Is the Earth large or small? Essay

Any information concerning the size of the earth is likely to refers to this aspect its description within the context of relativity. As one of the planets in the solar system, the earth is large relative to its planetary counterparts. It is the largest and most massive of the terrestrial planets (which include Mars, Venus, and Mercury) within the solar system. In addition, the earth is also denser than the other planets within its solar system. However, compared with the non-terrestrial planets (Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune) the earth is very small. In comparison with the sun, the earth is tiny. The mass of the earth is 5. 9736 X 1024 kg. This, compared with the mass of the sun is 1. 99 X 1030 kg, which is 332,946 times that of the earth. On the size scales within the solar system, therefore, the earth might be considered medium sized. However, since the sun is quite miniscule compared to other stars and to the physical bodies within and beyond the galaxy, the sizes of the earth on a universal scale approaches the infinitesimal. 2. What are the major differences between parallels and meridians? Parallels or latitudes differ from meridians primarily in the directions in which they run. While parallels always run east-west, meridians run north-south in a way that allows each to cut (cross) each parallel at a different angle. This is because meridians all run through the axes of the earth, and this ensures that they all converge upon the poles. The parallels or latitudes run parallel to each other, and this ensures that they never meet each other in their journeys around the earth. One effect that this difference (in parallelism) has on the two types of lines is that while parallels are always equidistant from the equator and poles at every point on its circumference, meridians change their distances from each other the closer or further away they are from the poles. Therefore, at the equator, the distance between any two given meridian will always be greater than at any other latitude on the earth. 3. Why are vertical rays of the Sun never experienced poleward on the tropic lines? The sun’s vertical rays are experienced only between 23. 5oN and 23. 5oS primarily as a result of the tilt of the earth’s axis. This tilt measures 23. 5 degrees, so as the earth revolves around the sun, its poles tilt toward or away from the sun at this angle. During the summers (which alternate between opposing parts of the year in for the northern and southern hemispheres), the poles are tilted toward the sun. However, the angle this causes the earth to make with the sun ensures that the angles of the sun-rays hitting the earth are less than the 90 degrees which would constitute a direct hit. Because of this tilt, the rays of the sun are sometimes able to shine directly on such parts of the earth that always between the latitudes that remain in the direct path of the rays after the 23. 5o tilt. The further north or south of these latitudes one goes, the less of a direct contact the earth makes with the sun’s rays. In fact, the extreme of this is that very close to the poles at certain times of the year, the sun’s light is not seen at all. 4. On which day of the year do the vertical rays of the Sun strike the farthest north of the Equator? What is the latitude? Why? The days on which the sun’s vertical rays hit the earth at the angle farthest from the equator is approximately December 22. This is known as the Winter Solstice, and describes the time when the Northern Hemisphere experiences its shortest daytime period (or longest night-time period). The latitude at which this occurs is the 23. 5oN, which represents the latitude of the Tropic of Cancer. This occurs primarily because of the earth’s axial tilt, which is about 23 degrees toward or away from the sun. At the time of the Northern Hemisphere’s Winter Solstice, the earth is tilted away from the sun, yet the sun’s direction from the earth at that time compensates for that tilt so that its rays hit at the spot farthest north that is possible at any given time. This â€Å"spot† occurs at 23o north of the equator. 5. Explain the implications of the statement, ‘No map is totally accurate. ’ According to mapping standards held by the Unites States (and likely by other countries), maps have to maintain accuracy within a given scale. For example, for scales where one (1) inch on the map represents 24,000 inches on land (or sea), the inaccuracy level of the map should not exceed 1/50th of an inch in more than 10% of the points (USGS). These standards are based upon the premise or understanding that no map can be completely accurate. However, what this means is that at minute scales on the ground or sea, it becomes impossible to locate things with a large degree of accuracy. This can be seen more clearly when it is known that 1/50th of an inch on a 1:24,000 scale represents 40 feet (USGS). Therefore, in important expeditions that require map use, a user may expect to be ignorant concerning the exact location of a designated point within at least a 40-foot radius. 6. A globe can portray Earths surface more accurately than a map, but globes are rarely used. Why? Globes are more accurate than maps because, while the map distorts the latitude lines, the shapes of its landmasses and other features, these are kept in true to form on globes. However, globes are rarely used because of their three-dimensional natures that make them more difficult to navigate than two-dimensional maps. The shapes made by the intersection of parallels and meridians are also less like simple geometrical shapes. Because of the way in which the latitude lines are portrayed on maps (as vertical and parallel, thereby creating the illusion of squares) these are usually more suited to calculations done by the lay person or navigator. These parallel latitudes represent not real latitude lines but what has been termed loxodromes (also known as rhumb lines). These rhumb lines actually represent the constant bearing of a compass and calculations using these lines make it easier for navigators to determine the direction of their courses (Rosenberg). Maps are also more intuitively like humans view the surface of the earth. From our perspective, it does not appear to be a sphere, but a large expansive area. Therefore, maps accord more to our everyday experience and are easier for humans to translate. 7. Distinguish between GPS and GIS. Provide ways in which these tools can be useful to physical geographers. The Global Positioning System or GPS is a system that facilitates the location of objects or areas on or around the earth based on a group of satellites which have been launched into the earth’s orbit at about 11,000 miles (Corvallis). This differs from a GIS, which is a Geographical Information System—a database that holds the location of a large number of locations on the earth. The difference between the two lies in that while the GPS is the system for mapping an object, the GIS is the actual object that whose position is being mapped. The GPS system is of immense importance because of the level of accuracy it provides whether on the scales required by navigators or those required for geodesic positioning (ISSA). GIS allows geographers to be able to know, map, and locate specific regions or objects on the earths surface. It also allows them to chart paths from one location to the next by accurately calculating vectors that denote the relative distances and directions between given locations. The GPS continually expands the data available by embodying the technology that allows new places to be located and pin-pointed. Works Cited Corvallis. â€Å"Introdiction to the Global Positioning System for GIS or TRAVERSE. † CMTINC. com.Corvallis, OR: Corvallis Microtechnology Incorporated. http://www. cmtinc. com/gpsbook/index. htm ISSA. â€Å"The Global Information System. † The International Strategic Studies Association. 2004. http://128. 121. 186. 47/ISSA/gis/index. htm Rosenberg, Matt. T. â€Å"Peters Map vs. Mercator Map. † About Geography. New York: New York Times Company. http://geography. about. com/library/weekly/aa030201b. htm USGS. â€Å"Map Accuracy Standards. † United States Geographical Survey. Reston: U. S. Department of the Interior. 1999. http://erg. usgs. gov/isb/pubs/factsheets/fs17199. html

