Lord of the Flies Response to Literature Essay

Every great society has strived and prospered due to the laws and principles the civilization has lived by. But when a society removes these principles that are laid out what could result? In The Lord of the Flies by William Golding, as a result of a terrible war a plane crashed landed, killing the pilots and leaving a small group of boys stranded on an island leaving the boys with no ascendancy. The groups of boys do well at the start when they establish an organized method to keep an ongoing signal fire going, problems soon arise as the kids begin to lose the liberation they had once practiced. As we scrutinize the Lord of The Flies and apply Freudians theory we can personify each of the three elements that make up his theory with the three main characters Jack, Ralph and Piggy that can also represent: the Id, the Ego and the Super Ego based on Freud’s Personality theory. The best well known psychoanalytic theory developed by Sigmund Freud, a Viennese physician, believed that the mind could be separated to three parts the Id, the Ego and the Super Ego. The Id is what we are born with it is the pleasure principle, representing what we desire at the moment in an unconscious state of mind without releasing the reality of the circumstances. In The Lord of the Flies the Id would symbolize Jack as he wants his ambitions met without thinking about their actual situation they are in. We can see this when Jack’s only interests is to go hunt and in his arbitrary choice he tells Samneric to leave their post to help kill the pig. This results in the fire burning out. The glorified Jack than returns to gasconade to Ralph of his accomplishment he tells him, â€Å"We got in a circle†¦Ã‚  We crept up†¦ The pig squealed† (Golding 69). He does not realize the significance of leaving the fire unattended; as his needs are met he could not see anything wrong with his actions. Although, in reality he has blown their chance of rescue as a boat had passed by but was unaware of their presence because the signal fire had gone out while Jack had told Samneric to help him. This impact Ralphs power as chief greatly as people than begin to doubt him and the group starts to split into two, but Ralph’s group leaves him as they go and eat with Jack’s group. Jack than gives the others a choice with his reasons being, â€Å"I gave you food and my hunters will protect you from the beast. Who will join my tribe? †(150). Jack only wants the power of being chief to satisfy himself and he try to do so by giving everyone a sense of hospitality when with his tribe, neglecting the fact the that Ralph has better intensions for the tribe than he does. This clarifies how Jack symbolizes the Id and can over powers the Ego, Ralph and the Super Ego Piggy because of how the Id is done in an unconscious state and only wants what it desires until it is pleased. Furthermore, Freud’s theory also consisted of the Ego which unlike the Id is aware of the reality and functions by the reality principle. The Ego can recognize on reality and is able to understand that behaviors have consequences. In the novel, Ralph takes the roll of the Ego as he is aware of the situation and organizes a plan to help try to keep the social rule that is necessary to live and survive. We see this when Ralph suggests new ideas, â€Å"‘If we have a signal going they’ll come and take us off. ’ ‘And another thing. ’ ‘We ought to have more rules. ’†(Golding 42). Ralph knew that they had to establish a form of trying to signal an outside source to have the chance of being rescued. Instead letting his desires take over he, strategized a plan where they would take turns watching the signal fire so it would not burn out. Even when the all the tribe left Ralph and he was left with Piggy and Samneric he knew that they had to warn them that you had to keep a fire going or they might never get rescued by ship. When he confronted Jack about it he told him, â€Å"Your only hope is keeping a signal fire going as long as there’s light to see. Then maybe a ship’ll notice the smoke and come and rescue us and take us home. † (178). Ralph’s intensions were only to help keep them safe and help them get rescued by coming up with a plan. This clearly shows how he is the Ego, when he makes decisions based on reality and thinks of the consequences when they are not followed. Although the Id over powers the Ego the Ego is more logical and would benefit more than the Id, as the Id only acts on pleasures. In addition, the Id and the Ego are very different in how they act the Ego and the Super Ego on the other hand works together. The Super Ego acts upon like an advisor for thoughts as well as actions that are carried by the Ego, which people also refer to as a conscience. The Super Ego can also act like the Id but when the demands aren’t met you have to suffer through guilt, but when are met it can make you feel pride. The Super Ego, in this case represents Piggy as he constantly advises Ralph in his actions that he is taking. For example, when they first meet at the beginning of the story Piggy tells him what to do with the conch, â€Å"We can use this to call the others. Have a meeting. They’ll come when they hear us. †(Golding 16). Piggy is the one that had the idea to try to rejoice everyone back together to meet and figure out a plan. He then lost most respect from everyone when they began to call him Piggy no one listen to him anymore even when he had good ideas to speak about. Piggy would also help Ralph realize what Jack would do and he wouldn’t, â€Å"I been in bed so much I done some thinking. I know about people. I know about me. And him. He can’t hurt you: but if you stand out of the way he’d hurt the next thing. And that’s me† (93). This displays Piggy’s effort in trying to help Ralph make decisions about Jack and what he is capable of. Without Piggy’s guidance as the Super Ego Ralph would not have been able to accomplish as much as he had done. Proving that Piggy served as Ralph’s Super Ego in judging Ralphs actions and plans. The Id, the Ego and the Super Ego all help to make the complex human personality. The Id, what makes us desire our pleasures unconsciously. The Ego helps us to adjust our Id to the situation to help us with a solution. And the Super Ego that acts like a censor for the actions of the Ego and thoughts. These three elements all resemble one of the main characters from The Lord of the Flies the Id is Jack who only wants his pleasures met, the Ego is Ralph who want to strategize a plan to help get rescued, And the Super Ego that resembles Piggy that helps to advise Ralph in his actions and plans. If these three characters acted together in the novel they would have lost the rules and laws from society like they did. They would have also been able to be rescued sooner than they did if the three characters would have worked together to make the society strong.

Consumer Culture in the Twenty First Century Essay

Consumer Culture plays a significant role in our everyday lives. The articles In Praise of Consumerism and Needing The Unnecessary; The Democratization of Luxury by James Twitchell show strong arguments in favour of consumer culture. Both articles focus on how important consumerism has become in the modern commercial world and how more people wealthy or middle class are buying luxury items to be accepted by others in society. People in today’s society who buy luxury items find it â€Å"arousal seeking† and it is believed that consumerism will soon be the new world culture. These two articles show similar views on consumerism and hold valid information in favour of consumer culture. Korten shows that the transition from an Empire to Earth Community would be alot easier without the increase in consumerism in the 21st century. James Twitchell wrote an article In Praise of Consumerism about how consumerism is a significant part of everyday life. Commercialism is in practically everything that we encounter on a day to day basis. It is in the water we swim in, the air we breathe, our sunlight and shade. In our society you can’t consume an object without consuming meaning which is a major part of the modern commercial world. People like having things and it has come down to the quality and quantity of what you have as to how you are perceived by others in society. Twitchell states in his article that the American Century will be the next era and that it will likely be the commandeer of the 21st century. So basically American culture is well on its way to being recognized and used by cultures all over the world. It will soon be the new world culture. Korten states that the United States has been the world’s most aggressive national proponent of economic growth and consumerism as the tickets to happiness; however what did clearly increase in the United States over this period were measures of depression, anxiety, distrust and psychological dysfunction. Although this article focuses on consumerism being a positive development for the 21st century, Korten shows that along with consumerism comes many personal and social issues. In the article Needing The Unnecessary: The Democratization of Luxury he talks about how consumerism has changed from the 1950s to the twenty first century. In the 1950’s the wealthy upper class people were the ones who had  the luxury items and they could flaunt what they had. But if you were a middle class person who had luxury items you had to be very subtle about it. If you flaunted what you had you were frowned upon by other people in society because luxury items were lightly tainted with shame. In the 21st century it is completely the opposite. Since the 1980’s more middle class people have been buying more luxury items as opposed to the wealthy. Alot of people are buying things they can’t afford with money they don’t have by using credit cards, loans, mortgages and cash advances. This allows more middle class people to buy more luxury items as opposed to wealthy people, but this doesn’t mean they can actually afford it which in time can cau se many more problems. According to Twitchell to understand the material culture in the beginning of the 21st century, you have to understand the high importance of unnecessary material. It is believed that you are what you consume and practically everything you consume is not needed. Consumer culture focuses on community. People regardless of their class are buying more luxury items to look cool and also to be admired and welcomed by others of the same lifestyles. Earth Community offers an alternative to the alienation and the sorrows of Empire, a way of living that places life values ahead of financial principles of domination. Korten shows that in an Earth Community you don’t need luxury items to be accepted by society. Consumerism focuses on providing society with its unnecessary and necessary needs. Twitchell believes that in this post modern world we have replaced the knowledge of production with the knowledge of consumption. To justify this way of thinking many people feel that nowadays not everyone is a worker but everyone is a consumer. So why not focus on educating society on the area that will be useful for all. Twitchell believes that what you buy becomes more important than what you make therefore luxury is not a goal, it is a necessity. Twitchell believes that Humans are consumers by nature. Consuming luxury has gone from telic (arousal reducing) to paratelic (arousal seeking). Consumerism provides individuals with a temporary â€Å"high on life†. Buying new things makes them feel momentarily happy, powerful and superior. These are all good feelings however they don’t last and many people who don’t have the resources to buy luxury items are buying them. This creates  for them debt, stress, frustration and competitiveness. Those who can’t afford these luxury items show resentment for the ones who can. This causes tension in society and can create an Empire where people are competitive and hostile. The golden rule of Earth Community is do unto your neighbours as you would have your neighbour do unto you as you work together to create a better life for all. Consumerism is focused towards making individuals happy as opposed to everyone. Those people who can’t afford to have the nice things are forced to live with daily reminders through advertisements of things they want but cannot have. Consumerism doesn’t create a better life for all but creates one for those who can afford it. Consumers are fully aware that they are more interested in consuming appearances rather than the object. They enjoy the status that surrounds the objects they buy/own. Korten’s concept of Earth Community is in favour of creating relationships and developing communities by bringing people together. Twitchell makes a good argument showing how consumerism has brought people together. People can now blend into society by simply buying the latest fashions and are no longer being excluded due to their ethnicity, social status, family name, language or religion. High-end items are decreasing the past social restrictions for the 21st century. Twithcell states that high-end consumption promises to do exactly what critics of stuff have always yearned from namely, to bring us together, often traumatically. The transgenerational poor are excluded, as the bottom fifth of our population has not budged an inch in the luxe explosion. Yet more people than ever are entering the much-vaunted global village because of consumption, not despite it. Consumerism is allowing for most people similarities that connect them together and eliminate the previous gaps between social classes. Korten states that relationships, not money are the true measure of well-being. What matters most is our connection to and participation in the life of community. If we were to define human progress by the measure of human happiness we would devote far less of our resources to making money and far more to building community. Korten shows that relationships are more important than money and Twitchell shows that consumerism can help build relationships. As a supporter of David Korten’s concept of Earth Community consumerism makes people more interested in material possessions than community. Consumerism does have some good affects on the community but it restricts people moving away from an Empire towards an Earth Community. If people weren’t so busy trying to get the things they desired they would focus more on meaningful relationships. Korten shows that people who have lots of money are just as happy as people who don’t. When surrounded in a caring community money makes little difference in regards to happiness. Twitchell makes an interesting argument in favour of consumerism and shows that consumerism has an ability to fade the lines between social classes. Consumerism still ignores the extremely poor; however, it can create a larger community of middle and upper class. Works Cited Look Smart; In Praise of Consumerism. James B. Twitchell, Online Edition. Look Smart; Needing the Unnecessary: The Democratization of Luxury. James B. Twitchell, Online Edition. Berrett-Koehler Publishers; The Great Turning from Empire to Earth Community. David C. Korten, San Francisco, CA

