How to write a good essay (technology related) Essay

What are the long term effects of living in a technological world? Are these negative or positive? Are the children now under 12 growing up in a different world than their older college age siblings? How is it different and what does that mean for them? What is the most important new technology for solving world problems? How has social media helped solve and create problems in countries outside the U.S.? Will governments like China continue to be able to control access to the Internet and social media among their citizens? How does social media, texting, cell phones and the Internet make the world bigger? Smaller? What are the implications of ever increasing globalization through technology to our global economy? Technology is moving so quickly that we are frequently using computers, software programs and other technologies that have frustrating glitches and problems. Is there a solution? How does our experience of social interactions with other humans influence the way we interact with machines? When does it become morally wrong to genetically engineer your child? What are new ways people can use digital tools to change the world? How is digital learning going to change schools and education? Does the Internet need controls or censorship? What kind? Do digital tools make us more or less productive at work? To what extent is the development of new technologies having a negative effect on us? How will technology developments change our lives in 20 years? Should people get an identity chip implanted under their skin? Should people in all countries have equal access to technological developments? Can video gaming really help solve world problems? (see video) How our our brains different than a computer? (see video) Is Organic food really better for you than genetically modified foods? What are genetically modified food technologies able to do? How does this compare with traditional plant breeding methods? Should genetically modified food technologies be used to solve hunger and nutritional issues in poorer nations? Since it is now possible to sequence human genes to find out information about possible future heath risks, is that something everyone should have done? What are the advantages or disadvantages? If people have genetic testing, who has the right to that information? Should health care companies and employers have access to that information. If parents have genetic information about their children, when and how should they share it with the child? What sort of genetic information should parents seek to get about their children and how might this influence raising that child? Would having cars that drive themselves be a good or bad idea? How might travel in the future be different? Should information technologies and Internet availability make work from home the norm?

Crash Film Essay Essay

Crash is a movie where director clearly and deliberately portrays the characters in within the context of many typical ethnic stereotypes that exist in our world today. Society sees race as an indicator of identity and ability. Instead of getting to know an individual, we see color or ethnicity first and assume that we already know them as well as their tendencies. This very problematic issue affects us all in some way or another. Racism is a very sensitive topic, but it cannot be ignored. This movie vividly shows us how America is a collage of cultures and that we must find a way to see past our misconceptions of one another. What’s most interesting to me is how the film sort of suggests that the realization that racism as well as other things is a problem can only be reached through a shocking personal experience of some kind. As stated earlier the movie deals with various sorts of racial and social order conflicts and show how some way things are all connected. It’s interesting to see how almost every main character held some sort of animosity towards someone because of race and ironically needed someone of the same decent. One example that sticks out the most to me regarding that is that of the district attorneys wife and how she wrote off the Hispanic locksmith and was rude to her (also Hispanic) hired help. The irony here comes when she hurts herself and the only person who cared to see about her was indeed her hired help. It was shocking to hear her say that the maid woman was her best friend. She had previous misconceptions about the woman and it turned out that she would take care of her before her husband or friend of 10 years. The movie also highlighted the aggressively hostile mental dispositions that many young black men carry. The character played by rapper Ludacris plays a highly opinionated, pro-black car thief who’s completely convinced that the world is a conspiracy made to hinder people of color. He rationalizes his bad judgment and illegal activity with the thoughts that the world are against his people and that he doesn’t take from black people. He states â€Å"the only reason black people steal from their own is because they’re terrified of white people.† His epiphany comes when he attempts to steal a car from a black man (another main character played by Terrance Howard) but to no avail. After a successful stand of and talk with police the character played by Howard tells him â€Å"you embarrass me, you embarrass yourself.† I think that statement stuck with him because it was coming from his own, especially considering the way he perceived his surroundings and how he thought of other people oppressing his people. Crash is the perfect example of how we as a human race deal with life; it shines a heavy light on people and our own experiences. Physical characteristics and racial differences may be taken and viewed as two distinguishing traits that separate us. I personally think that is the fact of life that keeps us apart and constantly in a mix. We as humans so easily recognize other humans but don’t stop there, it’s almost our nature to spot out differences and exhaust them in whatever manner both positive and most times negative. There is one example of how a man’s racism comes from experience rather than it being taught as in how most cases of racism are assumed to be. I always thought that racism occurred as a result of a person’s upbringing. If your parents were racist, there is a good chance that you would be a racist too. At first glance, the character played by Matt Dillon exhibits characteristics that supported my theory. Dillon clearly had a close bond with his father and later, we discover the roots of his racism. Initially I assumed that Dillon’s character had absorbed his racist views from his father based on his attitudes towards black people. However, as the film progresses we find out that his father was not racist towards black people. It was him who developed these thoughts and views in combination with his father’s negative experiences and his own as a member of the LAPD. This is what allowed him to form his own attitude towards blacks. To conclude the biggest problem we have regarding racism is ignorance. A prime example of ignorance occurred at the beginning of the film when the Persian store owner and his daughter went to buy a gun. The clerk at the gun store made blatantly racist comments about the customers. There were several references to the twin towers and planes. It didn’t matter that the two were Persian, not Arab. A reoccurring theme was that after 9/11; all Middle Eastern people became potential terrorists. It is amazing that people have the ability to take bad events and cast their own prejudices on different groups of people to cover their own feelings of anger and frustration. This brings me to my main point that; as the movie crash shows, we have been systematically trained to harbor anger towards other groups of people as a result of ignorance. This we must stop. View as multi-pages

Case Study of diagnosis and treatment of Gout

Case Study of diagnosis and treatment of Gout A 50 year-old male presented for an evaluation of rapid onset of pain and swelling in his right toe. The patient reported that he had two similar previous episodes with the same symptoms lasting four to five days and was treated by emergency physicians. The patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s past medical history is significant for hypertension and treated with Hydrochlorothiazide. The review of systems was negative for headache, fever, chills, rash, earache, sore throat, cough, rhinorrhea, vision changes, weight loss, or change in appetite or disposition. The patient was afebrile, and this blood pressure was slightly elevated. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: General: The patient is a pleasant male who appears to be in no apparent distress. Vital Signs: blood pressure 123/48, heart rate 76, Temperature 38.3 and 98% on room air. HEENT: Extraocular muscles are intact. Pupils are equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation. Neck: Supple. No jugular vein distention noted. No carotid bruits noted . Lungs: Clear to auscultation bilaterally. No wheezes, rubs or rhonchi. Heart: Regular rate and rhythm. Normal S1, S2. A 2/6 to 3/6 systolic ejection murmur at the right upper sternal border. PMI is nondisplaced. Abdomen: Notable for laparoscopy surgical wound. Positive bowel sounds. Extremities: MTP is red, hot and swollen. Neurologic: The patient is alert and oriented x3. No focal neurologic deficits noted. Pathophysiology Gout is an inflammatory disease characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in and around joints, subcutaneous tissues, and kidneys. Although men and women are equally affected by gout, men are six times more likely to have serum concentrations above 7 mg per dL. Gout typically occurs during middle age and is uncommon before the age 30 years old. Women rarely have gouty arthritis attacks before menopause 1. Clinical Presentation Gout attacks are usually associated with precipitated events. Patients usually present with rapid onset of severe pain, swel ling, redness, and warmth in one or tow joints. This pain and inflammation are caused by inflammatory response. Acute attack untreated attacks usually last two to 21 days depending on cases. There are four clinical stages of gout according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The first stage is known as asymptomatic hyperurecemia. During this stage, the patients can have an elevation of uric acid in the blood but they do not have any symptoms yet. After more and more urate deposits around a joint and if any trauma triggers the release of crystal into the joint space, patients will suffer acute attacks of gout. This second stage is known as acute gouty arthritis. The third stage, known as interval or intercritical gout, involves the interval between acute flare gout attacks with persist crystals in the joints. When crystals deposits continue to accumulate, patients are likely to develop chronically stiff and swollen joints. This stage is called chronic tophceous gout. Some permanent damage to affected joints and sometimes to kidneys can be seen. This advanced stage is relatively uncommon if patients receive proper treatment. Differential Diagnosis Gout in the elderly is often polyarticular and involves upper extremity joints (especially proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints). Women present 70% of the time with polyarticular disease rather than the classic monoarticular arthritis seen in men. Gout can be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis because tophi may resemble rheumatoid nodules and rheumatoid factors often become weakly positive as people age. It may be difficult to differentiate cellulitis or septic arthritis from gout, particularly when a fever, leukocytosis, redness, or desquamation is present. The term pseudogout, for calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease, belies the difficulty in clinically differentiating it from gout. For definitive diagnosis, joint fluid must be aspirate d for culture and a search for urate crystals.

