Principles of Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Principles of Marketing - Essay Example ace’ component of the marketing mix this paper will discuss what distribution strategies are used in the industry, with an analysis of how much information is given during the adverts. Lastly this paper will discuss whether or not the adverts tell us anything about distribution and if the product utilizes a push or pull strategy. According to National Geographic (2010) the annual expenditures on cosmetics globally is approximately U.S. $18 billion annually. According to a study conducted by the UK based cosmetic store ‘Superdrug’ it is the case that 70% of women in the UK do not leave the house without makeup (Oneindia.com, 2010). Given the size of this industry and the demand for product there is little question that there are a number of different players have carved out a niche in the mascara industry. While the history of mascara may go back over a century, in the modern context some of the largest players in this market are L’Oreal, Revlon and Maybelline. Moreover, there are a number of smaller independent cosmetics makers that create niche products in the market such as Mary Kay. As it is the case there are different firms with different strategies it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what strategy is employed for each individual company. With aggressive strategies In terms of the promotion mix, advertising plays a very important role with the utilization of most media outlets such as television and radio adverts, billboards, in-store displays, direct marketing campaigns, web-content and even product placement. According to Peachey (2002) Revlon spent  £5m to play a pivotal part in the storyline of the American soap opera, ‘All My Children’ which frequently references the Mascara product offerings of the company. In the example of Mary Kay the company utilizes an aggressive ‘personal selling’ strategy so that an element of expert advice can be provided to help educate consumers of what product offerings can best meet the needs of the

Summaries on Chinese Yuan Currency Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Summaries on Chinese Yuan Currency - Assignment Example There is also a growing middle class in China that also benefits economic indicators. The article ‘White House Reviewing Proposed U.S. Legislation on the Yuan, Carney Says’ investigates potential policy legislation aimed at the Chinese yuan. White House press secretary Jay Carney has indicated that the Obama’s administrations views on the Chinese yuan currency is that the Chinese government has significantly undervalued this currency as a means of establishing Chinese economic gains. Specific measures in this policy would allow United States companies to seek duties on imports from China as a means of compensating for the unfair advantage Chinese businesses receive from the undervalued yuan currency. In terms of current statistical elements, the article indicates that, â€Å"China’s yuan rose after the central bank set a record daily reference rate, fueling speculation policy makers will favor currency gains as a means to tame inflation and support global exports. The currency gained 0.08 percent to 6.3938 per dollar in Shanghai, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System.† It’s also indicated that China’s current economic policies have resulted in the United States losing more than 2.8 million jobs since 2001. It remains to be seen if this legislation will have a bipartisan character. Republican Senator Orrin Hatch has not rejected the potential legislation but has indicated that he will need to learn more about its specific elements. The article ‘Yuan Has Monthly Drop as Europe Debt Crisis Spurs Dollar Demand’ examines volatility related to the Chinese yuan. The article indicates that the Chinese yuan has declined for the first time since January. The currency has declined as Europe’s sovereign-debt crisis will worsen bolstered demand for dollars. The Yuan trading volume greatly decreased in Shanghai as the Chinese government has set its strongest reference rate on record as a means of preventing further investment slide towards the dollar. The pervading notion in these regards is that investors feel the European sovereign debt crisis will slow Chinese economic growth because of strong investment between the nations; the subsequent expansion failure creates an investment environment where the dollar is a more stable investment option. In terms of global outlook in this context of discussion the article notes that, â€Å"European leaders have struggled to contain the region’s worsening debt crisis amid growing concern Greece will default. The International Monetary Fund cut China’s 2012 growth forecast to 9 percent from 9.5 percent on Sept. 20 on credit tightening and faltering demand for its exports.† Still, the Obama administration continues to note that the Chinese yuan remains substantially undervalued even though the currency appreciated 10 percent adjusted for inflation since June 2010. It’s believed that if more volatility and turmoil continue in relation to the yuan the People’s Republic of China will peg the yuan to the dollar. The article ‘Becoming number one’ considers how China’s economy could potentially overtake America’s within the next decade. Within this context of understanding it’s indicated that in 2010 the Chinese economy overtook Japan as the world’s second-largest economy. Analysts indicate that it

Types of Traditional Chinese Dance

Types of Traditional Chinese Dance Dance is one of the oldest art of humankind, and expresses the feelings and thought of art through rhythmic, refined and organized human movements. China has one of the oldest and continuous cultures in the world, with over 5,000 years of recorded history. Dance is an inseparable part of the Chinese history. With traditional dancing in China dating back to the Zhou Dynasty, numerous transformations have befallen the practice both positively and negatively. After several dynasties, the Tang Dynasty has marked the peak of the practice with thousands of singers and artist coming up with more than sixty compositions outdoing the recorded figure at the time. However, with the onset of the foot binding custom, women dancers were restricted in their movements, and this led to the downfall of the dancing traditions. Also, at the time, social values and morals that limited the dancing of women were put in place further worsening the tradition. The Song Dynasty as the name suggests revived the tradition and to date has been through multiple evolutionary stages (Van Zile 54-55). Due to the long history of China and many minorities, there exist many different kinds of traditional dances in China, and have been grouped into three: classical dance, folk dance, and opera dance. Classical Dance Chinese classical dance has a very long history. Originated in ancient China, broad and profound, it combines a lot of martial arts, opera in the action and shape, with particular emphasis on the role of the eyes in the show. It emphasizes the coordination of breathing, full of rhythm and sense of style, unique oriental Hardness, and beauty of the dance, intoxicated. Chinese classical dance mainly includes body rhyme, shenfa, and skill. The rhyme is the connotation of Chinese classical dance, the charm of each dance is different, two people jump the same action, and the appeal is different. Shenfa is the dance and action. Rooted in the traditional Chinese culture fertile soil classical dance is much stressed that both shape and spirit, physical and mental integration, internal and external unity, the body rhyme. Charm is the soul of Chinese classical dance. God in the shape of the outside, to God collar shape, to form the gods, the feelings of the mood made the actual meaning of the body rhyme. In ancient times, classical dance belonged to court dance. The court had a dedicated dance team for the emperor. Most of the classical Chinese dance music using Chinese different folk musical instruments, such as guzheng, erhu, pipa and so on. Chinese classical dance clothing antique, according to the specific requirements of the dance also have their characteristics, most of the Han and Tang Dynasties dance traditional Chinese dress. The classical dance is characterized by the unique body movements, the intimate relationship between the body motion and the inner feelings of the dancer, and its utilization of only natural body strength and muscles. The body movements associated with the classical dancing combined with different facial expressions express different inner feelings articulately without confusion to the audience. These feelings could be love, peace, joy, anger, and disappointment among others. Also, it is the internalization of these feeling that guides the motions and movements of the dancer who in turn does not require greater than the standard muscle power obtained through various daily activities to perform the dance. Unlike in many other dances, the classical dance does not require the dancers to have built their muscles. The flip move obtained from martial arts is the most common classical dance move with almost all performers incorporating it in their dance regularly. Folk Dance Folk dance is probably the oldest of the Chinese dancing culture having been created by the fathers of long gone days in line with the different belief of the day then. Folk songs were mainly ritualistic and geared towards receiving favors from the supernatural which would have included successful hunting expeditions, good farm harvests, and are dated to as early as the fourth millennium BC from archaeological evidence recorded of hunting art scribbled on a pot. Folk dances differ in the different ethnic groups and often depict the groups religious, social and cultural customs. Performers are clothed in colorful, choreographed costumes, and the dances though different from ethnic group to the other also show some similarities. Jealousy, forgiveness, love and communal unity are some of the shared themes and play a significant role in strengthening the bond between the community members. Today, folk dances still exist and have paved its way to the Chinese formal theater. However, the j ourney has been long and has seen the transition of the dance. War and struggle for survival nearly saw its end but was revived soon after. There are three popular folk dances that have stood the test of time; lion dance, the court dance, and the dragon dance. Lion Dance The lion dance is accredited the most popular of all the folk dances. It is based on the perception of the male lion among the Chinese. In the North, the dance is performed in red and orange costumes and is full of the ferocity and agility showed by the animal. Its mostly done by acrobats. In the south, on the contrary, the dance is performed in no particular color and does not involve acrobats. Its meant to show the role of the animal which is to guard (Hays). The Court Dance This dance involves several dances all falling under the same. The common are the Prince Qins Cavalry dance performed to celebrate the imperial army.It passed a call to courage and preparedness for battle and involved a huge number of actors. Nichang Yuyi was another court dance inspired by the Tang Dynastys emperor from visions encountered in a dream he had and turned out to be an excellent piece (Jung-rock 17-55). Dragon Dance The dragon and lion dance to date are still the primary performances in any festivity among the Chinese. The Dragon symbolizes wisdom, dignity, and power. The dancers animate the huge long creature, and their number is dependent on the size of the mock dragon. Fire might also be incorporate in the dance to bring out the animals fierce breath effect on the audience (Hays). Opera Dance Just like the other dances, the opera dance can be traced to have begun long ago in China. It attained its maturity later in the Song dynasty and is characterized by the incorporation of various styles including martial arts, songs, literary art, and acrobatics all in one. The performers of the dance have their faces painted in different colors bearing different meanings to show the characters emotions, fate, and role. For example, the color white is painted on villain characters depicting their credulity, evil and craftiness. Green and red represent impulsiveness and bravery respectively. Chinese opera is categorized into several branches with the main difference being due to location variation. They include Cantonese opera, Beijing opera, kunqu Opera, Shaoxing opera and Lvju opera. Today, this dance is not as common as other dances and is only staged on the formal opera house and in some festivities but not a primary dance. The Chinese dances are a very broad form of representing, conveying and preserving their culture. Within the three most important categories of the dance, there exist several subcategories, and they differ within different ethnic groups. Performances of the dances follow different styles including acrobats and martial arts with the characters dressed in costumes to match the dance. Over the past, these dances have played a significant role not only preserving the culture but also preaching peace and unity among the communities. With time, the dances have transformed and may not portray the rich culture that was passed through generations but still hold meaning to the people. However, the communities should strive to ensure the continuity band originality of the dances.

The Atomic Bomb :: essays research papers

The Atomic Bomb The year was 1945. The war in the Pacific had reached it's climax with the attack on Pearl Harbor, or so the world thought! In 1943 a new era was just being discovered when Albert Einstein had uncovered a new way of destroying things. One so powerful it could wipe out entire cities in seconds. When Albert told the president of the U.S.A. he had no idea of what the army was going to do with that knowlege, the knowlege of Atomic Theory! When the president of the United States of America heard of this new theory he decided to embark on a project that would change mankind forever. He decided to name this project the Manhatten Project. This project was headed by six of the worlds best scientists: Neils Bohr, Joseph Carter, Enrico Fermi, Richard Feyman, and Robert Oppenheimer, each with their own ideas of what it would take to construct such a weapon. From left to right: Neils Borh, Robert Oppenheimer, Richard Feyman, Enrico Fermi The object of the project was to produce a practical military weapon in the form of a bomb in which the energy would be released by a fast neutron chain reaction in one or more of the materials known to show nuclear fission. That goal was to be completed in 1945 after the U.S.A. spent over 6.7 Billion Dollars on the test bomb named the "Trinity". I t was dropped on Alagormado in Texas on July 16th 1945. When Albert Einstein heard about the "Trinity" he called the president directly and asked for a halt on all atomic bomb projects for he did not want to hurt anyone with his discovery. But when spies reported the Germans working on such a project the Manhatten project was continued. The long nights there after were hell for the president while deciding to launch the soon to be completed "Little Boy" bomb. Finally, the american troops were told to load "Little Boy" in the specifically designed plane Enola Gay. With Paul Tibbets and his crew of 12 strapped in the plane named after Paul's mother, the American president gave the order to fly to Hiroshima. They chose Hiroshima baecause it was a major industrial Japanese port which held many Japanese seacraft. It was July 16 1945 at about 8:14 when Paul Tibbets got the order to open the hatch and arm the bomb. After released it took a little less than 1 minute for it to detonate. Over 40,000 innocent lives were taken with the blast and over 100,000 were taken in the next ten years from exposure to extreme radiation.

