Improving our Ethical performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Improving our Ethical performance - Essay Example (Annual report, 2004, swisslife) When a large retailer like TESCO is considered, one can find that they made ethical trading an integral part of the way they do business. They took care that the buyers, technical managers and ethical trading team to work with their suppliers to upheld labour standards in the supply chain. The company have developed a core regarding Ethical issues. TESCO started implementing ethical issues in business and ended up in making their staff earn more while the share market was jittering. This was made possible to make staff to save while they earn. (Social responsibility 2006). The company started investing in Kenyan flower supply base, South African wine producing and Dominican banana producing. The investment in these areas has linked the productin with social responsibility. As a result the living standards of flower, wine and banana producers in the above mentioned areas were enhanced and resulted in quality produce for the present and in future. (Social responsibility 2006) When we consider the marks and Spencer's ethical issues the communication, equality and diversity pay and benefit, training and development, health, safety and well being, business ethics were considered in the ethical practices. (2006, work place, Marks & Spencer) The communication between the management, suppliers and the emp... result the living standards of flower, wine and banana producers in the above mentioned areas were enhanced and resulted in quality produce for the present and in future. (Social responsibility 2006) When we consider the marks and Spencer's ethical issues the communication, equality and diversity pay and benefit, training and development, health, safety and well being, business ethics were considered in the ethical practices. (2006, work place, Marks & Spencer) The communication between the management, suppliers and the employees was well maintained to share knowledge that helps in the promotion of the business. By retaining the culturally and socially diverse work force the company is maintained equality and diversity in maintenance of the work force. The pay and benefits for the employees were at the right level and they are attractive for the people who want to join it. This made the employees feel secure and work for the promotion of the business as the company is maintaining continuous communication with the employees to be attentive. The company took care of training and development issues of the employees, which made them, develop their skills according to the need of the hour. It is taking care of health and safety and well being of their employees which makes the absence due to illness scarce. Along with the company the employees and suppliers are made to behave and trade ethically while working for and trading with the company. 2. Comparison of TESCO and Marks and Spencer's When we compare marks and Spencer's regarding their ethical trade practices the similarity lies in maintaining cordial relations with employees and suppliers by communicating and taking care of them. The communicating with employees is a difference of marks and Spencer's from that of

Church Split During Middle Ages Essay Example for Free

Church Split During Middle Ages Essay Ultimately, the cause of the Great Schism of 1054 was a question of who was the highest authority. The underlying reasons why there was a split, however, developed in earliest beginnings of the Church. In those days the Church was never completely unified, and several of the original organizations, such as the Coptic Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches, which date from ancient times, still exist as separate entities. By far, the largest body of the Church was the one centered in Rome, which from ancient times was made up of two main groups of people, one speaking Latin and one speaking Greek. Latin was the language of the administrative center in Rome. Greek, however, was the original language of much of the New Testament. The linguistic difference was part of a foundation of a split that developed more, and not always for reasons that had anything to do with religious doctrine. Like the Church, the Roman Empire was divided between Latin and Greek areas, and the common understanding of this is skewed. The date we are accustomed to assign to the fall of the Roman Empire was not actually the date of a sudden destruction of a country. In fact, what happened that year was the abdication of the last emperor of the Roman Empire of the West, with authority being reunited in the hands of the emperor of the Roman Empire of the East. And in theory, the Roman Empire continued with what we call the Byzantine Empire today, but what called itself the Empire of the Roman People at the time. For group of people in the East, who considered themselves the rightful administrators of law and Justice, to admit that they had lost control over the West was difficult enough, but in addition to that, the popes were demanding that they acknowledge the spiritual leadership of Rome, with increasing demands for political leadership as well. When Pope Leo Ill crowned Charlemagne Emperor of the West, in 800, it was not a religious issue, but it was a political issue that made the Greeks very upset. From the Greek perspective, Charlemagne and the Pope were usurping the authority of Empress Irene, who was ruling the empire at the time. When Emperor Michael Ill deposed the Patriarch Ignatius of Constantinople in 858, the Pope, Nicholas l, declared the action illegal and acted on his own authority to return Ignatius to his position. This caused further problems, and this time it was within the Church itself. In 1014, the Pope again tried to exert authority over the ishops of the East, interfering in a change they were making to the to the Nicene Creed. Right or wrong, this created more strain. The time of continual, simmering resentment continued, as the Popes continued to try to get the Greek bishops to accept the supreme authority of Rome, and the Greek bishops always tried to avoid doing this. Finally, in 1054, a group of legates excommunicated the Patriarch of Constantinople because he would not take an oath to acknowledge the supremacy of the Pope, and he retaliated by excommunicating them. Church Split During Middle Ages By brandyHK