Egypt Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Egypt - Essay Example The settlement marked the onset of a more centrally oriented society; the Early Dynasty Period (3100-2686 BCE); the kingdom of the earliest Egyptian king Menes. The Egyptians made use of copper, made architectural and state buildings. Firmly established was the concept of 'Divine Kingship' which persisted in Egypt for around three millennia (Kinnaer, 2012). The Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BCE) was one of the high times of the Egyptian civilization, centered on the God kings; their mummification and the concept of immortality being practiced for the royals and the priests. The first evidence of statue making, painting and writing of annals of important events is also found in this dynasty. This Era in antiquity was followed by collapse of the unified Egypt due to political instability, famine and local violation of temples and then began the First Intermediate Period(2181-2055 BCE) which witnessed much turmoil in shape of low floods. While the Nile floods allowed cultivation of land, Herak leopolitan king Bahr Yusuf restored order and stability in the region. Subsequently the Theban ruler Mentuhotep unified Egypt again and gave way to the establishment of Middle Kingdom (Hassan, 2012). The Theban ruler reestablished central authority, regained hold of southern delta and unified the two valleys to usher the Middle Kingdom(2055-1650 BCE). In this era the Cult of Orisis was attended to and military campaigns were sent, that contributed in regaining Egypt`s lost land. Finest carved reliefs and outstanding monuments like Mentuhotep's mortuary complex are the gifts of this dynasty to the Egyptian history (Meyers, 1996). When the Huskos invaded this land, the Second Intermediate(1650-1550 BCE) Period started which was characterized mainly by decentralization, change of center to Thebes, production of literary and scientific text and administrative records. This era ended after the Theban rulers drove Huskos away from Avaris. Subsequent rise of the Theban ruler Ahmose ushered the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BCE) and the pharaohs commanded unimaginable wealth.The Empire became the most prosperous of all times and at the peak of its power (Shaw, 2000). A number of artistic finds are related to this period including monumental architecture, mortuary temples of Thebes, statuary to honor pharaohs and gods, huge tombs made by cutting rock and various artistic masterpieces created by common individuals of that society. This period spans over five centuries (Logan, 1977). With the death of the pharaoh in 21st Dynasty, began the 350 years duration of politically divided rule; and finally at the end Nubians took over; in the Third Intermediate Period however bronze statuary kept on flourishing (the Third intermediate Period, metmuseum.org). After some years of Nubian rule, Assyrians invaded the land and fought for about 8 years; the Late Period(664-332 BCE) began from here, then the Saite took over and Egypt became its ally. After fall of Assyrians, Babylonians posed the major threat but the Persians conquered Babylon and with it Egypt as well. Alexander the Great defeated the Persians in 332 B.C. The last dynasty to rule ancient Egypt was Nectanebo, and Nectanebo II

General Overview of United Utilities Group Plc Term Paper

General Overview of United Utilities Group Plc - Term Paper Example By doing this, the company helps in the smooth flow of about 7 million people as well as 200,000 businesses in the North West and it does this by the provision of fresh and clean water on a daily basis. The company also takes away and treats the North West waste water which then helps in keeping the beaches and rivers quite clean. The company plans to finance its operations using debt securities instead of conventional bonds. This plan matches the market trends as the market, or the sector across the globe has been opting for the issuance of conventional debts due to the low interest rates attracted by bonds. Bonds usually pay a fixed income and the issuance of bonds in the utilities sector in the United Kingdom only account for half of the total funds raised in the equity capital markets. Firms in this sector just like the United Utilities Group Plc are opting for the issuance of debt securities even though it has high risks of threatening the market viability. Data also showed that only 8.7% of the funds raised were through equity capital markets while the remaining portion being raised through the use of debt securities. ... b. General Overview of the issued debt Debt security is an instrument which can be sold or bought between two different parties and include corporate bonds, collateralized securities, preferred stock and zero-coupon securities (Fabozzi et.al 2003). The interest rate on a debt security is usually determined by the borrower’s repayment ability. Debts securities are quite safer than equity securities as the principal amount is usually returned to the lender upon the maturity of the security. This is what United Utilities Group Plc plans to use as it mode of raising finance. 2. Evaluation using the Annual Financial Reports and accounts a. The position of the company to issue debt securities The annual profits for the company have decreased from ?909.20 million in March 2008 to ? 316.5 million in March 2012. Its EBITDA has been fluctuating over the period with an increase only being recorded on March 2009 after which the company recorded a continued decline. The company has also re corded a decrease in its Free Cash Flows for the Firm (FCFF) from ? 562.7 million in 2011 to ?559.8 million in 2012. The company borrowed ?215 million during the 2012 financial year in order to offset the dividends of ?209 million. Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE) is low for the firm as the firm’s equity is higher than the free cash flow. From the March 2012 annual statement, it is quite evident that the company has made maximum use of debt securities as it net debt is quite higher than the one recorded during the previous year which then reflects the additional borrowing done by the company as a way of funding its capital investment programmes. The gearing ratios for the company are also quite

Summarising Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summarising - Assignment Example High and Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., scientists used Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) genetically engineered enzymes that act as molecular word processors to edit mutated sequences of DNA. Since scientists have learnt how to design custom-matched ZFNs to a specific gene location, they designed ZFNs specifically for factor nine genes (F9) and used it in conjunction with a DNA sequence to restore the normal gene function lost in hemophilia. ZFNs are more advantageous compared to conventional genes since they target a precise place in a sequence of chromosomes (High). Conventional genes may deliver a replacement gene to an unwanted location resulting to bypassing of normal biological regulatory components controlling the gene hence cause risk of â€Å"insertion mutagenesis†. An inherited single-gene mutation in hemophilia impairs a patient’s ability to produce blood-clotting proteins. This results to spontaneous life-threatening bleeding episodes. Hemophilia has two major forms, A and B, which occurs solely in males. They result from lack of clotting factors VIII and IX respectively. In a recent study, researchers used genetic engineering to produce a hemophilia B mouse. Prior treatment, the mouse depicted no levels of clotting factor IX since previous studies by different researchers shown that ZFNs could accomplish genome editing if injected into mice for sickle cell disease treatment. However, the ex living animal approach was not feasible for many human genetic diseases affecting whole organ system (Shangzhen). Therefore, the current study was testing genome-editing effectiveness when performed in a vivo. The researchers designed two vector versions using Adeno-associated virus. One vector ferried ZFNs for editing while the other delivered a correctly functioning version of the F9 gene. Since different mutations in the same gene may cause hemophilia, the process replaced seven different coding sequences, covering 95% of the

IKEA and India Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

IKEA and India - Assignment Example During 1960s-1970s, it became the prominent furniture manufacturer in Sweden. In the 1980’s, IKEA expands dramatically into new markets such as USA, Italy, France and the UK (Ikea, 2012). At present, Ikea has operations in more than 40 countries in the world. However, it has no business units in India at present even though India is one of the most rapidly developing economies in the world. Many people believe that India may become a superpower both in terms of economic growth as well as military power in near future itself. Moreover, it is often said that global wealth is currently shifting from less heavily populated American and European continents to the more heavily populated Asian continent because of the rapid growth witnessing in India and China like countries. Prominent international companies are currently competing each other in establishing business units in India like emerging markets. Under such circumstances, it is difficult for Ikea like MNC’s to avoid I ndia completely while formulating their international business strategies. This paper analyses the merits and demerits of India as a market for Ikea’s international business operations. Analysis and justification of Indian market Porter’s Five forces Model Michael Porter has identified five competitive forces which may affect the competitive power of an organization. They are; Threat of substitute products, Threat of new entrants, Intense rivalry among existing players, Bargaining power of suppliers and Bargaining power of Buyers (Porter’s Five Forces Model, 2009). The figure given below illustrates Porter’s five forces theory. (Porter’s Five Forces Model, 2009) Threat from new entrants is the first force in Porter’s five forces model. â€Å"Microeconomics teaches that profitable industries attract new competition until the downward pressure on prices has squeezed all the economic profit from the firms. New firms in an industry put downward pressure on prices, upward pressure on costs and an increased necessity for capital expenditures in order to compete† (Porter’s Five Forces- Threat of New Entrants, 2012). Furniture market in India is not much competitive because of the absence of prominent companies. In fact furniture manufacturing is a small scale industry in India and hence MNC’s like Ikea can easily overcome the resistance of small scale furniture manufacturers in India. In other words, Indian furniture industry is highly fragmented and Ikea can exploit such situation to their favor. Less threat from new entrants or competitors will help Ikea to increase their profits in Indian market. â€Å"Competitive rivalry will be high if there is little differentiation between the products sold between customers† (For Marketing Learners Globally, n. d). As mentioned earlier, Nokia may not face much competition in Indian market because of the absence of any furniture manufacturing MNC’s in Indian market. Small scale furniture manufacturers in India may not have the financial capabilities to compete with Ikea like big companies. â€Å"Supplier power exists when there are only few suppliers. It also exists when the switching cost becomes more for the organization to move from one supplier to another† (For Marketing Learners Globally, n.d). Availability of wood for manufacturing furniture is different at different locations in India. For example, India’s southernmost states such as Kerala have immense forest resources whereas North India has

Verizon Is Creating a Culture that Focuses on Shareholder Value Case Study

Verizon Is Creating a Culture that Focuses on Shareholder Value - Case Study Example The number of subject matter experts significantly increased by involving L & D organizations in each business unit. As the workforce is skilled through effective training, they can collaborate and communicate for attaining common business goals. There is consensus and commonality of goals and values in each strategic business units attained through training initiatives. Besides, Verizon leadership development program recruits best talents from colleges, and are given 24 month customized leadership curriculum which can result in high performance and operational effectiveness. 2. According to Kreitner, organizational culture includes three layers like observable artifacts, espoused values, and basic assumptions; and, culture change is possible only if the management targets on any one of these basic aspects (p. na). In Verizon, the CEO Lowell Mc Adam desired to move towards adhocracy and market culture. Adhocracy culture in Verizon could be identified from dynamic, entrepreneurial and creative work place which is adaptable to new technologies. For example, prior to the rolling out of new technology 4G LTE network, a training of 60000 plus hours was given to Sales and service reps (Case Study, 258). For measuring the effectiveness of training, a pre training snapshot of success is defined with the help of key stakeholders and business partners, and this pre-training snapshot is compared with post training snapshot. Through the adhocracy culture, when new innovations are introduced, workforce becomes adaptable and creative to new changes. The move towards market culture could be identified from the result oriented work place in Verizon and focus in increasing share value. One of the prime goals of Verizon is to lead in shareholder value, and this is implemented through Leading Shareholder Value education program (LSV) which is led by CEO and CFO of Verizon. In this program, senior leaders are placed in cross business units and teams, and they should