How To Be Successful In Life

Success is something that we all want to achieve in our lives. The type of success aspired to can vary greatly from person; some people want nothing more than to be happily married, have a large family and bring up their children well. Other people strive for academic success and becoming as highly educated as they can, while some people are much more career-focused, and even with this group, their main marker of success can be different things: the power they have, the money they earn or the good they do, a combination of things or something else entirely.Because every type of success is very different, every road to success is very different too, but everyone’s route has one thing in common: hard work. Academic success is something that many students want, but also something that many students are not prepared to really work. Often, successful students are envied for the wrong reasons, with other people thinking that they’re just gifted and assuming that they don†™t even work hard. The most successful students, though, are those that put the work in.It doesn’t matter how intelligent you are if you don’t put the effort in to learn, and work hard on essays and other assignments. Everything we know is learned, and intelligent people are not born with everything already stored in their heads. While intelligence can give students a head start over others, this is where it ends, and those getting the results they want will ultimately be those that worked the hardest. This academic success will also help with your career, but once you’re in a job it’s also incredibly important to work hard.The only people that will be considered for promotion are those that go above and beyond the line of duty in their work. This means being very productive during the working day, but also being prepared to work additional hours and do anything additional for the company if needs be. If you do the same job as another person and youâ₠¬â„¢re equally qualified, the differentiation made between you will be based on who does the best job, which ultimately comes down to who works the hardest.The final type of success is in personal relationships, which everybody wants in some capacity. Working hard at relationships can actually be the hardest of all, as it involves a great deal of time and emotional investment, but it’s worth it to have the support and love of others. Couples that stay together all their lives do not manage it by chance, but by working hard at their relationship, making an effort to do things for each other, working out compromises, and addressing, not ignoring, any issues that may arise in the relationship.

American Mania: When More Is Not Enough Essay

INTRODUCTION It takes immense courage to question something that has been so firmly etched into one’s mind or something that everyone accepts as normal, it also takes great insight to be able to see past the monotony and mundane details of life and observe something that is greatly and equally affecting a nation. Mr. Whybrow accomplishes this with great eloquence in his book American mania. Adam smith’s American dream of depth and desire† The book begins with the chapter titled â€Å"Adam smith’s American dream of depth and desire† in which Mr. Whybrow gives an account of his taxi ride on the way to the airport to catch a flight from Los Angles to New York, he tells his story in almost a poetic manner describing the myriad of scenes that he observes. He points out everything that makes him reflect on how rapidly the world is moving and how everyone is being swept away with this storm and how no one stops to think about where they’re actually headed and how everyone has less and less time for the small things in life, things which once were considered to be the essence of life. The author seeks to explain â€Å"the dramatic shift away from social concern and toward competitive self-interest that occurred during the closing decades of the 20th Century† (p. 257). Whybrow, himself a British immigrant, advances the hypothesis that Americans are a nation of â€Å"migrants† who are outfitted not just with the self-seeking genes but also with the restless, risk-taking genes of those who have risked all to look for a new land of opportunity. Whybrow argues that highly migrant people are novelty seekers, restless and optimistic risk-takers, CONCLUSION Whybrow’s theories are provocative because they not only revisit the possibility of psychoanalysis in the alliance of culture, speculating beyond the anthropology and identity politics that all cultures are just as advantageous, but also challenge us to reassess the insufficiency of our psychological descriptions. Identifying a culture as hectic or obsessed is somewhat useful in attempting to avoid the idea of national character but to propose a basic personality as the repository of a society’s values, from which individual character differentiates is a mammoth task Mr. Whybrow manages to make the reader question the values and beliefs that we have come to cherish so dearly. WORKS CITED Peter Whybrow (2006) American Mania: When More Is Not Enough. Retrieved on 18th October 2006 from : http://www.amazon.com/American-Mania-When-More-Enough/dp/0393059944

Should Funny Cat Videos Be Allowed on YouTube

Should Funny Cat Videos Be Allowed on YouTube It seems that every other minute on social media, you see some strange – but usually hilarious – animal video going viral. Dogs chasing their tale  turtles dancing to Lady Gaga, cats knocking down drinking glasses, shattering them. If there is an argument that videos like these be outlawed on YouTube, which is one of the most widely used video-sharing websites in the world, it’s a weak argument for sure. Unless it’s grotesque or offensive in nature, humorous cat videos should be allowed on YouTube. Allowing these videos to be seen seems to do no damage at all, and videos of this sort may even help people to some extent. To begin with, funny cat videos belong on YouTube because people love cats –  their cuteness, their movements, traits, and behaviors – so it’s logical for people to enjoy watching videos of them on this website. And if a website like YouTube was created for people to communicate, to share videos of common interests, as well as for people’s general enjoyment, it only makes sense for funny cat videos to be uploaded to the website. Surely not everyone loves cats and cat videos, but many people do – as seen in these kinds of videos going viral. There is a reason why so many of the videos going viral are videos that first are introduced on YouTub. Secondly, funny cat videos should also be allowed on YouTube for another reason: such kinds of videos benefit people. Yes, in the stressful, fast-paced, high-pressure society we live in, with high taxes, an even higher cost of living, it’s imperative that hard-working people find outlets for their stress. And better than alcohol or drugs, there is humor. The physical act of laughing sends naturally occurring endorphins and other happy-feeling neurotransmitters rushing through a person’s brain, in turn lessening stress and leaving a person feeling happier, healthier and more relaxed. When a person, for example, sees a video of a cat demanding their owner’s attention almost to the point of being aggressive, but in a comical way, the viewer tends to lighten up. Watching a video of a cat doing strange things, like jumping three feet in the air at the sight of a cucumber on the ground behind them, is just therapeutic. When it comes down to it, when one considers the b enefit of watching silly cat videos, there should be no doubt whatsoever that funny cat videos belong on YouTube.be. It is the appropriate place for such videos. It screams funny cat videos. Lastly, YouTube is just the place for silly cat videos; therefore, they should be allowed on the website. When comparing YouTube to other social media, especially professional networking websites like LinkedIn, one sees the frivolous nature of YouTube – and how it is meant to be silly and humorous and nonprofessional. That’s the entire point of YouTube: It does not have an air of pretentiousness about it, and it is traditionally not used to grow a business or to land a person a job; though this is sometimes the case. So, evidently, YouTube is the perfect place for silly cat videos – as well as other humorous videos that become a source of healthy escapism for people, and not just animal videos. To conclude this argument, consider the above points that demonstrate how humorous cat videos surely belong and should be allowed, on YouTube: people love cats and cat videos; cat videos make people laugh and smile, and people need that, and YouTube is meant for these kinds of videos. Any arguments challenging the allowance of funny cat videos on this widely used site are completely erroneous, fallible and one-sided. YouTube provides users with a service, and that service provides an escape, a way for people to release their pent-up, hostile, violent emotions that would otherwise distract them from living normal, fulfilling, happy lives.

buy custom Global Macro-Practice in Human Services essay

buy custom Global Macro-Practice in Human Services essay Origin of HIV/AIDS There have been numerous controversies, revolving around the origin of HIV/AIDS. Many well-known scientists have been brain-teased and puzzled for decades over the origin of HIV/AIDS since its emergence in early 1980s. For over twenty five years now, ferocious debates and arguments have surrounded this matter. Countless suggestions and theories have been developed to clarify this bewildering issue. Although up to date, nobody knows the exact truth about the source of HIV/AIDS, numerous theories have been formulated to explain its origin. Some of these theories are the hunter theory, conspiracy theory, contaminated needle theory and colonialism theory (Feldman Miller, 1998). First, there is the fascinating hunter theory, which postulates that human beings, who were alleged to be of African origin, got infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as they were preparing a chimpanzee for food. The chimpanzee happened to have Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, which is similar to HIV virus. However, this theory has been refuted by recent medical scientists who claim that the HIV virus could not be transmitted that way. Secondly, the oral polio vaccine theory was developed in a symposium in Royal Society, London. During the symposium, it was thought that HIV virus must have originated from oral polio vaccine, which was developed from monkeys. However, the delegates at the symposium later disagreed on the possibility of transmission of the virus from monkeys to human beings (Levy, 2008). The colonialism theory suggests that HIV/AIDS resulted from poor living conditions that prevailed in colonial and slavery camps during the colonial period. It explains that this filthy and unhealthy environment made the slaves immune systems weak and they consequently became vulnerable to infections. Moreover, the colonialists could use unsterilized needles on the slaves. This happened in ertain parts of Africa, where colonialists were received harshly, for example, in Democratic Republic of Congo (Falola Heaton, 2007). Another theory that tries to explain the origin of HIV/AIDS is the contaminated needle theory, which is an extension of the hunter theory. The theory suggests that HIV/AIDS was spread in Africa through use of plastic syringes to inject multiple patients. This could have happened without proper sterilization, thereby infecting the numerous people. HIV/AIDS could be easily transferred from one person to another. The major weakness of this theory is that it only explains how the virus was spread, without elaborating its original source. The conspiracy theory, on the other hand, suggests that HIV/AIDS was man-made. Some scientists believe that HIV/AIDS was manufactured as a biological weapon to be used during warfare to wipe out large population of blacks and homosexuals. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which is believed to have originated from non-human primates in sub-Saharan Africa. It was transferred to humans between late nineteenth century and early twentieth century. However, most medical researchers have agreed that HIV evolution was simultaneous to the evolution of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), which was later transferred to humans through zoonosis. In conclusion, it is worth noting that there are various unresolved issues, surrounding the emergence and origin of HIV/AIDS. For instance, there is no explanation of why only four types of HIV groups have been spreading in human beings. It is also unclear why all the epidemic HIV groups emerged in humans nearly simultaneously. Additionally, there are no reasons given as to why the spread of HIV/AIDS begun only in the twentieth century, yet human beings were exposed to simian immunodeficiency virus several years ago. Demographics of Origin According to Beatricee Hahn and Paul Sharp, HIV/AIDS epidemic mirrors and replicates changes in population structure and behavior, especially in Africa during the twentieth century (Falola Heaton, 2007). Certain theories argue that HIV/AIDS do not exist and that Aids is not caused by HIV. The proponents of these theories believed that HIV/AIDS is caused by an individuals lifestyles, for example, sexuality and drug use. Additionally, certain conspiracy theories believe that HIV/AIDS was manufactured in a laboratory to be used as a weapon for use in genocide. However, these theories have been rejected by worlds prominent scientists through a consensus. Affected Populations There are two types of HIV viruses that affect human beings, that is, HIV-1 and HIV-2. Medical researchers have shown that HIV-1 virus is more vituperative, dangerous and can be easily transmitted. It is the cause of majority of HIV infections globally. HIV/AIDS is believed to predominate mainly in Africa. However, this is not the case. HIV/AIDS is a global epidemic. It affects all nations around the globe. For instance, in the USA, the first case of HIV infection was reported in early 1980s. It was believed the most affected people are the gay men. Currently, HIV/AIDS produces a huge number of deaths annually amongst children and youths. Past medical data reveals that more than half of the deaths, caused by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa occur in men, while approximately seventy percent of such deaths in India occur in women (Holmberg, 2008). Additionally, the World Health Organization estimates that the average age of people who die of HIV/AIDS ranges from fifteen years to forty five years (Holmberg, 2008). It is believed that HIV/AIDS deaths are generally inclined towards the men. More often than not, most men die of HIV/AIDS than their female counterparts. The death rate is high among the youth due to their lifestyles, especially sexual behaviors that increase their exposure as well as excessive drug use. Buy custom Global Macro-Practice in Human Services essay

