Monday, September 30, 2019

Most Children Are Sexually Assaulted By Strangers Essay

Societies are afflicted with the trauma of child abuse where the fear increases when the offender stands and laughs amongst the families of the child. It is said that children are not to be allowed to communicate with any strangers as these can be the abusers, this is just a myth. The following paper will attempt to prove that most of the children are abused by the people they already know. Introduction It is a well-known fact that child sexual abuse is a daily recurrence and the numbers and statistics that are presented are not the true depicters of reality of child abuse as there are many cases that go unreported (Bolen, 2001, p. 78). Many myths are associated with child abuse blurring the reality of child abuse. One of the most important myths that surround the issue of child abuse relates to strangers being held as frequent child abusers. Many authentic statistical figures prove otherwise. It has been generally highlighted that children should be watched for any communication and contacts with the strangers as most often the strangers are involved in abusing children sexually. Figures have highlighted that more than 85% of the children are sexually abused by the people they know and these usually include family members, fathers, family friends, and neighbors. These people being closer to the families and thus, the children, are more aware of the psychologies of the children that are exploited to approach the children in unethical ways (Cossins, 2000, p. 34). It is important to note that sex offenders look for a chance and an opportunity to abuse children. Strangers do not have the chance to explore the psychologies of the children as it is generally seen that children generally do not open up too well with the strangers as compared to the affections that they share with people they know. These affections make it much easier for the offenders to control the children before and after abuse (Richardson, and Bacon, 2003, p. 49). A study was carried out in three American states and it was found that more than 96% of children abused were under the age of 12 and were abused by the people they knew. The study has divided the children in two main categories, boys and girls. In case of boys under the age of 12, the study highlighted the percentages of offenders. Only 4% of the offenders were strangers, 20% of the offenders were fathers, 17% were family members and relatives while the rest of 50% offenders belonged to the category of friends. In the case of girls under the age of 12, 12% were abused by the family members, 33% were found to be abused by the strangers and 55% were offended by acquaintances (Itzin, 2000, p, 67). Another important fact that has been highlighted by the studies indicates the development of a relationship between the victim and abuser, and these relationships continue for an average of four years. Moreover, offenders and potential child abusers develop a relationship with the children and in some cases with the families of the children, in order to be acquaintances with the target children (Bolen, 2001, p. 40). Boston Globe published a report in 2000 that highlighted the findings of a group of psychologists treating sex offenders. It was mentioned that the case of child abuse by the strangers is very rare; still parents more often focus on strangers as the potential danger for their child while the threat comes from the families and even spouses. A report has been published by National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children in 2005 highlighting the dimensions and percentages of child abusers. The report indicated that 94% of abused children knew the abusers, 59% of the abusers were from the families, 35% of the abusers were acquaintances, only 3% were complete strangers, and on an average 22% of the children, boys and girls were abused by their fathers (Cossins, 2000, p. 89). Conclusion There is a need to realize that people from within the families are much more on a chance to be the offenders as compared to the strangers. Parents need to look inside their houses for offenders rather than looking on the roads and in parks for the potential dangers. References Bolen, M. R. (2001). Child sexual abuse: its scope and our failure. Springer. Cossins, A. (2000). Masculinities, sexualities, and child sexual abuse. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. Itzin, C. (2000). Home truths about child sexual abuse: a reader. Routledge. Richardson, S. , and Bacon, H. (2003). Creative Response to Child Sexual Abuse: Challenges and Dilemmas. Edition 2. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Economics and Dahlia Furniture Private Essay

On August 1984, Mr. Chua Boon Kang and Mr. Leong Sim Lam bought over Peter Lim’s forty six percent (46%) stake at Dahlia Furniture Private Limited. Although co-owners at one time, Mr. Chua and Mr. Leong have found Mr. Lim’s management of the company to be unsatisfactory. Some reorganization took place as most of the production workers who were doing subcontracting orders solely for Dahlia had resigned due to poor company performance in 1982. Dahlia also sold off seventy five thousand dollars ($75,000) worth of machinery used for mass producing furniture which was previously purchased by a former Managing Director, who has since left the company. Now at the helm, both are uncertain about the long term direction of the company. Meanwhile, they are both concerned over maintaining sales growth in a highly competitive industry. Dahlia Furniture made its entrance into the furniture industry in 1972 as subcontractors to two large furniture concerns, Ching Lin and Diethelm. It supplied mainly wall units and kitchen cabinets while bedrooms sets and dining sets were subcontracted out or obtained from local suppliers. Business went well and the company decided to branch into retailing. Between 1979 and 198, Dahlia acquired two factories At Ang Mo Kio and Upper Thomson at a cost of $400,000 and $300,000, respectively. The factory At Ang Mo Kio was rented out on a monthly basis to furniture makers who were also subcontractors to Dahlia. The company also acquired two or more showrooms in the Bukid Timah and Upper Thomson area in 1978 and 1982, respectively. I. TIME CONTEXT The Dahlia Furniture Private Limited Case (Case) was developed in 1985 by Mr. Ch’ng Hak Kee and Ms. Jeannie Teoh from the National University of Singapore. (Reference: Book) The case, as described is dated in the 1980’s in which Singapore’s economy was dependent on external markets and suppliers pushed. In the 1980s, Singapore was a free port with only a few revenue tariffs and a small set of protective tariffs. It had no foreign exchange controls or domestic price controls. There were no controls on private enterprise or investment, nor any limitations on profit remittance or repatriation of capital. Foreign corporations were welcome, foreign investment was solicited, and fully 70 percent of the investment in manufacturing was foreign. (mongabay.com) This shows that there is quite a contrast with regards to foreign policies as compared to the Philippines which has more stringent rules with regards to foreign investments considering that both countries are within the same region and are at the time regarded as developing nations. For the first two decades of its independence (1963, Britain and 1965 from Malaysia), Singapore enjoyed continuous high economic growth, largely outperforming the world economy. Its GDP growth rate never fell below 5 percent and rose as high as 15 percent. At the same time, Singapore managed to maintain an inflation rate below world averages. However, the 1985 international recession severely affected the economy as Singapore is dependent on foreign investments. However, due to better policy making, the country, on the same decade experienced a rise of the construction and manufacturing industries. By 1988, Singapore has rebounded. (wiki) II. VIEWPOINT As the more important decision makers for the company, Mr. Chua and Mr. Leong have to decide on the direction of the company where they want to be. Since the case does not directly supply a problem, it is presumed that the students are to make decisions based on the interpretation of the case. III. MAJOR POLICY STATEMENT The furniture business industry vision, the philosophy is built upon providing tailor-made business furniture solutions that exceeds our client’s unique needs and expectations whilst remaining cost competitive. IV. CURRENT BUSINESS POLICY V. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM VI. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVE a. Long Term i. To develop strategies that will enhance and raise sales figures ii. To be highly competitive aginst both foreign and domestic competitors b. Short Term iii. To improve company’s position in the market iv. To exceed sales figure from the previous year VII. SWOT ANALYSIS STRENGTHS| WEAKNESSES| 1. Target Market is well defined 2. Multiple supply/inventory sources 3. Stable Management (as of 1984) 4. High quality Image 5. Highly profitable Branch (Orchard Area)| 1. Limited Market 2. Slow moving imported inventory 3. Primary Decision Makers are indirect Competitors 4. Low Profit Branches| OPPURTUNITIES| THREATS| 1. Re-exportation 2. New design trends 3. Improve profits from weaker branches 4. Open market for imported furniture| 1. Conflict on interests between the decision makers and the company 2. Loss of competent managers 3. Gradual changes in economic policies of the government 4. Loss of clients to competitors| VIII. ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION 1. Import all products and continue its high quality and fairly expensive image with middle and upper income family’s clientele. 2. Expand its production unit and contend with competitors through lowering of prices to reach a larger market, the mass. 3. To formulate a proportionate inventory acquisition with some products imported and some manufactured, to drive away competition and at the same time, maintain its present image, also to reach all brackets of prospective clientele. IX. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES X. DECISION STATEMENT XI. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMS XII. PROPOSED BUSINESS POLICIES XIII. MANAGEMENT LESSONS LEARNED Dahlia Furniture Private Limited I. Problem : What way of acquiring inventories should Dahlia employ to maximize profit and improve the company’s position? II. Alternatives : A. Import all products and continue its high quality and fairly expensive image with middle and upper income family’s clientele. B. Expand its production unit and contend with competitors through lowering of prices to reach a larger market, the mass. C. To formulate a proportionate inventory acquisition with some products imported and some manufactured, to drive away competition and at the same time, maintain its present image, also to reach all brackets of prospective clientele. III. Advantages and Disadvantages * Advantages for Alternative A * Dahlia would be free from hiring more labor. * Will maintain its present image for quality and pricing. * No overhead costs. * Smaller units of products are needed to be sold because of its price * Problems about filling their showrooms are rapidly solved. Disadvantages for Alternative A * Would turn out costly if not sold two months or more. * Dahlia would be driven away by competitors because of erratic pricing. * It could not cater to the mass market. * It will be pinpointed by government for using foreign labor and might affect its credibility. * Advantages for Alternative B * Will not incur large cost, even inventory remain idle for quite some time. * The company can now afford to cater the mass market. * Can now drive the competition. * Will not violate government’s policy on foreign labor. Disadvantages for Alternative B * Will incur large overhead cost. * Company’s current image might be at stake. * Has to hire more labor that will boost costs. * Might incur losses if driven away by erratic pricing. * Advantages for Alternative C * Lower risk for the company. * Will neutralize all costs. * Will have a larger†¦ [continues]

