Exam_Decision support system and business intelligence 2 Essay

Exam_Decision support system and business intelligence 2 - Essay Example It is thus characterized by subject, integration, time and volatility. Subject-oriented – this is the type of data warehousing in which the data is arranged by the subject details that are relevant to the decision support processes thus enable users determine the how and why of the organization’s performance. Integrated-this is the characteristic of data warehouse in which the data is placed from different sources are placed in a consistent format. This is only possible if the data warehouse is dealing with major data warehousing conflicts like naming discrepancies. Time-variant-this is the characteristic of data warehouse that maintains historical data. Time is a very important aspect of warehousing that defines the status of data in real systems. This character is responsible for detecting trends, long-term relationships and deviations that help in comparisons and forecasting which forms a very important part of decision making. Non-volatile- this is the characteristic of data warehouse that ensures that data entered into the data warehouse is not manipulated by users through updating or changing. It also ensures that changes in the data are recorded as new data and obsolete data are discarded. Q2: Natural Language Processing is the mode of representation that was used by early text mining applications to introduce various structures to the text-based documents so that they could cluster them to the natural groupings or classify them to some predetermined classes. In the earlier text mining like bag-of –words the natural language was considered a cluster of words. Texts like paragraphs, sentence or complete document were often represented as a collection of world. This process disregarded the grammar of the text or the order in which these words appeared. Though this model has become obsolete, some document classification tools still use it. This is still applicable in span filtering where the e-mail message

Absorption vs. Variable Costing Essay Example for Free

Absorption vs. Variable Costing Essay This case study will look at Jokkmok Industries and one of its managers, Mr. Rosen, who is bucking for a promotion to CEO. His division uses absorption costing and has the ability to produce 50,000 units a quarter with a fixed overhead amount of $600,000. While the sales forecast shows that the company will only sell 25,000 units during each of the next two quarters, Mr. Rosen wants to double his budgeted production for the second quarter from 25,000 to 50,000 units. We will look at Mr. Rosen’s decision and see how it affects his company’s bottom line by putting the figures from last quarter and the next quarter into an absorption income statement and a contribution margin statement. From this we will be able to see the differences in production costs from the two income statements. These figures will let us be able to assess if Mr. Rosen has improved his division’s performance by increasing production. We will also be able to tell if absorption costing is a viable option for management to use when making decisions like increasing production when sales are not forecasted to improve. We will also discuss a few shortcomings of the absorption approach and how it relates to management. And finally, we will see if Mr. Rosen’s decision would allow him to be considered for the CEO position. Absorption vs. Variable Costing (Contribution margin) â€Å"The main difference between variable costing and absorption costing is the accounting for fixed manufacturing costs.† (Horngren C. n.d.) This is never more evident than in this case study. Income statements prepared using these different methods usually produce different net operating income, and they will also produce different costs per unit sold. In order to completely fill out the income statements we will need to look at the 1st quarter’s income statement listed in Table 1. From the data in table 1 we will need more data to input into the absorption and contribution margin income statements. This additional data is displayed in Table 2. Now we will plug these numbers into both the absorption and contribution margin income statements shown in tables 3 and 4 below for both the 1st and 2nd quarters. Information for setting up these tables was obtained from the article â€Å"Income Comparison of Variable and Absorption Costing† from Accountingexplanation.com. One can notice right away that there are some major differences between the two income statements especially in the 2nd quarter’s net operating income. Under absorption the net operating income is $650,000 and Mr. Rosen would think that his bottom line is looking better and he could almost see himself in the corner office. But running the numbers using the variable costing method in the contribution income statement, the increase in production shows the same net operating income as the previous quarter which was $350,000. So how can the bottom line look so much better under absorption than contribution? The main reasons have to do with fixed manufacturing overhead and inventories. Fixed manufacturing overhead are things like rent, facilities expenses, salaries, and insurance that do not change over a given period of time. â€Å"Since fixed overhead costs do not change substantially, they are easy to predict, and so should rarely vary from the budgeted amount.† (Bragg 20 13) This is demonstrated in the cost per unit sold difference between the first and second quarters. First quarter’s was $72 while 2nd was $60. The reason is because fixed manufacturing costs are involved in the equation. In absorption you have to take the fixed manufacturing costs ($600,000) and divide by the total units manufactured (50,000) to get $12 per unit. Now you add that to the cost per unit manufactured on Table 1 ($48) to get a total of $60 per unit manufactured. When the company only produced 25,000 units the cost was $72 per unit. ((600,000/25,000) + $48 = $72). Now the excess fixed manufacturing costs are rolled into inventory for the next quarter. As shown in the less ending inventory in Table 3 ($1,500,000), because 25,000 units of the units manufactured were not sold. Contribution margin or variable costing does not break up the fixed manufacturing costs, instead it puts in the entire amount of $600,000 into the quarter and does not roll over the fixed costs into inventory. (As shown in the line fixed manufacturing overhead below the contribution margin.) Ho wever, in variable costing, $48 of manufacturing cost per unit is rolled over in the inventory. Because variable costing accounts for the fixed costs entirely it is the better option for knowing where your company stands. Besides the problems with absorption costing listed above, it considers fixed manufacturing overhead as product cost which shows a higher cost per unit than variable costing. As a result, it does not help management decide the selling price of a product. In the example above table 3 shows $72 and $60 per unit sold, while table 4, the variable cost per unit sold is $55. Also absorption costing can make the bottom line look better than it is by removing product costs from the income statement by producing inventory. This way managers, like Mr. Rosen, who are evaluated on the basis of operating income can temporarily improve profitability by increasing production. But there some that still think there are advantages to absorption costing. â€Å"Advocates of absorption costing argue that all manufacturing costs must be assigned to products in order to properly match the costs of producing units of product with the revenues from the units when they are sold.† (Accountingexplanation .com n.d.) But given the reasons stated above variable costing is still the way to keep the books for the decision makers. I would not recommend Mr. Rosen for the CEO position because he seems to have cooked the absorption books in his favor. By increasing his production he manipulated the fixed manufacturing costs to show them lower than they really are and thus showing a better net operating income. But the real costs are rapped up in inventory for the next quarter to worry about, like kicking the can down the road. There is something that Mr. Rosen could do, or might have been planning to do, to correct the inventory problem. He could plan on selling more units. What if market research shows that sales will increase by nearly 20% if Lokkmok drops prices by 5% to gain a competitive edge in the 3rd quarter? Look at Tables 5 and 6 below to show how dropping the prices and increasing sales to get rid of inventory would help the bottom line. Notice the difference between keeping the status quo of pricing and sales compared to the ‘what if’ third quarter numbers on both income statements. Now notice the difference of the bottom line between the absorption ‘what if’ 3rd quarter and the contribution margin income statement, the bottom  line suffers under absorption because sales are eating into the inventory, which is a good thing. But in reality the increase sales has increased revenue, eating away at inventory and actually helping the bottom line, as is the case on the contribution income statement which shows net operating income went up over 21%. Conclusion We have discussed the shortfalls of absorption costing, while showing the many benefits of variable costing and the contribution income statement. Whether it showing the correct net operating income for a company that increases production, or that selling more units, cutting into inventory, and increases revenue actually helps the bottom line, variable costing is correct tool for decision makers. Attached to the submitted Case assignment is the excel worksheet I used. I learned a lot about accounting and excel to complete this assignment. I had a fun time crunching the numbers to see how sales, fixed/variable costs, unit pricing and the like affect the income statement. Please feel free to open and change the yellow highlighted sections to see the outcomes. Please give me any feedback on the excel spreadsheet, for I was a broadcast journalism major 18 years ago and have not tinkered with spreadsheets too often. Thank you. References Horngren C. (n.d.) Chapter 9: Absorption/Variable Costing Retrieved from http://www.csus.edu/indiv/p/pforsichh/accountinginfo/121/documents/newCh09In-ClassProblemsHorngren13e-MYCOPY-X2.pdf Bragg, S (2013) What is fixed overhead?, AccountingTools. Retrieved from http://www.accountingtools.com/questions-and-answers/what-is-fixed-overhead.html Accountingexplanation.com. (n.d.). Advantages, Disadvantages, and Limitations of Variable Costing Systems. Retrieved from http://www.accountingexplanation.com/advantages_disadvantages_limitations_of_

The Importance of Product Quality :: Business Management Quality Control

The quality of the product that is being made is very important to a company whatever they are making. The higher the quality if a product the more the company can charge for that product. If the company makes a low quality product that is not very good people will not buy it, also if people can find a similar product at a lower price and higher quality they will buy that. When a business makes a product they must decide on the following things:  · what is the lowest level of quality that is acceptable for the product?  · who is responsible for the quality control  · a method of quality control that will be used that dose not effect the cost to severally What is the BSI? The BSI (British Standards Insatiate) is responsible for setting standards that products must be made to. They set standards for very product that is made, this means that products are made to a high standard. When a product complies with the BSI standards it is given a kite mark, this tells the consumer that product meets their standards. Methods of quality control Methods of quality control Traditional TMQ (Total quality management) Description In this method of quality control, the quality is checked at the end of chain of production. In this method it left to one person to check the product. Also in this method the workers on a piece rate so they got paid for what they made. In this method every one is responsible for the quality control. Instead of checking at the end of production, it is checked as the products are made at regular intervals. This means that the quality control is done in such a way that every one is involved. This method got rid of the piece rate. Advantages / Disadvantages In this method of quality control is the reasonability of just one person. Also in this method as people are paid for what they make,

