Lab Management Software Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lab Management Software - Research Paper Example (Erhabor & Adias, 2012, p.  xx) Key features included in Lab Management software (but not limited to) are workflow, data searching, flexible architecture, efficient data exchange interfaces, and remotely accessible. (Azad, Auer, & Harward, 2012, p.  xx) These features completely "support its use in synchronized environments." These features and uses of Lab Management Software have shown advancement over the years from straightforward sample searching to an ERP tool that administers several features of laboratory processes. Lab Management Software is dynamic because of the evolving requirements of the modern laboratories. These requirements are evolving rapidly and vary from lab to lab. For this reason definition of LMS eventually depends on the interpretation by the entities or groups involved. A Laboratory Management System (LMS) is management software that enables us to efficiently manage samples and associated data to develop lab effectiveness. It automates flow of work, integrates equipments, and manages data and associated information. Labs using LMS increase their level of professionalism and their ability to meet up the requirements of customers in two ways. One is LMS helps labs produce precise and reproducible results quicker and more reliably and second is LMS helps lab to evaluate and improve operational efficiency by making data from sequential processes making it easier to store, quicker to track, and assess over time and across experiments. Some of the most familiar challenges may include; managing with the ongoing and significant increase in the throughput and volume of data associated with processing. Finding scalable methods to arrange and track samples and linked information. Managing connections between samples and linked information from the moment samples enter the lab to when data is processed. Reducing time expense that was spent during manual processing of samples. Storing and reproducing information associated

Slave Ship Essay Example for Free

Slave Ship Essay Rediker’s concern for the individual lived experiences of the participants in the trade is aided immensely by his command of the history of what life at sea is like. While scholars have been using the narrative of Olaudah Equiano to illuminate the experiences of enslavement for decades (Burnside and Robotham 1997), chapter 8 of The Slave Ship titled â€Å"The Sailor’s Vast Machine† contains a learned and astute description of work and suffering at sea. What sticks out is violence, and the shocking degree to which physical and emotional terror was used as a tool for control and psychosexual masochism. Rediker rightly points out that both captives and crew were being exploited by the captain, officers, and sponsors of slave ship voyages, without going so far as to suggest that the sailors somehow had it worse than the slaves. Far from it; Rediker makes clear the degree to which the nascent concept of â€Å"race† was lived out onboard, and relates truly debauched tales of rape, torture, concubinage, and murder of essentially helpless children. Anthropologically inclined readers will find much of interest in chapter 9 of Rediker’s book, titled â€Å"From Captives to Shipmates. The argument is of course not new; Mintz and Price raised it in the 1970’s as have others. In this chapter Rediker discusses favored anthropology themes such as resistance, revolt, music, dance, and other dimensions of the ethnogenesis of African-American culture. On page 305 he observes Slowly, in ways surviving documents do not allow us to see in detail, the idiom of kinship broadened, from immediate family to messes, to workmates, to friends, to countrymen and –women, to the whole of the lower deck. And in so observing, Rediker has given underwater archaeologists of the slave trade and the slave ship a research agenda. It’s an agenda with which I happen to agree and that I have discussed in greater detail elsewhere (McGhee 2007). Rediker ends his book with a discussion of the fight to end the slave trade and with the moving testimony of cast-off and dying sailors being cared for by enslaved people in Caribbean ports. He writes, â€Å"Theirs was the most generous and inclusive conception of humanity I discovered in the course of my research for this book. † I wonder what conceptions of humanity continue to motivate certain anti-treasure hunting nautical archaeologists. The Henrietta Marie and Fredensborg remain the two most representative archaeological examples of slave ships in existence. The former, first located in the water by Moe Molinar a Panamanian of African descent in the employ of treasure hunter Mel Fisher, is particularly important. Yet it took an African-American recreational SCUBA diving club, the National Association of Black SCUBA Divers, to denote and demonstrate that shipwreck’s importance and to bring its significance to wide attention. Properly trained nautical archaeologists still won’t publicly touch that wreck with a ten-foot pole.

Descriptive Statistics: Raw Data Essay -- Data Analysis, Standard Dev

Several things can be done to the raw data in order to see what they can say about the hypotheses (Neuman, 2003). An inspection of the raw data can be done by using the descriptive statistics to find obvious coding errors. The minimum and maximum values for each variable must fall within the admissible range. Pairwise correlations depict that all relationships must be in the expected direction. Meanwhile, listwise deletion of missing values indicates that the data can be used for analysis. An outlier is an observation that is unusually small or large. Outliers assist researchers in detecting coding errors. According to Bagozzi and Baumgartner (1994), outliers are not recommended to be routinely excluded from further analysis. Data collected were analyzed by using three approaches: 1. Cronbach’s alpha (a) was used to test the reliability. Cronbach’s alpha indicates how well the items in a set are positively correlated to one another. This is to make sure that the scales are free of random or unstable errors and produce consistent results over time (Cooper & Schindler, 1998); 2. Descriptive statistics where the researcher used mean, standard deviation and variance to get an idea on how the respondents reacted to the items in the questionnaire. The major concern of descriptive statistics is to present information in a convenient, usable and understandable form (Runyon & Audry, 1980). Descriptive summary, including frequency and descriptive, was used to screen the data set. Among basic statistics to use were mean, median, mode, sum, variance, range, minimum, maximum, skewness and kurtosis. 3. Inferential statistics concerned with generalizing from a sample to make estimates and inferences about a wider population (Neuman, 2003... ....e. more than 30 (Hair et al., 2006). Sekaran (2003) suggests the approximation to normality of the observed variables could be investigated by inspecting the data through histograms, stem-and leaf displays, probit plots and by computing univariate and multivariate measures of skewness and kurtosis. Histograms, stem-and-leaf and probit plots indicate the symmetric distribution of variables or sets of variables. Tabachnick and Fidell (1996) suggest the value of skewness and kurtosis is equal to zero if the distribution of a variable is normal. Chou and Bentler (1995) emphases the absolute values of univariate skewness indices greater than 3 can be described as extremely skewed. Meanwhile, a threshold value of kurtosis greater than 10 can be considered problematic and value greater than 20 can be considered as having serious problems (Hoyle, 1995; Kline, 1998).

