relation to their recent colonization of Philippines. I believe that Kipling really thinks that it i s the responsibility of the civilized nations to those they have conquered. While using the term â€Å"white man’s burden†, he is trying to explain the fact that the European ancestry (or the American one, for that matter) has more opportunities and chances for better education and has more political influence than the natives had. Had Kipling written this poem earlier, he would have argued against colonial imperialism. He was born in the time when native people have already been conquered. It seems as if Kipling is trying to get across the message that no gratitude or corporation in return for the improvement of the lives should be expected. When Kipling uses the phrase â€Å"Take up the White man’s Burden†, it has two meanings. It is naturally considered a duty towards the primitive, impoverished people and that the do-gooder has to bear the resulting ingratitude. Kipling’s assumption regarding the laziness and backwardness of the Filipinos might be considered as racist and patronizing to many modern day readers. But it simply was not meant to offend the people. Kipling was simply trying to explain the difficulties which the Americans faced. The issues, which were then raised by Kipling, seem to be relevant in today’s world. The world is not made a better place without sacrifices and hard work. In addition, the welcome mat is not always rolled out for those who want to change the world for the better. 3. Kipling has offered defense throughout the poem. He thinks that imperialism can work out for the best if it is executed correctly. The poem was meant to discuss not only the American response to the Philippines but also towards the European countries – that they should share medicines and wealth to reduce the misfortunes, illnesses, and famines which are polluting Africa. At first, imperialism might seem to be very striking, but it can have various definitions, depending on the way it is being executed. So muc h emphasis on the execution is placed so that dual meaning is not derived out of Kipling’s prose. He strongly believes that if imperialism is implemented in the correct way, than it can preserve cultures. It is possible only if the wealth is shared and medicine is practiced properly. However, it was not seen the way Kipling had interpreted. The wealthy defined civilization. White men are considered wealthy and hence

Impact of e-commerce in Banking sector Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Impact of e-commerce in Banking sector - Essay Example The concept of electronic commerce is descriptive of the process of conducting commercial transactions of services, goods, and information by means of computer networks. In e-commerce products and services can be bought online. Due to the fact that the banking sector is probably the busiest service sector, running it efficiently usually requires more manpower. Technological innovations such as computer based commercial transactions, however, do not usually need direct supervision from workers, and thus have contributed towards banks being more efficient in their dispensation of services. In traditional banks’ manual services, consumers usually have to queues to get to the necessary services. The introduction of e-commerce brought a much needed change to combat such inconveniences (Mahdi and Mehrdad, 2010). Banks have to make use of the offerings of e –commerce so as to remain relevant while outwitting their competitors. In the banking industry, productivity is dependent on the delivery of high quality services. E-commerce in the banking sector has to do with allowing customers to be able to access their bank accounts through the internet by means of a modem. Online banking options were first provided, in a limited capacity, by baking institutions in America in 1995. It has been speculated that this was as a result of the pressure faced by American banks as a result of aggressive competition between international banking institutions across the globe (Mittal and Sanjay, 2007). At first, the ‘online services’ only had to do with providing customers with information about the various services that were being offered by different bank branches. The rapid development of communication technology witnessed in the last two decades, however, allowed for banks to start allowing their customers ways of accessing their accounts through the internet. Banks also made it possible for customers to transfer money while also being able to procure finan cial offerings on their behalf. Since then, there has been a rapid spread of the use of online banking options across the world. While, in traditional banking, workers handle all financial activities such as the provision of loans and the collection of deposits, in e-commerce in banking, a number of distribution channels are used to supply information about banking transactions. In the use of e- commerce, banks use delivery systems such as digital television, cell phones, and laptops to relay information to their consumers. In transactions conducted through the traditional system of banking, payment transactions are conducted through a bank branch. The utilisation of e-commerce in the banking system today, however, has allowed for the automated delivery of services to banking customers by use of the internet (Khalfan and Abdullah, 2006). In most banking facilities in developed nations, the electronic banking system involves the automation of factors such as ATMs, direct deposit, tel ephone banking, debit and credit cards, web-based banking, and bill payment. Most banking institutions around the world have some sort of e-commerce function. While some scholars have observed that e-commerce in the banking sector might soon be responsible for the abolition of traditional functions of banking, this is not likely unless banks begin to gain substantial profits through e-banking services (Kjell, VebjOrn and TjOstheim, 2006).