Autobiography of a Yogi: Summary Essay

quite different from his or her own. The journey to assimilation is portrayed uniquely by Okada as he writes his character in ways different from other writers of whom are portraying Asian Americans at this time. In an article, written by Mr. Stan Yogi, ‘You had to be One or the Other: Oppositions and Reconciliation in John Okada’s No-no Boy,’ it is stated that Asian Americans are often portrayed as ‘docile, patient’ peoples. Many of Okada’s characters do not feature these qualities; they are often†¦ and now he’ll shrivel up like a prune if you let him. With any luck, I’ll have him holding his own fishing pole by this spring, and I’ve already got my eyes on a little pair of water skis. Who knows, maybe 20 years from now, he’ll be writing an autobiography about how growing up on the water help shape his life too.†¦ been his way of showing that you go out with a fight because of the way he ends his Autobiography. Franklin showed his successful stand against the proprietary estate holders against the tax law. Most men would not end their autobiography on the terms of a won fight like this unless they were boasting; even if a little. Conclusion The life carved out for Benjamin Franklin through the words of his autobiography is a portrait of a man who started out with self-acclaim and pridefulness that all†¦ Wherever There’s a Fight by Elaine Elinson and Stan Yogi, is a book that narrows down the struggles of man and woman of all colors to protect and extend their civil rights liberties. It provides stories of events in history that marked the lives of many people.The stories described in the book show how many people were being discriminated for the way they looked, the disability they had, their sexualaty for being black, latino, or Japanese. It gives the reader an image of all the injustices and†¦ Bam, Quay, Dino, and Yogi rode through the city for hours searching for the Hurst and eventually they gave up in order to get some rest. Intoxicated and tired, Bam drove everyone to the apartment and that’s where they crashed until the sun rose. Nessa and Olivia had stayed up worried sick about them and finally they could put their mind at rest. Now, for a chance, everyone in the house had finally fallen asleep. Nessa slept on the lounge chair as usual. Quay, Yogi, and Dino fell asleep on the floor†¦ race, gender or beliefs. Gandhi: An Autobiography and The Help portray multiple insights of the world in the 1900’s compared to modern day society. Social justice is a major theme in The Help and Gandhi: An Autobiography. In these two books we see how society can be a cruel mistress. How people of different races are treated throughout time and how the main characters never give up on hope for a better future in our community. In Gandhi: An Autobiography and The Help, the social aspect of†¦ Sexual Autobiography Shaping my sexual behavior was generally influenced by my mom. I learned to be dependent on men and use safe sex through media. Gender sex roles also placed me to be secretive with my sex life and nurturing. My body image makes me insecure when it comes to intimacy. There were no specific sexual guidelines that my family made me follow. I was raised in a family where I was able to explore and have my own opinions about sexual situations. Not having guidelines or a path made†¦ worth writing and then wrote about it in his autobiography. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin is a different beast in its literature. Unlike most books, and possibly most autobiographies as well, Franklin’s autobiography does not have a smooth flow between his three sections. These abrupt transition could be accounted for by the many years of break Franklin took in between each section. The overall theme for Franklin’s autobiography is for one to become self developing. As Franklin†¦ The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was not an easy book to read. Writing styles have changed tremendously since the 1700’s. Despite the cultural differences I learned a lot about the man and the time. Benjamin Franklin was a remarkable man. He was a printer, author, politician and an inventor. He was one of fifteen children in his family. Because he was from such a large family he was sent out to work at a very early age. He only had a few years†¦ From an Electrician to a Teacher: An Autobiography â€Å"The heart of human excellence often begins to beat when you discover a pursuit that absorbs you, frees you, challenges you, and gives you a sense of joy, meaning and passion.† – Angel Chernoof* I firmly believe that to be successful and flourish in education and childhood learning, your heart must lead you to this passion – as my heart did a year ago. Coming out of high school, my dreams were far beyond teaching and spending a lifetime discovering†¦

Recomendation letter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Recomendation letter - Essay Example ons, immense attention to details, commitment and apposite ethical behaviors, who cares on the implication of medical practices on the environment and individuals, that are quite germane in the radiological field. He excellently interacts with patients and professionals in the workplace and all those who had the opportunity to associate with him can testify the elation and happiness that he brought to them. Similarly, he undertook an informal leadership role offering help to his co-workers who incessantly sought his support and advice. He proved to be a distinguished problem-solver, a trait that can be put to proper utilization in the MRI field and save many lives. Given the chance to pursue the MRI degree, Nabil will surely blossom to be a reputable professional and an imperative asset to the entire community; his brilliance in the field will not be a shocker to me and anybody who knows him. It is for the aforementioned reasons that I unequivocally and without any hesitation recommend Nabil Kafal for the MRI program at Providence

Setting the Stage for Strategic Compensation and Bases for Pay Assignment

Setting the Stage for Strategic Compensation and Bases for Pay - Assignment Example The present study focuses on the setting of the stage for strategic compensation and bases for pay in organizations, by answering five questions in association. Question 1: Describe the three main goals of compensation departments. Solution: The primary stakeholders for an organization’s compensation packages include the employees, the management or the executives, and the government. Thus the three main goals of the compensation departments in an organization are associated with satisfaction and gain advantages from these three above mentioned sources (Compensation’s Role in Human Resource Strategy, 22). The first and most important goal that the compensation departments have reflects on keeping the employees of the organization satisfied such that they perform efficiently and with sincere concerns working towards the achievement of the organizational goals. Secondly the concern of the department is associated with the management and executive teams since these individ uals are the experts of the organizations and need to be retained for future endeavors. ... Thus the three primary goals of the compensation department could be learnt from the above section of the study. Question 2: Describe the contextual influence that you believe will pose the greatest challenge and the contextual influence that will pose the least challenge to companies’ competitiveness and explain why. Solution: A company’s competitiveness and the level of competitive advantage that it gains over its competitors depend significantly on the performance of the employees of the organization. However, with the changing world of businesses and the market trends that determine the level of competition, the compensation systems have also significantly altered and modified. This in other words reflects the influences of the contextual factors in association with the competitiveness of an organization. The most important factor that seems to influence the compensation program is the determination of the wage rates for the employees. High wage rates on one hand in creases the cost of the company and thus the prices of the goods reflecting on decreasing financial performances for the company; on the other hand, it guarantees the gain of competent workforce. Thus this factor poses the greatest challenge for an organization. The factor that poses least challenges in the present times include the determination of wages according to the geography or industry, since now the satisfaction of the employees influence more depending on the needs of the organization. Thus strategic compensation system has become significantly necessary in the planning for wages within organizations (Kim, 2-5). Question 3: Describe when subjective performance evaluations might be better (or more feasible) than objective

Find this article and answer this questions Schwarz, K., Mion, P., &

Find this and answer this questions Schwarz, K., Mion, P., & Litman, G. ( 2007). Telemonitoring of heart failure patients and their caregivers - Article Example The depth of the study profoundly affects the researcher’s preference of research design. The Logical similarity has influenced the researchers’ choice of a research design by ensuring the contents of the research model make sense. The sensibility of the research content is analyzed through grave thinking in the study. The researchers consider the logical similarity of his work before selecting a study design. Theoretical clarity has influenced the researchers’ choice of a research design by describing the concepts applied in the study and relating the study’s statement to find out the connection amongst the concepts. The researcher uses theoretical clarity to determine the nature of his study. Level of idea has influenced the researchers’ choice of a research design by ensuring that the ideas are represented in a theoretical model. They have not restricted intensity of idea by time or space, and are not directly measurable. The researcher has considered the level of the idea to be used in electing the research design. Clinical utility has influenced the researchers’ choice of a research design by the relevancy of the research findings to the real world. The research considers the benefits of his study to the real world prior to selecting the research design. View point on cultural competence has influenced the researchers’ choice of a research design by knowing the field they are dealing in more than their customers. The researchers have considered cultural competence before choosing the research design to use in his study. The study can be classified under qualitative study, since it compares the telemonitoring structure to the quality of health measures it has on a patient with constant heart failure. Qualitative study focuses on superiority rather than the magnitude (McDonagh, 2011). The evidence proving that the journal is peer-reviewed is

Summaries Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Summaries - Assignment Example The author claims that science does not end with one discovery, because a new finding often leads to further questions which serve as a new challenge for scientists. The article outlines the four-step process undertaken by scientists to come up with new theories. The scientific process always starts with a fruitful question. A fruitful question is a question which in spite of taking into consideration everything known about the object or event, still crops up and remain a mystery about such object or event (The scientific state of mind 399). After identifying a fruitful question, the scientist comes up with several hypotheses that are possible answers to the questions. These hypotheses are then tested, either through laboratory experiments or through scientific observations. If a hypothesis is proven to be true, then it will be considered as a theory. The fourth stage follows which is known as the â€Å"question chain† because after coming up with a scientific theory, new ques tions come up that will again go through the scientific process. One can therefore say that the scientific process is a cycle because it goes on and on. ... The arguments enumerated by the author are clearly presented in the essay. First, he asserts that prostitution provides job opportunities for women. It pays more than the other lowly jobs such as servants and factory workers (Enough already, it's time we decriminalize prostitution 437). Furthermore, based on his interviews with prostitutes, some of these women freely chose to become prostitutes and are happy with their jobs. The author also argues that the decriminalizing prostitution offers safeguards to both the prostitutes and their clients. Problems such as sexually-transmitted diseases and low rates are better addressed. Prostitutes get police protection. Clients obtain a sense of security because prostitutes are required to register with the authorities and they undergo medical testing. The author professes that criminalization of prostitution is worse. He cites Sweden’s experience after it criminalized commercial sex in 1998. He says that the rates became lower, clients were fewer and there were more incidences of violence. The author concludes by stating that people should not make hasty generalizations by saying that â€Å"sex workers are victims and all clients are demons† (Enough already, it's time we decriminalize prostitution 437). He goes on further to say that people should not be moral judges and instead be more honest on the issue of prostitution (Enough already, it's time we decriminalize prostitution 437). Improvements Made and Principles Discovered Through these exercises one has learned that in summarizing articles, it is important first to state the title and author. One must also identify the main thesis of the article and state

King James I of England Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

King James I of England - Research Paper Example Demonology has been defined as the study of demons or of demonic belief (Merriam-Webster). Demonology was a topic that had gained immense popularity by the 16th century. Therefore at the time when King James started his scholarly career in the study of demonology, a lot of literature regarding the topic already existed to provide assistance. As a subject, demonology was restricted to the elite while the poor merely stuck to their beliefs regarding the devil and its worshippers. King James’s interest in Demonology is said to have its roots in his visit to Denmark when he was going to see his future wife. On his visit, he met with the famous Danish demonologist Niels Hemmingsen, in 1589-1590. The idea of demonology was only remotely known in Scotland till it was taken interest in by King James; rather many of the scholars say that King James was the one who introduced the idea of Demonology in Scotland (Ryynà ¤nen, 1-39). King James was the only monarch in history to have studi ed and written a book on the subject of demonology. The title of the book was Daemonologie. Many scholars see the political inclinations of the book and argue that the third part of the book, with descriptions of the demons seems somewhat different than the first two parts and is thought to have been influenced by the political turmoil he had to face during the 1590s. On his visit to Denmark, King James was stuck in a terrible storm and that is what triggered his belief in the idea of witchcraft and demonology.