Gang violence Essay

â€Å"Once found principally in large cities, violent street gangs now affect public safety, community image, and quality of life in communities of all sizes in urban, suburban, and rural areas. No region of the United States is untouched by gangs. Gangs affect society at all levels, causing heightened fears for safety, violence, and economic costs† (In The Spotlight) As the quote above shows, gangs and everything that goes with them has spread all over the United States and is now one of the major issues the U.S. faces. There are estimated to be about twenty-nine thousand, four hundred gangs and seven hundred fifty six thousand gang members all throughout the U.S. Also, there are thousands of other gang members illegally crossing the U.S. borders, mostly from Central America. Each gang differs in some way but however, â€Å"A common definition for a gang is a group of three or more individuals who engage in criminal activity and identify themselves with a common sign or name † (Barbour 9). The main problem in the U.S. is not the actual gangs, but it is the drugs that they involve themselves with. The drugs only bring violence and problems. The main purpose of many gangs today is not to rule turf or power but to get money by smuggling drugs over the borders and then selling them. Gang activity and violence is occurring all over the U.S. every day, mainly caused by the involvement of illegal narcotics, if this country wants to stop the gangs, it needs to completely cut off the smuggling and trafficking of drugs from Central America into the U.S. by combining different government agencies of different levels to prevent the gangs from entering the U.S. and growing and also to create prevention programs and groups to control it at a more localized level where the issues are the most pressing. Gangs are smuggling over the U.S. borders and it is causing more problems than the government can handle. The main source of drugs is coming from Central America, where the most predominant number of gangs is located. Many gangs are focused only on smuggling different types of drugs into the U.S. and it is the one way to sustain a constant source of income. This is very appealing to any youth who wants money and that is why the number of gang members is growing so rapidly. â€Å"The transnational gangs are located in over 300 cities and 40 states across the country and are becoming a serious  threat to the national security of the United States† (Farah). Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) is the most dangerous gang in the U.S. today and is not even native to the U.S. The homeland of MS-13 is in El Salvador. El Salvador is the most highly gang populated country in Central America. Some other gang-infested countries are Guatemala and Honduras. There are about ten thousand MS-13 members in the U.S. alone and about forty thousand members in Central America. Unfortunately, these numbers are still on the rise. MS-13 recruits members at a very young age, which keeps a steady growth in members. The idea of a better family and brotherhood, but also money, is very appealing to any kid who is struggling at home. MS-13 accounts for the majority of drug distribution from Central America and is the focal point that needs to be attended to if this problem is going to be solved. Another main problem with the drugs is how large of an impact they have on the people because they only add to the already existing problems for society. Also, violence and drugs go hand in hand, which is why they are so involved within the gangs. Violence is always involved with gangs, but with the addition of drugs, the violence can intensify to a level where nothing can be done. This causes the gangs to be much harder to deal with. One main problem is that the American society hates the gangs but loves the drugs and will continue to buy drugs no matter where they are coming from. This makes it even more difficult to deal with. The drugs find a way to enter the lives of people from all of American society. For instance, they have been involved in different businesses and been the cause of murders, including celebrities. â€Å"Gangs have a large involvement in the rap industry and are related to the murders of Tupac Shakkur and Biggie Smalls† (Smith, â€Å"Gangs†). Tup ac Shakkur and Biggie Smalls were two iconic rappers of their time but sadly, gangs found a way into their lives and ended up causing both of their deaths. The drugs and violence become so intertwined into society, that now they are very hard to remove and a resolution to this problem needs to be found. There are many different processes that are being implemented now to stop this problem. An example is that groups and programs are being formed to fight back against the gangs. The Arizona Corridor has proven to be one of  the busiest places for gang smuggling and trafficking. There was a group formed to prevent it called IIMPACT Arizona. â€Å"IIMPACT Arizona! is a multi-agency project that is managed by the Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM) and designed to address rising crime associated with illegal immigration.† (Gang and Immigration Enforcement) IIMPACT is acronym that stands for â€Å"Illegal Immigration Prevention and Apprehension Co-op Teams† (Gang and Immigration Enforcement). IIMPACT is a program where local, state and federal police forces team up to fight against smuggling organized by crime groups. The main goals of the group are to deter, disrupt and dismantle gangs from illegally immigrated people and drugs into the U.S . If they are able to succeed with what they want to do, then they would be shutting down one of the hotspots for gang smuggling. This group is in action today and could eventually make a large impact on preventing gangs from smuggling over the U.S. borders, which would greatly decrease the amount of drugs that would be entering the U.S. The U.S. government has tried to pass different acts and laws against gangs but there has been many legal issues revolving around the civil liberties of the individuals being persecuted. â€Å"Responding to the rise in gang violence in the early 1980s, Los Angeles judges began to issue gang injunctions. This occurs when the city attorney’s office issues a restraining order against specific gang members. This is done only after gathering evidence from police officials and the public. However, in 1987, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged the injunctions, indicating that they presented a violation of an individual’s civil rights† (Smith, Gangs: Outlook). Whenever the government gets close to cracking down on the gangs, an issue involving civil liberties arises and prevents the laws to be passed. The way some of the laws enabled police officers to treat gang members and the hostile level violated some of their rights. In 1994, the Violent Crime Contr ol and Enforcement Act of 1994 was passed and it tightened the choke hold on gangs. It stiffened the penalties for crimes committed by gangs, so that the members would be less prone to break the law. The penalties for a gang member were much more severe than one for just an average person, even if the same crime was committed by both of them. Many lawmakers and law enforcers believe the answer is to make laws to  combat the actions gangs. If the penalties are stiffened, then they will be less prone to smuggle drugs and the drugs levels will go down. If drug trafficking can not be stopped, then there is no chance of slowing down gangs and the violence they create. The solution to this problem will take time and effort but will work. More groups and programs have to be made in order to stop the drug smuggling and gang violence. Also, younger kids have to be reached out to early on so they don’t even have the option to join some sort of gang. If more localized programs can be formed, then smuggling can be cut down from area to area and over time, will disappear. Even though there was extensive research, only one program that was focusing on gang involvement in their area was found and it had been working efficiently so far (IIMPACT). This group is so successful because it requires the usage of town police, state police and federal police all working together. The information that can be shared from each level is key to success. A joint effort is always more successful than a singular effort. If different levels of government enforcement could join up and work together in states all along the border, the smuggling of drugs could be cut dow n immediately. â€Å"The combination of different agencies has brought up results that show that gang violence and just gangs in general are able to be controlled if not reduced a significant amount† (â€Å"In The Spotlight†). This combination occurring much more frequently can be the resolution to the problem that has needed to be solved for so long. The main problem can be seen lying within the gangs but the actual problem revolves around the American educational institutions and the environments that kids are provided with. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) believes that laws will not help and that providing the right environment for kids is what is needed. The main problem with setting a lot of laws and enforcing them is that even if a kid is stopped from being fully involved in a street gang by sending him to prison, he will be more likely to join a gang in prison than out in the world because of how frequent prison gangs are. By trying to prevent one problem, the laws would only cause another. â€Å"If younger kids were provided with better opportunities to enact in a community and have a better environment to conduct their actions, they will  be less prone to join gangs† (Smith â€Å"Gangs: Outlooks†). Groups like the ACLU are trying to stop the problem before it arises and that really is the best po ssible thing that can be done in this situation. If the number of gang members goes down, then gangs will lose their power and influence over the surrounding communities. This would cause there to be less drug smuggling occurring and the problem would gradually decline to a non-existing issue. Gang activity and violence is occurring all over the U.S. every day, mainly caused by the involvement of illegal narcotics. If this country wants to stop the gangs, it needs to completely cut off the smuggling and trafficking of drugs from Central America into the U.S. by combining different government agencies of different levels to prevent the gangs from entering the U.S. and growing and also to create programs and groups to prevent it at a more localized level where the issues are the most urgent. The information that was presented shows how much damage that the gangs are causing to the U.S. and how drugs being smuggled over the borders from Central America are the main cause. This is very important because some of what is being done now and what can be done could be the solution to this enormous problem. Possible trends in the future will definitely be that more laws and acts will be proposed and whether or not they go into action, they will make a positive affect on trying to st op gangs in the U.S. Gangs were first formed in the U.S. in New York in the early 20th century, particularly 1928, so it could be the first time in one hundred years where gangs are not relevant in the U.S. Also, it could make a large global impact because it would encourage other nations to crack down on gangs too. If the necessary steps are taken, the problem of gangs in the U.S. could be completely ended and we could experience a gang-free and drug-free time period in the U.S. for the first time in years. Work Cited Barbour, Scott, ed. Gangs. San Diego: Greenhaven, 2002. Print. Farah, Douglas, and Pamela Phillips Lum. â€Å"Central American Gangs and Transnational Criminal Organizations.† Strategycenter. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. â€Å"Gang and Immigration Enforcement.† AZDPS. Arizona Department of Public Safety, 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. â€Å"In the Spotlight: Gangs.† National Criminal Justice Reference Service. U.S. Department of Justice, 7 Sept. 2012. Web. 10 Apr. 2013. Smith, Pamela K. â€Å"Gangs.† Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 25 Apr. 2013. Smith, Pamela K. â€Å"Gangs: Outlook.† Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 25 Apr. 2013.

Arctic Mining Consultants Essay

Synopsis of the Situation Arctic Mining Consultants is a mining consulting company that does mining exploration. This particular case looks into how Arctic Mining Consultants’ crew did not effectively do their job in Eagle Lake, Alaska. Tom Parker is a geological field technician and field coordinator for the company. He acted as the project manager on the job near Eagle Lake, Alaska. His crew of field assistants consisted of John Talbot, Greg Boyce, and Brian Millar. Tom had worked with all three field assistants before. Tom has specialized skills in claim staking, line cutting and grid installation, soil sampling, prospecting, and trenching. This particular job involved skating 15 claims, which consist of marking a line with flagging tape and blazes along the perimeter of the claim. A claim post is cut every 500 yards, meaning 60 miles in line total. Tom hoped to complete the job in a week, and offered the field assistants each a $300 bonus if it was completed in time. This would be added to their fa irly low daily wages. As the job progressed, tension was thick because the deadline was approaching. The field assistants were working long days, and two of them were continually not meeting Tom’s expectations. Tom particularly took his frustrations out on Millar. Key Issues The field assistants are given little motivation to work hard. They are paid fairly low daily wages and are putting in long days. Tom Parker does not offer positive encouragement either, yelling and making the field assistants feel bad could make them care less about the job. The field assistants are provided meals and accommodations, but even Tom admitted that a lot was expected of them in a short amount of time. Tom Parker is not a good leader. He is the one who does the hiring, training and supervising for all of Arctic Mining Consultants programs. It could be possible he is not properly training field assistants to thoroughly meet his  expectations. Tom Parker, on more then one occasion, exploded with anger. He did not coach his team, he just yelled at them. If he was supervising there work on Day 3, he should have communicated with the field assistants and told them how to improve their work then. On Day 6, when the field assistants did show improvement, Parker did not give them any positive reinforcements. Also, even after Paker picked on only Millar for bad performance, he asked him to work for him again. The field assistants seem to have very different capabilities and attitudes. Boyce did not get picked on by Parker, but admitted to Millar that he only worked as hard as he had to. Boyce had the worst results of everyone. Talbot met his quota and stayed to help Boyce meet his. He was a team player. Millar put in more time and effort, by being the first one dropped off Day 6 and 7, last one picked up Day 6 and 7, and not taking lunch Day 5. He worked himself so hard, that he collapsed at dinner, to tired to eat. Define the Problem The key problem in this case is that Tom Parker is not a good leader. He is in charge of hiring, training, and supervising field assistants. Couldn’t the field assistants’ work be reflected on Tom because he did not properly train them? Also, Tom selected the field assistants for this job. He should have known what they were capable of before selecting them. He had worked with al of them before, so he should have had reasonable expectations for each of them. Tom also made a hostile working environment with much stress and little positivity. Alternative Solutions Solution 1: Tom needs to be retained as a project manager. Being a project manager means being a leader. Tom is not a good leader. An effective leader is one who leads by encouraging the employees and making them want to succeed, thereby making the organization meet and exceed its goals over time. (Thakur, 2005). Tom did not handle conflict well; he took his frustrations out on one particular field assistant. Relational leadership is one form of effective leadership. Relational leadership centers around person-to-person relationships. One of the significant components of all relationships is how conflict is handled. (Ferch & Mitchell, 2011). The  advantage of retaining Tom to gain leadership skills would be that Tom potentially could more effectively train field assistants and make a better team dynamic. The disadvantage is that Arctic Mining Consultants would have to spend time and money to re train the trainer, Tom. It would be beneficial for him to develop new leadership skills, but it might be difficult not having a project manager. Solution 2: Tom and Arctic Mining Consultants should offer more incentives to his field assistants. It doesn’t even have to be monetary. Offering positive reinforcement for work well done would be beneficial to Tom and his team. â€Å"While money is important to employees, what tends to motivate them to perform – and to perform at higher levels – is the thoughtful, personal kind of recognition that signifies true appreciation for a job well done. (Eastern, 2012). The advantage of this solution would be that employees would feel better about the work they are doing, and feel good hen they excel. Field assistants would be working in a positive environment. The disadvantage would be employees would start to expect positive reinforcements and bonuses, feeling they are entitled to it. Solution 2: Hire new field assistants. Tom could more carefully select his field assistants for a job. He should do more research on candidates’ capabilities and experience if he has high expectations. The advantage of having a different team of field assistants would be that he could filter out those who do not meet expectations before hand. The negative side of hiring new field assistants is the time it would take to evaluate new candidates as field assistants. Selected Solution I believe the first solution would bee best to solve this case. Tom needs to reevaluate his leadership tactics. He does not communicate effectively with his crew. He needs to think of the crew working together like a team, and he is coach. Tom is not being effective by focusing on the negatives; he needs to analyze what is being done wrong, and coach field assistants to correct their problem. Implementation/Recommendations First, Arctic Mining Consultant should have Tom trains another potential project manager that already works for the company. The candidate should undergo some type of leadership training. Then Tom will engage in a leadership-training program. The candidate will be the project manager while Tom is absent. Then, the two project managers, Tom and candidate, will work as a team to direct field assistants. Tom needs a new outlook on his management style. Implementing this plan will help achieve that. This will also help make more effective work teams. References Thakur, D. (2005, January). Short-term leaders. Quality, 44(1), 24. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.proxy.davenport.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA127543673&v=2.1&u=lom_davenportc&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w Ferch, S. R., & Mitchell, M. M. (2001). Intentional Forgiveness in Relational Leadership: A Technique for Enhancing Effective Leadership. Journal of Leadership Studies, 7(4), 70. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.proxy.davenport.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA76626374&v=2.1&u=lom_davenportc&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w Eastern, J. S. (2012, January 1). Employee rewards. Internal Medicine News, 45(1), 78. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.proxy.davenport.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA280102141&v=2.1&u=lom_davenportc&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w