Reflection And Feedback To Improve Teaching Education Essay

Gibbs ‘ brooding rhythm can be truly utile in doing you think through all the stages of an experience or activity. In a group of degree 2 scholars that are taught by myself there are some persistently late scholars, and they are easy gaining that in industry the timekeeping issue would be a major issue as they would be made redundant. Due to the job of lateness my wise man advised to implement a acquisition contract, this was put in topographic point. At the following twosome of Sessionss the scholars who had been tardily arrived on clip. The group said that they realised that being relaxed with them worked as they are get downing to accomplish and besides realised that timekeeping issues were of import. This technique appears to be working and is being used with all of the groups that I cover. Puting specific mensurable accomplishable realistic marks ( SMART ) with groups has decidedly worked. The scholar ‘s accomplishments will be recorded on a matrix tracking sheet. This is carried out to see if any of the scholars require farther support to help with development. ( See appendix 1 ) Transcript of tracking sheet & A ; x200 A farther group of scholars are at flat 1 and a assorted gender group. The lone female of the group arrived some 20 proceedingss tardily for the first session. She was integrated into the session and after a piece they were sent for a comfort interruption, this gave the ideal chance to near her about clip maintaining. Her response was â€Å" I am ever tardily ; travel rapidly up it ‘s my break clip † . Apparently her break clip must be more of import than my learning session! Asking her if she required aid, the response was â€Å" I am a miss that ‘s why I get treated different † . Assurance was given that she would be treated every bit to the remainder of the group. As the session was shuting the group were gathered around the bench and asked if any acquisition had taken topographic point, and what had been covered. One of the scholars said â€Å" yes when do we acquire you once more, I like you † another replied â€Å" yes acquire here on clip â₠¬  . After that response I replied that if timekeeping improved somewhat longer interruptions will go on, in this case Taylor ‘s theory is being used. Frederick Winslow Taylor ( 1856 – 1917 ) put frontward the thought that workers are motivated chiefly by wage. His Theory of Scientific Management argued the followers: â€Å" Workers do non of course bask work and so necessitate close supervising and control. Therefore directors should interrupt down production into a series of little undertakings † . The manner I incorporate Taylor ‘s theory is alternatively of wage, longer interruptions are allowed. Hopefully given clip this group will get down to gain that regard is a two manner thing. There appears to be light at the terminal of the proverbial tunnel, and another session has merely been delivered to the same group and the female scholar turned up on clip. Praise was given with a little intimation of temper. The scholar has since turned up repeatedly on clip and other coachs are inquiring what was said to do her alteration. Possibly it is merely that she now feels portion of the group and equality is in topographic point. Recently oppugning a group about an unfastened dark at another preparation center some replied â€Å" I could n't be bothered to travel † and one of the older scholars gave me some positive feedback that reassured why I strive for professionalism. The scholar told me that the criterion of work on show was non every bit good as they were accomplishing ; he said you would non hold passed that work. This was congratulations from one of my scholars ; regard is evidently being gained on both sides. The scholars are get downing to gain that the f eedback they receive is relevant. ( See appendix 2 ) X200 Feedbacks. The following session went reasonably good in some respects ; everyone made a good attempt and produced a weldment of a criterion that could be improved upon although their attack was instead hurried and deficient in idea. Reflecting on this, a manner to do them believe more, experiment more, and set themselves higher criterions is required. They do non like me looking at their work, and it is as if they know the criterion is non every bit good as it could be. Geting them to show their work to each other following clip, to transport out peer appraisal might do them take more pride in it. As a consequence of this equal appraisal has been introduced. They still seem a small loath and maintain nearing me, although some of the scholars are now gaining what is required. The criterion required to finish a undertaking is outlined by the making presenting organic structure. These criterions have to be adhered to and this is relayed to the scholars. By utilizing these criterions we are all draw a bead oning to measure at the same degree, I personally like to see a good quality coating to any of their work as this raises the scholar ‘s opportunities of employability. The scholars are reminded of where some of the former scholars are now employed, this makes them gain that their ends can besides be achieved. 1064RJ2. Contemplation on ain specializer cognition and accomplishments.Having late been asked to cover a session whilst a coach was on a trip for development, made me see how personal accomplishments could be developed. The group were work based learning learners at degree 2. The session being covered was in welding and this peculiar procedure is one that is favoured personally. The scholars were given a drawing and required to make the three dyer's rockets in assorted places. This peculiar undertaking makes the scholars aware that we do need to be able to read and work to relevant drawings. ( Appendix 3 Bearing Support Bracket pulling ) Some of the scholars had non covered this peculiar welding procedure and asked if a presentation could be given. Transporting out the presentation reassured me that I had the necessary accomplishments. Reviewing and updating my personal accomplishments is carried out in several different ways. The scholars are up to day of the month with all of the engineering that is available ; although my personal belief is that you can non break custodies on experience. Having worked in this industry for about 30 old ages has given me a wealth of cognition in most facets of technology. The scholars are shortly cognizant if the coach has the relevant accomplishments and cognition, they will inquire examining inquiries at this degree. This is encouraged, and on contemplation perchance more inquisitory inquiries should be asked at degree 1. Enhancement of trade cognition has major benefits ; one is that when current information is available and besides relevant, this can be relayed to the scholars. This in bend makes the scholars confident that the coach is knowing, and besides working with current ordinances and techniques. The session was covered good and the learners were challenged to determine what acquisition had taken topographic point. My personal belief is that as coachs we need to constantly update our accomplishments and cognition. Researching relevant web sites ensures that you cover your current course of study and making construction within your specialist country. Reading diaries and besides run intoing with representatives of companies is another good technique which I have personally used throughout my calling. Whilst being employed by the Institute our section has started to ask for guest talkers from industry to give negotiations and presentations to the scholars. This reiterates what is being taught is up to day of the month, and that the right cognition is being passed on to the scholars. The makings I achieved in fiction and welding are at flat 3 and awarded by City and Guilds. The criterion I achieved was at differentiation degree, this is because I strive for professionalism. Training my scholars to take for high criterions will do them more eligible for employment. Raising their criterions and quality aids them to derive a recognized making. Passing on relevant cognition and associating this to industry appears to be working, this is associating theory to pattern. This gives more credibleness with the scholars as they know what is being taught is relevant. Updating accomplishments and cognition makes for better instruction and acquisition from the coachs ‘ point of position, this can so be relayed to the scholars and assessed to guarantee that acquisition has taken topographic point. 510RJ3. Audit of literacy, linguistic communication, numeracy and ICT accomplishments in your specialist country.Literacy and numeracy are being integrated within the Sessionss delivered, acquiring the scholars to mensurate and tag out their work pieces makes them gain why these accomplishments are required. Having late undergone some preparation on Information and communicating engineering ( ICT ) will assist to incorporate this within my Sessionss. Learners that are diffident are given counsel by presentation ; this could be a practical undertaking or associating theory to an illustration. Information and communicating engineering ( ICT ) is now used in both theory and practical Sessionss. An synergistic board has been installed in the workshop ; this can now be utilised in the practical Sessionss being delivered. I have developed synergistic word hunts that are linked to the relevant topic that I am presenting. The scholars enjoy this type of session ; they are incognizant that I am detecting if they have retained nomenclature delivered in theory Sessionss. These are displayed on the synergistic board and scholars are asked to happen a word and explicat e its significance. If the scholar is diffident there are two options given, they may travel and research the word or an account is provided. The account is sometimes given by one of the other scholars and this is noted as an indicant to what cognition has been retained and by whom. The synergistic board is besides used to associate the Sessionss to industry by demoing comparative picture cartridge holders. Having merely delivered the Technical Certificate faculty this is a good clip to transport out a hot contemplation. The faculty covers assorted facets of technology, from little dullard pipe work to mechanical technology. The workshop environment where the scholars gain their practical accomplishments is ideal to incorporate functional accomplishments. The scholars are required to tag out a board following a drawing and attach pipe work. This peculiar undertaking necessitates the scholars carry out basic add-on, minus and division of Numberss. This is an effectual manner of integrating application of figure in a practical session. The undertaking besides involves working with others and job resolution ; the undertaking requires brackets to be positioned in assorted topographic points so that the pipe work is supported. The scholars have to make up one's mind where they are traveling to procure the brackets, and besides have to portion the tools required to finish this undertaking. Th e boards used for this undertaking are rather big and this incurs wellness and safety issues. This job is really rather advantageous as this makes the scholars aware of the wellness and safety issues. The scholars are required to utilize peer appraisal on this undertaking, this in bend screens communication accomplishments as the scholars read and interpret the drawing. Discoursing the undertaking with fellow scholars is encouraged as this promotes inclusion. Tutor feedback is given when the scholar feels that the undertaking is completed to the needed criterion. The pipe work is pressure tested to guarantee that there are no leaks ; this is besides done in industry prior to the undertaking being commissioned. Reflecting on this session made me see should the scholars have more schoolroom Sessionss to better their literacy and numeracy accomplishments. In decision the advantages would be to condition the scholars themselves to see the importance of these functional accomplishments prior to each session. I feel that the literacy, numeracy and ICT skills that I have achieved are relevant to present the Sessionss to the scholars. These accomplishments are invariably required to be updated as ICT is ever developing. 567RJ4.Reflection on cardinal resources in your specialist country.Bing still in contact with this industry is an first-class manner of updating current criterions. The nucleus topic of fiction and welding has non changed much over the old ages, although more modern equipment and the of all time altering wellness and safety Torahs have. A really good resource for maintaining in touch with development and wellness and safety Torahs is the cyberspace. The scholars are invariably advised to research certain countries and feedback when I pass on new cognition to them. The lone disadvantage is that there is so much information out at that place that it is advisable to utilize the web sites which reflect the course of study country remit, and besides cover the demands of the relevant awarding organic structure. With the exclusion of the Technical Certificate faculty, the fiction and welding class does non look to hold changed a great trade from when I completed the class some 30 old ages ago. The same methods and some of the same undertakings are still being covered ; I feel this is because the staffs are in their comfort zone. After confabulating with other coachs it appears to be reluctance to alter. I consider it is clip for alteration to maintain up with industrial demands, and this will besides be good for the scholars. Evidence suggests that with the rapid progress of ICT, it most decidedly would non be good pattern to stand still. We need to develop farther accomplishments and carry out regeneration. Crowne S. Chief Executive of Becta writes: Year and page no â€Å" Technology has a great potency to transform the farther instruction system and the lives of scholars it serves. Some colleges and suppliers already use engineering really efficaciously, and they and their scholars are profiting consequently. Many are doing good advancement, researching how engineering can open up learning and acquisition and better their concern systems. Others, nevertheless, have truly yet to do a start and have mixed feelings about engineering. So it is indispensable that we do everything we can to back up colleges and suppliers as they make these alterations and travel frontward † . If the relevant governments are reding that it is clip for alteration so certainly we should be responding consequently. After transporting out contemplations on my ain instruction patterns, my belief is that as instructors, we should progress with the available engineering. This would guarantee that we review our instruction patterns often ; this in bend would heighten acquisition and do Sessionss more interesting for the scholars. There are stuffs and methods that are used for many old ages ; my personal belief is that budgets are regulating development within our country. Resources become damaged and worn and the equipment is non reviewed or adapted to accommodate our scholar ‘s demands. The books, resources and equipment should be updated yearly to guarantee that we are presenting relevant stuff and techniques. After analyzing this state of affairs it is decidedly evident that the members of staff are in their comfort zone. Reflecting on my Sessionss has made me more cognizant that advancement is needed in our course of study country. As coachs we need to implement alteration and reexamine our patterns on a regular basis. 511