Chinese Managers Leadership Style

Chinese Managers Leadership Style 3.1 Introduction Among various choices of research methodologies, this study draws on a framework within the qualitative research paradigm. The study takes an interpretive approach and adopts a data collection design of participant interviews. The purpose of this section is to introduce the underpinning philosophical arguments regarding methodological consideration and to justify the appropriateness of qualitative design to the context of this study. Supportive theories for this choice as well as the sampling methods, data collection methods, arrangements for interviews and the relevant research considerations will be addressed. In order to link the methodological choices with the study purpose, research questions will also be reiterated. 3.2Research questions The purpose of qualitative research is to describe, explore, and explain phenomena being studied (Marshall and Rossman, 1999). Qualitative research questions, therefore, often take the form of what, how and why, and are more concerned with the process rather than the outcome. As this study is to explore how Chinese culture, specifically Confucius philosophical doctrines have shaped Chinese leadership style, as well as how Western theories have exerted a profound influence on Chinese leadership in modern Chinese society, the research questions of this study go as follows: What are the main characteristics of Chinese managers leadership style in Public Sector in Tianjin? Given the above, to what extent does Chinese culture, particularly Guanxi affect and shape Chinese leadership style? In this day and age, how is leadership in China influenced by Western leadership models? What are the implications that Chinese leadership styles present for the future practice? As a result, the research methodology was selected and employed to explore the development of the topic to answer the above questions. 3.3 Methodological choice 3.3.1 Interpretive research tradition Among the three research traditions, i.e. Positivism and Postpositivism, Interpretive Research, and Critical Postmodernism (Gephart, 2004), Interpretive Research is generally considered the most appealingly applied by a significant number of researchers. This study takes an interpretive approach to understand the Chinese managers leadership style as perceived by their Qualitative research can be either interpretive or positive depending on the philosophical assumptions taken by the researcher. According to Schwandt (2000), qualitative research is a diverse term covering an array of techniques seeking to describe, decode, translate, and somehow come to terms with the meaning, rather than the measurement or frequency of phenomena in the social world. Interpretive research is a more specific term. Interpretive studies assume that people create and associate their own subjective and intersubjective meanings as they interact with the world around them. With regards to the epistemology, interpertivsts recognize that the way they make sense of the world is shaped by their goals, culture and experience (Creswell, 2003; Weber, 2004). Reality is viewed as socially constructed and cannot be objectively determined (Easterby- Smith et al., 1991). The foundation assumption for interpretive research is that knowledge is gained, or at least filtered, through soci al constructions such as language, consciousness, and shared meanings. In addition to the emphasis on the socially constructed nature of reality, interpretive research acknowledges the intimate relationship between the researcher and what is being explored, and the situational constraints shaping this process. Interpretivists believe that the researcher and the researched are interdependent and affect each other in their interactions (Gephart, 2004; Weber, 2004). Walsham (1995) indicates that interpretive research attempts to understand phenomena through the meanings that people assign to them. It does not predefine dependent and independent variables. Nor does it set out to test hypotheses, but rather aims to produce an understanding of the social context of the phenomenon and the process whereby the phenomenon influences and is influenced by the social context. 3.3.2 Qualitative study Within the field of social research there have been opposing views on how the social world can be or should be understood. Traditionally the positivist paradigm has been related to quantitative research techniques, scientific measurement and empirical findings (Silverman, 2000). However, recently research methodology is considered as a continuum between quantitative and qualitative designs with the approach adopted based on an ability to answer or add knowledge to a particular issue (Creswell, 2003; Miller and Brewer, 2003). According to Creswell (1994), a qualitative study is defined as an inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem, based on building a complex, holistic picture, formed with words, reporting detailed views of informants, and conducted in a natural setting. Although a quantitative research method was useful in studying statistical differences among variables and factors for proofing assumptions, its limitation was the inability to fully reveal the underlying meanings people associated with particular activities or social process (Esterberg, 2002). In favor of this argument, Silverman (1997) further extends that quantitative research may overlook the social and cultural construction of variables as well as the attitudes and meanings behind the variables. Qualitative studies, though perceived to be complex, time-intensive, and sometimes fraught with methodological challenges, can be the richest of studies, often illuminating complex phenomena in radically new ways (Conger, 1998). They are responsible for paradigm shifts, insights into the role of context, and longitudinal perspectives that other methods often fall to capture (Isabella, 1990; Mintzberg, 1973; Roberts and Bradley, 1988). Qualitative research may take on different traditions or assumptions such as phenomenology, hermeneutics and ethnography. However, Mason (1996) indicates that there are three common elements that bind qualitative research strategies together: Qualitative research takes an interpretive position in relation to understanding interactions within a multi-layered social world; Data generation is flexible and sensitive to the social context in which data is produced; Data analysis that use explanation building which involve understanding the relevant complexity, detail and content of the subject matter. (Mason, 1996:4) Such an argument provides a strong theoretical foundation for this study regarding the interaction between managers and their subordinates in Public Sector in China. As a result, having considered these arguments, qualitative methodology would be useful in exploring the meanings and perspectives in this dissertation, because it permits an exploration of participants concepts of Chinese leadership, the interpretation of cultural effects on Chinese leadership style and the complexity of issues that contribute to the subject. 3.3.3 Qualitative leadership studies It has been widely held that qualitative research in the social sciences plays an important part only in the exploratory phases of a research. At this stage, the researcher knows about the subject he/she is to investigate, and his/her hypotheses are purely speculative. Once the researchers understanding gradually becomes well-defined, quantitative analysis can follow to refine and validate the hypotheses generated by the previous qualitative research. However, Conger (1998) challenged this assumption by arguing that in reality, qualitative research must play an important role on matter at what stage in the investigation of leadership topics. The main reason, he points out, is the extreme and enduring complexity of the leadership phenomenon itself. Since leadership involves multiple levels of phenomena, possesses a dynamic character, and has a symbolic component, quantitative methods, which are largely based on surveys in the leadership field, tend to focus on a single level of analysis such as behavioral dimensions (Yukl, 1994), and in turn overlook the organizational and environmental factors (Conger, 1998). Therefore, they are insufficient to investigate thoroughly phenomena as complex as leadership. In addition, other scholars have drawn limitations and narrowness of the investigation frame of quantitative analysis in the leadership study. For example, Phillips (1973) argues that quantitative surveys are usually influenced by social desirability concerns of respondents and only reflects behavior attitudes rather than actual observed behavior. Lantis (1987) also articulates that quantitative analysis is unable to measure interactions, which is a critical element of leadership. Qualitative methods, as proposed by Conger (1998), when properly employed, may render leadership studies distinct advantages over quantitative methods: First, more room to explore leadership in depth (Bryman, 1992); Second, the flexibility to detect unexpected phenomena during the research; Third, more opportunities to sense the contextual factors; Fourth, more effective to investigate symbolic dimensions (Morgan and Smircich, 1980). It is based on all these arguments, that this study adopts a qualitative method, trying to put into full play the advantages that qualitative method possesses in studying the Chinese leadership style in Public Sectors. 3.4 Interviews 3.4.1 Interviews as a qualitative method Based on the methodological discussions, interview was chosen as the most appropriate method of data collection for the research at hand. This method is the most frequently used qualitative method and recommended in situations where a detailed understanding of complicated behavior is sought and where detailed probing of the respondent is anticipated. Kvale and Birnkmann (2009) emphasize a qualitative research interview as a professional conversation focusing on an alternation, which occurs on the personal interaction between the interviewer and the interviewee around a particular issue or range of topics and on the descriptive data conducted through that interaction. Unstructured interviews 3.4.2 Semi-structured interviews In this study, semi-structured interviews were applied as a research tool. Semi-structured interviews form an important part of qualitative research (Cassell and Symon, 2004). In semi-structured interviews, the interviewer designs a general structure by deciding in advance what ground is to be covered and what questions are to be asked. This leaves the detailed structure to be worked out during the interview. The interviewee is given considerable freedom to express his/her views on his/her own words. This results in them raising issues and topic that the researcher may not have thought about as important for the study (Banister and Booth, 2005). The interviewer can respond using prompts, and follow-up questions to encourage the interviewee to clarify or expand on their answers. He/She can also react via facial expression and body language. This would allow the interviewer to innovate and give the interview a direction (King, 2004) and get explanatory answers for questions about peoples behavior and opinions (Saunders et al, 2003; Banister and Booth, 2005). This is one of the strengths of this kind of interviews. In summary, semi-structured interviews provide the opportunity for the researcher to probe deeply to uncover new clues, open up new dimensions of a problem and to secure vivid, accurate inclusive accounts that are based on personal experienced (Easterby-Smith et al., 2002). In semi-structured interviews, the application of probing is one of the most significant techniques. Probing centers on assisting the interviewee in continuing to speak his/her mind by the interviewer posing questions fully and relevantly (Cooper and Schinder, 2000). Patton (1990) identifies three types of probing techniques, namely detail-oriented probes, elaboration probes, and clarification probes. In this study, the elaboration probe is employed to encourage the interviewee to express more feelings (Patton, 1990). The interviewer took the initiative and encouraged the interviewee by supplementing questions like What makes you think so?; Can you give some examples?; Can you tell me more about this? etc. For semi-structured interviews, basic structures and frameworks are necessary. Before conducting the interviews, boundaries were drawn with pertinence to the research questions and research objectives. In turn, boundaries and framework also provide reference for the judgment of data to be obtained. Without boundaries and framework, the discussion can go on different track and become too general (Denzin and Lincoln, 2000). With boundaries set to the interview, the interviewer can not only maintain the exploratory principles through the use of major topic themes within the questions but also had sufficient flexibility to extend the boundaries of the original theme or to vary the sequence and emphasis of the questions (Corbetta, 2003;Kvale, 1996; Miller and Brewer, 2003). 3.4.3 Framing the interview questions Framing the questions for the interview is very important. The questions allow respondents to quantify individual experiences and convey the results or answers that are expected from the research (Denzin and Lincoln, 2000; Easterby-Smith et al., 2002). Silverman (2001) and King (2004) suggest that research questions should not reflect the researchers own presuppositions or biases. Saunder et al. (2003) also stress that the questions framed should not be leading or suggesting a restricted set of answers. The interview questions in this study include a series of open-ended questions (Appendix). This is because open-ended questions provide the opportunity to gather an authentic understanding of peoples experience (Silverman, 1999). Moreover, they also allow the interview respondents to talk freely and explain their understanding on Chinese leadership style and Chinese and Western cultural effects on framing such kind of leadership style. As discussed above, discussion on these questions may move beyond the research boundaries, therefore sub-questions have been framed to direct the discussion in the required directions. 3.5 Sampling Sampling for qualitative research seeks to provide explanations of attitudes and behavior rather than quantify their extent in the population. According to National Centre for Social Research (2002), qualitative samples should not be as large as survey samples or to be statistically representative. Rather, qualitative samples should be selected purposively to encompass the range and diversity present in the target population. Miles and Huberman (1994) also assert that qualitative researchers should work with small samples of people, bound by specific contexts, and studied in depth. In this study, unstructured interviews were conducted individually with five senior managers from five organizations of the Public Sector in Tianjin, as well as semi-structured interviews were employed seven subordinates of these managers. Therefore the sample size of the study is twelve. Additionally, nonprobability sampling, a non-random and subjective sampling method (Cooper and Schindler, 1999) is used for this research. Different from random sampling, this method allowed the interviewer to choose sample members as she wished or wherever she could find them. Another concept related to nonprobability sampling is judgment sampling. As one kind of nonprobability samplings, judgment sampling is used to select sample members to conform to some criterion (Cooper and Schindler, 2000). With the application of judgment sampling, people who work as managers in Public Sector in Tianjin were selected for main target samples, and their subordinates for sub-target samples. Since the study is to investigate the general perception of the leadership style in Public Sector in Tianjin, the sampling frame of this study is the public in general who work in different managerial levels in Public Sector in Tianjin. 3.6 Data collection 3.6.1 Data collection procedure The data collected for this dissertation has been obtained from a combination of both secondary and primary sources. The secondary data include a selection of variety of books, journals and articles. The primary data were gathered from a series of unstructured and semi-structured interviews. In total, 12 interviews were undertaken with interviewees form 5 organizations in Public Sector in Tianjin (Appendix). These multiple sources of data allowed the researchers to address a broader range of historical, attitudinal, and observation issues (Yin, 1989). Furthermore, multiple sources of evidences provided multiple perspectives of the same phenomenon. Participants in this study ranged from general staff to senior managers. The judgment sampling method employed here correlates with one of the approaches described by Mason (1996) in that it seeks to provide a detailed view of particular units; not with any intent to act in a representative way of the wider population but to generate theory that may be applied or evaluated within a broader context. Five senior managers form different organizations are researchers relatives. The close relationship, therefore, contributed to both fulfillment of the interviews and the in-depth exploration of the research. In addition, seven subordinates work with five managers respectively. Subordinates perception of their managers characteristics could enrich the performance of the research. As a result, this elicited 12 interviews that formed the database of this study. The five organizations from which 12 interviewees stemmed cover the following five sectors: Economy and Trade Commission Justice Bureau Department of Cultural Affairs Urban Planning Bureau Public Primary School Interviews were undertaken in June and July 2010. Among the 12 interviews, five with senior managers were conducted in their houses or the researchers house, and each interview lasted 40 minutes around. Others 7 were taped in interviewees offices, lasting 20-30 minutes respectively. Moreover, interviews were conducted in the interviewees native language (Chinese) so that the subject was able to express their ideas fully. All the interviews took place in a private and quiet environment with only the interviewer and interviewee present. All participants were made fully aware of the details of the study. The schedules were directly and respectively sent to all participants ahead of the interviews so as to confirm the researchers intent to record the interview via audiotape and to introduce the arrangements related to confidentiality. All participants consented to the using of the tape recorder during the interviews. Such pre-interview communication proved important, because on the one hand, it allowed the participants enough time to get into the purpose and questions of the interview; on the other hand, it played an essential role in requesting informed consents (Kvale and Birnkmann, 2009) from the participants, assuring them of safety, showing respect to their dignity, rights, and well-being. Especially when conducting qualitative research with sensitive topics, such ethical issues need to be a concern of the researcher (Malhotra, 2004), since there is much closer interaction between the interviewer and the individual examined (King, 2004) and usually more personal or sensitive information is shared. Therefore, the researcher had the responsibility to care for the rights and needs of the respondents (Kvale and Birnkmann, 2009). All this also supported the development of trust in the interaction of the interviewee with the interviewer to ensure that they would be as truthful and open about their experiences and feelings as possible (Easterby-Smith et al., 1999) 3.6.2 Data analysis As is typical in qualitative research (Creswell, 1994), data analysis proceeded in tandem with data collection. The interview transcripts served as the basis for the data analysis. After a general sense of the information gathered through reading the transcripts several times (Creswell, 2003), coding of the data was used to analyze the interviews. Coding is defined as the formal process of selecting all the usable material from the complete data collected (Fisher, 2004). To code the data, it would be useful to identify clear themes at the initial stage. Hence, themes that consistently emerged in the interviews were identified and the material was divided into chunks and allocated to the themes (Creswell, 2003; Fisher, 2004). This approach to data analysis has the advantage as it is flexible and can be adapted to the needs of the study while it still forces the researcher to take a well-structured approach to analyzing the data, which assists in creating a clear and organized account of the findings. Therefore, after the transcription of the interview data from the audiotapes, the data analysis was categorized into four theme sections. The process of coding and analyzing data was ongoing and continued throughout the formulation of the subsequent chapters. Therefore, codes remained open to modification until the end of the study and were modified and developed as the analysis proceeded (Fisher, 2004). In the analysis process, the method of direct quotations was used to illustrate informants responses precisely. Additionally, examples of contradicting arguments of the interviewees were included to ensure a balanced account of the data gathered. This enhanced the validity and authenticity of the research (Creswell, 2003; Spiggle, 1994). The presentation of the findings is structured around the main themes identified. Care was taken not to drift towards generalizations but keep in mind the individual experiences from which these themes were developed (Creswell, 2003; King, 2004). 3.7Limitations Undertaking any form of research regardless of methodology or study design takes the author on a journey that is often challenging and frustrating. A potential major weakness of the research method employed in this study could be the problem of bias. Bell and Opie (1999) suggested that interview as a qualitative method is highly subjective technique and therefore there is always the danger of bias. This is true because there is a strong possibility that interviewees might choose not to reveal all issues related to the research questions due to feelings of embarrassment or a lack of knowledge on the topic and confusion etc. The researcher may tend to seek out answers that support preconceived notions. This may not be deliberate but may arise due to the classification of information and the flow of analytical thinking. Such a bias may limit the scope of the available data in relation to the study themes (Miller and Brewer, 2003) and greatly influence the reliability of the data collected. However, as Gavron (1966) suggested, awareness of the problem plus constant self-control can help alleviate the degree of bias. Another challenge that this study was facing is the transcribing of data. Since all interviews were conducted in Chinese, transcribing from the record in the audiotape into English written words may easily involve errors. This may occur due to the misunderstanding or mishearing of respondents words or ignoring the emotionally loaded intonations. Moreover, the language barrier constitutes another problem. Although the researcher tried her best to maintain the authenticity and reliability of the data, the slangs, jargons, colloquial expressions and established phrases in one language may not be possibly given a parallel in another language. Therefore, all that the researcher could do was to try to avoid any interventions and misunderstandings during the interview and repeated respondents key points in front of the respondents so as to ensure that interviewees opinions were fully and accurately understood by the researcher.