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Cloud Computing Research

The world revolves around money. Why pay more for less or why would you pay for something that you don’t need. In this research essay I will explore the Cloud Services community. I will explain what important services to have are and which type of cloud services you should have for the size of the company you are running or plan to run. The basic criteria people need to know about cloud services and what they offer is the most important. First and most importantly is the price. Others are storage space you allowed to have, reliability, features, upload speed, ease of use. These will be the premise of using to find out what service would be best for you. The first cloud provider chosen to look at is Amazon. Amazon EC2’s simple web service interface allows you to obtain and configure capacity with minimal friction. It provides you with complete control of your computing resources and lets you run on Amazon’s proven computing environment. Amazon EC2 reduces the time required to obtain and boot new server instances to minutes, allowing you to quickly scale capacity, both up and down, as your computing requirements change. Amazon EC2 changes the economics of computing by allowing you to pay only for capacity that you actually use. Amazon EC2 provides developers the tools to build failure resilient applications and isolate themselves from common failure scenarios (Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud ). Next we are going to look at Google cloud service. Google offers seamless integration with current Google products is one of the best features that are being offered. There may also be the ability to connect to future Google software for movies and music. The features of other Google products are very helpful. Those would include Google Maps, Docs, Google Search and Gmail. There are lots of other products that Google has developed and released for free, but lately they have been shutting down some of those projects to focus on other areas of the business. One exciting feature of Drive is the optical character recognition technology they have added. That means that customers will be able to scan images of text and the system can convert it over to digital text. It can also be used for image recognition so that every time you search for a word in your files or on the internet, images you have uploaded will be included in those search results. The initial 5GB are free and possibly will be ad funded. Then they are offering a 25GB and 50GB plan with monthly pricing. We will update our review as soon as we know more. Though, we have heard that 1TB will cost around $49. 99 a month (The Ten best Cloud Storage). Next we are going to look at Rackspace. The Rackspace Cloud is a growing set of Cloud-related products and services billed on a utility computing basis, including web application hosting/cloud platform (â€Å"Cloud Sites†), cloud storage (â€Å"Cloud Files†), VPS/Virtual private server (â€Å"Cloud Servers†), Cloud Load Balancers, Cloud Databases, Cloud Backup, Cloud Monitoring, and more. The Rackspace Cloud was one of the first commercial cloud computing services (Rackspace Cloud). So given the basic information above we are going to find out what is best for the consumer. Are you a large Fortune 500 company or are you a startup company looking for space where you wouldn’t have to buy a server and all the necessary equipment to run an IT department. For large companies you should stick with a provider that is not going any place soon and this is Google. Google is a very large company that can offer a lot of space and resources for your company to run. If you are a smaller company and looking to keep your budget down then Rackspace would be the way to go. Now if you are the one that loves to take pictures and have them uploaded then either Google or Amazon would be the way to go for you. Whatever your case may be this will help you in determining what cloud service you may want.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Memo Audience Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Memo Audience Analysis - Essay Example They have the responsibility of steering the business in China to profitability. This group of individuals are quite aware that consumption trends do vary according to the population. However, it may not be clear to them how the market situation for soft drinks in China is. The presentation will endeavour to provide meaningful insight into the market situation in China and the factors that influences consumption among the Chinese. Another consideration to be made is that executives understand in general that there are business regulations in China but may not know them precisely. Doing business in China especially for a foreign company attracts regulations that are variant from the regulations from a company from the country. Therefore, the executives should be made aware of the production regulations, tax obligations and other business policies that applies to an international company doing business in China. The primary audience, which comprises of the business executives, are obliged to get the information and then pass it over to the junior staff and other colleagues not represented during the presentation. Their education background and experience provides a good platform for effective use of the information passed over to them. Their perception towards the information is contributed by the view that they will need to thoroughly understand the market since they already know that every market has its own dynamics. The executives will definitely respond positively towards the information because it is in their interest to go out into China and use the knowledge that they have acquired. Their expectation is that they will be able to get as much information as possible that will help them to get all the questions that they have answered. Their prior experience solidifies their confidence and strengthens their capacity to sit back and read the presentation for more insight. However, it is apparent that based on their experiences there are

Thursday, September 26, 2019

How useful are the concepts of enterprise 'push' and 'pull' in Essay

How useful are the concepts of enterprise 'push' and 'pull' in explaining the factors that influence the decisions of individual - Essay Example They also involve innovative activities that are why entrepreneurship is also viewed as a major transmission mechanism that not only creates knowledge but also motivates economic growth (The World Bank, 2011). Apart from this, entrepreneurship or self-employment also acts an alternative source of employment for the labour force. Self-employment is a type of labour status which involves an extensive range of diverse activity. Starting an own business offers flexibility to the individuals and assist them in meeting the financial goals as well as the professionals goals. Entrepreneurship or self-employment has been always supported by government of the different countries because it not only creates employment within the country but also supports in overall growth and development of the country. Moreover, progress of the country in terms of trade, commerce and innovation can be estimated from the increasing rate of self-employment or entrepreneurship in the country (US Department of Lab our, n. d.). Many studies in entrepreneurship literature have focused on the factors that lead the individuals to decide on for self-employment. The two major factors or variable that is commonly associated with self-employment is dissatisfaction and uncertainty avoidance. According to Brockhaus (1980), the dissatisfaction of the employee with the previous work is strongly associated with the self-employment or entrepreneurial decision of the individual. The second reason is uncertainty avoidance, which signifies the degree to which an individual feels threatened to an unknown or uncertain situation. This involves indicators like stability of employment, tendency of staying longer in a particular job, etc. The present economic condition of the global market, rising level of unemployment in the world, and volatile financial condition has led to the increase of uncertainty among the individuals, which directs them towards self-employment. Various scholars have further contributed in u nderstanding the factors that leads to entrepreneurship (Hamilton and Harper, 1994). Other than the perceived capability that leads to self-employment or entrepreneurship, such as social, or financial, individuals would also have to reveal an enthusiasm for being self-employed. In this case entrepreneurial motivation plays an important role. Gilad and Levine (1986) has explained the distinctions between pull and push entrepreneurial motivational factors. It has been argued in the Model of the Entrepreneurial Event, that the advent of any business depends on the changes that take place in the life of the individual, which is also called a displacement. This displacement may be negative that is job loss, divorce, etc, or may be positive, such as property or business inherited, etc. The characteristics of the individual determine the way the disruptive events are perceived, valued or experienced (Shapero and Sokol, 1982). The decision for the entrepreneurial career is taken by the indi vidual not because of an objective situation, but because of the perceptions that he/ she has. The individuals start a new business as a response to certain disturbing events that occur in their lives, or may go in other directions too. Individuals get motivated through various factors for entrepreneurship. The primary approaches that leads to the development of entrepreneurial m

Final paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Final paper - Essay Example Additionally, around 6% of the Palestinians are Christians and only 1% of the Palestinians are represented by other small religious groups. Israel is an official Jewish country and it is situated in the Middle East. Additionally, Palestine comprises of two physically separate groups; the Muslim and Arab territories and they are located alongside the Israel’s West Bank (Gaza and Jordan River). Moreover, all these territories are dependent. Officially, no internationally recognised border separates Palestine and Israel. The lack of a demarcating border has led to the two countries claiming that they own the lands they currently occupy, and this has resulted in disputes for centuries now.1 The decades-long course of action aimed at resolving the border conflict between the two religious factions led to the creation of another overlapping conflict; managing the extremely unpleasant coexistence between the Israelis and Palestinians. The unpleasant coexistence has led to the Israelis military occupation of the Palestinian territory, while at the same time the Palestinian armed groups terrorise the Israelis mercilessly. Those two conflict dimensions were made worse by the long existence history of violence and bitterness between the two groups. Essentially, it is not the existence of distrust and resentment that usually make reconciliation between these two groups ineffective, but the existence of extremists who usually oppose any negotiation and want to subjugate or even destroy the other side. Moreover, when these extremists control the peace conversation and process, they usually ensure that they derail the whole process.2 In other words, the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis has advanced into a horrible cycle of conflict and the peace process continues to look less possible each breaking day. In most cases, these two groups are blamed equally for perpetuating conflict because many people, in both sides, enjoy squandering peace as well

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Research Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Research Project - Essay Example The new start up retail organization is seeking for required funds from several effective funding bodies in order to start the new business in the potential industry. There are two major funding options for the organization, such as lending capital from renowned commercial banks and borrowing funds from the angel investors. However, it is important for the organization to develop an effective business plan so that the funding bodies can believe that the particular business has huge potentiality. The new kitchen appliances retail organization can propose different financial institutions and commercial banks in order to borrow the start up business capital. It is true that the commercial banks and several financial institutions generally offer both secured and unsecured landings for business start up in order to meet the working capital requirement. The commercial banks usually offer unsecured loans to the start up business organizations depending upon the management’s judgement (Leach and Melicher, 2011, p.110). On the other hand, the banks generally offer the secured loans against the organizations’ deposited collaterals and securities. However, the unsecured loans usually do not demand any kind of collateral or security from the start up business organizations against the lending of loans as start up business capital. The commercial banks or different financial institutions usually provide unsecured loans to the business organizations in the form of corporate credits and overdrafts. Several angel investors are also can be considered as the important funding bodies for the start up kitchen appliances Retail Company. The angel investors are also considered as informal investors or business angels. These angel investors used to have vast experience about several business forms. These investors generally belong to the wealthy and rich businessman segments. The rich and affluent angel investors or the business angel generally provide the

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Lab report (exercise physiology unit) Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