Case Studies: Chapter 1-4

Chapter 1: What’s the Buzz on Smart Grids? 1. How do smart grids differ from the current electricity infrastructure in the United States? One of the main differences between smart grids and present electricity infrastructure in the U. S. is that smart grids provide electricity by utilizing digital technology in order to save energy, to reduce costs, and to increase reliability as oppose to present electricity grids provides electricity which is obsoleted and inefficient (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).Another difference is that current electricity grids do not deliver any information about how people utilize energy which makes even more difficult to create approaches to distributions in the efficient manner (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). Since current electricity grids do not provide useful information, distributors and consumers may not be able to make proper decisions about how they use energy efficiently (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). Conversely, smart grids provide information to both energy provides and consumers so that they can make decisions for better efficiency (U.S. Department of Energy, 2012). Additionally, smart grids deliver information from the house to the power provider and can monitor the electricity usage to lower the cost to the consumers and save energy by using them more efficiently (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). 2. What management, organization, and technology issues should be considered when developing a smart grid? The management issues that need to be considered during the development of smart grid would be to convince the consumer to switch over to the smart grid system (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).The need for smart grid must be relayed to the consumer and shown how the utilization of the smart grid will benefit both the power provider and the consumer by being able to utilize power more efficiently (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). Consumers will like to have their privacy protected, and the management of the power provider must assure their consumers not to feel i ntruded by the power company but focus on the benefits of the smart grid system such as lowering their electricity bills though the information feedback system that can relay how the energy s being used and the ability to analyze it (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). The organizational issue that the smart grid system will have to overcome would be the high cost of the smart grid system to be put into place. The meter that needs to be installed in each household may range from $250 to $500 per unit (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). Some consumers are not willing to initially spend the money to have the meter installed especially when they know that to save energy they need to turn off lights and other appliances or electronics when they are not being used (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).Additionally, once the smart grid system has been successfully been set up, the power provider may risk losing revenue as more consumers are able to use their energy more efficiently (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). The technology iss ue would be the fact that in the initial installation of the system, it will be time and money consuming on both the consumer and the power provider (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). A completely new system must be put into place and replace the old system. With the advancement of technology, this may become vulnerable to forms of cybercrimes as with any other advanced forms of technology may be attacked (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).Also, the complicated technology may not be user friendly to everyone especially to the elders or someone who is not as technologically aware. 3. What challenge to the development of smart grids do you think is most likely to hamper their development? The challenges that smart grids face that may hinder their development would be the fact that first of all the startup of the system is very expensive and time consuming (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). The complete infrastructure must be changed in order for smart grids to be fully replaced (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).It is also ex pensive for the home or business owners to install the meter necessary to monitor the electricity use and have to figure out who will pay for the initial installation of the meter, when the power provider will have to cover the cost of the system running which may be as high as $75billion (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). As mentioned in previous question, the consumers must also be assured that they do not have to worry about being a victim of a cybercrime and their privacy will be protected.Additionally with the advancement of technology, they must make sure it is user friendly to everyone as some consumers are already making claim that they had a hard time figuring out how to read and analyze the meters (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). The hardest part of the power providers starting up with the grid system is to solve all of the issues mentioned above and convince the entire nation to switch over to the smart grid system. 4. What other areas of our infrastructure could benefit from â€Å"smartà ¢â‚¬  technologies?Smart technology can monitor, assess and analyze any form of data and optimize the consumption of resources to be able to utilize them effectively. Smart car can effectively monitor the consumption of gasoline and use it to minimize the consumption and extend it in order to get the maximum miles per gallon ratio to save money and gasoline (McGlaun, 2012). Some cars automatically shuts their engine off while the vehicle is not in motion and automatically turns itself back on when it needs to move (McGlaun, 2012). Hybrid vehicles use gasoline and combine it with electricity to further increase the miles to the gallon ratio.Other smart technologies that are used in cars would be the two way communication technology that will tell cars where other cars are at and what path they are taking. In that way the computers inside the cars can know exactly where each other are at and avoid collision (McGlaun, 2012). Smart technologies are being utilized in automobiles and oth er areas not only limited to houses but also electricity in order to maintain and preserve the nonrenewable resources (McGlaun, 2012). 5. Would you like your home and your community to be part of a smart grid?Why or why not? Explain. I personally would not like to be a part of the smart grid system. I think that the grid system is a great idea for someone who needs to be reminded and guided on how to effectively utilize electricity. In addition, I also believe that it is important for the environment to conserve power; however like many other consumers I know how to conserve electricity. For example, I turn off electronics and unnecessary appliances when they are not in use, I lower the air conditioner at night time and when I leave the house and make ure all the lights and TV are turned off when they are not being used to name a few. I feel that I am responsible and have the ability to regulate my electricity consumption. That being said, I do wish to pay up to $500 up front for so mething that I already know and can manage. That is why I do not wish my neighborhood to switch over to the smart grid system. Chapter 2: Collaboration and Innovation at Procter & Gamble 1. What is Procter & Gamble’s business strategy? What is the relationship of collaboration and innovation to that business strategy?The Procter & Gamble’s business strategy is to keep the consumers by maintaining the brand and popularity they have with existing consumers (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). Procter & Gamble also focuses on improving their already existing line of products in order to keep the popularity that they already have (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). Lastly, Procter & Gamble creates completely new products from start to the final product and sent out new items to the market to improve their sales (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).Procter & Gamble innovates and adds to the market by dividing its focus to developing and creating new brands and items for the market. The company needs the colla boration between all of their stake holders being the researchers, marketers and the managers to all work together in order to improve work efficiency which has made them one of the top companies in the world (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). 2. How is P&G using collaboration systems to execute its business model and business strategy?List and describe the collaboration systems and technologies it is using and the benefits of each. The collaboration of over 8,000 scientists and researchers that are employed by Procter & Gamble worldwide, marketers and managers working together increases innovation and as a result further their success in the industry (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). As large as the company is, they keep utilizing all of their employees to research, experiment, produce, market and organize their own brand and create new products (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).With a large amount of employees throughout the world, good communication was crucial to working as one and becoming successful. Proc tor and Gamble collaborated with Cisco Telepresence to improve their communication abilities and made certain that all employees have access to the system to bring the organization into one well-oiled machine (Cisco, 2008). While P&G were conducting business, they realized that one communication system was not sufficient enough to be able to satisfy their large demands and needs (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).They also incorporated Connectbeam, which is another communication system which allowed employees to share more effectively more information by the utilization of networks between one coworker to another in the form of tagging and bookmarks (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). 3. Why were some collaborative technologies slow to catch on at P&G? Some collaborative technologies were slow to catch on at P&G because it took time for all employees to try out something new as many people are more comfortable with what they are used to and are not eager to make changes (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).Employees may feel intimidated or does not want to change their normal routine even though they may be told that the new system such as the new communication systems are better and more efficient than the ones that already exist such as new email systems (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). Another example would be a specific incident where researchers were using old outdated version of Microsoft software to print out the research and paste them onto notebook physically with paper and glue (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).To counter this effect, Microsoft overhauled the communication system and attempted to make it easier for the employees to utilize new technology and bring everything together (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). 4. Compare P&G’s old and new processes for writing up and distributing the results of a research experiment. In the past, researchers wrote up experiments that were performed or to be performed using Microsoft Office (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). The researchers then printed out what they have ty ped, and physically glued them onto a notebook one page at a time to place them into a book format (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).The old email system were too controlled by the employees in terms of the receivers of that specific email, being that if the employee who was sending the email did not send it to the appropriate receiver, then the email was ineffective as a means of communication (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). On the other hand, other forms of communications such as blogs reached out to too large of an audience that being anyone who were interested and cannot be relied on sending sensitive messages (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).Microsoft products streamlined the communication problems and issues that P&G had to make communication more effective (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). 5. Why is telepresence such a useful collaborative tool for a company like P&G? Telepresence is a useful collaborative tool for company such as P&G because in an organization as large as P&G, they need to be able to keep all of their employees which lives in 80 different countries connected through communication (Cisco, 2008).Not only does Telepresence allow international communications not only by the forms of telephone, email or the internet, Telepresence has the ability to supply P&G with 300 videoconferencing rooms where employees such as researchers can see each other during conference which may allow the researchers visual communication or actually show each other’s research and experiment over the video than just verbally explaining tedious and confusing procedures (Cisco, 2008). The videoconferencing room will also allow for a company meeting or private meetings between any employees of P&G without having to travel, which can save time and travel fees.Telepresence can help the P&G Company by effective communication methods (Cisco, 2008). 6. Can you think of other ways P&G could use collaboration to foster innovation? Procter and Gamble has more than 8,000 researchers with 1,000 or more o f them having Ph. D. experimenting, researching and innovating new products for the company in approximately 30 research facilities (Coleman & Hymowitz, 2012). Procter and Gamble is well known and respected company that is known to innovate new products and as a result they have a collaboration of many individuals and organization working for the company and assisting those (Coleman & Hymowitz, 2012).Procter and Gamble can reach out and incorporate more researchers from other parts of the world to collaborate and innovate new products using new ideas and point of view from different part of the world (Coleman & Hymowitz, 2012). Chapter 3: HOW MUCH DO CREDIT CARD COMPANIES KNOW ABOUT YOU? 1. What competitive strategy are the credit card companies pursuing? How do information systems support that strategy? The credit card companies may be following low-cost leadership strategy and product differentiation strategy at the same time (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).For instance, the credit compan ies can categorize the cardholders based on the regular charges the cardholder charges on the credit card (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). From the types of charges that are made on a regular bases. For example the credit card company may see someone charging many speeding ticket costs onto their credit card as being risky and impulsive just as much as someone who has a record of being behind on their bills (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).Furthermore, someone that will pay off their credit card bills in a timely matter or someone that will go out of their way to put a high quality product on their credit card categorized as being responsible and a better customer and may have a higher maximum balance on their card (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). The information system gathered by the credit card company profiles cardholders and places them into categories which may be bias and profiling (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).Additionally using this data and reaching out to the customers and offering them advices may res ult in the customers wanting to pay off their debt to their credit card companies before they pay off other credit cards as an individual who was going through a divorce paid off their debt to one company who took time to offer the customers assistance while that customer was unable to pay off other credit cards (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). 2. What are the business benefits of analyzing customer purchase data and constructing behavioral profiles?The benefits of analyzing customer purchase data and constructing behavioral profiles would be that the business can have an idea based on the data who will be more likely to pay back the debt in a timely matter and potentially avoid loss (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). Customers with a history of not paying off their debt or customers who spend in an impulsive matter may have a hard time paying off the charges and have a hard time getting qualified for loans and higher limit. An example would be customers who lost their homes to foreclosures that put their mortgage on their credit card and abandoned paying their debt (Laudon & Laudon, 2012).On the other hand, customers who have a history of paying off their credit card debt in timely matter may be able to get a higher limit and may have a better reputation from their credit card company (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). There are benefits to the credit card company to analyze using the purchase data being that the credit card companies will be paid back the customers debt, however this does create a bias opinion of their customers as some may not be true and potentially good customers.Additionally, by using analysis from data, it may protect the cardholders as it may alert the credit card companies any charges that may be unusual and ultimately alert the cardholders and potentially avoid or protect the customers from fraudulent transactions (Dhanapal, 2012). Once the fraudulent transaction is identified, the cardholders can then request to start an investigation and shut down that accoun t (Dhanapal, 2012) (Mavri, Angelis, Ioannou, Gaki, & Koufodontis, 2008).Once the investigation has been initiated, it allows law enforcement to track down the date, time and the location of transactions and even request a video surveillance of the fraudulent transactions and create a starting point for investigators and law enforcement officer to conduct and identify the subjects (Laudon & Laudon, 2012). 3. Are these practices by credit card companies ethical? Are they an invasion of privacy? Why or why not? I believe that these practices by the credit card companies on analyzing their customers purchase data have both pros and cons.They are unethical in the terms that every situation is different in every case. If the customer is having a hard time in their life, such as being in between jobs, they may not have the financial means to pay off all of their debt on time, however it does not mean that the customer is intentionally not paying off their debt to steal from the credit card companies (Mavri, Angelis, Ioannou, Gaki, & Koufodontis, 2008). It may be that the individual may have a job lined up and they may pay off the credit card debt as soon as they get more financial stability (Mavri, Angelis, Ioannou, Gaki, & Koufodontis, 2008).As a customer, the idea of credit card would be that the customers can purchase what they need at the time even though they don’t have the liquid asset in that particular time and pay them off on a later date and time (Mavri, Angelis, Ioannou, Gaki, & Koufodontis, 2008). By being judged by the analysis based on data, customers may be being judged by unfair bias (Mavri, Angelis, Ioannou, Gaki, & Koufodontis, 2008). On the other hand credit card companies are business and need to be paid back the debt that people make by making a purchase on their credit cards.If the company does not get paid back the debt, then the credit card company will be losing revenue in a highly competitive industry. Chapter 4: The Perils of Texting 1. Which of the five moral dimensions of information systems identified in this text is involved in this case? Accountability and control is one of the moral dimension of information systems that is involved in this case because people that text while driving should be held accountable and liable if they put someone in danger, injure, or worse (Laudon & Laudon, 2010).Mobile phone subscriptions have increased considerably over the past decade and have been continuing to rise at a rapid rate. According to recent study, 5,870 more deaths and 515,000 more accidents were caused from prior years by texting while driving (The Perils of Texting, 2012). Based on this information, it is obvious that we should not wait until someone gets injured in order to hold people accountable for texting and driving; there needs to be accountability now.Quality of life is another moral dimension of information systems that is involved in this case because though we are living in an information-and-knowle dge based technological society, there are certain values and practices that should be preserved and supported (Laudon & Laudon, 2010). Valuing human life is one of those practices that should be supported. Those who text while driving put so many people at risk. Society as a whole is aware of the dangers associated with texting while driving; therefore, those who do so, are not valuing human life. 2. What are the ethical, social, and political issues raised by this case?Several States, 31 to be exact, have already prohibited texting while driving, and there are likely more to come; President Obama has also prohibited texting while driving for Federal government workers (Laudon & Laudon, 2010). The ethical, social, and political issues raised by this case are very important as texting while driving has become one of the most prevalent and dangerous practices people all over are vulnerable to. The laws surrounding texting while driving vary among states, some severer than others. The point is that this is a major issue in anywhere throughout the world.It is ethically wrong to text while driving because people are putting others in dangerous way (Laudon & Laudon, 2010). There is, however, still some debate between the social and political aspects of this problem; some feel that we should be allowed to text while driving because we should be free to make our own decisions, while others argue it is not the state’s or federal responsibility to outlaw poor decision-making (Laudon & Laudon, 2010). Despite the opposition, there is a need for legislatures to set harsher penalties for drivers who creates an unsafe road conditions when they text and drive (Laudon & Laudon, 2010). . Which of the ethical principles described in the text are useful for decision making about (Dhanapal, 2012)texting while driving? The ethical principles described in the text that are useful for decision making about texting while driving are: †¢The Golden Rule because people shoul d do unto others as people would like to have them do unto themselves (Laudon & Laudon, 2010). Therefore, people should not put others in harm’s way by texting behind the wheel if they don’t want to be put themselves in harm’s way because others could potentially do the same thing. Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative principle is applicable because it applies to everyone. It is not ok for me to text while driving and not others because my actions could endanger someone else. If everyone texted while driving the probability of that action endangering people increases enormously. †¢Descartes Rule of Change is useful for decision making about texting while driving because every time you text you are increasing the risk of injury to yourself or others.This rules states that if the action cannot be taken repeatedly, it is not right to take it at all. This also applies because if you text and drive once and get away with it, you may be inclined to keep doing. This is the slippery slope rule (Laudon & Laudon, 2010). †¢Risk Aversion principle is useful for decision making about texting while driving because it asks you to take a course of action that produces the least amount of harm (Laudon & Laudon, 2010). In this case, you should choose not to text while driving because it could potentially cause a great deal of harm.