Essay on Federalist papers No10 and 51

Essay on Federalist papers No10 and 51 Essay on Federalist papers No10 and 51 Essay on Federalist papers No10 and 51Federalist papers No10 and 51 are among the most significant Federalist papers contributing to justification of the introduction of the US Constitution and unification of the nation. These Federalist papers focused on the prevention of factions and division of power through the system of check and balances. These principles laid the foundation to the US Constitution and political system which persist now.Federalist Paper No 10 focuses on the problem of factions and the prevention of this problem. To put it more precisely, the author, James Madison, argues that the large union is more effective in preventing small interest groups of taking power and establishing their regime that stands for interests of those groups. James Madison argues that factions comprise an integral part of a democratic state. Moreover, he believes that the American Revolution struggled for liberty of American people, while â€Å"liberty to factions is what air is to fireâ €  (Madison, 12). This is why he argues that the simple ban of factions through the elimination of liberty is inadmissible. On the other hand, he believes that large factions in small states can take the power and neglect interest of minorities. Therefore, they will violate rights of people and neglect their interest, while rights of all people are equal. Hence, Madison insists that the large union can control large factions that leads him to the conclusion that small states will be unable to control factions, but the union of American states is the only way to set control over factions and prevent interest groups from taking the absolute power.Federalist paper No 51 focuses on the separation of powers and, more specifically, upon means by which the separation of powers may be achieved. James Madison, the author of Federalist paper No 51, stands on the ground of the necessity of the separation of power to maintain democracy and liberty in the American nation. He suggests a system of check and balances, which prevent one branch of power from taking control over others. In fact, in his Federalist paper No 51, he suggests separating legislative, judicial and executive branches of powers, which can check and balance each other. This concept of the separation of powers was grounded on James Madison’s idea that â€Å"ambition must be made to counteract ambition† (Madison, 17). The principle of the separation of powers laid the foundation to the US political system existing now and was legally implemented in the US Constitution.In fact, I agree with Federalist paper No 10 and 51, although believe that the risk of factions taking power always persist, regardless of the size of the state, but I believe it is true that in smaller states there is a higher risk of factions taking the full power, while the conflict of interest of different factions in a large state creates better conditions for the control over factions. As for the separation of power, I b elieve this is the milestone of a truly democratic state because the proposed system of check and balances is an effective tool to prevent certain groups or branches of power from taking the full control over the entire nation.Thus, Federalist papers No 10 and 51 are major political works which contributed to the creation of the US Constitution and shaping key principles of the US political system.

A true American essays

A true American essays An American to me, is someone who is willing to fight for and defend our country, someone who will fly our flag high, without any type of indignity, someone who is honest and cares for the welfare of our people. Most of all, an American has to have pride and faith in all that our country does, participating in activities that can only improve us as a unified nation. My definition of an American is best fit by my grandfather because he is loyal, proud, and giving He is a veteran who served in two wars. He belongs to many groups that help the communities and support some unfortunate families. He also sends money monthly to funds that help crippled or disabled veterans and their families. He attends town meetings and does anything in his power to provide help or opinion in any state or town situation. My grandfather illustrates that he is proud, by flying an American flag on a pole in his back yard, and also next to his door in the front of his house, he even has a custom license plate that has an American flag on it. No matter what country he travels to, or what language he is speaking, he makes it clear to everyone around him that he his from America and dedicated to it. He believes if you are going to be all you can be, first you must do all you can to make your country all it can be, because if your country is not successful, then you have a disadvantage in the world, with technology, jobs, the economy, and even just eating healthy everyday. He also believes that anyone in need should be helped, and supported until they can get on their feet. But, he does not like the fact that people take advantage of the system. He says that if something tragic happens to someone, then anything that comes out of his pocket to help them out is well worth it, but someone who is perfectly fine to work and they still dont, then they do not deserve a dime, because they are taking away from the needy. Anyone that needs the help should...

How to Improve Email ROI With Matthew Montoya From Constant Contact

How to Improve Email ROI With Matthew Montoya From Constant Contact Email marketing is that trusted friend that’s been around forever and will never let you down. You can always turn to it when you need some help. Plus, it gives you a whopping average ROI of 3,800%. That’s $38 for every $1 invested. Today, we’re talking to Matthew Montoya, the partner enablement and training manager at Constant Contact. He has helped consult more than 13,000 businesses on email marketing best practices. Email has been around a long time, but Matthew describes current trends and what works today. People who give you their email address are expressing interest in your business Quantify the value of your email list by multiplying the size of your list by the price point of the average they sell to get a dollar figure Biggest change in email marketing over the last seven years is mobile readership; 51% of business/non-profit emails will be opened on a mobile device People used to spend 35-40 seconds reading an email; now it’s 5 seconds Emails need to be succinct, make an impression, and include a call to action Think of an email not as a message, but an advertisement where people see the information, act on it, and go to your website or elsewhere to learn more Every contact matters and can produce money for your company The more targeting and testing you do, the better your responses HTML vs. Plain Text: Depends on your audience, but concise HTML emails usually generate higher, better responses Preview email messages to see how they display on different devices Know your audience to know what content they will find valuable and relevant Constant Contact’s Marketing Pillars: Segmentation, personalization, automation People look first at who sent an email, rather than the subject line; email should come â€Å"from† the brand Test subject lines to avoid repetition and make sure they grab readers’ attention Explore all marketing options across platforms all work together to share a story Links: Constant Contact Constant Contact for Free Email Subject Line Tester Integrations Write and send a review to receive a care package If you liked today’s show, please subscribe on iTunes to The Actionable Content Marketing Podcast! The podcast is also available on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and Google Play. Quotes by Matthew Montoya: â€Å"Email marketinghas changed dramatically over the last seven years. What used to be a best practice has evolved.† â€Å"Email marketing may haveless sex appeal than social media and other kinds of marketing.† â€Å"The one app that most people don’t even think of as an app is email. And yet, that’s probably the most used app on your phone because that’s where we’re doing business.† â€Å"Think of an email not as a message. It’s not a form of communication. It’s an advertisement.† It’s really important for everybody, if there’s one huge takeaway today beyond just building a mobile-responsive and mobile-friendly email, it’s making sure your content within that email is relevant.

Women and poverty Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Women and poverty - Research Paper Example Statistics constantly brings in the fact that women are more likely to be poor than men. In fact, women are more susceptible and more exposed to hunger because of the universal subordination and gender discrimination they contend with in education, healthcare, employment, and in controlling resources and political authority. Although violence against women is existent across all economic groups, women who are suffering from poverty experience it more frequently and they have less possessions or means with which to deal with the situation. Poverty among women is a global truth that reveals itself differently from one country to another; nevertheless, the factors and figures in global gender discrimination are blindingly comparable: gender disparities in wages, work-related discrimination, dangerous employment conditions, and uneven necessities in household and childhood care among others. Over the last few decades, studies on the explosion of households supervised by females and the s tudies into the societal influences and gender-specific consequences of structural adjustment policies have brought about the increased awareness on what is considered to be a â€Å"feminization of poverty† (Moghadam 2). This is to say that a mounting percentage of the world’s poor population are women. ... The Causes of Poverty among Women Violence According to various studies, a great majority of women are victims of human trafficking that is manifested in various forms such as prostitution, which is considered to be the most common and widespread form of human trafficking (UNICEF 11). Women involved in this kind of activity do this for survival and as a response to their economic despondency. Worsening of living conditions usually forces children to quit school in order to help the family survive, placing them susceptible to exploitation and violence. For instance, some young girls in Zimbabwe are trading sex in exchange for food for survival due to intensifying poverty (Thomson, â€Å"Zimbabwean Girls Trade Sex for Food†). Violence against women is a global dilemma of endemic quantity. Anywhere in the world today, women represent the main casualties of physical and sexual violence. Greatly entrenched in prejudice and discrimination between genders, violence against women is o ne of the most pervasive forms of violation to human rights. Contrary to the famous belief that violence against women only exist in homes, this violence against women takes various forms: â€Å"domestic violence, sexual abuse and harassment of girls in school, sexual harassment at work, or rape by husbands, strangers, in refugee camps or as a tactic of war† (7). The least effect of domestic violence is reduced efficacy in their jobs. If a woman is more exposed to physical violence, it affects her productivity at work, which can be manifested through excessive absences and poorer efficiency at work. Consequently, this forbids the possibility of receiving salary increases and they will have less chance for promotion; even worse, violence against women could cause women to lose their jobs

Project and Programme Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Project and Programme Management - Essay Example ue that the scope as well functions of project and operations often overlap, hence our analysis will be presented mostly within this grey area – when do we draw the line, when do they complement, and so on – and in the process outlining the support for our thesis. Thien is a project manager in his organization. Vice Presidents, directors and managers in other departments approach him daily whenever there is a new product or project to be investigated, initiated or launched. For instance, yesterday the Marketing Manager requested him to direct a campaign involving an invitation for clients in their database to visit the organization’s web site and see their new product lines. However, part of this project requires the website to be updated on a daily basis. The campaign sounds just like a job for the project manager but the cyclical aspect of maintaining the website seems to be a facet of an on-going operations. How was this possible? Let us outline the nature of projects and operations and, henceforth, eliminate the grey area. According to Marion Haynes, project management differs from other management schemes in two significant ways. â€Å"First, while department managers or managers of other organizational units expect their departments to exist indefinitely, project managers focus on an undertaking with a finite life span. Second, projects frequently need resources on a temporary basis, whereas permanent organizations try to utilize resources full-time.† (p. 3) As its name connotes, project management concerns itself with a project but only one. It has a beginning and an end – a time-bound process - since it is a one-time endeavor. According to Baum, evaluation caps the five stages of project management so there is a closure to the cycle. (Cracknell 2000, p. 95) It may be employed within the scope of an operation or other business processes. Most stakeholders in this management strategy believe that it is a linear process where operations management