Goldeneye and computer

American cinema has changed as American culture has changed. This can be observed by focusing on genre movies produced during different time periods. A fantastic example is to analyze different James Bond movies. The James Bond franchise began with Sean Connery starring in the movie Dr. No in 1962 and is currently still very popular with Daniel Craig starring as James Bond, most recently in Casino Royale. There are some things that never change with James Bond, he always drives stylish cars, uses gadgets and gets the girl or girls.But stylistically the movies have changed as American culture has changed. An excellent example of this is by comparing From Russia with Love (1963) and Golden Eye (1995). Both plot lines deal with Russia and Soviet agents and involve travel to exotic locations. Many plot points are actually almost identical, Sean Connery seduces a Soviet defector and Pierce Brosnan has relations with a Soviet government worker. Both movies deal with finding or stopping an important device, the Lektor and the Golden Eye. Both films also contain unknown evil organizations, S.P. E. C. T. R. E. and Janus. (Broccoli, A. , 1963, Broccoli, B. , 1995) One of the largest differences is the roll of women. The females in Goldeneye are very active in the story line not only as love interests. Xenia Onatopp is the main assassin and second in command to Alec Trevelyan. Nataylia is a Russian computer programmer working with Goldeneye who first appears to be passive as she is the only innocent survivor from the massacre at her work. From Russia with love also has females but their actions are not on par with the men.Tatiana is a Soviet spy that eventually defects because she has fallen in love with Bond, but she doesn’t actually save Bond, her image is much more of the perception of woman from the mid 1900s. The woman was just beginning to become independent and self-reliant. During Goldeneye and the future modern Bond films woman can take care of themselves and they even save Bond! During the Bond era of For Russia with Love women were still very much eye-candy and caused trouble, they haven’t gotten to the point of saving Bond. (Broccoli, A. , 1963, Broccoli, B. , 1995)Do to the advancement of cinematography the stunts are bigger and louder and the gadgets are even more complex and cool. In For Russia with Love James Bond is looking for Lektor a cipher machine used by the Soviet’s. In Goldeneye Bond is trying to find the Goldeneye, a satellite system with killer capabilities. Pierce Brosnan manages to take out Russian buildings with a tank and a Russian armored train. This really is an example of how technology has developed and been incorporated into films.Computers play a large part of Goldeneye and computer usage had not become popular yet during the 1960s and is not featured in From Russia with Love. At the time of From Russia with Love a cipher machine would be very important, where as during Goldeneye space technol ogy has advanced and weapons threat has become very advanced. Bond and Tatiana do travel by train but it is a passenger train, no secret armored vehicle. The clothes, cars and music of the times are incorporated into the films.Despite the fact that Golden is supposed to take place in the mid 1980s the clothes, except for the uniforms are very modern from ten years or so in the future. During From Russia with Love the clothes are very mush from the 1960s and traditional of what one thinks of when they picture Russia. Large thick coats with fur collars, very Dr. Zhivago. (Broccoli, A. , 1963, Broccoli, B. , 1995) Even the quality of the picture and influence of new cameras has an effect on the style of film. Both films are good quality but the more modern films are sharper, you can almost see the influence and advances made using digital images.It is a fascinating time to watch the James Bond films in succession as you see how American culture influences almost all parts of the film e ven down to the costumes. The basic plot lines contain some very similar scenarios but the role of women, influence of technology and advancement of weapons make it possible to place the time period in which each movie was produced. References; Broccoli, A. , (producer), Young, T. , (director), From Russia with Love, USA, MGM, 1963 Broccoli, B. , (producer), Campbell, M. , (director), Goldeneye, USA, MGM, 1995