Brand Positioning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Brand Positioning - Essay Example There is now a strong emphasis on brand building through the explicit communication of a vision in the whole organisation where strong brands are more than mere trademarks that people recognise. In the generation of a branding idea and implementation of the same to build a brand profile, organisations behind the strong brands have managed to build a brand identity. "Brand identity should help establish a relationship between the brand and the customer by generating a value proposition involving functional, emotional or self-expressive benefits" (Aaker 1991). While the consumer's behaviour is based on a brand, and the reasons for choosing an associated product may depend on various factors including peer reference, peer approval, or other social factors beyond the direct control of the brand's investor, the brand's marketing mix is definitely within the investor's control, and something that demands big budget investment. Therefore, investor's and researchers are always concerned about the actual effects and results of marketing components including advertisement, sales promotions, and company emblems - upon the consumer's perception and their consequence upon brand equity. In the last decade, a lot of research has been dedicated to conceptualizing and measuring customer-based brand equity. However, apart from putting forth various influencing factors, no integrative framework has so far been developed to account for the complex psychological processes underlying the formation of customer-based brand equity. In this context, this paper a ttempts to propose such a framework by drawing on the theory of the Elaboration Likelihood Model. (Kotler, 1997) This has been firstly discussed in the case of the Coca Cola Company. A soft drink giant, the Coca Cola company shifted its strategy from mass marketing to product variety market and then to target marketing so as to cater to the growing market for soft drink products. Its strategy can be studied under the elaboration likelihood model as it wanted to be a forerunner in the market where soft drink brands were emerging with each passing day. The choice of the Elaboration likelihood Model was one that came directly from the consumer oriented characteristics of brand equity and brand knowledge. Elaboration Likelihood Model identified message relevance as one of these factors. According to this model, when message relevance is high, individuals will actively process and evaluate the information in the advertisement when forming or changing attitudes. (Aaker, 1991) When message relevance is low, individuals will not actively process the information in the advertisement, but will instead rely on peripheral message cues to form or change attitudes. Brand Identity is that element of customer perception and awareness which has its focus in the results of a certain kind of projection through the brand equity building measures. This calls for an integrative model which will combine the basic elements of the brand identity and brand equity concepts so as to create a platform for the effective discussion of the Elaboration Likelihoo d Model. This has been of special relevance for the Coca Cola company as far as its foray into target market and product variation is concerned. (Kotler, 1997) An integrative mode

Paternalism and individualism Essay Example for Free

Paternalism and individualism Essay Paternalism is a Latin word, which is emanates from the Latin word â€Å"pater† meaning father. Therefore it refers to the patriarchy arrangement pattern that a is depicted in a family where there is figurehead who most times is the father who takes the sole responsibility of making decisions on behalf of others who includes the wife and children. The decisions are made by the figurehead for â€Å"the good† of the wife and children regardless of their desires. (Sartorius, R 145) The father head in this situation is regarded the wisest and the decision he makes is made to the best interest of the rest whom he assumes the role of protector. The term is normally applied in a derogatory way especially in political and social systems to imply that the system is characterized by the deprivation of other peoples’ individual freedoms and responsibility and serves the interest of that particular system without due regard to the individuals being governed. (Sartorius, R 153) By definition therefore paternalism is defined as â€Å"Paternalism is the interference of a state or an individual with another person, against their will, and justified by a claim that the person interfered with will be better off or protected from harm. †(Gerald Dworkin). Individualism as a term on the other hand is always used to describe independence of an individual. The individual in this case is at liberty to conduct his/her own life in a way that best suits him/her provided it does not interfere with someone else’s life. Individualism stresses the need for self-reliance and opposes any form of external interference whether by society the state or any governing authority. .†(Gerald Dworkin). Individualism in most cases is opposed to any form of communal, societal, group system that advocates for the prioritization of national goals instead of individual goals. Paternalism was very important to Britain in the 18th century when the Britain constitutional changed for two fundamental reasons. These was because the government thought it was its first responsibility to make sure that everyone was protected against the interests of the state. The community was to become the only way by which individuals would realize their potential and advance it. The labor party was formed to protect the citizens against anything that would frustrate their potential. Bill of rights was formed to protect the citizens from any abuse of power by any public institution that touches their lives. (Feinberg, J 47) Through paternalism implementation of freedom of information act was created to better communication between the government and the right for citizens to know what’s happening around the government. During the 18th century individual’s freedom had guaranteed them security, with the state giving them health care, education and their well being advanced when the state delivered entitlement for the individuals, but later the state and community became one thing and the individuals saw themselves less as passive beneficiaries of the benefits of the government. (Feinberg, J 49) Later the individuals had less freedom and were not recognized as part of the community. Paternalism brought together the citizens while the individuals always wanted the best for themselves. They always thought about themselves and not the society. (Gerald Dworkin) Paternalism was also important because it ensured the individual needs are protected against the state. It was everyone’s burden to ensure that the government’s responsibilities are accounted for. Socialists were recognized in the society and became watchdogs for the individuals who would become hostile to any change or kind of reform. Paternalism was very important as it provided healthcare, security and development of individuals. No matter how rich the individual were some problems always required the attention of the community. A common interest for all was always required and especially public interest for community not for individuals. Paternalism brought about concern for everyone even beyond the immediate family members and was always responsible for the society’s values. Paternalism in Britain, came into sharp focus during the period of the industrial revolution when individuals discarded the old agrarian ways and started adopting the urban culture where the â€Å"survival was for the fittest† (Sartorius, R 156)

