The American Dream Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The American Dream - Annotated Bibliography Example While the other articles focusing on the provision of opportunities in the American land for immigrants and persons from other nations, this secondary source emphasizes the level of opportunities provided among the American population. With the country depicted as the promised land, (Maddox 271) observes that provision of special education for the visually challenged among the American community is one way of ensuring such an achievement. The education system in collaboration with various state laws and the federal laws has ensured the provision of specialized education for the visually challenged and other physically challenged students. That in return has ensured the provision of an equal playing field for all the students within the American nation without favor. The action serves as one of the many actions that the federal government is taking to ensure it lives to the dream of becoming a p=romised land. With the author a specialist in teaching the visually impaired, the article is essential for academic research while also presenting information on internal structures to assist the current U.S citizens.Pulver, Lisa K., and Susan E. Tett. "Drug Utilization Review Across Jurisdictions – a Reality or Still a Distant Dream?" European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2006): n. pag. Print.The federal government is working hard on improving the healthcare system to ensure achievement of a healthy nation that in return will ensure effective production ( Lisa and Tett 63).

The development of paragraphs in passing information Article

The development of paragraphs in passing information - Article Example Additional sentences that build a paragraph often reflect the key ideas thus advancing the theme. Lacone (2003) indicates that coherence is a crucial characteristic, which entail the correlation between the sentences within the paragraphs and the theme sentence. This enhances the aptitude of a reader to understand the ideologies presented. Coherence can also denote connectedness between the various facts and themes within sentences. Lacone (2003) indicates that unity is a crucial aspect, which means that the ideas presented within the paper should be related. Indeed, presenting unrelated facts often affects the readability of the paragraph. Furthermore, it limits the flow of concepts. It is thus imperative for a writer to develop adequate facts with the intention of attaining unity. Accuracy is an imperative paragraph quality. It is essential for a paragraph to focus on the exact words or aspects. This indicates that the piece will center on the desires the readers. Furthermore, it will shun unnecessary concepts that make the writing long and boring. Accuracy arises from research or adequate representation of facts (Lacone, 2003). The proportion of sentences housed in a paragraph is equally crucial. It is important to acknowledge that an effective paragraph ought to house close to six sentences.

Application Of Activity Theory Implemented In Information Systems Psychology Essay

