Peer review on leadership Essay

The journal article that was selected selected explored the possible influences of situational moderators on the effectiveness of Transformational Leadership. It is one of several articles found to be focused on this type of leadership and its relationship to employee motivation. By definition, transformation leadership involves the practice of altering the thoughts and attitudes of employees or subordinates to motivate them to perform beyond what is expected of them (Bass, 1985). The journal article â€Å"Follower Motive Patterns as Situational Moderators for Transformational Leadership Effectiveness† (Goodwin, Whittington, & Wofford, 2001) argued that the effects of transformational leadership outcomes could be determined by situational factors. Whereas other areas of leadership research had been explored on such situational aspects, the authors stated that there is a lack of research on situational determinants for Transformational leadership. To be specific, they identified subordinate motive factors such as growth need strength and need for autonomy as the independent factors for their study based on a brief but relevant literature review. They hypothesized that these two factors would have positive significant correlations with transformational leadership effectiveness. Their method consisted of having participants (managers and subordinates) from a U. S. government engineering services agency answer several scaled questionnaires. These included the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire-5X (MLQ), a 5-point scale assessment of leader effectiveness, Job Description Index (JDI), growth need strength assessment scale developed by Hackman and Oldham (1974 in Goodwin, et al 2001) and the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule (EPPS) by Edwards (1953 in Goodwin, et al 2001). The researches used multiple regression analyses and within-and-between analysis WABA) to generate the results of their study. The findings showed that when the growth need strength was high, groups of subordinates were assessed to be more effective by leaders who were rated as transformational. Similarly, leaders assessed as transformational appraised their groups as more effective when the need for autonomy was high. These results supported the authors’ hypothesis which led them to conclude that situational moderators such as individual motive patterns indeed have influence over the effectiveness of transformational leadership. The study was a significant contribution to the idea that transformational leadership could be integrated to other paradigms. While the study was limited to only two potential situational moderators, the researches gave strong indications that there could be other situational factors such as task, group, and organizational characteristics that could be examined in future research undertakings.

Hofstede Cultural Dimensions Essay

India is a vast country known for its diversified culture and traditions. The unique characteristic of India is its â€Å"unity in diversity†. In India Relationships and feeling plays a larger role in decisions. Indians tend to take larger risks with a person whose intentions they trust. Thus, one’s credibility and trustworthiness are critical in negotiating a deal. Indians are ‘polychronic’ people, ie they tend to deal with more than one task at the same time. Indians are cautious in accepting a new idea or proposals. The information about who has implemented it or who has proposed it has a major influence on the decision about a new idea. One of the most significant culture influences on Indian culture is that of hierarchy. For example, only the owner or the most superior person of a company will make business decision. Even if you are dealing with a manager, they will always go to the boss for a final decision. Hofstede’s Research on National culture: Power Distance (77): Power Distance describes how a society deals with the inequalities in power that exists among people. Societies characterized by high power distance are relatively indifferent to inequalities and the gap between powerful and weak is maximum. By contrast, in societies with low power distance the gaps between the powerful and weak are minimal. In India most of the people belongs to the middle class category. So the upper category people control most of the decision making and buying power. In Organizations, the degree of centralization of authority and autocratic leadership determines power distance. The social structure of organizations in India is based on superior – subordinate relationship. Once the hierarchy is establishes, juniors yield to seniors on every conceivable occasion. For example, they standup when the boss enters the office, speak humbly and politely. India has to change a lot in this dimension. Even though they are many politicians caught in scams like 2G scams, still they are not arrested beacuse of there power and corruption. I wish India will become a low power distance country very soon. Individualism/Collectivism (48): This dimension is based on the extent to which individuals value personal independence or group membership. Individualist culture values personal goals, independence and privacy. Collectivist culture is showing the loyalty to groups. Members of the collectivist society are expected to subordinate their individual interests for the benefit of their in- groups ie, family or organization. Hofstede classified India as dominant on the collectivism dimension. In Organizations, people work as a team rather than individual. Employees are seen as hard working, as loyal to the company and highly motivated to do new things. Masculinity/Femininity (56): Masculine cultures tend to value competitiveness, ambitions and accumulation of wealth. Feminine cultures emphasize nurturing roles, interdependence among people and taking care of less fortune people. Indians are more focused on career and earning money as well as they takes care for others. In workplace employees help each other’s instead of emphasize their work. Hofstede classified India as Masculinity country. However, the culture in organizations is more feminine. That means there is a slight preference for achievements and material success. Uncertainty Avoidance (40): The extent to which people can tolerate risk and uncertainty in their lives. People in India do not accept or deal with ambiguous or risky situations. Recently, with the raise of literacy rate among the people, some section of the people is taking risk by engaging in entrepreneurial activities without thinking about the job security. Gradually people will adapt or encourage new innovations and accept the different approaches in dealing with the situation. Long-term/Short-term orientation (61): It denotes the degree to which people and organizations defer gratification to achieve long-term success. In India people and organization with a long-term orientation culture tend to take the long view to planning and living. With this long-term orientation India has experienced a remarkable economic growth while most of the western countries experienced an economical downfall. Indulgence/Restraint: Indulgence denotes the society that allows the free expression of thoughts and allows the gratification of needs related to enjoying life and having fun. Restraint denotes the regulation of the gratification of needs by means of strict rules or norms. In India everyone has a right to express and live freely as they like. In organizations even though employees can express their ideas or thoughts they have to be approved by top level people to bring them in to action.

Brave New World Character Analysis

Brave New World by Aloud Huxley, the reader is introduced to a very different society than the one that they currently live in. In this seemingly weird society, Huxley introduces Lenin Crowner. Lenin is Aloud Huxley femme fatal character. She works at a London Center of Hatchery. Lenin is also a very â€Å"pneumatic† woman that is the ideal Brave New World citizen and is also thoroughly conditioned to meet the expectations of the world controllers.. Although intelligent, she prefers to return to her conditioning and not cause arguments.There are moments of non-conformity in her, but she hides such tendencies, preferring to be an ideal member of the Brave New World. Since she is a true product of the Brave New World, she dislikes traditional human emotions and sees sex as only a â€Å"no strings attached† type thing. It is because of this that she doesn't understand why John the Savage is not interested in her just because of her body. The common question surrounding Len in is does she really love John, or is this simply a case of wanting what you can't have? Throughout the course of the novel, we do see an evolution in Lamina's character right around the timeJohn is introduced. We see the breaking point of Lenin when she does something at the end of the book that she's never done. She cried when seeing John isolating himself at the lighthouse thus showing that Lenin was presumably in love with John. Personally, still feel that Lenin was just infatuated of the fact that John is different from the rest of the Brave New World. Overall, we as readers saw a major change in Lamina's character throughout the course of the novel. I do feel however that Huxley could have better represented Lenin in the beginning chapters and also describe her a bit

Essay on Human Rights Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How Do Women and Homosexuals Suffer Discrimination - Research Paper Example Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals are subjected to human rights violations. According to Nussbaum, these human right violations include denial of the right to marriage and its social and legal benefits, denial of rights to serve in the military, discrimination in education, employment, and housing, as well as lacking the right to carry out consensual sexual relationship with another adult without having to cop a criminal penalty. Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals are also denied the right to be protected from violence. This paper will discuss the various human rights violations against these groups, why these violations occur, and what can be done to address the problem. Women and girls, as well as gays and lesbians, are subjected to these violations because of various reasons. The most significant is because of the focus placed on the public sphere when discussing human rights while ignoring the private sphere (Maran & Angela 12). The invisibility of victims undergoing violations of their p rivacy rights is normally reified with any appeal to the standards of human rights. The absence of rights such as those on sexuality and fertility for a long time has been unfavorable to the rights of women and girls. Additionally, the contradictions in human rights wording cause partial and confused treatment of the family. The private nature of the family, as is the focus of most human right laws, allows gender discrimination to go on unchecked. With gays and lesbians, the confusion on their definition counts as a reason why their rights are being trampled. Lack of proper definition of gays and lesbians for a long time has made their rights unattainable. Arati Rao and Martha Nussbaum are in agreement as far as the cause of discrimination for their respective groups is concerned. They pinpoint the control of the nature of family by the state, as a major contributor to human rights violations for both groups.