Pepperdine University Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Pepperdine University - Case Study Example The MSOD program administrator was responsible for marketing and recruiting new students, managing the delivery logistics of the off-site program, managing the students’ registration and financial relationships with the university and maintaining relationships with the MSOD alumni (Otis,1993). The proposal is to change the job design of the MSOD program administrator. The proposal suggested that he continue to perform all the current duties of the position and in addition provide administrative support to two PKE classes from their initial class to graduation. Moreover, he would receive additional compensation for the title change and increased responsibilities. The proposed change should occur to improve efficiencies, to recognize the MSOD program Administrator’s outstanding productivity and to cut cost at the university level. In conclusion, Pepperdine University will benefit from the proposal to change the job design of the program administrator’s staff. The proposed change will also reduce the work load of the job position and enhance work productivity and efficiency. The proposed change will also ensure that tasks are shared between various departments to ensure faster delivery and work

Visual Analysis Survey of Western Art II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Visual Analysis Survey of Western Art II - Essay Example The piece of art, Madonna and child are now part of the collection of the Lowe art museum in the University of Miami. Madonna and child is a painting done on a piece of wood thus commonly referred to as tempera on wood. It is believed to have been done toward the 16th century and is approximately 80x60 centimeters. Madonna and the child had been neglected for a few centuries but once discovered it became very expensive. It suddenly rose to twenty two million pounds as per the national scientific department. Lately it is the property of Lowe in the University of Miami after being given off as a gift. Before the 16th century, Italy comprised of many states which spoke different languages, thus a need to stand out was paramount. The Italians soon led the way by speaking about their culture through works of art like paintings. This is how Lorenzo di Credi and other painters and sculptors like Da Vinci, Donatello, Verrocchio, Filipo Bruschnelli and others got famous. The painting Madonna and child talked about Italy’s love and curiosity of religious issues and how they felt about it. It showed that culturally, Italians are a religious nation. The cultural aspect was seen in the technique that most Italian works of art appeared in. for example, Madonna and child was on tempera of wood while other works by other Italian artists were made of oil on wood and such stuff. This article is going to thoroughly survey the piece of art Madonna and child. This it is going to look into from the paintings composition to its characteristics and comparison to other works of art. The composition of the painting of Madonna and child by Lorenzo was due to Italy’s religious passion. During this era Catholicism was widely spread in Italy and its roots were firmly instilled in the people who used sculptures and paintings to bring Christianity and especially Catholicism to reality. Therefore the theme that led to Madonna and child