Essay --

Concussion or Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Millions of concussions occur from sports participation every year. These injuries typically occur in collision (football and ice hockey) and contact sports (soccer and basketball) but can occur in any sport even traditional â€Å"non-contact† sports. Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been defined as â€Å"a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces.† Typically this occurs after a direct blow to the head but can also occur with any blow to the body where forces are transmitted to the head. The symptoms of a concussion occur rapidly and often spontaneously resolve, however, these symptoms can also quickly worsen or return resulting in a medical emergency. Therefore, anyone experiencing the signs symptoms of a concussion or mTBI should consult a physician or medical professional to properly diagnose and treat this injury as monitoring or additional testing (MRI/ CT Scan)may be warranted. The acute symptoms of a concussion are listed in the table below: Signs and Sympto...

African American and Obama Essay

In â€Å"A More Perfect Union’†, a speech given by Barack Obama, there are multiple issues addressed, with race being the biggest of them all. In Obama’s speech, his main focus is the issue of racism, and he touches on the examples of racism today and how we should cope with these problems. Obama uses various tones and experiences in both his life and the lives of others as well, to portray his thoughts on the subject. Obviously in a speech about racism given by an African American man, there are going to be mixed responses portrayed by the audience, and I think those mixed reactions are exactly what was occurring in the audience. As being part of that audience, I think Obama did an exceptional job of showing how racism is still present today, not only towards African Americans, but every other race as well. In â€Å"A More Perfect Union†, Obama not only talks about the conventional types of racism consisting of whites and blacks, but also that of all the other ethnicities we have in this country. As a result of doing this Obama presents all these issues fairly and unbiased, without concentrating too much on which form of racism applies to him the most, which would be racism towards African Americans. He makes a case that there is also racism towards Caucasian Americans, which is not usually thought of when dealing with prejudice amongst groups of ethnicities. By doing this, Obama really shows that he is presenting his concerns equally, and is no way biased towards a certain group or race in his speech. Obama talks about different types of experiences of racism in his life that many other young African American men and woman might have also experienced. And since he has such a rich cultural family, with many different ethnicities, he makes his life relatable to almost every race in America. The points he uses in his speech are both realistic and appropriate towards the audience that he is addressing, which are the voters of America. Obama had a very valid point which I think intrigued many people, when he spoke of his family situation. He explained his family background and all the different ethnicities that were intertwined within his family tree, including his white grandmother. Just like any other grandson, he loved his grandmother and she loved him no matter what her views on racism were. By presenting this background Obama made it clear that race was no boundary when it came to family life, so why could this not be the case between associates in every day life. I think this story of his grandmother is one of the most vital points in the speech. Most everyone in the audience can relate because mostly everyone in the audience would probably of had a grandmother that they loved as Obama did. Out of everyone in the audience who had a grandmother, I would almost guarantee they would love the same even if they were a different color or race, which is the point Obama is trying to make here. While Obama was giving this speech he had a very distinct tone, which I think was made known to everyone who had heard it. Listening to the speech, I couldn’t help but think of his tone as sad and disappointed. Also I think it was clear that Obama was very disappointed when it came to his feelings regarding his very own Reverend Jeremiah Wright, and rightly so. When talking about active racism going on in a country like America today, there should be no feelings other than disgust and disappointment. I believe that it didn’t take long for the audience to pick up on Obama’s tone for the speech, and henceforth this tone set the stage for the rest of the speech. Obama used his tone to his advantage when speaking and, really helped him make a more emotional speech when talking to his audience. Obama used various different tones and examples when giving his speech to the American people. The reason he did this, was to try to connect with all the different types of audiences he was addressing. Obviously he was addressing the American people, but there are many sub groups within the American people. Obama made sure to speak of racism toward African Americans, as well as other ethnicities, including Caucasian, to eliminate any bias there was when giving the speech as an African American male. Doing this was very important when giving this speech, because if all the different different audiences weren’t addressed, it would automatically be assumed that this African American man, was speaking towards his race only, and therefore isn’t taking into account the rest of the American people. If the audience would of reacted to this speech, I would assume they would think that Obama is not only an unfit candidate for president, but a morally challenged American as well. Obama’s â€Å"A More Perfect Union Speech†, was not just a speech, but a message to all of the American people that we will not succumb to racism today, as we had in the past. By addressing America in this way, I think he gained a lot of respect from people that otherwise wouldn’t have even considered voting for him in his presidential campaign. In his speech he brings up many concerns that we had as a country, and I think that he addressed those concerns as well as anybody could of. Obama presented a lot of valid points, and showed to America that he had many insightful experiences that qualified him to be a successful leader in a country such as the United States. â€Å"A More Perfect Union†, really set the stage for the new movement against racism, by giving this speech Obama changed the view of many Americans’ on the subject of racism, and I think that is exactly what Americans needed to realize.