(exercise physiology unit) - Lab Report Example determine Heart Rate training zones, recovery and much more.   Lactate is a metabolic product that can be measured by taking a drop of blood at a finger tip the same way diabetics monitor their blood sugar level.   The blood lactate level increases with exercise intensity and shows clearly the transition from aerobic to anaerobic activity.   Since the measurement is completely individual it gives a precise method for testing and monitoring training intensity and recovery.   (FaCT Canada Consulting Ltd, n.d.) Two body fat tests were performed on a 22-year old male named Dave. Firstly, skinfold measurement was done. In this case two methods were employed namely, Jackson and Pollack Method (1978) and Durnin and Wormersely Method (1974). Secondly, Dave underwent a Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The table below shows the data gathered from the two body composition tests. Using the formula to calculate the percent body fat for Jackson and Pollack Method and using the table provided for Durnin and Wormersely Method the percent body fats are 5.6 and ~12.9 respectively. The percent body fat calculated showed a discrepancy thus using skinfold method measurements is not a valid predictor of percent body fat; however they can be used as a monitoring device to indicate changes in body composition over time. Dave’s Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) provided a percent body fat of 16%. According to the table above Dave fall under the description of ‘Fitness’ thus we can say that his percent body fat is appropriate and acceptable for his age. The table above shows a part of the blood lactate test results of Dave. We can observe the significant increase of heat rate as the time of exercise progressed. Blood lactate concentration, and changes in it, result from the balance between adding lactic acid to the blood, and the clearance of lactate from the blood by muscle and the heart for metabolic purposes. At rest and low exercise intensities, lactic acid’s

Monday, September 23, 2019

World Civilization I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

World Civilization I - Essay Example The Nubians and Egyptians had specific interests in their interaction, something that was to be of great benefit to their political spheres. Despite the pharaonic state aimed at drifting them from the culture of the Niles, Egyptians still held close relations with the Nubians who were powerful, making them feel threatened; also being that their interests were in the gold, precious stones, ivory and ebony that were only available in the southern parts of the Nubian kingdom (Timothy 2010). Nubian equally with the strong interests in Egypt wanted to protect their interests by taking charge of river Nile trade wise and in need of assurance in protection of their independence from Egypt to the north. There also was the Nile River that was a common source of water for their agricultural activities: watering livestock and crops. Due to their broad flood plains and ability to support larger populations, Nubians moved to Egyptian lands for agriculture, something that brought them even closer. In a nut shell, Egypt and Nubian had a lot in common and their interaction in trade and agriculture contributed a lot to their political life. Their interests in each other’s goods and services are what could never have separated them. Egyptians were blessed in terms of productivity and land which brought Nubians close to them also the need to protect their independence; with Egyptians having interest in the gold Nubians had, ivory, ebony and precious stones. This unity was beneficial as it positively impacted on both their political and economic

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Technology and the Environment Essay Example for Free

Technology and the Environment Essay With the development of Computers and information technology came talk of a new environmentally friendly era. The need to create and store documents on paper would be gone, along with the need to travel from city to city to conduct business meetings. The developers of computers sold Government Originations and Corporate America on these cost saving concepts. The promises made by computer developers proved to be somewhat true, especially given the wide spread deployment and use of Internet and email. Although computers have succeeded in reducing paper consumption, time, and fuel wasted while traveling they have managed to create some other waste management disasters. E-Waste is a new phrase that has been coined in the last few years. The term refers to the massive amounts of electronic waste that is being generated by ageing computer equipment being sent to disposal facilities and landfills each year. According to the National Safety Council, more than 150 million used PCs are sitting idle in storage in the United States with an additional 315 million computers that will need to be recycled or scrapped in 2004. The manufacturing of computers has transformed life in the second half of the 20th century. This also leads to rapid product obsolescence and lack of focus on environmental and social impacts of expanding production. The average computer platform now has a life span of about two years; hardware and software companies constantly generate new programs that demand more speed, memory and power. It is usually cheaper and more convenient to buy a new machine for the newer software than it is to upgrade the old machines. Disposing of e-waste in a landfill may seem harmless but in reality it is very dangerous to water supplies, plant life and humans in the surrounding areas. Electronic computer equipment is a complicated assembly of more than 1,000 materials, many of which are highly toxic, for example chlorinated and brominated substances, toxic gases, toxic metals, photo-active and biologically active materials, acids, plastics and plastic additives. Health impacts of the mixtures and material combinations in the products are unknown. The production of semiconductors, printed circuit boards, disk drives and monitors use very hazardous chemicals, and workers in chip  manufacturing are reporting cancer and birth defects. New evidence shows that computer-recycling employees have high levels of dangerous chemicals in their blood. The list of toxic components in computers also includes lead and cadmium in computer circuit boards, lead oxide and barium in computer monitors cathode ray tubes, mercury in switches and flat screens, and brominated flame retardants on printed circuit boards, cables and plastic casing. Considering the fact that landfills leak and even the best are not completely secure they will eventually allow a certain amount of chemical and metal leakage into the surrounding environment. The Environmental Protection Agency is just now beginning to recognize that these problems do exist and are creating new laws and regulations to correct disposal of e-waste. Several states are now adopting disposal programs, and some are even designating sites where consumers as well a businesses will be able to dispose of their unwanted computers without fees. These government programs as well as independent companies trying to recapture IT assets are proving successful. Although computers are responsible for a large increase in the amount of waste generated they have also been responsible for a significant decreases in fuel consumption and air pollution. With the rise of the communications era in recent years there is less need to travel. With video conferencing people can now go to a meeting without leaving their home, talk to someone with a cellular phone and do a myriad of other things including work, shop, search and communicate through the World Wide Web. With all this, there is less reliance on cars, which translates into less harmful carbon monoxide emissions. By using these advanced techniques and dealing with waste in a more responsible manor we would reduce air pollution and overfilled landfill sites saving valuable resources along with our invaluable environment. Waste recycling efforts, and utilization of technology hold the key to  solving our waste problems. By using methods such as recycling and responsible manufacturing techniques to reduce waste we would eliminate the need for designated landfill sites and the resulting massive pollution clean up costs. Computers like promised can be the solution, not cause of societies waste problems.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Engagement In Classroom Participation Education Essay