Contemporary British Drama Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Contemporary British Drama - Essay Example In terms of productivity and impact, we can say that since Shakespeare's time, no other historical period has produced more controversial, brilliant and self-reflected plays as the drama in the last century. Changes in British society affected, influenced and are reflected in the tendencies in the theater. As intellectuals, playwrights react to the social changes, political and economic conditions, to internal governmental conflicts and depict them in their plays. In this paper, I will attempt to demonstrate that British identity seen through the eyes of contemporary drama has become unconventional. In the plays "Feel Good" by Alistair Beaton and "In - Yer - Face Theatre" by Alek Sierz Britishness is explored to its minute details in shocking and unexpected revelations. The idea about Britain and British identity that I found most significant and which is conveyed through the above plays is the total and absolute honesty, which at times borders with our own innermost moral principles. The other idea that strikes me is that even though, the plays that I choose are comedies, they dwell on current reality and biting social and political issues feed both the dramatist and audiences imaginati on. The tendency of the British modern drama is to transform and modify essential theatrical elements like dialogue, set and characterization to extremes of parody, satire, exaggerations and deconstructions. Contemporary British drama is essential, because it is part of the cultural dialogue between intellectuals and the whole nation. Plays deliver ideas, not only about the British identity, but also about its self-presentation to the rest of the world. Modern, British playwrights investigate the subtle changes in the kingdom and its socio-political quests. The contemporary British drama is wittily celebrating the class changes and recent class identifications and the formation of a different elite class. The modern age gives the opportunity for playwrights to probe into the existential social anxieties and torment the British nation. The stage is like a mirror for the nation's identity and writers use their verbal and visual resources to describe what matters for their fellow-citizens. Many of the dramatics that successfully presented their plays in the 1970s and 1980s, still continue to actively produce remarkable intellectual masterpieces. Alistair Beaton is Scottish journalist with left wing political convictions. In the last two decades besides his media presentations he succeeded as a very productive novelist and playwright. In his play "Feel Good" Beaton creates an unprecedented political farce. This play is a comic revenge on New Labour spin and the government's grimness. Alistair Beaton's play is about the clandestine panic that underlies Labour's preoccupation with spin. In short, it is about money, though behind the play lurks a deeper point that the author wants to make. Although, it was made to be a comedy, this play is best understood through its current political reality. This is something that Beaton was aiming for. The play is set in a seaside hotel on the eve

Strategic Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 10

Strategic Management - Essay Example New entrants in the market, suppliers outsourcing, and operational competitiveness through adopting new technologies like e-supply chain & efficient inventory management resulted into decrease in market share for JZ Benny. Due to these changes, JZ appointed new CEO from rival company with a view to follow and adopt those policies, which competitors are adopting to succeed in the market. New CEO adopted the policy of reduction of management and other staff & even curtailment in employee’s facilities has not resulted into revival of the company. These steps rather resulted apprehensions about job security among employees’. Though CEO had reorganized the JZ and adopted flatter structure and also invested heavily in RFID (Radio Frequency identification), altered outsourcing agencies and; locations but failed to bailout JZ Benny. This situation created an opportunity for market leader Mr. McQueen for possible acquisition of JZ Benny but competition commission laws prohibited it. In the mean time JZ Benny appointed a new CEO John Hammond to revive the JZ Benny. He noticed that negligible cash reserves; more overdraft and low share prices are the major constraints for the revival of the organization. Strategy development is about ‘fit’; that is identifying opportunities in the environment and building strategy by matching resources capabilities to those opportunities. Other argues that the resources and competences of organizations are what are most important because they explain differences between organizations, potential uniqueness and therefore superior performance. They take a stretch view arguing that strategies should be built on the unique competences and resources of organizations, by seeking out market in which such competences have special value or by trying to create new markets on the basis of such competences. There are other considerations too. Organizations have different stakeholders

Problems and recommendations for Merit Pay system at Konica Minolta Essay

Problems and recommendations for Merit Pay system at Konica Minolta Business Solutions - Essay Example The project provides examples of the compensation structures in other organisations providing the respective pros and cons of the same. Finally, it recommends a suitable compensation structure for Konica Minolta Business Solutions along with its probable impact on the organisation. Compensation structure in Wal-Mart The organisation chosen for the purpose of this research is Wal-Mart. The reason for choosing this company is that it would be a perfect example to show how a poor compensation structure could lead to serious damage for the organisations. It would also be possible to show how restructuring of the pay structure would benefit the employees and the organisation. The organisation is one of the retail giants in the world. However, the compensation structure is seen to be unfavorable for the employees. Research revealed that â€Å"Walmart CEO's hourly wage equals one year salary of new employees† (Brainz, 2010). It demonstrates a great extent of disparity among employees in the organization. It was seen that the CEO of the company earns an amount of $35 every year, which is an hourly earnings of $16,826.92. On the other hand, the newly employed worker earns only $8.75 in an hour. His gross income in a year amounts to $13,650 only. The figure is quite low for a newly recruited employee in comparison to the revenue that the company generates. It also reflects the lack of concern of the employer towards its employees. This is the cause of the high rate of attrition in the organisation. According to the reports published by the company, it was estimated that there were 74,300 workers occupying positions in Florida Wal-Mart in a quarter. The number of workers leaving the organisation in the next quarter amounted to 15,500. 2900 more number of workers was recruited. This represented that the quarterly rate of turnover was as high as 17.3%. It was estimated that if this figure remained unchanged then out of every six recruitment, one would leave the organ isation in every three months (WARN, 2005). Compensation in other organisations- Review of success and failure Proctor and Gamble was one company which was considered to be one of the most favorable companies to work for. The company demonstrates very low rate of attrition because of its favorable pay structure. The voluntary turnover rate in the company is only 2% per year. The popularity of the organisation gets depicted from the fact that it receives more than 125,432 US applicants every year (CNN Money, 2011). The company’s present human resource development structure is highly attractive which makes it one of the most employers of recent times. The average annual pay for the most common salaried job in the organisation is $87,000, while the average hourly payment for the most common hourly paid job is $48,673. For example, a person holding the managerial position in the production department gets an average annual salary of $87,000. On the other hand, a technician whose wage is calculated on an hourly basis gets an average annual payment of $48,673 (CNN Money, 2011). The figures demonstrate that the employees are adequately compensated which can be accounted for

Can the European Charter of Fundamental Rights Be Viewed as Essay

Can the European Charter of Fundamental Rights Be Viewed as Revolutionary in Relation to the Recognition of Human Rights Under E - Essay Example Bilen examines the establishment of the European charter on the European Union; he states that the charter purpose is making the European citizens aware of their fundamental rights. Bilen further states that the establishment of the European charter and incorporating it into the European legal system created a sense of sanity n the Europe legal system which faced objection s from time to time from their member states (2005, p.4). The charter was drafted using numerous international human rights instruments; the charter does provide a modern and broader protection for the European citizens. The European Union member states use the charter in improving the protection of rights throughout the union. This is achieved by the enhancement of public awareness of the basic rights. The charter narrows the gap between the citizens and the remote institutions of the union. The rights covered by the charter include the rights to life, prohibition of torture, the right to liberty and security. Oth er rights covered include the right to respect family life, and privacy, freedom of thought freedom of assembly, expression and the freedom of association, the right to marry, prohibition to discrimination and a right to an effective remedy (Bilen, 2005, p.11). The European charter ensures that the rights are adhered to by supervising the European courts of human rights; the main principle of the European Law is ensuring that there is the protection of the fundamental human rights. Therefore, the European charter in its purpose to making the rights visible to its citizen’s aims at two things: the first is to strengthen and deepen the culture of rights and responsibilities in the European Union. The charter as a document that proclaims the existing rights if the citizens has a powerful effects in reinforcing in the minds of administrators, the government, and law enforcers the rights the European citizens are entitled to and needs to respect them. The second aim of the charter it declares the rights, freedoms and principles of the union. This declaration unveils the indefinites’ on protection of human rights (Bilen, 2005, p.23). The charter fits the description of being a revolutionary documentary in that it does denote the European Union as an entity built upon the citizen. It reflects n the rights and freedoms of the citizen and emphasises on the rights of the citizen that should not be overrun by collective welfare claims or national concern. The charter creates a union among the Europeans in the sense that the citizens share a peaceful future based on common moral values (European Union, 2010, p.83). In view of the changing society, social progresses scientific and technological developments the European Union utilise the charter as a tool to maintaining the visibility of the human rights. In an effort, to ensure that the fundamental rights of the European citizens is protected the charter has seen the establishment of a commission of human ri ghts, a court of human rights, and a committee of Ministers of the council of Europe. Each of these departments has a role in ensuring the protection of