Orion System Essay

I. INTRODUCTION The basic resource of any organization whether it is business, non business government or nongovernment is human’s physical and mental ability. One of important duties of manager is to motivate these forces to achieve organization objectives. Generally, motivation is categorized into physical, social and mental motivation. Physical motivation is referred to the needs of individuals in work environment like well fare facilities (adequate work area, climate, light, etc.) Those human needs which are associated with behavior of others and manager in particular and satisfy social needs are referred to as social motivation. The needs that lead to mental satisfaction are mental motivation (http://www.irjabs.com/) 1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY Motivation is not directly observable (it is internal to each employee), it is personal (what is arousing differs and how behavior is directed is often different), however the process is common and it is goal directed. There are different theories of motivation. Early theories of motivation and Contemporary theories Of motivation and also they are classified as Content theories and Process theories. A Classification of Motivation Theories (Content vs. Process) Motivation theories can be classified broadly into two different perspectives: Content and Process theories. Content Theories deal with â€Å"what† motivates people and it is concerned with individual needs and goals. Maslow, Alderfer, Herzberg and McCelland studied motivation from a â€Å"content† perspective. Process Theories deal with the â€Å"process† of motivation and is concerned with â€Å"how† motivation occurs. Vroom, Porter & Lawler, Adams and Locke studied motivation from a â€Å"process † perspective. 1). CONTENT THEORIES MASLOW’S (NEED HIERARCHY THEORY NOTE): An individual moves â€Å"up the steps† of the hierarchy. â€Å"Lower order† needs are satisfied externally (i.e. physiological and safety) while â€Å"higher order† needs are satisfied internally (i.e. social, esteem, and self-actualization) THEORY X & THEORY Y MCGREGOR BELIEVED (Theory Y assumptions were more valid than Theory X)and proposed such ideas as participative decision making, responsible and challenging jobs, and good group relations as approaches that would maximize  an employee’s motivation. TWO-FACTOR THEORY :_Intrinsic factors are related to job satisfaction, while extrinsic factors are related to job dissatisfaction. THE ERG THEORY Alderfer’s theory — Existence, Relatedness, and Growth. †¢ Existence refers to our concern with basic material existence requirements; what Relatedness refers to the desire we have for maintaining interpersonal relationships; similar to Maslow’s social/love need, and the external component of his esteem need. Growth refers to an intrinsic desire for personal development; the intrinsic component of Maslow’s esteem need, and self-actualization ((Robbins and Judge,2007) Alderfer’s ERG theory differs from Maslow’s Need Hierarchy insofar as ERG theory demonstrates that more than one need may be operative at the same time. ERG theory does not assume a rigid hierarchy where a lower need must be substantially satisfied before one can move on. ACHIEVEMENT NEED THEORY David McClelland is most noted for describing three types of motivational need, which he identified in his 1961 book, The Achieving Society: achievement motivation (n-ach) authority/power motivation (n-pow) affiliation motivation (n-affil) ( david mcclelland, http://ozgurzan.com) INCENTIVE THEORY Incentive theory suggests that employee will increase her/his effort to obtain a desired reward. This is based on the general principle of reinforcement. The desired outcome is usually â€Å"money†. This theory is coherent with the early economic theories where man is supposed to be rational and forecasts are based on the principle of â€Å"economic man†. 2.)PROCESS THEORY EXPECTANCY THEORY The strength of a tendency to act in a certain way depends on the strength of an expectation that the act will be followed by a given outcome and on the attractiveness of that the outcome to the individual. The theory focuses on three relationships )1 . Effort-performance. 2. Performance-reward. 3. Rewards-personal goals. ((http://ozgurzan.com) GOAL THEORY IN 1968 Edwin Locke proposed Goal Theory, which proposes that motivation and  performance will be high if individuals are set specific goals which are challenging, but accepted, and where feedback is given on performance. The two most important findings of this theory are: Setting specific goals (e.g. I want to earn a million before I am 30) generates higher levels of performance than setting general goals (e.g. I want to earn a lot of money). The goals that are hard to achieve are linearly and positively connected to performance. The harder the goal, the more a person will work to reach it.(ibid) ADAMS’ EQUITY THEORY Adams in 1963, Equity Theory suggests that if the individual perceives that the rewards received are equitable, that is, fair or just in comparison with those received by others in similar positions in or outside the organization, then the individual feels satisfied. Adams asserted that employees seek to maintain equity between the inputs that they bring to a job and the outcomes that they receive from it against the perceived inputs and outcomes of others. (http://ozgurzan.com) 1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM The problem to be analyzed in this research paper is the reasons why workers are not motivated unsatisfied and unproductive? The main concern that employers or organizations are paying attention to is on how to enhance productivity of their employees. Productivity can be affected by many different variables. Out of that employee’s motivation is the basic aspect. Different organizations employing both the financial and non-financial incentives of goal setting theory of motivation; describe whether both types of incentives affect the productivity profile but that method is motivated for a shorter period. A positive attitude can help to build strong relationships as well as create increased motivation. If you have a goal in mind that you are having a hard time finding motivation to meet, try having a positive attitude. Although it may seem challenging at times, try these easy tips in order to be more positive each day.( James Clear. http://www.solveyourproblem.com) Therefore, this behavioral, attitudes, and opinions are collected from secondary data. The aim of this paper is to study the relationship between positive  thinking and motivation. RESEARCH QUESTION To describe contemporary theories of motivation? To identify how to motivate employees To describe the relationship of positive thinking and motivation? To identify the source of positive thinking? To recommend solutions to increase motivation ? 1.3 OBJECTIVES Now days in any organization there is a problem of lack of motivation at the result low productivity, high turnover and absenteeism. Motivating employees is crucial for an organization. Employees lacking motivation can be disadvantageous for all kinds of organization.- GENERAL OBJECTIVE The General objective of the study is to know and apply the essence of motivation to increase Productivity and efficiency Specific objectives are; To motivate employees to be efficient & productive To encourage warm relationship harmony in working environment To encourage creativity & positive work attitude To be able to cope with work stress To have a healthy body & mind to carry out daily tasks efficiently. 1.4 DEFINATION OF THE TERMS MOTIVATION :- As Sasso defined in wikiversity† Motivation is directed energy toward a behavior which is constant and strong. This behavior aims to achieve a particular goal and is able to begin, continue, change course and cease. Both external and internal motives provide this direction and energy. These motives are made up of an individual’s needs, cognitions, emotions and external events’’ .(Remez ,Sasso,Wikiversity) Positive thinking:- An individual having positive expectancies for their future (Scheier & Carver, 1993). This positive mindset is said to begin from childhood, where it is learned form modeling the behaviour of parents and peers (Snyder & Lopez, 2007). This type of thinking is directly linked to motivation. Selfe respect Self respect is very important because you are able to exert honesty, confidence and integrity. You also get to earn respect from other people as well as favors’ and love because of the fact that you love yourself first. ( http://www.ask.com/question/why-is-self-respect-important) 1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The significance of this study will be to gather information that will aid management to comprehend features of high staff absenteeism and turnover experienced by the organizations. The end results may permit the organization to be in an improved position to develop staff retention strategies aimed at increasing productivity. 1.6 THEORETICAL FRAME WORK The essence of motivation is positive thinking. 1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY Due to lack of material and shortage of time the study was limited on an overview of Eastern can tries and analyzes only Japan’s case of motivational scheme. 1.8 RESEARCH DESIGN & METHODOLOGY Methodology The study uses secondary data .The secondary data source is extracted from literatures on the subject matter from different websites, journals, books, etc. The secondary data contributes towards the formulation of background information and helps the researcher to formulate new theory from it. Research design The research designed to analyze motivational system of Eastern and western can tries in respect to their culture. From Eastern side Japan’s management philosophy has been taken as a bench mark For motivation factor. Data analysis method The data analysis method is through document review analyzed and interpreted by comparing with the standard literature review to draw appropriate finding, conclusion and recommendations. It is qualitative method. II. LITERATURE REVIEW The trick for employers is to figure out how to inspire employee motivation  at work. To create a work environment in which an employee is motivated about work, involves both intrinsically satisfying and extrinsically encouraging factors. Employee motivation is the combination of fulfilling the employee’s needs and expectations from work and the workplace factors that enable employee motivation – or not. These variables make motivating employees challenging. Employers understand that they need to provide a work environment that creates motivation in people. But, many employers fail to understand the significance of motivation in accomplishing their mission and vision. Even when they understand the importance of motivation, they lack the skill and knowledge to provide a work environment that fosters employee motivation. As you can imagine, a mentally healthy person is more likely to think in a positive manner. Positive thinking, like optimism, can be defined by an individual having positive expectancies for their future (Scheier& Carver, 1993). This positive mindset is said to begin from childhood, where it is learned form modeling the behaviour of parents and peers (Snyder & Lopez, 2007). This type of thinking is directly linked to motivation. This is because the behaviors and decisions that individuals make, as well as expectations of what may occur are directly influenced by one’s cognitions. A positive thinker will set attainable goals and attempt to achieve these despite their complexity. However, this same person will also know when to separate themselves from a goal when it is too far out of reach (MacLeod & Moore, 2000). While motivation can often be used as a tool to help predict behavior, it varies greatly among individuals and must often be combined with ability and environmental factors to actually influence behavior and performance. Understanding what motivates an organization’s employees is central to this study.( http://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz) Motivation of an individual is also influenced by the presence of other people. Social psychologists have been active in discovering how the presence of others in a given situation influences motivation. Finally, motivation is sometimes also approached from a more philosophical direction. That is, analyses of motivation are understood, at least in part, by examining the particular philosophical  point of view espoused by the theorist.( Adam,January19,2011) 2.1 MOTIVATIONAL THEORIES 2.11) MOTIVATION THEORIES FROM BEHAVIORAL ECONOMIST In 1759,Smith had proposed a theory of human behavior that looks anything but self interested.In his first book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Smith argued that behavior Adam. Smith argued that behavior was determined by the struggle between what Smith termed the â€Å"passions† and the â€Å"impartial spectator.† The passions included drives such as hunger and sex, emotions such as fear and anger, and motivational feeling states such as pain. Smith viewed behavior as under the direct control of the passions, but believed that people could over ride passion-driven behavior by viewing their own behavior from the perspective of an outsider—the impartial spectator—a â€Å"moral hector who, looking over the shoulder of the economic man, scrutinizes every move he makes† (Grampp, 1948, p. 317). 2.12 )CONTEMPORARY MOTIVATIONAL THEORIES. 1) ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION THEORY Atkinson &Raynor (1974) Key components: The expectancy of success / Need for Achievement / Fear of failure Achievement motivation is determined by conflicting approach and avoidance tendencies. Positive influences include the expectancy of success, the incentive values of successful completion and a need for achievement. Negative influences the expectancy of failure, the incentive to avoid failure and the fear of failure. 2. ATTRIBUTION THEORY Weiner (1992) Key components: Attributions about past successes and failures Causal attributions are a person’s explanations as to why past successes and failures occurred, and these have consequences on the way they initiate future actions. Most commonly, people attribute failure to a lack of ability on their part, rather than to insufficient effort. 3.SELF-EFFICACY THEORY Bandura (1997) Key components: Perceived self-efficacy Self-efficacy concerns a person’s assessment of their ability to carry out a given task. Consequently, their sense of efficacy will influence the choice of task they choose to carry out, as well as the amount of effort they put in and the level of persistence displayed 4)EXPECTANCY-VALUE THEORY Eccles&Wigfield (1995) and Brophy (1999) Key components: The expectancy of success / The value attached to that success The two key factors which influence the motivation to perform are a person’s expectancy to succeed and the value they place on having succeeded in doing that particular task. A person will be more highly motivated when both of these are developed. 5. SELF-WORTH THEORY Covington (1998) Locke & Latham (1990) Key components: Goal properties include specificity, difficulty and commitment The driving cause of human activity is purpose. So, for any action to take place, goals must both be set and pursued by choice. If an individual is committed to the goal, the goal needs to be Key components: Perceived self-worth People are naturally inclined to behave in ways that enhance their feelings of personal value and worth. If anything threatens these perceptions, the resultant face-saving behavior may manifest itself in many unique ways. 6. GOAL SETTING THEORY  specific and sufficiently difficult to lead to the highest level of performance. 7. GOAL ORIENTATION THEORY Ames (1992) Key components: Mastery goals and performance goals Mastery goals focus on the learning of content. Performance goals focus on demonstrating ability and getting good grades. Mastery goals are better because they tend to lead to a preference for challenging work, to intrinsic interest in learning activities and to positive attitudes towards learning. 8. SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY Deci& Ryan (1985) and Vallerand (1997) Key components: Intrinsic motivation / Extrinsic motivation A person’s intrinsic motivation is concerned with the doing of something for its own sake, in order to derive pleasure and satisfaction. This may be the joy of doing an activity or the satisfying of curiosity. A person’s extrinsic motivation is concerned with the doing of something as a means to an end, i.e. there will be some reward at the end of it all, or to avoid punishment. Motives can be placed along a continuum between self-determined (intrinsic) and controlled (extrinsic) form of motivation. 9)THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR Ajzen (1988) and Eagly&Chaiken (1993) Key components: Attitudes / Subjective norms / Perceived behavioural control Attitudes exert a direct influence on a person’s behaviour because a person’s attitude towards the goal will influence their responses to that attaining that goal. Things that can influence this are the person’s subjective norms (the perceived social pressures to achieve the goal) and also perceived behavioural control (the perceived ease or difficulty of performing the behaviour). ( 10). SOCIAL MOTIVATION THEORY Weiner (1994) and Wentzel (1999) Key components: Environmental influences A large proportion of motivation is actually derived from the socio-cultural context rather than from the individual. Key words: Motivation, positive thinking, Self respect. 2.2 WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVATION Motivation offers several importance to the organization and to the employees: ? Higher efficiency ? Reduce absenteeism. ? Reduces employee turn over. ? Improves a corporate image. ? Good relations. ? Improved morale. ? Reduced wastages and breakages. ? Reduced accidents. ? Facilitates initiative and innovation 2.3 HOW TO MOTIVATE EMPLOYEES 2.31 BELIEFS ABOUT WHAT MAKES US EFFECTIVE CAUSE MOTIVATION After more than a century of research and argument, motivation researchers and practitioners now begin to agree that motivation is the result of our beliefs about what makes us successful and effective. We all value the goals, working conditions and incentives that we believe will contribute to our success. We avoid situations that will prevent us from achieving our goals. For example, money and/or recognition are nearly universal motivators because they are widely perceived as indicators and facilitators of success for many, perhaps most people. Whether we call motivational tools â€Å"reinforcement†, â€Å"incentives†, â€Å"drivers†, â€Å"inducements† or by some other quasi-technical name, they only motivate when they are perceived as effective. Conversely, we .avoid conditions that we think will delay, inhibit or prevent the attainment of objectives. (Richard E. Clark1 R. E. 2003) 2.32. MOTIV ATIONAL FACTORS There are several factors that motivate a person to work. The motivational factors can be broadly divided into two groups: (http://managementconsultingcourses.com) I. MONETARY FACTORS: ? Salaries or wages: salaries or wages is one of the most important motivational factors. Reasonable salaries must be paid on time. While fixing salaries the organization must consider such as : †¢ Cost of living ,†¢ Company ability to pay &†¢ Capability of company to pay etc, ? Bonus: It refers to extra payment to employee over and above salary given as an incentive. The employees must be given adequate rate of bonus. Incentives: The organization may also provide additional incentives such as medical allowance, educational allowance, hra ,allowance, etc. ? Special individual incentives: The company may provide special individual incentives. Such incentives are to be given to deserving employees for giving valuable suggestions. II. NON MONETARY FACTORS: ? Status or job title: By providing a higher status or designations the employee must be motivated. Employees prefer and proud of higher designations. ? Appreciation and recognition: Employees must be appreciated for their services. The praise should not come from immediate superior but also from higher authorities. ? Delegation of authority: Delegation of authority motivates a subordinate to perform the tasks with dedication and commitment. When authority is delegated, the subordinate knows that his superior has placed faith and trust in him. III.WORKING CONDITIONS : Provision for better working conditions such as air-conditioned rooms, proper plant layout, proper sanitation, equipment, machines etc, motivates the employees. ? Job security: Guarantee of job security or lack of fear dismissal, etc ? Job enrichment: Job enrichment involves more challenging tasks and responsibilities. For instance an executive who is involved in preparing and presenting reports of performance, may also asked to frame plans. ? Workers participation: Inviting the employee to be a member of quality circle, or a committee, or some other form of employee participation can also motivate the work-force. ? Cordial relations: Good and healthy relations must exist throughout the organization. This would definitely motivates the employees. 2.31 MOTIVATION THEORIES ARE CULTURE BOUND †¢ Note that most theories were developed in the US. Many theories do not always work around the world (e.g., equity theory). However, many do (e.g., having interesting work). Motivation has cultural influence Eastern thinking accepts that in life, both good and bad events will occur. Rather than seeing these misfortunes as a challenge, these problems are seen as potential triumphs. When confronted with obstacles, easterners appear to take on a problem solving approach, seeking to find meaning in the positive and negative that enters their lives. Unlike Western thinking which seeks physical rewards in life, Easterners seek spiritual rewards in the afterlife and attempt to lead a more fulfilling life in doing so . The intrinsic motivation to achieve optimum cognitive functioning is highlighted in Taoism, Buddhism and Hinduism. (Snyder & Lopez, 2007). WESTERN AND EASTERN CULTURE WESTERN CULTURE EASTERN CULTURE Logical and reason-centered, individualistic thinking. A more holistic, idealistic, and group thinking approach to problem solving Viewing work as a necessary burden. Viewing work as a challenging and development activity. The avoidance of risk taking and the feeling of distrust of others. An emphasis on cooperation, trust, and personal concern for other The habit of analyzing things in such great depth that it results in â€Å"paralysis through analysis.† Cooperation built on intuition and pragmatism. An emphasis on control An emphasis on flexibility www.selfdeterminationtheory.org/†¦/2001_DeciRyanGagneLeoneEtal.pd. Motivational concept from western attitude and from eastern attitude. INCENTIVES AND CULTURE Use of financial incentives to motivate employees is very common Countries with high individualism When companies attempt to link compensation to performance Financial incentive systems vary in range Individual incentive-based pay systems in which workers are paid directly for their output Systems in which employees earn individual bonuses based on organizational performance goals MANY CULTURES BASE COMPENSATION ON GROUP MEMBERSHIP Such systems stress equality rather than individual incentive plans An individually based bonus system for the sales representatives in an American MNC introduced in its Danish subsidiary was rejected by the sales force because It favored one group over another Employees felt that everyone should receive the same size bonus Indonesian oil workers rejected a pay-for-performance system where some work teams would make more money than others Workers in many countries are highly motivated by things other than financial rewards The most important rewards in locations at 40 countries of an electrical equipment MNC involved recognition and achievement Second in importance were improvements in the work environment and employment conditions including pay and work hours. MANAGERS EVERYWHERE USE REWARDS TO MOTIVATE THEIR PERSONNEL Some rewards are financial in nature such as salary raises, bonuses, and stock options. Others are non-financial such as feedback and recognition. Significant differences exist between reward systems that work best in one country and those that are most effective in another. WORK CENTRALITY The importance of work in an individual’s life can provide important insights into how to motivate human resources in different cultures Japan has the highest level of work centrality Israel has moderately high levels The United States and Belgium have average levels The Netherlands and Germany have moderately low levels Britain has low levels VALUE OF WORK Work is an important part of most people’s lifestyles due to a variety of conditions Americans and Japanese work long hours because the cost of living is high Most Japanese managers expect their salaried employees who are not paid extra to stay late at work, and overtime has become a requirement of the job There is recent evidence that Japanese workers may do far less work in a business day than outsiders would suspect JOB SATISFACTION EU workers see a strong relationship between how well they do their jobs and the ability to get what they want out of life U.S. workers were not as supportive of this relationship Japanese workers were least likely to see any connection This finding suggest difficulties may arise in American, European, and Japanese employees working together effectively. 2.4 POSITIVE THINKING AND MOTIVATION Motivation avoids clashes and non-cooperation and brings harmony, unity and co-operative outlook among employees. Managers have to work as motivators of their subordinates. For this, effective communication, proper appreciation of work done and positive encouragement are necessary and useful. Motivation is inspiring and encouraging people to work more and contribute for achieving the objectives of the company. The creation of the desire and willingness to perform the job efficiently is known as motivation. positive thinking and motivation influence one another. Not only is this seen physiologically, but it is also witnessed in relation to coping styles, well-being, learned optimism, positive psychology and religious beliefs. Motivation is able to help individuals achieve their goals of changing how they think, improving their mental, physical and everyday functioning as a result. Positive thinking however, can also motivate the individual to achieve their goals. This is highlighted through a person’s coping mechanisms and by their religious beliefs. In conclusion, this chapter has outlined how positive thinking motivates the individual as well as what motivates an individual to think positively in the first place. 2.4 HOW TO DEVELOP POSITIVE TINKING Positive thinking isn’t a natural ability, as for thats why you are here. Positive thinking is a strength, a very useful strength that will help you onto the path of success. With time, and effort, positive thinking will be your own strength, to pretty much open a whole new path to the outlook on  life. Positive thinking is contagious. People around you pick your mental moods and are affected accordingly. Think about happiness, good health and success, and you will cause people to like you and desire to help you, because they enjoy the vibrations that a positive mind emits. Learn more about yourself. A lot of times you’re just limiting yourself and your full capabilities. Try new things and stay active. Staying active and doing things new will help develop positive thinking techniques in your life. Face the things that scare you. Fears have the ability to create doubt in our minds. Doubt leads to negative thinking. Once you start facing the fears in you life, you develop more confidence.( eHow http://www.ehow.com) Associate yourself with people who think positively. Always sit and walk with your back straight. This will strengthen your confidence and inner strength. Walk, swim or engage in some other physical activity. This helps to develop a more positive attitude. 2.5 THE BENEFIT OF POSITIVE THINKING Positive attitude manifests in the following ways: Positive thinking. Constructive thinking. Creative thinking. Optimism. The motivation and energy to do things and accomplish goals. A attitude of happiness. A positive frame of mind helps in a lot of ways, such as: Expecting success and not failure. It makes you feel inspired. It gives you the strength not to give up, if you encounter obstacles on your way. You regard failure and problems as blessings in disguise. Believing in yourself and in your abilities.> You show more self-esteem and confidence. You look for solutions, instead of dwelling on problems. You see and recognize opportunities. The benefits of a positive attitude: This might seem like a repition of the above, but it helps to make this message clearer. It helps you achieve goals and attain success. It brings more happiness into your life. It produces more energy. Positive attitude increases your faith in your abilities, and brings hope for a brighter future. You become able to inspire and motivate yourself and others. You encounter fewer obstacles and difficulties in your daily life. You get more respect and love from other people. Remez Sasson, http://www.successconsciousness.com) IT CAN MAKE YOU MORE RESILIENT Resilience refers to our ability to cope with problems. Resilient people are able to face a crisis or trauma with strength and resolve. Rather than falling apart in the face of such stress, they have the ability to carry on and eventually overcome such adversity POSITIVE THINKERS COPE BETTER WITH STRESS When faced with stressful situations, positive thinkers cope more effectively than pessimists. In one study, researchers found that when optimists encounter a disappointment (such as not getting a job or promotion) they are more likely to focus on things they can do to resolve the situation. POSITIVE THINKING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEAlth Not only can positive thinking impact your ability to cope with stress and your immunity, it also has an impact on your overall well-being.(kende cherry, http://psychology.about.com/bio/Kendra-Cherry-17268.htm REFERENCE Adam .http://www.teachthemenglish.com/2011/01/10-contemporary-motivation-theories-and-h EL Deci (- ‎2001) ow-they-explain-why-your-students-just-arent-into-it/ Davidmcclelland,http://ozgurzan.com/management/management-theories/theories-a bout- motivation/ EHow , http://www.ehow.com/how_5702659_develop-positive-thinking-techniques.html Richard E. Clark1, http://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz/study-with-us/study-resources-for-students/goals-and-motivation/strategies-to-increase-your-motivation/ Richard E. Clark1 R. E. 2003) Fostering the work motivation of individuals and teams. Performance Improvement, 42(3), 21- RemezSasso,Wikiversity,Motivation and emotion‎ Remez Sasson, http://www.successconsciousness.com/positive_attitude.htm Scheier, M. F., & Carver C. S. (1993).On the power of positive thinking: the benefits of being optimistic.American Psychological Society, 2, 26-32. doi: 10.1111/14678721.ep10770572 Snyder, C. R. & Lopez, S. J. (2007) Positive psychology the scientific and practical explorations of human strengths. London, UK: Sage. MacLeaod, A. K., & Moore R. (2000). Positive thinking revisited: positive cognitions, well-being and mental health. Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, 7, 1-10. doi: 10.1002/(SICI)1099-0879(200002) kende cherry, http://psychology.about.com/bio/Kendra-Cherry-17268.htm †¦Robbins and Judge, â€Å"Organizational Behavior†, 12th Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. D. Jones, â€Å"Firms spend Billions to Fire Up Workers – With Little Luck†, USA Today, May 10, D. Jones, â€Å"Firms spend Billions to Fire Up Workers – With Little Luck†, USA Today, May 10, 2001 T.R. Mitchell, â€Å"Matching Motivational Strategies with Organizational Contexts†, Research in Organizational Behavior, vol. 19, pp 60-62 P.C. Early, P. Wojnaroski, and W. Prest, â€Å"Task Planning and Energy Expended: Explorations of How Goals Influence Performance†, Journal of Applied Psychology, Feb 1987. J. Greenberg and S. Ornstein, â€Å"High Status Job Title as Compensation for Underpayment: A Test of Equity Theory†, Journal of Applied Psychology, May 1983. January 19, 2011 by Adam.http://www.teachthemenglish.com/2011/01/10-contemporary-motivation-theories-and-how-they-explain-why-your-students-just-arent-into-it/