Process Of Unstructured Clinical Judgement Health And Social Care Essay

Process Of Unstructured Clinical Judgement Health And Social Care Essay However, there continues to be an increasing  interest  and  expectation  on professionals from the public and the criminal justice system in regards to the potential  danger  posed by  serious  offenders  being released  back into the community and the need for the offenders to be better managed, in order  to adequately protect  the public from dangerous individuals (Doyle et el, 2002). As the assessment of risk  is made  at various stages in the management process of the violent offender, it is  extremely  crucial that mental health professionals have a structured and consistent approach to risk assessment and evaluation of violence. (Doyle et el, 2002). This paper will examine three models of risk assessment that  are used  to reduce potential danger to others, when integrating violent offenders back into the community. These three approaches are unstructured clinical judgement, structured clinical  judgement  and actuarial  assessment. It is not intended, in this paper, to explore the various instruments used in the assessment process for the  respective  actuarial and structured clinical approaches. Unstructured Clinical Judgement Unstructured clinical judgement is a process involving no specific guidelines, but relies on the individual clinicians  evaluation  having regard to the clinicians experience and qualifications (Douglas et al, 2002).  Doyle et el(2002, p650) refers to  clinical  judgement as first generation, and sees clinical judgement as allowing the clinician  complete  discretion in relation to what information the clinician will or will not take notice of in their final determination of risk level. The unstructured clinical  interview  has been widely criticised because it  is seen  as inconsistent and inherently lacks structure and a  uniform  approach  that does not allow for  test, retest reliability over time and between clinicians (Lamont et al, 2009). It  has been argued  that this inconsistency in  assessment  can lead to  incorrect  assessment of offenders, as either high or low risk due to the subjective opinion inherent in the unstructured clin ical assessment  approach  (Prentky et al, 2000). Even with these limitations discussed above the unstructured clinical  interview  is still likely to be the most widely used  approach  in relation to the offenders violence risk assessment (Kropp, 2008). Kropp (2008), postulates that the continued use of the unstructured clinical  interview  allows for idiographic analysis of the offenders  behaviour (Kropp, 2008, p205).  Doyle et al (2002) postulates, that clinical studies have shown, that clinicians using the risk analysis  method  of unstructured interview, is not as  inaccurate  as  generally  believed.  Perhaps this is due, largely to the level of experience and  clinical  qualifications of those conducting the assessment. The unstructured clinical  assessment  method  relies heavily on verbal and non verbal cues and this has the potential of influencing individual clinicians assessment of risk, and thus in turn has a high probability of over reliance in the assessment on the exhibited cues (Lamont et al, 2009).  A major flaw with the unstructured clinical interview, is the apparent lack of structured standardized methodology  being used  to  enable  a  test  retest reliability  me asure  previously mentioned.  However, the lack of consistency in the assessment approach is a  substantial  disadvantage in the use of the unstructured clinical interview.   The need for a more structured  process  allowing for  predictable  test retest reliability would  appear  to be a  necessary  component of any risk assessment in relation to violence. Actuarial Assessment Actuarial  assessment  was developed  to  assess  various risk factors that would improve on the probability of an offenders recidivism. However, Douglas et al (2002, p 625) cautions that the Actuarial  approach  is not conducive to violence prevention. The Actuarial approach relies heavily on standardized instruments to assist the clinician in predicting violence, and the majority of these instruments  has been developed  to predict future  probability  of violence amongst offenders who have a history of mental illness and or criminal offending behaviours. (Grant et al, 2004) The use of actuarial  assessment  has increased in recent years as more non clinicians  are tasked  with the responsibility of management of violent offenders such as community corrections, correctional officers and probation officers. Actuarial risk assessment methods enable staff that do not have the experience,  background  or necessary  clinical  qualifications to  conduct  a standardised clinical  assessment  of offender risk. This actuarial  assessment  method  has been found  to be extremely  helpful  when having risk assessing offenders with mental health, substance abuse and violent offenders. (Byrne et al, 2006). However, Actuarial assessments have limitations in the inability of the instruments to provide any information in relation to the management of the offender, and strategies to prevent violence (Lamont et al, 2009).  Whilst such instruments may provide transferable  test  retest reliability, there is a need for caution when the instruments  are used  within differing samples of the  test  population  used as the validation  sample  in developing the  test  (Lamont et al, 2009).  Inexperienced and  untrained  staff  may not be aware that tests  are limited  by a range of variables that may limit the reliability of the test in use. The majority of actuarial tools  were validated  in North America (Maden, 2003). This has  significant  implications when actuarial instruments  are used  in the Australian context, especially when indigenous cultural complexities are not taken into account. Doyle et al (2002) postulates that the actuarial  approach  are focused  on prediction and that risk assessment in mental health has a much broader  function  and has to be  link  closely with management and prevention (Doyle et al, 2002, p 652). Actuarial instruments rely on measures of static risk factors e.g. history of violence, gender, psychopathy and recorded so cial variables.  Therefore, static risk factors  are taken  as remaining constant.  Hanson et al (2000) argues that where the results of unstructured  clinical  opinion  are  open  to questions, the empirically based risk assessment  method  can significantly predict the risk of re offending. To rely  totally  on  static  factors that  are measured  in Actuarial instruments, and not incorporate dynamic risk factors has led to what Doyle et al (2002) has referred to as, Third Generation, or as more commonly acknowledged as structured professional judgement. Structured Professional Judgment Progression toward a structured professional  model, would  appear  to have followed a process of evolution since the 1990s.  This  progression  has developed through  acceptance  of the complexity of what risk assessment entails, and the pressures of the courts and  public  in developing an expectation of increased predictive accuracy (Borum, 1996).  Structured professional judgement brings together empirically validated risk factors, professional experience and contemporary knowledge of the patient (Lamont et al, 2009, p27).  Structured professional judgement approach requires a  broad  assessment  criteria covering both static and dynamic factors, and attempts to bridge the gap between the other approaches of unstructured clinical judgement, and actuarial  approach  (Kropp, 2008).  The incorporation of dynamic risk factors that are taking  account  of variable factors such as current emotional  level  (anger, depression, stress), social supports or lack of and willingness to participate in the treatment rehabilitation process.  The structured professional approach incorporates  dynamic  factors, which  have been found, to be also crucial in analysing  risk  of violence (Mandeville-Nordon, 2006).  Campbell et al (2009) postulates that instruments that  examine  dynamic risk factors are more  sensitive  to  recent  changes that may  influence  an increase or decrease in risk potential. Kropp (2008) reports that research has found that Structured Professional Judgement measures also  correlate  substantially  with actuarial measures. Conclusion Kroop, (2008) postulates that either a structured professional judgement approach, or an actuarial approach presents the most viable options for risk assessment of violence.  The unstructured  clinical  approach  has been widely criticised by researchers for lacking reliability, validity and accountability (Douglas et al, 2002). Kroop, (2008) also cautions that risk assessment requires the assessor to have an appropriate level of specialized knowledge and experience. This experience should be not only of offenders but also with victims.  There would  appear  to be a valid argument that unless there is consistency in  training  of those conducting risk assessments the validity and reliability of any measure, either actuarial or structured professional judgement, will fail to  give  the  level  of predictability of violence that  is sought.  Risk analysis of violence will always be burdened by the  limitation  which lies in the fact that  exact  an alyses are not  possible, and  risk  will never be totally eradicated (Lamont et al, 2009, p 31.). Doyle et al (2002) postulates that a combination of structured clinical and actuarial approaches  is warranted  to assist in risk assessment of violence. Further research appears to be warranted to improve the evaluation and  overall  effectiveness of risk management.

Dionysus :: essays research papers

Dionysus   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dionysus was the most widely worshipped and popular god in ancient Greece. It's not difficult to see why; he was their god of wine, merriment, ritual dance, warm moisture, and later, civilization. He was often depicted as a handsome young man, dressed in fawnskin, and carrying a goblet and an ivy- covered staff.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some myths hold that Dionysus was the son of Zeus--the king of the god-- and Persephone--queen of the underworld--but most myths state that he is the son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Semel. This woman Semele was not any mortal, though. She was a princess, and a beautiful one at that. Zeus was notorious for being rather prolific, and when his wife, the goddess Hera heard that he had gone off and mated with a mortal, she became quite upset. Hera, in an attempt to exact her revenge, appeared to Semele and told her to ask Zeus to appear to her in his divine form. When Zeus obliged, Semele was immediately consumed in flames, for no mortal can look upon a god in his natural state. However, Zeus saved the unborn Dionysus by sewing him up in his thigh, thus incubating him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What happened next is different in every story. Some myths say he lived with a king and queen loyal to Zeus until Hera discovered him, and, in a jealous rage, warped their brains. In this version of the story, Dionysus was turned into a goat by his father in an attempt to hide him from Hera; from then on he had small horns on his head.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After he was safe, he went to live with the nymphs, who taught him to make wine. Hera eventually found him again, and this time she also warped his brain. The nymphs rejected him, and he went to live with the satyrs, who were men with goat legs and horns, and their leader Silenus. Dionysus traveled with the satyrs, who disgusted everyone they encountered with their rude, drunken behavior.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Silenus is usually portrayed as a fat drunken man who rides on an ass. He was once captured by King Midas. When Dionysus intervened, Midas freed Silenus in exchange for the power to turn all he touched into gold. Dionysus and his band eventually encountered the maenads. The maenads were a group of wild, warlike creatures. They were horribly vicious, and unfortunately, they were also incredibly stupid. They started quite a few unsuccessful wars against kingdoms in Africa.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Zeus finally found Dionysus again, he returned his mind to normal. However, Dionysus refused to give up his unruly traveling companions.

Divine Comedy - Contrapasso of Dante’s Inferno Essay examples -- Divin

Inferno - Contrapasso In Dante’s Inferno, Dante takes a journey with Virgil through the many levels of Hell in order to experience and see the different punishments that sinners must endure for all eternity. As Dante and Virgil descend into the bowels of Hell, it becomes clear that the suffering increases as they continue to move lower into Hell, the conical recess in the earth created when Lucifer fell from Heaven. Dante values the health of society over self. This becomes evident as the sinners against society experience suffering greater than those suffer which were only responsible for sinning against themselves. Dante uses contrapasso, the Aristotelian theory that states a soul’s form of suffering in Hell contrasts or extends their sins in their life on earth, to ensure that the sinners never forget their crimes against God. Even though some of the punishments the sinners in Hell seem arbitrary, they are fitting because contrapasso forces each sinner to re-live the most horrible aspect of their sin to ensure they never forget their crimes against God. As Dante and Virgil, Dante’s guide through Hell, approach the Gate of Hell, Dante reads the inscription above the gates: â€Å"Through me the way to the suffering city, through me the way to the eternal pain, through me the way that runs among the lost. Justice urged on my high artificer; my maker was divine authority, the highest wisdom and the primal love. Before me nothing but eternal things were made, and I endure eternally. Abandon every hope, who enter here.†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (III, 48) This message accurately describes how those souls will experience contrapasso in Hell. They will never be released and will experience suffering for eternity. The first line speaks of a... ...ouls to exist. It is a fitting punishment because he wanted to rule like God. Now he does, but he rules over the souls who could not achieve the presence of God after death. Dante efficiently uses contrapasso to punish the souls that sinned in their lifetimes. All the sinners experience ultimate suffering as they act to extend or continue their sin for eternity. The suffering in Hell is ultimately unbearable, regardless of the nature of sin. The sinners have no hope of their condition becoming any better because the only change will be at the Final Judgment. Then their punishments will be perfected because they will then have bodies and a new way to experience suffering. Contrapasso ensures that these souls will exist in an eternity of complete despair.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Works Cited: Alighieri, Dante. Inferno. Trans. Mark Musa. NY: Penguin Books, 1984.

Frankenstein :: essays research papers

How do people change in times of crisis and tragedy? In the novel â€Å"Frankenstein† by Mary Shelley, Victor learns a lesson in thinking before acting. Before creating the monster, he only cares about his studies and is relatively happy. After his creation, his studies become his phobia and his creation (which, while constructing him, used to be his love) became his tormentor. In the end, he learns his lesson and stops himself before committing the same mistake again. In creating life, one learns to live life a little wiser.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  IN the beginning, Victor has a happy and almost carefree life. His home seems a place â€Å"†¦from which care and pain seemed for ever banished† (36). With a family such as his, no burdens seem to exist on his back. He has an entertaining mother, a father as a teacher, affection demanding brothers, and a gentle Elizabeth. He simply has no concerns. When Catherine (on her deathbed) joined the hands of Elizabeth and Victor saying, â€Å"†¦my firmest hopes of future happiness were placed on the prospect of you union† (37), it shows that Victor’s love life is also worry-free. Allowing him to further pursue his primary love, his studies. In stating, â€Å"I ardently desired the acquisition of knowledge† (40), Victor shows that his first priority is his studies. Even in leaving all he has ever known (family and friends), he only wants learn. Before creating life, his world is dandy†¦ with only the amount of knowledge he acquire s being his worry.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Furthermore, after his creation breathes its first breath, Victor already despises it, which leads to his health’s deterioration and hatred of his previous love. His love quickly changes to despise when he says, â€Å"I had worked hard for nearly two years, for the sole purpose of infusing life into an inanimate body. For this I had deprived myself of rest and health. I had desired it with an ardor that far exceeded moderation; but now that I had finished, the beauty of the dream vanished, and breathless horror and disgust filled my heart† (53). His statement shows how his heart does a complete 1800 and stops loving the monster the moment it lives. When Victor’s â€Å"†¦heart palpitated in the sickness of fear†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (54), it proves how his monster tormented his creator without having to be near him. Which also leads to the teaching of the lesson â€Å"think before you act†.