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Business Law - Essay Example This method of justice strives to create an alternative forum away from the Courts which is more relaxed in nature, which allows for a more chilled out atmosphere and where the procedural importance given to the cases is reduced in order to allow the human touch a greater importance. Following is the definition of Alternate Dispute Resolution: â€Å"Procedures for settling disputes by means other than litigation; e.g., by arbitration, mediation, or minitrials. Such procedures, which are usually less costly and more expeditious than litigation, are increasingly being used in commercial and labor disputes, Divorce actions, in resolving motor vehicle and Medical Malpractice tort claims, and in other disputes that would likely otherwise involve court litigation.†1 Reading and understanding from the above definition, it can be interpreted that ADR is an alternate mechanism for justice which is less costly and more expeditious. Alternate Dispute Resolution consists of Arbitration, M ediation and Conciliation. Arbitration is a process by which the parties to the dispute appoint an independent Arbitrator who judges the case for the respective parties. This independent arbitrator is appointed on the behest of both the parties. Once the arbitrator is decided, the venue for the arbitration depends upon the parties to the matter. ... These systems envisage a concept where the parties mediate and conciliate with the other parties on their own without the admission of an arbitrator. The process of Mediation and Conciliation is considered to be more in the zone of a personal conversation rather than a legal case going on.2 The idea of ADR has always been to allow a more open and calm approach towards justice delivery system. And it has ben quite successful in the Europe and UK with a streamlined method of arbitration, medication and conciliation process in practice. The ADR Group is a world-renowned commercial arbitration organization, which indulges in systematic approach towards the problem solving of arbitration. ADR, thus, improves the judicial system in the following ways: 1. Less Burden on the courts 2. Less expensive than litigation 3. Less time consuming than litigation 4. Less stressful than litigation 5. More freedom to the parties to represent their case 6. Greater opportunity for the party to be heard 7. More chances of better justice delivery since every argument is taken into proper consideration Tribunals The UK Tribunal system is extremely diligent in nature. The UK Tribunal system is part of the administrative justice system, which is the place for justice delivery. It is known as Non-Departmental Public Bodies. The Tribunals take the parallel role of dealing with issues ranging to different areas of law, such as Competition Law, Environmental Law, Taxation Law etc. The Tribunals are quasi judicial bodies which are responsible for granting justice as a means away from the basic court justice delivery system. â€Å"The tribunals are managed by the Tribunals Service, which is an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice. Recently, the tribunals have been re-organized, so that

Science in my world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Science in my world - Essay Example One key concept is called the sequential summation of movement in which heavier objects are able to increase the speed at which smaller attached objects move (Exploratorium.edu). For this reason, the pitcher’s bodily movements are a critical component to how fast the ball will be released and thrown towards the hitter. If the pitcher’s momentum through using his legs to push off of the mound is at a greater force, so too should be the force and speed at which the ball is released as long as the arms, shoulders and hand release the ball at the optimum position during the movement. Another key component to baseball has been the explosion of curve balls and the extent to which a ball can be thrown straight but through its overall release the ball can actually curve away from the straight-line pathway. A scientific research study tested whether a curve ball actually does curve and â€Å"the results indicated that it is possible to make a ball curve as much as 18 inches away from a straight line within a distance of 60 feet, six inches† (ProjectView.org). Through gripping the baseball a particular way and releasing the ball with the right controlled movements, a pitcher is able to make a ball travel in a straight pathway but curve after enough full revolutions have been completed. All of this is very interesting because it changes how the game can be viewed and alters how players should play the game. If careful analysis is performed and a critique of physical movements is made, science can help all players and coaches perform at the optimum level possible . Exploratorium.edu. "Science of Baseball: Putting Something on the Ball: Page 1." Exploratorium: the Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception. Web. 22 Sept. 2010.

Reflection on Peacebuilding Simulation Assignment

Reflection on Peacebuilding Simulation - Assignment Example Mike can de-escalade the conflicts between the communities by acknowledging the needs of both parties and their position. The communities have their differences, and knowing what each community expects from the other is a start. The communities need to be brought down and have a talk about the reason for their uncooperativeness. Addressing such issues might be helpful as the real cause of conflict can be noted. Events that might make the escalation be fully blown might include the rising cases of rapes, vandalism and the children of the Westerners being harassed by the Mendozan and Marenese kids (Fischer & Crowe, 2007). This might make the communities seek vengeance against one another, which will in turn cause full escalation to arise. The normal position amid the two parties is that despite the conflicts, and differences they have, the communities living in Blue River do not want to see the economy of the place deteriorate. That is the reason why they are running their businesses; for the Westerners, the shops are open frequently, compared to others that are fighting to keep their businesses alive. The westerners might not be able to accept the culture of the people who lived there initially; the Mendozans and Marenese, and this might cause more problems to arise. There is a difference in beliefs, traditions and the ways of lives of the communities in Blue River (Malek, 2012). Mike should make sure that the riots do not happen again, and this can be done by looking at the grievances of the communities. If the grievances of the communities of Blue River are not addressed, there is the possibility of another riot. Engaging with the communities is a way in which relationship between the communities can be built. The communities in Blue River cannot meet face to face because of the riot that occurred. Some problems that might arise include murders, continued vandalism and rise in rapes. There should be patrols all over the area, from

Definition assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Definition - Assignment Example Notably, the continuum development is the ground to understand the development of every child. Therefore, continuum of development must not be regarded as a tool for assessing progress in children based against certain benchmarks or outcomes. Moreover, it should not be used to analyze or screen children to identify their developmental difficulties. Nonetheless, the continued development should be applied by the practitioners to outline the sequential development steps that a child or children should be followed and the same must be developed from what is observed to be common among the majority of the observed children. However, the process should not block the use of the universally known skills and patterns that are being achieved as per specific timetables (Best Start Expert Panel on Early Learning, 2007). Hence, it is a process that aims at providing guides towards identifying sequences that form the foundation in child development that are in turn are incorporated in the early childhood curriculum. Moreover, it should provide pedagogy that verifies the setting of the developmental curriculum. The main essence of the continuum of development is to help adults every child’s growth, strengths, and challenges in order to provide them with supporting plan as an individual child or as a group (Best Start Expert Panel on Early Learning,

Reflection on Peacebuilding Simulation Assignment

Reflection on Peacebuilding Simulation - Assignment Example Mike can de-escalade the conflicts between the communities by acknowledging the needs of both parties and their position. The communities have their differences, and knowing what each community expects from the other is a start. The communities need to be brought down and have a talk about the reason for their uncooperativeness. Addressing such issues might be helpful as the real cause of conflict can be noted. Events that might make the escalation be fully blown might include the rising cases of rapes, vandalism and the children of the Westerners being harassed by the Mendozan and Marenese kids (Fischer & Crowe, 2007). This might make the communities seek vengeance against one another, which will in turn cause full escalation to arise. The normal position amid the two parties is that despite the conflicts, and differences they have, the communities living in Blue River do not want to see the economy of the place deteriorate. That is the reason why they are running their businesses; for the Westerners, the shops are open frequently, compared to others that are fighting to keep their businesses alive. The westerners might not be able to accept the culture of the people who lived there initially; the Mendozans and Marenese, and this might cause more problems to arise. There is a difference in beliefs, traditions and the ways of lives of the communities in Blue River (Malek, 2012). Mike should make sure that the riots do not happen again, and this can be done by looking at the grievances of the communities. If the grievances of the communities of Blue River are not addressed, there is the possibility of another riot. Engaging with the communities is a way in which relationship between the communities can be built. The communities in Blue River cannot meet face to face because of the riot that occurred. Some problems that might arise include murders, continued vandalism and rise in rapes. There should be patrols all over the area, from

Patents and Trademark Law Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Patents and Trademark Law - Case Study Example First they should make an application to the UK patent office. At the patent office they are required to fill a document called 'complete specification. This form contains a description of the article, process or machine, including working instructions and a statement of 'claims' which the inventor seeks his monopoly. It is against these claims that any infringement is judged. The patent office will carry out research to test for novelty. According to the result of the search the applicant may decide to abandon or modify his application or request an examination by a qualified patent office examiner. The main task of the examiner is to see that the claims of the specification describe things that are not only new, but also inventive. Once the examiner is satisfied the specification is published and for 3 months afterwards any interested party can object by notice to the patent office. In the event of no opposition or failure of objections the 'letters patent' will be seated and the p atentee can sue in the High Court for any infringement. Once granted, the patent covers the UK and is in force for 4 years, and it can be renewed annually for a further 16 years after which it can be extended by an application to the High court for a further 5 to 10 years. After duty registering their Pete Tom and Pete Soil manufacturer will have the patent rights and they can reinforce a legal action against anyone making, using, selling, offering for sale or importing their patented invention. In the event of the competitors proceeding to invent the polythene bags, Tom and Pete Soil can approach the court and fire a civil suit. In the court section 60 (1)4, patents Act 1977 states that "Subject to the provision of this section, a person infringes a patent for an invention if, but only if, while the patent is in force, he does any of the following things in the united Kingdom in relation to the invention without that consent of the proprietor of the patent, that is to say:- Where the invention is a process, he uses the process or he offers it for use in the United Kingdom when he knows, or it is obvious to a reasonable person in the circumstances, that its use there without the consent of the proprietor would be an infringement of the parent. Therefore the aggrieved party can seek the assistance of the courts which will issue an injunction barring the competitors i.e. FR & ED as well as Salisbury supermarkets from inventing and selling the polythene growing bags. Further Messrs Soil can prevent