India: A Socialist, Secular and Democratic Country Essay

SOCIALIST The word socialist was added to the Preamble by the 42nd amendment act of 1976, during the Emergency. It implies social and economic equality. Social equality in this context means the absence of discrimination on the grounds only of caste, colour, creed, sex, religion, or language. Under social equality, everyone has equal status and opportunities. Economic equality in this context means that the government will endeavor to make the distribution of wealth more equal and provide a decent standard of living for all. This is in effect emphasizing a commitment towards the formation of a welfare state. India has adopted a mixed economy and the government has framed many laws to achieve the aim. SECULAR The word secular was inserted into the Preamble by the 42nd amendment act of 1976, during the Emergency. It implies equality of all religions and religious tolerance. India, therefore does not have an official state religion. Every person has the right to preach, practice and propagate any religion they choose. The government must not favour or discriminate against any religion. It must treat all religions with equal respect. All citizens, irrespective of their religious beliefs are equal in the eyes of law. No religious instruction is imparted in government or government-aided schools. Nevertheless, general information about all established world religions is imparted as part of the course in Sociology, without giving any importance to any one religion or the others. The content presents the basic/fundamental information with regards to the fundamental beliefs, social values and main practices and fesitivals of each established world religions. The Supreme Court in S.R Bommai v. Union of India held that secularism was an integral part of the basic structure of the constitution. DEMOCRATIC India is a democracy. The people of India elect their governments at all levels (Union, State and local) by a system of universal adult franchise; popularly known as ‘One man.

The Meaning of Tenir in French and How to Use the Verb

The Meaning of Tenir in French and How to Use the Verb Tenir is an irregular verb ending in -ir and usually means to hold or to keep. Tenir has a number of other meanings, including some which depend on the preposition that follows. Its used in a number of French expressions. Meanings of Tenir Tenir usually means to hold or to keep: Quest-ce quil tient la main?  Translation: What is he holding in his hand?Je dois tenir les enfants par la main. Translation: I need to hold the kids hands.Tenez les yeux fermà ©s. Translation: Keep your eyes closed.Il faut tenir cette affiche en place. Translation: You need to hold this poster in place. Additional Meanings To have/keep under control: Vous tenez bien votre classe.Translation: You have your class under control. To run/manage (a business): Qui tient le magasin?Translation: Whos running the store? To organize (an event): Le comità © tient une sà ©ance chaque mois.Translation: The committee holds a meeting every month. To handle, be able to accept: Elle ne tient pas lalcool. (informal)Translation: She cant hold her liquor. To keep: Je tiens toujours mes promesses.I always keep my promises. To take up, fulfill: Cette table tient trop de place.Translation: This table takes up too much room Tenir Tenir may be followed by a noun, an infinitive, or a clause. When followed by a noun, it means either to value, care about, be attached to or to be due to, stem from: Je ne tiens pas son opinion. Translation: I dont care about his opinion. quoi tient son succà ¨s? Translation: What is the secret of his success? When followed by an infinitive or ce que subjunctive, tenir means to be anxious/eager: Je tiens vous remercier. Translation: Im eager to thank you.Il tient ce que tu sois laise. Translation: Hes anxious for you to feel comfortable. Tenir can also be used to mean to depend on - most commonly with ne___ qu: Cela ne tient qu toi de choisir. Translation: Its up to you to choose. The choice depends (only) on you.Cela ne tient pas qu moi. Translation: It doesnt depend on me alone. Tenir de Tenir de means to take after/resemble, to have to do with: Elle tient de sa mà ¨re. Translation: She takes after her mother.Cela tient du miracle. Translation: That seems like a miracle, Theres something miraculous about that. Se Tenir Reflexively, tenir means to hold (oneself), to be in a position, or to behave: Pourquoi se tient-il la jambe? Translation: Why is he holding his leg?Je me tenais par une main. Translation: I held myself (up) with one hand.Tu dois te tenir debout. Translation: You have to stand up.Nous nous tenons prà ªts partir. Translation: Were prepared to leave.Elle se tient bien. Translation: Shes well-behaved.Tiens-toi tranquille! Translation: Behave yourself! Be quiet! Se tenir can also be used intransitively with many of the meanings in the first section (to hold a meeting, to be connected, etc) Present Tense Conjugations je tienstu  tiensil tientnous  tenonsvous  tenezï » ¿ils  tiennent

Unix essays

Unix essays Unix was originally developed at Bell Laboratories as a private research project by small groups of people starting 1969. The goal of this group was design an operating system that was written in a high level language rather than assembly language, allow re-use of code and be simple and elegant. Operating systems in that time were large and written in assembly language. UNIX had a small amoutnof code written in assembly language (called the kernel). The remaining code was written in a lanuage called C. As the group continued to develop UNIX , small changes were needed in the kernel and the language to allow the operating system to be completed. Through this work they worked through the kernel and software until a complete operating system was written on top of the kernel in the language C. UNIX is mysterious when you first approach it, I know I was stumped when I signed on that screen and looked at it like a lost puppy. I thought for a moment I was reading a foreign language. It tends to be a little intimidating at first glance. With a little coaxing from the voice in my head I start to click and find it is not all that foreign after all. It is rather complicated at first issuing commands like who > users_on. Nothing appears on the screen and so you think you have done something wrong. You learn the hard way that silence usually equals success. ( 3rd addition UNIX pg 32) ...

Albert Einstein Essays (1603 words) - Albert Einstein, Free Essays

Albert Einstein Of all the scientists to emerge from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries there is one whose name is known by almost all living people. While most of these do not understand this man's work, everyone knows that its impact on the world of science is astonishing. Yes, many have heard of Albert Einstein's General Theory of relativity, but few know about the intriguing life that led this scientist to discover what some have called, "The greatest single achievement of human thought." Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany on March 14, 1874. Before his first birthday, his family had moved to Munich where young Albert's father, Hermann Einstein, and uncle set up a small electro-chemical business. He was fortunate to have an excellent family with which he held a strong relationship. Albert's mother, Pauline Einstein, had an intense passion for music and literature, and it was she that first introduced her son to the violin in which he found much joy and relaxation. Also, he was very close with his younger sister, Maja, and they could often be found in the lakes that were scattered about the countryside near Munich. As a child, Einstein's sense of curiosity had already begun to stir. A favorite toy of his was his father's compass, and he often marvelled at his uncle's explanations of algebra. Although young Albert was intrigued by certain mysteries of science, he was considered a slow learner. His failure to become fluent in German until the age of nine even led some teachers to believe he was disabled. Einstein's post-basic education began at the Luitpold Gymnasium when he was ten. It was here that he first encountered the German spirit through the school's strict disciplinary policy. His disapproval of this method of teaching led to his reputation as a rebel. It was probably these differences that caused Einstein to search for knowledge at home. He began not with science, but with religion. He avidly studied the Bible seeking truth, but this religious fervor soon died down when he discovered the intrigue of science and math. To him, these seemed much more realistic than ancient stories. With this new knowledge he disliked class even more, and was eventually expelled from Luitpold Gymnasium being considered a disruptive influence. Feeling that he could no longer deal with the German mentality, Einstein moved to Switzerland where he continued his education. At sixteen he attempted to enroll at the Federal Institute of Technology but failed the entrance exam. This forced him to study locally for one year until he finally passed the school's evaluation. The Institute allowed Einstein to meet many other students that shared his curiosity, and It was here that his studies turned mainly to Physics. He quickly learned that while physicists had generally agreed on major principals in the past, there were modern scientists who were attempting to disprove outdated theories. Since most of Einstein's teachers ignored these new ideas, he was again forced to explore on his own. In 1900 he graduated from the Institute and then achieved citizenship to Switzerland. Einstein became a clerk at the Swiss Patent Office in 1902. This job had little to do with physics, but he was able to satiate his curiosity by figuring out how new inventions worked. The most important part of Einstein's occupation was that it allowed him enough time to pursue his own line of research. As his ideas began to develop, he published them in specialist journals. Though he was still unknown to the scientific world, he began to attract a large circle of friends and admirers. A group of students that he tutored quickly transformed into a social club that shared a love of nature, music, and of course, science. In 1903 he married Mileva Meric, a mathematician friend. In 1905, Einstein published five separate papers in a journal, the Annals of Physics. The first was immediately acknowledged, and the University of Zurich awarded Einstein an additional degree. The other papers helped to develop modern physics and earned him the reputation of an artist. Many scientists have said that Einstein's work contained an imaginative spirit that was seen in most poetry. His work at this time dealt with molecules, and

Read the attachment carefully Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Read the attachment carefully - Assignment Example e is competition; other companies like Schlumberger and Halliburton also operate in the same industry producing almost similar products to the market. All their products are consumed by the same consumers making competition a great external factor in the task environment. It always keeps the company in check to produce more and quality equipments and services (Kew &John, 11). Customers demand products based on their quality making the companies compete in producing the best qualities. The better the quality, the higher the consumption rate, thus, more profit to the business (Slaton & Hunter, 321). To be efficient in their production quality is important leading to the next task environment that is resources. Resources include skilled workers, raw materials, and finance. These factors must exist for efficient operation of the company in orders to produce quality services and equipments. Without them, the company cannot operate, and if they are limited, the level of production is reduced and the company can collapse. The last important element in the task environment of the National Oil Well Varco Inc is the technology. It enhances smooth operations within the company and production of technical tools. Since most of its products are used by other firms like drilling companies, advanced technology is essential to producing efficient equipments and services. Technology also helps it keep up with the competition in the global market at large. In the Oil Gas Drilling Industry, Diamond Offshore Drilling is one of the companies operating in that sector. Some of its task environments are similar to those of the National Oil Well Varco Inc. For example, it is faced with completion from other companies like, Noble Corp, and Ensco plc that also drill oil gas. Another similar critical task environment element is technology. For effective and efficient operation of the company, advanced technology is necessary. Its activities require sophisticated and advanced technology to