Scientific Arguments For and Against Contraception Essay

Scientific Arguments For and Against Contraception - Essay Example Despite so many methods being available, there are arguments for and against the use of the different methods of contraception. Abstinence is not engaging in the sexual act, which no doubt is the safest but the person does not get the pleasure of sexual intercourse. This is a biological need and helps release emotions and tensions. At the same time, abstinence is helpful for drug addicts and alcoholics when they are under the recovery program and are advised celibacy. It gives the person an opportunity to evaluate his/her sexual feelings. There are various barrier methods available, which block the flow of the sperm to the woman’s uterus and the fallopian tubes. Female condom, male condom, diaphragm, the cervical cap and the dam are the five barrier methods available. The female condom is not 100% leak proof. It can rupture and can lead to genital warts (Cat Bytes). The male condom is a thin cover usually of latex but can also be found of lambskin or polyurethane (Wills et al). Moisture, heat, and light make condoms susceptible to breakage (Sex-info). Animal skin condoms contain pores which allow HIV and other viruses to pass through but they are thinner and do not dull the sensitivity. Latex condoms remain the safest and only water based lubricants should be used before using the condom. Oil-based lubricants like Vaseline and baby oil damage the condom. Other barrier methods like the diaphragm, the cervical cap or the contraceptive sponge involve the use of spermicidal product, commonly containing nonoxynol-9 (N-9) (FHI 2005). Researches suggest that frequent use of N-9 increases the risk of HIV in women. using a male condom lubricated with N-9 is preferable. Diaphragm protects against the STD’s like gonorrhea and Chlamydia but not against all sexually transmitted diseases. It increases the risk of having a bladder infection and someone allergic to rubber cannot use this (Sex-info) A diaphragm should not be exposed to detergents and oil based