Fast Food Nation Essay Example for Free

Fast Food Nation Essay Many feel that the fast food industry is providing a valuable service by catering to consumer needs; that it is inexpensive and easily accessible. For people who dont have time to prepare meals, for households in which both parents work, theres no question it provides a service. But all of this for what cost? The cost is the lives of those people who work in the meat processing plants. Meat packing is now the most dangerous job in the United States. The men and women that work in the slaughterhouses now are often low paid, poor immigrants, who have not completely learned English and are practically illiterate. These workers make a knife cut every two or three seconds, which adds up to about 10,000 cuts per eight hour day. One of the leading causes of the high injury rate in the slaughter houses is the speed at which the meat is disassembled. Hearing this, it is no surprise that lacerations are the most common injuries suffered by the men and women working in the meatpacking industry. Workers are under tremendous pressure to work fast and not report any injuries that may occur. The annual bonuses of plant foremen and supervisors are often based in part on the injury rate of their workers. Instead of creating a safer workplace, the supervisors pressure workers not to report any injuries and as a bonus, they would be moved to an easier job to give them some time to heal. Often, in this industry, supervisor pressure is not the only reason that injuries go unreported; the immigrant workers usually do not know enough English to complete the paperwork that goes along with filing injury reports. This manner that runs the lives of slaughterhouse workers is completely unethical. In any business, stopping an employee from receiving due compensation for injuries is unfair and unethical. It seems like that in any other business, if a worker is injured, and does not receive fair compensation, they have the ability and drive to enforce the law; but in the case of the slaughterhouse workers, that are often illiterate, this rarely happens. The fast food industry both feeds and prays off the young. Pioneers in developing marketing strategies to target children, the fast-food chains have even infiltrated the nations schools through lunchroom franchises and special advertising packages that answer public educations need for funds; in every way possible, giving the children a loyal friend to rely on. In many franchises, teenagers are perfect candidates for low-paying, low-skilled, short-term jobs and constitute a large part of the fast-food chains workforce; and often practically run individual locations, having more responsibility than most adults. The intense advertising and responsibilities is not the only thing we saw in Fast Food Nation that effected children. The quality of the meat that is fed to children in school and at the fast food restaurants is in some cases horrendous. Children are not the only age group that eats this tainted food, but they are more greatly harmed by it. E. coli is now the leading pathogen causing kidney failure among children in the US. The E. coli problem begins in the feedlots. The situation we see for these cattle is disgusting. Cattle are forced to eat out of manure filled pits that are likely to carry E. coli (which can be live for 90 days). To add to that, cattle are often fed remains of other animals such as sheep and even other cattle. If feedlots were more humane and sanitary, the infected herds would not infect others, and the meat that is fed to children would less likely give them E. coli. There are ethical concerns in about every business, but none seem to be as intense as the ones found in the meat packing and fast food industry. These issues concern the actual well being of the employee not just finances or material things. I dont know if it will ever be possible for the fast food and meatpacking industries to be safe environments to work in, but I do hope that someday the lives and needs of the workers are considered. There are not many things as important as a human life, hopefully someday; all the components of these industries that endanger these lives are changed, from E. coli to fatal packing plant injuries.

Studying and Treating the Communicative Dyad Essay -- Medical Conditio

Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects not only the communication of the individual but also the communication of the people who interact with the individual on a regular basis. Language intervention, therefore, should include a component of training and educating the caregivers as well as the person with aphasia (Purdy & Hindenlang, 2005). In recent years, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have begun to take more of a social context approach to aphasia intervention, making it more functional for the client and including the caregivers through training (Turner & Whitworth, 2006). Many studies have investigated different types of caregiver training programs and their effectiveness on improved communication between the person with aphasia (PWA) and his or her caregiver (Hopper, Holland, & Rewega, 2002; Purdy & Hindenlang, 2005; Turner & Whitworth, 2006). While these studies suggest that caregiver training programs improve the communication dyad, there is little existing evi dence to suggest that skills learned through these programs generalize to settings outside of the therapy room. The types of caregiver training programs, the programs’ effectiveness, and their long-term outcomes have been reviewed by Turner and Whitworth (2006). There were three major types of conversation partner training (CPT) programs that the researchers identified in the available literature. One type was Conversation Analysis motivated therapy, which encourages collaborative conversation, and the communication partners shape their responses based on the previous conversational turn. In this manner, both conversational partners have a responsibility to do their part in achieving a successful interaction. Another type of CPT examined in the rev... ...econd, this study may provide further support for the benefits of actively including the spouse or caregiver in therapy. Finally, it may provide a detailed training program that SLPs can use when training caregivers and loved ones of people with aphasia that could be used as part of the therapeutic process in addition to traditional therapy aimed at improving the communication of the person with aphasia. Works Cited Hopper, T., Holland, A., & Rewega, M. (2002). Conversational coaching: Treatment outcomes and future directions. Aphasiology, 16(7), 745-761. Purdy, M., & Hindenlang, J. (2005). Educating and training caregivers of persons with aphasia. Aphasiology, 19, 377-388. Turner, S., & Whitworth, A. (2006). Conversational partner training programmes in aphasia: A review of key themes and participants’ roles. Aphasiology, 20(6), 483-510.

ozone layer :: essays papers

ozone layer Summary of Learning of the Ozone Experience On the 16th of September 1987, negotiators meeting in Montreal finalized a landmark in international environmental diplomacy: the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Successful Conclusion of the negotiations in Montreal was widely hailed at the time as a historic even. As the protocol was the most ambitious attempt ever to combat environmental degradation on a global scale. In the 10 years since that meeting in Montreal, the accord has set in motion myriad actions by national governments, international organizations, scientists, private enterprises, and individual consumers. The results are clear: by 1995, global production of the most significant ozone-depleting substance (ODS) the chlorine, containing chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs) was down 76 percent from its peak in 1988. But three is a substantial lag between the time when emissions begin to decline and the point at which the ozone layer begins to recover, as it takes years for CFCs and other ozone-depleting compounds to reach the stratosphere, and some last for centuries once there. Yet it is clear that the Montreal Protocol ushered in a new era of environmental diplomacy. Although in some ways the ozone story is an inspiration, in other respects it is a cautionary tale. Since it’s beginning, the ozone experience has been characterized by a path breaking partnership between scientist and international policymakers. When CFCs were invented in the late twenties, they were viewed as wonder chemicals nontoxic, nonflammable, non-corrosive, and stable. The seeds of the Montreal Protocol were sown in 1974, when chemist Mario Molina and Sherwood Rowland at the University of California at Irvine published a landmark article in Nature. It hypothesized that the stability CFCs, while an asset for industrial applications, might prove deadly for the ozone layer. Yet the scientific process was initially slow to yield clear answers. Indeed, models in the early eighties suggested that CFCs would cause less severe ozone depletion than Molina and Rowland had initially hypothesized. Fortunately, the scientific collaboration initiated years earlier began to bear fruit. Two months after the Vienna agreement was reached, a scientific bombshell provided a much-needed jolt to protocol negotiations just then getting under way. The findings took the world by surprise: no such precipitous decline had been predicted by any atmosphere models. Ten years after the historic Montreal signing ceremony, the response to the protocol around the world has been substantial indeed.