Motivational factors on the employee’s commitment Essay

Today’s organizations and companies want their enterprise to be around in the future, successful and sustainable; avoiding the risk of performance or any negative effect. They consist of employees known as personnel that turned into human resources. Some of the major factors shaping the outcome are the quality that you hold: if employees are the right people; how the manager could keep it up; how they can be motivated for good performance. Motivation is a necessary tool for management or leadership providing a reason to employees to perform in a certain way. In addition, the essay will include the academic background of motivation theories as that of Herzberg, Maslow, Adams and Vroom. Setting goals is an essential motivating process and has been the focus of recent research and theory on work motivation (Locke and Latham, 1990). Thus, examples would be provided for further and practical explanation of theories, as the cases of Starbucks, Freese and Nichols (FNI) and Apple†™s iPhone. At the start of the 20th century fundamental theories of motivation are presented, models about what motivates workers and their responses. Several theories of motivation try to analyze and estimate who wants, what and why. This is the reason why the theories of Herzberg, Maslow, Adams and Vroom have implications on the contemporary business. First, the bigger portion of Herzberg is that he developed the motivation –hygiene theory, which believes that there are many factors that workers could be motived. Byhese factors generate satisfaction and dissatisfaction. According to Herzberg (1959) accomplishment, the work itself, responsibility, growth and recognition, and company policies, work  conditions, supervision including relations with peers and management, salary causing respectively the two different distinctions. Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction portrait two different human needs driven by salary to purchase shelter and food and by actions leading to grow and attain (Herzberg, 1987). However, job satisfaction does not imply always-high level of productivity or excellence of motivation response. Practicing in business, the challenge at work is to raise the utility of ability of employee leading to the growth of responsibility levels. Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory and Maslow’s are the main theories of motivation. Continuing with Maslow’s model, Maslow classifies the human needs and examines how the classifications are connected to each other. A person starts at the bottom level, where they try to satisfy basic needs (food and house). When the needs have been fulfilled, there are no longer a motiving force and the individual goes to the next stage. Moving on the rest hierarchy; we can recognize safety needs (loss or protection against unemployment), social needs (communication, teamwork), esteem needs (human to be accepted and valued by others, respect from others) and self-actualization (how people think about themselves) (Maslow, 1954). If the management can find which level of need each employee expects, they can then decide corresponding rewards. Besides, one of the most relevant process theories of motivation is Adams’ Equity Theory. According to Adams, the theory argues the comparison of employee’s job input and outcome and also the same with that of other person at the same level (Mowday, 1991). Adam identified inputs as characteristics (age, sex, education, social status) that guide individual to ‘’social exchange’’ for an effort. Outcomes are specified as the benefits, the rewards or privileges (money, work duties, better status, power, authority). The employee is not moved to an action when there is a balance between inputs and outcomes, because they are already satisfied and equality exists. However, if the individual notices that the ratio of outcome/input is less than that of expected, then inequality exists and motivation forces start to build up the lost equity. It should be noted that there are two main different ways to restore the equity. Either the individual might choos e higher outcome based on their lower inputs, or reduce the inputs in relation  to the same outcome (Adams, 1965). The actual purpose is the equality between input and outcome. Therefore, inequality could be when the employee is either over-rewarded or under-rewarded (Fok et al, 2000). It was initially proposed in the early 1960s the Expectancy Theory by Victor Vroom, which premises the significance of motivation. The theory tries to examine why individuals choose specific behavior or action. According to Vroom (1964), there are three central components; Expectancy (effort leading to a particular level of performance); Instrumentality (that performance will lead to outcomes); Valence (the value that the individual places on the outcome). Droar (2006) suggests that for a person to be motivated the key elements must be linked. Otherwise, Porter and Lawler (1971) argue that Expectancy theory needs to be updated, because it includes some flaws. For example, an employer gives a reward, such as a promotion or financial bonus hence the employees will bonus their productivity to gain the reward. However, this only works if the employees believe the reward is favora ble to their actual needs. Apple is a company that can be used to exemplify the theory of Herzberg. Behind Apple and the design of products by employees is the psychology of extrinsic and intrinsic characteristics driven by the question ‘’Will I enjoy using this product myself? ‘’. The extrinsic motivation is based on rewards for executives by giving them 3%-5% bonus of their salary. Next, all Apple employees receive discounts on products or they might receive free iPhone or iPad if they are on the developing team (Issaacson, 2011). This is more efficient than the increase of the salary as long as they see in front of their eyes the results of the effort, but also it is cheaper for Apple. In addition, intrinsic motivation is driven by corporate culture. Employees are weightily committed to their job, as ‘’monotonous encoding’’ that they enjoy it (Issaacson, 2011). The culture of Apple was forced by Steve Job. What motived him to follow his dream and his heart was the passion, creating innovative products based on enjoying using himself rather than to bring profits to Apple. The core principles for this are: Do something direct for your life; Get better and better at something that matters; There is no reason not to follow your instinc ts and your heart, nothing to lose (Awareness of his death) ; Understand that you live only once. Apple is a company that works and thinks outside the box helping people to change the world (Gladwell,2011). Furthermore, Freese and  Nichols (FNI) is a practical example of expectancy theory. FNI is the first engineering/architecture firm to receive this honour. Employees are trained to improve quality in the work and seminars and FNI University training offered by the company. Workers have the authority to work on their own. In 2010 FNI gained the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. In addition, Starbucks Corporation, the most famous chain of coffee shops in the world, attracts customers for its quality and the good value for money while the prices are high. Beyond, the employees are also satisfied. Major motivational principle of king of coffee is the equity, meaning how fair the employees are treated by the employers during their work (Economist.com , 2009). For Starbucks employees are partners, not just employees, giving them valuable knowledge and training and providing them with rewards and benefits. Besides, Starbucks offer a creative and excellent work place, as part of ethics program, where the company treats its ‘’partners’’ with respect and prestige. Motivation theories should be examined in a deeper and macro level. Firms corporate operate and have subsidiaries in different countries, where there are different employees around the world with different cultures and values. It is complicated for an organization to motivate different cultures, for the reason why each has different temperament and the ranking of needs differs among cultures. The motivation to work differs across cultures and this could be illustrated the following example. In countries where there is high risk of economic failure the reward of success is low, like Greece, where there is an enthusiasm for work because the deep recession. Great enthusiasm for work could be found when high uncertainty of outcome combined with positive reward (Triandis,1982). To conclude, according to the background theories, personal goals are contributing to the developing of human behavior. They are used by individuals to monitor, to modify and evaluate their behavior. Generally speaking, motivation can be preferential and selective aspect of particular behavior. It should be understood that motivation is important for the explanation of force toward a particular behavior or action. Vroom’s expectancy theory also places emphasis on the importance of motivation in the explanation of why people choose a particular action or behavior. Managers’ responsibility is to inspire, empower, envision and motivate employees for the fulfillment of their needs based on the different cultural  background. References Adams, J. (1963) Towards an understanding of inequity. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67 p.422-436. Adams, J. (1965) Inequity in social exchange . Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, Academic Press. Droar, J. (2006) Expectancy theory of motivation. Economist.com (2009) Woke up, smelled the coffee. [online] Available at: http://www.economist.com/node/14536977 [Accessed: 23rd October 2012 ]. Fok, L. et al. (2000) Human factors affecting the acceptance of total quality management. International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 17 (7), p.714-729. Freese and Nichols Website (2010) Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Report. [online] Available at: http://www.freese.com/sites/default/files/Malcolm%20Baldrige%20Service%20Sheet.pdf. Gladwell, M. (2011) The Tweaker: The Real Genius of Steve Jobs. New York:. Herzberg, F. (1987) One more time:How do you motivate employees. Harvard Business Review, 65 (5), p.109-120. Herzberg, F. et al. (1959) The Motivation of work. 2nd ed. Barbara B. Snyderman:. Isaacson, W. (2011) Steve Jobs. New York: Simon and Schuster. Locke, E. and Latham, G. (1990) A Theory of Goal Setting and Task Performance. Prentice Hall: Englewood, NJ. Maslow, A. (1954) Motivation and personality. New York: Harper and Row New York, p.91-93 , 256. Mowday, R. (1991) Motivation and work. New York: McGraw-Hill. Porter, L. and Lawler, E. (1968) Managerial Attitudes and Performance. Homewood: IL:Richard D. Irwin Inc. Triandis, H. (1982) Cross-Cultural Management :Conceptual Analyses. International Studies of Management and Organization, 12 (4). Vroom, V. (1964) Work and Motivation. New York: John Wiley and Sons.