Engagement In Classroom Participation Education Essay Participation usually means students speaking in class: answer and ask questions, make comments, and join in discussions. Students who do not participate in those ways mentioned above are often considered to be passive and are generally penalized when participation is graded (Jacob chase, 1992). Participation in classroom: To engage the students in Participation in a classroom is an important method of teaching. It provides the students opportunity to receive input from fellow students, to apply their knowledge and to enhance public speaking skills. From the Participation of teachers can get a more accurate idea that what is the understanding level of students about the concept being taught (Maznevski 1996). Engagement in classroom participation: Engagement within the learning environment generally refers to the relationship between the learner and the content or topic being pursued. While the highest levels of engagement are seen when the learner is passionate about the topic, significant levels of engagement can be achieved through a variety strategies that actively involve the learner in activities and environments that make learning both interesting and challenging. Engagement with content leads to higher levels of learning (Whelan, C.1997). Our experience reveals that for many students class participation is a big problem. Teachers often complain about students passive behavior in class participation. But up till now there has been a very little research into the promotion of class participation. But studies have been conducted in social scial sciences and business studies (e.g., Egan 1996, Hyde Ruth 2002, Litz 2003). More often low self-esteem, anxiety, and general lack of confidence is considered responsible for students non-participation in the classroom (Kennedy, 1997; Thomson, 2001). Student Participation: Lack of participation could be due to multiple factors. My first thought was that students reluctance could be due to lack of understanding, but it could very well be that he does not feel connected to the curriculum; he cannot relate to it. Students who are empowered by their school experiences develop ability, confidence, and motivation to succeed academically. They participate competently in instruction as a result of having developed a confident cultural identity as well as appropriate school-based knowledge and interactional structures (Cummins, 1983). Active learning Bonwell, C.C., and J. A. Eison (1991) suggest that Active learning is generally defined as any instructional method that engages students in the learning process. Active learning requires students to do meaningful learning activities and think about what they are doing. The core elements of active learning are student activity and engagement in the learning process. Adopting instructional practices that engage students in the learning process is the defining feature of active learning. The importance of student engagement is widely accepted and there is considerable evidence to support the effectiveness of student engagement on a broad range of learning outcomes. Importance of language: Language is a mean of communication by which human beings express their feelings, emotions and fulfill their needs. According to Tariq Rehman, 1996: Language is a coin and what it buys in the market is power. Higher status and attractive jobs are attached with English language. The demand for learning a language is linked to empowerment. So English language is promoted in university education, so that the students can attain their goals. But this prevailing of language in higher education is not as simple as it seems because all the students have diverse demographics which do not equally support the speaking of English in classroom. The language barrier becomes an additional hurdle in students classroom participation. kachru (1992 pp.66-67) found that poor pronunciation and Accent problem stops many students to participate in classroom discussion. Kachru, (1995) points out majority of Asian students study through the medium of English but they are not proficient enough in English and reflect their regional varities of English while speaking. Sociolinguistics view of language: Sociolinguists are of the view that individual differences in oral communication among students are dependent upon social variables like age, status, ethnicity, gender etc. when students step in classroom, their pattern of language is already influenced by these factors (Scott, 1995). In he earlier studies, students communicative competence was considered as an important set of rules by learning these rules they can comprehend and participate in classroom context. If the student fulfills the specific requirements about language use, he can communicate effectively with class fellows and teachers. If they dont comprehend the class room communication system their learning is affected and they learn comparatively less. Due to language problem they participate passively in classroom activities. Difference between home language and classroom language also reflect upon development of students communicative competence. If these both languages are identical somehow, students are motivated to learn literacy events taken place in classroom (Morrow, 1993;Â  van Kleeck, 1990, 1995, 1998;Â  van Kleeck Schuele, 1987;Â  Whitehurst Lonigan, 1998). Vygotskys social constructivist theory played a major role in language learning theories. He is of the views that all learning is socially integrated. Motivation: The process of learning begins when an individual faces various social situations. These situations provide certain type of experience to the individual as the nature of the situation, which further enables the individual to behave in a certain way. All of these social situations give some sort if instigation, which act as motives and drivers for the individual. These motives and drives may be evident in the form of behavior of the individual concerned. Such kind of behavior undertakes the purposes which are indirectly dominated by the drives and motives. Therefore, a motive may be said as the base of the behavior of the individual, which works as internal factor to make individual behave in the desired direction. A motive is an internal factor that arouses, direct and integrates a persons behavior. It is not observed directly but inferred from his behavior or simply assumed to exist in order to explain his behavior (Marry, 1964, p.7). These motives not only describe the desired goal but also the role of the individuals in the concerning social situation. This undertakes individuals social as well as psychological condition. Motivation is a general term used to refer to any arousal of an individual to goal-directed behavior. The term motivation when applied to human is a Social-psychological concept and motivation cannot be considered apart from the individuals conception of himself, his social status and roles, and the existence of society and culture which define situations and appropriate and desirable behavior. (Theodorson and Theodorsm 1969, p.26) Motivatin participation: Studies have linked motivation and participation to students achievement (Eccles Wigfield, 2002). Students who gave importance to learning the material and have greater expectancy to be successful in a course are more likely to achieve at higher levels (Wigfield Eccles, 2000).Learners with a more positive attitude towards lifelong learning tend to be more persistent, more self-directed, and more self-confident (de la Harpe Radloff, 2000). They efficiently use cognitive strategies to maximize their learning (Zimmerman Martinez-Pons, 1992). Achievement Motivation: Achievement motivation is an important determinant of aspiration, effort and persistence when an individual expects that his performance will be evaluated in relation to some standard of excellence (Sill 1972, p. 27). Relationship between Performance and Achievement motivation: Atkinson and Connor (1966) conducted a study to find out the relationship between the task performance of students and the strength of their achievement motivation. The texture of the study revealed that the students with stronger motives to achieve success and avoid failure show greater performance for difficult risks and more efficient and faster tasks performance for difficult risks and efficient and faster tasks performance than those who had relatively weak motive to achieve success and avoid failure. The finding of this study suggests that stronger achievement motives determine the degree of the performance of the individuals which struggling to achieve their certain desired goals In the same token (Atkinson, OConner. 1996). Achievement goal theory: Various kinds of purposes of students towards participating in class room activities are based on their sentiments, thinking, performance and attainment according to achievement goal theory (Midgley, 2002; Ames, 1992). Most of the researchers emphasized on two major types of goals: Mastery goal: it enhances competence in the students. Performance goal: it concentrates on acting upon that competence. Both of these goals may be attained through the personal goal of the students (Urdan 1997; Kaplan, Middleton, Urdan, Midgley, 2002). Personal Goals The competence of the students might be improved through their personal goal and that competence is based on their own prior performance instead of the others (Maehr, 1984; Ames, 1992; Nicholls, 1989). Kaplan et al., (2002) argue that students of full devotion for the sake of being proficient in some specific skills may show their mastery goal. Both performance-approach goals and performance-avoid goals are ultimately depend on students personal goal (Skaalvik, 1997; Middleton Midgley, 1997). Diligence, attempts and efficacy beliefs are related with performance approach goal. However, refusal from participating in class room for the sake of achieving some tasks is often linked to performance-avoid goals (Elliot, McGregor, Gable, 1999; Kaplan et al., 2002; Urdan, Ryan, Anderman, Gheen, 2002). Adopting difficult tasks, good learning strategies, questing for something at the time of need, positive behaviour according to various tasks and fascinating class room atmosphere are the good consequences which could be attained through mastery goals ( Ames, 1992; Urdan, 1997; Kaplan et al., 2002). Classroom Goal Structures: Ames (1992) stated that according to goal theory, class room, the nature of the students and their beliefs may affect the motivational factor of the students. Class rooms with more performance- focused may put negative impact on students than that of a normal class room. Negative results may include various types of cheating and different kind of misbehavior in the classrooms (Kaplan et al., 2002; Turner et al., 2002; Urdan et al., 2002). Multiple Goals Students may have multiple goals along with other various types of goals as some researchers have noticed this in different ways. This is compound of different sorts of personal goals and it is therefore, called multiple goals. A few researchers indicated that multiple goals may have positive or negative effect as well (Meece Holt, 1993; Pintrich, 2000; Wentzel, 1991) Teacher Instruction and Achievement Goal Structures: The students perceive their goal structures according to the instructions of their teachers (Ames, 1992). Different teachers give instructions according to their vision. Middle class teachers detail their students according to their knowledge and in the same manners teachers of all classes motivate and direct their students in their own way. Turner et al., (1998) gave a brilliant idea about motivation of the students that what teacher says and in which manner, is main pillar among students to be motivated. The Association between Personal and Environmental Factors Covertly or overtly, the motivation of the students depends upon their behaviour as individuals as they treat in the classroom whether they obey the instructions or demonstrate ignorantly (e.g., Elliot et al., 1999; Pintrich, 2000; Patrick, Ryan, Pintrich, 1999). Most of the researches try to inquire in learning process in the class room but they seldom effort for knowing the atmosphere of interaction among students that how much differently they behave in the same classroom (Patrick et al., 2001; Turner et al., 1998, 2002 ) Aspect of person-in-context undertakes the responsibility to know how individuals and environments influence on each other (Lemos, 2001; Vauras, Salonen ; Magnusson Stattin,1998). Socio-cultural theories are used to assay the process of children being socialized in the classroom and in the systems of meanings along with the way they try to take these meanings by their own as well (Brown Campione, 1994). ` According to Rogoff, (1990), pint of view, the child and social world are essencial for each other. Factors affecting students participation in the class and suggestions as well: More of the students appear to have an inactive role in the class room participation (Weaver Qi, 2005). Synthesis, evaluation, analysis and application are the more important things which are to be developed during class room participation (Tinto, 1997); (ACER, 2008). Weaver Qi (2005) argues that in large class room size, most of the students maintain their secrecy as well and have less opportunity to participate in the class room activities. The power of the instructor (Howard Baird, 2000), gender and the age discrimination of the pupils (Howard, James Taylor, 2002), the cognitive level towards class room(Chung, 2000;Tinto 1997) and also the sentiments of the students (Chung, 2000;Howard et al., 2002) are such factors which have significant influence on the interaction amongst students in the class room. The societal behaviour of students and teachers as well has a great effect on class room participation (Weaver and Qi (2005). The students get frightened by the instructor and lose their confidence to participate in different kind of activities in the class room (Dallimore, Hertenstein Platt, 2004;Chung, 2000). To lessen the gap among students and teachers and to provide student-friendly atmosphere enhance the degree of participation in various activities in the class (Weaver Qi, 2005; Auster MacRone, 1994). It means, the more the social links among student-teacher and among student-student, the more student-centered atmosphere there will be. The participation in the class room increases the reasoning of the students, critical thinking and creativity skills in them as well. (Tinto, 2002; Foster et al., 2009; Wilson Fowler, 2005). The best learning environment and participation could be increased through demolishing the factors like uncertainty and anxiety in the class room (Sim, 2006). McInnis (2001) suggested that the participation of the students could be increased in the class room through redesigning our curriculum and different types of courses in a significant manner which may prove a mile stone in engaging different groups of students with one another. Tinto (1997), related class room with academic and social interchange and by keeping this point of in mind, even a lay man can propose the idea of producing the social links among students with other students and with teachers also. Confidence Classroom participation: The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary defines confidence as the mental attitude of trusting in or relying on; firm trust, reliance, faith, assured expectation, assurance arising from reliance (on oneself, circumstances, etc.). In the literature on the topic, confidence has been defined as a trait (Bernstein et al, 1994; McKinney, 1960) and as a situationally specific concept (Brodie, Reeve Whittaker, 1995; Champion, 1993). Confidence is assuredness in oneself and in ones capabilities (Erwin Kelly, 1985, p.395). In relation to social interaction it has been defined by Manning Ray (1993) as calmness and assertiveness during social interaction (p.180). Manning Ray (1993) found confidence as being the opposite of shyness and as situational. Some researchers referred to self- efficacy as confidence (Wanberg, Watt Rumsey, 1996) whereas, Bandura, originator of the term self-efficacy wrote in 1997, that confidence and self- efficacy are not the same. Confidence has been thought to be part of self-esteem or to be synonymous with the concept of self-esteem (Wells Marwell, 1976), whereas Coopersmith (1967) argued that self-confidence was a term used to describe the subjective state of self-esteem and reported that an individual who expresses negative attitudes towards himself thereby indicates that he has little confidence in his abilities to deal effectively with the events that confront him. Lawrence (1999) defined self-esteem as confidence writing confidence is self-esteem in practice and has two aspects: Confidence in abilities Confidence in personality Owens (1993) viewed self-esteem as being comprised of general self-confidence and general self-deprecation; he explained general self-confidence in terms of positive self-evaluation. Indeed, this lack of confidence (DFES, 2002, p.1) on the part of large numbers of students was considered specifically in recent policy documents concerned with the drive to enhance basic skills. It is, certainly, a crucial factor in learning at all levels. Reisenberger (2002) suggests that although there are still situational and institutional barriers for students participation in the classroom to be overcome more attention need to be directed towards dispositional barriers, particularly factors linked to learners confidence. Students feel shyness when they are asked to take part in classroom (Fassinger 1995; CELT 1998). Sometimes students show lack of confidence because of the fear that they may seem unintelligent to their fellows and teachers while answering the questions or presenting their point of view on an assigned topic and so they feel it comfortable to remain silent (CELT, 1998). Thsee issues can sometimes be traced to a lack of participation by students (Howard Henney 1998). Many research work indicates that although the individual learner can affect his/her own level of confidence, tutors, peers, mentors and workplace supervisors can help increase the learners confidence by providing support, encouragement, and constructive feedback. Such learning support needs to unpack meanings of confidence in task-specific contexts in order to overcome particular dispositional barriers. Self confidence: The students who feel shy and hesitate to ask the various questions in the class are assumed to have lower level of achievement motivation. Whereas those who do not feel this kind if hesitation are expected to have higher level of achievement motivation Students Personality Type and Attitudes towards Classroom Participation: Personality is one of the affective factors that are equally important for explaining differential success among students. Extroversion is linked with risk-taking; introversion is considered under the concept of self-esteem (Brown, 2000). Passive students: mean who do take part in class room activities frequently are often punished by the teachers. Overtly or covertly, their being passive in the class could be either because of their personality. Personality is two types as following: Extrovert Introvert These types of personality affect classroom participation according to the situation. Personality is also more important for learning process. Extrovert personality is linked with risk-taking where as introvert is associated with self-esteem. (Brown, 2000) Similarly, Galvan and Fukada (1997/1998) put forth their experience of avoidance from participation in student-centered classroom because of personality factor. They also concluded that extroverts participated in the classroom more than introverts. Often students of introvert personality couldnt raise even a single question. Extroverts are more interactive than that of introvert students in class room because introverts like to have few friends in the class but extroverts keep on enhancing their company (Myers, 1962). Introverts often fail to achieve the norms of the academic requirements due to less participation in classroom (Barrett Connot, 1986) as Carskadon (1978) concluded that extroverts, though have few thoughts, they act more than that of introverts who have more thinking power but act less than extroverts. Myers (1962), suggests that extroverts tend to prefer learning situations that afford interaction, while introverts tend to prefer small groups. Galvan and Fukada (1997/1998) found that extrovert students participated more than introverts. The participants who self-reported as having passive learners were least likely to initiate a question or volunteer an answer to a teachers question. Additionally, knowledge of personal preferences can help teachers and administrators understand and predict student performance so they can restructure the situation to facilitate more student participation. Barrett and Connot (1986) found that introvert learners do not get involved in classroom activi ties and have lower academic achievement. Extrovert students usually produce more action with fewer thoughts whereas introvert students produce various thoughts with little action (Carskadon, 1978). Constructivism of theory of classroom learning: Constructivism theory of learning and knowledge emphasis upon the learners active participation in constructing his own knowledge (Anderson, 1987; Jonassen, 1995; Resnick 1983, 1987; Schauble, 1990; von Glasersfeld, 1989, 1992). Constructivists consider that knowledge is gained when a learner uses his prior knowledge to understand the new information. So knowledge can be enhanced by instruction or guidance of teacher, but it is not a direct outcome of teachers instruction. As the construction of knowledge is dependant upon the prior knowledge of student, so all students get the understanding from teachers lecture according to his existing level of knowledge. Social constructivist perspective: Knowledge is socially constructed through collaborative efforts made by human beings (Brown, Collins Duguid, 1989; Cole, 1985; 1-lewson, Kerby Cook, 1995; Lave, 1988; Vygotsky, 1978). Knowledge can not be gained or a new concept is difficult to understand without its social context. Classroom factors: Tha construction of knowledge is also affected by classroom environment factors (Garner, 1990). A new concept is well understood by interaction with fellow students and teacher in classroom. Student Self-regulation of classroom behavior: Self-regulation of cognition and behavior is an important aspect of student learning and academic performance in the classroom context (Corno Mandinach, 1983; Corno Rohrkemper, 1985). There are a variety of definitions of self-regulated learning, but three components seem especially important for classroom performance. First, self-regulated learning includes students metacognitive strategies for planning, monitoring, and modifying their cognition (e.g., Brown, Bransford, Campione, Ferrara, 1983; Corno, 1986; Zimmerman Pons, 1986, 1988). Students management and control of their effort on classroom academic tasks has been proposed as another important component. For example, capable students who persist at a difficult task or block out distractors (i.e., noisy classmates) maintain their cognitive engagement in the task, enabling them to perform better (Corno, 1986; Corno Rohrkemper, 1985). A third important aspect of self-regulated learning that some researchers have included in their conceptualization is the actual cognitive strategies that students use to learn, remember, and understand the material (Corno Mandinach, 1983; Zimmerman Pons, 1986, 1988). Knowledge of cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies is not sufficient to promote learners achievement; they also must be motivated to use the strategies as well as regulate their cognition and effort (Paris, Lipson, Wixson, 1983; Pintrich, 1988, 1989; Pintrich, Cross, Kozma, McKeachie, 1986). There are some classroom tasks that can motivate the students (cf., Corno Rohrkemper, 1985; Malone, 1981), it is also evident to suggest that students perceptions of the classroom and their individual motivational orientations and beliefs about learning are relevant to cognitive engagement and classroom participation and performance (e.g., Ames Archer, 1988; Nolen, 1988). General expectancy-value model of motivation (cf., Eccles, 1983; Pintrich, 1988, 1989): This model presents three motivational components linked to the three different components of self-regulated learning. An expectancy component, which includes students beliefs about their ability to perform a task in the classroom: The research suggests that students who believe they are capable engage in more metacognition, use more cognitive strategies, and are more likely to persist at a task than students who do not believe they can perform the task (e.g., Fincham Cain, 1986; Paris Oka, 1986; Schunk, 1985). A value component, which includes students goals and beliefs about the importance and interest of the task: It includes students goals for the task and their beliefs about the importance and interest of the task. This motivational component essentially concerns students reasons for doing a task. The study recommends that students with a motivational orientation involving goals of mastery, learning, and challenge, as well as beliefs that the task is interesting and important, will participate in more meta-cognitive activity, more cognitive strategy use, and more effective effort management (e.g., Ames Archer, 1988; Dweck Elliott, 1983; Eccles, 1983; Meece, Blumenfeld, Hoyle, 1988; Nolen, 1988; Paris Oka, 1986). An affective component, which includes students emotional reactions to the task: It deals with students affective or emotional reactions to the task. There are a number of affective reactions that might be relevant (e.g., anger, pride, guilt), but in a classroom learning context one of the most important seems to be test anxiety (Wigfield Eccles, 1989). Effect of Socio-economic factor on classroom participation: Socioeconomic status is positively correlated with both educational attainment and achievement. The higher the students socioeconomic status, the greater his or her educational accomplishment is likely to be. The national Longitudinal Studies revealed several direct positive relationships between educational success (classroom participation) and socioeconomic status. One such relationship was found between the students socioeconomic statuses and their scores on various standardized tests administered as part of the study. One each test students from successively higher socioeconomic categories got better mean scores. Students come to college/university with variety of talents and handicaps that predispose them to towards academic success or failure and as they move through academic institute they continue to be influenced by these factors and others that are beyond the control of educational institutions. Family background and classroom participation: Students position in college and society are determined in large parts by their family background. Coleman (1996) and Jencks (1972) found that one-half to two third of student achievement variance is directly related to home variables such as socioeconomic level (Greenwood and Hickman, 1991, p. 287). Some home environment factors that influence student achievement include social class of family, early home environment, parenting style, type of mother child interaction, effect of the mother working, parent involvement in school decisions and activities, family and student aspirations, and the number of children in the family (Rubin and Borgers, 1991). The more children in the family, the less time parents interact with each child. Family and students aspirations for the future are another aspect of the influence of class, racial, or ethnic background. Parents who set high standards and have high aspirations for their children are more likely to have high-achieving children. James Coleman and colleagues found that black and white seniors had comparable aspirations; the difference was in taking the necessary steps to carry out their goals. Black students felt that they had less control over their environment and left their fate to luck and chance (coleman et al., 19666), though many lower-class black mothers find multiple strategies to encourage their childrens academic achievement (Rosier, 1993). Educational and social class background and classroom participation: Educational and social class background is the most important factor in determining differences between students. In fact, Jencks findings indicate that family background accounts for more than one-half of the variation other in educational attainment. Regardless of the measure used -occupation, income, parent education-family socioeconomic status is a powerful predictor of academic performance. Children succeed in large part because of their family background and what parents do to support their children in their education. Parenting style and parental expectations play a crucial role in setting the child, educational agenda. Guidelines about after school and weekend activities, television watching, home- work and other school- related decisions give the child structure and help the child set goals (Dornbush and Ritter 1992; lee, Dedrick and Smith,1991). One of the most important ingredients in a childs success in school is the degree of what parental activities help or harm childs school achievement. Involvement of parents is shaped by their social financial resources, their opportunities to be involved, and their own orientation towards education. Cultural effect on classroom participation: Difference in cultural background does also have effect on perceptions about classroom participation. Japanese students show long silence in interpersonal dealings and protection of face in classroom as well (Winbush 1995). Chu Kim (1999) found that Vietnamese students prefer to be right than to initiate the discussion. According to Chu Kin (1990) Concept of classroom participation among Asian students is different than other students. They consider the class participation just as answering the questions not to interact actively with fellow students and to pose questions. They are reluctant to comment on fellows presentations. They always prefer one-sided feedback from the teacher rather than from whole class critique. Dunphy (1998) found that western universities have their own social conventions that are not familiar to overseas students. Their social conventions also include the rules for classroom participation. Parents involvement in