Memorandum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Memorandum - Essay Example Edison right of way separates the two parcels. The city of Joy prohibits development as part of it is  along g a sloppy area. Parcel one has one steep slope of an approximate ratio 3 to 1. Parcel 2 has aslope of an approximate ratio greater than 2 to1. These areas are untouched because of the municipal codes as they regulate development in such an area. Settlements have  been localized along the new street  as a result of these clause. This shows that the city cannot accommodate a growing population if the municipal codes are to be followed to the latter. ABC development plan proposes for parcel 1 to be divided single family lots. The stuff reviews this plan as a risky situation that will first require an environmental impact review. This is because the process involves offloading dirt using a truck that will pass through 130 homesteads. The process  will  take five month.  The  staff review  stipulates  to be  a long time, and as a result it will have unmitigated impacts to the environment. ABC development c laims that an environmental impact review is not necessary. It continues to pose the complain on the basis that the stuff has not articulated the exact effects that require mitigation and states that parcel 1 subdivision is a simple 18 lot subdivision. According to ABC development project designers, it is a speculation that the project should be exempted from CEQA. The Oak trees occupy a lot of space in the city. The municipal code that states they are not to be cut down unless a permit is granted is a factor that may hinder development. The permit has also been given specific rule that make it hard for the trees to be cut down and paves way for development. The code farther states that, permission for cutting down an Oak tree will only be granted if the tree is in imminent danger of falling. Oak trees have a long life span and are also a strong species. The chances of them creating space for development are extremely minimal. The municipal codes should be

Poverty and Economic Devastation in Jamaica Essay

Poverty and Economic Devastation in Jamaica - Essay Example This essay analyzes not only positive changes that independence gave to Jamaican people, but also the negative role of multinational corporations, that was foreseen as early as 1776 by the father of Economics, Adam Smith. In his ground-breaking book, â€Å"Wealth of Nations† that was discussed in the essay and set the foundation for the field of modern Economics, Smith wrote that corporations would eventually work to cleverly escape the laws that govern the market, they would narrow the competition, raise their profits and try to meddle with setting of prices and control of trade. Such negative role of the corporation in the country's history happened in Jamaica as well. amaica’s problems began in 1962 when it secured independence from England. This essay focuses on effects of struggling economy that is characterized by chronic debts, illiteracy, and an ancient medical system. The researcher describes that the country badly needed finance to address its problems and app roached private banks, but only got the cold shoulder treatment. The researcher also describes Jamaican government policies on social topics and refers to cultural features of modern Jamaica and it's citizens through examples such as movies, books on the topic of economic devastation and poverty in the country. The Rastafari movement, that emerged as a platform to fight local poverty and disenchantment also is mentioned in the essay. In conclusion, the researcher hopes that proper boost in tourism can generate much needed revenue to Jamaica and its beleaguered citizens.

Segmentation and Target Market Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Segmentation and Target Market Paper - Essay Example It is the process of splitting customers in a market into different groups (McDonald and Dunbar, 2012). Industries can segment the target market according to either large or small consumer numbers, or their geographic location. A target market refers to a group of organizations or people, for which and industry develops and implements strategic plans so as to meet the group’s needs. The essay that follows discusses on segmentation and target market within the Nike Company. Nike Company is one of the largest athletic sport equipment companies in the world. It was founded by Phil Knight, a former Oregon University coach, and has its headquarter Oregon, Beaverton (Hill and Jones, 2010). It is one of the companies that have had a tremendous growth over the past years. It has segmented markets in different areas, which include Oregon, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Europe and Japan (Porter and Norton, 2013). Its inclusion of services in other areas results from the company’s grow th and increased service need in the areas. Market Segmentation in Nike Company Demographic Characteristics This is dividing a company’s service provision according to age, race, gender, and social class, among others (Gitman and McDaniel, 2009). ... Nike’s segmentation of business in the various locations aims at meeting the same need for sport wears both to the young and the aged. Income also contributes to Nike’s market segmentation to other areas. For example, Japan is a country whose income is high due to automobile and other industries. However, it might not have the ability to produce wears suitable for sporting as those Nike Company produces. The need for proper sport wears gives Nike to expand its services to Japan. The company also produces wears for all genders where different clothes exist for women and men players. The target market in this market segment is both male and female athletes who exist in the regions around Nike Headquarters, and those in other countries like Japan. Psychographic Characteristics This involves segregating market in terms of people’s common activities, interests, and opinions (Gitman and McDaniel, 2009). Nike Company’s headquarter is in a location where people ha ve a common interest in sporting. The founder aimed at providing state-of-the-art athletic shoes that convince customers that they are the best-suited and necessary for sporting and athletic interests in the region (Hill and Jones, 2010). The psychographic segmentation by Nike targets sales from athletes from the Oregon region who have an interest in sports and need comfortable shoes to support them in their sporting activities. As Hill and Jones (2010) point, in the past Nike concentrated on making shoes for basketball and track market segments more than other sports like golf and soccer among others, but later realized that engaging in the making shoes for other sporting activities can bring a lot of profits. This made the

Three Possible Reasons Why the Funding Was Overlooked Essay

Three Possible Reasons Why the Funding Was Overlooked - Essay Example This essay talks about the Children’s Summer Expense Project and its failure. This paper analyzes why the project failed and presents the three possible reasons why the funding was overlooked and in what three ways that the Children’s Summer Expense Project could be saved. The possible reasons that could have led to overlooking funds are a failure to be ready for an emergency, having life insurance for many individual’s emergencies, and keeping unnecessary large amounts of money. It is not advisable to have so many life insurances for emergencies because they will hold back a lot of money which may never be recovered. This strains the budget because a lot of money is given away with no returns. Keeping a lot of spare money is also not advisable because a person will be tempted to spend it even on things or plans that are not in the budget. The three ways that the Children’s Summer Expense Project could be saved is through daily services program, weekly food distribution program, or the monthly outreach program offered by Making A Way Foundation. This is because every day Making A Way offers property of all type to the needy by reprocessing collected, discarded, utilizable stuff to those in need. Every week, Making A Way presents the way to delivering thousands of pounds of different goods to churches. The products are distributed to single parents, shelters, and senior citizens, low-income families, and scores of all the others that may be in desperate need of these essentials.

Othello, the Moore of Venice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Othello, the Moore of Venice - Essay Example He is portrayed to be physically strong and admired by the people who know him. He is considered to be an asset for the government of Venice and he is important for the Duke as well as the other senior members. On the other hand, Roderigo is highlighted to be very weak and is dependent upon others for his decisions. He is rich but is not as strong as Othello by any means. Thus, Othello and Roderigo strike a balance in the play where Othello portrays strength and Roderigo portrays weakness. Othello is a very brave soldier and his suggestions and recommendations are given importance by the senators and the Duke of Venice. He is a man who is loved for his strength and determination. He holds the strong position of the general of the armies of Venice and has authority to promote people. Othello marries the woman he loves, Desdemona secretly. He explains that Desdemona chose to marry him after listening to the story of his achievements and attainments in his life. It is seen that Desdemona loves Othello for what he is and she chooses to stand by him. The accomplishments of Othello are so impressive that when the Duke listens to the story of Othello that he told Desdemona, he is compelled to say, â€Å"I think this tale would win my daughter too.† Thus, the life of Othello displays strength and his character is the most noticeable character of the play. Roderigo is a rich man who lives in Venice. He is a weak man who does not have his own decisions and judgments. He rather relies on deceitful people like Iago for support and help. Roderigo loves Desdemona but does not approach her through the right means. He rather pays Iago to assist him in marrying her. This can be seen as a step that displays his weakness. He cannot express his love for Desdemona by himself and win her love by his qualities. He is disappointed when he learns of the marriage between Othello and Desdemona. Despite of their marriage, he

Abstract Data Structures Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Abstract Data Structures - Essay Example In fact, the majority of object-oriented programming languages encompass the characteristics of user defined abstract data types. For example in C++ this operation can be performed by using a class that has no protected/public data members (simply private), nor some techniques, nor friends that return references/pointers to some of the private fields (C2, 2008). This paper presents an overview of various abstract data structures that are used in computing. An Overview of Abstract Data Type The design of a computer program can be made much easier and simpler by making use of the abstract data structures. In this scenario, the program’ data and information can be arranged into  abstract data structures  (or simply ADS). For instance, we can use arrays (where an array is a set or sequence of consecutive memory locations that has the same name and same type) to form a table that has 3 columns and an undefined number of rows, in the scenario of an  array  with 2 dimensions: 1-a huge amount of rows, and 2three columns. In addition, a vital characteristic of contemporary computer programs is the capacity to operate abstract data structures with measures or techniques that are pre-defined by the software designer or programmer. However, for this purpose data structure should be used cautiously, with consideration, and in detail. (Schmalz, 2007). Sometimes the term ‘abstract data structure’ is used  in place of abstract data type. The basic idea here is that we are involved in the real structures to store data. In this scenario, the one most simple abstract data structure is the  Linked List. Basically, a linked list is described through the techniques that are applied on it, which includes  tail,  head, cons  and is-empty. In addition, a list based data structure is an ordered linear structure. In this scenario, its head is the initial element in line; list data structure tail is the list composed of all the elements besides the fi rst. The cons of an element of a list is the list data structure whose head is that element, as well as whose tail is the unique list. Moreover, a list can be empty; in that scenario it could generate an error if someone attempts to access its tail or head; however an element can be considered to it to have a new list (Huntbach, 1999). What is Abstraction? The fundamental idea of abstraction is that a data type should be described simply in the form of processes that are applicable on objects of its kind, not in scenario of how the category is applied on a real computer (for example, an array or a stack). In this scenario, the objects of a specific category are built and checked simply through processes calls that raise the access functions for that particular type. In addition, it allows the programmers to change the data type without making any change outside the module of code in which that type is defined. Moreover, a common instance of an abstract data structure is a stack. In this case functions can be performed to generate an empty stack, to drive values onto a stack, as well as to pop values from a stack (BookRags, Inc., 2012). Main Features and importance for Computing From the perspective of abstract data structures, an abstract class is a class that does not encompass an application for one or more techniques. In fact, the abstract data structures do not have any direction of what to perform in response of a call to the process that is abstract. In addition, in order to generate an object for the abstract class we need to generate a real subclass and create an object for it to access it (GeekInterview, 2007; BookRags, Inc., 2012; C2, 2008). Additionally, an abstract class