DRUNK DRIVING Essay

Drinking and driving is a very serious and dangerous problem. Many people every year are killed or injured because of drunk drivers, and almost all of the people who are killed are innocent. The more you drink the more likely you are to have an accident. Driving whilst under the influence of drink is a dangerous situation, and the consequences are appalling, because you can end up killing someone else, losing your own life or even sent to court. Why do people drink while driving? The answer is simply cause there drunk! They are too drunk to think properly, they might have done it before and they think it’s not bad, perhaps too lazy to get a taxi, they feel confident that they can drive extra carefully and avoid incident, Their ability to rationalize is suppressed, leading them to make rash decisions, They want to escape personal problems This is probably one of the most dangerous reasons why people drink and drive. A man / woman in the thick of problems, gets drunk and gets in the car. Caught in his / her emotions, the person doesn’t care what happens anymore. Sadly, among the reasons why people drink and drive, this is a common reason; they are ashamed or afraid to call someone to pick them up. People wake up in cells not realizing they killed a person with their car. Some people drink and drive because they don’t know any better. Some people are not even aware of the legal drinking limits.

Finding Nemo

â€Å"Finding Nemo† (2003) written and directed by Andrew Stanton, and Lee Unkrich, is the story of a father-son underwater adventure featuring Nemo, a boy clownfish, stolen from his coral reef home. His timid father must then travel to Sydney and search Sydney Harbour to find Nemo. Animated feature-length films have carved a niche in American culture as a viable and enduring art form. Animated films have offered a glimpse into another world that often could not be shown by any other filmmaking means.Finding Nemo's computer-generated ocean is full of animated characters that are an absolute blast. There is some real-world scenery, but the incredible graphics make it hard to tell what's real and what's not. Disney/Pixar brings to life an ocean full of funny marine life, like forgetful Dory, and Bruce the shark with his buddies, Chum and Anchor. There are these, like, totally cool hang ten turtles that are the raddest bunch of surfer dudes in the ocean. The animation in Finding Nemo is excellent; you would expect nothing less from Pixar.The scenery is dominated by bright blue ocean colors and colourful fish. The animation used cutting edge technology in the production of the movie, which was released in 2003 and the results still delight to this day. Even now when you look back at it, it is still of a very high standard. The animators at Pixar Animation Studios were expected to scuba dive as part of the preparation and production. This enabled them to understand how light is reflected underwater, and to see the interaction of the ocean's inhabitants for themselves.The experience then translated beautifully onto the screen through their realistic portrayal of Nemo's world. Nemo’s underwater masterpieces in my opinion are the greatest achievement in animation. During Marlin’s journey we see one of animation’s most visibly stunning scenes ever, the Jellyfish. As Marlin and Dory approach the trench, Marlin decides to swim over to it agains t the advice Dory shared and quickly forgot. As they swim over the trench, thousands of jellyfish descend into the shot. I was blown away.I found myself staring at what appeared to be a Discovery Channel special on underwater life. (To think I was playing Frogger just 20 years ago and computers can now do this! ) The visual design is a wonder. It's absolutely astonishing how the folks at Pixar are able to top themselves with each new movie. This is an excellent achievement in computer animation. While Disney/Pixar has redefined animation in the past with Toy Story, Toy Story 2, A Bug’s Life, and Monsters, Inc. Now, Pixar is just showing off with Nemo.

Marketing Management – Toyota

Toyota Motors Marketing Plan for Hybrid Vehicles by geographic location (Europe) 1. 0 Executive Summary The Toyota Motor Company continues to strive to be the global market leader in the automobile manufacturing industry. Over the years, Toyota has managed to remain the leader of this industry through its management structure, fuel efficient vehicle design and competitive pricing based on global market knowledge. Toyota has realized that environmentally conscious products were needed to ensure continued company (and sales) growth in the future.Toyota has been actively reducing its carbon footprint since 1998. Annually, Toyota has been publishing its Environmental and Social Sustainability report in order to enhance disclosure of information regarding environmental actions carried out in conjunction with its corporate activities. Through more efficient and â€Å"cleaner† production lines it has reduced its environmental impact. Toyota also seeks to be the market leader for so c alled â€Å"clean (or green) vehicles† such as Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Vehicles and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles.This marketing plan will discuss Toyota's strategy with regards to green vehicles, with particular reference to one geographical location, Europe. This Marketing plan will have a closer look at how the European Branch operates within Toyota's global structure and how it reflects Toyota's overall vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future. 1. 1 Vision Toyota realizes that its future lies in the production of environmentally conscious cars. Toyota's vision of a cleaner future revolves around two main points. Firstly, the production of vehicles that have a smaller impact on the environment.Along with â€Å"cleaner† versions of its gasoline powered cars, Toyota believes that the company's success in the present and future lies in its line of Electric, Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles. Through this line of vehicles Toyota will be actively reducing environmental impact by producing cleaner cars for consumers to use. Secondly, Toyota believes that to achieve its goals towards a cleaner future, it must continuously strive to make its production lines even cleaner. In fact, since 2002 Toyota has managed to reduce the energy used or the production of vehicles by 40%, waste products by 50% and water consumption by 70% (Toyota Motors Europe: Sustainability Report 2011). Both of the above points fall under a global philosophy called â€Å"The Toyota Way†. As analysed by Liker (Liker J. , 2004) this holistic philosophy maintains fourteen key principles which Toyota has adopted to give its customers what they want, when they want it, in the most efficient way possible whilst leaving the smallest possible carbon footprint. Toyota also believes that continual growth can be achieved by exceeding its customers' expectations.In fact the Toyota Global website(2012) states â€Å"our attitude is to anticipate and deliver to the needs of those we ser ve† 1. 2 Objectives Toyota's main objectives are stated clearly in its Sustainability Report (2011). The said report outlines a global vision, to be attained by the year 2020. Toyota's new Global Vision 2020 comprises of three main pillars: * Lead the way to the future of mobility, which is our core business. * Commit to quality, innovation, environmental protection and by doing so, make cars that people love. Engage our people's energy and passion to â€Å"Always Find a Better Way† (Toyota Motors Europe: Sustainability Report 2011) 2. 0 Current Market Summary Traditionally, Toyota's primarily focused on the US and Japanese markets. The European market is a fairly new addition to Toyota's Sales portfolio. Although the European market for cars has seen a steady decline in recent years, Toyota currently holds a 4. 2% share of the total car market. In 2011 total sales in Europe amounted to 822,386, 10% of which were Hybrid vehicles. 2. 1 Market NeedsThrough Customer Relati onship Management and market research, Toyota has established a new set of characteristics it's vehicles need to satisfy in order to reach the Global Vision 2020. Toyota has determined it's cars need to be: * Of high quality and reliability thus requiring infrequent maintenance. * Widely affordable, including increased affordability of Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. * Silent in a world which is increasingly aware of noise pollution. * Easy to use, with particular reference to simplified user interfacing on new Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles * Clean.Even if in a traditional gasoline engine model emissions need to be kept to an absolute minimum. Whilst identifying the need for â€Å"cleaner† cars, Toyota has also launched the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) demo project in 18 European countries. This project involves a limited production line of 200 PHEV vehicles which are being road tested by customers in 18 European countries till 2013. So far the project has already increased awareness of PHEV cars and provided crucial data with regards to technical performance and customer satisfaction.This data will be used in the near future to launch a large scale PHEV production line. Toyota realises the importance of its customers time. The increasing use of the internet, especially in the early stages of a purchase, has made the company's website an important asset. Therefore an updated website will all models, colours, specifications and options is of vital importance. 2. 2 Market Growth Despite the afore mentioned drop in car sales in Europe, Toyota has managed to sustain a positive growth within this market. Toyota aims to increase its European market share from 4. % to 4. 5% ( 835,000 vehicles sold) in 2012. In 2011 its Hybrid sales amounted to 10% of the total sales figure. Toyota seeks to increase this to 14% in 2012 and up to as much as 20% in 2013/14 (Reuters: 5th March 2012). To do so, Toyota has re-designed some of its more popular mode ls (Yaris and Auris) and has offered them in both traditional gasoline engines and Hybrid configuration. To further maximise growth in the Hybrid and Plug-In sector, many of Toyota's European distributors have started offering very advantageous finance schemes on these models.This means that a customer no longer needs to go through the bank to purchase a new car. 2. 3 Market Segmentations Toyota's European Market is vastly diverse and requires heavy segmentation. Each market segment requires separate market research, a separate marketing strategy and a separate product offering all together. When segmenting the European market one has to take the following considerations: * Age of the target consumer * Social Standing * Occupation and thus purchasing power * Educational background * Other cultural and socio-economic factorsFor the purposes of this plan we shall conduct a socio-demographic segmentation. Market segments may include : * Young ,trendy people who opt for small, inexpensi ve, cheap to run vehicles. this segment is also very environmentally conscious. * Young adults with higher spending power who opt for small saloon, small SUV's/mini-vans and 4Ãâ€"4 vehicles. This segment is also very environmentally conscious but less so than the young trendy people * Middle aged adults who are better off and can afford higher end vehicles such as large saloons and high end 4Ãâ€"4 vehicles.This segment is less environmentally conscious and therefore less likely to invest in a Hybrid or PHEW vehicle unless these become trendy to own. * Mature adults who are about to retire or have retired from work. This segment looking for comfort and practicality while still maintaining style. Depending on their occupation and ability to save(throughout their career), their spending power will vary. This segment is the least environmentally conscious. Other market segments include small, medium and large business organisations for which Toyota has developed a range of trucks and vans of various sizes and payload capacity. . 4 SWOT Analysis Strengths * Toyota has firmly placed itself as one of the leading car manufacturers in the world and is also steadily gaining ground in Europe. Toyota's reputation for quality and reliability has help to breach and gain a foothold in the European automobile market. * Toyota is on the forefront of cutting edge technology and is the leading manufacturer for Hybrid vehicles in Europe and aims to further increase sales of Hybrids and PHEV in the next 2 years. * The Toyota Way of management continues to advocate efficiency in the production, distribution and sales of Toyota vehicles.Toyota's continues drive towards efficiency has led to a reduction in cost of production/distribution/sales * Toyota's Sustainability Report informs partners, distributors, employees and customers of the company's commitment to a cleaner future. This further reinforces Toyota's Corporate Social Responsibility in the minds of all third parties. * Th e company has a highly skilled workforce * Wide distribution network through clearly marked Toyota stores and other authorised distributors allowing potential customers easy access to the company's vehicles Weaknesses * Toyota's size as an organisation is in itself a weakness.The scale of the company presents different sets of challenges. The decision making process may be slower than in other organisations due to the sheer size of the management structure. * A wide distribution network requires a large workforce dedicated to logistics and distribution which can be quite expensive. * A weakness can also be identified in the supply chain for hybrid vehicles in Europe. Even though hybrid Yaris and Auris models are produced in Britain (and as of April 2012, also in France) almost all of the parts used to make these vehicles have to be imported.This will increase the overall cost per unit, therefore reducing competitiveness. (Reuters 5th March 2012) * Toyota owns and runs 8 manufacturin g plants, 14 parts centres and 9 vehicle logistic centres in Europe. These plants and centres have high fixed costs. With an expected 5% decrease in the demand for cars in Europe, these plants' fixed costs may become a long term burden on Toyota Europe and may decrease profitability. Opportunities * Being on the forefront of hybrid and PHEV technology, Toyota is an ideal position to strengthen its hold on this market segment and increase overall sales in Europe.In fact sales targets for 2013/14 for hybrid vehicles are initially set at 14% and 20% at a later stage. Various governments are imposing lower licensing fees on hybrid vehicles thus providing the perfect incentive for consumers to opt for a Toyota hybrid model * Soaring fuel prices are driving consumers to look for alternative modes of transport. Toyota's hybrid and PHEV vehicles are very fuel efficient thus providing Toyota with the perfect opportunity to increase its market share. * Toyota plans to start manufacturing part s for hybrid and PHEV in Europe once sales reach 150,000 hybrid vehicles per year.At present, these parts are imported from Asia and the US. The production of parts in Europe would bring significant savings in transport and logistical costs which would bring a lower cost per unit and in term allow Toyota to be even more competitive with its prices. This would also put Toyota in a position to offer maintenance services to its customers at a lower price. Threats * In recent years Toyota has had to recall millions of vehicles due to defective brakes, suspensions and accelerator units. Recalls have cost Toyota millions of dollars in the past and they continue to be a costly problem in the present and foreseeable future.Recalls can also have a negative effect on brand equity and effect sales growth in the long term. * New brands could increase competition and erode Toyota's sales. New entrants from Korea, China and India are providing various market offerings, at different levels of qual ity and at increasingly competitive prices. * Soaring fuel prices and raw material prices could have a negative impact on costs of production and distribution therefore further reducing profitability. * Economic factors such as the global recession in the last 3/4 years and the lack of consumer confidence in banking institutions will have a negative effect on sales.In recent years, unemployment rates have risen in Europe making selling expensive commodities, such as cars, even harder. 2. 5 Competition The Automobile industry is in itself a fiercely competitive industry. Even more so in the European market place due to the numerous European car manufacturers. Toyota faces stiff competition from most European car makers as they market and sell the bulk of their products in Europe. Therefore when it comes to purchasing a car, the European consumer has many more product offerings to chose from. Most of the European car makers have developed entire fleets of cars to suite different budge ts, demographics and astes. In Europe, specifications such as miles per gallon, design features and retail price, have become battle grounds for car manufacturers. Toyota also faces a socio-cultural challenge: European car manufacturers take pride in the fact that their cars are designed and built in Europe for Europeans. This, in a way, can prove to be an advantage for brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen. These brands can give the perception of being able to understand the European consumer's needs better than their Asian and American counterparts. Toyota also faces stiff competition from other Asian manufacturers such as Kia, Hyundai and Honda.These manufacturers have also realised the importance of maximising fuel efficiency (with particular emphasis to small urban/city cars). Asia manufacturers have also been able to compete when it comes to retail price. Labour is relatively cheap in certain parts of Asia, thus allowing Asian manufacturers to keep costs of producti on low and passing on the savings to its customers. Competition has also risen due to new entrants into the European market. American giant General Motors launched Chevrolet Europe in 2005. Chevrolet have redesigned product offerings and created new product offerings to suit the European market.