Drug Court Systems Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Drug Court Systems - Essay Example Drug practices require specialized treatment and focused undeterred attention; the traditional judicial systems only emphasized to the extent of guilt and determination of sanctions not the root cause of addiction and its ramifications, the judges needed specialized training to recognize special areas of supervision and monitoring of drug addicts. But most of all the traditional disposition process was unable to handle the caseload of the rapidly increasing drug cases and was getting more and more exhausted and overcrowded hence, unable to provide for permanent or long term solutions, in order to fill the gap for a strategic judicial system, purely dedicated to individual participants caught with charges for drug related felonies and misdemeanors, specialized drug courts came into being. The drug court’s main goal was not just punishment but to reform and rehabilitate drug offenders and, eventually make them drug-free. The Drug court is a problem-solving court or, a specialize d system-based approach to eradicate crimes related to drug and substance abuse. The drug court system represents the correlated, homogenized and organized efforts of judicial experts and treatment professionals to interpose and break the cycle of substance misuse and all sorts of crimes related to drug abuse and addiction. ... All this led to the urgent need and expansive growth of drug courts. Drug Court model in American judicial structure: Drug courts showed phenomenal growth, combining the hopes of re-habilitation and incentives coupled with the promise of punishment. The drug model requires individuals arrested on drug charges to attend training and regularly scheduled court hearings and undergo periodical drug tests. An expert system of graduated sanctions, rewards participants for compliance and punishes them for non-compliance. (Whiteacre, 2008) After completion the participants may have their charges reduced or dropped. Although models for various drug courts depend upon their target population, resources and evaluation techniques they involve a general criterion such as: Crime assessment and offender identification, judicial interaction and case management, monitoring procedures such as drug testing and supervision while on probation, courtroom procedures and eventually graduating sanctions, rewa rd incentives or vice versa, providing ancillary treatment and services such as, mental health improvement, Stress and trauma related family therapy and vocational training, improved skills and over all enhancement of the quality of life. In 1989, the first adult drug treatment court opened in Dade County, Miami (Florida), in America. More than 800 adults, juvenile and tribal courts have been operating across the United States of America since then and the popularity and numbers keeps growing. (Nolan, 2003) between 1991 and 1993, around 20 jurisdictions across America implemented drug courts. The drug court model received great public acclaim and support, and large scale positive media coverage on local and national levels.

King James I of England Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

King James I of England - Research Paper Example Demonology has been defined as the study of demons or of demonic belief (Merriam-Webster). Demonology was a topic that had gained immense popularity by the 16th century. Therefore at the time when King James started his scholarly career in the study of demonology, a lot of literature regarding the topic already existed to provide assistance. As a subject, demonology was restricted to the elite while the poor merely stuck to their beliefs regarding the devil and its worshippers. King James’s interest in Demonology is said to have its roots in his visit to Denmark when he was going to see his future wife. On his visit, he met with the famous Danish demonologist Niels Hemmingsen, in 1589-1590. The idea of demonology was only remotely known in Scotland till it was taken interest in by King James; rather many of the scholars say that King James was the one who introduced the idea of Demonology in Scotland (Ryynà ¤nen, 1-39). King James was the only monarch in history to have studi ed and written a book on the subject of demonology. The title of the book was Daemonologie. Many scholars see the political inclinations of the book and argue that the third part of the book, with descriptions of the demons seems somewhat different than the first two parts and is thought to have been influenced by the political turmoil he had to face during the 1590s. On his visit to Denmark, King James was stuck in a terrible storm and that is what triggered his belief in the idea of witchcraft and demonology.

Orthopraxy vs. Orthodoxy Essay Example for Free

Orthopraxy vs. Orthodoxy Essay It is frequently said of Asian customs that right practice is more important than right belief. Shinto is based on orthopraxy, rather than orthodoxy. In other words, the most important thing is not what you believe, but rather that you perform correct ritual actions. You dont have to convert to Shinto to start being a practitioner of Shinto. If you perform the various rituals and routines of Shinto, then you are practicing Shinto. Buddhism isn’t interested in right action, as action itself is tied up in the obliviousness and desire that Buddhism is intended to overcome. Buddhism is primarily interested in realizing the shunyata of action and thus achieving enlightenment. As Buddhists find themselves faced with a world that demands decisions in the core of this quest for enlightenment, however, they have found it useful and appropriate to comment on what would establish right practice in such an environment. Buddhist orthopraxy is demonstrated in rituals and monastic orders. Rituals of one form are practiced by all Buddhists and relate to actions whose worth can be applied toward achieving nirvana or a better position in the next reincarnation. This includes participating in ceremonies, acts of piety, and other symbolic acts. Monastic orders offer a more disciplined approach, including an increased enforcement of orthopraxy in order to assist in aligning ones actions with the path to enlightenment. Do I think orthopraxy being the main focus is a good way to go? No. An excessive level of orthopraxy cannot compensate for the lack of orthodoxy, just as an excessive level of orthodoxy cannot compensate for the lack of orthopraxy. Without orthodoxy, orthopraxy is impossible to define, for true orthopraxy must branch from true orthodoxy. Otherwise, how would one know what is right practice?

Primary Health Care for Diabetes Treatment

Primary Health Care for Diabetes Treatment Ashley Suy Molly is a married 82-year-old woman who is diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and has developed a leg ulcer on her lower left leg. The effects of having leg ulcers impacts Molly’s physical, mental and social health. Physically, Molly’s mobility has declined. She is unable to walk as with every step she takes it causes pain. A lack of physical activity, such as walking has led to weight gain as she has been advised to sit with her leg up as much as possible to speed up the healing process. Molly’s mental well-being would be negatively impacted as she will be mentally stressed from dealing with the leg ulcer and having no mobility to do day-to-day tasks. This disenables her to have independence as she relies on Pat, her husband, to do simple tasks for her as she is immobile which may lead to guilt for relying on him to assist her with daily tasks. The leg ulcer along with immobility will inflict negative effects on Molly’s social health. Not being able to go out to see her friends and her loved ones or spend time outside of home with Pat will cause an abundant amount of stress which will gradually lead to depression. The issues that will be primarily focused on are, Primary Health Care relating to Molly’s Leg ulcer, Principles of Wellness, the Wellness Model, Type 2 Diabetes in regards to Molly’s condition and how an Enrolled Nurse will support Pat through a time of distress of grieving and bereavement. Primary Health Care (PHC) is the primary contact of accessing health care and it is based on the needs of individuals and the country. It focuses on practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and resources that are made universal for people and families at an affordable cost that individuals and the country can afford to assist with their individual growth and development to maintain a healthy life (Koutoukidis, Stainton, Hughson, 2013, pp. 85-86). Since PHC is based on providing appropriate resources for individuals, Molly should be educated on the different types of services that will allow her to treat her health problem effectively. Some services include, home carers, community service, counsellors and online websites such as Diabetes Australia. As Molly suffers from a Leg ulcer she is evidently unable to participate in her regular community activities like she once use too. PHC encourages services that are scientifically sound and socially acceptable – as well as, relevant to the client. A way that PHC can be beneficial for her is through a home visiting service or physiologists that is subsidised by Medicare. PHC supports the involvement of a multidisciplinary team – integration of services that will assist Molly in the healing process. Nurses, dieticians, physiologist, podiatrists and GPs are the most appropriate types of multidisciplinary members. This team will educate her, Pat and her family with informa tion of diabetes, leg ulcers, proper nutrition, appropriate exercises and activities to promote her health as well as preventing future hospitalisation or illness exacerbations. ‘Wellness’ according to Student Health and Counselling Services (SHCS) (https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/wellness/) ‘is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life’. The wellness model is a framework that individuals use to become aware of the interconnectedness of each dimension of the wheel and how they play a significant factor to healthy living. The Wellness Model consists of six dimensions: physical, social, intellectual, spiritual, emotional and occupational (Hettler, 1976). A principle of wellness is ‘the self is the only true healer’. This refers to the health professionals assisting individuals during the healing process. However, it is primarily up to ones’ body and mind to heal– as well as allowing time for full recovery. (Hoppers Institute, n.d). Another principle of wellness is ‘Prevention eliminates the need for treatment’. This simply means that the prevention of wellness should predominantly be focused on a solution or an outcome to eliminate the problem so there would not be a need for treatment. These principles apply to Molly as she has health professionals that help facilitate the healing process with dressing the wound three times a week and advising her to recover at home which is allowing time to pass by to allow full recovery. Prevention eliminates the need for treatment principle relates to Molly because she needs to limit the chances of leg ulcers from reoccurring again in the future. So, with a mixture of moderate exercise and a healthy diet it would minimise leg ulcers from occurring again. Another effective way to limit the chances of developing leg ulcers again is by using compression socks or hosiery to allow adequate blood circulation in the leg, thus preventing leg wounds. (Kenny, 2013) Type 2 Diabetes is insulin that is either, unable to produce what the body needs or the cells in the body are unable to use the existing insulin effectively (also known as, insulin resistance). (Falvo, 2014) According to Diabetes Australia (http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Understanding-Diabetes/Diabetes-in-Australia/) an estimated 280 Australian’s develop Diabetes every day. It is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 85 – 90% of all people with diabetes. Although it usually affects adults over the age of 45, it is now affecting younger people even children as young as 3. Research has shown that women over the age of 45 and overweight are more susceptible to getting diabetes. Molly has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetic for 17 years. What happens in the body of a diabetic person is that the pancreas which controls glucose in the body makes less insulin (a hormone). However, if the existing cells in the body are unable to effectively use insulin, it makes it difficult to keep blood glucose levels (BGL) in an optimum range. The pancreatic cells cannot use existing insulin effectively thus, why she has been prescribed oral medication to control her blood glucose lev el. Diabetes contribute to leg ulcers as fatty substances called atheroma develops on the inside lining of the arteries reducing blood flow to various parts of the body. The most commonly affected area is the arteries in the legs – causing a decrease in blood supply to the feet (Kenny, 2014). Diabetic retinopathy is the most common diabetic eye disease. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. Blood vessels in the eye may swell, or leak fluid. In some people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina. A learning program for Molly’s Leg ulcer is a crucial factor in educating her on the prevention of reoccurring leg ulcers. Some teaching methods that would be used are verbal discussions about Diabetes, her eating habits, exercising routine and lifestyle. Since she has put on weight, she feels tired and unwell. A dietician and a local GP will work together to review current blood and other tests that will be mixed together to come up with a suitable diet plan. The dietician will then provide Molly with written information that she will be able to take home to follow, thus achieving her physical health. (Dieticians Associated of Australia, 2014) Another method of teaching is through a physiologist who can demonstrate various low to mild exercise routines where the activities are suitable and safe to follow as well as assist with Molly’s current immobility (Allied Health Profession Australia [AHPA], 2010). As mental health for Molly is a risk factor, beyond blue encourages that maintaining connections with friends, family and the community can prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation and help to stay mentally healthy (Beyond Blue, 2013). This first link is a publication regarding leg ulcers and how to care for them, thus educating Molly on Leg ulcers. Molly will need to read this publication to understand it or have a relative or health professional explain it to her. http://www.awma.com.au/publications/vlu_patient_info_a4_2012-08-21.pdf The second resource that Molly can learn from is the Leg Ulcer Prevention Program (LUPP) which is an electronic multimedia client education package for people receiving care regarding leg ulcers. The program is delivered at home via a nurse’s personal computer, so Molly will not have to move too much. Also, she can listen and watch the multimedia. (Kapp, S; Miller, C; and Donohue, L, 2010) Grief and loss are two major feelings that Pat has encountered as Molly passed. Grief is a response to loss. People experience grief differently; some may go through sadness, anger, anxiety, disbelief, panic, relief or even numbness. (Healey, 2010) To relieve Pat’s grief, an Enrolled Nurse would offer basic reassurance that he is not alone, an opportunity for him to talk about the loss of his wife, encourage him to seek help from other resources if he needs, such as psychologists, counsellors, or mental health services. The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement (ACGB) offers support groups that will help participants in many ways. Some of the groups that they offer are Bereaved Partners, Death of a Parent, For Men, Pet Loss and many more. ACGB also shares stories of other people that have gone through loss (Australian Centre for Grief Bereavement, n.d). Another service available is the ‘Compassionate Friends Victoria’, a group that offers ‘men’s space’ where bereaved men go along and discuss issues together. (Compassionate Friends Victoria, 2014) Primary Health care along with the Wellness Model play a major role in the quality of life that Molly has experienced. Type 2 Diabetes has a major affect on Molly’s health, thus contributed to leg ulcers. Pat will gradually move on from grieving over the loss of his wife with the help of support groups. Word Count: 1591 References Donna R. Falvo.(2014). Medical and Psychosocial Aspects of Chronic Illness and Disability (Ed. 5) (p.377) Beyond Blue (2013). Older People and Depression. Retrieved from: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/for-me/older-people hopperinstitue.com. (n.d.).Principles of wellness. Retrieved from http://www.hopperinstitute.com/wellness.html Diabetes Australia (2013). Type II Diabetes. Retrieved from: http://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/Understanding-Diabetes/Diabetes-in-Australia/ Bill Hettler, MD. (1976). The Six Dimensions of Wellness Model. Retrieved from http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/www.nationalwellness.org/resource/resmgr/docs/sixdimensionsfactsheet.pdf Gabrielle Koutoukidis., Kate Stainton., Jodie Hughson. (2013). Health promotion, education and wellness. In Elizabetch Coady Jane Coulcher (Ed.6), Tabbner’s Nursing Care (pp. 85-86). Tim Kenny. (2013).Venous Leg Ulcers. Retrieved from: http://www.patient.co.uk/health/venous-leg-ulcers-leaflet shcs.ucdavis.edu (n.d) Wellness. Retrieved from: https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/wellness/ compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au.(2014). Retrieved from Compassionate Friends Victoria: http://www.compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au/ grief.org.au. (n.d.).Grief.Retrieved from Australia Centre for Grief Bereavement: http://www.grief.org.au/grief_and_bereavement_support/understanding_grief/about_grief Justin Healey. (2010). Coping with Grief and Loss: Vol. 319.Coping with Grief and Loss. Australia: The Spinny Press.