Davinci Apps

Abstract The transfer from Davinci Apps to Rome, Italy requires substantial information in order to be informed. This report provides a well-balanced format consisting of critical elements that may be needed during the process. With many similarities as well as distinct differences, this report illustrates many of the needed considerations. 1 Introduction This report aims to relay critical elements of the operations of Davinci Apps located in Rome, Italy. Beginning with a brief overview detailing the macro-level factors related to the region, this report will turn to a value description utilizing the Hofstede theory. Following these segments will be an analysis of the management and business culture in Italy with reference to the Japan as a comparison. A combination of the components of this report will allow for a comprehensive conclusion alongside three base recommendations for success. This report will evaluate the Roman market in comparison with Japans operation in order to generate applicable operations advice for the new management for Davinci Apps in Rome.1.2 Macro level ElementsThe city of Rome, Italy serves as the nation’s capital with a moderate sea side climate (Gfmag.com, 2014). With historical, environmental and cultural tourism draws, there is a dynamic and diverse migrant population (Istat.it, 2014). With a bicameral system of government the two houses, Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic, headed by the Prime Minister dictate law and policy in the nation (Istat.it, 2014). Predominately, the spoken language is Italian, with German and French spoken by a minority of northern regions. With a ninety per cent Roman Catholic population, there is a large Christian cultural expectation (Gfmag.com, 2014). Currently there is an estimated population of 60.9 million and rising with an expectation of near 62 million by 2017 with a median age of 43 (Grmag.com, 2014). Economic factors including composition by GDP factor: agriculture 1%, Industry: 25.2% and services at 72.9 % as of the 2011 estimate (Grmag.com, 2014:1). 2012 saw an increasing unemployment rate of 9.5 followed by a decrease over the 2013 fiscal year (Istat.it, 2014). Standards and Poor’s currently ranks Italy a BBB+ with Moody’s a Baa2 alongside a negative outlook (Grmag.com, 2014:2). 2010 witnessed Italy with an estimated world share of GDP of 2.41 %; however, the 2015 estimate indicates a decrease to 1.98% (Grmag.com, 2014:1). This fact supports the Real GDP numbers that indicate a continual decrease in economic strength for the nation as a whole (Istat.it, 2014:1). However, recent trends suggest that a positive turnaround is possible increasing economic viability (Istat.it, 2014:1). 1.3 Hofstede Value Italy compared to Japan Hofstede’s model is a valued method of assessing cultural differences in order to gain fuller understanding (Signorini, Wiesemes and Mur phy, 2009).1.3.1 Power distancePower distance is commonly identified as â€Å"the extent the less powerful entities within a country expect power to be distributed equally† (Hofstede, 2011:45). Northern Italy scores a 50 which speaks to the preference for equality and decentralisation of power and decision-making (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014:1). However, in Southern Italy the PDI are high and nearly the very opposite of Northern Italy. The related score of 54 illustrates that Japan is similar in this context, speaking to the recognition of value in equality by both cultures (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014).1.3.2 IndividualismThis segment has to do with whether people?s self-image plays a cultural role (Hofstede, 2011). .With a score of 76, Italy is rated as an Individualistic culture, which in turn creates a â€Å"me† centred society (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014:1). This effect is felt most in the North where people feel alone in the middle of a big crowd. Southern Italy exhibits less individualistic behaviour which is present in the family network as well as the group each one belongs (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). In this culture, events including weddings or Sunday lunches cannot be missed. Standing in contrast to the Italian score is the collective score of 46 for Japan, indicating an area of substantial cultural difference (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). Individualism is often frowned upon by the Eastern approach1.3.3 MasculinityA high score (masculine) on this segment is indicative of a society driven by competition, success and achievement. Conversely, a lower score (feminine) indicates societal values including caring for others and an increased quality of life (Hofstede, 2011). At 70 Italy is a masculine society – meaning it is very highly success oriented (Geert-hostede.com, 2014:1). As an example that this society holds, their offspring are taught at an early age that competition is beneficial. It is common for the Italian culture to illustrate su ccess by status symbols such as cars, houses, yachts and vacations to exotic countries. This factor adds to the factor that competition among colleagues for making a career can be very strong (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). Much like Italy Japan ranks as a very masculine society with a rating of 95 (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014).1.3.4 Uncertainty avoidanceThis component addresses members of a culture feel that may threaten by ambiguous or events and has created institutions in order to avoid these circumstances (Hofstede, 2011). At 75, Italy scores high on uncertainty avoidance (Geert-hofestede.com, 2014). This is an indication that Italians are not comfortable in uncertain situations. Formality in Italian society is a critical element of day to day activities with this fact represented by the strict Italian penal and civil code (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). It is common for emotion to play a role in society and culture with individuals that cannot keep them inside and must express them. At a score of 92, Japan is considered one of the most uncertainty avoiding nations in the world (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). This is an area that is mirrored closely is both cultures, making integration easier.1.3.5 PragmatismThis element focuses on how people in the past as well as today deal with the fact that so much that happens cannot be truly explained (Hofstede, 2011). In this category Italy’s high score of 61 illustrates that the Italian culture is relatively pragmatic. The people believe that truth depends on the situation, time and context. Boasting a score of 88 Japan is one of the most pragmatic societies (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014).1.3.6 IndulgenceThis element is the extent to which people try to control their desires (Hofstede, 2011). Weak control is â€Å"indulgence† and strong control is â€Å"restraint†. With the score of 42, Japan is deemed to be a culture of restraint.30 demonstrates that the Italian culture is one of restraint (Geert-hofstede.com, 2014). 2 Business and management culture in Italy2.1 Values and GlobalizationAs the Geer-hofstede.com (2014) results indicate the Italian culture heavily prefers an equal centre of power. The individualistic nature of the Italian value system will require substantial adjustment on the part of a collective culture Japanese transfer. Erikson (2007) argues that the migrants into the Italian culture often fare well as there are several beneficial transnational entrepreneurship assets. There is a very high Italian cultural value placed on the family, and social functions, which can in turn lead to social acceptance (Society, 2014). The topics of family, food, women, weather and love top the list of common discussions in Rome. This societal value system reaches back to the base difference between the Confucian, or Oriental method of collective thinking that recognizes that each element is related as opposed to the Aristotelian method of treating each component on an individual basis (Noble, Sande r and Obenshain, 2013). There is a distinct separation of value as regards the areas of self-expression and autonomy with the individualistic Italian culture, illustrating a lasting commitment to a more outspoken nature (Noble et al, 2013). As a whole, Rome is considered an individualistic culture when compared to the interdependent society of Japan (Tierney, 2014). The Geocentric approach illustrated by the population of Rome recognizes the potential for gain in the emerging markets, making integration popular in the region (Cicione, 2014).2.2 Decision makingWith a distinct separation from the Japanese cultural tradition of holism, the Italian culture focuses on analytical decision making utilizing a methodical approach for each individual element (Tierney, 2014). In addition to the highly competitive environment, the shift from the Japanese method of Collectivism to the Italian Individualism will require substantial adjustment for new transfers (Nobel et al, 2014).2.3 Negotiation & CommunicationSocietal d ifferences can have a direct impact on the method of communication and negotiation (Solomon and Schell, 2009). A person living in an individualistic society, such as Italy, will commonly make self-centred decisions (Tierney, 2014). This is opposed to the collective tendency shown in the Japanese culture. Further, the individualistic culture does not place the value on age and experience that the Japanese collective culture does, making each interaction with Italian citizens more complex (Nobel et al, 2013).2.4 Leadership & Cultural IntelligenceIt is necessary to understand a culture in order to become an effective leader (Nobel et al, 2014). As there is a highly independent nature among the Italians, each of their decisions will be based on what is best for that person, as opposed to the group mentality found in Japanese society. There is a high tendency of the Italian society to want a transactional form of leadership that remains open and prefers teamwork (Euwema, Wendt and Van Em merik, 2007). Too much oversight in the workplace is construed as a reflection of the individual work tendencies. This stands in sharp contrast to the collective leadership tendencies most firms exhibit in Japan (Nobel et al, 2014). There is a strong need for the Italian culture to possess personal views and objectives, making each one an individualistic effort (Tierney, 2014). However, this element is tempered with the high value on family and collective infrastructure, which is similar in Japan (Nobel et al, 2014). The autocratic strain of leadership is the found in Italy in contrast to the more Confucian, or male leader approach found in Japan (Nobel et al, 2014). With a much wider acceptance of the female in the role of leadership, there is a reduced amount of social bias associated with the genders, making the Italian culture easy to integrate into (Tierney, 2014). Further, this perception of bias in the workplace is reduced making potential success realistic in the workplace. 3 Conclusion This report has highlighted several elements that should be considered during the coming move. With a clear difference between the Japanese and Italian/Roman cultures, there are many pitfalls to avoid. Yet, the similarities inherent in each culture provide a sound beginning point from which to progress. Three points of advice have been developed as a consequence of this analysis: 1) The Hofstede model as well as the corresponding literature has illustrated the individualistic tendencies of the Roman culture, yet, there is a very strong undercurrent of social associations becoming beneficial. In order to more easily assimilate, both in the work place and socially, find a social expression that actively involves the person with the Italian culture. In this case that could be religion, sports or hobbies that take place in the company of others. 2) In the process of leadership, recognize the individual needs of each person. The Italian society operates in a manner that is based on competition and personal accomplishment rather than the larger collective organisation. In order to foster the best possible work environment there will be a need to amend the workplace expectations. 3) As reflected in the both the Italian and Japanese culture, there is a high value placed on the capacity for a person to have personal restraint and integrity. The best possible method of accruing respect in the work place is to have a plan in place that is both balanced and well considered, and in the presence of controversy present a calm exterior. This will translate into a perception of calm competency, which is highly prized in Roman culture. In the end, this report has illustrated that there are many similar elements between the cultures of Japan and Italy, yet, substantial differences. Will careful consideration alongside informed action, the transfer from the Japan office of Davinci Apps has every expectation of being a well throughout enterprise that will be of great value to each person involved. References Cicione, M. 2014. Culture & Traditions in Rome, Italy. [online] Available at: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/culture-traditions-rome-italy-11465.html [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Eriksen, T. H. 2007. Globalization. Oxford: Berg. Euwema, M. C., Wendt, H. and Van Emmerik, H. 2007. Leadership styles and group organizational citizenship behavior across cultures. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 28 (8), pp. 1035–1057. Geert-hofstede.com. 2014. Italy – Geert Hofstede. [online] Available at: http://geert-hofstede.com/italy.html [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Gelf, Erez, M. and Aycan, Z. 2007. Cross-cultural organizational behavior. Annu. Rev. Psychol., 58 pp. 479–514. Gfmag.com. 2014. Italy GDP Data & Country Report | Global Finance. [online] Available at: http://www.gfmag.com/gdp-data-country-reports/249-italy-gdp-country-report.html#axzz2w6DeKZCE [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Hofstede, G. 2011. Dimensionalizing cultures: The Hofstede model in context. Online readings in psycholog y and culture, 2 (1), p. 8. Istat.it. 2014. Istat.it. [online] Available at: http://www.istat.it/en [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Kaltenbrunner, A., Arag’On, P., Laniado, D. and Volkovich, Y. 2013. Not all paths lead to Rome: Analysing the network of sister cities. arXiv preprint arXiv:1301.6900. Nobel, D., Sander, J. and Obenshain, C. 2013. Using microworlds to understand cultural influences on distributed collaborative decision making in C2 settings. Shi, X. and Wang, J. 2011. Interpreting Hofstede Model and GLOBE Model: Which Way to Go for Cross-Cultural Research?. International Journal of Business & Management, 6 (5). Signorini, P., Wiesemes, R. and Murphy, R. 2009. Developing alternative frameworks for exploring intercultural learning: a critique of Hofstede’s cultural difference model. Teaching in Higher Education, 14 (3), pp. 253–264. Society, N. 2014. Rome Cultural Tips — National Geographic’s Ultimate City Guides. [online] Available at: http:// travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/rome-cultural-tips/ [Accessed: 17 Mar 2014]. Solomon, C. and Schell, M. S. 2009. Managing across cultures: The 7 keys to doing business with a global mindset. McGraw-Hill, Inc.. Tierney, W. G. 2008. The impact of culture on organizational decision-making. Sterling, Va.: Stylus Pub.

Justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Justice - Essay Example Justice is the subject which is like the mirage for the philosophers, politicians, sociologists, economists and various types of non-governmental organizations. No two human beings are alike, their expectations are not alike, their reactions to the various life-situations are not alike, and how then a uniform system of justice can be framed that satisfies the needs of all? Is it correct for an individual, when all the avenues for seeking justice are closed, to remain satisfied thinking about the platitude, ‘It is better to deserve without receiving, than to receive without deserving’? That would be the defeatist attitude towards life, and such a man would reach the dead end of the road in the pursuit of creativity in life. The greatest contributor in the hot race of securing justice is the concerned individual, and not any outside agency. When one realizes that one is the creator of one’s destiny and not the victim, the gates for the mansion of justice will automa tically open. Aristotle suggests that justice occurs when everybody gets what they deserve. But the question is how to achieve that state? Does a man know what he deserves and at what level of internal and external progression he is placed? Self-introspection is the beginning of the process of seeking justice. Even the best governors of society can provide a reasonably good framework of rights within which individuals can follow their own values, but that cannot be the perfect mode that satisfies the cravings of one and all. Political activity at the highest form of its perfection will fall short of providing assurance of good life to all. Governance under all political philosophies be they capitalism, communism, socialism, theocracy, fundamentalism and the like have failed to provide total justice to an individual. As such, political establishment is not the panacea to secure equitable justice

T cellB cell collaboration in the immune response to infection Essay

T cellB cell collaboration in the immune response to infection - Essay Example It is referred to as "non-specific" because it generally attempts to stop the spread of all types of invaders. (Kuby, 1996) The latter type consists of two categories: cell-mediated immunity and antibody-mediated (humoral) immunity. It is the stronger one of the two types but takes several hours or even days to become fully activated. It is referred to as "specific" because it responds differently to every other foreign pathogen. (Hariharan, 2006) Lymphocytes, a class of White Blood Cells, are a vital part of the acquired immune system, being responsible for the whole reaction. They are produced in the primary lymphoid organs and then migrate to the secondary lymphoid organs where they recognize antigens of foreign bodies by the help of membrane receptors specific to the antigens. Two major classes of lymphocytes take part in the acquired immunity: B-Cells (B lymphocytes) and T-Cells (T lymphocytes). (Alberts, Bray, Lewis, Raff, Roberts, Watson, 1994), (Linnemeyer, 1993) Precursors of T-cells originate in the foetal liver and yolk sac during the embryonic life, and migrate to the bone marrow after birth. The stem cells then enter the thymus by chemo taxis and develop into T-cells which are later specialized into CD4+ (helper) cells or CD8+ (cytotoxic) cells. (UNC-SOM, 2004) Maturation On entering the thymus, T-cell precursors (prothymocytes) develop into T-cells that indicate both CD4 and CD8 molecules on their membranes and then later continue to indicate either CD4 or CD8 molecules. The cells having antigen receptors for self proteins are destroyed by aptosis (programmed cell death). This prevents autoimmunity. On the other hand, the cells having antigen receptors that do not react with self MHC proteins are also killed as this causes the definite selection of T-cells that do react with MHC proteins. (Stadnyk, 2007) Functions of the MHC proteins include positive selection of T-cells as well as presentation of foreign body antigens to them. (NIAID, 2003) General Function The Helper T-cells activate lymphocytes called macrophages and other T-cells involved in the immune response, and aid B-cells in producing antibodies by alerting them and determining the type of antibody to be produced. (NIAID, 2003) 2) B-Cells: Origin Precursors of B-cells migrate from the foetal liver to the bone marrow where they remain and undergo maturation throughout the adult life. They do not require thymus for their development. (Levinson, 2004) Maturation Development of B-cells takes place in two phases: antigen-independent phase & antigen-dependent phase. In the 1st phase, stem cells of the marrow differentiate into B-lineage and progenitor B-cells. The progenitor B-cells proliferate into precursor B-cells which requires the microenvironment supplied by the surrounding stroma. Cells of the stroma release numerous cytokines, most importantly IL-7, which help in the maturation process. Further

US Government Development after Revolution Essay

US Government Development after Revolution - Essay Example After all, this was one of the reasons why Americans revolted against their English masters, to have their basic personal freedoms and political rights for them to enjoy. This is why these principles were enshrined in the U.S. Constitution but there were distinct periods in early American independence when the citizens alternated between liberalism and conservatism. Public attitudes regarding this matter were a reflection of the exigencies of the times back then and influenced by political thinkers. The colonial era (1607 to 1783) was a period when individuals had very few rights in relation to the larger community. The frontier mentality necessitated that individuals have to subsume their rights for the greater good because it was necessary for survival. Many colonial writers, political thinkers and philosophers extolled this virtue but things underwent a radical change after the American war for independence. The revolution was a success and American citizens now had to contend with what to do with their lives and their government. This paper is a short discussion on the developments of the American government after the Revolution. Discussion The United States of America gained complete independence from Great Britain via the Treaty of Paris signed on September 03, 1783 and ratified by the two countries on January 14, 1784. The agreement was notable for a few things, primary of which was it enlarged the boundaries of the new country and the American state legislatures were given the freedom to recognize the rights of real loyalists (former real British subjects) whose lands, estates and properties were confiscated during the course of war. Wording of instructions of the Congress of the Confederation (this was the name of the government back then) left it to the discretion of individual states on how to proceed on this point as it merely stated â€Å"earnestly recommend† without any sanctions for possible violations. As can be seen by subsequent events, some state legislatures reneged on this undertaking by failing to return confiscated properties, refused to pay old debts to former British creditors and confiscated anew some properties supposedly to pay off old debts owed to them by some loyalists. In other words, the prevailing situation after Independence was quite chaotic, as the central government was powerless to impose its will on the states. A good number of the states disobeyed lawful orders at their own will and sole convenience without much fear of penalties from the new federal government. The intervening period between the signing of the Treaty of Paris and the convening of the Continental Congress to finally draft and adopt the Constitution was a time of chaotic conditions in terms of relations between the newly-independent states and central government and a good number of the luminaries of the American Revolution saw the need for a strong or at least, a viable federal government to prevent the nation from breaking up and fragmenting. One of those who saw the dangers was Benjamin Franklin, who advocated for limits on rights of states and individuals to preserve the Union and its hard-won independence (Ward 96). He had the foresight to kno w that a weak central government

College Physics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

College Physics - Research Paper Example According to the electromagnetic theory, a charged particle in accelerated motion must radiate energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. So an electron revolving around the nucleus must also radiate energy and finally fall into the nucleus following a spiral path. 5. Although these quarks can not be isolated individually, but in combination with the others it can give existence to subatomic particles as electrons and protons. An electron is made up of one up-quark and two down-quarks (u, d, d) and a proton is made up of two up-quarks and one down-quark (u, u, d). Water or moisture on the earth absorbs heat from the sun and the surroundings. When enough heat has been absorbed, some of the liquid molecules have enough energy to escape from the liquid and begin to rise into the atmosphere as a vapor. As the vapor rises higher, the temperature of the surrounding air becomes lower. Eventually, the vapor loses enough heat to the surrounding air to allow it to turn back into a liquid. Earth's gravitational pull then causes the liquid to "fall" back down to the earth, thereby completing the cycle. It should be noted that if the temperatures in the surrounding air are low enough, the vapor can condense and then freeze into snow or sleet. Once again, gravity will claim the frozen forms and they will return to the earth. Like giant capacitors in the sky, these clouds get charged up. The upper portion of the cloud is positive

Module 4 Case Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Module 4 Case - Assignment Example In order for the delivery cycle of the trucks to be regulated in a manner that utilizes time the best, the arrival time intervals are left as they are since the trucks are not be driven any faster to accomplish the need for better time management (Wilco, n.d.). Based on the principles of linear programming, it is required that the number of arrivals be provided with a more efficient unloading period such that more trucks can be unloaded at the same time. The current data indicates that the 83.333% capacity utilization is capable of providing room for a larger number of arrivals besides the current rate of 3.5. The issues facing the delivery system involve the underutilization of the system. Starting with the current single-server situation, The attached MS Excel file, single-server, shows that the maximum number of trucks that can be handled at a 95.89% is 22.374% out of a total number of 23.33% (see table 1). This data shows that at any given time during the working hours, 22.374% trucks will be waiting in a queue while a total of 23.33% will be accounted for. In order to achieve this score, the server takes into consideration the change in service rate from the current 4.2 to 3.65. The change in service rate amplifies the number of truck s serviced in an hour since the reduced servicing rate means more trucks can be unloaded in an hour. Based on the previous data, only 4.2 trucks can be unloaded in an hour and only 3.5 trucks are unloaded within the hour. This shows that reducing the servicing rate would require the reallocation of the servicing personnel as there are fewer trucks to unload unlike the number of arrivals. However, provided that various situations lead to the underutilization of capacity, the probabilities that 5, 6, and 7 trucks will be in queue at the same time takes three assumptions into account. Firstly, there are no changes in the arrival rate, 3.5 trucks per hour, and

Social Life in Popular Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social Life in Popular Music - Essay Example Actually, certain rock and blues songs gained popularity in certain epochs. So, being popular is not just being meaningless or pop. In fact, in a given period of time and in certain circumstances popularity is gained by representatives of different musical genres. Consequently, it can be noticed that popular music is determined by consumerism and dynamic and cannot be limited by the genre of pop. Furthermore, several examples of political nature of popular music are analyzed. Firstly, the question of identity and music is risen. In terms of creation certain subcultures such a music power is clearly noticed. In fact, it is a special environment which surrounds a certain genre of music and unites a certain self-identification with the society. In particular, it can be seen in the way popular music creates ideals for them and encourages to change the world. Moreover, it is evident that for some people being a music fan is more important than their ethnicity or gender. Thus, the nature of popular music is deeply political. Then, the very ability to transform one’s self-identification in the society is transcended on the global level. Here, world music charts are surely supporting contemporary cultural imperialism which is evident in the political context. Actually, the very ability of music to cross the borders enables this role for it. For instance, cases of Cuban and Turkish music reveal a significant influence of Western trends and international music companies on them. Moreover, in Cuba this impact is even more powerful than local cultural effects. And so, it is evident that popular music is reflecting all the main political trends in the world on the global level. Finally, the real cases of causal linkage between popular music and political actions should be discussed.