Economic growth Math Problem Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Economic growth - Math Problem Example This is important for an organization gets to understand the weakest links in the organization and deals with them appropriately. Provided I have all information, regarding the average output per worker and the physical capital per worker for each of the countries, it is possible to calculate the relative productivity of the country. Considering: It is thus appropriate to state dividing the quarter root of the stated output per worker and dividing by physical capital per worker offers the relative productivity per worker for a each of the countries. The differences in the levels of production in a particular country mainly depend on output per-worker in the various organizations in the country. There are different organizations that let their workers operate without following up on the attitudes expressed by employees while working. Employees that perform poorly under supervision are the main reason why the output per worker is usually low (Weil, 2013). The consequent of this is the entire country having a low Gross Domestic Product and thus low productivity levels in some countries. However, there are some countries that are strict with regard to the performance of the organizations and as expected the result of this is having hard working people, this raises the Gross Domestic Product. With a high GDP, the productivity levels are normally high. Government policies can lead to high productivity if for example they focus on the rights of workers and ensure that they receive fair treatment. This leads to workers with increased m orale and consequently high productivity levels. Another example is having policies that seek to ensure that politicians do not interrupt economic processes and let the actual experts, economics, focus on these

Alfred Adler Essay Example for Free

Alfred Adler Essay Alfred Adler born February 7, 1870, received his medical degree in 1895, he took an interest in social issues and, in 1902, became part of Sigmund Freuds circle of friends. He created the International Psychoanalytic Association (IPA) in 1910. He and Feud worked together for many years but eventually their relationship soured and Adler left to form his own school of individual psychology. Their major point of disagreements stems from the aspect of sexuality Adler rejected Sigmund Freuds emphasis on sexuality and theorized that neurotic behavior is overcompensation for feelings of inferiority. He objected to the Freudian emphasis upon sex as the root of neurosis. To him a feeling of helplessness during childhood usually leads to an inferiority complex, as he too was ill during his childhood. Adlers theory focused on social forces, and his therapy focused on overcoming the inferiority complex through positive social interaction. Adler also rejected Freuds theory of the libido. He considered the individual as a complete being, whose social goals at the present began earlier on as an infant who has feelings of inferiority. And therefore compensation and the search for power and supremacy, as well as the sense of belonging to a collectivity is the most basic goal for such a client. Adler considered psychic development to be the formation a lifestyle, starting with early childhood, and that later symptom had to be taken into account from this point of view. Freud on the other hand placed more emphasis on sexuality as a motive. The Psychoanalysts say behavior is determined by unconscious motivations, irrational forces, instinctual drives and psychosexual events occurring during the first six years of life. Freud once commented: For, whether a man is a homosexual or a necrophilic, a hysteric suffering from anxiety, an obsessional neurotic cut off from society, or a raving lunatic, the Individual Psychologist of the Adlerian school will declare that the impelling motive of his condition is that he wishes to assert himself, to overcompensate for his inferiority, to remain on top, to pass from the feminine to the masculine line. 1 To Adler, the most important motive is the feeling of inferiority, which he felt originated in the sense of dependence and helplessness which infants experience which differs remarkably from Freud concept. In essence Psychoanalysts strive for fundamental reconstruction of an individuals total personality whereas Adlerian thought focuses on the patient re-educating and re-organizing his priorities and goals. True changes to a Psychoanalyst therefore comes from an individual gaining self awareness by bringing unconscious thoughts ,motivation, feelings and experience into the conscious so that behavior is based more on past reality than present social state of the mind. A second difference is on the nature of environmental stimuli. Adler stressed consideration of the individual in relation to his total environment. His system emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual and his relationships with society. Adler said it is not the childhood experiences that are crucial, it is our present interpretation of these events that matter. Unconscious instincts and our past do not determine behavior. Mental health therefore is measured by the degree to which we successfully share with each other and are concerned with their welfare. To them, encouragement is the most important method available for change of a person’s belief and clients are told they have the power to choose to act differently. Adlers early career was marked by a zeal for social reform, often expressed in articles in socialist newspapers. His first professional publication was a social-medicine monograph on the health of tailors. He could not agree with Freuds basic assumption that sex was the main determinant of personality, and all that this implied: the dominance of biological factors over the psychological; the push of drives, making for identical, predictable patterns; the part commanding the whole; pleasure-seeking as mans prime motivation. Whereas Freud tried to explain man in terms of machines and animals, Adler sought to understand and influence man precisely in terms of what makes him different from machines and animals. Individual psychology therefore has the kind of simplicity which comes with concreteness, dealing as much as possible with what can be observed and as little as possible with what must be taken on faith. A chagrin that Freud was not amused with when he commented Such doctrine is extremely welcome for the lay man because a theory such as this is bound to be very welcome to the great mass of the people, a theory which recognizes no complications, which introduces no new concepts that are hard to grasp, which knows nothing of the unconscious, which gets rid at a single blow of the universally oppressive problem of sexuality and which restricts itself to the discovery of the artifices by which people seek to make life easy. As: the mass of the people themselves take things easily: they call for no more than a single reason by way of explanation, they do not thank science for its diffuseness, they want to have simple solutions and to know that problems are solved. 2 Many of the aspects on which these two fields differ are. Goal-striving Adler saw man imbued with a unitary dynamic force, a striving from below to above. Since this striving is an intrinsic necessity of life itself, like physical growth, there is no need to infer a further source of energy for it. Which energy the psychoanalyst believed can be got from reflection through free association To Adler. To understand the personality or any behavior, one must seek its purpose. The desires of the self ideal were countered by social and ethical demands. If the corrective factors were disregarded and the individual over-compensated, then an inferiority complex would occur, fostering the danger of the individual becoming egocentric, power-hungry and aggressive or worse. To a psychoanalyst like Anna Freud each development phase constructs on the previous one. She says that psychological disorders could be most effectively studied in its developmental and evolutionary phase. We must look at beginnings and end points of a client’s life. She encouraged the observance of clients in their natural settings and then constructs the relationship with systematic observation from the consulting room. Another concrete phase was the relationship between the Therapist and the Patient. The therapists function, according to Adler, is not to treat mental disease as is the case with psychoanalysis, but to divine the error in the patients way of life and lead him to greater maturity. To this end Adler introduced a number of diagnostic approaches. Among these, his theory of dreams, the meaning of early childhood recollections, and the role of birth order in the family. Alfred Adler believed a great deal in the effect that birth order has on an individual. Adler believed that family constellation, where ones position was in birth order, played a crucial part in individual development. Adlerian therapy entails several stages.

Language teaching methods

Language teaching methods Language teaching methods The debate concerning language teaching methods has a long tradition. Although there is language teaching in all countries, many countries developed their own language pedagogy.   For many years English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers used the same language pedagogy everywhere namely Communicative Language Teaching. CLT is now the ruling, central paradigm in language teaching, which has shaped the thinking of the teachers. Teachers usually use CLT as a language teaching method; however, I think that this is not the only way to learn a language properly. First of all, the CLT method neglects the context in which the language teaching takes place. For example, there was a native speaker of English who travelled to Japan. He did not know anything about the culture and their language pedagogy, but he thought that CLT is the only way to teach a language, so it proved him that the other ways of teaching a language are failing (Bax, 2003). I disagree with him because I think if there is an emphasis laid on context, it leads the teachers to a more effective teaching. Secondly, teachers in the teacher trainings are taught to use methodology and to not to take into account what the context is. A teacher, who did a teacher training course, stated, The context of things was basically up to the teacher to try and apply the methodology to contexts (Bax, 2003, p. 282). It is stated, that methodology is only one factor of the successful language learning (Bax, 2003). If a teacher is taught and encouraged to use only the methodology, he or she reduces the chances of the learner in successful language learning. In my opinion, cultural specificity should not be neglected on the teacher training courses. To summarise, teachers should be taught to take context into account. Thirdly, some people say that methodology is essential to learning a language, but in my opinion the needs of the students are more important. Many people learn a language properly with other methods in those countries where teachers do not use CLT. There is the perfect example of the teacher who teaches in the Czech Republic, where not CLT is the used language pedagogy, and she did not understand how the students were able to learn to speak English quite well without it. However, on the other hand I have to assume that CLT is used world-wide, and it seems to be very successful. As Harmer (2003) points out, Methodology is fundamental to the learning of language classrooms where teachers are working (p. 24). It is true that teachers have to plan their classes, and they cannot only rely on the context in which the teaching takes place. I do not deny the importance of the CLT, but I think that other approaches may be more successful. In conclusion, I have to admit that not only CLT is the best solution when learning a language. Teachers have to take into consideration the context in which the language teaching takes place, and they cannot neglect the students needs and wishes. As I have mentioned, teachers do not really pay attention to the context because they were taught to use methodology. In short, the needs of the students are substantial, but the students also have to play an active role in their own language learning. (553 words) References : Bax, S. (2003). The end of CLT: a context approach to language teaching. ELT Journal, 57(3), 278-287. Harmer, J. (2003). Popular culture, methods, and context. ELT Journal, 57(3), 288-294. Lee, I. (1998). Supporting greater autonomy in language learning. ELT Journal, 52(4), 282-289.