Stategic management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Stategic management - Essay Example A UK retail report that was released by Retail Intelligence compared sales of M&S ranging from year 1990 until 2000. This survey highlighted the issue, and was also unsure if the struggling group would recover at all. However, the survey also highlighted that the group would be able to recover if it produced well – made clothes, which are moderately fashionable at competitive prices, provided the company also maintained the quality standards. The company had seen continuous growth until 1990 in terms if its profits and market share. The company had been able to handle this by using fundamental formula for its operations like simple pricing structures, high quality merchandise and friendly and helpful service. There are a number of possible underlying reasons for the decline of M&S in the early 2000s. Firstly, the shifts in demographic balance, is one of the most important factors that caused the company to decline. This mainly refers to the fact that there was a shift in the key customers of the company. The balance of the population of UK was moving towards the older people and this was threatening as it created a serious deterioration for companies (Davies, 1995). The older population with the high levels of pension provision and high health care costs for the people was causing deterioration for M&S, as for other companies as well. M&S’s strategy was designed in a manner to cater to all the levels of the society by providing quality products at competitive prices. Secondly, there were larger amounts of wealth that was available among the general public. This caused the people to look for buying clothes as they were seeking status through clothes. This was one issue where the choice of the people was changing, and the buying power of the general public was increasingly growing. Also the company found it difficult to compete with the supermarkets. The effects of this were mainly seen in terms of the pre - packed foods. This became an issue

Ethics Audit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethics Audit - Essay Example Hence, they are under intense pressures to ensure their own wellbeing, if not survival. Ends and activities not directly tied to their own survival or well-being, and not protected by other supportive conditions, naturally come under pressures for reduction or elimination. "Ethics is a moving target. Social values shift over time, influenced by a complex web of factors. Employers must keep a close eye on those values and, when possible, proactively address ethical dilemmas emerging in their companies" (Vickers 2005, p. 26). Fo P&G, business ethics is much more than an expression of taste, however strongly felt. Properly understood, business ethics is in fact about moral principles; indeed, it is the application of ethics to, or in, specifically business situations and activities. For P&G, ethics refers to moral codes and the actions enjoined by them as well as to the study of either or both. Indeed, when dealing with received opinion, such common usages will be observed, both with respect to "ethics" and to "business ethics." When strictly used, however, the term "ethics" refers properly to a subsection of philosophy, that which seeks to identify and clarify the presuppositions of human conduct having to do with good and evil (International Business E thics Institutive 2008). In a work on business ethics, the grounds of ethical activity, like the existence of business, must be taken as given. Certain implications of the philosophical nature of ethics are, however, crucial to the question of universality. "At Procter & Gamble, we have maintained strong Corporate Governance polices and practices for many years. These core values set a tone of integrity for the entire company-one that is reinforced consistently at all levels and in all countries" (P & G Home Page 2008). The most important, is that as a purely theoretical discipline, ethics has no necessary connection to any existing system of religious belief, or any specific legal framework, or any particular moral code. As a result, the commonly cited variations of actual practice are simply irrelevant to the question of whether there are universal truths of business ethics--cultural diversity, even cultural relativism, does not and cannot justify ethical relativism (Swanson, 2005 ). Nevertheless, although ethics is essentially theoretical, there is a metaphorical sense in which the techniques and principles of ethics proper can still be helpful in dealing with real life problems--the clarity of thought and awareness of key concepts developed in philosophical study may well inform action. It is in this extended sense that one may properly speak of "applied ethics," or the "application" of ethics to business, or of ethics "enjoining" specific courses of action. Business ethics is simply the application of general moral principles to specifically business situations and activities Husted et al 1996). The Function of Business Ethics P&G customizes its ethical culture to match unique needs and values of the company to global business demands. The function of business ethics is to resolve or at least to clarify the moral issues which typically arise in commerce. Starting from an analysis of the nature and

In your view what makes UBS successful Give evidence of how your Essay

In your view what makes UBS successful Give evidence of how your personal qualities (rather than qualifications) would contribute to our success - Essay Example The company's keen insight into the importance of providing clients services that reach far beyond each client's basic needs separates it from the rest and fuels its success. When a client begins a relationship with UBS, her financial adviser takes time to understand what her goals are. The client receives services that far surpass satisfying her financial needs. A financial firm is only as good as its analysts. UBS clearly appreciates this with depth and flair and this is one of the many reasons for its success. To be the world's leading financial firm, UBS excels at clients' success by drawing on the firm's expertise - expertise that is gained from picking the keen and sharp brains of its employees. Besides being an industry leader in terms of compensation/revenue ratio, UBS adopts a culture that nurtures the best talent and allows outstanding individuals to thrive, while encouraging an esprit de corps, teamwork and loyalty. Such a positive working environment, in turn, encourages professionalism and technical excellence, with the highest integrity and standards in the work of its staff. In today's fast developing economy, being the best also means being far-sighted. Undoubtedly, UBS' history of thinking ahead is a key ingredient in its recipe for success.

Birth Order and Empirical Studies Indicating Significant Essay

Birth Order and Empirical Studies Indicating Significant Birth-order-related - Essay Example There are strong stereotypes that people try to attach to the birth order of siblings and most of these are considered to be quite accurate in many respects. However, it must be cautioned that this is not an exact science. There are many variables that can affect an individual, from inherited genes to the family environment, school and the workplace, eventually. Sibling science, as it is sometimes referred to, is just beginning to catch the serious attention of scientists from being considered a fringe science before. The present trend should be treated with a healthy dose of skepticism. For all its scientific research work so far, all that can be said is there are as yet no definitive answers to whether birth order really is a strong factor that influences individuals' core personality development. There is a comment that sibling science is much like reading a horoscope; one can impute anything to it (Kluger, 2007, p. 1). With this in mind, this paper nevertheless still explores som e of the more interesting findings so far but the reader is advised to keep an open mind about this topic. Discussion There is not much doubt that people exhibit certain predictable personality attributes or characteristics based on their birth order. For example, first-borns are generally considered to be assertive of their social status, implied authority over their younger siblings, with strong motivation to succeed and has generally a higher IQ and EQ. Personality of First-borns – according to the journal article compiled by Eckstein, the scientific evidence so far points to a significant correlation between birth order and the people personality which they observed in their study subjects. Two researchers found a total of 26 different personality characteristics to an oldest child, with about six of these attributes quite recurrent or re-appearing and these are: the highest achieving, highest IQ, greatest academic success, highest motivation, over-represented among learned groups and lastly, also the most affiliative under stress (ibid., pp. 482-483). Personality of Middle Children – most researchers on sibling science found out at least six common personality characteristics with three attributes frequently most appearing which are: fewest â€Å"acting out† problems, sociable and greatest feeling of not belonging to any group of people (ibid.); there is also a matrix on birth order (Isaacson & Radish, 2002, p p. 27-28). Personality of Youngest Child – two researchers had likewise attributed a total of 14 different characteristics to the youngest child, with three attributes appearing most frequently. These three are the following: the most number of psychiatric disorders, more empathetic and also exhibits a greater tendency towards becoming an alcoholic. Single Children – researchers were able to correlate at least about 13 characteristics that are attributable exclusively to being a single child. Out of these 13 personal attributes, about 4 of them are very prominent, which are the following: the most need and driven for an achievement, generally higher achievers compared to their siblings except for the first-borns, most likely to go to and finish college but has the most potential for behavioral problems. Single children are often of the same personality chara

Ethics Audit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethics Audit - Essay Example Hence, they are under intense pressures to ensure their own wellbeing, if not survival. Ends and activities not directly tied to their own survival or well-being, and not protected by other supportive conditions, naturally come under pressures for reduction or elimination. "Ethics is a moving target. Social values shift over time, influenced by a complex web of factors. Employers must keep a close eye on those values and, when possible, proactively address ethical dilemmas emerging in their companies" (Vickers 2005, p. 26). Fo P&G, business ethics is much more than an expression of taste, however strongly felt. Properly understood, business ethics is in fact about moral principles; indeed, it is the application of ethics to, or in, specifically business situations and activities. For P&G, ethics refers to moral codes and the actions enjoined by them as well as to the study of either or both. Indeed, when dealing with received opinion, such common usages will be observed, both with respect to "ethics" and to "business ethics." When strictly used, however, the term "ethics" refers properly to a subsection of philosophy, that which seeks to identify and clarify the presuppositions of human conduct having to do with good and evil (International Business E thics Institutive 2008). In a work on business ethics, the grounds of ethical activity, like the existence of business, must be taken as given. Certain implications of the philosophical nature of ethics are, however, crucial to the question of universality. "At Procter & Gamble, we have maintained strong Corporate Governance polices and practices for many years. These core values set a tone of integrity for the entire company-one that is reinforced consistently at all levels and in all countries" (P & G Home Page 2008). The most important, is that as a purely theoretical discipline, ethics has no necessary connection to any existing system of religious belief, or any specific legal framework, or any particular moral code. As a result, the commonly cited variations of actual practice are simply irrelevant to the question of whether there are universal truths of business ethics--cultural diversity, even cultural relativism, does not and cannot justify ethical relativism (Swanson, 2005 ). Nevertheless, although ethics is essentially theoretical, there is a metaphorical sense in which the techniques and principles of ethics proper can still be helpful in dealing with real life problems--the clarity of thought and awareness of key concepts developed in philosophical study may well inform action. It is in this extended sense that one may properly speak of "applied ethics," or the "application" of ethics to business, or of ethics "enjoining" specific courses of action. Business ethics is simply the application of general moral principles to specifically business situations and activities Husted et al 1996). The Function of Business Ethics P&G customizes its ethical culture to match unique needs and values of the company to global business demands. The function of business ethics is to resolve or at least to clarify the moral issues which typically arise in commerce. Starting from an analysis of the nature and