LEGAL ASPECTS OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

LEGAL ASPECTS OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT - Essay Example Managers in hotel, restaurant and travel firms are therefore required by the law to prevent any form of violations to these laws. The managers of these firms need to take into consideration the various actions and precautions they need to avoid. Avoidance of these precautions will therefore save them the number of the lawsuits that they need to attend to. Good traits imposed by the management of these firms would provide the firms with good reputation. The reputation of the firm would earn the firm more clients. The success of the firm would also lies with the competency of the employees. Therefore, adequate and competent staff is vital for the realization of the objectives of the firm. Employee’s knowledge of the legal framework of the firm is equally important. Maintenance of good legal practices by the employees would ensure survival of the firm. The firm would be able to survive because it would not be subjected to many lawsuits. For the smooth running of the hotel, staff development is crucial. Proper management of these hotels, restaurants and travel firms would also ease the coordination of the scheduled activities of these firms. Managers would have ease time carrying out other administrative duties of the firms. Correct legal practice would also enable these firms to effectively deal with external forces such as the political environments. The knowledge of the legal practices would give hospitality management students a good chance to meet the expectations of the employer firms as well as the expectations of the recruiters (Gerber 168). Simulation of the â€Å"real world† dynamics The studies which were learnt in the class work would therefore impact the necessary skills required by the hospitality management students to effective manage such kinds of firms. Running and maintenance of hotel and restaurant firms is a demanding task. The manager of these firms must have the technical knowledge concerning the operations and the legal practic e of these businesses. The management processes would provide the hospitality students with the platform to put in practice all the theories they have learnt in the class. The knowledge of the laws governing the practice of hotel, restaurant and travel firms would help the students to; Meet the expectation of the employer and the recruiters Most of the employers and recruiters of the hospitality management students demand a lot from them. The employers would assume that the students have all the solutions to the problems that hospitality management profession faces. In such cases, the knowledge gathered from the class work would be essential. These students would use the knowledge learnt in class to provide the solutions for the numerous challenges that face this sector. The students would be able to schedule the activities of these firms for purposes of meeting the required levels of objectives. In this hospitality management course, the fresh students would be able to create a rea l life business plan for the firm and implementation of the created plans. The curriculum is needed to form the satisfaction of the basic purpose contained in the hospitality management education. The preparation procedures by the students would therefore entirely relies on the curricula. Create more business opportunity for these firms As managers of these firms, the students would be able to exercise the knowledge obtained from class to expand the business territory for the firms. The students wou

DBQ French Revolution Essay Example for Free

DBQ French Revolution Essay History can be seen as a series of changes people put upon one another. Throughout the years, these changes have had affected society significantly resulting in more or less conflicts. The French Revolution was one of the many changes that affected society resulting in both conflicts beginning and others being resolved. The French Revolution began in 1789 due to the inequality of French society. The French society was divided into three estates. The first two consisted of clergy and nobility respectively. The third was made up of merchants, businessmen, lawyers, and peasants. They had the least rights and privileges compared with the other estates. The third estate had to pay all the taxes imposed by the king, King Louis XVI, whereas the other estates were excused from it. This made life harder for the peasants, but also sparked the French revolution when the Third Estate began to demand more rights. King Louis XVI ignored the demands of the Third Estate. When the Third Estate wanted to form the National Assembly, this exposed Kind Louis XIVs abuse of power. The Estates General was unfair due to the Third Estates constantly being outvoting by the first and second estates. This resulted in the Tennis Court Oath which said they wouldnt give up. Instead, the people of the Third Estate turned to rioting like when they stormed the Bastille to free political prisoners. After the revolution, the peasants made sure they were heard. They started killing nobles; the guillotine was made making the death sentence faster and cheaper. Thousands were killed with the guillotine including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, his wife. The time after this was known as the Reign of Terror, when Maximilien Robespierre took over. During this period of famine and panic, the peasants were finally heard and released from feudalism. This French Revolution changed a lot helping commoners, but not the other people. It actually created a bigger war killing thousands of people. The people were left in fear and the commoners were still left poor and had little food. The Revolution resulted in several negative outcomes as well as positive. Negatively, the Reign of Terror broke out and its aftermath, which includes  countless deaths. Likewise, Louis XVI was overthrown fortunately, which gave the crown to Robespierre and eventually to dictator, Napoleon Bonaparte, who was able to create a stable economy and equalized taxes. I think the French Revolution definitely gave people some sense leading to stabilizing their way of life.

Technology Making Our Lives Easier Essay Example for Free

Technology Making Our Lives Easier Essay As we are raised in a society where everything is simply handed to us, we tend to take many things for granted that others in the world do not have. Things like GPS, phones, credit cards, cameras, and insulin pumps help us live a qualitative and productive life and NASA has played a very key role in developing many technologies like these. From invisible braces to long-distance communication devices, NASA has brought up inventions that we consistently use every day in our lives. A device that many people in the world rely on everyday and something that has made a huge difference in peoples lives is the water filtration system(s). NASA first made it to be used on the space station or in a spacecraft, and since then the water filtration system is a must-have in any place in the world. NASA showed amazing ingenuity to control bacterial contamination in space, and because of that, we have learned how to control pollutants in water here on earth. We see water filtration systems more than we think, and it allows us to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Whether its through swimming pools or manufacturing processes, the water filtration systems affects our lives every day in a positive way. There are many different types of water filters and you can classify them by the way they work, but they all need to do one job and thats effectively filter and purify water. One type of a water filtration system is the reverse osmosis, which is the process of removing dissolved inorganic solids out of a solution (water). This type of system involves using many different filters and membranes in order to purify and improve the drinking quality of water. There are also ultraviolet systems which do a remarkable job at disinfecting water. Ultraviolet systems can destroy 99. 99% of harmful microorganisms in the water very effectively and they do this by using a lamp or bulb which emits UV light which is then used as energy to attack the microorganism in the water and essentially destroy it, thus making the water free of future bacteria. There are many other type of systems like the Carefree Clearwater systems (which are based on NASAS late 1900s technology) which are not only used for drinking water in the home, but also for pool and shower water. These type of large-scale systems clean the water in a pool or hot-tub by using the same type of strategy as the UV systems. They release ions like copper and silver to destroy bacteria and algae in the system. These type of systems would work better than cleaning with chlorine because they have less nwanted side effects like burning eyes and bleached skin or hair (due to the copper and silver ions not dissipating from heat and sunlight, unlike chlorine) and they are more stable and productive to work with. Water filtration systems affect our lives everyday throughout everything we do. Without them, clean and purified water would be difficult to come across, and civilization would eventually come to a halt. Whether its the water that we drink or the pool that we love to sw im in, systems like the reverse osmosis and the Carefree Clearwater are at work and doing an incredible job in order to make our daily lives healthy and enjoyable.