Theatre Of The Absurd And The Homecoming English Literature Essay

Theatre Of The Absurd And The Homecoming English Literature Essay Firstly, to substantially answer the question above, it is indeed imperative to present a definition of absurdist theatre by which to draw comparisons from, to successfully evaluate Harold Pinters The Homecoming as a representative example. It should initially be brought to the attention of the reader that absurdist theatre in effect does not present a typical definition or strict rules or guidelines from which to conform, for example, a piece of play script to. However, there is an interpretation that has been most famously noted by Martin Esslin in his Theatre of the Absurd, from which he puts this term into some context of understanding, influenced from the French philosopher Albert Camus, in his Myth of Sisyphus, written in 1942. (Culik 2000). For example, Esslin in his Theatre of the Absurd comments on the use of the word Absurd describing its original meaning as out of harmony in a musical context. (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) However, he hones in on Camus use of the word, which is used in the understanding of absurdist theatre that has a completely different notion behind it. For example, Ionesco defines this notion as, Absurd is that which is devoid of purpose Cut off from his religious, metaphysical, and transcende ntal roots, man is lost; all his actions become senseless, absurd, useless. (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) Thus, the most central theme to Absurdist Theatre is awareness of this lack of purpose in all we do [and how this] produces a state of metaphysical anguish. (Ray 2005) Furthermore, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the Theatre of the Absurd; the term essentially coined by Martin Esslin in his critical work, as mentioned above; defines the understanding that The Theatre of the Absurd strives to express its sense of senselessness of the human condition and the inadequacy of the rational approach by the open abandonment of rational devices and discursive thought. (OED 2010) Esslin continues to comment, in his study of Theatre of the Absurd, on the disorientating quality of [the] plays (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) that are commonly grouped into the genre of absurd, and how so many established criticshave condemned the [absurdist plays] for [their] lack of plot, development, characterisation, suspense or plain common sense. (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) Specifically Esslin uses Samuel Becketts Waiting for Godot as an example to demonstrate that those in society that are unsophisticated enough t o come to the theatre without any preconceived notions and ready-made expectations (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) about a performance were thus able to look past the nonsense or mystification (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10) of these types of plays and find meaning and understanding in them, rather than their seemingly impertinent and outrageous imposture (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10). In terms of language, the Theatre of the Absurd, tends toward[s] a radical devaluation of language (Worthen 2004 p 907 -10), in other words reducing the value of language that logically, plays are so heavily reliant on. However, this is not to say that language is completely disregarded, because in fact it is not, its function is more poignantly used to contradict the action of the character voicing the lines. In terms of its historical context, Theatre of the Absurd has emanated from the avant-garde movements in art from the period of the 1920s 30s, originating from Paris. Yet, probably more central to its rise was the traumatic horror experienced from World War II. Furthermore, around this time the beginning of the loss of religious significance and dependence in peoples lives highlighted the opposite of purpose and meaning to life, alongside the resonating realisation of the uncertainty of life. As a consequence the Theatre of the Absurd aimed to present an anti- theatre, to reflect as the world was beginning to tear apart, with its morals, conventions and values, so too must theatre evolve out of its traditionalism and become surreal, illogical, conflictless and plotless. (Culik 2000). On first appearances Pinters The Homecoming, seems to fit the theory of the Theatre of the Absurd. It initially presents the reader with an absurd setting, whereby the back wall has been removed. The stage action is juxtaposed against the ridiculous language that seems to be discursive the character Max, seems to pass aimlessly between subject after subject. It almost satirises how language is the key to communication. However, the dialogue seems ridiculous with the stage action contradicting the words that are said by the characters. For example, Max says to Lenny: Dont you talk to me like that. Im warning you (Worthen 2004 p. 764) the understanding of the language implies Max aggressive attitude and embodiment, yet the stage action suggest a complete juxtaposition (He sits in large arm chair) (Worthen 2004 p. 764). Furthermore, the absurd dialogue exchanged by the principle protagonist Max seems to be shocking and the ability to comprehend impossible, thus adhering to the illogical sense instilled in absurdist language. He talks about his wife in a negative and oppressive tone, it made me sick just to look at her rotten stinking face, she wasnt such a bad bitch. (Worthen 2004 p.764) Lennys reaction seems to be completely oblivious to his fathers statement about his mother. Instead of the words he hears, its as if he hears irritating noise being expelled from Maxs mouth and wants him to be quiet. To add to the absurdity of the two characters we are presented with Max talks about himself in a manner that is bizarre, your lousy filthy father (Worthen 2004 p.764). The expression of this senselessness and repetitive discursive trend throughout the whole play creates an incomprehensible illusion that understandably baffles its audiences and readers. More so, in terms of language, the play adheres to the illogical trend absurdist theatre expresses, through the representation of the characters Teddy and Ruth. They are married, yet Teddy is not fazed in the slightest as his brothers start to have sexual relations with his wife. For example, Lenny says to Joey in front of Teddy, You didnt get all the way and youve had her up there for two hours! (Worthen 2004 p782). This ludicrous behaviour stimulates an even more baffling realisation for readers and audiences, as they begin to understand the senselessness of the human condition that Absurdist theatre seeks to express. Furthermore, the incomprehensible expression of language strengthens even more so towards the end of the play. This is where we see the family, excluding Teddy; gravitate towards Teddys wife Ruth, wanting her to stay in the household. Their objective for her is to turn her into a whore. This may be an act to replace the previous matriarch of the family, Jessie, who wa s both a mother and a whore. Teddys distinct separation from the meaning of the dialogue depicts the open abandonment of rational devices, as he decides that it is okay to leave his wife there. However, in opposition to the statement above, it is easy to see that Pinters The homecoming does reflect the trends of Absurdist theatre, yet something more new and exciting is emerging that does not just restrict itself to this category/genre. For example, throughout the play we can see the heavy mix of influence from the realist and absurdist genres that dominate the majority of the play. This juxtaposition reflected in the setting, exposes side by side everyday domesticity with a subtle undercurrent of animalistic violence (Gin 2008). Francis Grin, in his book Pinters Stage, A New Genre argues that if you read Pinters play without the already existent framework (Gin 2008) of realist and absurdist theatre, then you will discover the text for what it truly is, an entirely new kind of dramaturgy (Gin 2008). Gin continues to argue that Pinters play needs to be looked through an independent framework (Gin 2008)to discover the unique Pinteresque style of theatre e (Gin 2008). In addition Gins unique insight into this genre, and more specifically Pinters The Homecoming, allows a more comprehensive understanding to be gained from the seemingly incomprehensible read. For example, Gin clearly sees that Pinter creates a rhythm and tempo (Gin 2008) which mimics the strange patterns of real life dialogue, but allow[ing] the terrorto hit home as the spectator fills the Pinteresque pause with their own subjective imagination. (Gin 2008). It is true that the play is fragmented with what seems to be a burdenful amount of pauses. This in itself does not constitute the play being placed into an absurdist category, but more so into Pinters very own category. As (Bradshaw 2004) states, The characters speech, hesitations, and pauses reveal not only their own alienation and the difficulties they have in communicating but also the many layers of meaning that can be contained in even the most innocuous statements. (Bradshaw 2004) Theatre Critic Molly Flatt, also has an inspiring perspective on Pinters play that suggests there is much more to the play than just containing it to two genres of theatre form (absurdist/realist). She describes it as a dark, funny and recognizable portrait of 1970s masculinity (Flatt 2008) until another character Teddy the prodigal son (Flatt 2008) returns with his wife Ruth, whom disrupts the stage action from awkward to disconcertingly bizarre. (Flatt 2008) Indeed this is reflective of the theatre of the absurd with its naturalistic setting and dialogue (Flatt 2008) infused with the undercurrent of dim, bleak [domestic] horror (Flatt 2008). However its surrealism allows us to [capture] what is great and wacky and wrong and sincere that we understand what is human. (Flatt 2008) As Pinter himself states that there are many truths that seek to challenge, recoil, reflect, ignore, tease each other [and so on] (Flatt 2008) yet we never truly hold truth in our hands for more than a momen t. (Flatt 2008) In conclusion I think that it is clear Pinter is heavily influenced by the avant-garde and absurdist movements, yet his brilliance in making such weird and wonderful plays does not just lie in these genres, but in something that he has truly made unique and as Gin comments completely created an entirely new dramaturgy. Yes it is clear to see the influences of surrealism, realism and absurdist theatre in his work, especially in The Homecoming, but to what extent it is a representative example of Absurdist Theatre, would be to oversimplify Pinters work. Therefore, after studying the text it would be indecent not to acknowledge the influence of absurdist theatre, but also not to acknowledge Pinters the homecoming is ambivalent in [its] plot, presentation of characterbut [are also] works of undeniable power and originality. (Bradshaw 2004).