Tiempo de espera green card de hermanos de ciudadano

Tiempo de espera green card de hermanos de ciudadano La peticià ³n de una tarjeta de residencia, conocida como green card, que realiza un ciudadano americano para su hermano o hermana es uno de los trmites migratorios que ms tarda, desde los cinco hasta los veinte aà ±os de espera. Aquà ­ le explicamos el por quà ©. Bajo la ley de Inmigracià ³n, el Congreso de los Estados Unidos limita el nà ºmero de visas que se emiten de acuerdo al estatus del peticionario (esposa, hijo/a soltero/a, padres, hermano/a, hijo/a casado/a) y a su paà ­s de origen. El tiempo de espera depende entonces de estos dos factores: origen y categorà ­a. Los tiempos de espera dependen de la nacionalidad del pedido y de la relacià ³n con el ciudadano, ya que cada paà ­s tiene una cuota là ­mite y cada categorà ­a un nà ºmero determinado de visas otorgadas anualmente. Los hermanos y hermanas de los ciudadanos pertenecen a la categorà ­a F4, la à ºltima de las categorà ­as de preferencia familiar: El nà ºmero total de visas otorgadas para esta categorà ­a en el aà ±o 2018 ascendà ­an a las 65.000 con un tiempo de espera promedio de diez aà ±os, con menos y ms aà ±os dependiendo del caso. En esta categorà ­a estn incluidos los hermanos/as biolà ³gicos, los hermanos por adopcià ³n y los hermanastros/as. Si el consulado tiene duda acerca de la relacià ³n entre el ciudadano y el beneficiario, puede solicitar una prueba de ADN. La espera Como norma, los servicios de ciudadanà ­a e inmigracià ³n de los Estados Unidos (USCIS) tramitan las peticiones de tarjetas de residencia en orden de llegada de la peticià ³n. La espera promedio es de diez aà ±os. Pero hay paà ­ses de origen cuyas visas se demoran ms que las otras: Mà ©xico, China, India y Filipinas, cuyas esperas a veces ascienden a los veinte aà ±os. Es importante aclarar que no todos los casos son iguales y no todas las visas de las personas del mismo paà ­s de origen tardan el mismo tiempo. La clave es la fecha en la que la peticià ³n fue aprobada (fecha de prioridad). Para que haya claridad, en el 2018 habà ­a 65.000 visas para otorgar pero miles de ms peticiones. Las que no clasifican en el cupo anual pasan al aà ±o siguiente, y asà ­ sucesivamente hasta que obtienen su tarjeta de residencia. De ahà ­ la espera. Vale la pena anotar que hay mucho rumor y desinformacià ³n acerca de los tiempos de espera; siempre consulte las fuentes oficiales y no se deje guiar por lo que oye de otras personas. Cada caso es diferente. Para estar al corriente de sus tiempos de espera puede consultar la pgina de USCIS con su nà ºmero de caso a la mano. Breve descripcià ³n del proceso Para aclarar dudas y ayudarle a entender el proceso sepa que para pedir una green card para su hermano/a hay que: Ser ciudadano americano y haber cumplido ya los 21 aà ±os de edadTener solvencia econà ³mica para patrocinar al familiarLlenar y enviar el formulario I-130 Estar en contacto con el Centro Nacional de VisasEntender que una solicitud aprobada no es lo mismo que una visa aprobadaSaber quà © es la fecha de prioridadRevisar cada mes el Boletà ­n de Visas del Departamento de Estado y comprobar quà © fecha se est gestionando para calcular cunto tiempo ms queda para recibir la green cardRevisar el affidavit of support  y tener claro sus requisitosPedir ayuda a un abogado si hay dudas en cà ³mo proceder Por à ºltimo: situaciones problemticas Hermano indocumentado: el problema con un hermano/a indocumentado en territorio de los Estados Unidos es que este/a no podrà ­a ajustar su estatus y podrà ­a aplicarse el castigo de los tres y de los diez aà ±os en el momento en que sale del paà ­s a presentarse a la entrevista en el consulado.Peticià ³n negada: Si la peticià ³n por una green card para su hermano/a fue negada, revise aquà ­ las posibles causas.

Definition of a Timber Rotation Period

Definition of a Timber Rotation Period A timber rotation period is simply the time between the establishment of a stand of trees and when that same stand is ready for a final cut. This period of years, often called the optimum rotation period, is especially important when foresters try to determine the most advantageous harvest condition in an even-aged stand of trees. When a stand is either economically mature or reaching beyond natural maturity, the rotation period has been reached and a final harvest can be planned. In any given condition, there is a best size and age to which timber should be allowed to grow. These sizes and ages can be very different depending on the desired harvest scheme used and the final timber product to be produced. What is important to know is that a premature cutting ​should  be avoided before trees reach their optimum value or, on the other hand, that trees in a stand do not grow beyond their optimum size and continued vigor. Over mature stands can result in defective tree deterioration, timber handling, and milling problems. There is also a time in maturing stands when a decreasing growth rate (of return) hurts the owners investment return. An optimum timber rotation is often based on and determined by precisely calculated criteria using the latest developments in forest statistics and the proper equipment. These criteria include measuring a stands mean diameter and height (stand size), determining the stand age in years, coring and measuring tree rings to determine the climax of mean annual increment and monitoring all these data for the onset of negative physical deterioration or when growth rates drop.

10 Varieties of Syntax to Improve Your Writing

10 Varieties of Syntax to Improve Your Writing 10 Varieties of Syntax to Improve Your Writing 10 Varieties of Syntax to Improve Your Writing By Mark Nichol English is a remarkably flexible language in terms of syntax, because a simple statement can be rendered in so many ways. Take, for example, the statement â€Å"I went for a walk,† and consider all the ways you can attach the additional information included in the statement, â€Å"I saw a dinosaur.† Here are just some of the most basic of many variations in syntactical organization: 1. Write the statements as consecutive sentences: â€Å"I went for a walk. I saw a dinosaur.† 2. Add the second statement to the first as a dependent clause: â€Å"I went for a walk and saw a dinosaur.† (The second statement does not stand on its own.) 3. Add the second statement to the first as an independent clause: â€Å"I went for a walk, and I saw a dinosaur.† (The second statement stands on its own, which means it can be separated into two sentences, as in the first example.) 4. Begin the sentence with a dependent marker that turns the initial statement into a modifying phrase that expands on the second statement: â€Å"While I was walking, I saw a dinosaur.† 5. Begin with the second statement and reword the first statement as a modifying phrase that follows it: â€Å"I saw a dinosaur on my walk this morning.† 6. Insert a nonessential phrase, which must be bracketed by commas, one of two ways: Locate the phrase between a pair of independent clauses (but after the coordinating conjunction), each consisting of one of the two statements: â€Å"I went for a walk and, to my surprise, I saw a dinosaur.† (Notice that â€Å"to my surprise,† which can be omitted without altering the sentence’s meaning, modifies the second statement and so must follow and; note, too, that the comma preceding the coordinating conjunction can be omitted.) Or, separate two statements with a nonessential phrase inserted before the coordinating conjunction: â€Å"I went for a walk, following my usual route, and I saw a dinosaur.† (Notice that â€Å"following my usual route,† which also does not alter the sentence’s meaning if it is omitted, modifies the first statement and so must precede and.) 7. Emphasize a nonessential phrase by bracketing it with em dashes to indicate an interruption of thought: â€Å"I went for a walk and no, I was not hallucinating I saw a dinosaur.† (Alternatively, to deemphasize the phrase, or for humorous effect, enclose it in parentheses.) 8. Insert an essential clause one whose absence would alter the meaning the sentence between two statements: â€Å"I went for a walk that followed my usual route and saw a dinosaur.† 9. Attach a variation of the second statement to the first, preceded by a semicolon when the second statement is an independent clause that is nevertheless closely associated with the first one: â€Å"I went for a walk; a dinosaur was grazing along my route.† 10. Separate two statements with a semicolon when the second statement is preceded by an adverb or an adverbial phrase, which requires a subsequent comma: â€Å"I went for a walk; unexpectedly, I saw a dinosaur along the way.† It is this rich variety of word and phrase order and variation in punctuation that makes prose fiction or nonfiction readable. As you review your writing, make sure that you vary sentence structure among these and other constructions to create a pleasant reading experience devoid of lockstep syntax questionable enough for a Dick-and-Jane reading level, and deadly for more sophisticated readers. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Definitely use "the" or "a"Latin Plural Endings48 Writing Prompts for Middle School Kids

American history Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

American history - Essay Example It is very evident from different periods that different historical period has left its marks on American economy. All those periods have laid strong base for modern world’s economic super power. Colonial American economy was mainly driven by agriculture. The country tilted towards industrialization from the time of independence. All the industrialization was expanded in 18th century. It started long back in 1776. In that period economy of time 13 original colonies were very strong and stable. At this point of time the country faces great economic expansion as number of population increased and lots of foreign people in fluxed in to the country. People of America became very self sufficient which gave huge boast to their economy. Due to its strategic geographical location, abundant of natural resources has attracted lots of foreigners in to the country. Massachusetts was a great shipping hub. Virginia was an attractive place for business ventures. Fur industry and fishing industry has boosted the local economy very much. Increasing population and foreign trade has developed the American economy at that stage. It was the starting time of global power shifting. At that point o f time white free Americans were accustomed with higher life styles (French 149). In that colonial period people of America earned their livelihood on the basis of small farms. As the colonies grew small local industries like gristmills and sawmills came up. Entrepreneurs started their business endeavours. People started farming rice, grew tobacco and indigo. Building ships and sailing them also was very common for creating wealth. It was a very important phase for economic development in America. It is the time when American people started to unleash their entrepreneurial skills. Americans were fighting for their rights with British people. Britain refused American demand of equality. Americans decided