What Just Happened? :: Essays Papers

What Just Happened? Literature is black text on white paper, however it is not simply black and white, but rather complexly colorful. It serves as a medium for escape and adventure. Readers have the privilege of omniscience into the lives of characters who are the antithesis of themselves, as well as character's whom the reader feels a deep connection with. Because it is not black and white, there is no single correct interpretation of a given work. A piece of literature lives a different life in the mind of each reader. This open individual interpretation is the critical method known as reader response. Reaction to the short story An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, by Ambrose Bierce, is varied. Bierce takes on the role of God in the creation of the character, and his control of the ultimate outcome. Authors create an alternative universe. They have control over what happens in that universe, and how it will affect its inhabitants. They can manipulate it as they please. They can also destroy, as Bierce did to Peyton Farquhar. No matter how much the reader wanted Peyton to escape, it is Beirce's final ruling of death that we must deal with. The surprise ending thrills some, while upsetting others. In this sense, the author has some control over the readers reaction, and their consciousness. The reading resembles the experie nce of life itself, in that there are many twists and turn within our lives much like those in the story, that we have no control over, and often the outcomes are ultimately upsetting. It is a deeply psychological work, revealing the mental struggles of the main character, Peyton Farquhar, as well as having an affect on the psychology of the reader. The reader becomes engulfed in Peyton's escape, experiencing each obstacle and hardship with him, wishing him to safety. Bierce uses a very dreamlike structure to reveal Farquhar's psychologically suppressed ambitions: "Obviously, he was from a structure background, born into an ordered world where formalities counted much among the gentry... Truly, Farquhar found himself inhibited by social and historical strictures, and so ‘longed for the release of his energies'" (Powers p.279) . This inner struggle is a very Freudian concept. Freud held that there is a constant tension between man and his surroundings.

Janie from Their Eyes Were Watching God, Gatsby from The Great Gatsby,

Janie from Their Eyes Were Watching God, Gatsby from The Great Gatsby, June from The Joy Luck Club, and Edna from The Awakening In most of the world's greatest literature, there have been introduced countless courageous characters and triumphant victories. These characters have the power to father strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. Such characters as Janie from Their Eyes Were Watching God, Gatsby from The Great Gatsby, June from The Joy Luck Club, and Edna from The Awakening. Throughout each of these magnificent stories comes an example of bravery and courage. Although in some cases, the characters may not generally be perceived by the public to be courageous at all, they demonstrate extreme strength in overcoming adversity. In Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God, the character of Janie is a prime example of overcoming adversity. She is faced with racism early in life, and then forced to marry at a young age. In her lifelong search for true love, Janie goes through three marriages, several moves, and an incredible journey of self-discovery. On Janie's quest for unconditional, true, and fulfilling love, she gains her own interdependence and personal freedom, which makes her a true heroine in this novel. Because Janie strives for her own independence, others tend to judge her simply because she is daring enough to achieve her own autonomy. "Ah wants things sweet wed mah marriage lak when you sit under a pear tree and think. Ah†¦" (Eyes 23) Throughout the novel, she searches for the love that she has always desired, one that is represented to her early in life by the marriage between a bee and a blossom on the pear tree that stood in her grandmother's backyard. "She was stretched o... ... because reality cannot keep up with ideals, but also because the ideals are in any case usually too fantastic to be realised. The heroic presentation of Gatsby, therefore, should not be taken at face value, for we cannot overlook the fact that Gatsby is naive, impractical and over sentimental. It is this which makes him attempt the impossible, to repeat the past. There is something pitiful and absurd about the way he refuses to grow up, but also brave and courageous. The way Gatsby refuses to sacrifice his ideals is admirable, although many saw it as foolish. Jay Gatsby died because of these ideals, and can almost be seen as a martyr for his own beliefs and idea of perfection, or the American Dream. Gatsby's good friend, neighbor, and the narrator of this novel thinks very highly of the complicated Gatsby. "Your worth the whole rotten bunch of them put together,"

Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh pronunciation (help ·info) (born 12 December 1981) is an Indian cricketer, and the son of former Indian fast bowler and Punjabi movie star Yograj Singh. [1] Yuvraj is a left-hand middle-order batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He has been a member of the Indian cricket team in ODIs since 2000 and played his first Test match in 2003. He was the vice-captain of the ODI team from late-2007 to late-2008.At the 2007 World Twenty20, he famously hit six sixes in an over against England's Stuart Broad — a feat performed only three times previously in any form of senior cricket, and previously never in an international match between two Test cricket nations. He was named the Man of the Tournament in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and was one of the top performers at the 2007 World Twenty20, both of which India won. In 2011, he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor (stage-I) in his left lung and underwent chemotherapy treatment at the Cancer Research Institute in Bos ton, USA as well as Medicine Facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana. 2][3] In March 2012, Yuvraj was discharged from hospital after completing the third and final cycle of chemotherapy and returned to India in April. [4][5] He was conferred with Arjuna Award, India's second highest sporting award in the year 2012 by the President Pranab Mukherjee. [6] He made his international comeback in a Twenty20 match in September against New Zealand shortly before the 2012 World Twenty20.

Kenya DBQ Essay

Colonialism occurs when one nation takes control of another. And that is exactly what happened when the British arrived in Africa. The people of Africa had no idea that the British was taking and had taken their land. But, with that being said the British are who had help develop Kenya by bringing them some of their viewpoints from Great Britain. These viewpoints did a number of things to the people Africa. They changed the way they were politically, economically, and even culturally (religiously). The culture or religion of Africa was a very diverse. They all had their own beliefs and myths about how the creation of everything came to be such as the Abaluyia creation story, where it says that god created man so that the sun would have someone to shine on (Doc 7). The British did not really understand this, given the majority of them were either Protestant or Catholic. They couldn’t comprehend the idea of believing in witchcraft or witch doctors, or how each tribe had a concep t of a â€Å"Supreme Being† (Doc 6). But, as more years went by the number of people believing in indigenous beliefs went down. 38% of the people in Kenya were Protestant and 28% of people became Catholic, while from the original 80% of people who followed indigenous beliefs, only 8% of the people stuck to those beliefs (Doc 8). The economical impact that the British had on Africa was one of the few things that actually benefited them. The education of Africans was provided, even though it was not compulsory, with 3,442 schools (Doc 10). In total, there were 395,000 students that attended these schools (doc 10). And within 50 years there was a substantial amount of growth in both Railroad and Road networks throughout Kenya (Doc 11). The cause for the majority of economically growth came from all the raw materials and cash crops that were being sold and produced for Britain. Politically, there were differences amongst both the people of Kenya and the people of Great Britain. When the British came and announced that the people of Africa now had a new king to serve under and that their land was his, the people were confused (Doc 3). The people could not understand how this foreign king was now their king and how the land that was passed down from their fathers’ father, now belonged to this stranger of a king (Doc 3). Most Africans learned to except the fact that they were now part of a colonial state, no  mat ter how much they despised it (Doc 4). There was even some Kenyan headsman/chief who assisted the British legislative council that who ruled Kenya. After the First World War though, Kenya started to become harder to rule and control, and soon by the time World War II ended the control the British had was gone. The colonization of Kenya is what made Kenya what it is today. And with the help of the British they were able to make the people of Kenya more civilized and developed. The British had altered their perception on how things should be, on how they should be. And their viewpoints gave them insight and had changed the way that they had been, politically, economically, and culturally.