Birth Order and Empirical Studies Indicating Significant Essay

Birth Order and Empirical Studies Indicating Significant Birth-order-related - Essay Example There are strong stereotypes that people try to attach to the birth order of siblings and most of these are considered to be quite accurate in many respects. However, it must be cautioned that this is not an exact science. There are many variables that can affect an individual, from inherited genes to the family environment, school and the workplace, eventually. Sibling science, as it is sometimes referred to, is just beginning to catch the serious attention of scientists from being considered a fringe science before. The present trend should be treated with a healthy dose of skepticism. For all its scientific research work so far, all that can be said is there are as yet no definitive answers to whether birth order really is a strong factor that influences individuals' core personality development. There is a comment that sibling science is much like reading a horoscope; one can impute anything to it (Kluger, 2007, p. 1). With this in mind, this paper nevertheless still explores som e of the more interesting findings so far but the reader is advised to keep an open mind about this topic. Discussion There is not much doubt that people exhibit certain predictable personality attributes or characteristics based on their birth order. For example, first-borns are generally considered to be assertive of their social status, implied authority over their younger siblings, with strong motivation to succeed and has generally a higher IQ and EQ. Personality of First-borns – according to the journal article compiled by Eckstein, the scientific evidence so far points to a significant correlation between birth order and the people personality which they observed in their study subjects. Two researchers found a total of 26 different personality characteristics to an oldest child, with about six of these attributes quite recurrent or re-appearing and these are: the highest achieving, highest IQ, greatest academic success, highest motivation, over-represented among learned groups and lastly, also the most affiliative under stress (ibid., pp. 482-483). Personality of Middle Children – most researchers on sibling science found out at least six common personality characteristics with three attributes frequently most appearing which are: fewest â€Å"acting out† problems, sociable and greatest feeling of not belonging to any group of people (ibid.); there is also a matrix on birth order (Isaacson & Radish, 2002, p p. 27-28). Personality of Youngest Child – two researchers had likewise attributed a total of 14 different characteristics to the youngest child, with three attributes appearing most frequently. These three are the following: the most number of psychiatric disorders, more empathetic and also exhibits a greater tendency towards becoming an alcoholic. Single Children – researchers were able to correlate at least about 13 characteristics that are attributable exclusively to being a single child. Out of these 13 personal attributes, about 4 of them are very prominent, which are the following: the most need and driven for an achievement, generally higher achievers compared to their siblings except for the first-borns, most likely to go to and finish college but has the most potential for behavioral problems. Single children are often of the same personality chara

Biblical World View Essay Example for Free

Biblical World View Essay Genesis chapters 1-11 depicts four great events that explains the creation of the heavens and the earth and all that is in them. The creation and the fall of man. It explains how sin enters into human nature and man loses his relationship with the creator. It tells how God judges man because of sin, although sending a great flood to destroy His creation, He preserves a remnant because of His compassion for what He had created. In this essay I will explain my worldview on how these events have impacted the natural world, human identity, human relationships and civilization. Chapter one of Genesis tells us that the earth and all that is in it exist because God said â€Å"let there be†¦. † The earth, the sun, the moon, the stars, the fish in the ocean, the animals on the land, the birds in the air, even down to the creepy crawling things God said â€Å"let there be†. Then it tells us that God created man in His own image and gave him also a help mate and gave them dominion over all that He had created. The author tells us that God did all this in six days, and on the seventh day He rested and reviewed all His work and declared it to be good! As I look around and notice all the trees, the flowers, beaches, oceans, watch a sunset or the rising of a full moon, all the things nature has to offer, I must agree with God that it is good. In fact, as I look around me the explanation given in Genesis chapter one is the only one that makes sense. The Holy Spirit within me confirms this explanation. The author says that God made man in His own image. That means I am somewhat intelligent and a big bang theory or theory of evolution insults the intelligence that God has ingrained in me as a part of Himself. God has given us so much of Himself and we have allowed the enemy(satin) to deceive us to the point we are lost even with the specific instruction manual that God has given us. Chapter three of Genesis tells the fall of man from the grace of God because he was deceived by the serpent(satin) who knew that God had created man in His likeness and that meant he had free will to make choices and decisions. They were deceived by the twisting of God’s words and straight out bold face lies. They got played like monopoly with false dreams and hopes being tempted by the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life. The same way we are tempted to this day. God gave Adam and Eve specific instructions when He placed them in the garden, â€Å"do not touch the tree in the middle of the garden lest you die†. The serpent twists God’s words and tells them â€Å"you will not surely die, but become like Him†. He shows them how beautiful the fruit was (probably a big red juicy Georgia peach just ripe for the picking)lust of the eyes, he tells them how the fruit of the tree will make them wise(you want to be like God don’t you? )lust of the flesh, He does not want you to be like Him the pride of life. As I look at my own life everything that has kept me out of the will of God has been centered on this method of temptation. If it looked good I wanted it(lust of the eyes), if it felt good I did it(lust of the flesh), and there was nobody who could tell me I could not have it(pride of life). It is this very nature of sin that makes us not want to be told what we can and cannot do. It has been man’s downfall since the Garden of Eden. God confronts Adam and Eve about this choice of disobedience and they played the blame game because now they were wise and they knew what guilt and shame felt like. Adam blames the woman who You gave to be with me(ultimately he was blaming God), Eve blames the serpent for deceiving her. Whenever trouble arises everyone always looks for someone else to blame. It causes people to lose their jobs. It causes marriages and families to breakup. Wars are started and people even lose their lives playing the blame game. The same guilt, shame and fear that Adam and Eve experienced in the Garden of Eden has been passed down to every generation since. God dealt harshly with Adam and Eve casting them from the garden and imposing punishment on them and their descendants indefinitely. Because that sin would be passed down through their offspring man progressively became more and more sinful to the point Genesis 6:5 says Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. It goes on in verse 6 to say that The LORD was sorry that He had made man. He then made a decision to destroy His creation. But there was one that had found favor with God. Gen. 6:9 says Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God. God has great compassion for His creation, in fact John 3:16 says for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. God spared Noah and his family to preserve the creation that He loved. After the flood God blessed Noah and said be fruitful and replenish the earth. He made a covenant with Noah that never again would He send the floods to destroy the earth. But in preserving Noah He also preserved the sin nature that had been passed down from Adam and Eve. God knows this and He puts stumbling blocks in our paths to slow us down as did He to the people of Babel confusing their languages and scattering them over the earth so that they could not be so quick to conspire together against the will of God. Genesis 1-11 teaches us who we are, how we came to be and whose we are. It teaches us who God is and what He expects from us. Micah 6:8 says, He has told you O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God. It also teaches us who the real enemy is and shows us his intent, the weapons that he uses and the end result. I am convinced in my mind and in my heart that if there were no consequence for sin and we could do what we wanted with no one telling us what we can and cannot do, we would not have atheist in the world. He shows us this in His word and in our hearts. The people want to have a god, but not one who has rules and punishment for disobedience. The lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life refuses to let us be completely obedient to a loving God that is just and sovereign.