Asian American Stereotypes in Film Essay -- essays research papers

Asian Americans only make up a small percent of the American population. Even more significant is that this percentage live mostly on the west and east coasts of mainland United States and Hawaii; leaving the rest of the American population to most likely get their exposures to Asians through television and movies. However the exposure they have receive throughout the history of cinematography has been hardly flattering. Throughout the course of history Asians in film have been portrayed as evil or the "yellow peril" as described by others. If Asians are not being classified as evil in this picture then they are most likely the comic relief, with their lack of coordination or grasp of the English language. With these common stereotypes in place, it gives a white American viewer a sense or need to destroy this Asian villain or superiority over the comedic character portrayed in the film. In the film Gung Ho filmed in the year 1986, the story is told of the plight of the people working in the region known as the Rust Belt. The group that is the focal point of this story is the relation between Asian men in an American town and the differences they share are played out in this movie. The stereotypes enlisted in this movie are both that of a villainous nature and a comedic relief with some of the characters. Throughout the film it is how the clever, white working class people of this hard working town have to overcome the maniacal working environment these Asian men have. Common stereotypes of the Asian man lay throughout the entire course of the movie, stereotypes that have been portrayed by the film industry of Asian men since its inception. The main stereotype in this movie is that Asian men only care about their jobs and their careers and little else. That the Asian man will go through great sacrifice to get to the top of the business that they work for. From beginning to end, many white families are portrayed in the movie showing that the American people have family values. Yet absent through the whole course of the picture is any Asian man with his family. This signifies that the Asian group does not have time, nor wants to make time to have a family life because they are trying to succeed in business. The Asian boss in the film wanted the results to his li... ...en in this film have any strong masculine qualities. They cannot take charge, they are easily intimidated, and they are never assertive with their beliefs and restrictions giving the impression to the movie viewers that Asian Americans are docile beings and Asian Americans are obstacles easily overcame. Overall, the object of this movie is to entertain the audience sitting at home watching it, laughing at the mishaps and situations that happen along the way. The question is, however, at who’s expense does the laughter come? Perpetuating this stereotype only goes to further damage the way Asian Americans are seen by the American public. Also during the time the movie was being made, the yen and the dollar were in competition over which had more value. This movie in a subtle way suggests that American workers can overcome any adversity, while the Asian cast is lucky to have such determined Americans to help them out of their problems. The movie serves to inspire Americans by relying on a stereotype of Asians to show that Asian are weak and Americans are strong, and that they can overcome any challenge they rally behind.

Ethics of Encryption Essay -- Essays Papers

Ethics of Encryption Effects of Encryption on the Constitution of the United States of America In the rapidly developing field of computer science, there is no more controversial issue than encryption. Encryption has become a highly contested issue with the broad use of global networks including the Internet. As more and more sensitive documents are being placed on computer networks, and trusted information is being sent from computer to computer throughout the world, the need for encryption has never been greater. However, the effects of encryption on our lifestyle and the government's role in encryption has been (and will continue to be) debated for years to come. The United States (U.S.) Constitution was drafted to prescribe to the American people, government's powers and limitations. In the form of the Bill of Rights, the people's rights were added to the Constitution to make the document complete and to ensure that the U.S. government does not hold the power to oppress the citizens of this country. The right to privacy, though never specifically mentioned in the Constitution, has been interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court from the First, Fourth, and Fifth Amendments as well as many other passages in the document. These three amendments are the focus of the debate over encryption. Does the government's plan to limit encryption have an adverse effect on the citizens' rights to free speech, protection from unlawful searches and seizures, or self-incrimination? There are many terms which have been introduced by the field of encryption. Each of these terms are need to understand this discussion. Plaintext is the original document to be transmitted or stored on a computer system. Ciphertext is the encrypted document. ... ... Case for 'Clipper'." Technology Review. July 1995: 48-55. Dorman, Lester et al. "Digital Privacy." http://rescomp.stanford.edu/~pweston/privacy.html. December 1995. Froomkin, A. Michael. "The Metaphor is the Key: Cryptography, The Clipper Chip, and the Constitution." http://www-swiss.ai.mit.edu/6095/articles/froomkin-metaphor/text.html. December 1995. Henick, Ben. "The Constitution of the United States." www.csum.edu/A_S/History/docs/usacon.html." December 1995. Licquia, Jeff. "PGP Frequently Asked Questions." http://www.prairenet.org/~jalicqui/pgpfaq.txt. December 1995. Litterio, Francis. "Statement of Rep. Jack Brooks (D-TX)." http://draco.centerline.com:8080/~Efranl/clipper/brooks-statement.html. December 1995. Morton, Bill. "The Beginner's Guide to Pretty Good Privacy." ftp://ftp.prairenet.org/pub/providers/pgp/pgpbg11.asc. December 1995.

Promote Equality and Inclusion

Promoting Equality And Inclusion I am writing this booklet to inform all members of staff, adult carers, children and young people about supporting understanding and to raise awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion. Equality and inclusion are moral and legal obligations. As a practitioner you have a role in ensuring that in all aspects of your work every personas given opportunities to thrive and prevent any barriers that may stop them from reaching their full potential. Equality and inclusion are moral and legal obligations.As a practitioner you have a role in ensuring that in all aspects of your work every personas given opportunities to thrive and prevent any barriers that may stop them from reaching their full potential. Diversity. Diversity means difference. People are different in values such as race, religion, beliefs, disability, sex and values. Even though people are different this doesn’t mean they are excluded from society, everyone has similarities such as c ommon interests. ‘Diversity refers to the differences in values, attitudes, cultures, beliefs, skills and life experience of each individual in any group of people. ’(Meggit, C. 011, Page 27) Equality ‘Equality is about creating a fairer society, where everyone can participate and has the opportunity to fulfill their potential’ (London deanery, 2012). Equality does not mean that everyone has to be treated the same. People have different needs and ambitions, every person should have equality of opportunity. Promoting equality should remove discrimination in all of the areas of bullying, harassment or victimization. Inclusion ‘Inclusion is a term used to describe the process of ensuring the equality of learning opportunities for all children and young people, whatever their disabilities or disadvantages. (Meggit, C. 2011, page 27). Children and young people should be able to have the opportunity to do well. This is the opposite to discrimination. Discri mination Discrimination is not treating people equally based on personal characteristics, such as race and colour. Discrimination is usually based on prejudice and stereotypes. A prejudice is a pre-conceived opinion or in favour of something. It is prejudging someone knowing little about them but jumping conclusions because of a characteristic such as their appearance. A stereotype is a person or thing that conforms to an unjustifiably fixed, usually standardised, mental picture.The most common stereotypes are: sex and gender, racial origins, cultural or social background, disability and age. There are two types of discrimination : direct discrimination- This is when a child is treated less favourably than others for example being bullied is direct. ‘Indirect discrimination-this is when a condition is applied that will unfairly affect a particular group of children or young people’. (Meggitt,C (2011) p. 29) Potential effects of discrimination Discrimination prevents chi ldren and young people from developing a feeling of self-worth or self-esteem.Being discriminated against can last the whole child’s life. This means that they may not be able to fulfill their full potential maybe in school and in life they will find it hard to form relationships with others such as teachers and friends this is down to the lack of confidence they have from the discrimination and also lack of self-esteem and self-worth. They will eventually believe the stereotype or label they have being given from the discrimination against them and behave in accordance to others expectations and accordingly to the stereotype.The child or young person may feel like they are to blame for their unfair treatment and so withdraw themselves; this may lead to aggression and will prevent children and young people from interacting cooperatively with other children and young people. H ow inclusive practice promotes equality and supports diversity ‘Inclusive practice is term used within education of ensuring equality of learning opportunities for all children and young people whatever their disabilities or disadvantages. ’ (Meggit,C,2011, page 30).We have a diverse population and some of this diversity brings with it a range of social and educational issues that practitioners will need to recognise, understand and work with. All practitioners must work in a way that supports equality of opportunity and promotes diversity and inclusion. This means breaking down barriers that prevent children and young people from fulfilling their full potential. You must challenge all discrimination and follow the laws and policies set in your workplace.Differentiate all activities set to enable all children take part and achieve this is promoting equality, also promote all positive attitudes towards diversity by making sure all that the materials, toys, books and displays reflect the diverse society that we live in. Practitioners Bibliography London deanery available at http://www. faculty. londondeanery. ac. uk/e-learning/diversity-equal-opportunities-and-human-rights/what-is-equality-and-diversity (accessed on the 4th October 2012) Meggit,C. Kamen,T. Bruce,K. Grenier,J. (2011)children and young people’s workforce. 1st edition. London;Hodder Education.