Analysis of Advertisements English Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Analysis of Advertisements English - Essay Example The Durex Company produced one prominent set of condom advertisements. These advertisements appeal to a wide audience, utilizing an approach that is unique relative to other condom advertisements. In considering the Durex ads, it’s noted that, †because there’s so much potential to make easy, tasteless jokes, condom advertising requires a more delicate touch; great ads should make us think a little bit harder before rewarding us with the punch line† (Rideout). When examining the overriding communication mechanisms of these advertisements, it’s clear they capture this delicate touch. The most overriding persuasive technique these condom advertisements use is humor, with all the Durex ads implementing a subtle form of wit. Within this spectrum, the advertisements then can be divided along lines of whether they promote the condoms based on safety or enjoyment. For instance, one advertisement features a bed with four framed pictures on a nightstand next to it. The individuals in the advertisements are staring at the bed with shocked faces. Below the visual elements the advertisement contains the tagline, â€Å"Have the sex you tell your friends you have† (Rideout) and a picture of Durex condoms. ... While this advertisement is highly minimal in its presentation, it is highly effective; the minimal visual style functions to enhance the power of the textual message, encouraging customers to greatly consider the essential need to purchase Durex condoms over other brands. Another prominent style of condom advertising was made for Doc Morris Pharmacies. Created by the Grey Worldwide Advertising Agency from Dusseldorf, Germany, the advertisements are for extra safe latex condoms. As the advertisements are for extra safe latex condoms, it should be no surprise that the underlining intentions of these advertisements are to promote the reliability and sturdiness of the brand. While the Durex brand had attempted to emphasize safety concerns, it appears that in this instance the advertisement works to create a market-share through the cultivation of this safety concept. Also similar to the Durex advertisements, humor is used as a major element in the persuasive technique. The advertisement s themselves contain cartoon visual depictions of sperm swimming with a white background. In one version the sperm leading the others has a haircut and mustache that clearly depicts it as Hitler. In another version the sperm contains a beard and a Middle Eastern head arrangement, ostensibly depicting it as Osama Bin Laden. The obvious rhetorical technique implemented here is that in not purchasing a condom, or in purchasing a competitor’s condom, the individual runs the risk of having an undesired child that could potentially become a terrorist or dictator. The humorous elements of these advertisements are very high and successful, however one questions if they have perhaps sacrificed reliability and client trust for

Effect of Film on Political Sensibilities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Effect of Film on Political Sensibilities - Essay Example The agents of socialization are those aspects that are responsible for the transmission of information through which people can acquire the socialization knowledge. Films contribute significantly to the political awareness in many individuals. The Disney Corporation is one entity that has been known to produce movies that embed personal messages that are aimed at nurturing the political sensibilities in the target audience. One particular film that appeals to my political sense is â€Å"Pocahontas.† The film that was done in 1995 and had a basis in a tale of a love affair that brews between a Native American princess and an English colonial sea captain. The film puts the harmonious values that are found in the indigenous cultures against the barbaric tendencies of the civilized cultures.The movie helps the audience in appreciating the core values of the indigenous cultures. The audience can identify with the film and raise its political sense in terms of integrating different cultures into the society. Some films can also be said to be transmitters of political messages. In â€Å"Salvador† which was done by Oliver Stone in 1986 is a critique of the American foreign policy in Central America. The movie also raises our political awareness in terms of understanding the diplomatic relations between America and allied Ð ½Ã °Ã'‚Ð ¸Ã ¾Ã ½Ã' . Most movies may not portray the message directly, but would rather convey a particular sort of values. The audience picks from these values and develops their political sensibilities.

Read What is a language, and write a short essay (about 750 words)

Read What is a language, and write a short (about 750 words) summarizing the arguments they give in support of their cla - Essay Example Within modern linguistic theory, claiming that a language is rule-managed is to maintain that it can be described in terms of grammar which is a set of rules (Smith and Wilson 332). Grammar has two major roles; separating grammatical from incorrect sentences and providing explanation of each grammatical sentence indicating how it should be pronounced and what it depicts (Smith and Wilson 333). Speakers of a language habitually behave as if their language was rule-governed yet not all speakers of the same language possess same set rules. For each speaker, there is a right and a wrong way of constructing and understanding sentences. This can neither be explained exclusively in terms of customs nor are habits, since the case novel utterances, produced and comprehended without having been heard before (Smith and Wilson 333). It can also not be explained solely in terms of convention or social agreement as each speaker has varying methods of construction and understanding which he shares with no one else (Smith and Wilson 334). Rule system can easily be created and operated by one individual such as, cases of children learning their first language and that of adults with idiosyncratic speech patterns (Smith and Wilson 339). ... The grammar that a speaker actually possesses will depend, at least in part, on the utterances he has heard in the past-mainly as a child learning language for the first time.Since each speaker will have heard different set of utterances, it is not surprising that he comes to possess a slightly different grammar from those of people around him (Smith and Wilson 333). Strictly speaking, in spite of the miscellany of the utterances of which speakers are exposed in learning their language, Smith and Wilson argue that there seems to be incredible similarity in grammars which result from learning process (333). The linguistic knowledge that speakers have is unconscious knowledge. The work of a linguist is to devise explicitly conscious grammatical conventions that speakers are acquainted with. The distinction between rule-governed regularities and fortuitous patterns in language is usually by significant generalization and accidental generalizations (Smith and Wilson 334). Accidental gene ralizations occur by chance while significant are those attained after operation of rules; thus, the search for linguistic rules has two aspects. One is the search for patterns and second is the rejection of those patterns which are considered accidental (Smith and Wilson 335). According to a study by Noam Chomsky, human beings are inherently disposed to learn certain varieties of language (Smith and Wilson 336). In other words, the languages that actually exist are the ones that children are subjected to learn. This is supported further by two facts: first, that human languages exhibit noteworthy similarities; second, children follow remarkable parallel routes to

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

International Financial Management - Essay Example To the common man trade is simply the exchange of goods and services between two individuals, groups, and organizations. When trade begins to happen across regional boundaries it is categorized as international trade. Modern day phenomenon such as advancement in technology and globalization have allowed for international trade to happen at a much faster rate over a much larger scale. For this trade to occur smoothly and in order to avoid confusion and chaos; regulation and systematic order are extremely important. For this reason regions join hands to make trade blocs and trade regions which not only allow for a more efficient process but help both the trader and the buyer. In this essay we will be discussing the role of two trading giants, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries  (OPEC), and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); both of whose introduction caused dramatic changes to the way modern age trade is conducted. Before moving forth it is essential to differentiate between a trade region and a trade bloc. A trade region is essentially an agreement based on regional boundaries. Member countries join such a region based on their geographical location and hence enjoy many trade privileges. An example of a trade region is NAFTA where North American countries come together to form member states. A trade bloc maybe a trade region but it is not necessary since members are made not on geographical proximity but based on ownership of common assets. An example of a trade bloc is OPEC where countries exporting petroleum have come together to ease trade. OPEC was established when five countries (Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela) signed a trade agreement in Baghdad in September 1960. These five countries were then known as the founding members for this organization and were in later years joined by many more countries. Gabon and

Read What is a language, and write a short essay (about 750 words)

Read What is a language, and write a short (about 750 words) summarizing the arguments they give in support of their cla - Essay Example Within modern linguistic theory, claiming that a language is rule-managed is to maintain that it can be described in terms of grammar which is a set of rules (Smith and Wilson 332). Grammar has two major roles; separating grammatical from incorrect sentences and providing explanation of each grammatical sentence indicating how it should be pronounced and what it depicts (Smith and Wilson 333). Speakers of a language habitually behave as if their language was rule-governed yet not all speakers of the same language possess same set rules. For each speaker, there is a right and a wrong way of constructing and understanding sentences. This can neither be explained exclusively in terms of customs nor are habits, since the case novel utterances, produced and comprehended without having been heard before (Smith and Wilson 333). It can also not be explained solely in terms of convention or social agreement as each speaker has varying methods of construction and understanding which he shares with no one else (Smith and Wilson 334). Rule system can easily be created and operated by one individual such as, cases of children learning their first language and that of adults with idiosyncratic speech patterns (Smith and Wilson 339). ... The grammar that a speaker actually possesses will depend, at least in part, on the utterances he has heard in the past-mainly as a child learning language for the first time.Since each speaker will have heard different set of utterances, it is not surprising that he comes to possess a slightly different grammar from those of people around him (Smith and Wilson 333). Strictly speaking, in spite of the miscellany of the utterances of which speakers are exposed in learning their language, Smith and Wilson argue that there seems to be incredible similarity in grammars which result from learning process (333). The linguistic knowledge that speakers have is unconscious knowledge. The work of a linguist is to devise explicitly conscious grammatical conventions that speakers are acquainted with. The distinction between rule-governed regularities and fortuitous patterns in language is usually by significant generalization and accidental generalizations (Smith and Wilson 334). Accidental gene ralizations occur by chance while significant are those attained after operation of rules; thus, the search for linguistic rules has two aspects. One is the search for patterns and second is the rejection of those patterns which are considered accidental (Smith and Wilson 335). According to a study by Noam Chomsky, human beings are inherently disposed to learn certain varieties of language (Smith and Wilson 336). In other words, the languages that actually exist are the ones that children are subjected to learn. This is supported further by two facts: first, that human languages exhibit noteworthy similarities; second, children follow remarkable parallel routes to

Question 26 of 30 Identify the strength and weaknesses, in general, of Essay

Question 26 of 30 Identify the strength and weaknesses, in general, of survey research - Essay Example A weakness of survey research is that the results of the research are primarily depicted by the quality of survey conducted by the researchers. Some of the biases of survey research are interviewer bias, non-response bias, sample bias, and questionnaire bias (jou.ufl.edu, n.d., p. 1). In survey research, information is collected by asking questions in written or oral form. There is hardly any objective measure to judge the reliability of questions. What is perceived by one respondent one way might be perceived by another respondent in another way. The data becomes even less reliable when the respondents are asked to respond to written questions because there is no one to explain their meanings. In addition to that, the respondents are necessarily required to choose from among a set of responses, and the respondent has to select only from them whether or not any of them actually reflects his/her thoughts. Retrieving only the correct and the required information from people is a skill that is not mastered by many researchers. Accordingly, the results of their studies obtained from survey research are not very