Exercise for Balance in the Elderly | Research

Exercise for Balance in the Elderly | Research CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The ageing process is considered as a biological reality, and which cannot be controlled by human being. It is dynamic in nature. The beginning of the old age is about 60 or 65 years and it is equivalent to retirement age. According to the developed countries, old age means at the point when the active contribution is no longer possible (Gorman et al., 2007). As a natural part of aging, physiological and psychological changes can occur and it can affect the lifestyle and health of old age people. Most of the older adults commonly affected by the problems like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, diabetes, hypertension, poor vision, hearing impairment, cardiovascular diseases, COPD, poor kidney function, cancers, urinary incontinence, anxiety, depression and balance problems.(Nabili,2010) One of the leading health concerns, in case of elderly is falling and which is related to balance Problems. (Cochrane library).  Balance problems and falls are common, and falls can occur due to impaired balance among elderly .Worldwide, the number of persons over 60 years is growing faster than any other age group. In the middle of the 20th century 14 million people were in the age group of 80 years or older. By, 2050 it will be about 400 million in world wide. Approximately 28-35% of people over the age of 65 fall each year, and this proportion increases to 32-42% for those aged more than 70 years. 40% elderly people living in long term care setting experienced recurrent falls during each year and it is high as compaired to community older adults. Falls may lead to, increased dependence, loss of autonomy, confusion, immobilization and depression. (WHO). According to the centre for control of diseases and prevention (CDC) , one in every 3 adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Walking difficulty and poor balance are common impairments in old age group and which is the high risk for falling. In 2011American geriatric society recommended that all adults aged 65 or older should screen for falls. (Shubert, 2011). Falls can occur in all age groups especially in older adults. The prevalence and incidence of falls more commonly occurs after the age of 65 and (30-60) percentage in annually. As compaired to men, women are more prone to get falls. A study was conducted in Cape Town of South Africa to identify the risk factors of falls. The subjects were selected randomly aged more than 65 years. Total number of samples was 837 from different groups like whites, black Africans and Indians. The study result shows that, incidence of falls was high in women and prevalence of falls was different for different groups. (Kalula, 2010) The risk factors for falls are mainly Gait disturbance, muscle weakness, Dizziness, postural hypotension, visual Impairment, and syncope, use of an assistive device, visual deficit, arthritis, impaired activities of daily living, depression, and cognitive impairment. (WHO, 2006) As age increases, individuals experience decreased strength and balance, which is a risk factor for falls. Balance is the ability to maintain an upright posture during dynamic and static tasks. Maintaining balance requires interactions between central and peripheral factors. (Knerl, 2009) Balance problems are commonly reported by elderly people. Good balance has been associated with independence in daily activities. Deterioration in balance may leads to reduced physical activities and fear of falling. Balance assessments serves several purposes, such as quantitative, description of ability, monitoring subject’s progress overtime and evaluating the effectiveness of intervention.(Sihvonen,2004) For old age people 65 or older, in 2010 the total direct medical cost was 30 billion dollars due to fall injuries and by 2020 it is expected to be about 54.9 billion. Implementation of effective intervention could reduce the health care costs of fall related injuries.(CDC) From the Health Day News, exercise programme means to prevent falls in the seniors, but according to new review it says that exercise programme helps to prevent injuries also. Balance training has been identified as one of the top 10 worldwide in the fitness industry. In 2008 Physical activity guidelines for Americans recommend that balance exercises for 3 days in a week was effective for active and inactive elderly aged more than 65. Gait and balance disorders are common in elderly. As a health care team, physicians or nurses have the responsibility to ask about the previous history of falls. Due to the lack of standardized measures,evidence for the effectiveness of balance training is limited. Yet the exercise and physical therapy are included in effective options for gait and balance. NEED FOR THE STUDY With the exponential growth in older population, exercise is a key target(WHO,2002) and it is a subset of Physical activity that is planned , structural and repetitive and it is considered to be the important rehabilitation programme to improve the functional ability of old age people (Cochrane library). Dr.Nick cavil says that â€Å"A people get older and their bodies decline in function, physical activity helps to slow that decline. In older adults reduced balance is associated with, decreased physical functioning and increase risk of falling. This review analyses the effect of exercise on balance in older adults. (Cochrane editorial unit). In 1960’s an astronaut called John Glenn disqualified from his service, because he experienced balance problems during his working. Then after the rehabilitation programme, at the age of 77, he performed well. As per Indiana University, exercises that speedup swaying that may help to forestall balance problems in later. For the exercise programme safe environment is recommended, for that first step, to acquire sufficient fitness and Self-confidence. Gait balance training is effective, in clinical balance outcomes in elderly. These interventions are probably safe. (Howe, 2011). One in every 3 adults over the age of 65 falls each year . Balance is critical when it comes to avoiding falls at any age. Balance exercise improves strength and flexibility on both sides of the body, not only do they reduce the risk of sips , trips, and falls but also increases the likelihood that seniors will be able to recover balance or reduce the injuries . After 50 years of age , begins to lose 10% of our strength per decade of life , which leads to balance problems. Balance exercise help to reduce the decade of life. (CDC). A study to evaluate the effectiveness of an enhanced balance training programme to improve the mobility of older adults with balance problems. The study was conducted in Bromley Hospitals NHS Trust general hospital; the design adopted for the study was prospective singled blind randomized controlled trial. The subjects participated in the study were 199.The interventional group received balance training programme and control group received physiotherapy. The outcome measures were Berg balance scale,Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), Falls Handicap Inventory (FHI), and European Quality of Life questionnaire were measured regularly at 6,12 and 24 weeks.Both groups showed improvements. (Intervention: 22.5-16.5 seconds, P =.001; control: 20.5-15.8 seconds, P =.054). As by conclusion, the results shows that exercise programmes had an effect on balance among elderly. (Steadman, et.al 2003) Older adults can improve their quality of life by participating in balance exercises. Their by they can improve their mobility and get fit. The researcher says that as age increases, there is a chance of losing muscle mass and strength. Exercise programme helps to improve the postural alignment in sitting and standing position. Many of the older adults, admitted to the hospitals due to decreased balance problem and it results in falls related injuries, so the investigator reveals that exercise programme helps to reduce the falls by improving balance among elderly. According to American journal of epidemiology 30% of community – dwelling seniors /citizens will experiences falls at least once a year due to balance problems. so, as a health care professionals we are responsible to make out the solution. During cinical posting in medical and surgical ward in KMCH, the investigator came across so many persons with fall related injuries due to balance problems, and most of them were in the age group of more than 60.So in order to reduce the rate of falls and to improve the balance the researcher selected the exercise programme as an intervention for elderly people. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM Effectiveness of exercise program on balance among elderly in selected old age home at Coimbatore. OBJECTIVES Objectives of the study were to assess the balance score among elderly. determine the effectiveness of exercise programme in improving balance scores. identify the association between the balance scores with selected demographic and clinical variables of elderly people. OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS Balance:-Ability of an individual to maintain the line of gravity of a body within the base of support with minimal postural sway during different activities such as bending forward, transfer and closing eyes. Exercise programme:- Systematically planned programme for the old age people to improve the balance, of 5 exercises namely sit to stand, heel to toe walk, one leg stand, sideways walking and step up. Elderly:-Both male and female in the age group of 60-80 years. HYPOTHESIS There is a significant improvement in balance following exercise programme among elderly. ASSUMPTIONS Balance impairments are important risk factor for fall. Balance impairments are higher in elderly people. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK A conceptual frame work in nursing is the backbone, on which the nursing research is built. A theoretical explanation of the phenomenon or problem and serves as the basis for the formulation of research hypothesis. The conceptual framework adopted for this study is wiedenbach’s Theory, (1970) which is established by Ernestinewiedenbach, who was early nursing leader. Wiedenbach focuses on individualizing care for each patient. This is done by assessing the individual needs of each patient, so the nurse knows when to step in and help the patient. Central purpose Central purpose of this study is to improve the balance among elderly people. Prescription The investigator plan the prescription that will fulfil the central purpose (improve the balance among elderly).Thus the investigator, selected the method, exercise programme for elderly people, and which is considered to be the effective measure of improving the balance. Realities Agent investigator Recipient elderly people with decreased balance Goal improvement in balance Means provision of exercise (make them to do) Frame work old age home. Identification This includes identification of balance problems among old age people and also importance of exercises and its effects to improve the balance among elderly. Ministration Provision of exerciseprogramme (balance exercise) for elderly with balance problem. Validation Evaluation of the effectiveness of exercise programme on balance with the use of berg balance scale