Greenway hotel Case Study Essay

1.0 Introduction Greenway hotel is a hotel chain of Great Britain, and there are more than 60 hotels in Britain. Now, Greenway hotel has a new small hotel chain headquarters in Germany, so they want to keep the half of the new hotel and renamed as Greenway part of the hotel group, the other half to sell. In order to have a better understanding of the Multinational Resourcing, we analyzed the Greenway hotel employees choose way. Multinational Resourcing is A procurement strategy in which a business seeks to find the most cost efficient location for manufacturing a product, even if the location is in a foreign country. (Virolainen, V. M. 1998). Under Multinational Resourcing, there are several strategies may use onto business environment as company direction to become competitive among industries such as Parent Country Nationals (PCNs),Host Country Nationals (HCNs) and Adopt a Mixed (PCNs + HCNs). 2.0 Problem According to the article, because the new hotel is acquired, so many employees have left, so new hotels lack of employees in Germany. As is known to all, Greenway hotel is the hotel chain from the UK, so for the German business perspective, their lack of understanding of German information and business culture. Due to work in Germany, the hotel also has a problem which is the communication between employees, German employees speak German, but Britain’s staffs are using English, hence, it will be difficult to communicate between employees, and produce some problems. Finally, the new hotel requires four months later will be opened, so short time is also a  problem. These problems are the multinational companies outside their home countries to establish subsidiary possible problems, to solve these problems, the company can better development in countries outside of the home country. 3.0 Cause of problem Case study showed that the old employees have departed, 70% due to buy so now, Greenway hotel requires a lot of new employees, just can make the new hotel can normal operation. Second, because of the new hotel is not in home, so they are facing the new management problem, German and British business environment different, in order to attract more guests, new hotels can’t expose more British management mode. Third, due to the new employees have German and British, this will lead to the problem of language, make it difficult to manage the company. Finally, the head office for the time is short, this could lead to a new company open is not ready, it will affect the company’s reputation. 4.0 Recommendation 4.1 Lack of staff Lack of staff that is every multinational enterprises expand when encounter problems. By buying companies, some employees may leave, because the company is not stable, it will make the new staff to reduce, so the new hotel need to recruit more staff. New employees should be good for Chinese people, I believe, is preferred, although this can make the home staff less employment opportunities, but this will be conducive to the development of the new hotel. McDonald’s, for example, McDonald’s in entering a new country, would face a lack of staff. So, they will recruit new employees, such ability can let a subsidiary functioning normally. McDonald’s choice of employees have their own ideas, grass-roots staff they generally choose the host state employees, but the manager will choose home staff, not only conducive to management, also can make the subsidiary can develop faster. So the Greenway hotel should study the staffs choose way, so that we can better development in host countries. 4.2 lack of understanding of German information and business culture Due to Greenway hotel is a British company, the German problem and business culture is not understand. Therefore, the company  cannot be accepted by most customers in Germany, may also than other local hotel, and also will reduce the hotel’s profit. Greenway hotel should hire a part of the German employees, because they know a lot about the domestic market, so , the hotel will be faster accepted by customers. Second, Greenway hotel should find some employees to do market research before the opening, so as to better understand customers’ needs and preferences of Germany. Moreover, the hotels decorate those who can’t accord the British model, to apply to Germany. Like McDonald’s into other countries, for example, they will do market research, according to local custom to produce some suitable for local food, so that we can attract more guests. Second, their grassroots employees can choose host countries, but in front of the work to practice, so as not to not understand the workings of a McDonald’s. Greenway hotel can also use this way, it can be faster understand German problem and the commercial culture, let the new company can be faster to Greenway hotel group to make a profit. 4.3 The communication between staff Because we choose is mixed way to recruit staff, so the employee communication will appear problem. British workers are speaking English, but German workers speak German, so they produce very big problems of communicating. We can use two methods to solve this problem. First, let the staff to learn German, arrange the tutorial, as soon as possible so that we can solve the problem of language. Second, can only by UK employees, top management of the underlying managers choose to master English German, grass-roots staff all adopt the German employees, so you can avoid the problem of language, but this method is less multinationals own characteristic .Now most multinational companies will choose the first method, because it not only to the home country employee job opportunities, but also can cooperate with host country staff, formed a new service mode, so that we can better attract customers and gain  higher profits for the company. 4.4 Preparation time is short From the article, we know that Lincoln company gave only four months as a time to prepare, it is a challenge for the new company. First, they want to recruit employees, because employees 70% have left before. Second, they want  to solve the problem of communication between employees, such ability can let the staff could work together. Third, because the two countries cultures are different. For these problems, 4 months of preparation time is very short, so, in order to know how to solve these problems, for example, McDonald’s when they set up shop in China is mainly for host countries, so that we can reduce the time of the staff. Second, after the good employees, McDonald’s will be paid to staff training, let employees can adapt to the new job. Third, it has carried on the western food, Chinese fast food market survey, listened to the general public opinion. This survey is not common in China at that time. Fourth, to a large number of design novel and unique with the characteristics of McDonald’s advertising create a market in China, this is off the Chinese consumers’ appetite. Greenway hotel can also learn the McDonald’s to enter the Chinese way, hiring and training in Germany, and in training to send staff do market research in advance, and assign to Germany for a development strategy, so as to let the hotel to the development of better, still can save time to prepare. 5.0 Conclusion Along with the deepening of economic globalization and the vigorous development of tourism industry, the multinational hotel group covers more than half of global hotel. Transnational expansion is the inevitable choice of hotel enterprises to seek greater development, global expansion has become the new century hotel enterprise important tourism economic phenomenon. Traditional research in the field of international expansion of hotel enterprises based on the basis of economics and management, and based on the research of geography foundation is weak. Hotel enterprises transnational expansion means that break through the border of a country or region, into another country or region development, this is like a strong geographical spatial properties. Hotel international expansion has become a trend. The expansion of the hotel will produce a lot of problems. So, find the ice can better to solve these problems for hotel development in host countries, bring more profits and business opportunities. References 1. A survey of procurement strategy development in industrial companies. International Journal of Production Economics, 56, 677-688 2. http://wiki.mbalib.com/wiki/%E9%BA%A6%E5%BD%93%E5%8A%B3%E5%8 5%AC%E5%8F%B8 3. http://wiki.mbalib.com/wiki/%E9%BA%A6%E5%BD%93%E5%8A%B3%E5%8 5%AC%E5%8F%B8

Read and answer question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Read and answer question - Essay Example From this, the whole organization would benefit and remain with their misconducts. In application of the individualism approach to decision-making involving a long-term serve of self-interest, Antonio would tell of the fraud to the insurance company, which despite ruining his job at Express Luxury Lines, would create ethics in the organization. Putting myself into Antonio’s place, I would make a decision of the individualism approach though ethical of stopping the fraud against the insurance company by Express Luxury Lines. This is a decision in the post-conventional level of moral development, which involves making decisions with principled conscience as long as the decision is ethical without fear of the social consequences attributed to it. In the event that Antonio and Kevin are fired from Express Luxury Lines because of them reporting Expresses’ fraud, it would not be justified for them to remove all traces of their employment at the Cruise line from their resumes so as not to explain it to the prospective employer. Contrary to that, this should be an opportunity for them to ascertain their ethical behaviors in decision-making processes, making it known to the prospective employer that it is due to their strong ethical stand that they were fired, hence are the best placed employees in ensuring sanity in the

Game Theory Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Game Theory - Article Example Computers soon became a rage in the 1970s and began finding their way into homes. With it arose the need for games and soon people began designing their own games for home computer use. Online games were fast gaining popularity with role-playing games such Dungeons & Dragons becoming a hit. This was a game where players got the chance to assume the role of a character and carry out missions. However, online games still were an expensive option since the use of Internet was charged by the minute. During this period, games were usually played by typing commands on the keyboard. But in the 1980s, graphics began taking precedence and games with basic textual commands and graphics, such as â€Å"Pool of Radiance† and â€Å"Bard’s Tale† were designed. In 1983, the video game industry came crashing down due to poor quality games and popular games like E.T and Pacman failing miserably. This boosted the popularity of computers and soon enough low-cost computers began replacing video games. There were also many high-quality graphical interfaces, which could be utilised with the help of the computer mouse. With the popularity of Commodore Amiga computers in 1985, sales saw an upward trend and attempts were made to work on improving its features. Other technological innovations that came about were sound cards, which added to the audio-visual experience of a computer game. In the 90s, came trend-setting games like â€Å"Wolfenstein 3D† which popularised the first person shooter game genre as so did â€Å"Doom† which set the trend for 3D graphics in games.... During this period, games were usually played by typing commands on the keyboard. But in the 1980s, graphics began taking precedence and games with basic textual commands and graphics, such as "Pool of radiance" and "Bard's Tale" were designed. In 1983, the video game industry came crashing down due to poor quality games and popular games like E.T and Pacman failing miserably. This boosted the popularity of computers and soon enough low cost computers began replacing video games. There were also many high quality graphical interfaces, which could be utilised with the help of the computer mouse. With popularity of Commodore Amiga computers in 1985, sales saw an upward trend and attempts were made to work on improving its features. Other technological innovations that came about were sound cards, which added to the audio-visual experience of a computer game. In the 90s, came trend setting games like "Wolfenstein 3D" which popularised the first person shooter game genre as so did "Doom" which set the trend for 3D graphics in games. The 90s can be termed as the boom time for computer games since the Real Time Strategy (RTS) genre games made an entry with Dune II. The genre was further popularised by Warcraft: Orc and Humans in 1994 and games like Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness in 1995 gave rise to multiplayer capabilities in the RTS genre. With broadband connections becoming cheaper in the 1990s, online gaming became very popular. A player usually used a modem or LAN to play RTS games, where the player gets a top down perspective of the battle zone complete with 3 D animation. The player can manipulate the game through clicking and dragging the mouse without waiting for his chance unlike a turn-based game. With Internet becoming more accessible than

HR Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

HR - Essay Example ations on the base pay, which include external competition, employee equity, the Equal Pay Act of 1970, communication strategy, and use of point-factor rating and definition and evaluation of benchmark jobs. In the contingency pay reward structure, the main proposal is to disregard the current system in place (contribution pay) with a combination of Competence Related Pay and Individual Performance Related Pay reward schemes. The section also proposes several cost-cutting measures and exercises. Part three of the report highlights the non-financial rewards and an overall reward recommendation, including learning and development, performance management, career development, and work environment. Part four of the report contains all the possible alternative retention plans and cost cutting strategies that are applicable in MB’s environment, including Employment Stock Ownership Plan, time extension of paying bonuses, and enhancement of job designations. The fifth and final part of the business report concludes with specific recommendations on a cost-effective reward structure for MB that will enhance the commitment of the workers, raise the morale of the employees, and thus increase the profitability of the company. The combination of low profitability, a lack of performance culture, low morale, and commitment in MB is the result of embedded complacent attitude, irrelevant reward structure, and multiple shortcomings in HR practices multiplied by too hierarchical structure and remote location of departments from each other and the Head Office. The changes offered below are vital to stay afloat. 1. Increasingly popular in job evaluation is a method of combining of two analytical schemes: using point-factor rating to define and evaluate benchmark jobs (jobs which can be used as points of comparison for others), and evaluating the remaining jobs by means of analytical matching (Armstrong pg 254 - 263) 2. External competitiveness: it is necessary to operate exact

Computer Networking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Computer Networking - Essay Example Sometimes attackers with the help of unauthorised access give huge amount of damages to IT companies. Because with the help of attack on their WLAN they get all the important information and data. Radio signal interference is used to remove that signals which can interrupt original signals from wireless devices but these radio IP interface can effect the connectivity of original signals, poor throughput and low data rates. Wireless equipment privacy is used at data link and physical layer of OSI model. As name implies, Wireless Equivalent Privacy goal is to provide an equivalent amount of security to all wired LAN networks. Wireless network is a type of computer network that has become vital for modern existence. The difference between wired and wireless networks is that multiple computer or devices can flexibly share resources without any additional installation of wiring. These resources can be a shared data, internet, printers and domain connectivity. In wired networks all communications can be possible by using some sort of any physical medium only, while wireless telecommunications networks are generally implemented and administered using radio communication over one or more access points. Some of benefits of wireless network are convenience, flexibility, productivity, easy setup, maintainable, expandable, robust security protection and cost. However, the disadvantages include interference in wireless signals because of any obstructions like wall or other wireless devices etc Cooper,4,2004. Nowadays, wireless networking is quickly become famous for both home and business networks and wireless products. Major organizations like IEEE, IFTF and Wi-Fi alliance are continually working to make improvement in this area. As stated above 802.11 was the original standard of the IEEE which could deliver 1-2 Mbps over 2.4 GHz range.

The Application of Cognitive Learning Theory in Learning How to Read Essay

The Application of Cognitive Learning Theory in Learning How to Read and Use Maps - Essay Example The objective of the essay is to examine the potentials of one of the learning theories aforementioned, the cognitive learning theory, in identifying and explaining the components and mechanisms of learning a particular task. For this essay, learning how to read and use a map will be explored by applying the cognitivist approach. Primarily, the essay will provide a brief overview of the task of learning how to read and use a map and its importance in the discipline of geography. Afterward, the types of knowledge required to acquire or learn the particular skill will be discussed, and then the cognitive learning theory, as it applies to the learning task of reading and using a map, will be examined. Specifically, Piaget’s and the neo-Vygotskian’s theories will be employed in explaining the chosen learning task. And lastly, the essay will conclude the discussion by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive learning theory, relative to other learning theori es, in explaining the task of learning how to read and use a map. The discipline of geography explores the relationship between human beings and the earth and particularly takes into account the environment, location, and space. In studying locations and geographical subjects, geographers illustrate and identify the mechanisms and structures they observe in their physical environment. Hence study of spatial structures and the acquisition of locational knowledge shape distinguishing and core components of the field, with various kinds of maps being an essential tool in this practice (Palmer & Birch, 2004).