Discussion and Writing Suggestions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion and Writing Suggestions - Essay Example The solar power technology has improved dramatically over the years and the largest solar power generation plant is located in the Mojave Desert in the state of California. The solar power generation is through the Concentrated Solar Power where large mirrors are used to concentrate sunlight to produce heat that can be used to produce steam that can turn turbines to produce electricity. Solar power has advantages and disadvantages both to the environment and the economy. There have been various concerns raised by environmentalists on the viability of solar power generation especially through the use Concentrated Solar Power which has various effects on the environment (Demirdjian 2). The article of Marla Dickerson â€Å"state solar plans are as big as all outdoors† points out some of the major environmental concerns that arise due to the setting up of a solar power generation plant in Mojave, California and other solar power stations. These environmental issues are also raised by Peter Maloney in his article â€Å"Environmentalists against Solar Power†. The major environmental concerns are the need to use large amounts of water to cool the turbines in a land where water is already a scarce resource. This implies that more water will be extracted from the desert thus depleting further the underground water resources. Maloney elaborates that the mirrors and the solar panels will need to be washed which will require more water. According to Peter Maloney a successful Solar Power generation can be successfully integrated through the use of rooftop solar energy. This recommendation will eliminate the need to use large tracts of land to generate energy. Behrens and Leonard (87) states that the Mojave, California Solar Power generation occupies 78,490 acres of land in the desert. Peter Maloney argues that the land is home to many living things which include squirrels, humans and other small animals. The use of this desert land will lead to the reduction in biodiversity since many living organisms are destroyed. Peter Maloney quotes the founder of the Alliance for Responsible Energy Policy, Jim Harvey saying â€Å"Our position is that none of this is needed. We support renewable energy, and we support California’s renewable energy targets, but we think it can be done through rooftop solar† Rooftop solar power generation has limited implications on the environment. Marla Dickerson elaborates how California has the largest and most sophisticated solar thermal facilities in the world that can be utilized effectively to supply energy to the entire state. Marla points out that the dependence of energy from outside the state will be reduced since California will be able to supply its residents with reliable sources of energy. The objections put forward by Maloney and Dickerson are of great significance to the wellbeing of the environment. To provide a clean and habitable environment, human actions must be closely scrutinized in order to make judgments on the positive and negative impacts of human actions. Use of solar power has various positive impacts on the environment. Murakami (32) points out that solar power helps in the reduction of green house gases which have a negative impact on the ozone layer. Traditional sources of energy generation like the burning of

Space Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Space Analysis - Essay Example Here, most of the people are unknown to each other and they are related on the basis of their category (Minton, 2012). The case study here is based on Sulzer-Areal in Winterthur, Switzerland. The main focus of the study is to understand how the free area meant for iron and steel factory complex has been converted into public space (King, 2011). The old industrial area of Sulzer-Areal (Fig 1) is located in the center of Winterthur, Switzerland. In the year 1834, it was first built by the Sulzer brothers and the area is spread over twenty hectares till Zurich road and railway. The industrial area reflects the golden days of mechanical engineering in Switzerland. In 1980, a law was passed to expel the heavy industries out of the main city area of Winterthur and from then on, lots of suggestion has been proposed for Sulzer-Areal. The place was much into a state of transition from 1990 and in 1992, the idea of complete demolition of the area was rejected. The owner of the space, Sulzer Immobilien AG group, proposed a very high budget and international project called the ‘Megalou’ for the complete restructuring of Sulzer-Areal (King, 2011). But due to recession, the entire project lost its luster and was left with no tenants and investors. The situation demanded a rethinking, as the operation of the space was not possible because of the huge investment required. So, it was decided to make some superficial changes in the existing buildings and convert it into a public space that will help to rebuild the area in the future. The industrial buildings were slowly transformed into districts. Now the area is a mix of educational institutes, residential complexes, workplaces and leisure. Thus, the area now has a whole new and exciting charm as a public space (King, 2011). The entire study of the Sulzer-Areal case study has been done by keeping in focus certain points that will help the reader understand how the entire

Gary Kulesha Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gary Kulesha - Essay Example In 1995, he joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as a composer-advisor. The Orchestra took his ‘Gates of Times’ on their American tour in 1999 while his ‘The True Color of the Sky’ was taken the next year on the European tour. He is the youngest composer to be named as the Composer of the year by PROCanada. For his achievements, Gary Kulesha was honored with the first National Arts Centre Orchestra Composer Award. He has been nominated twice for the Juno award, once for his ‘Third Chamber Concerto’ in 1990 and again in the year 2000 for ‘The Book of Mirrors’. In 2002, he took part in the international Double Reed Convention and co-directed Chamber Orchestra Program of the new Banff centre (Gary Kulesha Biography). Presently, Gary Kulesha is a teacher at the renowned University of Toronto where he teaches composition and theory and holds the position of the director of the Contemporary Music ensemble. He has earned great repute in h is lifetime and is an asset for his country. Works Cited â€Å"Gary Kulesha Biography.† Banff centre. 26 04 2011 .