Friday, September 20, 2019

The Effects Of Terrorism Tourism Essay

The Effects Of Terrorism Tourism Essay Terrorism has deep history since the cold war but this issue became most salient after terrorist attacks in September 11 2001 and July 7 2005. According to U.S department of state (2002), more than 3000 people of different nationalities were killed in the terrorist attacks in September 11, 2001. These attacks were the conspicuous example of terrorism on global level. Terrorism affects businesses around the world in both the long term and short-term. Czinkota (2004) cited that terrorism influenced long-term karma of entire industries, for example tourism, retailing and manufacturing industries. There are number of definitions of terrorism, which are complex and deliberate different dimensions. Alexander et al (1979) define terrorism as a threat or absolute use of enforcement and inclemency to achieve a political goal bye means of intimidation fear, and coercion. The beginning of 21st Century changed the world drastically and the first reason behind this was the incident, which occurred on September 11 2001. The devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York. On this date, the whole world came into shock when America was under attack. The second incident, which happened on 7 July 2005 in London added fuel to fire. As both these countries are the main economies of the world, these incidents had a hue impact on businesses all around the world. In this assignment, we will try to find the overall impact of these incidents left on the United Kingdom businesses. We will also focus our attention on the changes and new developments which happened, after these two events, in UK organizations. This threat of terrorist attacks poses a continuous atmosphere of risk for all businesses in UK. This risk itself creates extension for treatment of risk in management theories. The majority of management literature theories adopt the term uncertainty as a factor of unpredictable environment, which may influence the performance of organization in certain ways. The environment effected by terrorism also has a factor of unpredictability in it. 2. Effects of terrorism on UK economy and businesses: According to the European Commission 2001 report, terrorists direct their attacks against businesses for more than any other target. Terrorism can bring any organisation or economy to its knees because of its fear and businesses fear for more attacks may happen, so they afraid to operate as normal. Increasing cost of security and putting new systems in place can cost huge amount of money to businesses ultimately decrease in the market value of businesses? Terrorism has its massive effects on UK economy and business activities. It affects deleteriously on businesses strategies and most businesses operating in the effected areas gets impact from the thrust of government policies to quell terrorism. Businesses internationally and locally are particularly affected by terrorism because when incidents like 9/11 happen, it disrupts the supply chain and disturbs business activities in addition to interrupting information flows. It also effected on the industrial demand as well as consumer demand. This falling demand may have different outcomes which may comprises of losses of customers contracts, customer trust, reduced share of the market and a significant decline in sales, all of which could lead to business failure. For example according to the report of BBC 22 July 2005, Bombs will cost just UK tourism alone; Â £300 million. Terrorism has direct effect on UK organizations, somehow indirectly affects on buyers, which definitely declines in buyer demand creates unpredictable shifts, interruption in supply chain, disruption in the flow of policies, regulation and also has a wide impact on the macroeconomic factors of the country. Czinkota et al (2004) cited that over all every factor in economy gets the impact of terrorism and definitely responds to the action of terrorism. Modern terrorism is particularly onerous, because of characteristic of its time. The impact of terrorism on macroeconomic is crucial, customers feel themselves in stress and some kind of continuous fear, which definitely effects the spending patterns. When terrorist attacks happened in New York and London, they affected businesses in a direct and indirect way and disrupted the economic process. Both of these attacks were on the main economic cities of the world trade. To make the effects of the terrorist activities stronger, terrorist groups targeted public and private organizations. Businesses are more attractive target for terrorist as their presence is everywhere and their aftermaths are deeper on society and on the economics. 2.1 Direct effect of terrorism on businesses: Direct effects of terrorism comprise of instant and immediate consequences of terrorism. According to London Chamber of Commerce and Industry 2005 report, after the World Trade Center attacks, the IFM downsized its forecast of UK economic growth by 0.6% from 2.4% to 1.8% and according to Office of national Statistics data UK actual growth was 1.6%, which was weakest economic growth for more than a decade. According to the Institute of Directors report in 2002, after New York attacks 20% of private organizations had increased business security, 52% of organizations carried regular risk assessment to assess their vulnerability to attack. The effects of 7th July 2005 London bombings on UK organizations was even severe than the September 2001 attacks. The business confidence in London has slumped to the lowest levels not seen since the eve of Iraq War 2003. Number of UK organizations was expecting that the economy will improve in coming year but a dramatic slump given the -16% balance seen in the first quarter of the year. In August 2005, The Bank of England reduced Interest rates by one-quarter percent to improve economic conditions. The attacks brought bad time for the London not just in seasonal but economic term as well. According to Time Online (2005) UKs economic growth was seen to be the weakest since 1993. Many organizations respondents reported that their employees were scared to travel on public transport and preferred to travel by cars or taxies which lead to increased travel costs. For the people and organizations, which effected individually the loss was quite tragic. Moreover, direct effects include sudde n increase in cost of product, decrease in production and output of firm, and loss of valuable human capital. 2.2 Indirect Effect: 2.2A Change in consumer demand heterogeneously: While the indirect effects of terrorism in UK include prominent decrease in buyer demand, unplanned shifts and negative interruption in supply chain. Its also compel authorities towards the new policies and their immediate implementation. Indirect effects also include foreign relations of the UK organizations and countrys governments, which affects trade. According to Loewenstein et al (2001) specifically indirect effects contains demand of consumer that may interrupt the deal of purchase or supply. It is evident that industry operates according to the demand of buyer. This is infecting a widespread of common fear of individuals, which in results decline in demand of industrial goods. Daniel Steel (2008) narrates that economic research also has roots in correlation and among behaviour and emotion. The negative emotions like state of fear definitely effects consumer behaviour, even after the happening of those events Czinkota et al (2004) narrated that there may be need of making of policies, laws, and regulations for public and private organization in reaction to these terrorist attacks. Whilst these actions are intended to improve security conditions, they also cause delays in efficient business operations. 2.2B Indirect effects on organizational operations: The other indirect effects of terrorism on UK organizations was discontinuity in supply of essential goods, services and resources and sometime unplanned shifts. These problems cause serious impact on the operation of organizations. In July 7 London terrorist attacks on local transportation and logical system (supply chain) effects badly on businesses around London. Due to suspension of supply chain all businesses struggled and also decrease in efficiency of organizations. It is common problem, while in terrorist attacks, the short-term shortage of services, good, input raw materials and components occurs; it took certain time to recover from this kind of shortage. 2.2C Macro economic phenomenon: The macro economic phenomenon of London and New York terrorism was visible decline in per- capita income, decrease or sudden change in stock market value and increase in unemployment. Such trend affects the UK economy and consumer expectation. The long run impact was decrease in export and declines in GDP and tax revenues and the living standard of people. 3. Dealing Terrorism Shaped BCCM Planning: In this part we will critically analyse the different management approaches and strategies, which could be helpful for organizations to deal with the global crises like September 11 2001 and London Bombing 2005. In this part of the assignment will evaluate performance and adaptation of suitable strategy by organizations on different kind of business activities and scrutinize the different business strategic views, which an organization can adopt for minimizing the effects of terrorism. We will also discuss different ways that organizations can benefit in term of increase in profit and minimise the impact of terrorism. With the threat of terrorism, organizations have to focus on the particular resources which are available to deal with these threats. Except terrorism, there are some other threats (financial and non-financial) which are also effect the organizational performances at the same time, organizational management have confine resources and mental steam to deal with effects of terrorism. 3.1 General strategy: According to Alexander Dean C (2004), terrorism is a possibility, or it leads toward appearance of other possibilities. This kind of act effects producer and as well as consumer psychology, its behaviour of consumption and its buying patterns. The impact of terrorism effects specifically in economic, industrial, political and legal context of external environment. 3.2 Consider Terrorism as a factor while planning: Within the significant increase in risk of terrorism and uncertainty in the field, now all UK organizations are making policies or developing future strategies by considering terrorist threats. Organizations also need to include terrorism as a risk factor; selecting and targeting the potential threats and indentifying the different sources of threats are the most important tasks for organizational managers, while developing future strategies to grow and run the business locally or globally. 3.3 Sourcing, production and distribution: By considering the operation of the organization in value chain that directs it toward production of products and their development. Increasingly most of the UK organizations are getting their supplies from all over the world. The bitter risk of terrorism affects the internationally complex system of value chain. Mostly terrorist groups attack on the sites of organizations and their logistic system directly or indirectly. The indirect impact of terrorism is the imposition of new rules and regulations, which emerges suddenly in the reaction of attacks by the government sectors which cause disruption in value chain movements. Due to the negative interruption in supply chain, it causes difficulties for organizations to fulfil the production orders and customer demand. Due to tight security regulations at borders of all countries, a lot of the businesses have difficulties while fulfilling their operations. For example, Royal Mail suspended vehicles from moving between central London sites and in and out of London for the bulk of the day in July 7 2005. At least 25% of UKs mail move through London every day even if the final destination is elsewhere. The distribution and logistics are one of the most important direct and in direct impacts of terrorist attacks on UK organizations, thats why this became the duty of senior managers to incorporate the risk of supply chain in their future planning. Mentzer (2001) cited that most of the organizations have established system of value chain, which may helps organizations in getting raw material and goods from their suppliers and necessary components from all over the world. This is common practice for various organizations, due to globalization decrease in trade barriers and a secure supply chain infrastructure and advance telecommunication sources. The risk of terrorism is a major threat and challenge for the supplier organizations. As long as the organizations are expending their businesses around the world, the impacts of risk are also increases on the operations of the organizations. Accordingly, organisations have to plan the arrangements to reduce the thrust of terrorism and its consequences on the supply chain structure of companies. According to Ghemawat and Del Sol (1998) overall the companies focuses themselves to find out the other possibilities in order to make available the supplies for dealing in the competitive envi ronment in the emergent of risky conditions. Flexibility directs towards versatility, which is a potential to act alter activities and apply adapted activities, for fulfil the need of the specific situation. 3.4 Consequences of terrorism on Pricing: Organizations have to change price plans according to change in environment. Pricing is one of the fundamental factor which effects with the impacts of terrorism. For example in UK after Terrorist attacks, the insurance rates charged by insurance firms in big cities (like London, Manchester) where terrorist attacks occurred or had a higher chance of occurring, were much higher compare to small cities. Transportation companies may also charge a higher rate for carrying goods from or to risky areas. Similarly, uncertain environment of business pulls organizations to think about their pricing strategy. The sudden effect of terrorism is increase of necessary products like oil and food supplied etc. because of their shortage. Transportation companies charge higher fairs because of high risk to move into that area. Organizational management have to keep in view uncertainty while defining and developing the pricing strategy. The situation of commodity market is relatively different, where prices may fluctuate quickly with the flow of information, the price must soften in for those commodities. 3.5 Global strategy vs. multi domestic strategy: All UK organizations those who adopted multi domestic strategies had relatively less impact of terrorism of 07 July 2005 and 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks than those adopted global strategy. As far as the risk and fear of terrorist attacks increases, the theories emphasise more on multi domestic strategy in contrast with global strategies, which establish more meaningful ways to deal with uncertainty. According to Ghemawat and del Sol (1998) some of the resources may reduce the flexibility of organizations which in results cause interruption in performance of the business internationally, these resources are highly location specific and according to the demand of local markets. 4. Conclusion London is an economic centre and making the capital safer to do business in should be national priority for the Government. Different research suggest that London business community is not safer than it was before 07 July 2005 attacks. According to LCCI report, majority of UK organizations still perceive that there is very high risk of terrorist attacks in London again. This perception has fallen since last year and more than half of UK organizations have contingency plan in place to deal with terrorism effects on business. Studies show that the economic impact on UK organizations has not been as severe as initially feared. Many organizations resumed services on 7 July 2005 and next day they started delivering as normal. Many organizations, those who had no contingency plans, started work to have one and other started to update their existing plans to minimise the effects of these attacks. However many UK organizations revealed that 9/11 and 7/7 terrorist attacks had vary little tangible impact on them and business confidence had affected for the short period. However, it had huge impact on very important sector of London economy such as tourism, transport (trains and airlines) and retail sector. UK employment market has not increased since 7th July 2005 attacks but employment terms were already bleak in London before attacks. Many organizations were expecting unemployment would increase in coming years before July 2005 attacks. Nevertheless, in reality London economy shook off the impacts of 11 September 2001 and 7 July London terrorist attacks. It is evident from history that an unexpected and lengthy critical situation affects performances of organizations. The terrorist attacks in London and New York gave deep shocks to the businesses. Sometimes messages from these terrorist groups, that they can attack anywhere with extremely harmful weapons, results in businesses losing confidence and increased costs to the businesses and economy. Many organizations still have fear of terrorist attacks on the businesses although the UK government is trying to protect the public and private organizations. The targets of the terrorist are usually both kind of locations, public buildings like agencies etc, and private sector like business offices of staff of companies. At present majority of organizations are well prepared for any sort of sudden and unexpected terrorist event compared to July 2005. The basic purpose of this study is to identify the impact of terrorism on businesses and how BCCM planning can help UK organizations to reduce the impact of terrorist attacks. For minimizing the impacts of terrorism managers develops different kind of strategies and sometimes managers can easily recover loss and can get continuous increase In profit if they choose right strategy for pricing in the response of terrorist attack. 5. Recommendations: All organizations need to provide educational programs to all staff regarding terrorism and help them to prepare themselves for unexpected events like terrorism. Government needs to provide intelligence support to help deal with terrorism effectively. Businesses need to strengthen the relationship between themselves for detecting and fighting terrorism. To encourage organizations, government need to offer disaster recovery loans and other loan guarantee programs to help organizations to recover form destruction of terrorism. As the threat of terrorism increasing, so while evaluating international and domestic marketing strategies, managers have to consider effects of terrorism on businesses. In order to targets markets managers have to select those markets and industry zones where the threat of terrorism is at lowest or comparatively less effected. As the rapid increase in the risk of terrorism, it is necessary for organizations to discover and develop the methods of supply chain and other channels of distribution, and adopt new strategies for logistics related channels. For long term, prospective organizations may bring diversification in their supplies, by increasing in the number of supplier.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Essay --