Internet Phishing Essay

Internet Phishing is the 21st century crime with stories running all over the globe on how victims are succumbing to this attack. While the people carrying out this task, have continually developed more sophisticated methods of crime, while on the other hand, businesses have been continuously searching for solutions on how to protect their customers’ personal data and increase their email security. While most of the organizations around the world are battling for better and safer solutions, most of them are taking intermediary steps to prevent phishing. This paper intends to discuss the technologies and security flaws that are used by Phishers to exploit data. Along with this, the some neutral advise is also presented on how to combat the growing issue of Phishing. The word â€Å"phishing† initially comes from the equivalence that early Internet criminals used email lures to â€Å"phish† for passwords and economic data from a group of Internet users. The use of â€Å"ph† in the terminology is partly lost with time and has been most likely associated with other hacking words like â€Å"Phreaks† which traces back to early hackers who were involved in â€Å"phreaking† _ the hacking of telephone systems. Phishing makes use of most of the popular internet communication channels, spoofed messages in order to lure victim into their trap in order to steal the electronic identity of the victim. Phishing is related to the act of tricking customers with their confidential information for despicable use. Phishing targets the use of mass emails like Spam and most often make the use of bots to automatically target victims. Any online business may find Phishers masquerading as them and targeting their customer base. The size of the organization does not matter much over here but it is the value of the information that is reaped by such types of attacks. There has been an escalating amount of increase in the number of phishing attacks and now the Phishers attack an audience size in the range of millions of users around the world. These email addresses have been found at the large online retail websites where internet users tend to submit their email id’s at the click of a mouse. Some of these websites have also been found to be fake and illegal which allow the Phishers to easily fool the users into submitting their personal information very easily before identifying any kind of safety issues. While the method of Spam was quite annoying and burdensome, Phishing has the potential to directly attack the important data and create losses due to illegal currency transfers. As the study suggests, over 57 million internet users in the United States have already identified the links in their emails to phishing scams. An astounding number of 1. 7 million people have already fallen prey to these phishing attacks and have been tricked into submitting their personal information. According to R James, â€Å"With various experts extolling proprietary additions or collaborative improvements to core message delivery protocols such as SMTP, organizations may feel that they must wait for third-party fixes to become available before finding a solution to Phishing. While the security failures within SMTP are indeed a popular exploit vector for Phishers, there are an increasingly array of communication channels available for malicious message delivery. † With time, the concept of Phishing has increased by many folds and now Phishers are luring the victims by a variety of ways to divulge their personal as well as financial information. Fake websites, installation of Trojan horse key-loggers and screen captures, and man-in-the-middle data proxies are some of these tools used by Phishers. These websites also include job sites and even lucrative job offers. People who are looking for huge amounts money on the internet within a short span of time, are the ones who are lured easily on these websites. These users open up a bank accounts and use this bank account to receive money and then transferring this money to their own personal bank accounts. These websites actually lure the victims by making them perform a number of safe looking actions that ultimately provides access to the user’s personal account information. Most of the communication channels that are most popularly used on the interne such as email, landing pages, IRC, messaging systems, are also used freely for the purpose of Phishing. In these cases, the phisher has to imitate a faithful source for the victim to believe. Till date the most successful of the phishing scams have been done with the help of emails. In these scams the Phisher copies some sending authority (e. g. spoofing the source email address and embedding appropriate corporate logos). For example, an internet user recives an email from an email address like support@bank. com and the email contains the subject line â€Å" security update† and contains a request as to validate their personal account information in order to stop a security threat that has been initiated on their account. After reading this emails, over 70% of the internet users would be willing to send their personal account information in order to get verified by contacting the email sender and requesting them to cancel the order or the transaction. After this the phisher now asks them to divulge their personal information and thus easily lures the victim into his trap. Countering the Threat As already stated above there are a number of phishing methods that can be used by the Phishing community. To combat these threats, there are a mix of information security technologies and techniques that are available for the internet users in order to safeguard their personal data from Phishing scams. For the best results and safety, these safety measures should be put onto the three logical layers of the system in question.

Healthcare in the United States Essay

Health care around the world is very different. The United States is a pluralistic, privately owned system. They are technology driven, and an insurance based type of health care. They have issues with the cost rising versus the people receiving benefits. Germany, Canada, and Great Britain all use a universal type of health care where they believe all citizens should have moderate access to treatments. Germany uses Socialized Health Insurance. Canada uses National Health Insurance that is divided among its provinces and territories. Finally, Great Britain uses Socialized Health Insurance. Key Words: Health care, United States, Germany, Great Britain, Canada. The United States of America is based upon principles set forth by our founding fathers. â€Å"We the people by the people† is one of the principles that we still live by today. This is a value that we implement in all sects of government, including health care. The United States has a health care system that is mostly pri vately owned. The government usually steps in when needed. Such cases involve money for vulnerable populations, fundraising, and training individuals in the healthcare field. There are many characteristics of our healthcare system that are vastly different than other countries such as: Germany, Canada, and Great Britain. While the United States’ healthcare is mostly managed by private sectors, their healthcare is predominantly run and financed by the government. Growth in science has led for an essential need for new technology. Hospitals are constantly competing and advertising new technology. Why compete for new technology? Many healthcare providers and holders of heath care plans feel that there are great legal risks involved when new technology has not been implemented. Other stakeholders that desire modern technology are the patients and the physicians. Patients now desire to use new technology because they assume that it has greater benefits than the old method. Physicians also want to tinker with the new tools that modern day society has developed. In the United States, access to health care is based on insurance coverage. You may receive the service through four major avenues. Firstly, the public may join a government healthcare program such as Medicare or Medicaid to receive benefits. Secondly, employers can provide insurance to their employees. Thirdly, an individual with the means to afford healthcare may purchase insurance on their own. Finally, people may  pay for services individually. However, there are some Americans who have chosen not to have insurance. â€Å"In 2006, forty-seven million people (58.8% of the population) were uninsured, meaning they were not covered by any program, public or private† (jblearning.com). When someone is uninsured they have a few options. One option is to pay out of pocket for the individual services that they require. The second option is to access Federal Fund Centers, and the third option is to pursue treatment for their acute illness. When a citizen seeks treatment, hospitals are required to give them care due to the implement of The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act of 1986. This law states that a few tasks must be completed regardless of the patient’s ability to pay the hospital. The patient must first be admitted to the hospital and then given a physical scan. Following the scan the individual should be given the appropriate care in order to stabilize them. Furthermore, a major characteristic of health care in the United States is the exorbitant amount of money it costs to receive health care. As a nation, we spend more than any other country in the world on providing health care to our citizens. Although we are spending a large amount of the countries deficit, we are seeing little progress in providing access to the masses. Healthcare is one of the largest contributing factors to the United States’ GDP with a cost of over 2.7 trillion dollars (Sultz, 1997, p.1). With such cost, innovations and expansions are inevitable. The new technology has undoubtedly helped advance the longevity of people’s lives, but it has also raised the cost of being able to access the treatments. People with better insurance or a greater need for the service may get an unfair advantage in receiving these services. This advantage causes a moral dilemma for the physician and the Health Care Administration (HCA) staff. Physicians and staff need to make sure that the old method is no longer as great as the new technology. This will keep costs down and allow for a greater amount of peopl e to receive the treatment that they need. The United States is based on a health care system where individuals must purchase their own insurance while still paying taxes to fund other government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. As with any health care system, issues may arise. A key issue deals with employers and employees. In many cases, employers provide a healthcare program to their workers. What if the employee is a part-time worker? In such instances, many employers do not  offer such benefits for individuals who are not on the clock full-time. As we all know, health care in the United States is the most expensive care in the world. The issues with this expense are many. While costs are already high, they are only going to continue to sky-rocket. Another issue with cost is that while Americans are spending an outrageous amount of money, they are not reaping the benefits. Millions of Americans are still unable to receive the proper health care because they are unable to afford insurance. Unlike the United States, most European countries have national health care. The United States and European countries differ substantially in the way they conduct medical care for their citizens. These health care programs provide care for all citizens, known as â₠¬Å"universal health care.† Universal healthcare is a blanket term meaning there are different sub-divisions that stem from this type of care. Germany, Canada and, Great Britain all have different types of universal healthcare. Germany is a socialized health care country. Socialized health care means that funds are contributed by employers and employees because of government mandates. The Germanic government is in overall control of all procedures. However, there are still private delivery programs that help with carrying out the health care processes in Germany. â€Å"All Germans with incomes under â‚ ¬46,300 are required to enroll in one of the sickness funds† (healthcare-economist.com). Higher income citizens may opt for private care or join a federal sickness fund. The federal government decides what benefits to add to this package. Sickness funds are provided through a pay roll tax which is taken from the employer and the employee. Less than ten percent of the population decides to use private in surance. Insurance and payments using the federal sickness fund are closely related in the socialized healthcare system. Many believe that carrying out procedures in this manner provides a more orderly healthcare in comparison to the United States. Canada uses a different form of healthcare known as the National Health Insurance System or commonly referred to as Medicare. This form of insurance â€Å"was initially established in the Medical Care Act of 1966 providing fifty-fifty cost sharing† (jblearning.com). General taxes collected by the government are what finances the healthcare system but private providers deliver the care. The government decides how the insurance plans ultimately work. Canada has ten provinces and three territories that carry out the functions of the  healthcare while the government oversees their actions. All Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible for health insurance in Canada. Unlike America, Canada’s system is built to facilitate people’s need for health care rather than their ability to pay for services. Medicare is intended to assist all Canadian residents so that they have reasonable access to hospitals and physicians. Canada has a multi-part insurance plan for the provinces and territories. Each has similar features and standards that come together to form Canada’s health care plan. When a resident arrives at the health care facility they simply show their health care card. Most services are covered by taxes paid to the government. However, in some cases you will need private health care because policies are slightly different when traveling from a province to a territory. Finally, Great Britain’s health care is provided through the National Healthcare Service. Like Canada, their system of health care is designed to help all the citizens receive health care. Great Britain’s system is publically funded through general taxes of the people. For a single-payer health care system, the cost of providing care is relatively low. However, there are limited options in choosing your provider as well as a long waiting list to see them. â€Å"There are 750,000 Britons on the waiting lists for hospital admission; 40% of cancer patients are never able to see an oncologist; there is explicit rationing for services such as kidney dialysis, open heart surgery and care for the terminally ill†(Healthcare-economist.com). This is why a very small percent of the citizens choose t pay for private health care which is almost the same as generic health care but with better care and quicker waiting times. This health care is almost the same as the generic insurance Great Britain provides but it has shorter waiting times and better quality care. Another feature of this system is that there are no deductibles and almost no co-pay. In summary, the United States has a very different system of health care than Germany, Canada, and Great Britain. The United States is private, whereas the other countries are mostly publicly run by the government. Every system of health care has its pitfalls. Today, politicians and the public are trying to find a way to maximize the efficiency of cost, access and quality. References: http://healthcare-economist.com/2008/04/14/health-care-around-the-world-an-introduction/http://www.jblearning.com/samples/0763763802/63800_ch01_final.pdfSu ltz, H., & Young, K. (1997). Health care USA: Understanding its organization and delivery (8th ed., p. 1). Gaithersburg, Md.: Aspen.