Niche Market vs Mainstream Market

Niche Market vs Mainstream Market A niche market is a focused, targetable portion of a market. Niche markets tend to be small but well defined and specific segments of the population. The market segmentation can depend on the product being sold and can vary based on the targeted audience based on price, quality or differentiation strategies. Since the targeted audiences are usually small and well off, even though there is a specific portion, the profit margins are on the high end. Niche markets do not exist but are made by entrepreneurs, identifying the needs and requirements which are not being met and then aiming to satisfy these with products or services. In a Mainstream Market, products and services appeal to a broader spectrum of the society, and the products and services are readily available to the general public. (Business Dictionary, n.d.). In niche marketing, the company aims to sell to specific people and targets their promotional campaign specifically to the needs of people not being met by mainstream and develops products and services which can be specifically customized and tailored to meet the needs of these individuals, resulting in a strong brand image. However low sales volumes are yielded in this Mainstream Marketing targets all the individuals and profits generated depend upon the quantity of products sold. The company tries to accommodate all the desires of the entire market into one product type. Another advantage being that the producer can close down the market for other competitors. However different marketing mix strategies need to be implemented to reach target audiences as well as multiple products need to be produced. (Rangkuti, 2007) Four successful niche market businesses in United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rolls Royce Motors Owning a Rolls Royce is the ultimate show of wealth and claiming that a person has made it big. Due to the immense oil wealth and hugely successful businesses present in UAE, and the need to stand out from others, this car brands major markets include UAE. The highly levels of craftsmanship, use of latest technologies and being hand built as well as unlimited customization opportunity which caters to all the desires and needs demanded by customers attracts the rich and wealthy to this brand. The fact that not everybody can purchase this car, and special limited edition models being launched ensure that brand loyalty and image is strong. The opening of the worlds biggest showroom in Abu Dhabi has also helped to increase the customer satisfaction and demand in this country. (AGMC Rolls Royce, n.d.) Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts The Jumeirah group is the leading hotels division and is one of the most luxurious and innovative targeting the rich and famous all across the world. The group has its own hotels in Dubai, London, New York and across the globe. Having its own training academy, The Jumeirah Academy of Hospitality Management, ensures that its entire staff is well trained and world class service is provided to its customers. The major attractions include Burj Al Arab, the worlds only seven star hotel and world restaurants and bars as well as complete A to Z services are made available at a phone call. Having world class Spas and the only themed amusement park in UAE have helped the group earn numerous international travel and tourism awards. (Jumeirah International LLC, 2008) Al Tayer Insignia Al Tayer Insignia is the largest luxury retailer in Middle East and is headquartered in UAE. The brands portfolio includes Bvlgari, Boucheron, Bottega Veneta, Dolce Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Ligne Roset, and Yves Saint Laurent amongst others. Due to high net income available per person, people in UAE tend to prefer these luxury brands and the Al Tayer Group caters to their needs by understanding the regions appreciation and needs of luxury and harnessing brand potential through systematic and timely investments. In fact, the Al Tayer group is the first to have license to operate Harvey Nicholas outside UK and Bloomingdale outside USA. This attracts customers as they are assured that al the latest products are made available and the company employs over 1200 employees which embodies excellence in service across all the stores. (AL Tayer Group, 2010) Arabian Adventures Arabian Adventures is the leading destination management company of this region, catering to the needs of the local as well as tourist population by offering cruises, excursions, adventure tours, cultural experiences as well as extreme sports opportunities. As it is a part of Emirates Group and has professional associates and 300 hundred permanent staff trained in 10 different languages. This high quality of service and vast array of activities which are offered under one roof attracts customers. High levels of safety standards, creative approach, individual client customization of packages, in depth knowledge and value added services continue to attract clients and customers to this company. (Arabian Adventures, n.d.) TASK TWO PESTEL Analysis of trend and changes that will give rise to niche market opportunities in the next three years in UAE The PESTEL Analysis will be used to analyse the trends and changes. A detailed description and definition of PESTEL has been included in Appendix 1 for reference. The PESTEL model looks into the macroenvironment by looking into the following factors for consideration: POLITICAL: The UAE has a very stable political environment and even though there is no democracy, the rulers have clear and established laws and policies which are favorable for attracting businesses and investment from abroad. This country has zero income tax and so is the reason for attracting a lot of investment from abroad. The setup of dedicated industrial, information and telecommunication and university zones encourages people to set up business as well as ensure a ready pool of talented and educated staff/employees are available. ECONOMICAL: The global recession had a negative impact across the globe but UAE in particular was the least affected and hence is amongst the first countries to have successfully come out of it. Energy availability at a cheaper price compared with other countries is also a major factor for various industries to have been setup here as power is available with zero interruption. Interest rates are also low and finance is available at flexible terms in UAE. Due to the recent recession, banks and finances have shifted their attention to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) with the government also supporting the SME sector. SOCIAL: The UAE population has a higher income per capita and consists of majority of expat population which has come to UAE seeking a better lifestyle. Hence, there is tendency to purchase goods which are considered a luxury back home and improve the lifestyle standards. The UAE is very cultural country and there is freedom for everybody to practice their culture freely, hence a lot of revenue is generated during Islamic festivals as well as Christmas and other such days of respected communities. TECHNOLOGICAL: The UAE government is investing a lot in latest technologies and ensures that the latest is available to the public as well as businesses. In fact, SME businesses are offered for example high internet speeds and bandwidth to encourage them and special incentives are offered to those businesses which adapt green policies and techniques. ENVIORMENTAL: UAE is the largest consumer of treated water and has the highest emissions per capita due to reliance on treated water as it is a desert and air conditioning which takes up a lot of energy. Hence businesses which tend to offer such services using fewer emissions are encouraged as well organic foodstuffs shops have the government backing to ensure healthy and fresh food is available. LEGAL: Clear and precise laws are written which encourage businesses as well as protect employee and employer rights and prevent any abuse. Any new building commercial or residential is required to have solar panel etc. to earn green credentials and be energy efficient or else not seek approval from government. Zero Tax on income and special funds for entrepreneurs and competitions are held to find such ensure that there is positive growth in business every year. Four potential niche markets where small business might flourish The first potential niche market is that of organic produce. As UAE is desert, fruits and vegetables grown here tend to be produced in artificial conditions to ensure cheap supply. By focusing on the health conscious population, and providing organic produce a good small business can be set up which has the potential to grow big if done properly Continuing the green trend, the second market to be considered can be providing solar panels and alternative electricity sources for residential areas. The residents of UAE would like to prefer to reduce their air-conditioning bills and this is a lucrative area to focus. The third niche market can be considered of providing hand stitched luxury goods using exotic materials and ensuring limited supply as there are high margins to be earned in this area due to vast income available for expenditure in high net individuals. As there is vast majority of expats, traditional restaurants can be opened catering to the needs of any particular community as they would love to have traditional home cooked style meals. These do not have to be unnecessarily expensive, as greater profits can be earned through volumes sold. Also the hectic and fast lifestyle will favor the restaurants offering take away as this will save a lot of time for people. TASK THREE Entrepreneur An entrepreneur is an individual who builds up capital, establishes a company or by organizing a venture to take benefitaof an opportunity through risk or exercising an initiative. (Sulliavn, 2003) This word is a loan word from French and first defined by Irish-French economist Richard Cantillon. In other words an entrepreneur can be described as a person who is willing to set up a new organization or enterprise or company and take responsibility of whatever the outcome will be. An entrepreneur leads the company and by selecting appropriate managerial staff displays leadership skills. Good sturdy management skills and the ability to build teams are essential qualities required Entrepreneurs emerge on demand as they seek opportunities and are well placed to achieve them and by doing so become leaders as they perceive that they amongst the few present who can analyses and solve the problems. Social composition of workplace and workplace peers are the most significant influence in an individuals decision to become entrepreneur. According to economist Joseph Alois Schumpeter (1883-1950), entrepreneursaare not necessarily motivated by profit butaregard it as a standard for measuring achievement or success. Schumpeter discovered that they greatly value self-reliance, strive for distinction through excellence, are highly optimistic, and always favor challenges of medium risk. (Business Dictionary, n.d.) There are various types of entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneur who seeks to improve social, environmental, educational and economic conditions, Serial Entrepreneur who continuously comes up new ideas and innovations, Lifestyle Entrepreneur who places passion before profit and Cooperative Entrepreneur who doesnt works alone but works in collaboration with other entrepreneurs amongst others. Entrepreneurship. The American Heritage Dictionary defines entrepreneur, to mean A person withinaa large corporation who takes directaresponsibility for turning an idea into a profitable finished product through assertive risk-taking and innovation. Entrepreneurs focus on research, innovation and creativity to transform an idea into a profitable venture while working within an organizational or such environment. Entrepreneurship is the act of behaving like an entrepreneur while working within a large organization. Entrepreneurs share theasame traits as entrepreneurs such as conviction, zeal and insight andaas the entrepreneur continuesato expresses his ideasavigorously, it will reveal the gap between the philosophy of the organization and the employee. If the organization supports him in pursuing his ideas, he succeeds and if not he is likely to leave and start his own organization. How the role of manager differs from that of an entrepreneur or an entrepreneur? An entrepreneur starts a business to fulfill his vision and has a personal stake in the business and takes the risk of the outcome whereas the manager provides his service in an organization already established by someone. An entrepreneur provides idea, a new solution to a problem, new idea whereas the manager in in charge of running the company, probably in the direction set by the entrepreneur or entrepreneur. There is a differenceain standing; an entrepreneur is the owner of the company whereas the manager is an employee of the entrepreneur or his company. Also an entrepreneur is not induced to fall into fraudulent behavior whereas a manager might do so possibly to earn more or in coercion with rival firms. An entrepreneuradeals with faults and failures as a part of learning experience where asaa manageramake every effort to avoid mistakes and he postpones failure. Entrepreneur is required to have certain qualifications and qualities like highaaccomplishment motive, innovative thinking,aforethought, risk-bearing ability etc. Conversely its mandatory for a manager to be educated in the fields of managementatheories and practices. An entrepreneur can be a manager but a manager cannot be an entrepreneur. (Cite HR: Padma Praveen, 2007) TASK FOUR As a sole trader setting up a small niche market business, online technologies will definitely be needed to be utilized to reach out to the target audience as well as achieve a greater share of the market than otherwise possible. After all, only a certain amount of foot traffic will come into the shop and does not guarantee good sales. In fact, in this modern age one does not even need to upon a retail front or shop and utilizing the Amazon business model run a successful business by just using networking. The web will be the primary method to advertise the companys products as it is the most cost effective method to reach a wider audience. Most frequented websites such as news websites and social media websites can be contacted to place tickers, or banner advertisements on them respectively which can ensure appropriate audience is reached. However the best way to utilize the web is to set up a website which not only displays the company products, gives contact numbers but also gives the opportunity to buy products online. This is the best way to jump start a business without even opening a shop front. Optimum online security will be needed to put in place to ensure that credit/debit card details are not lost and customers feel comfortable in using this facility. Also other payment methods such as PayPal can be used to offer wider opportunities. Cash on delivery can also be offered and some sort of loyalty program can be implemented to encourage sales and increase customer loyalty and bring customers back. Accounts or pages can be made on social media websites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn etc. which will help reach out to the younger generation and increase customer base. Constant updates and status changes will help generate hype about products being offered as well as online polls can be utilized to decide which colour or product type needs to be launched. This will ensure no bad inventory ends up at the end of every season. Also this will give the customers and potential clients to freely interact with the business and have their queries answered and any complaints resolved directly. This will further improve the brand image and increase sales. Mobile phones are a good medium to advertise the services and products and after paying a fee, set people can be sent SMSs or targeted with a certain income structure and so further increase the chance of guarantying a sale. Also with this modern age where internet is readily available on mobile phones and social media access everyone has, by utilizing such sites as mentioned before a greater audience can be targeted without any additional costs. These technologies definitely make existence easier for small and niche market businesses as the biggest advantage is of cost savings made. Just a small capital is needed and a upfront shop or display area is not necessarily required to start a business and run it. In fact using online marketing strategies a greater market share can be achieved as well as greater customer base targeted. Companies like Amazon have been widely successful using such online marketing techniques; they stared off small targeting niche markets and due to rapid growth became large organizations. List of References AGMC Rolls Royce Information: AGMC Rolls Royce, [Online], Available: http://www.rolls-roycemotorcars-agmc.com/information [28 August 2012]. AL Tayer Group (2010) Our Companies, [Online], Available: http://www.altayer.com/CompanyDetail.aspx?cid=6 [28 August 2012]. Arabian Adventures About Us: Arabian Adventures, [Online], Available: http://www.arabian-adventures.com/en/about-us/index.aspx [28 August 2012]. Business Dictionary entreprenuer, [Online], Available: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/entrepreneur.html [28 August 2012]. Business Dictionary Mainstream, [Online], Available: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/mainstream.html [28 August 2012]. Cite HR: Padma Praveen (2007) Distinction between an Entrepreneur and a Manager, January, [Online], Available: http://www.citehr.com/23096-distinction-between-entrepreneur-manager.html [28 August 2012]. Jumeirah International LLC (2008) About Us: jumeirah International LLC, [Online], Available: http://www.jumeirah.com/en/Jumeirah-Group/About-Jumeirah-Group/ [28 August 2012]. Rangkuti, F. (2007) Understanding the difference between niche marketing and mass marketing, 23 September, [Online], Available: http://www.helium.com/items/609299-HYPERLINK http://www.helium.com/items/609299-understanding-the-difference-between-niche-marketing-and-mass-marketingunderstanding-the-difference-between-niche-marketing-and-mass-marketing [28 August 2012]. Sulliavn, A. (2003) Economics: Principles in action. , New Jearsey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Ward, S. Niche Market, [Online], Available: http://sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/marketing/g/nichemarket.htm [28 August 2012]. KAPLAN (2010) The PESTEL model, in P3 Business Analysis, Berkshire: Kaplan financial. APPENDICES