Burberry Market Position and Competitor Analysis

Burberry Market Position and Competitor Analysis Ans: Burberrys target customer is someone who wants luxury while being functional. The brands point of difference with other luxury brands is that they could be luxury, aspirational, and functional. Burberry decided they were going to reach these customers from Bravo identifying their niche between labels of Polo Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani on the apparel side, and between Coach and Gucci on the accessories end. The Burberry team priced the products between these price points to reach consumers. Burberry wanted to create the image of accessible luxury. The characteristics of a market are assessed through various models such as analysis of Porters five forces of competitors analysis. Here, we view Burberrys market positioning through its competitors analysis. Burberrys products include continuity products which have a product life cycle of a few years, and fashion products which are designed to respond to a fashion trend. Therefore, the market positioning of the Burberry is unique and varies as it targets trendy as well as classic customers. Burberry targets all its customers through a common theme of functional luxury. Burberrys main competitors include Coach, Armani, Gucci, and Polo, all of which are among top fashion brands in UK and globally. Coach and Gucci, both are more focused towards fashion accessories while Polo and Armani are more focused towards apparels; although all have a range of products in both apparel and accessory categories. Burberry has positioned its brand in the minds of consumers to be functional luxury. Burberry maintains a product line with great width and depth consisting of many products. Their products fall into one of two main categories: fashion or continuity. Fashion products are designed to be responsive to fashion trends and are introduced on a collection-by-collection basis. Continuity products have life cycles that are expected to last for a number of years. Burberry also has three primary collections: womens wear, menswear, and accessories. With so many different products offered in different collection and the fashion vs. continuity of Burberry products the product mix is very great. This contributes to the positioning of the Burberry brand. Burberry has received awards for the Contemporary Design Collection of the Year and the Classic Design Collection of the Year. This illustrates how diverse the Burberry brand is Therefore, the market positioning for Burberry varies. Burberry can appeal to the hip 25-year-old man or the conservative 65 year old man. However, many Burberry ads feature younger models. Recent Burberry ads have featured everything from a British landscape with aristocratic looking models to edger ads with models in bikinis. Taking all of this into account, Burberry is targeted towards many different segments of the population with one common theme, functional luxury. Burberry has many competitors that include: Coach, Polo, Armani, and Gucci. Relative to that of Burberrys competitors, they have positioned themselves very well in the minds of consumers. Coach primary positioning is on handbags. While Coach also carries other accessories that range from watches and shoes to scarves and dog collars, Coach remains primarily in the accessory end of fashion. Coach was also not even a player in the top 10 luxury goods players. However, Coach held 6% of the accessories share and in a price comparison was more on the low end of cost for accessories. This does not however reflect Coachs marketing positioning. Coach is just simply more affordable and more accessible to the general population. Polos marketing positioning is centered more towards clothing. While Polo was a number two player in the top luxury brands they captured the most market share for apparel, however, lower priced than Burberry. The Polo brand has great brand equity and is very well established in the minds of consumers. Armani, another competitor or Burberry, placed 8th in the top 10 global luxury goods. While Armani really only focuses on apparel the brand still maintains a strong luxury position in the market. Gucci also placed in the top 10 global luxury goods. Guccis marketing position is towards luxury accessories. They captured 12% of the accessory market share and were the highest priced brand for accessories. Overall, Burberrys competitive positioning is suitable over the long term. While brand like Coach and Gucci focus more on accessories and Armani and Polo focus more on the apparel market, Burberry has succeeded in penetrating both the accessory and apparel market while remaining a luxury good. Burberry has also succeeded is positing itself between brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren and Armani in apparel, and between Coach and Gucci in accessories. Burberry also has many different lines within the Burberry brand. This allows for more high-end goods and goods that would be feasible for purchase by the general population. Burberrys positioning of functional luxury is extremely competitive and will sustain over the long-term. Q2. Is Burberrys competitive position sustainable over a long term? Why? Ans: Burberry, initially Burberrys was popular amongst the British Royalty during the 1900s for its original designs and uncompromising quality. Thereby, the brand increasingly became a symbol of both luxury and durability. However, during the mid-90s, the company started facing several strategic and structural issues. In spite being a profitable business the earning quality was low. The brand came to be perceived as stodgy-looking and conservative, and skewed to a older customer-base. However, reinvention of the brand took place when Rose Marie Bravo came on board as the chief executive, with the basic motive to transform Burberry from a tired outwear manufacturer into a luxury lifestyle brand that was inspirational, stylish and innovative. The following measures were taken: Recruiting people, who were experienced and skilled in the field, thereby made a A-list industry talent team. Changing the name from Burberrys to Burberry and a contemporary logo and packaging was introduced. Repositioning the brand between cutting-edge fashion and classics. Burberry was positioned as a aspirational as well as functional brand and represented accessible luxury. The product line was upgraded and Burberry came up with three primary segments: Womens wear, Mens wear and accessories. Burberry expanded its portfolio in two segment: low priced labels including Thomas Burberry (in Spain and Portugal) and Burberry Blue and Black labels (in Japan) mainly to appeal younger, more fashion conscious customers and the high-end label Burberry Prorsum to position itself in high-profile luxury market. Advertisement campaign including Stella tenant, featuring a British aristocrat and model Kate Moss featuring the modern, fashion-oriented side. The check prints were an integral part of Burberry design pattern, and accounted almost 25 percent of companys revenue from check products. It also launched Burberry Brit, a new perfume line featuring a check design bottle. Thereby, Burberry positioned itself as a brand between lifestyle and fashion brand. Thus Bravos team brought Burberry from a broken position to a popularity stage. Thus, Burberry holds a competitive edge and positioning in the market. This competitive position for Burberry is sustainable over the long term due to several reasons. Not only due to its particular price points, but Burberrys intensive consumer surveying is also important. Burberry has consistently focused on remaining true to their core brand values and heritage to the Burberry brand. Burberrys market share in 2001 as rated against the top 100 luxury goods players was 5.2%, putting them in 4th place overall. This compares with 14.4% market share for LVMH (1st), 9.1% for Polo Ralph Lauren (2nd), and 4.4% for the Gucci Group (5th). Armani falls short with a smaller percentage (3.5%) of the market. Coach is far below these and does not appear on the top 10. If you compare by the type of luxury good; in accessories: Gucci is at 12%, Coach at 6%, Polo at 4%, and Burberry at 4%. And for apparel considerations: Polo is at 9%, Burberry at 3%, Armani at 2%, and Gucci at 1%. It is clear here that these distinctions occur based on the depth and width of each companys product line. Coach sells far more accessories (i.e. leather goods) than clothing, and Polo sells far more clothing than accessories. Burberry is almost balanced, and sells an equal amount of both, on their 2003 annual report Burberry shows almost even income from womens wear (33.3%), menswear (27.4%), and accessories (28.6%). For this reason, Burberrys competitive position is sustainable, as they have a decent demand for both accessories and apparel. Q3. Bravos team is currently carrying out several initiatives including multiple collections, multiple channels and multiple licenses. What is the role of each of these initiatives in Burberrys overall business model? Ans: Multiple Brands Burberry created multiple brands (Prorsum, London, Blue and Black, Thomas Burberry) to attract certain kind of customers whom they were not targeting initially and to cater certain characteristics of certain customers. This idea supports Bravos goal to attain new customers along with retaining old customers For example, Burberry London was offered as a lower-priced label designed to appeal to a younger, more fashion-conscious customer. Blue and Black is sold in Japan, for younger individuals, and is a foreign product that diversifies the product risk. Burberrys Prorsum product line was introduced to secure their positioning in the niche and luxury market. It shows consumers that Burberry competes with the latest fashions, and represents the highest end of luxury items. Prorsum was used to show the Burberry brand as luxurious and according to Bravo, the Prorsum introduction was created to tell people that something new was happening at Burberry. The idea was to introduce a high-profil e, high-end brand, and do it in a first-class way, by putting it in the best stores in the world. The intended role for Burberrys collections (Womens wear, Menswear Accessories) was due to extensive consumer research to also help recruit a newer consumer. The only way to do this was to update the product line to fit the fashion-desires of current and potential customers, and a way for Burberry to give a consistent look and feel across an array of products. Not only did they maintain creating products that were expected to have a lifespan of a number of years, but they also created other fashion-oriented productsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦designed to be responsive to fashion trends, thus maintaining their flow with fashion evolutions. Burberrys continuity products (classic trench, duffle coats, handbags and scarves) have longer life cycles than that of its fashion oriented products. Care must be taken in analyzing product life cycles. In terms of womens wear, menswear, and accessories, each col lection allows Burberry to compete with its major competition. A collection of accessories allows Burberry to adequately compete with larger accessory players such as Gucci and Coach. Multiple Channels Mass exposure was allowed to customers in wholesale and retails. The company had taken more control over its distribution by purchasing some distributors and severing ties with others. It had 3162 wholesale stores, 434 department stores, and 2728 specialty stores. Multiple Licensees Throughout the 1970s, when Burberry was owned by GUS, the Burberry brand became licensed on too broad of an array to maintain the true image and values of Burberry. With this came overall turmoil when the pricing, designing, and quality of Burberry products became skewed across numerous markets which then resulted in the brand having losing much of its exclusivity and the Far East [accounting] for a disproportionate 75% of sales. Due to this fact, Bravo determined and executed a plan where Burberry would now exercise control over everything from design to sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution. Ultimately, devising this licensing strategy allowed for the elimination of price, design and quality inconsistencies. Multiple licensees allows Burberry to introduce products in markets their competition has better hold of, and still share in some of the profit. These new collections and brands serve to further Burberrys new strategy and to mitigate risk of alienating core customers. Q4. Has Bravos team managed to elevate the overall status of the Burberry brand? Ans: Bravos team has managed to elevate the overall status of the Burberry brand through a complete transformation of the brand from being a classic aristocratic brand to a complete fashion oriented though being well-verse and sticking to its core brand values providing the customers both luxury and durability, for which it is known. The product was positioned as an affordable luxury brand catering customers of all age groups and from different fronts of life. The team rigorously worked to completely overhaul the pricing, distribution, product, and promotion. Multiple product lines and brands were created and the company moved in a global direction. Burberry also saw that by 2002, gross margins were now 56% compared with 47% in 2000. Multiple brands like Burberry Prorsum, Thomas Burberry, Burberry Blue and Black labels were launched to cater every segment in the market place. In terms of distribution, by 2002 Bravo and her team had managed to create world-wide distribution of the Burberry product. According to the study, they had 3,162 wholesale doors worldwide, including 434 department stores and 2,728 specialty stores, and also more than 132 company-owned stores. Lastly, Bravos team challenged themselves in finally devising a plan to promote the Burberry image. With the help of a famed advertising team, the Burberry campaign executed. The first flight launched in 1998 and featured Stella Tenant, a British Aristocrat and ultimately told a story that was able to convey the brand values, tradition, and heritage of the Burberry brand. The following winter, in 1999, the team was able to maintain the value image of Burberry, but also introduced model Kate Moss into their ads to simultaneously convey Burberrys more modern, fashion-oriented side. Ultimately, each challenge remained focused on Bravos original goal to make Burberry a global brand, while maintaining the core values and heritage of Burberry. Thereby, Bravo and her team brought Burberry at a status of most preferred, durable, luxury and also fashion oriented and accessible brand for all age category customers, thereby redefining an elevated status of Burberry.

Rescuing Communication via Surprise and Delight Essay -- Communication

Though ironically praised for its power in being able to bring people together, technology is inevitably ruining the art of raw human interaction. Many services that once required face-to-face communication have been replaced by the workings of a sort of technological machine. The in-store shopping experience is now possible on the internet. Virtual classrooms make it possible for people to learn at home in front of their computer outside of a school setting. Just the simple concept of face-to-face communication has had many tool replacements, such as phone, text message, instant message, and e-mail. Because human services are being replaced by technology, human relationships and interaction are being hugely impacted. Design is a unique ‘service’ often striving to solve problems relating to communication. The solutions to these problems generally depend on both technology and human interaction. In this world with technology rapidly growing and human interaction rapidly declining, designers hold a responsibility and exciting opportunity to change the way people interact with each other. When technology as a means of communication was first introduced there was a definite sense of surprise and delight due to the evident mystery and whimsy. Instant messenger, e-mail, and even text messaging are understood concepts, quotidian, and boring. The passà © notion of the hand written letter became defunct with the introduction of e-mail. Now, with e-mail being normal and expected, receiving a hand written letter in the mail is exciting and delightful. Similarly, the anonymous presence behind a screen is no longer exciting, but rather cold and sad on a psychological level. Selected works by Christine Hill, Keetra Dean Dixon, and Local Proj... ...s Du Rà ©el, 2002. Print. Designing Minds. Perf. Keetra Dean Dixon. ADC YOUNG GUN. Adobe, 28 Jan. 2009. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. . Episode 320: Christine Hill. Bad at Sports. Web. 15 Dec. 2011. . "From K to J - Photobooth - About the Booth." Keetra Dean Dixon & JK Keller Shop — Home. Web. 17 Dec. 2011. . Hill, Christine. Inventory: the Work of Christine Hill and Volksboutique. Ostfildern-Ruit: Hatje Cantz, 2002. Print. Local Projects. Web. 17 Dec. 2011. . Projects, Choosing Local. "Local Projects." Print Magazine. Web. 17 Dec. 2011. . Volksboutique. Christine Hill. Web. .