Walmart and Target a Closer Look at Strategic Interaction

Main Paper Walmart and Target: A closer look at strategic interaction Maastricht University School of Business and Economics Maastricht, 4th December 2011 Bastian Hauk, BH ID number: i6034999 Study: International Business Course Code: EBC1009 Economics & Business Group Number: 31 Economics Tutor: Khan Writing Tutor: Hetty Bennink Writing Assignment: Main Paper Table of Contents Page 1. Introduction 2. Economic Principle: Game Theory 3. Applied Economic Principles 3. 1. Theory of Game for simultaneously Decision Making 3. 2. The extended Version for consecutive Decision Making 4. Conclusion References 4 6 7 8 2 2 1 Introduction In the United States of America there are only two very well-known discount retailers: Target and Walmart. Both are currently operating all over the country which places each of them among the biggest corporations in the United States. Nearly every American has been to at least one of them because they sell almost everything and E. Basker described this service â€Å"one-stop shopping† (2007). In 2007, Walmart operated more than 3,400 stores across the USA and a survey showed that by the end of 2005 46 percent of Americans lived within 5 miles of the nearest store; within 15 miles even 88 percent (Basker, 2007).Target operated 1,750 stores in January 2011 (Target Corp. , 2011). Since their wide range of products is quite similar they are large competitors. Thus, they are constantly waging price war against each other. In addition, they make use of strategic interaction and especially of game theory which is a mathematical model describing a decisionmaking process and showing how the players make different decisions that potentially affect each other’s interests (von Stenge, & Turocy, 2001). This paper analyses strategic interaction between Walmart and Target with respect to the game theory and the extended version.In order to do so it introduces first the theoretic background of strategic interaction. Afterwards it applies g ame theory and the extended version to this case in order to show the impact of strategic interaction on both discount retailers. It concludes by stating the importance of strategic interaction to optimal decision making and its relevance for Walmart and Target. 2 Economic principles: game theory and extended version The theory of games describes certain concepts in which several players influence each other’s decisions in situations of conflict and competition (Moffatt, 2011).In order to apply game theory there must be at least two players. The three basic elements of a game are the player, the strategies he can choose from and the payoffs the players receive from each combination of strategy. The payoff matrix describes the outcomes in a certain game for each possible combination of strategies as shown in Figure 2. 1. 2 Player One Strategy 1 Strategy 1 Outcome Player 1 Strategy 2 Outcome Player 1 Outcome Player Two Strategy 2 Player 2 Outcome Player 1 Outcome Player 2 Outco me Player 1 Outcome Player 2 Figure 2. 1: Payoff matrix for a two player game Outcome Player 2If one player used a dominant strategy, his choice yields a higher payoff, regardless what the other player does and as a result he has no incentive to change his strategy. For this example, player one’s dominant strategy would be strategy one if he received a higher outcome no matter which strategy player two chooses, but only if he then receives the highest payout. There are also some particular outcomes; for example the Nash equilibrium which occurs when any combination of strategies is the best strategy with the best possible outcome for all players (McDowell, Thom, Frank, & Bernanke, 009). An outcome created by two dominant strategies which is worse than the outcome created by two dominated strategies is called prisoner’s dilemma. The prisoner’s dilemma only occurs when each player’s dominant strategy results in a smaller payoff than it would have if they ha d chosen the dominated strategy. Game theory also assumes that the decisions are made simultaneously. To illustrate a game in which the players decide interdependent, the economist uses the extended version of game theory which is displayed with a game tree (McDowell, Thom, Frank, & Bernanke, 2009). Company 1 Decision: Action A or Action B Action A Company 2 Decision: Action C or Action D Action C Outcome 1 Outcome 2 Action D Action B Company 2 Decision: Action C or Action D Action C Outcome 3 Outcome 4 Action D Figure 2. 2: Decision tree Figure 2. 2 is an example of a game tree. Company 1 first decides which action they will take, which can be either A or B. Company 2 then has the choice how they want to react and whether they take action C or D. The best outcome can only be achieved with a backward nduction as a result of evaluating the results first and afterwards predicting the other player’s strategy. For example, outcome 3 would be the best outcome for company 2 if comp any 1 chose action B and therefore company 2 chooses action C. Outcome 2 would gain the highest profit for company 2 if company 1 took action A. 3 Applied Economic Principles 3. 1 Theory of game for simultaneously decision making As stated in the introduction this two very large American retailers are competitors and have a very similar customer base.The income of Targets customer base is slightly higher but it is not relevant for strategic interaction (Neuman, 2011). Theory of game helps to understand the different prices and how the different price strategies affect consumer behavior. This example is not based on any specific data. However, it is logic for somebody willing to buy a certain good to substitute the same good with an identical one if the price is lower and there are not any additional efforts to make. By applying game theory, the three basic elements have to be clear. 4 Walmart and Target are the players.Different pricing of a certain product -a television- are the st rategies while the different profits are the results of each combination of the strategies. Both companies have two pricing strategies: either to charge a low price of â‚ ¬300 or a high price of â‚ ¬500. They have to make the decision simultaneously, for instance before they release the television to the market. It is important to know that the customers are also willing to purchase the television for the high price. Target High Price (â‚ ¬500) High Price (â‚ ¬500) Walmart Walmart earns â‚ ¬10,000 profit Low Price (â‚ ¬300) Walmart earns â‚ ¬15,000 profit Figure 3. : Payoff matrix for Walmart and Target Figure 3. 1 shows a potential payoff matrix for this strategic interaction. It shows all possible outcomes for the two pricing strategies. Walmart and Target would both make â‚ ¬10,000 profit if they charged the high price and â‚ ¬7,500 profit if they charged the low price. If Walmart chose the low pricing strategy and Target used the high pricing strategy Walmart would gain â‚ ¬15,000 compared to the â‚ ¬5,000 profit Target would make. Target also makes â‚ ¬15,000 profit using the low price if Walmart decides to charge the high price.What does that mean for both companies? Since both of them would earn a higher profit by setting the price low in this scenario, both companies would choose â€Å"Low Price† as a dominant strategy. On the contrary, â€Å"High Price† would be the dominated strategy. Nash equilibrium can be found when both companies pick the â€Å"low price† strategy because they don’t have an incentive to change their strategy. This payoff 5 Low (â‚ ¬300) Target earns â‚ ¬15,000 profit Walmart earns â‚ ¬5,000 profit Target earns â‚ ¬7,500 profit Walmart earns â‚ ¬7,500 profitTarget earns â‚ ¬10,000 profit Target earns â‚ ¬5,000 profit matrix also shows that the strategy combination of â€Å"high price† and â€Å"high price† would be the best possible outcome for both firms. But rather than applying the dominated strategy Walmart and Target use the dominant strategy. This dilemma is called prisoner’s dilemma. Those dilemmas exist quite often and there are many reasons why they exist, for instance, both companies do not want the other one to make a higher profit or even to have the chance to receive a higher profit. 3. 2.The extended version for consecutive decision making Therefore Target and Walmart react and might change the strategy they had choosen. Both competitors often change their strategies. Although Singh (2006) stated that prices at Walmart are about 15 percent lower than in traditional supermarkets, Neuman (2011) proved by comparing almost 60 items that Target’s prices were a bit lower than Walmart’s. It is hard to rely on data which are released with a 5 year time difference but it shows that both firms constantly adjust the prices to be competitive.High Price Target High Price Walmart Low Price â‚ ¬10,000 for Target â‚ ¬10,000 for Walmart â‚ ¬15,000 for Target â‚ ¬5,000 for Walmart â‚ ¬5,000 for Target â‚ ¬15,000 for Walmart â‚ ¬7,500 for Target â‚ ¬7,500 for Walmart High Price Low Price Target Low Price Figure 3. 2: Decision Tree for Walmart and Target 6 Since the decisions of both companies are not made simultaneously the reacting firm -in this case Target- has to find out what action to take in order to receive the highest profit for either move Walmart makes. Walmart moves first and selects either strategy.Target is in the position to decide and how it wants to react. Thus, Target uses backward induction. First it evaluates the best results for each action Walmart uses; â‚ ¬15,000 profit if Walmart sets a high price and â‚ ¬7,500 profit if Walmart sets a low price. Afterwards it chooses the strategy how to get to that profit. Finally Walmart moves and selects the low or the high price strategy and Target is able to react sufficiently. Assu me that Walmart chooses the high price strategy then Target sets low prices and due to that Target earns the highest possible profit. Conclusion Walmart and Target are large competitors on the American retailer market and therefore strategic interaction is very important for them. Both companies know the ways to decide how to act concerning different strategies. Both companies know that it is necessary for them to react and choose the best strategy. In the first example both companies simultaneously introduce a television to the market. Their dominant strategy is to set a low price because both of them hope that the other company chooses the high price strategy.This is one example of a free market wherein the customers always choose the low price if available. Walmart and Target would earn a larger profit if both set the high price. In the other case Walmart moves first and afterwards Target chooses the strategy which leads to the highest outcome. The reacting company’s best strategy in the extended version of game theory is always the low price strategy. On the contrary, when two companies have to decide simultaneously it is not always the best choice to choose the low price strategy although it is their dominant strategy. References Basker, E. (2007). The Causes and Consequences of Wal-Mart’s Growth. The Journal of Economic Perspectives, 21 (3), 177-198. McDowell, M. , Thom, R. , Frank, R. , & Bernanke, B. (2009). Principles of Economics, 2nd European Edition. Maidenhead, UK: McGraw-Hill Education. Moffatt, M. (2008). What are Game Theory and Bargaining Theory? Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://economics. about. com/cs/studentresources/f/game_theory. htm Neuman, S. (2011). Target Takes Aim At Walmart, With Some Success, NPR. Retrieved December 4, 2011, from http://www. pr. org/2011/08/19/139793948/target-takes-aim-at-walmartwith-some-success Singh, V. , Hansen, K. , & Blattberg, R. (2006). A Market Entry and Consumer Behavior: An investig ation of a Wal-Mart Supercenter. Marketing Science, 25 (5), 457-476 Target Corp. (2011). Target Annual Report 2010. Minnesota, US: Target. Retrieved December 7, 2011 from http://www. sec. gov/Archives/edgar/data/27419/000104746911002032/a2201861z10k. htm#bg11101a_main_toc Turocy, T. L, von Stenge, B (2001). Game Theory. Academic Press Limited, 2 (2), 69-73. 10. 1080/07430170152379371 doi: 8