Wernekink commissure syndrome secondary to ischemic stroke: severe dysarthria is one of the main characteristics of this syndrome Introduction Pure midbrain infarctions are relatively rare. Several midbrain syndromes such as Weber’s, Claude’s and Benedikt’s syndrome had been described extensively before. Because of its rarity, clinicians do not frequently confront Wernekink commissure syndrome, but it is one of the midbrain syndromes. Wernekink commissure involves the decussation of dentatorubrothalamic pathway, which provides cerebrocerebellum connections through superior cerebellar peduncle in midbrain. Its main characteristics are bilateral cerebellar dysfunction, occasional oculomotor signs including internuclear ophtalmoplegia or palatal tremor [1-3]. We report a case of a patient with Wernekink commissure syndrome due to focal infarction in the caudal paramedian midbrain presenting with anarthria and bilateral cerebellar ataxia. Case Report A 62-year-old male current smoker was admitted to stroke unit in our hospital because of sudden onset dizziness, impaired speech and gait disturbance. He could barely walk without assistance. On admission day, his vital signs were normal except a blood pressure of 162/94 mmHg. He was alert and not dysphasic but his pronunciation was markedly slurred. He could not pronounce a single syllable. The extraocular movements were full, but he showed saccadic pursuit in all directions. Upbeating nystagmus appeared when he gazed upward. All limb extremities showed Medical Research Council (MRC) Grade 5 motor power and sensory examinations did not reveal any abnormality. Motor incoordinations were detected with finger-to-nose, heel-to-shin and rapid alternating movement test on both sides, the le... ...in the adult]. Revue neurologique 98 (6):435-477 3. Liu H, Qiao L, He Z (2012) Wernekink commissure syndrome: a rare midbrain syndrome. Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology 33 (6):1419-1421. doi:10.1007/s10072-012-0966-4 4. Mossuto-Agatiello L (2006) Caudal paramedian midbrain syndrome. Neurology 66 (11):1668-1671. doi:10.1212/01.wnl.0000218180.03127.11 5. Zhu Y, Liu HN, Zhang CD (2010) Wernekinck commissure syndrome is a pure midbrain infarction. Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia 17 (8):1091-1092. doi:10.1016/j.jocn.2009.11.032 Figure Legend Fig.1. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance image (MRI) showed diffusion restriction located in the paramedian midbrain (arrowheads).

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Women as Victims in the Media Essay -- Feminism Feminist Women Critici

Women as Victims in the Media      Ã‚   One interesting aspect of murder is the way it is portrayed in different forms of media. In particular the way female murder victims have been portrayed over time reflects the social norms of the period. Focusing on the way murdered females were portrayed in various forms of media, beginning in the late eighteenth century in the United States and ending with the present day representations in film it is evident that a traditional style of portraying dead women has continued to pervade society through the twentieth century.    Stories, either fictional or based on actual events, began around 1800 portraying women victims as young, unmarried, beautiful and innocent. Their deaths were portrayed as resulting from a loss of innocent, generally through premarital sexual contact. The descriptions of the dead bodies were graphic and occasionally erotic in nature. (Cohen, 277-306) These descriptions came at a time when the literacy rate was rising rapidly and the relatively free attitude towards premarital sex was changing to a more restrictive ...

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Reflective Essay on Communication

I am a health care assistant (HCA) on an elderly care surgical ward and we nurse many different patients who have had elective surgery and corrective surgery after a trauma. I have a lot of contact with patients who suffer with dementia, ongoing confusion due to urinary tract infections and can often display challenging and aggressive behavior.I have found on a daily basis that patients become can frustrated when they cannot communicate what they want, and I was sure that with my strong accent I would come across as harsh. This left me feeling worried and sometimes inadequate because it is in my job and personal nature to want to help those in my care. As part of my Personal Assessment Document (PAD) my mentor and I decided that I would I would push myself to speak with patients more and see how they reacted to me. I would read the patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s purple à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“This is meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  folder to try and engage them on a more personal level.With this reflective ac count I will be discussing an experience that I had on my ward and how through reflection I have managed to gain more confidence in my ability to talk to my patients and convey my compassion in the way I communicate with the patients in my care.I will use the reflective framework devised by Atkin and Murphy (1994) to construct this account. It is the right model of reflection for me to look back and learn from my experiences.Personally, being a good student and health carer does not just come with reflection in the mind but also reflective practice which, according to the nursing standard à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“enables a student to develop their skills, increase their knowledge and deal with emotionally challenging situationsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  (RCN 2012). Reflection is something that should be engaged with on an everyday basis and from very early on in your health care career. It enables you to carry on caring about the patients you treat and how to improve yourself personally and professiona lly.I enjoy both the personal rewards and the challenges that go hand in hand with working with patients with dementia. I find that on the drive home I tend re-evaluate everything in my life and be grateful for the now. A patient whom will go by the pseudonym of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Pollyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  to maintain her confidentiality (The NMC Code of professional Conduct, 2004) was admitted to the ward with a fracture to the neck of her femur.I was advised that the patient was very confused, and would spit at staff and be both physically and verbally aggressive when approached but would constantly cry out that she needed help. She was in the early to middle stages of Alzheimerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s disease and had come from a care home for those suffering with dementia. Alzheimerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s disease is characterised à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“by the loss of short term memory, deterioration in both behaviour and intellectual performance and slowness of thoughtà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  (Dictionary of Nurs ing 1998).In handover that morning I found that I would be working with her that day, and as she was post operative I would need to wash her and try to mobilise her to sit out in her chair so that the physiotherapists could help her to walk again and get her on the pathway to being discharged back to her care home. I found that I was nervous in approaching this patient as I did not want to upset her or get hurt. Personally I would always wake patients like Polly who require the attention of more than one member of staff last as it is better to leave the patient to sleep so that they are well rested. That, and from handover I had learned that Polly had experienced a rather active night.Before waking Polly I had read her personal à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“This is meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  purple file to find out if she had any preferred names, and how she liked to be spoken too. This is me was devised by the Alzheimerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s society and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“is intended to provide professionals w ith information about the person with dementia as an individual. This will enhance the care and support given while the person is in an unfamiliar environmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“(Alzheimerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"s society 2011). With this information I could help maintain a similar routine for Polly and I would not confuse her by overloading her with too many questions and instructions.I woke Polly up gently, and sat myself down in the chair by her bed so that I was not standing over her. I spent almost thirty minutes with Polly getting her up and ready, the patient did not get upset or frustrated with me, and  she was able to do most of the washing and dressing herself with help from me. Once this was completed I handed over to physiotherapists that they too should take this approach with Polly.I spent twelve days in total with Polly. In this time she was aggressive with me, and she would spit at me when I approached her. Yet, once I used her preferred name and tailored my approach to what sh e needed from me, I found that Polly was a pleasant and wonderful lady, who could be the complete opposite to the patient that was first handed over to me that first morning.Morris and Morris state that the symptoms of dementia are experienced by each person in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“their own unique wayà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  (2010) and this is reinforced by the publication of the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“this is meà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  leaflet. It enables staff to really look at each individual patient and assess what their needs are. In reflection, if I had not read this leaflet and just gone ahead and woke Polly up as I do each patient, the events of the day could have taken a very different path. I found that by talking to Polly as requested in her leaflet that she reacted in a calmer manner and did not get as anxious or frustrated as quickly as my colleagues had prepared me to think.Reflecting over my first day with Polly, I do not remember struggling to say my words more clearly than what I normally would have done. Polly was not deaf, nor was she a child and I kept it in my mind that this patient was still a scared lady who had broken a big part of her body and was in a large amount of pain. Furthermore, she might not be able to communicate this fact as clearly as someone without dementia.Hobson states that, the HCA will need to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“learn to adapt how they attempt to understand what the person is saying to themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  and that this can only be achieved by à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“entering the same world as the person with dementiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  (2012, P337). At times Polly would pretend to cry like a child and repeat the words à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Oh Mummy, mum, mum. Oh Mummyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  but not be able to give an answer when questioned what was wrong and how could we help her. Taking this into consideration, Polly might not be actually asking for her Mum but actually trying to communicate a much deeper need.My understanding of how patients with dementia communicate lead me to point to Pollyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s hip and ask her if she felt pain there when she moved, to which she replied yes she did. In reflection I found this was a much better approach rather than just asking if Polly wanted any pain relief. Elkins has stated that asking the patient with dementia a direct question is almost a waste of time, as the patient does not have the information to give you. Instead it is more beneficial for the patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s sense of self worth to ask them a question with an optional answer of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“yesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  or à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“noà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ . It could also be said that a statement rather than a question is better because it leaves the patient feeling more in control (2011).From this experience, I suggested to the nurses that when doing their drug round that they should lower themselves down to Pollyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s eye level and ask her if her hip hurt her, rather than standing at the end of her bed or beside her asking if she wanted any pain relief. This suggestion meant that Polly had more regular pain relief, and as a team we knew when she was in pain.Furthermore, this information could be added to her file and become part of Pollyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s future care pathway. Elkins raised the very same argument that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“once an effective communication bridge had been achieved, the individual is much more like to remain calm and anxiety freeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  This would show that dialogue between patient and healthcare professional had been greatly improved and would continue to do so in the future (2011).In reflection, I have found that I was so focused on the need to be understood through my use of English that at times I under-estimated the importance of non-verbal communication. Now, having taken a step back I see that I am almost in the same boat as the patient suffering with dementia, we are both just à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“an individual attempting to communicateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  (Hobson, 2012) a nd as a HCA the method of employing à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“feelings and emotionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  should become more à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“significant than the spoken wordà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  (Hobson, 2012).Although my confidence in speaking to patients is always growing, I am more appreciative of how much more effective my body language, and the tone of my voice can be when communicating with a patient with dementia. Yes, looking after these patients can be a challenge but getting past the dementia and working in ways that compliment the patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s mindset will be of more  benefit to the patient. By spending some time reading each patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s information leaflet I am able to help maintain a patientà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s well being and create a more anxiety free environment for our patients.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Consider the theme of loneliness in the novel, Of Mice and Men Essay