Ethical Lens Essay Example for Free

Ethical Lens Essay My personal ethical viewpoint is that I like to weigh out the pros and cons of any situation. Also I believe in fairness and being open-minded. This allows me to look at other people point of views, than I am able to come up with some kind of solution to the subject, topic, or problem. After using the Ethical Lens Inventory, my result indicates that my preferred ethical lens is the Reputation Lens. The Reputation Lens defines â€Å"consistent with the habitual development of sound character traits including habits of thoughtful reflections, good intentions and noble human virtues. † The values that take place in this lens are integrity, justice, courage, and civility. My blind spot consist of â€Å"Unrealistic Role Expectations.† When I am given a task or a job, I try to achieve this goal to the best of my ability. It includes me being very disciplined, loyal, honest, and fair. The fact that I believe that a consistent process results in a just outcome for all, I sometimes trust the process too much. Also I tend to forget that unequal access gives rise to unjust outcomes, even when the process itself is fair. My Strengths are I am compassionate, tolerant, good-natured, considerate, and strong-willed. I am an individual who respects humanity and the rights of others. I am an optimist, generous, adaptable, and a leader. I want to do what is right and what is fair. My weaknesses are I am not good in math, I can use a little more practice with my spelling, grammar, punctuation. Also I am a perfectionist; this can be good and bad in some situations. I tend to come down on myself pretty hard when I do not live up to my expectations. My other weakness shows when I become self-righteous. When I lose my compassion, it can be a bad day for those who are close to me. I value â€Å"rationality and sensibility equally.† Also I value loyalty, honesty, and having a since of purpose in life. Having a clear understanding of why I value these things in my life is vital to me. This can result in good behavior for me in my courses, family, friends, and my career. When using my personal ethics to determine a course of action, this can allow me to have a positive outcome, by being honest, fair, loyal, and being open-minded. Also this can enhance the chances for me to have a better course of action I can take to be able to excel in everything I try to accomplish.

Combining Anomaly Based Ids And Signature Based Information Technology Essay

Combining Anomaly Based Ids And Signature Based Information Technology Essay Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are defined as tools or devices which are used to monitor a system or a machine or a group of users. They try to detect attacks before they take place or after attacks have occurred. IDS collect information from various points in the network to determine of the network is still secure. IDS can be divided into mainly two types: Network Based Host Based. As the name suggest the respective IDS is used for either a Network or an Individual Host. They both have their advantages and dis-advantages and hence are sometimes combined together to provide extra security (Innella, 2001). Working of an IDS An IDS basically can work in two ways:- 1. Anomaly Based 2. Signature Based Anomaly Based IDS (A-IDS) A-IDS can be defined as a system which monitor the activities in a system or network and raise alarms if anything anomalous i.e. other than normal behavior is detected. In any organization profiles are created for all users, wherein each user is given some rights to access some data or hardware. These rules and rights are fed to the A-IDS. If a user is using the computer in a time other than the one allotted to him, the A-IDS raises an alert (Carter, 2002). Carter (2002) GarcÄ ±Ã‚ ´a-Teodoro (2009) have also listed some advantages and dis-advantages of A-IDS. The Advantages are as below:- 1. Inside the network attacks are easily detected by A-IDS. 2. Any user actually abusing his privileges and accessing any other information is easily caught by A-IDS. 3. Zero day attacks can be detected by A-IDS. The Dis-Advantages are:- 1. Appropriate Training is required before it is set up in any environment. 2. It is very difficult to train the IDS in a Normal environment as a Normal Environment is very hard to get. 3. It generates false positives. 4. If the suspicious activity is similar to the normal activity it will not be detected. Signature Based IDS (S-IDS): This type of IDS is also referred as Misuse Detection IDS. It works on the basis of signatures. Each time an attacker attacks a system, he/she tends to leave some footprints of that attack. Footprints can be failed attack logs, failed logins, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ These are stored as signatures for IDS. It uses a knowledge base, which is a database which stores the previous details of attacks. Whenever it encounters something it matches it with the records in the knowledge base and if a signature matches it raises an alarm (Baumrucker, 2003). Carter(2002) has listed some advantages and dis-advantages to these signature based IDS. Advantages. 1. It can exactly determine the type of attack. 2. It does not produce false positives. 3. It provides an interface which is also easy for a normal user to monitor. Dis-Advantages:- 1. We need to update the knowledge with each and every possible type of attack signature. 2. It is necessary to update the database daily. 3. It cannot detect Zero Day Attacks. 4. An Attack in a database, if they are slightly modified then it is difficult to detect. Hybrid IDS. Goeldenitz (2002) in his paper has written Hybrid IDS seems to be a logical approach for IDS as one IDS can cover the dis-advantages of another type of IDS. It would be achieved by using various IDS together and then can be placed at various points in the networks like gateways, server links, and various junctions. He also explains that this Hybrid IDS is basically installed on a host like a HIDS, but acts like a NIDS. Depran et al (2005) have proposed a Hybrid IDS, which is using KDD 99 dataset. KDD 99 Dataset is a database which is used by researchers for IDS. The model proposed by them for the IDS is below:- This model shows it is integrated with both The Anomaly Detection Module and the Signature (Misuse) Detection Module. It also includes a Decision Support System which will receive input from both the Detection Module and then will decide what to do next. Working Rule: The Rule states if an Attack is detected by any one or both the Detection Systems, then it is termed as an attack. It is termed as Classified Attack if either Signature Based IDS or both have detected the Attack. It is termed as Unclassified Attack if only Anomaly Based IDS has detected the attack. Snort is a IDS which works on Signature Detection. It works on rules, which in turn are based on the signatures usually written by Intruders. (Rehman, 2003). (Aydin et al, 2009) have explained the pre-processor architecture of Snort and the way they have modified snort to reduce the number of false positives. They have used statistical methods such as PHAD NETAD for implementing their anomaly based IDS. The main reasons for choosing PHAD is that rather than modelling behaviour, it models protocols. Also it uses a time-based model for the rapid changes in the network. If a series of same anomaly occur then PHAD flags off only the first anomaly, thus reducing the number of false positives. They have basically combined PHAD NETAD with the pre-processor of Snort. A Pre-processor is an engine which has the ability to read inside the packets and alert based on the content. A Pre-processor can also modify the content of a packet. This was achieved by Aydin et al (2009) by copying just two files spp_phad.c spp_netad.cpp to the folder where snort.c lies, some code written and then the project was compiled to obtain a modified Snort as a Hybrid IDS. This snort was tried in various environments and Fig 3. is one of the graph showing the number of attacks detected by Snort + PHAD + NETAD on a daily basis. DARPA data sets were used to test this Hybrid Snort. It is also clear from the graph that the number of attacks detected by snort alone is way lower than the number of attacks detected by the Hybrid Snort. Hence (Aydin et al) also conclude that combining PHAD NETAD which are Anomaly Based IDS and Siganture Based IDS has more positive results and has contributed successfully. Future Work Depren et al (2005) have proposed that different ways can be proposed to implement Anomalous Based IDS and Signature Based IDS. They have also proposed that for AIDS, it would be better to classify the attack based on the network services and then write better rules for analyzing them with less attributes. Also Endorf et al (2003) have written in their book, target detection which has proved to be one of the best reliable and robust methods for Intrusion Detection. They also say that attackers although may be able to evade a signature based IDS, but they cannot bypass target detection which uses strong cryptographic algorithms and uses strong authentication to access the target functions. Commercial tools such as Tripwire, Intruder Alert, ForixNT, etc,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ are used by big companies, but are not so widely used by small companies due to price limitations. There are also chances that some Operating Systems might incorporate tools like these so one doesnt have to depend on ext ernal tools.

Maniac Magee :: essays research papers

Maniac Magee is about a boy who struggled throughout his life. His name was Jeffrey Lionel Magee, sometimes known as Maniac Magee. His parents died in a trolley accident when he was three years old. He is patient, determined, and he really wants to be loved and understood. He spent eight years in bizarre household of his Aunt Dot and Uncle Dan, who hated each other but refused to divorce. They lived in the same house without speaking to each other, using Magee as their go-between. He tried to have them talk to each other but he failed, so in the middle of his school concert Magee screamed: â€Å"Talk to each other†, and then ran away. That was the beginning of his run and search for a real home. He ended up in the town of Two Mills, two hundred miles away from his aunt and uncle. The Jeffrey meats a black girl called Amanda Beale, who introduced him to the town and told him that this town is divided by race into East and West Ends. It is with Amanda and her family that Magee found a home. In Two Mills, he was called â€Å"Maniac Magee† after defeating John McNab, a giant five feet eight twelve year old child, in a baseball game. McNab was a member of the Cobras, a survivalist gang who hates and fear blacks. Magee has a strong sense of jus tice, a thirst for knowledge, and an amazing lack of fear. The only time that he showed fear in the book was when he did not walk out on trolley trestle where his parents were killed, not even to help a frightened little boy. Magee then met a new friend called Earl Grayson, an old man at the zoo. Magee helped Grayson how to read and then he found a home with him at the zoo bandstand.