Essay --

When Scott Sullivan found out that Cooper was asking questions, Sullivan was â€Å"furious† with her and told her not to concern herself with financial audits (Anderson 51). Cooper and her team then made the decision to â€Å"quietly† investigate company accounting entries. The audit team made their first discoveries of fraudulent entries in May, 2002. They were able to trace fraudulent entries back to 2000. Less than a week after the Fort Worth Weekly article was printed, WorldCom accounting employee Mark Abide read the article. Having serious concerns about its revelations, Abide forwarded a copy to Glyn Smith who was on WorldCom’s internal audit staff. On May 29, 2002, WorldCom’s internal audit team, who was led by Cynthia Cooper, met to discuss an audit report as well as the Fort Worth Weekly article on Kim Emigh. During this meeting the audit team discussed â€Å"$1.4 billion that had been added to the company’s capital expenses† (Krim 5). It should also be noted that during this time, WorldCom’s external auditor, Arthur Anderson had just been indicted in the Enron scandal. Additionally, WorldCom’s CEO, Bernie Ebbers, had just resigned as large loans he received form the company had come to light sparking an investigation by the SEC. An accounting department employee, Sanjeev Sethi, at the internal audit meeting revealed that his department did not generate the $1.4 billion adjustments. The adjustments came from higher up in the organization. Cynthia Cooper and the audit team began to investigate the adjustments. Just days later, David Myers wrote multiple notes to Cooper attempting to keep Sethi from looking into capital expense reports. Cynthia Cooper confronted Betty Vinson who had processed the fraudulent entries. Vinson ackn... ...there . . . (United States of America V. Bernie J. Ebbers 2002, 27) The second piece of evidence is a memorandum the Ebbers sent on July 10, 2001, to a senior WorldCom officer requesting information concerning â€Å"those one time events that had to happen in order for us to have a chance to make out numbers† (United States of America V. Bernie J. Ebbers 2002, 27). Being that Sullivan was comfortable enough leaving Ebbers a voicemail using terms such as â€Å"one time stuff† and â€Å"junk. . . in the numbers† along with Ebbers’ own memo is enough evidence, in and of itself, to suggest Ebbers wasn’t innocent in perpetuating the fraud. Fraud Victims The fraud perpetuated by WorldCom executives casts a big shadow with wide ranging effects. The fraud has claimed numerous victims. Not only did thousands of employees lose their jobs, they lost their means to support their family. Essay -- When Scott Sullivan found out that Cooper was asking questions, Sullivan was â€Å"furious† with her and told her not to concern herself with financial audits (Anderson 51). Cooper and her team then made the decision to â€Å"quietly† investigate company accounting entries. The audit team made their first discoveries of fraudulent entries in May, 2002. They were able to trace fraudulent entries back to 2000. Less than a week after the Fort Worth Weekly article was printed, WorldCom accounting employee Mark Abide read the article. Having serious concerns about its revelations, Abide forwarded a copy to Glyn Smith who was on WorldCom’s internal audit staff. On May 29, 2002, WorldCom’s internal audit team, who was led by Cynthia Cooper, met to discuss an audit report as well as the Fort Worth Weekly article on Kim Emigh. During this meeting the audit team discussed â€Å"$1.4 billion that had been added to the company’s capital expenses† (Krim 5). It should also be noted that during this time, WorldCom’s external auditor, Arthur Anderson had just been indicted in the Enron scandal. Additionally, WorldCom’s CEO, Bernie Ebbers, had just resigned as large loans he received form the company had come to light sparking an investigation by the SEC. An accounting department employee, Sanjeev Sethi, at the internal audit meeting revealed that his department did not generate the $1.4 billion adjustments. The adjustments came from higher up in the organization. Cynthia Cooper and the audit team began to investigate the adjustments. Just days later, David Myers wrote multiple notes to Cooper attempting to keep Sethi from looking into capital expense reports. Cynthia Cooper confronted Betty Vinson who had processed the fraudulent entries. Vinson ackn... ...there . . . (United States of America V. Bernie J. Ebbers 2002, 27) The second piece of evidence is a memorandum the Ebbers sent on July 10, 2001, to a senior WorldCom officer requesting information concerning â€Å"those one time events that had to happen in order for us to have a chance to make out numbers† (United States of America V. Bernie J. Ebbers 2002, 27). Being that Sullivan was comfortable enough leaving Ebbers a voicemail using terms such as â€Å"one time stuff† and â€Å"junk. . . in the numbers† along with Ebbers’ own memo is enough evidence, in and of itself, to suggest Ebbers wasn’t innocent in perpetuating the fraud. Fraud Victims The fraud perpetuated by WorldCom executives casts a big shadow with wide ranging effects. The fraud has claimed numerous victims. Not only did thousands of employees lose their jobs, they lost their means to support their family.

Nucor Corporation in 2001 Essay -- Steel Producers Nucor Essays

Nucor Corporation in 2001 Nucor's History Nucor Corporation is the second-largest steel producer in the United States and has had net sales of $4.6 billion in 2000. Nucor recycles approximately 10 million tons of scrap steel. It operates in 9 states and produces carbon and alloy steel in bars, beams, sheet, and plate; steel joists and joist girders; steel deck; cold finished steel; steel fasteners; metal building systems; and light gauge steel framing. The company emerged from near Bankruptcy in 1966 to become one of the fastest-growing steel. Despite the recession in 1991, Nucor grew into one of the biggest and best-known global producers of steel. Nucor's origins are with auto manufacturer Ransom E. Olds, who founded Oldsmobile and then Reo Motor Cars. Through a series of transactions, the company Olds founded eventually became the Nuclear Corporation of America. Nuclear Corporation was involved in the nuclear instrument and electronics business in the 1950's and early 1960's. The company suffered through several money-losing years, and when facing bankruptcy in 1964, installed F. Kenneth Iverson as President and Samuel Siegel as Vice President of Finance. This change in management led to a restructuring and a decision to rebuild the company around the major profitable operations; the steel joist businesses in Florence, South Carolina and Norfolk, Nebraska called Vulcraft. The company moved its headquarters from Phoenix, Arizona to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1966, and expanded the joist business with new operations in Texas and Alabama. Management then decided to integrate backwards into steel making by building its first steel bar mill in Darlington, South Carolina in 1968. In 1972 the company adopted the name Nucor Corporation. Since that time, Nucor has built three more Vulcraft facilities, eight steel mills, and expanded into other steel products. Current Strategy and Future Expectation Nucor is pursuing long-term growth and wants to improve its position from the second-largest U.S. steelmaker by overtaking U.S. steel, who is the industry leader. Its current strategy is to be the lowest cost provider of steel by finding opportunities to reduce cost. It emphasizes on technological leadership by aggressive pursuit of innovation and technical excellence. It puts strong emphasis on employee relations and provides fair compensation and ... .... It would reduce cost by removing the redundant duplicate efforts by the divisions. It would also bring the top executives on the same page and controlling the business would be much easier for them. Nucor should continue to be the low-cost, quality provider by using all its strengths. It should continue to be the technological leader by quickly identifying and adopting new technologies. With the competition getting so tough, Nucor should partner with companies coming up with the newest technology, instead of trying to do it on their own. This would reduce the R&D effort and cost and help Nucor get to the technology faster. Nucor should grow by acquiring other companies, but care must be taken to see that they fit strategically. It should also look outside the U.S. for consolidation opportunities. By going outside of the U.S. it may be able to reduce the energy, raw material and labor costs, which will give it an edge over its domestic competitors. Finally, it should use all its influence to increase the mounting pressure on the Bush administration, to impose 40 percent import tariffs and quotas that will provide some relief from the dumping by the foreign steel producers.

Strategic Alliance Between Nokia and Microsoft

Business Administration knowledge assists the implementation of the strategic alliance between Nokia and Microsoft from several aspects. To begin with, decisions about leadership are one of the most disturbing problems in the strategic alliance; interim leaders are appropriate solutions to the issue (Werther, 1998). Interim leaders are those haired from a third party, not belonging to the alliance partners. Compared to selecting a leader from one of the partners, interim leaders have their advantages.It eliminates the assumption from both the public and the employees that one party has the domination, which assists to build a neutral image of the alliance (Werther, 1998). Therefore, Nokia and Microsoft are in a fairly equivalent position in the alliance. Moreover, their focus is the success of the alliance rather than the benefits of one of the alliance parties (either Nokia or Microsoft). Compared to outside consultants, interim leaders also have more merits.Werther (1998) suggests that interim leaders have operational or practical authority instead of advising authority owned by consultants, and they are suitable in the start-up stage of the alliance. As the alliance between Nokia and Microsoft has just begun, interim leaders can be helpful. Interim leaders contribute to distinguishing between â€Å"actual values that are ‘in use’ from stated or ‘espoused’ values that are merely touted for internal or external consumption† (Argyriset al, 1985; cited in Werther, 1998, p. 342). Thus, Nokia and Microsoft should select an interim leader from the third party rather from themselves.In addition, information flow management including intellectual property protection is crucial to the success of the alliance. Microsoft is the leading software company in the world, and Nokia has been the leading phone manufacturer all over the world. Thus, the value of intangible information can be even greater than tangible assets companies own. Howeve r, partners are often in a dilemmatic situation where they want to balance the outflow of information to successfully achieve the task and the protection of intellectual asset (Osborn et al, 2001).The careful management of information is of great importance. Firstly, alliance managers need to have a clear understanding of partner’s intention of learning and the extent to which partners are willing to learn from cooperators (Ireland et al, 2002). Then, suitable organizational control like â€Å"integrating mechanisms and use of interest-aligning incentive plans† (Geringer& Herbert, 1989; Kumar & Seth, 1998; cited in Ireland et al, 2002, p. 437) can be used to manage information flow.When it comes to intellectual property protection, both Microsoft and Nokia should think about the value of the company’s intellectual asset and decide the key components that belong to inadvertent transfer. In this case, Microsoft may need to have a consideration of the safety of cor e techniques involved in providing the operating system. Moreover, Gadieshet al (2002) emphasize the necessity to have an intellectual property audit internally before alliance, with companies whose central capital consist of intellectual property.Lastly, building trust between partners also contributes to the success of strategic alliance. Trust means that the partner’s behaviours will meet expectations, and it leads partners to bear risks and produces a positive effect on the alliance (Ireland et al, 2002). Continuing to show the company’s goals for strategic alliance while partners do the same and demonstrate patience are important actions in building trust (Cullen et al, 2000; cited in Ireland et al, 2002, p. 38). As the problems are usually clearer to middle managers and engineers who experience every day alliance activities (Osborn et al, 2001), thus, the trust and communication building between these people from Microsoft and Nokia cannot be ignored. All in all, experts and managers with sophisticated business administration knowledge are required to implement these tasks. The successes of these aspects contribute to the success of the strategic alliance.