Common Criticisms in Psychology Paper

The artificiality of inventive conditions in experimental environments is a repeated concern. How real can laboratory-based research be? This paper will explain the criticism of artificiality in the discipline of psychology and apply this criticism to at least three sub disciplines within psychology. This paper will also compare and contrast the breakthrough model of scientific research and the principle of connectivity in explaining events and outcomes; finally ending with comparing and contrasting the concepts of the single cause explanation and the principle of multiple causation in explaining events and outcomes. Criticism of Artificiality Long gone are the days of William Wundt but what remains at the fore front is the expostulation of experimentation from critics that confining psychology to the laboratory spontaneously confines the mental phenomena it can analyze. An appropriate estimation of the artificiality criticism requires distinctively several intentions experimentalists follow. The discipline of psychology’s laboratory studies are seen by some as bizarre. Viewing psychology as an inadequate science by the public stems from belief that evidence cannot be acquired unless natural circumstances are examined (Stanovich, 2007). Social Psychology The college sophomore problem and criticisms of representativeness are most often aimed at social psychology, which makes frequent use of college subjects in laboratory paradigms in an attempt to develop theories of social interaction, group behavior, and information processing in social situations† ( as cited in Stanovich, 2007, page 114). Bio-medical research is correspondent in today’s state of social psychology, and many of times founded on problem searching and very well may be funded on the footing of the problem it intends to alleviate (Krueger, 2003). Popular and political interest plays a role in the search for a particular cure of disease. More over it is the methodical, theory based research of fundamental physiology that deciphers the operations of the human body’s functions as well as how under certain conditions it malfunctions (Fields, 1994; Skalka, 1993). In a correlating style, fundamental, â€Å"theory driven research on social psychological processes† will completely enlighten the distinctive defects and the adaptable successfulness of the social creature (Krueger, 2003). Abnormal Psychology In discussing the artificiality criticism within abnormal psychology, it has been shown that as a laboratory science, it has many times had to deal with solitary and maybe abnormal section of human behavior, more specifically college students; therefore inefficient of considering any ample warmth, richness, and inventiveness of human behavior. More concerns include the kind or representativeness of subjects participating in academic research. A quote taken from William Robinson (2007) sums up the artificiality criticism saying â€Å"If our interpretation of the human mind is based on the behavior of American college sophomores in artificially contrived situations and interpreted in terms of laws derived from domesticated rats and pigeons, then our psychology is truly culture bound† (Robinson, 2007). Organizational Psychology As the field of Organizational psychology has evolved and grown, so has the array of topics and important research questions needing answers. A common systematic approach implemented to start understanding work related psychological issues can be investigated. â€Å"Theory-driven and research-based human resource and organizational improvement efforts can be evaluated using state-of-the-art evaluation science approaches, and evaluation findings can be used to continually improve and institutionalize positive change efforts† ( Donaldson & Bligh, 2006). Connectivity and Convergence When a new theory in science touches upon previously verified empirical facts, this is definitive of the connectivity principle (Stanovich, 2007). Consideration as an advance is contingent upon explaining new facts while accounting for old ones. It makes no difference if the theory explains old facts differently from the earlier theory, just that they are explained. This necessity guarantees the accumulative development of science. Despite a new theory explaining new facts, if there is no explanation for the old ones then there are no considerations of finalized advancement and no immediate replacement of them (Stanovich, 2007). What will occur will be both the old and new theory coexisting as probable ideas until a new theory abdicates them null and void? Leading us astray is the breakthrough model of scientific research by suggesting that new findings violate the principle of connectivity (Stanovich, 2007). This suggestion deems risky because by abandoning the connectivity principle, the primary beneficiaries are purveyors of counterfeit science and incredulous theories. Notorious are headlines that lead off with â€Å"New Breakthrough. † Theories such as these acquire most of their interest and publicity by claims that they are astoundingly new. The next deception is to cast out past information by asserting them impertinent. The reason being given, that such information does not yet exist due to the newness of the theory. This breeds an environment of pseudoscience. Better explained is by the evolutionary theory the ghost of creationism, with its connectivity display of such different areas of science as morphology, biogeography, paleontology and many more. With the universe and earth estimating at around 10 thousand years in age, then many modern sciences of physics, chemistry, astronomy, cosmology, paleontology and beginning human history are entirely abolished (Unspoken Bible, n. . ). Darwin’s theory called pangenesis, abandons the principle of connectivity to illustrate the means heredity correlating with natural selection (Unspoken Bible, n. d. ). Where the problem lies is creationism proving no connectivity among any other things in science like in geology, genetics, ecology, chemistry and biology (Unspoken Bible, n. d. ). The utmost connectivity is proven with all the other sciences by evol ution (Unspoken Bible, n. d. ). Single Cause Explanation and Principle of Multiple Causation Even though a cause of behavior may be determined does not imply the only or most important cause of behavior (Stanovich, 2007). Causal analysis stems from the event explained as extreme, negative or unexpected. Preferences in single cause explanations may happen, such as when not enough time has been made looking for other possibilities, or a lack of cognitive resources. On the other hand, where constraints are lacking consideration in real effort may be given on a multitude of feasible causes for the event in question (Chu & Shaw, 2005). In providing a complete abdication of a specific behavior the weight of many different variables must be studied by the researcher as well as mixing the results of the studies in order to give a thorough snapshot of all the causal associations (Chu & Shaw, 2005). Despite an outcome having numerous different variable determinants this does not minimize the significance of a causally related outcome by one variable, this being the case for variables accounting for a mere percentage of the outcome. In considering multiple causes, explanations are often based on past experiences or intuitive theories (Chu & Shaw, 2005). This resulting in the accepted explanation that is most approachable or believable. Even though individuals understand and credit the existence of multiple causes they many times conduct themselves more along the lines of unitary beliefs (Stanovich, 2007). Complex behaviors are multiply determined. A multitude of factors perform to generate their occurrence. Mitigating a difference in the effect of acting together variables than what can be due easily studying them separately. Don’t fall prey to thinking that there is a single cause to a particular behavior. Conclusion In conclusion this paper has explained events and outcomes through compare and contrasts of both the breakthrough model of scientific research and the principle of connectivity and the concepts of single cause and the principle of multiple causation. A mutual consensus because psychology experiments are not like real life, this should be looked upon as a strength and not a weakness. No lone experiment is conclusive but instead gives leave of some alternative explanations, perpetuating the ability of zeroing in on the truth. References Chu, Y. & Shaw, J. (2005). Causal chaining: Effects of behavioral domain and Outcome valence on perceived causal structure. Retrieved August 10, 2009 from http://www. uiowa. edu/~grpproc/crisp/crisp10_14. pdf Donaldson, S. I. & Bligh, M. C. (2006). Rewarding careers applying positive psychological science to improve quality of work life and organizational effectiveness. In Donaldson, S. , Berger, D. & Pezdek, K. (Eds. ) Applied sychology: New frontiers and rewarding careers. ( pp. 277 – 295). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Fields, B. N. (1994). AIDS: Time to turn to basic science. Nature 369: 95 – 96. Krueger, J. (2003). Towards a balanced social psychology: Causes, consequences and cures fro the problem-seeking approach to social behavior and cognition. Retrieved August 10, 2009 from http://www. scribd. com Robinson, W. (2007). Is 531: Psychology. Retrieved August 10, 2009 from http://www. web. utk. edu Skalka, A. M. (1993). Lobbying for research dollars: as more money goes into specific diseases available for basic research diminish. Washington Post (June 22) WH6 Stanovich, K. (2007). How to think straight about psychology. (8th ed. ). Allyn & Bacon: Pearson Education Company. The Unspoken Bible. (n. d. ). The scientific method. Retrieved August 10, 2009 from http://www. usbible. com

L’Oreal of Paris: Bringing Class to Market with Plenitude Essay

L’Oreal has always used its Class to Market approach and used its high-end technologically superior products to advertise its brand. It uses the ‘Class to Market’ products to finance its research into newer technologically advanced products. The US Market is a very competitive market where all the companies put millions of dollars into advertising and other promotional events. The US market also has a lot of potential as the people are fashionable and have the money to pay for the products that cosmetic companies make. The US market presents its own challenges; people from across the world live in the US, for a cosmetic company this means that there are many skin tones, skin types etc. importantly, it also means that there are different attitudes and perceptions about cosmetics, consumers income levels, consumers budget towards cosmetics. And this differs from state to state in the US. Community A maybe using a lot of cosmetics vs. Community B where people feel that cosmetics are too fashionable and hence abhor using them; but these opposing opinions like I mentioned also go along with subtle changes in perception amongst communities. Unlike Europe where it is easy to categorize people based on the country, in the US it is extremely difficult. There are companies that are doing it quite successfully but as the CEO mentioned, L’Oreal needs to figure out a couple of things before they can crack the US market. Their market share is stagnant and they are now fighting back; however, what they need in the US is to identify which product go to what area – the expensive products probably sell better on the east coast than the west? The moisturizers probably sell better in the colder parts of the country in a certain season compared to the cleansers which again probably sell better on the east coast as people generally (myth or reality? Only research can tell us) have more money and care more about their looks. Social pressure is also another factor that will affect the way people use and spend money on cosmetics. L’Oreal must also analyze what products to sell and which ones not to. It has hundreds of products and its very difficult to sell all of them successfully in each country. However, going with just 5 or 10 products isn’t going to win the battle either. They should sell high-end products with big profit margins but they must know that there are other companies competing for the same dollars, so the product they sell must either be better or must be properly differentiated. Selling products in beauty parlors is a good idea in the US, however, they must first find out which parts of the US has more beauty parlors, where do customers get what type of treatments, and where do customers ask for specialized products vs. letting the beauty parlor decide for them. The level or research that goes into introducing products for the US has to be much deeper than the research they have done in Europe. They are basically baking on Europe to provide two-thirds of their revenues and profits. The company is focusing their resources on Europe, which is not a bad thing; however, with competition getting successful int eh US it shows that there is a lot that L’Oreal is losing. L’Oreal is also losing on the lucrative South-East Asia India and China market, there are 3 Billion people in that part of the world and less than 20% of their sales come from this region. With the money flowing into China and India, people will eventually have more spending power which means they will spend more money on items of beauty and other personal care products.

“My Left Foot” by Christy Brown Essay

â€Å"When I hear somebody sigh, ‘Life is hard,’ I am always tempted to ask, ‘Compared to what?'† -Sydney Harris One of the themes in My Left Foot is Christy Brown’s struggles with Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral Palsy is a disease that is caused from birth. Premature babies are most at risk for the disease, and most that are born with it do not cry in the first five minutes of birth unlike normal babies. The cause of the disease is still unknown like many â€Å"birth defects.† The mother and father of the baby often feel guilty for the baby’s condition, but the truth is that it still often occurs even when the mother has strictly followed her physician’s advice in caring for herself and the developing infant. The disease disrupts bodily functions and the symptoms may vary. Many subjects are unable to speak but their brains are fully functional and therefore are trapped in their own world, unable to express their feelings or thoughts. In the book the doctors told Christy’s mother that he would never be able to communicate and would be a â€Å"vegetable† the rest of his life. Unlike a lot of patients with the same illness Christy with a lot of determination turned his life around. He learned to express himself through writing and painting, doing this only with the use of his left foot. Christy’s story makes you look twice at your problems and reassess your life. Inspiration â€Å"A man should not strive to eliminate his complexes but to get into accord with them: they are legitimately what directs his conduct in the world.† -Sigmund Freud With the mass flow of books, movies, and media in the modern world it is hard to find a great book or movie. Every once and a while you come across a book that changes the way you look at the world. It changes you perspective and outlook on life. My left foot is that kind of book, and Christy Brown is that kind of person. Christy Brown was born into a poor Irish family of fifteen. In addition to those problems he was born with Cerebral Palsy. There was not much know about the disease at the time and doctors didn’t know what to do with Christy and thought he would never be able to communicate with the outside world. They told his mother: â€Å"For your own sake, don’t look at this boy as you would to the others.† But his mother thought otherwise. She, with out a shade of doubt knew that Christy could understand her and would be able to communicate somehow. She was right; against all odds he, with the help and determination of his mother, learned how to write. Even if the only way he could was with his left foot. He struggled everyday to learn and form new letters. He could have just curled up in his own world and not face the immense struggles of his everyday life, But he strived to be able to do the things every normal person could do. Because of his handicap he saw the world from a different perspective. He wrote this great book about his life and now he inspires with his motivational life story. We see his struggles and it lets us look at our problems in a whole different light, and it inspires us to try a little harder. Alone Many people approach severe disfigurement and disability with great fear, and are uneasy around an individual with anything too different than that of â€Å"normal† society. Christy Brown grew up not knowing why people would stare, snicker, or look away. He new there was something different but he didn’t know what it was. He was unacquainted with the strange disease that plagued him everyday of his life. Imagining the feeling one would have inside them  makes me shutter with dismay. When he was young he would be towed around by his brothers and friends in the old battered-up wagon that was know as â€Å"The Chariot†, and was included in their games and fun. But with so much use the old wagon broke and his connection with the world was unplugged. But as he always had done before he found his piece of normal life trough painting. As he grew older, out of childhood, he began to see himself in a different way. He began to see why he was the target of so many discomforting stares. He began to understand his disease and that no matter how hard he tried he would never be able to fit in like everyone else. He fell into dark depression for a period of time. It only grew worse as time went on. No matter how happy he was he always new he was strange to everyone else.