Cosi: Lewis Changes by Directing the Play

How are ideas about betrayal and loyalty explored through the structure of the play-within-a-play? The most obvious structural feature is the ‘play-within-a-play’, which highlights the parallels between the characters and themes in Mozart’s opera, and those in Nowra’s play. Both the opera and play revolve around issues of loyalty, fidelity and betrayal. The backdrop of war is also a significant feature of both texts: the Vietnam War in the 1970s (in Cosi) and the Albanian battle for independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1790 (in Cosi Fan Tutte).Wars also involve loyalties and betrayals, and their chaos on a grand scale underscores the chaos in the lives of the characters in the opera and the play. (Sue Sherman : English for Year 12) †¢According to Mozart’s  Cosi  Fan Tutte, the issue of fidelity is depicted to be an ideal that is never achieved. †¢Since ‘women are like that’ – the interpretation of ‘cosi fan tutte', Mozart encouraged the belief that men should simply accept women are indeed disloyal in relationships. Nowra illustrates this same idea about women and infidelity through Lewis and Lucy’s relationship. While Lucy is ‘sleeping’ with Lewis, she is also ‘having sex’ with Nick.When Lewis discovers Lucy’s betrayal, she waves aside his shock, defending that ‘it is not as if we’re married. ’ The revelation does indeed prove that Cosi Fan Tutte is correct in stating that, ‘woman’s constancy is like the Arabian Phoenix. Everyone swears it exists, but no one has seen it. ’ †¢Although the women in both Cosi Fan Tutte and Cosi are shown to be unfaithful, so are the men. While the men in Cosi Fan Tutte do not actively participate in adultery, they do fabricate their departure to the war and also disguise themselves as ‘Albanians. ’ Their deception is also a betrayal to their wives. Meanwhile , Don Alfonso manipulates everyone. As seen in Cosi, Lewis is unfaithful to Lucy as he kisses Julie during rehearsals. †¢Julie later reveals that she has a girlfriend who she would prefer to be with, confirming that both men and women are unfaithful in relationships. (source: VCE Study Guides) Quotes on Fidelity/Betrayal „Women are never true.? „Women like to pretend they don’t play around, but they’re just more secretive about it. They don’t brag about it like men.? „Women are flesh and blood too.? „I don’t like men’s double standards.? â€Å"Women’s constancy is like the Phoenix of Arabia.Everyone swears it exists, but no one has seen it.? Irony in the fact that Henry plays the part of Don Alfonso in Cosi Fan Tutte as Henry firmly believes in truth and fidelity whereas Don Alfonso is cynical about it. â€Å"This Cosi condones the corruption of innocence. Women are told to be tramps. Free love. † â€Å" Whether women can remain true is a tragedy. † â€Å"Don’t insult those pure men. They? re models of fidelity and perfect love. † (Cosi Fan Tutte) â€Å"Only mad people in this day and age would do a work about love and infidelity. † Lewis and Julie kiss demonstrating that men too can be unfaithful.In a way, Nick is also unfaithful in his friendship with Lewis. â€Å"You have enemies for life, but never lovers. † â€Å"Everyone blames women, but I forgive them. If they change their love a thousand times a day, some call it sin, others a drug, but I think it’s the necessity of women’s hearts. † â€Å"That’s how men want us to be – even though they’re not true and faithful themselves. † Wagner â€Å"foreshadows what is going to happen to the couples in the future. A life of torment and adultery. † Nick justifies his infidelity with â€Å"we’re mates, aren’t we? † Nick and Lucy „didn’t last long as both were not into love and fidelity.?

The Coca-Cola Company Business Environment Term Paper - 1

The Coca-Cola Company Business Environment - Term Paper Example The company is the largest in manufacturing, distribution, and marketing of nonalcoholic beverage syrups and concentrates. It maintains its operations in more than 200 countries. The company thus needs to analyze their internal environments for threats and opportunities in order to maintain their position in the ever dynamic competitive field. These different environments fall under the Pestle analysis that helps the company managers to make macro decisions on policy changes. These include taxes, new laws, trade barriers and government policy changes among others. At the coca cola company, economic challenges are posed by inflation due to the economic crisis in most countries. The customer purchasing power is reducing to high oil and product prices. There is also a high rate of unemployment. Moreover, competition from other brands such as Pepsi is increasing. However, the company does not plan to cut down the price of their products. Socially, the lives of customers especially women is changing. Most of them are going out to work. It has resulted in the need for time management and the preference for healthier foods. Many people currently opt for tea, milk, coffee, and juices putting pressure on the Coca-Cola Company. Consumers between the ages of 37 and 55 are more concerned about extending their lives hence focused on nutrition. Soda and sweetened drinks have been associated with obesity. This has affected sales as consumers have become more aware of healthy lifestyles. Both the legal and political environments affect marketing decisions at the company. These include laws, pressure groups like the â€Å"killer coke† and government agencies. For instance, in the 1970s a subsidiary group in India wanted the company to share their secret formula under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act. They declined and had to halt their operations for 16 years (Kaye, 2006). The producers have been forced to provide exclusive territories to distributors.

Team Project Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

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