Karl Popper's theory on violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Karl Popper's theory on violence - Essay Example He saw how Einstein had been critical f his own theory, constantly trying to pick holes in order to disprove or, as Popper saw it, improve it. This contrasted sharply with the attitude f Marxists and Psychoanalysis's who, it seemed to Popper, created theories and then re-interpreted them to suit any given situation. This first encounter with empirical evidence and its foundation for the proving f theories would lead him to his eventual way f thinking about falsification theory. Karl Popper argues that scientists should start with a hypothesis, or a statement that is to be tested. The statement should be precise and should state exactly what will happen in particular circumstances. On the basis f the hypothesis it should be possible to deduce predictions about future happenings. According to Popper it matters little how a scientific theory originate, it does not have to come from prior observation and analysis f data. Popper denies that it is even possible to produce laws that will necessary be found to be true for all time. He argues that, logically, however many times a theory is apparently proved correct because predictions made on the basis f that theory come true, there is always the possibility that at some future date the theory will be proved wrong or falsified. Popper argued that scientific progress required a ground work f structure and rationalisation where theories that seemed opposed to each other could be evaluated fairly and equally. To this end Popper created a scientific approach, called falsifications. He summed up the theory with the phrase "I may be wrong and you may be right, and by an effort, we may get nearer to the truth." Instead f constantly trying to find new evidence to support a theory, Popper claimed we should try to falsify them, and thus be able to judge one against another. In other words every possible theory would be able to be rationally and without malice debated about the different positions, and then choose the theory that cannot be falsified, or comes closest to it. The "best" theories could still not be verified or justified, but since they had not been falsified either, they would be preferable to falsified theories. The rationality f holding a particular position would be granted to the extent to which the theory is open to criticism (Norris Turner, 2000). The most fundamental aspect f Popper's falsification theory, inspired by Socrates, is that we have no way f knowing anything to be solid fact, and even anything we believe to be unshakably true could be, in the future, utterly disproved. Therefore we cannot approach any aspect f scientific debate, without acknowledging this central tenet. Popper argued that this would actually inspire further debate and progress as it allowed us to understand our limitations i.e. we had a base to begin with. He wrote, "We know nothing--that is the first point. Therefore we should be very modest--that is the second. That we should not claim to know when we do not know--that is the third." In many ways this is similar to Descartes effect on philosophy, with his central idea 'I think, therefore I am'. He believed that everything in our lives was really only the way we perceived it, not the way it really is. The only certain thing in existence was the fact that you were thinking, this gave philosophy a f oundation to work from; similarly

Cultural Awareness Essay Example for Free

Cultural Awareness Essay The popular book Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice is a novel that is responsible for the revitalization of the vampire genre in popular fiction. The book itself tells an interesting story about three vampires: Lestat, Louis, and Claudia. The tale is told from the perspective of Louis, a Creole American plantation owner in pre-Civil War America who catches the eye of Lestat, a vampire who is roaming the world alone, in need of a companion. Louis is depressed because of losing his family and therefore is suceptible to Lestat’s eagerness to make him into a vampire, which he does. The plot of the book revolves around these two characters as they live together. Louis hates what he has become and loathes taking life but makes Claudia, a little five year old girl, into a vampire as well. The relationship between Lestat and Louis, and their shared love of Claudia, is depicted throughout the novel as Louis struggles with his immortality, Lestat faces the betrayal of Louis and Claudia, and Claudia matures mentally without every growing physically. Their struggles with each other and against each other becomes the driving force behind the novel. The setting of Interview with the Vampire is primarily Paris and New Orleans before and after the Civil War. The vampires live together in a flat, where much of the action takes place between all of the characters. The reader is led through the torment of the plague in Paris, the customs of the slaves in New Orleans, and the underbelly of these two cities where Lestat, Louis, and Claudia find the people that they feed off of each night for their sustenance and strength. The characters found within this book are Lestat, Louis, Claudia, and Armand. These main characters show themselves throughout the novel to be interesting and complex. The character of Claudia emerges as a young girl whose mother has died of the plague and who Louis feels extremely sickened about when he feeds off of her. Lestat then helps him create a vampire out of her. Armand is the leader of the coven in Paris and becomes a close companion of Louis after Lestat and he go their separate ways. Each character brings a new dimension to the story.

Advertisment Essay Example for Free

Advertisment Essay â€Å"Someone’s trash is another person’s treasure.† Trash can be used to describe many things, things like objects dirty or worthless. We rarely think of trash to be used to describe a person for their worth or their looks. The media today tries to portray a â€Å"perfect† image of what a person should look like when in reality people are beautiful just the way they are. Nobody is trash. The advertisement that I choose was one that was promoting Gold’s Gym. The picture was of a black metal trashcan tilted ever so slightly to the left, but standing firmly in powdery whitish yellow beach sand. The trashcans shadow lays to the right of it assuming that it is a little past mid day. The background is bursting with colors ranging from white, blue, and green in the ocean and a baby blue in the sky with wispy clouds barely covering the sky. The main object in the picture is the trashcan. It is a black metal can with a yellow color wrapped around the middle third of it. In the yellow, a text is written in black and it says, â€Å"Keep Our Beaches Beautiful† and in smaller font says, â€Å"(and pick up the trash, too).† Finally, on the bottom â€Å"Gold’s Gym† is written in bold gold font, on the black trashcan, a little smaller than the other font. The colors are vivid in contrast, making the picture warm and it creates instant happiness. The bright yellow stands out from the black trashcan causing the observer to first focus on the trashcan and the writing. Once the observer reads what the trashcan has to say, they then look out onto the ideal ocean with the almost perfect sand that looks as playable as a puppy and as soft as a pillow. That is the view of beautiful. The ad has a double meaning to it. The trashcan is there to keep the beach clean from all the trash. Beautiful. The writing on the trashcan saying, â€Å"Keep our beaches beautiful† and then Gold’s Gym advertising written under that is promoting that people go and workout at the gym to be fit. Beautiful. What is beauty? According to this, the ad claims that at least a part of being beautiful is working out and looking fit. Is that really true beauty? People work hard to become that â€Å"perfect† image that society and the media has embedded in our minds. This was most likely a hugely successful ad, solely because it hit close to home with many people who have low self-esteem. â€Å"The ‘Beach body’ can be achieved by signing up for a year at Gold’s Gym,† is what people are thinking when they see this ad. The beach looks so beautiful in the ad that people become motivated enough to work out so they look â€Å"good† at the beach rather than being the â€Å"trash† on the beach. They just want to fit it and have a sense of belonging. Are people really trash? The ad sure thinks so. Even though the trashcan aspect is directed more so to the actual trash that is on the beach, it still symbolizes that people are trash if they are ugly. A person can become beautiful by attending Gold’s Gym, so why wouldn’t they just do that if that were all they needed to become beautiful? People nowadays are so focused on body image; women start having eating disorders in order to be â€Å"beautiful†, while men think they are only beautiful if they have a six pack or huge muscles. The advertiser at least thinks that he is good looking or fit in order to have credibility. They have a high sense of self-esteem because they think that being beautiful relates solely to a person’s appearance rather then as a whole, both inside and out. This ad is about more than just keeping beaches clean and promoting Gold’s Gym, it is about the image of people. The media has twisted the real image of people so much so that if a person doesn’t look good then they are called â€Å"trash.† Are people really trash?