Article Rebuttal Essay Example for Free

Article Rebuttal Essay Abortion is a disagreement that has been discuss for years. Kenny, Ph. D. and Swope (2013) of American Thinker has share with its’ audience the understanding of the struggle women has in making a decision to continue a pregnancy or to abort an unplanned pregnancy. In analyze the information in the article the reliability, credibility, and validity of the data used by Kenny, Ph. D. and Swope comes from independent psychological analysis of women’s hidden, emotional response to pregnancy, abortion, and motherhood (Kenny, Ph. D. Swope, 2013). The writers of this article indicated that the interviews took from 75 to 110 minutes, which require them to visualize, replicate, and use relaxation techniques in accessing these individual emotional minds, and to uncover deeply seated emotional needs and barriers (Kenny, Ph. D. Swope, 2013). Significantly, some of these problems that relates to abortion are ethical, and religion. However, a woman has right to do whatever she want to her own body and upon her own judgment, whether it is to keep the baby or to have an abortion. In Fact, a woman has the authority to make the decision whether to have an abortion or not based on her personal desire, financial status, or unwanted pregnancy. Kenny, Ph. D. and Swope (2013) have provided information regarding the circumstances and how abortion can affect a woman mental state of mind. Most important is to deny a fetus by terminate the fetus merely does not mean that the person is slaughter a person. It could be that the pregnancy was an unplanned pregnancy from rape, incest, or the feeling of not wanting to bring a child in the world under certain circumstances. An example would be a medical condition that may be a live or dead situation or simply because she not ready for motherhood because of her age. For instant, a teenage girl between the age of 14 and 20 still in high school and going to college and who is struggling with finances are liable to have an abortion. She may become remorseful, but she has to think about how pregnancy can affect her future and life. In conclusion, a woman rights to be pregnant or to abort an unwanted pregnancy should solely be left up to her no matter what her reason may be. Because she is the one that have to deal with the issues of bring a child in the world or removing the fetus to remove the stress not those groups such as the pro-lifer.