Fuzzy Systems and Machine Intelligence Essay -- Artificial Intelligenc

Fuzzy Systems and Machine Intelligence Abstract: Our natural language is perhaps the most powerful form of communicating information for any given problem or situation. Combining natural language and numerical information into fuzzy systems provides the framework to represent knowledge, constraints and inference procedures. Fuzzy systems provide advantages in the development of systems solutions that perform tasks such as automatic modeling, prediction, pattern recognition, and optimal decision making, control and planning. With this, fuzzy systems are an essential tool for industrial and manufacturing systems engineering. Fuzzy logic is a different approach to representing uncertainty - it emphasizes the double meanings of words in describing events - rather than the uncertainty about whether an event will occur, and allows decision-making under that uncertainty. Fuzzy logic attempts to capture the imperfect way we describe concepts, and works with them to form conclusions. The wonderful thing about fuzzy logic is how you can apply everyday language to a problem. A descriptive sentence such as: "a little noisy, a lot of dirt, and deep carpet", can be decoded by a fuzzy logic system to perform various tasks based on the knowledge derived from the terms. An interesting thing about fuzzy logic is that it is always trying to work, and by tweaking the system, the programmer is simply "showing" the system how to do a better job. The operator is still in control, but the fuzzy logic is mimicking how an operator would react given the same situation. Introduction to the topic: Fuzzy logic is a system analysis and modeling approach that allows an easier transition between complex human thought processes and the ... ...sed to answer specific questions and provide definitions and examples of applications. Addresses are provided to those locations. The Fuzzy Logic Frequently Asked Questions Archive: ht tp://www.uni-passau.de/archive/faq/comp.answers/fuzzy-logic/ Brubaker, David I. "Fuzzy Rules and Membership Functions from Data," Huntington Technical Brief, July 1993, No. 40. Cox, Earl. The Fuzzy Systems Handbook: A Practitioner's Guide to Building, Using, and Maintaining Fuzzy Systems. Academic Press, New York, 1994. Kosko, Bart. Neural Networks and Fuzzy Systems. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1992. Mcneill, Daniel, and Freiberger, Paul, Fuzzy Logic, Simon and Schuster, 1992. Zadeh, Lotfi A. "Fuzzy Sets." Information & Control, Vol. 8, 1965, pp338-353. Zurada, Jacek M. Artificial Neural Systems. West Publishing Co., New York, 1992.

Tobacco Companies Targeting Young People :: Free Essay Writer

Tobacco Companies Targeting Young People Thesis: Statistics show us that young people are the main target of the tobacco companies. Outline I. Introduction II. Two main companies III. Tobacco industries claims VI. Other problems V. Stopping them from smoking VI. Conclusion Every day, 3,000 kids start smoking, most of them between the ages of 10 and 18. These kids add up to 90 percent of all new smokers (Roberts 38). These statistics show us that young people are the main targets of the tobacco companies. The cigarette manufacturers will deny it, but advertising and promotion play a very important part in making these statistics a reality. The two main companies in this advertising war are Marlboro and Camel. Marlboro uses a western cowboy called the Marlboro Man, while Camel uses Joe Camel, a hip cartoon character. Everywhere you go there is billboards or some other kind of advertisement on these two shady characters. When I say shady, I imply that these characters are not just figures we see but they are traps just waiting to lure the next victim in. As kids look through magazines and see Joe Camel driving a cool car and surrounded by beautiful women they get the idea that in order to be somebody they need to smoke a Camel cigarette. It is not right to prey on young people just because they are unaware of the dangers of smoking. The tobacco industry denies that these symbols target people less than 21 and claim that their advertising goal is simply to promote brand switching and loyalty. Many people disagree with this statement such as Illinois Rep. Richard Durbin who said "If we can reduce the number of young smokers, the tobacco companies will be in trouble and they know it"(Roberts 38). The problem we are facing is not only with the tobacco companies but with the young people also. The reason why I say this is because most youths know that they are being targeted. If these kids realize that the advertising is manipulating them, why do they still smoke? The ads reflect an image of rebellion and fitting in. These are all the things a young person, between childhood and adolescence, needs and desires. This type of advertising, on top of peer pressure, is the mystery behind the rise in adolescent smoking. How do we stop the future of America from smoking? Here are three things that the experts recommend. Try to convince your children that smoking is not cool. Talk to your kids at a young age about the dangers of smoking. Identify family members who smoke and ask them to stop (Thomas 450).

Bharathanatyam Dance Essay

Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form originating in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.[1][2][3][4][5] This dance form denotes various 19th and 20th century reconstructions of Sadir, the art of temple dancers. Sadir in turn, is derived from ancient dance forms that includes some acrobatic karanas. Bharatnatyam is usually accompanied by Carnatic music. It has its inspirations from the sculptures of the ancient temple of Chidambaram. Bharatanatyam, as the name depicts is the combination of: ‘Bha’ – Bhavam (means expression), ‘Ra’ – Ragam (means music), ‘Ta – Talam (means beat or rhythm) and Natyam (means dance) in Tamil. A possible origin of the name is from Bharata Muni, who wrote the Natya Shastra to which Bharathanatyam owes many of its ideas. This etymology also holds up to scrutiny better since Bharathanatyam is pronounced with short (kuril) forms of â€Å"bha†, â€Å"ra† and â€Å"tha† whereas e ach of â€Å"bhavam†, â€Å"ragam† and â€Å"talam† contain the long (nedil) forms. Bharatnatyam proper is a solo dance, with two aspects, lasya, the graceful feminine lines and movements, and tandava Ananda Thandavam (Tamil) (the dance of Shiva), masculine aspect, which is identical to the Yin and Yang in the Chinese culture At present, Bharatnatyam recitals are usually not performed inside the temple shrine but outside it, and even outside the temple compounds at various festivals. Most contemporary performances are given on the stage with a live ensemble. In popular culture, the adapted, or â€Å"semi-classical†, Bharatnatyam has been exposed largely through depiction in popular movies and TV programs. Learning Bharatnatyam normally takes many years before the arangetram (debut). There are academic and commercialized dance institutes in many countries. Many people choose to learn Carnatic music along with Bharatanatyam as they go together. At present, not only the Hindus but many Christians and Muslims learn it, bringing it beyond the rigid forms of religi ous boundaries.