For most people, working is simply a means to pay the bills, it has no Essay - 1

For most people, working is simply a means to pay the bills, it has no intrinsic worth. Discuss - Essay Example But the real truth is that regardless of whether one is a caveman or a city dweller, he or she has to make some effort to put food on his table, even if he does not have bills to pay. We work basically to feed our bellies. But is that enough? No, one might say, the glittering world of materialism makes us work towards buying a new set of sofas, a Plasma TV, a shiny new car and God knows what else all in the name of ‘necessity.’ The relationship between work, money and maintaining a lifestyle has corrupted us to such an extent that we have to work to keep up with the Joneses or have our name high up in society. In this essay, I am going to argue that work cannot simply be understood as the means to pay the bills – it has a far deeper meaning for individuals in our society than simply providing for wages or salary. However this does not necessarily mean that it has any intrinsic worth to the individual. Section One of my essay will discuss the readings of Jackson and Carter (2000) and O’Doherty (2006), whereby I shall explore the strong and deep connections between work and an individual’s sense of self- indeed, the search for a secure personal identity. In Section Two subsequently drawing upon the work of Rosen (1988) and others I will show how the managers of modern corporations are explicitly encouraged to design the workplace and motivate employees, so that these employees connect their sense of self with the organizations they work for. But even this does not adequately explain the whole meaning of work for individuals. In Section Three I will discuss the viewpoints made by Jackall (1988), Knights and Roberts (1982), and Morgan (2006) that show the anxiety, subordination and domination that may also describe the unfortunate experience of work for both managerial and non-managerial employees. In conclusion, I will reiterate that work for most of us today is more t han just the means to pay bills - however this does not necessarily mean

Connection Journal about Mutualism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Connection Journal about Mutualism - Essay Example Facultative mutualism is a relationship that exists between two species that depend and benefit from each other by living in close association. However, this two species do not need each other for survival. One species can live without the other but it isbeneficial when both species live together.A good example is the relationship that exists between the cleaner fish and the large fish. The cleaner fish feeds on small organisms and the parasites found on the bodies of larger fish. The larger fish in return is relieved of unwelcome guests which affects their body fitness.  Obligate mutualism, on the other hand, is a relationship that exists between two individuals that depend on each other for survival. Both species must live close to each other so that they can survive. A good example is the bees and the flowers. The bee must obtain nectar and propolis from the flowers so as to make honey and feed the colony. In return, the bee transfers pollen aiding in pollination thus reproducti on in the flowers.  Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship that exists between two species where one species (parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (host). A slight difference exist between mutualism and parasitism. Mutualism will only exist as long as benefits acquire by each species outweighs the cost. When the opposite holds,mutualism becomes parasitism. In many cases, were mutualism exists, one species benefits more than the other thus it is similar to parasitism.  Trillium grandiflorumis dispersed by insects.

Business Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Law - Essay Example If he paid then it was a promise in this circumstances, Watson can recover the extra cost of USD 5000 from Holmes more over for the delay he can recover the actual loss of rent depending on the time extra taken. 3) Misrepresentation as to quality and specification comes either under consumer law if the amplifier for personal use and under MRTP Act if used for public use so the recovery is depending on the decision of adopting the use if Eric keeps the amplifier, he is liable to pay for its market cost of 200$ then he can recover the money he paid extra and compensation for the damage. 4) No, the doctor is not liable to recover the $3000. He is hit by the principle of estopel. The law of Estoppels means that the 'agent' had no power at all to perform the principal is simply excluded from denying that authority existed. 5) Here we can see the ACT of god. Acme has defense of unforeseen government regulation. He can’t be sued for damages but Bob can recover the balance amount due if he already paid if not paid, Acme can’t really recover anything. 6) An oral agreement is enforceable unless its subject comes in the act of frauds, an English Law adopted in the US that needs certain contracts to be in writing. And also in US an agreement to sell real land, property or house to be enforceable, should be in writing to comply with the law. Here there is only a oral agreement between the two parties to the contact so if the Ernie sues for the damage Bert is not liable to pay the same. â€Å"An oral contract to sell Personal Property for an amount less than that set in the statute does not fall within its limits and, therefore, is enforceable without being reduced to writing. The Uniform Commercial Code governs the enforceability of oral contracts in sales transactions involving merchant† (Oral Contract para. 1). 7) In this case suit filed by the Floid for breach of contract is maintainable. And also the other party is liable pay the compensation. But t he same time suit filed by Goober is not maintainable. Because stranger to a contract cannot sue. 8) Yes, Crosby can sue Hope for the breach of contact. In this case there is a bilateral contract between the parties to the contact. That is between Hope and Crosby. Later Hope breaches the contact so the agreement such agreement is not enforceable by law. And also Hope is liable to pay for the damage. 9). If Ace brings suit against Flo such suit is maintainable under law. Here the contact is between Ace and Flo for the $8,000 for a car. But Flo gives a worthless check for that cash. If the suit is filed against Flo he is liable for the breach of contact. Ace is the third party and also the agreement between the Flo and Eb is different from the first agreement. 10). Here in this case there is a mutual agreement between Sam and Bob is for selling of sheet metal in monthly installments over a two year period, Payment is to be made within 10 days after each delivery. If the Bob is failure to give the payment for the already sold goods then he is liable to pay the same for the breach of agreement. Bob counterclaimed for damages arising out of Sam's failure to deliver the remaining installments under the contract is also maintainable because there is an agreement over a two year period. But after the period of 2 years Sam is not liable for the same. 11) Lucy is not liable to pay $16 to the Ethel. Here the actual terms of the agreement is for babysit for $4 for each half hour it does not including cleaning and ironing. 12) In this

Quotation Analysis Song of Solomon Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Quotation Analysis Song of Solomon - Essay Example n, 36).reflectingon a past family he had known, Freddie tells the story of a boy who was breastfed until he was thirteen years yet he looks straight at Milkman like he is making up that story. Freddie thinks that breastfeeding a child until that age is disturbing and unusual. This can be evidenced by his words ‘that’s a bit much’. In the novel, Ruth also knows that its unusual and that is why she has a look of shame when Freddie finds her breastfeeding. Many decades ago men ran their homes with iron steel and were superior to women. On the other hand, women had no minds of their won since men defined them and dictated them. Whatever actions they took it had to be in favor of the men since men took responsibility for their wives, or any female related to them, actions. Thus men were very strict with women from their public behaviors, dressing and demeanor. Macon dead tells his sister, â€Å"Why cant you dress like a woman?... whats that sailors cap doing in your head? Don’t you have stockings? What are you trying to make me look like in this town?† (Morrison, 45). Macon sees that his sisters dressing style as act of denting his image of a rich man with properties. He is in fact ashamed of his sister and throws her out of his house. Macon takes the ‘bad dressing’ personally as he says â€Å"what are you trying to make me look like in this town?† A woman can dress how she feels like and a brother†™s image should not be tainted by his sister’s choice of dressing. Moreover, Pilate was not scantily dressed only indecent like a man with no stockings and such like feminine dressing designs. Additionally, Macon compares his sister to ‘common street women’ who are prostitutes. In secret Macon hated her sister more than her dressing in that he shuddered at what people would think when they saw his sister with a daughter and no husband, her daughter too had a daughter and no husband. He did not want her trait in his family. Pilate suffers at both his fathers

An event that involving an ASL experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

An event that involving an ASL experience - Essay Example We noticed 4 to 5 other people who were also signing in for different presentations which were also offering ASL interpretation services. We proceeded to the counter where we found a lady doing the registration of the people who had come to attend the various presentations. We made ourselves known to her and also informed her that we had emailed a lady by the name Deanna earlier to inform her about our attendance of a presentation that was also offering ASL interpretation services (Sternberg 12). Amazingly, it so happened that the lady we were talking with was the same lady we had emailed. Deanne informed us that there was an organic beauty product presentation that was going on in theatre B and she directed us to the place using ASL since the venue of the whole event was fairly large and there were a number of activities going on simultaneously. Initially as she was directing us she was too fast and we had a problem following up but luckily another user of ASL noticed that we were not keeping pace with Deanne and asked her to slow down. It is then that she realized she was a little bit too fast for us and apologized that she forgot we were ASL students. She continued to direct us slowly and we understood what she said. We afterwards headed to theatre B as we had been directed and found that the presentation had just begun. We noticed 2 interpreters and about 4 to 5 deaf people who attended the same presentation. I found myself learning a lot of vocabularies some of which are, strawberry, beauty products, brown sugar, white vinegar, coconut, melt, plastic, body lotion, sun burn and so on. I also realized interestingly that I understood the translation with ease and that I was able to follow questions that were raised by the deaf people (Sternberg 71). The communication was very clear to me. Another interesting experience was that my 2 classmates and I decided that we shall not communicate in English but we shall use ASL from the