Role of Self Assessment in Learning

Role of Self Assessment in Learning My interest in self-assessment stems from personal experiences of being assessed and the frustration felt when most assessed work was simply awarded a grade, contained minimum feedback if any and was then expected to be filed away despite the many questions I may have had. However, many years later, while attended a language teaching training course, I was given a self-evaluation sheet to complete by the instructor. Uncomfortable as this was, I realised that this was the first time that I had been presented a format to self-assess/reflect on my work. After completing the sheet and the subsequent discussion about the contents, the instructor provided feedback of a type that I could use, in a context which was supportive and which respected my goals as a language teacher. Since then I have developed an interest in how self-assessment can be used to promote learning in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. During my teaching in Asia I have seen the need for learners to take greater responsibility for their own learning in order to move away from the more traditional teacher-led, didactic approach. I have found that using self-assessment as part of reflective learning can lead to greater ownership and autonomous learning as more attention is paid to how learners acquire knowledge. This essay evaluates the role of assessments, particularly self-assessment as a tool for promoting learning, as I recount the journey taken with my Chinese learners on an English Pathways Program (EPP) and what has led to the decision for using a range of formative tasks contained in a portfolio of written work, with learners ultimately taking ownership of their learning. What is the role of assessments? Assessment according to Gipps (1994, p. vii) is: a wide range of methods for evaluating student performance and attainment including formal testing and examinations, practical and oral assessment, and classroom based assessment carried out by teachers and portfolios. Many curricula in language schools reflect Tylers (1949) classical model that specified objectives, content, and means of achieving and assessing pre-determined learning outcomes. This model of behaviourism views the learner as a passive absorber of information provided by the teacher and in this way learning becomes an incidental rather than an intentional process. Gipps (1994) argues that the dominance of this model in the classroom, has meant that teachers have focused their instruction on discrete skills and on decontextualized test items, with continued practice until mastery is achieved. Black and Wiliam (1998a) found this type of testing encourages superficial or shallow rote learning, as learning isolated facts, quickly disappear from the memory because they have no meaning and do not fit into the learners conceptual map. This has been witnessed many time in our classrooms where on one day students are able to recite easily a list of vocabulary or grammatical rules, as they have just done that in class or in a test, but are unable to recall the same information, a few days later. An alternative to this behaviourist/objectives model comes from constructivist psychology which argues that knowledge is not directly transmittable from person to person, but rather is individually constructed or discovered. Glasersfeld (1989) argues that the responsibility of learning should reside increasingly with the learner and constructivism emphasizes the importance of the learner being actively involved in the learning process, unlike previous educational viewpoints where as we noted above the responsibility rested with the instructor to teach and where the learner played a passive, receptive role. Glasersf eld (1989) urges that learners be taught how to learn by engaging their metacognitive functions, resulting in learning being an intentional process and leading to deep learning. Sadler (1989) supports this by saying that developments in metacognition tell us students need to become competent assessors of their own work. McDonald and Boud (2003) have argued that the formal development of self-assessment skills is an important part of the curriculum at all levels (p. 210) with Black and Wiliam (1998b) stating that self-assessment is an essential component of formative assessment. In support of this active learning approach, Gipps (1994) advocates for more frequent and a greater range of assessments, such as essays, performance assessments, small group tasks and projects. Bould (1991) defines self-assessment as the involvement of students in identifying standards and/or criteria to apply to their work and making judgements about the extent to which they have met these criteria and standards. (Boud, 1991, p.5). The latter stage, often called self-grading or self-testing is only one aspect of self-assessment and Bould (1995) warns against an overemphasis on this aspect as it can direct attention away from involving learners in identifying and engaging with criteria, a stage which he says is both difficult and often neglected. In China today, assessments give all the power to the teacher, to make unilateral and final judgements on a students work. However, if we want our students to become independent, active learners, then this relationship between student and teacher needs to be changed and by incorporating self-assessment into classroom learning, students as well as teachers acknowledge assessment as a mutual responsibility, and not as the sole respon sibility of the teacher (Oscarson, 1989). Other relevant issues concerning assessments noted by Black and Wiliam (1998a) were: the filling in of records rather than analysing students work to identify their learning needs; and the over-emphasis on awarding marks and grades, often using normative referencing, which encourages competition rather than personal improvement. Many of our learners experience of normative referencing in their previous schools led them to believe that they lacked ability and as a result they had lost confidence in their own capacity to learn. Therefore, as a result of this, we adopted a more ipsative approach where learners are more focussed on their own gains rather than others grades. In support of this Hounsell et al. (2008) noted that awarding grades often comes at the expense of giving useful advice or feedback, which needs to be integral to the ongoing teaching and learning cycle, as achievement gains from formative assessment are amongst the most substantive of all pedagogical interventions. E llery (2008, p. 422) elaborates on this by saying that, the opportunities for learning are greatest in formative assignments requiring drafts where students receive feedback and have the occasion to actively engage with the feedback to improve the product in its subsequent draft(s), such as in essays. Gipps (1994) argues for the use of qualitative descriptors believing that collapsing or aggregating all results to provide a single figure for reporting is to lose detailed information. When scores must be aggregated for reporting then we need to use models which result in the least loss of information and to make the rules explicit. To summarise, I feel the program should consider the learner as an active participant, use a range of formative assessments, with a focus on self-assessments, feedback and leaners progress rather than awarding grades. What are the benefits, issues of using self-assessments and are they reliable? To evaluate self-assessments, the literature was reviewed to establish the associated benefits and issues, in addition to the reliability of the tool for sour situation. Several benefits of using self-assessment have been identified. A number of language researchers have found self-assessment to be a reliable method of improving students language skills and abilities (Ekbatani, 2000; Nunan, 1988), developing learner autonomy and metacognitive engagement (Andrade and Du 2007; Cassidy 2007), enhancing learning, including deep and lifelong learning (Taras 2008) and it contributes to student achievement (Hughes, Sullivan Mosley 1985; Schunk, 1996; Ross 2006). Studies have also shown that self-assessments has a positive effect on students learning motivation (Pope, 2001) and learning performance (McDonald Boud, 2003). However, several issues with self-assessment have also been identified. Some students are reluctant to self-assess, feeling they lack the necessary skills, confidence or ability to judge their own work or simply are afraid of being wrong (Leach 2012), preferring and expecting to be assessed by experts (Evans, McKenna, and Oliver 2005) or students may see it as the teachers responsibility (Brown and Knight 1994). In addition, in many Asian countries the very concept of self-assessment goes against deep-rooted cultural expectations about learning and giving themselves a good grade is considered inappropriate, boasting (Leach 2012), resulting in individuals from Eastern cultures generally displaying a modesty bias, and thereby underrating their performance (Yik, Bond, and Paulhus, 1998). Therefore, it is important to explain the rationale to the learners and demonstrate that as learners we daily self-evaluate (e.g. reciting a list of words). To address cultural issues it may require ind ividual consultations to allay concerns. Although self-assessment is being used in a range of settings: science, maths, and language classes; primary, secondary and tertiary education; there is still some doubt about its reliability which Gipps defines as the extent to which an assessment would produce the same, or similar, score on two occasions or if given by two assessors (1994: p. vii). Bachman and Palmer (1989) found that a group of EFL learners in the US were able to reliably self-rate themselves for their communicative language abilities. Boud and Falchikov (1989) found there was no consistent tendency to over or underestimate performance by students. Some students in some circumstances tended towards one di ­rection, others in the same or different situations towards the other. However, they found the ability of self-assessors was a noticeable variable, with the more able students making more accurate self-assessments than their less able peers. Weaker and less mature students also tended to overrate themselves an d the weaker they are, in terms of teacher ratings, the greater the degree of overrating. One explanation offered by Boud and Falchikov (1989) for this was learners not being aware of, or choosing not to subscribe to, the standards set by teachers, erred on the side of optimism. Boud and Falchikov (1989) also found that over-estimates are more likely to be found if the self-assessments contribute to the students grade in a course and young children may over-estimate due to a lack of cognitive skills to integrate information about their abilities and are more vulnerable to wishful thinking. Ross, et. al (1999) found that agreement of teacher and student assessments is higher when teachers provide direct instruction to students on how to self-assess their work, Ross (2006) says that the strengths of self-assessment can be enhanced and weaknesses addressed through training students how to assess their work thereby placing training as central to the successful implementation of self-ass essment. According to Ross (2006), one other factor which may be overlooked by teachers is that students may include in their self-assessments information that is not available or obvious to the teacher, such as effort. We have found that discussing with the students their grade helps to draw out underlying beliefs of the students on their work, rather than relying totally on the physical evidence presented. Issues identified with previous studies Ross (2006) and Boud and Falchikov (1989) after extensive review, both found a lack of sufficient studies looking at improvement over time, to draw any firm conclusions and there is particularly a lack of studies on the influence of practice on self-marking over time. They also expressed some concern about the quality, especially regarding the lack of definition in the criteria used by teachers and students, something we address later in the essay. What needs to be consider before Implementing Self-Assessment Considering what the literature provided, outlined below is the approach taken on implementing self-assessment in EPP. Firstly, as identified by Boud (1995, p.189), an effective program needs to gain student commitment, link well with the subject matter, and encourage students to take greater responsibility for learning. A common issue on many language courses which follow the objectives approach, is only the products of learning are assessed which is insufficient to guide learning. However, on the EPP the process of learning is often of greater importance than specifically what is learned as not all learning is evident in a final product, no matter how well thought out the assessment tool may be. We will look at now how negotiating criteria and the selection of evidence can involve learners more in the assessment process. Negotiating the Criteria Boud (1986), maintains that the involvement of learners in making decisions about the criteria which are appropriately applied to their work and their making of judgements about achievements is the key characteristic of self-assessment. He further says that engagement in such activities helps to stimulate metacognitive skills and wean students from dependence on the assessments of others. Boud (1995) suggests two approaches to generating criteria; structured group activities and structured written schedules. The former is used to generate common criteria for a class, and I have found it a good way to start the process as the class generates and discusses potential criteria for inclusion. This can address some of the issues identified earlier such as; students reluctance to self-assess, supporting less able students, and poorly defined criteria. In general, for writing tasks there are four areas that are looked at, Grammar, Lexis, Coherency and Content. The discussion can help student s to become more aware of the criteria and assist them in the structured written schedules, which consists of three steps to guide each student in individualising the process. These steps are as follows: identifying the criteria which they consider appropriate to apply to their work, for example they may choose a number of the four areas or another such as format, thereby taking responsibility for learning and personalising it; clarifying these criteria, what specific area for example are they examining; and assessing the priority or emphasis which they wish to give to each criteria, encouraging deeper thinking and learning Once satisfactory criteria have been generated, students then use them to judge their own performance. From a checklist of the criteria, students may simply award themselves a mark with respect to each criterion chosen, and then make a statement justifying that mark (e.g. on format, I have written four paragraphs, including a clear introduction and conclusion). The emphasis on which criteria is important to the learner will change over time as they identify additional areas of weakness or choose to challenge themselves. The initial negotiation of the criteria occurs within the first two weeks of the program so learners can become familiar and start using them as quickly as possible. Learners discuss with teachers the criteria that they have chosen to be used in assessments, to eliminate potential confusion and to avail of support. The selection of evidence. The learners are involved in deciding on the form and quantity of evidence to be used in assessment, which allows for individuals to take more responsibility, by selecting from their own work and creating a portfolio, which will be explained in greater detail later. Learners indicate what evidence they have chosen, for the attainment of their goals, including essays written, as well as feedback received, and reflections. The negotiation of learning goals. Historically, the majority of assessment tools have been created based on external goals and imposed on the learners usually by the curriculum. However, it is important and appropriate that students are actively involved in setting class or personal goals and assessing themselves so that through this, they are more invested in learning and develop the skills required in how to learn, leading to the development of independent learners and critical thinkers. Self-assessment can provide a very personal and detailed record of learning. This negotiating of goals occurs early in the program so that the purposes and directions of the program are set to meet the learners self-perceived needs. Initially these are quite general but over time become more refined and individualistic as they are reviewed or change during the course. Goals may relate to the process as well as the outcomes of the course. Goals should be of a personal or context-specific nature (e.g. I want to be able to write a per sonal statement). Assessment approach on EPP On the EPP we have endeavoured to compile an assessment for learning approach, which supports the teaching/learning process, rather than assessments of learning which, simply measures student performance by tests and examinations. Tasks, which support higher order skills and support learners learning goals are utilised. Examples of tasks used are as follows; written essays, role plays, maintaining vocabulary and reflective learning journals. Some of the characteristics, and underlying reasons for the tasks are as follows: a clear rationale for the activity, so that learners can be actively engaged with a task which they accept is for learning (not passively following a set of instructions); explicit procedures so learners know what is expected of them, both in carrying out the tasks and in self-assessing; given that these were mainly new experiences for them, and that lack of training was identified as a major failing in previous studies; the task is constructed to allow significant elements of choice by the learners so that they can begin to own it and make it meaningful and worthwhile for them, taking greater responsibility for their own learning and learn to become independent of their teachers (Boud 1988); selection and reflection elements which reinforce student responsibility in taking charge of their learning and it provides a more valid, individualised assessment (Boud, 1995); reassurance so that learners can be honest about their own performance without the fear that they will expose information which can be used against them, and to address and cultural sensitivities or bias; tasks contribute to the final grade, although, based on the findings of previous studies, there is the potential for learners to overestimate or underestimating due to cultural bias, it was deemed necessary to do this to because of the general need for recognition by learners and to comply with external bodies; allocation of class time to complete the tasks and to enable learners to get assistance, this alleviates time pressures on the leaners and to also allow for sufficient training/retraining to take place so learners gain confidence in the process; Finally there was an emphasis on the process rather than just the product of assessment (Boud 1995). Students on the program are allowed to work and re-work their written drafts, based upon multiple sources of feedback, until such time that it is ready to be submitted allowing for students writing ability to be assessed in an ongoing, authentic context. Teachers were advised to exercise caution as tasks are usually completed over a period of time, both inside and outside the class and the degree students are assisted with feedback has the potential to affect validity (Boud, 1995). To address reliability, moderation where teachers and students scores are compared, can be used. However, if teachers moderate students results excessively, then students do not put much effort into being objective but simply rely on the teacher to do the assessing. At the same time, if teachers place the full responsibility on students, the danger is that there will always be some students whose self-assessment is not justified, however, the payoff is that the majority of students undertake their self-assessment much more seriously, and therefore learn a great deal more in the process of doing it (Boud, 1995). Portfolios of Evidence A recent trend in language assessment advocated by Boud (1995) and Race (2001) is the inclusion of portfolios in a course. A portfolio allows students to track their progress by compiling a selection of their work, selected from larger body of work. The portfolio is then presented with feedback comments and a reflective piece written by the student to justify the selection. Race (2001) points out that while most other forms of assessment are like snapshots of particular levels of development, portfolios can illustrate progression, reflecting how quickly students can learn from and implement feedback. The involvement of the student in reviewing and selecting is central, helping student-centred learning to become a reality (Calfee Freedman, 1996). Kathpalia and Heah (2008), stress the importance of reflection stating that a writing portfolio without reflection is merely a collection of written work which does not contribute to real learning. Portfolio Procedure At the beginning of the program, time is taken to ensure learners are provided with instructions on how to reflect on activities as well as filling self-assessment checklists through which they could improve their autonomy in writing. As identified earlier, training is key to the successful implementation of self-assessment. After the first two weeks, a simple class checklist was created for the purposes of self-assessment. An exemplar piece of writing was then given to the individual learners and they were asked to use the self-assessment checklist with this writing. The results were discussed with the class along with individual consultations. This process was then repeated with another piece of writing. Once learners were familiar with using the checklists, they could create their own, using the individual criteria chosen by themselves. After that, learners were then given a list of topics to choose from and were required to write one task during class and one outside the classroo m. Learners then had to assess their work using their individual checklists. Again, the general results were discussed with the whole class in addition to individual feedback sessions. After one month learners showed significant improvement in self-assessing as confidence grew and could begin to self-evaluate their own work independently, using their own checklists, and to add them to their body of work. Grades were awarded by the learner based on their individual, agreed negotiated criteria. Initially, each student awarded themselves a grade together with a justification for it based upon the evidence submitted. Students are encouraged to consult with their peers if they are lacking confidence and to focus on the process of evaluation rather than simply the grade. Independently of this, a teacher assessment is made using the agreed criteria on the evidence available but without knowledge of the students proposed grade. If the two proposed grades did not fall within the same band, a discussion took place during which each party justifies their grade. Agreement generally resulted, but there is provision for final arbitration by a third party if needed. Race (2001) argues that portfolios can be high on validity as it is possible to assess appropriate evidence of achievement relating more directly to intended learning outcomes, than (for example) can be achieved just with written exams. Race continues by saying that portfolios contain evidence reflecting a wide range of skills and attributes, and can reflect students work at its best, rather than just a cross-section on a particular occasion, such as one-off exams. He cautions that ownership of the work can sometimes be in doubt and the inclusion of an oral assessment or interview, can validate the origin of the contents of portfolios. There are however, some issues with portfolio use, with McMillan (2004) and Race (2001) highlighting that assessing portfolios is time-consuming, requiring time for both designing the portfolio and preparing rubrics for scoring. In addition to that, the teacher has to train learners to self-assess their work adequately, which often entails a one-to-one conference with each student so that portfolio implementation is done properly. As McMillan puts it, portfolio assessment requires time, expertise, and commitment (2004, p. 238), all of which are not always available. Reflective Learning Journals Reflective learning journals are another important aspect of self-assessment and the EPP, with evidence showing that good learners have better metacognitive processes than poor learners (Ertmer and Newby, 1996). Developing reflective skills is an important aspect of self-assessment, leading to a reflective practitioner which according to Schà ¶n (1987), includes: reflection-in-action that is immediate, short term, concerned with a devising a new strategy for approaching the situation; and reflection-on-action, typically undertaken some time after an event has occurred. The challenge we had was ways of incorporating reflective activities in the course. Boud et al, (1983) suggests that learners maintain a journal, to reflect on their learning, over a sustained period, maintained with the intention of improving or supporting learning. Records can include both academic as well as personal development with students generating records on such items as: their objectives and how these have been addressed and achieved; expectations, attitudes, values, beliefs, and skills. The records can start off structured but may become more unstructured as learners take ownership. Morrison (1996) identified some matters which need to be considered regarding the reflective activity: not all students find reflection easy; there may also be cultural issues where the concept is particularly difficult to grasp; and what is the depth of reflection required. A means of addressing these is to provide real examples of reflective writing, as well as some structured questions to the learners. Allowing for adequate practice and providing opportunities for feedback can also alleviate any potential problems. In terms of assessing the work, initially a journal may be considered satisfactory and passed, or not yet satisfactory and not yet passed, avoiding some of the difficult judgements about work that may be very diverse and / or creative (Morrison 1996). We found that this can also encourage gr eater participation as leaners feel that they are not being scrutinised about what they are writing. Evaluation of using Self-assessment in EPP One of the greatest challenges was with the concept of criteria where both the teachers and learners preferred to rely on well-known externally imposed criteria rather than take ownership of self-generated criteria, negotiated in the classroom. Indeed, there was also a strong resistance from the institute itself, however the future success of this approach the acceptance and willingness of all the participants. From an learners perspective Each term, a survey concerning the course in general and the use of the self-assessments is conducted to gather the views of the learners. For the most part, after the initial introductory phase, learners find self-assessment a useful tool which helps them focus on their own learning: I found it very difficult in the beginning but now I know it will be good for my future study. Difficult to start but then I started to enjoy it when I realised what I had achieved. Students commented on the tasks in general (reflective journal; self-assessment): A very interesting and different experience for me. I learned how disorganised I am and that I need to change. I now have more confidence in my work before I submit it. Students were very positive on the experience: Amazing, I had no idea that I had achieved so much until I reviewed my journal at the end. I now really enjoy reflecting on what I have done not just memorising information. Students rarely, if ever find the task of self-assessment easy, especially in a Chinese society where the teacher is traditionally viewed as having ultimate control. Some learners are naturally more self-reflective or self-critical than others, and some are more willing to share their learning than others. It provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and think about the applications of ideas in their own situations. It is common for them to report that they only start to become aware of what they have learned when they looked back on the course in a systematic fashion, in preparing to submit their portfolios. Two major obstacles that learners had difficulty overcoming was the doubt in their ability to assess themselves and the objection to the concept of self-grading, arguing that grading should be the sole responsibility of the teacher, which is similar to studies mentioned earlier (Leach 2012, Brown and Knight 1994) however, we feel this has been addressed. From the Teachers Perspective Despite the increase in using self-assessment, Ross (2006) explains that teachers still retain doubts about the value and accuracy of the technique, saying many teachers holding the view that learners are incapable of self-assessment believing that learners are unable to appreciate or understand the process. In our situation some of the more senior teachers resisted the change in the power dynamic that self-assessment entails as it not only changes the role of the teacher but also the relationship between the teacher and learner. A secondary issue we experienced was when the teachers themselves are unsure of or are having difficulty in interpreting criteria and are therefore reluctant to negotiate with the learners. However, I have found that through the process of discussion the criteria ultimately become clearer. From my perspective Producing a portfolio of evidence has the advantage of students summarised and demonstrating their learning at many different stages of learning and has been a valuable takeaway from the program for the learners. Now before submitting a written piece of work, many learners have gone through the process of self-assessing and therefore have formed an educated opinion of how good they think the work is which leads to reduced anxiety. Overall, assessment portfolios are beneficial to students. They give them the opportunity to reflect, and to develop their abilities in assessing their own work and understanding. Thus, learners end up eventually taking responsibility for their own learning and have continuing opportunities for using their creativity and imagination and increasing the quality of their work (Barton and Collins 1997). On reflection, I believe that although portfolios require considerable work on the part of both the students and the teacher, they provide a much more effective assessment tool than those used traditionally because the ongoing and developing nature of the portfolio provides a much clearer indication not only of what the learners have achieved (the learning process) but also what the teacher has enabled the learners to achieve (the teaching process