Development Of Emotional Resilience

Development Of Emotional Resilience What is emotional resilience and how does this develop? What might the consequences be for someone who has this process disturbed? Emotional resilience is not a unitary concept of the self but integral to the multi-faceted, wider process of psychological resilience; retaining homeostatic mental security in an eternally shifting, socially constructed world. Resilience develops through experiential maturation; a dynamic process of adaptation and resistance in the endeavour to maintain social identity within specific hereditary and adaptive cultures. This response proposes that emotion is the core of an embodied individual resilience within relational contexts; therefore to seek conceptual understanding, consideration must be made of biological, behavioural and phenomenological influences on the psychological state. Empirical evidence proposes that the templates of emotional resilience are formed from the first day of a new life (even in uteri) and develop within the attachments of familial and systemic structures, experiencing both positive and adverse environmental factors. This brief insight will offer the reade r some understanding of the specific concept of emotion in our Western world. It will lead to focus on the crucial factor of human attachments as they model individual psychological development, and it will become clear that emotional resilience is part of a development synthesis (Cairns 1979) assimilated into psychological, social and cognitive theories that accumulatively demonstrate the emotional range of culture. When this synthesis is disturbed or traumatised, the concepts of fear or anxiety are experienced and begin an organic protective conditioning that if continual, can become manifested as negative psychological conditions and maladaptive behaviour. In seeking therapeutic efficacy, emotions might therefore be explored in relation to individual needs. The complexity of the social-mind-body assimilation presents a fascinating challenge for reparative treatment; research leading to a modernity of thought and beginning pro-active application of preventative measures through va rying social programmes. What are emotions? From early philosophical consideration to date, emotion has been viewed as an interference with rationality; an echo of pre-sapient expression. Darwin (1872)  [1]  introduced the concept of emotion in The expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals as he defined specific emotions finding expression through facial movement and overt behaviour. William James (1884)  [2]  extended this perspective in an article in Mind as he proposed this as a result of a prior, emotional neural signal; the feeling of physiological change Is the emotion. James Lange (1890)  [3]  developed this hypothesis further defining the first systemic theory of emotion, proposing three stages of emotional elicitation and physiological response: a presented emotional stimulus arousal in the autonomic nervous system physiological feedback leading to experience of an emotion In adverse extremity, we might acknowledge this as the basis of the fight or flight stress response, however this concept was extended by the Cannon-Bard Theory (1929)  [4]  as it specifically identified the hypothalamus of the brain to be the organ that activated physiological changes. Whereas the James-Lang Theory argued that human experience of emotion depended on preceding bodily changes, the Cannon-Bard Theory claimed that emotional experiences and bodily changes are independent. Early thought therefore understood resilience to be embedded in neurological physiological states. These proposals held historical behavioural cognitive validity, however there was no clarity of how an emotional situation actually activated the thalamus, i.e. how did the cognitive system detect that a stimulus was threatening or innocuous? The question remained: do individuals experience emotion based on their bodily perception, or are there specific emotional neural patterns which respond to envi ronmental events that result in physiological and visceral expressions? Perhaps the fulcrum of research was Schachter (1922 -1977)  [5]  as he proposed that only a general stage of visceral arousal was necessary for the experience of emotion and the individual would present the experience in the language of cognition, i.e. thought, past experiences, environmental references. Historical witness gave rise to Schachters James theories taken in accordance; as visceral arousal being essential for emotional experience but the manifestation of the emotion dependent on the cognitive, perceptual evaluations of external environment. To connect our animal nature with the world in which it is embeddedemotions respond immediately to the truth of things. They are the most alert form of attention. Disgust turns away from decay, fear warns of danger, desire recognizes beauty and pity responds to need. Hillman (1972) The psycho-biological and social perspectives are therefore implicit to the concept of emotional resilience within experiential processes. Drever (1964) stated that emotion is a complex state of the organism, involving bodily changes of widespread character in breathing, pulse, gland secretion etc. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦and on the mental side, a state of excitement or perturbation, marked by a strong feeling, and usually an impulse towards a definite form of behaviour. Intrinsically connected the neurological and physiological systems create behavioural responses, evoking feelings and thoughts subsequently manifesting as learned behaviour and leaving a residue of experience. Drevers analysis alludes to trans-theoretical components which could initially be assumed to be in contextual concordance; cognitive, physiological, experiential, expressive and behavioural. These assumptions are integral to the research of Schachter Singer (1962) and their cognitive labelling theory  [6]  ; two f actors proposed as essential for emotional experience: high physiological arousal (neuro-psychological) emotional interpretation or label of the arousal, e.g. fear, pleasure, anger, (expressed through culturally shaped language). Critique could hold these assumptions as simplistic when considering Craske Craigs (1984) study of performing pianists, which typically found a lack of concordance of components during adverse situations. Whilst stress measurements of an individual component correlated significantly, trans-component measurements reflected little concordance, amplifying the complexity of emotion and its development of resilience. Why therefore can an individual appear to be very anxious or angry when one component of emotion is considered, but not when a different one is assessed? If the components were in correlation with each other, a singular measurement would only be necessary to understand an individuals emotional state. This observed lack of correlation supports consideration of integrative theoretical perspectives, as individuals have unique systemic foundations and neurological processing modalities. If as so far theoretically proposed, the origin of an emotion is an inherently organic and genetically pre-determined reaction to a stimulus; if the stimulus is adverse, how long can negative psychological impact be sustained without harm? Concepts of emotions and resilience are therefore embedded in a dynamic and interactive process of environmental interaction and socialisation, leading to a phenomenological consideration of experience. Phenomenological consideration reveals a diversity of emotional states identified at an experiential level. Mauss (1872 -1950)  [7]  and Mead (1901 -1978)  [8]  proposed individual minds to be penetrated by social and cultural practices; internal representations creating a dynamic view of the self. As we consider the socio-biological/cognitive proposals, it seems emotions are an individuals indicator of their human state in society and crucial to the defence of the self; therefore what of psychoanalytical thought? Freud purported emotions as a biological function, manifested as neuroses originating inner desires ; Jung (1875-1961)  [9]  proposed an archetypal self care system; for Adler (1870-1937)  [10]  self defence was socially based in the drive for success; existentialists such as Heidegger (1972)  [11]  and Kierkegaard (1960)  [12]  propose emotions as exposure of the threat of non-being; Ekman  [13]   Davidson  [14]  (1994) the evolutionary forc e that enables us to adapt to our life tasks and Hillman (1972),  [15]  emotions as symbols representative of the holistic pattern of the soul (Freshwater Robertson 2002). Is an individuals consciousness and internal world therefore systemically distorted to avoid anxiety? Within the psychodynamic realm, it seems individuals are not rational truth-seekers, attempting to accurately interpret the world, but defensive beings who distort reality in the avoidance of psychological pain. Within the interactive subtleties of the individual and social environment, two areas of thought occur in consideration of disturbed emotional resilience; the relationship with sustained, negative environmental forces and the impact of sudden trauma. Emotional resilience One of the most profound sources of anxiety is evoked through fear of a loss of identity or fragmentation and loss of self. The self evolves from birth as emotions develop from pre-verbal experiences, many of which are paralleled with another human being; the mother or primary care giver. Through the development of emotional resilience the crucial impact of attachments as familial and social interactions are internalised, not only to form emotional templates, but also the raw material of the self. Resilience of the self evolves if relations are stable; if not individuals will struggle to create a secure internal version of reality that enables assimilation with the external world. In healthy psychological development, everything depends upon a gradual humanisation and integration of the archetypal opposite inherent of the self as the infant and young child wrestles with tolerable experiences of frustration (hate) in context of a good-enough (not perfect) primary relationship.in as much as the traumatised child has intolerable experiences in the object world, the negative side of the self does not personalise, remaining archaic.the internal world becomes menaced. Kalsched (1996) Integral to the narrative of attachments, and the phenomenological experience fundamental to emotional resilience, Rothbart Ahadi (1994) proposed the element of genetic temperament. Encompassing differences in reactivity and self-regulation within a conjoint physiological and psychological concept, they identified the behavioural scales of surgency/extraversion (high intensity, pleasure v. impulsiveness and shyness); negative/affectivity (discomfort, fear v. satiability comfort) effortful control (inhibitory control, attentional focussing v. perceptual sensitivity). The first two dimensions of infant temperament; fearfulness and irritability correlate with childhood and adult dimensions of negative affectivity or neuroticism and reflect a parallel proposal to Eysencks (1916 -1997)  [16]  theory of arousal systems and the correlation with extraversion and introversion. Rutter Quinton (1984) found that children with heightened negative temperament and low malleability were like ly to elicit irritability and hostility from their parents; the formation of a negative attachment cycle. Rutter (1990) further suggested that this reflected a pattern in which the childrens attributes make them a focus for discord[increasing] the probability that exposure will set in motion a train of adverse reactions that will prolong the risk. Such cyclical behaviour leads us to note the socially constructed self formed through familial scripts and systemic legacies of beliefs and interaction; therefore as personality traits are considered, a set of variable responses may be interpreted as internalised habitual behaviour, thoughts, values, needs and goals. In the search of self, inner reflection arouses further emotions that might lead to additional adaptations, both negative and positive. Satinoff (1982) summarises; an organism behaviour at a particular time depends on the state of its nervous system, the stimuli in its immediate environment, its past individual history and the evolutionary history of its species. This analysis can be applied to the development of attachment as Bowlby (1969)  [17]  noted that adaptive function of proximity maintenance in the protection of human young, and simply identifying humans as social species therefore suggests the evolutionary functions of systems serve to keep individuals physically and emotionally close to others. If formulated on secure systemic attachments, there will be resilience of self; if conversely formulated on dysfunctional, avoidant or anxious attachments, emotional resilience is jeopardised. Social scripts and dogmas of early life, such as men dont cry can become exemplars of inappropriate relational paradigms which lead to conflict of an instinctual demand of attachment behaviour being socially accepted. When internalised distorted scripts remain active in the unconscious, they might severely restrict an adult ability to express emotion. The parody revealed is that through the formations within a psycho-social and behavioural paradigm, individuals who evolve within a negative or abusive environment, despite the continual experience of pain and anxiety, often continue to seek such relations and environments perpetuating the projective cycle of negativity with exposure to the risk of psychopathological development. Freshwater Robertson (2002) highlight the specific pathogenic personality of the parent(s) and the specific pathogenic atmosphere in which the child grew up that account for mal-developments, fixations and unsolvable inner conflicts characterising the adult personality; the correlation reflecting the breakdown in emotional resilience. Manifestation might then be seen in conditions such as social disorders, substance or alcohol abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and in the extreme psychosis. What of the impact of sudden trauma? We are aware of the physiological response of the autonomic nervous system, however the psychological impact is not easily assessed as this is dependent on the formulated emotional resilience of an individual. Jung (1929) stated that certain complexes arise from painful or distressing experiences of an emotional nature leave lasting psychic woundsoften [crushing] valuable qualities in an individual. All these produce unconscious complexes of personal nature..others come from quite a different source.the collective unconscious.  [18]  The historical Western script in relation to psychological pain has been to ignore it; to get on with life. There has to be an element of stoicism to return to functional life; however the psyche is powerful in demanding remembrance of pain as poignantly recorded in the recent memorial to the liberation of Auschwitz 65 years later: So I was hiding out in the heap of dead bodies because in the last week when the crematoria didnt function at all, the bodies were just building up higher and higher. So there I was at night time, in the daytime I was roaming around in the camp, and this is where I actually survived. Bart Stern  [19]   Social scripts are changing but some denial still exists in corners of Western culture. Theorists have suggested that in the desire to block psychological pain, or to control or avoid emotional responses in accordance to this legacy of the collective unconscious, an emotional numbing becomes an automatic process; evoking symptoms of disinterest, detachment or denial. Avoidance of emotional material is thought to be a central factor in negative outcomes such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional processing model proposed by Foa Kozak (1986) and the relational construct theory of human learning (Kelly 1905 -1967 )  [20]  give some insight to the effect and symptoms of PTSD. The theories account for the generalisation of trauma cues within learned behaviour, of memories of trauma and experiential and external, emotionally associated responses. Avoidance of emotion can lead to paradoxical increases in emotional experience; suppression of thoughts leading to target- related anxiety, i.e. situational factors. The crucial note of Jungian theory is that traumatic emotional experiences can remain in the psyche by becoming autonomous and adopting characteristics of their own, which can then dominate or even possess the conscious ego (Roemer Borkovec 1994). Following trauma, concealment of emotions has also been associated with diminished memory for information and cognitive ability interfering with an individuals ability to engage adaptively with the environment. Therapeutic efficacy in the maintenance of emotional resilience The complicity of factors relating to the disturbance of emotional resilience continues as a focal height of research. Salters et al (2002) highlighted areas of theoretical empirical evidence gaining credence in the link between and emotionally avoidant perception, social interaction and, in the area of therapeutic efficacy, the experience of clinical anxiety. Plagued by definitional and methodological challenges, the study of emotional resilience holds complex phenomena; however cross-theoretical approaches now contribute to holistic understanding. Craske Zucker (2002) proposed models for psycho-social interventions as they highlight several of the specific factors discussed that affect emotional resilience; anxiety, familial transmission, temperament, life stresses and co-morbidity. Their research focussed on buffer factors of emotional resilience through concepts such as hardiness and social support. Seligman (2000) had emphasised the importance of optimism as Rutter (1995) outl ined five categories of protective factors: reduction of adverse experiences, reduction of negative chain reactions, promotion of self esteem and self efficacy; the opening of positive opportunities and the positive cognitive processing of negative experiences. Davidson (2000) clarified these as a broad constellation of processes that serve to amplify, attenuate or maintain the strength of emotional reactions. It is identified that anxiety disorders are most likely to develop during critical developmental stages, dependent on the resilience of the emotional templates; (Blehar 1995) transitions such as adolescence and mid-life could therefore be crucial times for the support of a proactive-developmental-ecological approach (Winett et al 1989). Conclusion The area of research into emotional resilience is self perpetuating and too vast to address comprehensively in this short response. It is therefore hoped that some insight is offered to the complexity of emotions as structured phenomena, and resilience as the dynamic component of this. It has reflected a trans-theoretical combination of psychotherapeutic thought, and presented the evolution of human emotional resilience to be a synthesising process that demands positive adaptation to lifes adversity. Crucial to the maintenance of healthy emotional resilience within social interaction is the exposure to, internalisation of, and management of positive and negative stimuli. Emotions are not merely feeling states but internal states that when disturbed, the distinction between the collective and individual unconscious becomes obscured creating internal distress and continues to reflect what Jung described in1912 as the problem of our time. The Gestalt perspective exemplifies the struggle to address this problem and maintain a healthy emotional resilience as it presents the human psyche and body to be an organic function and ultimate experiential unit (Perls 1969).  [21]   I do my thing you do your thing. I am not in this world to live up to your expectations And you are not in this world to live up to mine. You are you and I am I And if by chance we find each other, its beautiful. If not, it cannot be helped. Gestalt Prayer [3209]