Plant Responses

PLANT RESPONSES TROPISM is a biological phenomenon, indicating growth or turning movement of a biological organism, usually a plant, in response to an environmental stimulus. In tropisms, this response is dependent on the direction of the species. The word tropism comes from the Greek trope (â€Å"to turn† or â€Å"to change†). Tropisms are usually named for the stimulus involved and may be either positive (towards the stimulus) or negative (away from the stimulus). Phototropism is the growth response of a plant in response to light direction.Different parts of a plant exhibit different reactions to light. Stems exhibit positive phototropism while most roots exhibit negative phototropism. Geotropism is the growth response of a plant in response to gravity. Roots exhibit positive geotropism while stems and leaves exhibit negative geotropism. Hydrotropism is the growth response of a plant to water. Roots exhibit positive hydrotropism. Thigmotropism is the growth response of a plant to physical contact (touch). Plants that cling to physical structures such as walls exhibit positive thigmotropism.Chemotropism is the growth response of a plant to a particular chemical. Roots grow toward useful minerals in the soil but away from acids. PLANT HORMONES Auxins are a class of plant hormones (or plant growth substances) with some morphogen-like characteristics. Auxins have a cardinal role in coordination of many growth and behavioral processes in the plant's life cycle and are essential for plant body development. functions -Stimulates cell elongation -Stimulates cell division in the cambium and, in combination with cytokinins in tissue culture -Stimulates differentiation of phloem and xylem Stimulates root initiation on stem cuttings and lateral root development in tissue culture -Mediates the tropistic response of bending in response to gravity and light -The auxin supply from the apical bud suppresses growth of lateral buds -Delays leaf senescence -Can in hibit or promote (via ethylene stimulation) leaf and fruit abscission -Can induce fruit setting and growth in some plants -Involved in assimilate movement toward auxin possibly by an effect on phloem transport -Delays fruit ripening -Promotes flowering in Bromeliads Stimulates growth of flower parts -Promotes (via ethylene production) femaleness in dioecious flowers -Stimulates the production of ethylene at high concentrations GIBBERILLIN Unlike the classification of auxins which are classified on the basis of function, gibberellins are classified on the basis of structure as well as function. All gibberellins are derived from the ent-gibberellane skeleton. The structure of this skeleton derivative along with the structure of a few of the active gibberellins are shown above.The gibberellins are named GA1†¦. GAn in order of discovery. Gibberellic acid, which was the first gibberellin to be structurally characterised , is GA3. Function – Stimulate stem elongation by stimul ating cell division and elongation. -Stimulates bolting/flowering in response to long days. -Breaks seed dormancy in some plants which require stratification or light to induce germination. -Stimulates enzyme production (a-amylase) in germinating cereal grains for mobilization of seed reserves. -Induces maleness in dioecious flowers (sex expression). Can cause parthenocarpic (seedless) fruit development. -Can delay senescence in leaves and citrus fruits. Abscisic acid is a single compound unlike the auxins, gibberellins, and cytokinins. It was called â€Å"abscisin II† originally because it was thought to play a major role in abscission of fruits. At about the same time another group was calling it â€Å"dormin† because they thought it had a major role in bud dormancy. The name abscisic acid (ABA) was coined by a compromise between the two groups.Though ABA generally is thought to play mostly inhibitory roles, it has many promoting functions as well(Arteca, 1996; Mause th, 1991; Raven, 1992; Salisbury and Ross, 1992). Function -Stimulates the closure of stomata (water stress brings about an increase in ABA synthesis). -Inhibits shoot growth but will not have as much affect on roots or may even promote growth of roots. -Induces seeds to synthesize storage proteins. -Inhibits the affect of gibberellins on stimulating de novo synthesis of a-amylase. -Has some effect on induction and maintanance of dormancy. Induces gene transcription especially for proteinase inhibitors in response to wounding which may explain an apparent role in pathogen defense. Cytokinins are compounds with a structure resembling adenine which promote cell division and have other similar functions to kinetin. Kinetin was the first cytokinin discovered and so named because of the compounds ability to promote cytokinesis (cell division). Though it is a natural compound, It is not made in plants, and is therefore usually considered a â€Å"synthetic† cytokinin (meaning that t he hormone is synthesized somewhere other than in a plant).The most common form of naturally occurring cytokinin in plants today is called zeatin which was isolated from corn (Zea mays). Function -Stimulates cell division. -Stimulates morphogenesis (shoot initiation/bud formation) in tissue culture. -Stimulates the growth of lateral buds-release of apical dominance. -Stimulates leaf expansion resulting from cell enlargement. -May enhance stomatal opening in some species. -Promotes the conversion of etioplasts into chloroplasts via stimulation of chlorophyll synthesis. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHORT DAY PLANTSShort-day and long-day plants exhibit a response to photoperiodism, or the changes in light and dark in a twenty-four-hour cycle. Short-day plants form flowers when the days become shorter than a critical length, while long-day plants form flowers when the days become longer than a critical length. Short-day plants bloom in late summer or autumn in middle latitudes. Examples of short- day plants are chrysanthemums, goldenrods, poinsettias, soybeans, and ragweed. Long-day plants bloom in spring and early summer. Some examples of long-day plants are clover, irises, and hollyhocks.Florists and commercial plant growers can adjust the amount of light a plant receives to force it to bloom out of season. A short day plant is a plant that flowers only when it is exposed to light for a short period of time, like in early spring or fall, approximately 12 hours. Chrysanthemums and strawberries are short day plants. A long day plant flowers only when it is exposed to light for a long period of time, like in the summer. Lettuces, spinach, and other different types of wheat are long day palnts. Short- need a lot of night long- need a lot of day.

The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance

THE ROLE OF DELIBERATE PRACTICE IN THE ACQUISITION OF EXPERT PERFORMANCE Motivational Constraint A premise of our theoretical framework is that deliberate practice is not inherently enjoyable and that individuals are motivated to engage in it by its instrumental value in improving performance. Hence, interested individuals need to be engaging in the activity and motivated to improve performance before they begin deliberate practice. Bloom (1985b) found evidence supporting this implication.His interviews with international-level performers showed that parents typically initiated deliberate practice after allowing their children several months of playful engagement in the domain and after noticing that their children expressed interest and showed signs of promise. The social reactions of parents and other individuals in the immediate environment must be very important in establishing this original motivation. At the start of deliberate practice, parents help their child keep a regular daily practice schedule and point out the instrumental value of practice for improved performance (Bloom, 1985b).With increased experience and the aid of teachers and coaches, the developing individual is able to internalize methods for assessing improvement and can thus concurrently monitor the effects of practice. As individuals get more involved in the activities of a domain, competitions and public performances provide short-term goals for specific improvements. At this point the motivation to practice becomes so closely connected to the goal of becoming an expert performer and so integrated with the individual's daily life that motivation to practice, per se, cannot be easily assessed.Certain naturally occurring events and changes illuminate the relation between practice and performance. Activities in many domains, especially sports, are seasonal because most scheduled competitions occur during a single season of the year. If individuals enjoyed deliberate practice, they ought to practice at a uniformly high level all year. Instead, athletes train much harder during the preseason period and during the season itself; during the off season they often reduce the level of training dramatically (Reilly, 1990a; Reilly ; Secher, 1990).Many individuals who have practiced for a long period of time give up their aspirations to compete and excel in an activity. Without the goal of improving performance, the motivation to engage in practice vanishes. Kaminski, Mayer, and Ruoff (1984) found that many elite adolescents who decided to stop competing remained active in the domain but virtually stopped engaging in practice. Some individuals have had to terminate their professional careers for reasons unrelated to their ability to perform.In a longitudinal study of visual artists, Getzels and Csikszentmihalyi (1976) found that most artists were drawn to painting because it allowed social isolation. However, aspiring painters have to promote social relations with art dealer s, art critics, and buyers to gain notoriety, increase the demand for their art, and generate sufficient sales for full-time artistic activity. Failure to do so forced many of the best artists to take another job unrelated to painting.Once these artists could no longer commit sufficient time and energy to maintain and improve their performance they stopped painting completely because they could not accept performing at a lower level. This finding shows that the activity of painting as such is not inherently motivating but rather the act of producing art that satisfies the artists' subjective criteria for quality. DANCE Abstracts 1. Fink, A. & Woschnjak, S. (2011). Creativity and personality in professional dancers. Personality and Individual Differences, 51 (6), 754-758. AbstractIn this study three different groups of professional dancers (ballet, modern/contemporary and jazz/musical), which considerably vary with respect to the creativity-related demands involved in the respective dancing style, are compared with respect to psychometrically determined creativity, general mental ability and different facets of personality. Results indicate that modern/contemporary dancers, who are often required to freely improvise on stage, exhibited relatively high levels of verbal and figural creativity (as it was measured by means of psychometric creativity tests), followed by jazz/musical and finally by ballet dancers.With respect to personality, modern/contemporary dancers can be characterized as being less conscientious, higher on psychoticism and more open to experiences than the remaining experimental groups. In line with relevant research in this field, this study reveals some central personality characteristics of highly creative individuals which may be considered as important ingredients in the acquisition or actualization of exceptional creative potential. Highlights: > Dancers of different professions differ with respect to creativity and personality. > Modern d ancers score high on openness and psychoticism. Modern dancers show high levels of psychometrically determined creativity. Keywords: Creativity, Personality, Psychoticism, Openness, Dance 2. Martyn-Stevens, B. E. , Brown, L. E. , Beam, W. C. & Wiersma, L. D. (2012). Effects of a dance season on the physiological profile of collegiate female modern dancers. Med Sport, 16 (1), 1-5. Abstract Introduction: A collegiate modern dancer is a unique athlete because in addition to the physical demands of dance, she also has the artistic demands of creating and performing for a season of showcases, or in some cases, multiple showcases.In preparing for her dance season in addition to her academic schedule, a collegiate modern dancer’s training includes rigorous daily technique classes and rehearsals which may alter her fitness level across time. Objective: To determine the effects of a dance season on the physiological profile of collegiate female modern dancers. Methods: Eighteen colleg iate female modern dancers were measured for relative anaerobic power, fatigue index, upper body and lower body strength, aerobic capacity and body composition at both pre and post dance season.Results: At post season, there were significant improvements in relative anaerobic power (pre 7. 43 + 1. 01 W/kg, post 8. 00 + 0. 78 W/kg), body weight (pre 57. 80 + 5. 10, post 58. 72 + 5. 08), and body composition (pre 18. 60 + 2. 03%, post 17. 78 + 2. 49%), and a significant increase in fatigue index (pre 33. 38 + 9. 72%, post 38. 91 + 7. 49%). There were no significant changes in relative upper and lower body strength or aerobic capacity. Conclusions: The demands of a collegiate dance season resulted in improved power and lean mass but greater anaerobic fatigue in these female modern dancers