Neurological Disorders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Neurological Disorders - Essay Example Migraines can be caused by variations in the brainstem and the interactions it has with the trigeminal nerve, which is the main pain pathway. Another cause may be an imbalance in brain chemicals such as serotonin since it helps regulate pain in the nervous system.Some of the signs of migraines include Vision disturbances that occur in both eyes and can involve blurred vision, seeing stars, eye pain, a temporary blind spot, and tunnel vision. Sometimes one may experience yawning, nausea, a problem in finding the right words or even difficulty concentrating.Precipitating factors include external stimuli, psychological factors, and physiological phenomena. Stress is a commonly recognized trigger phenomenon associated with a migraine attack. The sufferers are sensitive to changes in both eating and sleeping patterns. Vasoactive substances such as alcohol, tyramine, nitrate, and caffeine are also precipitating factors. Estrogen and progesterone in women play a great role in occurrence and timing of migraine attacks.Migraines don’t have a specific cure. The goal is to treat the symptoms immediately by changing and avoiding triggers. If one experiences regular migraines, they may be prescribed medicine to minimize the number of attacks. The medicines may include blood pressure medicines, antidepressants, and seizure medicines.Analgesics are drugs designed to relieve pain. There are various types of analgesics: acetaminophen (available without a prescription) and a various opioid analgesics.

Dividend Tax Cut Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Dividend Tax Cut - Essay Example It was believed that in doing this, the overall U.S. economy would profit because investors would be encouraged and more open to invest in companies. "The tax-cut package enacted in 2003 reduced to 15 percent the top tax rate on long-term capital gains and corporate dividends" (Mintz 108). While this is a significant decrease, many citizens were led astray as to who would actually be benefiting from the package because the Bush administration pointed out that almost half of all American households held some form of stock. "What this statistic ignores, however, is that nearly two-fifths of this stock is held in retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs. This distinction is crucial, because capital gains and dividend income accruing inside these retirement accounts is not subject to taxation, and thus would not receive a tax benefit from the reduction in the tax rates on capital gains and dividend income" (Amromin 38). Therefore, the actual amount of citizens benefiting from this plan is significantly lower than what the American public was led to believe. Only the wealthiest of stock holders benefit from dividend income. Accor ding to the Tax Policy Center fifty four percent of all dividend income goes to households who make over one million dollars per year and the remaining goes to households that make over two hundred thousand. When looking at the big picture, these households only make up three percent of the country's population. "In contrast, only 11 percent of capital gains and dividend income goes to the 86 percent of households with incomes of less than $100,000. Only 4 percent of this income flows to the 64 percent of households that have income of less than $50,000" (Amromin 39). While this information proves that the wealthy are benefiting from the dividend tax cuts, the remaining majority if the population continues to pay a tax on their dividends. Another negative side affect to the passing of this tax cut package are the affects it will have on different private bond companies and charity organizations. "The stock dividend exclusion will hurt municipal and state bonds, it will reduce the attractiveness of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit amounting to 40,000 affordable housing units lost, and it will harm the marketability of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit, the New Markets Tax Credit and mortgage revenue bonds" (Cohen). In financially strapped cities throughout the country, many are turning to philanthropic foundations to substitute for the loss of government funds. "Many charities believe that the plan for the stock dividend exclusion is bad public policy in terms of equity and fairness in our tax system, and bad for charity and philanthropy" (Cohen). As for the corporations themselves, economic studies have shown that a decrease in taxes does not ultimately play any kind of role in whether corporations decide to pay out higher dividends. Many citizens are concerned that instead of issuing dividends to their shareholders, corporations will substitute "dividend payments for share repurchases, an alternative method of payout that boosts the price of the company's stock for shareholders" (Friedman). Like these "share repurchases", many companies who say they have undertaken the dividend policies have morphed them into one time offers, or special dividends

Small Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Small Business - Essay Example Perfect Grill will use technology to solve this problem and thus make it easier to compete with Jacob’s Grill. A programmer will be hired to develop an app that the customers can install in their phones. The customers can use the app for the following; The customer can place orders before arriving at the restaurant. This will mean that the kitchen manager can know the demand prior to the customers arriving to the restaurant. This will mean that the customers will not have to wait for too long after arriving at the restaurant. This improves the level of service and the customers will be happy with this. The customers will also be able to pay for their orders through the app. This will be important in that it will help in dealing with customers who may cancel the orders. If the customers are given the option to order through the app but not pay, the rate of cancelling the orders may be high and this is not be good for business. However, by allowing the customers to pay through the online app, the rate of order cancellation will be low. The customers can also access the day’s specials and know what to order. Apart from displaying the menu for the restaurant, the app will be able to help the customers to access the day’s special. This will be updated on a daily basis and the customers can be able to know what the day’s specials are even before they arrive at the restaurant. Once the customer places an order for a meal, the app will be able to determine if there are enough materials to make the meal for the customer. This will mean that the app will be linked to the inventory records of the firm. For instance, if a customer uses the app to order for a grilled chicken, the app will have to first check if there are chicken in the inventory which will be used to make the order. The customer will also have to give a timeframe of when he is expecting to arrive at the restaurant. This will

Public Speaking and Success Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Public Speaking and Success - Term Paper Example Even a cursory perusal of the human history testifies to the fact that the leaders in all ages and times, was it Alexander, Caesar, George Washington, Churchill, Kennedy or Martin Luther King owed a great part of their success to their public speaking skills. Public speaking is not merely about speaking, but rather involves a range of factors and attributes that help a competent public speaker emerge as a natural leader and a success story. Public Speaking Bolsters Self Confidence Self confidence is primarily about having an unshakable faith in one’s beliefs, values and aspirations. Almost everybody agrees to the fact that public speaking is a challenge. It goes without saying that the willingness on the part of an individual to embrace a challenge, especially a challenge of the nature of public speaking that involves public audience is bound to make a person confident and self assured (Davidson 36). The very ability to convey one’s thoughts and feelings to an audience in a way that is interesting, involving and attention grabbing could positively be expected to do much good to a person’s self confidence and self esteem (Davidson 36). In the realm of public speaking there is always a risk involved of ending up being a laughing stock of the people or getting oneself misunderstood (Davidson 112). Every time an individual dares to embrace this risk, one adds loads of substance and gumption to one’s personality. Eventually this faith in oneself infiltrates the varied other aspects of a person’s life and helps one face the challenges posed by life with an attitude of courage and daring that is the mark of a true leader. Public speaking instills an attitude of risk taking and a spirit of adventure in a person that make that person grasp the challenges posed by life with calm and poise. For what could be a better measure of faith in one’s beliefs and aspirations than the willingness to express it before people. Public Speaking Enhances Visibility Irrespective of the existence of a millions of books on the topic of leadership and a range of courses existing in the academic institutions aimed at enhancing leadership abilities, the reality is that leadership is a scarce public resource in varied facets of public life, be it politics, business, academics, religion or social service. In society there is no dearth of individuals who are competent and accomplished, yet not all manage to emerge as a leader. Public speaking enhances the visibility coefficient of an individual (Davidson 15). Besides, the willingness to speak before people in itself conveys much about the potential and abilities of a person. Of what use is all the accomplishment and ability of a person if the people who matter do not know about him. In contrast, even people with mediocre skills and proficiencies end up projecting themselves as capable and willing, every time they ascend the stage to express their views. Hence, when it comes to choo sing a leader, be it in the chambers of business and commerce, neighborhood clubs, social associations or academic programs, people mostly do not opt for the person who is most accomplished, but rather vie for the person who had been most visible. Public speaking is the most accessible and cheapest avenue for advertising oneself and one’s abilities. Transference of Skills Almost every successful public speaker and leader will undeniably and unexceptionally testify to the fact that

Creative Song Assignment Essay Example for Free

Creative Song Assignment Essay The Creative Song Assignment was an interesting assignment, because I have zero experience in mixing music. It was an interesting experience, because it did take me out of my comfort zone. When I first started, I felt lost. I had no idea what I was doing, so I decided to do a little research to see how I can best complete this assignment. I finally settled on using a program called Audacity and the genres of hip hop and alternative rock. I chose a program called audacity, because it gives you an option of mixing different songs. I am sure that there are a lot of other programs better suited for this assignment, but I found this to be pretty easy to use. I really enjoyed playing around with the different settings. It took me a couple of days before I finally picked two songs to work on. I am sure that there are many more experienced people out there that can mix my songs better than me, but I think I did a good job considering my experience level. I decide to pick hip hop and alternative rock, because they are two of my favorite genres. I know that hip hop and alternative rock have been mixed before, so I felt an intrigue in trying to accomplish this myself. I knew that I wanted to use Radiohead’s Karma Police as my alternative, because that is one of my favorite songs. I had a difficult time picking a rap song, because the lyrics did not match up well together. I finally decided to just use a hip hop beat that I found on soundcloud. In my opinion, I felt that this was best, because you can hear the lyrics of the alternative song, but still hear the hip hop beat. The part that took me a while was trying to get the songs in sync perfectly. I really wanted to find a way to lower the alternative rock song’s instrumentals, but I could not do it. I think it would have sounded better if I could mix the hip hop beat with the Karma Police vocals. I am sure it could probably be done with professional mixing equipment.