The Writing Process Essay -- Education, Recursive Process

Scores of composition instructors agree that writing should be taught as a recursive process, rather than a liner process, and they also agree that most writers employ certain writing strategies as they produce drafts. Sandra Perl’s article, Understanding Composing† shares these beliefs because she states: â€Å"writing does appear to be recursive, yet the parts that recur seem to vary from writer to writer and from topic to topic† (142). Perl explains that throughout the writing process, writers employ a â€Å"forward-moving action that exists by virtue of backward-moving action† (141). Furthermore, Perl claims that when writers plan, draft, and revise their writings, they use a process she labels as retrospective structuring which involves attending to a writer’s a felt sense, returning to the topic presented, rereading what has been already written, and reassessing the words written (145). Perl claims that the most important retrospective structuring feature involves writers paying attention to their felt sense, a term she borrows from Eugene Gendlin, a philosopher at the University of Chicago (142). Perl defines a writer’s felt sense as a bodily experience or nonverbal thought that â€Å"surround the words, or to what the words already present evoke in the writer† (142). Moreover, when writers use the process of felt sense they pause and react to â€Å"what is inside of them,† and writers seem to focus on â€Å"careful attention to one’s inner reflections and is often accompanied with bodily sensations†(Perl 144). Furthermore, Perl believes that skilled writers employ their felt sense unknowingly while unskilled writers can be taught how to pay close attention to their felt sense (144). Perl then describes that when presented with a topic, w... ...g (147). I believe that Perl offers some valuable insights to the composing process, and I agree with her that writing is a recursive process. As an English tutor, I always encourage my student to reread what they have previously written. In doing so, many students will discover that some sentences in their drafts †just do not sound right† and they are now able to make the necessary adjustments, making their writing more coherent. I also believe that rereading key words in the topic helps students generate new ideas and the key words in the topic could be used during a prewriting activity, such as creating a clustering diagram. Lastly, I am elated that Perl provides a name to something that cannot really be explained—felt sense. I will now be able to tell my students to â€Å"call up† their felt sense as way to aid with their writing.

Is Knowledge Worth Seeking :: essays research papers

Socrates argued that actively seeking out knowledge leads to the ability of man to moderate his behavior accordingly. If one examines a situation thoughtfully, and from several angles, the most logical course of action will present itself. By exercising this method of reasoning a person becomes wise. Socrates would call this the ability to govern the qualities of your soul properly and it is undoubtedly what he sought. The process brings out the virtuous qualities in man and allows him to make decisions based on truth, which leads ultimately to good. Discipline of the mind can only benefit its owner; and thus knowledge is worth seeking. Socrates defines knowledge as absolute truth. He believes that everything in the universe is innately connected; if one thing is known then potentially everything can be derived from that one truth. The fundamental ideas that Socrates seeks to uncover are called forms. This concept is illustrated when Socrates questions Meno on what virtue is. Meno answer with several examples of what is virtuous. This of course is not what Socrates is asking; he is asking Meno what all virtuous acts share in common. For Socrates this relationship between all virtuous acts is what virtue fundamentally is. A person can see virtuous acts but cannot see virtue. Because of this, the idea of virtue must exist somewhere independent of the perceivable world. This is true with all forms or ideas of perfection: they are something that cannot be known by human sense but reasoned out by individual human thought. One cannot, however, mistake knowledge for right opinion. Socrates makes distinctions between right opinion and knowledge. Opinions are not something that one can seek because they are beliefs held on shaky ground. â€Å"True opinions are a fine thing and do all sorts of good so long as they stay in their place, but they will not stay long. They run away from a man’s mind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (97-98, Meno) Knowledge is unmistakable truth that cannot be changed in an argument: it holds true in all situations in all time. In matters pertaining to everlasting truths, one can argue that such truths are relative only to man in his finite reflective state. If these absolute ideas are true for all of time, did they exist before man did? If so, who was it that thought of them? Since one must contemplate these absolute truths (and the origin of anything contemplated is in the human mind), they are thus absolute only to humans. Is Knowledge Worth Seeking :: essays research papers Socrates argued that actively seeking out knowledge leads to the ability of man to moderate his behavior accordingly. If one examines a situation thoughtfully, and from several angles, the most logical course of action will present itself. By exercising this method of reasoning a person becomes wise. Socrates would call this the ability to govern the qualities of your soul properly and it is undoubtedly what he sought. The process brings out the virtuous qualities in man and allows him to make decisions based on truth, which leads ultimately to good. Discipline of the mind can only benefit its owner; and thus knowledge is worth seeking. Socrates defines knowledge as absolute truth. He believes that everything in the universe is innately connected; if one thing is known then potentially everything can be derived from that one truth. The fundamental ideas that Socrates seeks to uncover are called forms. This concept is illustrated when Socrates questions Meno on what virtue is. Meno answer with several examples of what is virtuous. This of course is not what Socrates is asking; he is asking Meno what all virtuous acts share in common. For Socrates this relationship between all virtuous acts is what virtue fundamentally is. A person can see virtuous acts but cannot see virtue. Because of this, the idea of virtue must exist somewhere independent of the perceivable world. This is true with all forms or ideas of perfection: they are something that cannot be known by human sense but reasoned out by individual human thought. One cannot, however, mistake knowledge for right opinion. Socrates makes distinctions between right opinion and knowledge. Opinions are not something that one can seek because they are beliefs held on shaky ground. â€Å"True opinions are a fine thing and do all sorts of good so long as they stay in their place, but they will not stay long. They run away from a man’s mind†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (97-98, Meno) Knowledge is unmistakable truth that cannot be changed in an argument: it holds true in all situations in all time. In matters pertaining to everlasting truths, one can argue that such truths are relative only to man in his finite reflective state. If these absolute ideas are true for all of time, did they exist before man did? If so, who was it that thought of them? Since one must contemplate these absolute truths (and the origin of anything contemplated is in the human mind), they are thus absolute only to humans.