Premodern Religion

Paul Lambert Hum 251 Professor Horten 9 / 26 / 2012 The Facade of Pre-Modern Religion During the pre-modern age there was perhaps no larger an aspect of everyday life than religion. Today’s day and age is a stark contrast, as religion has for the most part taken a backseat in importance. From the pre-modern age to now, religion has changed completely. Pre-modern religion held political power locally, and all across Europe. Today religion holds a mostly spiritual power for the truly devout.This essay will discover the role and importance that religion played in the pre-modern age, and how it permeated the lives of those living in it. In pre-modern times there wasn’t a diverse society like the one we currently live in. In the pre-modern age everybody had their own role in the community. In this feudal society, there was very little opportunity for advancement. Because of the lack of education at this time people only had a few skills, which they would put to use to make a living. Most people were farmers who worked the land most of their lives to provide food for their village, and family.There were others that had specialty skills, who may have been a blacksmith, or a shoe maker; but what they all had in common was that they were all hard workers, who had hard lives. In a pre-modern village the noble family, or the wealthiest families, would have presided over the village. These nobles would have essentially ruled over the villages and made sure things ran smoothly. About the only chance of becoming something other than a craftsman, or farmer, was to be born into one of these noble families.If you were privileged you could become a knight, but many of these people would become clergy. These clergy were one of the biggest aspects of the pre-modern society. Each village had a church, and that church was the main center of community life. The priests or clergymen were at the center of this as well. The clergy played the role of intermediary to God. Th ese men were also some of the only educated people around, although their education may have been still somewhat limited. In addition to the church, the clergy would have run the monastery.Monasteries were multifaceted facilities where the sick in the community could be cared for, the poor fed, and where monks would have studied, and also made copies of books. Clergy would have been at the head of religious ceremonies, as we saw in â€Å"The Return of Martin Guerre,† where at his marriage the priest performs the actual marriage ceremony; along with blessing of the bride and groom so that they may be fertile and produce many children. The largest role that clergy would have played though would have been as the spiritual leader of the community.One of the biggest differences between religion in pre-modern times and today was the public nature of personal religious faith. Today our own personal religious beliefs are usually kept to yourself, unless you are talking with someone c lose to you, or are having a theological discussion. In pre-modern life everyone was religious, and your religious beliefs were a public matter. At a time when the mass public is so vastly uneducated, the need for counsel with clergy was in high demand.As we read in the book â€Å"Year of Wonders,† the local clergyman, Michael Mompellion, from the beginning of the book, because of his role of clergy, is always being asked for help. In the beginning of the book Anna has to work hard to keep Miss Bradford from bursting into the rectory to seek out the counsel of the Rector, Mompellion. Until the end of the book when we see Mompellion’s true colors show through, he does seem like a very good, level headed, leader for the community.Although his actual holiness may have been more of an act, due to some of his strange actions throughout the book; it seems that the village may not have made it through the plague without his leadership, both spiritual and actual. Michael Mompe llion is the one who first suggests that the village must quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of the plague to other villages. He is the one who stands up to the wealthy Bradford family, warning them of the potential for spreading the plague if they leave the village.In this confrontation Mompellion is shown to have the best interests of not only the village, but others surrounding by stating â€Å"but think of those you are putting at risk†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (110). This is in stark contrast to Colonel Bradford whose family is looked up to in the village doesn’t take the responsibility of staying and setting an example for the rest of them. Colonel Bradford clearly states his main concern, â€Å"The colonel replied coldly. â€Å"I am merely doing what any man of means and sense must do: safeguarding what is mine. †(110).Mompellion is also shown to give tremendous spiritual leadership. Mompellion in his sermon to the village; embraces the plague, as a test from God . He implores the village to view the plague in the same way. Mompellion states that the plague has brought God nearer to the village than ever before, and perhaps as close as he will ever come in all of their lives. Mompellion tests their faith in God here, and even though most of the villagers stay, their behavior afterwards is less than holy. Throughout the book Anna and Elinor Mompellion tend to the needs of the villagers.The two help with births, and when villagers begin to fall ill, they tend to them until death; and Michael Mompellion tends to their spiritual needs. Michael Mompellion is never cast in the holiest of holies light from the beginning. In the first interaction we see him in he tells Miss Bradford to go to hell. Mompellion also takes advantage of vulnerable Anna towards the end of the book after his wife is murdered, and sleeps with her. Mompellion is seen taking advantage of his position in the community; even what relatively small power he does have, which is ve ry small compared to the Catholic Church of the time.The Catholic Church played probably the biggest role in religion in the pre-modern age. At the head of this church was the Pope. In the Catholic Church the Pope acted as a king. Cardinals came second in the hierarchy. The power of the Catholic Church saturated the pre-modern day. Although Europe was still made up of many different countries, the Catholic Church essentially over powered the political will of any one country. The Pope especially had an almost unlimited power both politically and religiously. The role of the Pope was to act as an intermediary to God on earth.This led to the uneducated pre-modern people of the time to blindly follow most if not all commands that came from the Pope. In addition to having the power of a king, the Pope pursued power and wealth as if he were one. Over time the Catholic Church amassed land and wealth. The Pope was anything but holy by taking advantage of his perceived power of intermediary to God. The Catholic Church furthered their power over the pre-modern people by perpetuating a view of God as a brutal enforcer, who dealt out punishment for sin with very little mercy.The church emphasized fearing God. This kept the people obeying the rule of the church, and the Pope. This rule continued for the most part until the reformation. At this time large gothic cathedrals began to be built. These churches were very tall, with thick stone walls, and large stained glass windows. The cathedrals were designed to give the pre-modern people a sense of the presence of God inside, and a sense of the power and majesty of the Catholic Church by the sheer size on the outside.Religion played a major role in the lives of pre-modern people in Europe. For whatever reason it may have been; fear of the Catholic Church, or excommunication, a desire to fit in, or just plain old true belief. I believe it was a little bit of all of those factors. But the role of religion in pre-modern life di d have several key functions for those clergy in power. It allowed them to be an inspiration to the people they overlooked. In the case of Michael Mompellion, he was the one who kept the cool head in the face of impending danger.That religious power was also easy to take advantage of, and led to the search for more wealth, land, and political power. By using the people’s belief that the Pope was really chosen by God as his voice on earth, the Catholic Church was able to hide behind their religious office, and make people think they were doing good, when in fact it was only a facade. Works Cited Vigne, Daniel, dir. Le Retour de Martin Guerre. 1982. Film. 11 Sep 2012. Brooks, Geraldine. Year of Wonders. New York: Viking Penguin, 2001. Print. Horten, Gerd. â€Å"Pre-Modern Age . † Concordia University, Portland. 9/5-14/2012. Lecture.

“Pankration”: Nicasylus changes Throughout the Novel Essay

Throughout the novel Pankration, Nicasylus changes dramatically. Nicasylus was only considerate of himself and was very selfish; by the end of the novel he was kind, caring, unselfish and self-reliant. Nicasylus becomes less selfish through the novel, he faces his fears and learns to fend for himself and not rely on others as much. Throughout Nicasylus journey he becomes less selfish. Nicasylus starts out as a boy living in Athens who can have slaves do his every command. When the plague strikes Nicasylus is sent away on a boat which is attacked by pirates. The pirates held Nicasylus captive and he had his freedom taken away from him It was such a relief to be given the opportunity to clean of that smell that seemed to have permeated his skin. He climbed into the barrel and scrubbed fiercely at his body, while the crew stood about, staring and laughing rudely. Cadmus the Pirate sold Nicasylus as a slave and he was faced with adversity when he had to undertake tasks as a goat herder With no reason to enjoy life as a slave, Nic enjoyed the long haul up the mountain. The conditions were poor and Nicasylus had to learn to cope in the hard conditions and he became more self-relying because of it. Nicasylus had to face his fears both physically and emotional throughout the novel. Nicasylus journey to Pankration in Athens was full of obstacles. Nicasylus had to live in rough conditions being held captive on a pirates boat; he also had to defend himself against a wolf The stone struck the wolf between the eyes. It hit the ground, a landslide of heavy flesh, and the kid, not yet dead, rolled out of its jaws whilst he was as slave working as a goat herder. Nicasylus also had to escape from Amasis who kidnapped him. Nicasylus had to survive throughout many bad conditions by himself and he grew stronger, learning from these experiences. Nicasylus had to learn to fend for himself and be more self-relying. Whilst Nicasylus was sailing the Aegean Sea being held captive on the pirate ship, he had no-one to rely on, this was also the case when Nicasylus was sold as a slave and became a goat-herder The first months went past like a bad dream, Nic had not been brought up to clean, sweep, look after dirty animals or do any of the tasks he was set. Whilst Nicasylus was a goat-herder he had  to fight a wolf and with help from another slave (Tiso) he avoided death. During Nicasylus adventures he couldnt rely on others, he had to learn to be self-sufficient. When someone has other people to do everything for them they dont learn to do anything by themselves. At the start of Pankration Nicasylus was a selfish boy who couldnt do anything himself. Throughout the novel Nicasylus had to fend for himself and face his fears, this made Nicasylus appreciate what he has and made him learn to be more self-reliant. Therefore, this justifies Nicasylus changes dramatically throughout the novel PANKRATION.

Compare and Contrast the Poems September 1913 and Easter 1916 Essay

New Irish Hereford Prime bonus THE 90+ days pre-booking bonus is available from the 1st November 2012. If you will have cattle ready for slaughter from this date they should be booked in from the beginning of August 2012. Heifer & Steer qualifying weight range 220kg – 380kg SEE NEXT PAGE FOR EXAMPLE HEIFERS & STEERS >>> What is the new Irish Hereford Prime bonus worth to you Eg. 580kg HEX Heifer – Grading O+4- @ 51% kill out = 296kg carcase – 15c/kg – Under 300kg carcase Hereford Prime bonus + 6c/kg QA – Earn extra â‚ ¬62 – 20c/kg – Under 300kg carcase & pre-booked 28 days + 6c/kg QA – Earn extra â‚ ¬77 – 25c/kg – Under 300kg carcase & pre-booked 90 days + 6c/kg QA – Earn extra â‚ ¬92 If this animal graded R+ or better it would also get a further 6c/kg Hereford quality bonus and be worth â‚ ¬110 extra in Irish Hereford Prime The new Hereford Prime bonus can be worth up to 31c/kg on this R+ heifer under 300kg carcass Eg. 675kg HEX Steer – Grading R-4- @ 52% kill out = 351kg carcase – 10c/kg – Standard Hereford Prime bonus + 6c/kg QA – Earn extra â‚ ¬56 – 15c/kg – Pre-booking 28 days in advance + 6c/kg QA – Earn extra â‚ ¬74 – 20c/kg – Pre-booking 90 days in advance + 6c/kg QA – Earn extra â‚ ¬91 If this animal graded R+ or better it would also get a further 6c/kg Hereford quality bonus and be worth over â‚ ¬112 extra in Irish Hereford Prime The new Hereford Prime bonus can be worth up to 26c/kg on this R+ steer