Interpersonnel Communication Essay Example for Free

Interpersonnel Communication Essay I have interviewed two individuals namely, Ana G. and Cleavon I. with regards to my interpersonnel communication abilities. They will speak about my behavior/attitude towards the following: 1) comfort with other cultures; 2) listening style ability; 3) non-verbal communication style; 4) communication gestures that I typically utilize; 5) comfort in personal relationship; 6) power displayed or conveyed in the personal relationship I am involved in. The following are excerpts from the actual interview: First Interview (Ana G. ) Interviewer (I): â€Å"Could you please briefly describe my attitude towards individuals who belong to other cultures? Do I appear to be comfortable around them? † Interviewee (Ana G. ): I have been with you for about a year already, and being a member of a cultural minority myself, I am happy to say that your treatment towards people like us is beyond belief. You have treated us fairly and you never showed bias making it obvious that you are comfortable being with people regardless of their race or culture (Ana G. , 2007). Interviewer (I): â€Å"Please comment on my listening skills and abilities†. Interviewee (Ana G. ). I appreciate the fact that you are an â€Å"active listener† (Landsberger, 2007). You focus and you listen for the sake of comprehending whatever it is that the person is talking about (Landsberger, 2007). Interviewer (I): â€Å"Do I possess any non-verbal ability? † â€Å"Do I exhibit such communication style? † â€Å"Could you please shed light on the communication gesture/s that I typically utilize? † Interviewee (Ana G. ): Yes. In fact, I have observed how you establish eye contact towards the people you speak to. Maybe that is the â€Å"flow of communication is regulated† (Stein et. al. , n. d. ). This is also why I feel your interest, concern, and tenderness towards me (Ana G., 2007). Interviewee: (I): â€Å"Did you ever feel any comfort in my personal relationship with you? † Interviewer (Ana G. ): Yes, indeed, I have felt reassurance as well that you could be trusted and can be relied upon in times of need (Ana G. , 2007). Interviewee (I): My final question is this, â€Å"did you ever see or experience a power displayed or conveyed in the personal relationship I am involved in? † Interviewer (Ana G. ): The fact that I am drawn to speak or listen to you shows the â€Å"power displayed or conveyed in the personal relationship† (Ana G. , 2007). This is the type of power that is not abusive; instead it is exceedingly helpful on my part (Ana G. , 2007). Second Interview (Cleavon I. ) Interviewer (I): â€Å"Could you please briefly describe my attitude towards individuals who belong to other cultures? Do I appear to be comfortable around them? † Interviewee (Cleavon I. ): We belong to the same culture, but I have observed how you deal with those who belong to other cultures. You go along with them very well as if you don’t feel any kind of discrimination or intolerance of prejudice towards them (Cleavon I. , 2007). Interviewer (I): â€Å"Please comment on my listening skills and abilities†. Interviewee (Cleavon I. ): Even if you do not always agree with what others tell you, I am happy that you still listen in spite of such fact (Cleavon I. , 2007). I am contented enough that you take the time to listen and understand someone else’s side just like what you have done to me in the past few months that we have been working together (Landsberger, 2007). Interviewer (I): â€Å"Do I possess any non-verbal ability? † â€Å"Do I exhibit such communication style? † â€Å"Could you please shed light on the communication gesture/s that I typically utilize? † Interviewee (Cleavon I. ): Of course, you possess such. In fact, you have shown me this countless times already (Cleavon I. , 2007). Your facial expressions which include smiling made me feel that you like me somehow, that you are a true person friend to me, and that you are happy conversing with me (Stein et. al. , n. d. ). I know that this is why we always carry out better communication as compared with my conversation with others (Cleavon I. , 2007). Interviewee: (I): â€Å"Did you ever feel any comfort in my personal relationship with you? † Interviewer (Cleavon I. ): Yes, in fact speaking with you and just being with consoles/soothes/relieves me always (Cleavon I., 2007). There has never been a dull moment with you and I greatly appreciate that (Cleavon I, 2007). Interviewee (I): My final question is this, â€Å"did you ever see or experience a power displayed or conveyed in the personal relationship I am involved in? † Interviewer (Cleavon I. ): Yes, I felt that ‘power’ when you speak to me (Cleavon I. , 2007). You inspire me to great heights; that is the power that you have over me (Cleavon I. , 2007). References Ana G. (2007). Personal Interview. Cleavon I. (2007). Personal Interview. Landsberger, J. (2007). Active Listening. Retrieved December 10, 2007 from http://www.studygs.net/listening.htm

The Social Context of Death and Dying

The Social Context of Death and Dying Introduction Using course materials from Death and Dying, I will discuss the idea that death is something to be feared. I will use course material from Block 1, The Social Context of Death and Dying, focusing on units 1 and 2. I will provide evidence of arguments for and against this notion and consider other attitudes of how these views are formed by society. I will also illustrate my answers using materials form the course website, reader and audio activities. I have also incorporated some personal and professional experience. in an attempt to illustrate my points. Death is portrayed and discussed in various ways by people from all walks of life, their upbringing and religious views can have an impact on how they perceive death. As discussed in Block 1, one indicator that death is something to fear is our use of language. This anxiety is demonstrated in the euphemisms individuals use when describing or explaining a death. For example when undertaking activity 1.1, Explaining the meaning of death, (Block 1, unit 1, pg 1). I discussed my first experience of death. I recall having to explain to my youngest sibling that our mother had died. My sister was 8 years old and I sat her down and spoke firstly about angels and the stars. I went on to tell her that God had decided he needed mum to be an angel. I couldnt bear to use the word dead as I was struggling with mum being dead and was of the view that using the word ‘dead would have been too painful and therefore spoke about angels to make it less emotive. Since then I have experienced the dea th of other relatives and friends and find that I will use euphemisms such as, â€Å"passed away† or â€Å"gone to a better place†. I have also heard myself use phrases such as â€Å"kicked the bucket, however, this is usually when referring to someone I didnt really know. A number of examples are provided in block 1 in relation to euphemisms used to describe what occurs after death. Spiritualist and Mediums use words such as â€Å"crossing over† or â€Å"passed over† as they see the death as the beginning of a journey from this world to what they describe as the ‘spirit world. Komaromy (2005) spoke of how she found that whilst exploring how death and dying were managed in care homes, was â€Å"frequently met with difficulty over the use of words ‘death, ‘dying and ‘dead† (Block 1, unit 1, section 1.2, pg 13). It would appear the fear of using these words were not necessarily from the residents themselves but by those who cared for them. The beliefs instilled in people from a young age from their family, educational professionals and religious sources as well as their personal experience of death can often have a profound impact on how they perceive death and dying. Roman Catholics appear comfortable when speaking about death as they see death as a momentous event that should not be feared. Catholics believe in life after death, stating the soul leaves the body and will normally spend a period in Purgatory and when the soul is cleansed of the temporal consequences of sin they will enter heaven. However some anxiety remains, as for many, there is uncertainty of how long their soul will remain in purgatory. â€Å"They do not fear the next world, but rather the passage, the crossing over..† (Toscani, et al(2003), OU course material, website). Professor Douglas Davis research highlighted that gender plays a significant role in the belief in life after death in contemporary British Society. He states that women are far more likely to believe in an afterlife, than men, with a ratio of almost 2:1. He informs 30% of the population with a similar gender imbalance believe the dead remain among us and have had contact in one form or another with their loved one. (Audio1, activity 1.8, Identity and Belief). This I would argue is based on a persons knowledge of the deceased and is linked to their sense of identity and the need to continue the link with their loved one, which in turn may offer comfort and peace of mind to those who are bereaved. People also seek comfort through contact with the dead via spiritualists and mediums, in an effort to communicate with loved ones. Justine Picardie describes this as attending a social gathering of the dead (Picardie in Making Sense of Death and Dying and Bereavement: An Anthology, pg 198, E arle, et al). Research and studies regarding the beliefs and views of individuals in life after death vary from person to person depending on their religious or non-religious beliefs. For example the article â€Å"Life at the end of Life: beliefs about individual life after death and â€Å"good death† models a qualitive study† Toscani, F., et al, highlights two different models and arguments regarding death and what would be classed as a â€Å"good death†. The attitudes and assumptions depend on whether the individual is a believer or non-believer but even then there can be conflicting opinions between faiths. Tibetan Buddhism describes in great detail the process of death and the passage over. Tibetan Buddhists are encouraged to read â€Å"The Tibetan Book of the Dead† and when an individual is dying, there is a common conception that it is good to read this book to the dying person. â€Å"By understanding the death process and familiarisingour self with it, we can remove fear at the time of death and ensure a good rebirth† (Death and Dying in the Tibetan Buddhist Tradition, Hawter; V.P internet source: Buddahnet.com). In contrast, Seventh-day Adventist beliefs regarding death are totally different from those of other religions. Adventists believe that people do not die nor do they go to Heaven or Hell. It is their belief that the individual â€Å"goes to sleep and will rise again on the Day of Judgement†. (Kormaromy, 2005, Block1, unit 1, section 1.2, pg13). By this they mean the person will remain unconscious until the return of Christ. The views of atheists vary, although the consensus is that there is no life after death, that when we die, we die, and that is it. â€Å"If I am, death is not; if death is, I am no longer: why, then, fear death?† (Toscani,et al(2003), OU course website, pg 8). This does not mean that atheists do not have a fear of death, like believers there are similarities with regards to how they will die and where they would like to die. I worked with a family whose child was dying. When trying to support the family through this difficult period they spoke of feeling angry at individuals who had questioned why they were not in church praying. They informed me that as far as they were concerned that when their child died that was the end. They stated their only fear was that their child would die alone if they left his side. The management of death and dying has changed over time. French Historian, Phillipe Aries claimed that in the Middle Ages people appeared more optimistic with regards to death, as they acknowledged death as part of life, as it unavoidable. The death affected not only the family of the deceased but the community as a whole. With individuals being assigned particular roles, for example, preparing the body for burial, announcing the death and it was customary to view the body of the deceased. Death was a common occurrence and this may explain why death was seen as inevitable and therefore not feared. Aires argued that after the 19th century death in western society was hidden and following the First World War, death became a taboo subject and was no longer seen as a natural process of life. (Block 1, unit 2.2, pg 38). The explanation for this could be that it was due to what we know as the ‘nuclear family era? Norbert Elias (1985) would argue that in todays society the role of preparing the deceased has been taken over by funeral directors who offer a wide range of services to the family. This includes collecting and preparing the body for burial or cremation. In my own recent experience of the death of my son, the only duty the funeral director could not undertake was to register the death. Elias argument â€Å"is that dying people are now more isolated than in the past† (Block 1, Unit 2.2 pg40). It should be noted that some traditions continue, for example, the viewing of the deceased remains within many faiths be it within a church setting or funeral directors chapel of rest, although this is usually by family and close friends. This could explain why Aires theory that death after the 19th century did not have an overall impact on the community but rather than on a smaller network, family and friends. German Sociologist, Norbert Elias (1985), (Block 1, unit 2.2, pg 40) challenged Aires ideas, that in the past, death was accepted as being a natural process. Elias claimed death was painful as life was much shorter and more dangerous. Conclusion Perhaps the idea of life after death allows us to cope with what can only be seen as a natural fear as the alternative, non-existence is unimaginable and we are psychologically inept to deal with this. Therefore we need to ask the question is death something feared by all? Is this a hypothesis or could it be that for many individuals, especially, those in old age or with a terminal illness that death could be the beginning of something better. It can therefore be argued that whilst individuals and society have diverse opinions regarding death and what happens to them when they die, the majority do have a fear of how they will die. For example being alone, suffering pain, dying young or, being forgotten.