Montessori Math

Montessori is an approach which many have adopted these days as a teaching method for children in preschool. The materials which they use create an environment that is developmentally appropriate for the children. Montessori believes that with the helped of trained teachers and the proper environment which the children are placed in, intelligence and different skills will be developed in the child (Casa Montessori, 1997-2009). In addition, one of the main aims of Montessori is develop children to become life long , independent learners. Instead of following the tradition teaching methods whereby teachers would present the students with all the facts and information that they need to know, the teachers trained in Montessori teaching would ask questions and direct the children in a way where they have to look for the answers themselves. In the learning process, the teachers would basically motivate the children to be actively engaged in their learning and to think independently (Seldin, 2010). The basis of the Montessori approach is that learning through experience and going through the process of investigating and discovery is one of the most effective ways for a child to learn. Montessori also believes that children do not learn by memorising information given to them but from concrete experiences that interests them. This is why Montessori focus on different creating different developmentally appropriate concrete learning tools and materials that stimulates the child into logical thinking and discovery for subjects such as mathematics, sensory development, language and so on (Seldin, 2010). With regards to mathematics, the Montessori approach sees sensorial training as a very important platform which aids in the learning of basic arithmetic. The wide variation of materials Montessori has to cater to mathematics allows children to familiarize themselves with numbers at an early age (Modern Montessori International, 2006). They focus on using sensorial materials because they are precise and exact. They believe that it is important for the children to work with materials that are exact and so that they can be exposed to isolated concepts, learn through repetition and rom there draw the main principle of each and have a clear abstraction. All these concepts would help the child to order his mind and enable him to classify different experiences. This is because having a clear perception and the ability to classify things help the child to learn how to be precise in their conclusions. Working with sensorial materials prepares the children for the study of progression and sequ encing as it builds up spatial representations of quantities and form imagines of magnitudes (Montessori Primary Guide). Montessori believes that before a child can start learning mathematics, he or she must explore and accept the notions of idealized things with isolated qualities and to practice the requisite intellectual skills (Modern Montessori International, 2006). First of all, exposing the child to early sensorial activities is used to introduce the idealization of things and isolation of qualities to them. This is because allowing the child to work with sensorial materials gives them the opportunity to deal with isolated qualities physically and hence acquire the sensibility of what mathematics is all about. Secondly, the child must be introduced to the intellectual skills needed for mathematics such as exactness, calculation and repetition. Practical activities such as pouring beans into a jug or sweeping the floor can help children acquire such skills. It is believed that when children reach age four, they are ready to start learning mathematics. However, prior to that, the children have to establish certain things such as internal order, precise movement, work habits, the child must be able to complete a work cycle, follow a process and are able to work with symbols (Modern Montessori Guide). That is why there are developmentally appropriate ways for the children to explore arithmetic. The material first begins with concrete experiences such as the number rods and cards where the children are able to work with such materials to learn the different concepts of numbers. This would also help the child as they work towards the abstract stage of solving mathematical sums. The mathematics in Montessori is organized into six groups. Group 1 is Introduction to Numbers, group 2 is the Introduction to the Decimal System, group 3 is the Introduction to Teen Board, group 4 is the Operation of Decimal System, group 5 is the Introduction to Recording and Arithmetic Tables and group 6 is Abstraction. Firstly, group 1 which is the Introduction to Numbers introduces the units of quantity up to 10. The focus group for this group is for children age 3 and a half onwards and the main aim of this group is to help children learn the names of numbers, understand the value of each number and to memorise the number sequence. Secondly, for the in group 2, The Introduction to the Decimal System, the children are given concrete experiences with units with tens, hundreds and thousands as tools to introduce them to the decimal system. As for the third group which covers the Introduction to Teen Board, it helps the children to understand the different numbers within a hundred. Fourthly, group 4 which covers the Operation of Decimal System gets children to work with beans when doing the operation and is usually done at a sensorial and group level. The fifth group is the Introduction to Recording and Arithmetic Tables. Children at this level work individually with the materials and area also introduced to recording at the same time. The children will use strips, boards and beads that help in giving them material demonstration of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. In addition, these board games do help them children to memorise tables. And lastly group 6 is covers Abstraction. This level is a transition to abstraction which helps the children to internalize the different functions of arithmetic. The materials used by Montessori are of progressing difficulty. The child would first be introduced to a quantity in isolation and then a name would be given for it. After which, the child would be given the opportunity to associate the quantity and the symbol. Using an example for the number rod exercise, we can see that the children are first introduced to the numbers by itself when they are asked to count the rods. Subsequently, the teachers would go on and teach the children how to match the numerals to its values by matching the number cards to the rods. The focus group for this group is for children age 3 and a half onwards and the main aim of this group is to help children learn the names of numbers, understand the value of each number and to memorise the number sequence. With regards to Montessori, sequence is always given in all of the work and the children are taught to establish a sequence in everything they do. I believe that is how the children learn how the numbers go in sequence (Modern Montessori Guide). The advantage of this exercise is that the units of each number rod are fixed. Therefore, this reduces any possibility of confusion that might arise. Moreover, the children will be able to absorb the concept into the unconscious easily and hence teach them the names of the numbers before the child grasp the abstract conception (Montessori Mom, 2009). The materials by Montessori give the children the experience that they need to arrive and progress to begin working independently. Some of the activities are directed by teachers but all these activities would have to be followed up with activities which allow the children to work on their own. The children are only allowed to progress to the next level when they have fully understood the previous stage (Modern Montessori Guide). Thus, the children will only be able to progress to the decimal stage when they have finished the first level. As mentioned above, the children will start to learn about the decimal system in group 2. This teacher directed exercise is done for children age 4 years and above. What the teacher will do first is that she will put beads on a tray and place it on a table with the unit on the right and the thousand on the left. After which, the teacher will bring the unit of bead from the tray and put it on the mat and say â€Å"this is a unit†, and put the bead back on the tray. Subsequently, the teacher will bring out the tens bars and indicate to the children that â€Å"this is a ten†. And the teacher will do likewise for the hundreds and thousands. After all these have been taught, the teacher will follow up with the second period where she will place all four materials (unit/ tens/ hundreds/ thousands) at random and get the child to show her the unit she wants. In the last period, the teacher will take a random unit out and ask the child what it is. So for example, the teacher will take a cube and get the child to name what it is. The main aims of this exercise is firstly, that the children will learn the terms â€Å"thousands, ten and unit†, that they can understand the decimal system and that the child will be able to understand the relative values of one, ten, hundred and thousand. Following that, in order to teach the children how to associate the quantities with the numerals from 11 to 10 and to teach the children how to count from 11 – 19, the teachers would use materials such as a sequin board, 9 ten bead bars and a set of short bead stair. The different boards would be arranged on the floor and teacher would arrange the 9 ten bars to the right of the board. She would then ask the child to lay the out the short bead stair to the right of the ten bars. After which, the teacher would stack the numeral cards n order going from 1 to 9 and place the stack to the right of the board. With that the teacher will ask the child what the first number on the board is. When the child says 10, she will ask him to place a 1 ten bead bar to the left of the board and when she asks the child what comes after ten, the child will have to make 11 by adding 1 to the 10 bead bar. After that, she will get the child to place the numeral card with the number. She will continue to do this until the number 19. In order to teach the children numbers up till 99, the steps that the teachers do will also be similar to what they do with teaching the children from 11 to 19. As we can see, just like what was mentioned above, the procedures that Montessori adopts is one that has sequence. The children would progress step by step slowing adding on to what they know. Many have criticized Montessori’s method of using strings of beads to teach numbers as being clumsy or materialistic. However, they believe that it is necessary for the children to understand numbers because it would be easier for a child to work with concrete materials patiently if he or she is unable to get a clear idea of abstraction (Montessori Mom, 2009). The beads chain is used to give the child an understanding of the relative value of 1, 10 and 100. The teacher would place the chain and the 100 square next to each other, telling the child that the bead chain and the 100 square are the same. She will then start the exercise by asking the child to pull the chain into a straight vertical line and ask the child to count every single bead in the first bar. When the child comes to the 10th bead, the child would be asked to place the first number label 10, next to the ten beada. He will continue for the rest of the tens (20, 30, 40) until 100. In the next level, the children would progress to the stage where the teacher will develop their understanding of working of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. For example, in the exercise for addition, the teacher will show the children how to lay the materials out. A large number card is laid out in column and the 2 sets of small number cards are laid side by side. The teacher tells the children that they are going to work with addition problems. After that, the teacher makes addends in small number cards and puts one in each tray. She will then get the children to go to the bank and get the appropriate beads. After the children have done so, she has to show the children how to put the beads and the different quantities on the mat. The teacher will then explain to the children how she is going to add the different quantities and units that are there. She will get one child to place the large number card and show him where to place the card. A second child will be asked to bring down the 10s, count them and bring the large number card. She will repeat all the steps with the 100s and 1000s. Following that, children will start to learn composition and de-composition of numbers 1 to 10. This is for children age 5 onwards. The teacher will ask the child to build the stairs with the number rods on the mat. She will bring down the rod number 10 and get the child to count it. After which she would bring down the rod number 9 and get the child to count it as well. She will then ask the child â€Å"how many more do we need to make the number 10? † and the child will be required to go and take down the appropriate number rod. The teacher will continue this exercise using different combinations given to the child. The main aims of this exercise are to show the child the working of addition and to provide further practice in addition. In addition, this would also give the idea that two quantities added together make one large quantity. At the last level, the children will learn individual sums using different materials. For example, in the addition without changing exercise, the children will be introduced to individual addition sums using the golden beads and work cards, they will learn how tor record answers as further practice, it serves as an intermediate stage in the progression from concrete to abstract and to practice changing whenever it’s necessary. For this case, the teacher will remind the children that the colored lines corresponds to the numbers of large numeral cards and get them to read the first number (e. 4675). The child will then have to look for the corresponding beads and place them on the mat. After which, the child will read the next sum and have to bring the corresponding beads out as well. The child will then be asked to add all the units and record his answer. The teacher will repeat this with the tens, hundreds and thousands. Once the child has down all 4 sums, he will have to chec k his answer at the back of the cards. It has been said that children will soon grow out of using manipulatives such as blocks and beads to learn mathematics. Once they have reached the stage where they are familiar and are confident in using that method, they will want to go on to something of a higher difficulty level. This is when the teachers can start teaching them numbers with concrete objects (Montessori Mom, 2009). As the materials used for the different groups are developmentally appropriate, the children are able to learn the different concepts at a progressively level. At each stage they would learn something new which adds on to their prior knowledge. This is how the Montessori curriculum works. We can see that it all starts with the children learning the concept of numbers with the number rods and number cards and soon start progressing to learn decimals, addition, subtraction and learning how to group numbers together into tens, hundreds and thousands (Montessori Mom, 2009). Therefore it is important to introduce the fundamentals of mathematics in the early years during preschool where it would be easier for the child to grasp the concepts easily using concrete materials. The foundation of mathematics would have impact the children’s academic growth in years to come (Montessori Mom, 2009).