n â€Å"Of Mice and Men†, John Stienbeck explores the theme of loneliness, set in the farmland of 1930’s California, where Stienbeck grew up. Stienbeck worked as a farm hand on his fathers land and so the countryside described at the beginning of the book, and a ranch itself would have been very familiar to Stienbeck. Characters described in the novel are lonely for different reasons depending on their social status. Age, Race and Sex are some of the reasons for characters loneliness, Stienbeck uses the novel to make these aware in society. George and Lennie are the main characters in the book; they are migrant workers, who are men that travel the countryside harvesting wheat for the farms and doing any other jobs they can find. The â€Å"Wall Street Crash† caused jobs to be scarce, during the 1930’s, when there was very unemployment in the United States. Agencies were set to send farm workers to where they were needed: â€Å"You remember about us goin’ into Murray and Ready’s, and they give us work cards†. They earned $2.50 or $3.00 a day, plus food and very basic accommodation. These sorts of people lived very lonely lives, as they migrated they had to pick up their roots and move on, on their own and so this what makes them lonely also it was much easer to get work for one-person rather than two or more. George and Lennie are total opposites. George is decribed as â€Å"small and quick, dark of face with restless eyes and sharp, strong fetures.† Lennie on the other hand is † a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes with wide, sloping sholders†. Stienbeck decribes Georges personality as careful and protective while Lennie seems to be rather stupid with a child’s mind. He’s very forgetful and likes to pet nice things with his finger’s â€Å"sof’ things†. George likes to be in charge of himself, and this is why he appreciates the time out under the stars where he can relax with his friend Lennie. Lennie however, enjoyes being with George and so the time under the stars is appreciated, but only because he’s with George. George and Lennie share share an special relationship like father and son where George helps Lennie with everything and looks after him. This is shown when George is talking to Slim about Weed: â€Å"We sat in an irrigation ditch â€Å". This shows how George takes risks to save Lennie. George sometimes gives the impression that he would rather have nothing to do with Lennie but it is clear that George actually depends on Lennie’s friendship, being with someone gives him something to live for unstead of just being a migrant worker: â€Å"I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you†, Lennie loves George because George looks after him, George being the only person who looks after him, George shows Lennie how to do things and gets food for them. George is in control as he does almost everything for Lennie: â€Å"I got three cans of beans in my bindle†. George and Lennie travel togeather although this is not usual and this is why they are not lonel y. Steinbeck introduces Candy, the old ranch hand into the novel as a â€Å"tall, stoop-shouldered old man†. Candy is kept on the farm as a janitor, he has one hand after he got the other one caught in a machine. He is not much use for anything and he knows this. Candy fears when he is to old to do anything that he will just get ‘canned’, which is why he buys into the friendship with George and Lennie. The only thing that motivates Candy is his old dog â€Å"gray of muzzle and with pale, blind old eyes†, which unfortunately is killed after Carlson decides not to put up with the smell and Candy is ganged up on to get rid of him; â€Å"If you want me to, I’ll put the old devil out of his misery right now†. The ‘American Dream’ is shared by George and Lennie who dream of the â€Å"little house and a couple of acres†. For American society as a whole, the dream ended with the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Cinema is the last American dream for many. Curley’s wife is one: â€Å"Could have been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes†. Steinbeck describes Crooks with a â€Å"lean face lined with deep black wrinkles, and he had thin , pale-tightened lips†. Crooks lives in â€Å"a little shed that leaned off the wall of the barn†. Crooks reserves the only right he has, â€Å"You got no right to come in my room†. However, when Lennie goes into Crooks’ room he relaxes and enjoys the company. Crooks’ job is a â€Å"Stable buck†, which means he tends the horses. He is the only black man in the novel and the other characters’ attitude towards him, shows the position of blacks in America at the time. Steinbeck describes Crooks’ past as a peaceful one. Crooks mentions this to Lennie: â€Å"The white kids came to play† â€Å"I went to play with them†. This shows that racism did not really affect him as he did not understand but his â€Å"ol’ man didn’t like that†. This shows how racism would affect his whole life. The scene in his shed, where it all appears that he is finally accepted for who he is, the reality comes back when Curley’s wife says, â€Å"listen Nigger† â€Å"I could get you strung up†. Because Crooks is black, he is forced to spend his time reading books: â€Å"Books ain’t no good† â€Å"A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody†. Curley’s wife is the only woman on the ranch; she cannot escape from the sexual image that the men have of her. She, therefore, uses this image as a means of getting noticed. She has â€Å"full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up. When George and Lennie first meet Curley’s wife George describes her as â€Å"jail bait†. Steinbeck makes the reader feel the same way as the workers when it comes to discrimanating. The reader is made to feel that Curley’s wife is a â€Å"tart†. Workers at the ranch have this impression: â€Å"I think Curleys married †¦a tart†. However, the workers are frightened to talk to her. Curley is known as a boxer and the workers know if they get involved with his wife, Curley will beat them up. The hasty marriage of Curley and his wife proves to be a failed attempt, on her part, to escape her own lonliness. From what we hear Curley’s wife married to spite her mother. However she discovers that her husband is not what she expects, â€Å"I don’t like Curley. He ain’t a nice fella†. It would appear at first that she likes Curley, as she wanders arround looking for him but it soon becomes clear that she is just looking for someone to share her feelings with. Curley’s wife describes her life on the ranch to Lennie as if it is no good: â€Å"I coulda made somethin’ of myself† . She uses her sexual image as a woman to get the mens’ attention just so she can talk to them. However, this does not usually work as most of the men are often to scared to talk to her. Although Curley’s wife looks and acts like a†tart† she is just craving attention and this is the only way she knows how to get it. At the end of the novel, her lonliness causes her to converse with Lennie in the barn where the irony is that when she finally gets someone to talk to, it leads to her death! Curley’s wife is the victim of sexism, she is lonely because she has no one to talk to as people are afraid to talk to her. Lennie suffers from discrimination because of his learning disability. The fact that they are both unequal brings them together in the barn. Lennie is there to bury his puppy and Curley’s wife is there to have a conversation. However in the end, Lennie’s disability causes her death: â€Å"don’t you go yellin† â€Å"he shook her and her body flopped like a fish†. The incident in the barn affects George, Lennie and Candy’s relation because Lennie has finally gone too far. When George knows he has to kill Lennie, then the dream dies with Lennie leaving George and Candy lonely. â€Å"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world.† In conclusion Stienbeck makes aware a serious problem leading to loneliness in 1930’s California through his novel â€Å"Of Mice and Men†.