Application Of Activity Theory Implemented In Information Systems Psychology Essay Activity theory is a theory of understanding the unobservable mental processes of the human, and their response and perception to a stimulus. Philosophers have established many definitions and explanation of activity theory, however it can be most clearly defined as: Activity theory theorizes that when individuals engage and interact with their environment, production of tools results. These tools are exteriorized forms of mental processes, and as these mental processes are manifested in tools, they become more readily accessible and communicable to other people, thereafter becoming useful for social interaction (Kim 2010 p:1). The activity theory has been made well known especially in the field on psychology by the likes of Leontev, Vygotsky, Luria (1977) and recently Engestrom (1999). Its main use it that of an explanatory nature in multiple disciplines, to enable us to gain a clear understanding of they way systems work and how change may occur. In this study we will introduce the origin of the activity theory, its framework and constructs, and identify its use. Furthermore we will analyse the activity theory from a philosophical, ontological and epistemological perspective. To analyse the application of the activity theory, we look at three examples from which we will draw out the theoretical framework. History of the activity theory The origin of the Activity Theory lies within the work of Russian psychologist, Lev Vygotsky (1896 1934). Vygotsky spent his time discovering the relationship between words and consciousness, and studied human mental development (Vygosky, 1986). In the 1920s, Lev Vygotsky worked on a way to develop a psychological theory based on Marxist philosophy and thinking (OLeary, 2010). During the 1920s and 30s, Vygotsky worked alongside two other psychologists, Alexander Romanvich Luria (1902 1977) and Aleksei Nickolaev Leontev (1903 1979), together they formed the Troika (Radzikhovkii Khomskaya, 1981). The work of these three psychologists were developed and carried out at the Institute of Experimental Psychology and the Krupslcaya Academy of communist Education (Radzikhovkii Khomskaya, 1981). Luria was one of Vygotskys students and worked on this project with Vygotsky. After working with Vygotsky on this theory, Leontev went on to extend Vygotskys work develop a more practical structure of the Activity Theory, which only became well known in the 1990s once it was translated form Russian into English (Levy, 2008). As mentioned above, the Activity Theory was developed by the philosophers, namely; Vygotsky, Luria and Leontev (Engestrom, 1999). Three general themes are present throughout the research done on the Activity Theory by the three Philosophers: The use of genetic or developmental method. The claim that higher mental functioning in the individual emerges out of social processes. The claim that human social and psychological processes are fundamentally shaped by cultural tools or mediation means. (Vygotsky, 1978). Figure 1 below shows the basic structure of the Activity Theory developed by Vygotsky. Tool Subject Object Figure 1: The basic schematic of mediated Activity as developed by Vygotsky (1978, 1987 p:201). General overview of the activity theory Although the Activity theory originates from the three Russian psychologists, a key set of structures were developed in the late 1970s by Engestrom (1970), which was used to explain the Activity Theory in a more clear and informative manner. This frame work was developed and used over multiple disciplines. The following quote by various philosophers provide a brief explanation of the Activity Theory; According to Hasan and Crawford (2003 p:155), Activity theory is based on the idea that human activity is a dialectic relationship subject (person) and object (person). This means that the relationship is not harmonious and that human perform actions with a predetermined outcome in mind. These actions however are influence d by tools, words, or cultural signs (Hasan and Crawford, 2003). Engestrom (1989 p:30) philosophically describe Activity Theory as a system of collaborative human practices and sees it as a generator of a constantly and continuously emerging context. Morten et al (2002 p:158) specified that the individuals interaction with other humans and their surroundings leads to thoughts and perceptions. Thus, Morten derived two types of activities (Levy 2008); Goal directed activities: the action occurs due to the goal that was set. Goal derived activities: an action occurs before goals are set. Shchedrovitsky (1995) on the other hand noted two approaches in his study of the Activity Theory; Formulation of the activity: This means that the individual carries out a set task or activity. Activity as an attribute of individuals: where the subject is the cause of the activity. When comparing Morten and Shchedrovitskys approaches we can see that they are alike, Mortens goal directed activities and Shchedrovitskys formulation of activities are alike as individuals do not have control over the activity to be performed. The goal derived activity and activity as an attribute is the same as the individual makes the decision of what and how the activity will be carried out. Theoretical constructs of the activity theory After Leontev expanded on Vygotskys theory, a modern philosopher, Engestrom developed a general theoretical construct in 1987 for the Activity theory; there are various other structures that were developed to explain Activity Theory which will be discussed below. Engestroms Structure of Activity According Yrjo Engestrom (1987) the activity theory is composed of 8 elements that interact with each other to achieve a specific goal. Activity and Tasks: an activity is an action that performed on an object to achieve an outcome or a goal. This activity may contain numerous steps or task that may or may not lead to achievement of the ultimate goal (Barthelmess and Anderson, 2003). Subject: subjects refer to the person that carries out the activity. The subject may play a specific role in completing a task, but is ultimately part of a group or team doing an activity. Object: the object is that which becomes transformed in the process of the activity and is motivated by a goal (OLeary, 2010). Outcome: the outcome is what happens after a task or activity is completed, it may or not obtain the object or goal (OLeary, 2010). Community: the community is composed of all the people or subjects and objects involved in the activity being performed (OLeary, 2010). Tools: tolls refer to physical and mental tools. They determine the way people interact with reality. They may limit peoples reactions or help them by enabling them to do things they previously could not (OLeary, 2010). Rules are guidelines, conventions, codes etc. that are usually set up by the organisation for a specific activity (OLeary, 2010). Division of labour: includes the hierarchical structure in the organisation and how activities are broken down into tasks and divided among members of the organisation (OLeary, 2010). The Activity Theory framework can be diagrammatically summarised as follows: Figure 2: The structure of an activity. Source: Engestrom, 1987 p:342. Drawing conclusions form the above framework, it is evident that a pattern occurs in the analogy of the Activity Theory of most philosophers. The Activity Theory can thus be explained as an explanatory theory that enables us to understand, identify and acknowledge strengths and weaknesses in a system. With the use of Activity Theory, a subject performs an activity on an object to reach an outcome. The activity in influenced by a tool(s) and the outcome driven by a goal. However, there are rules that govern how these tasks and activities are performed, and how tasks are divided among participants. These participants for the community of the activity, it includes everyone that was directly involved in the activity. Bendy et al. Units of Analysis The activity theory is based on cognitive of perceptive actions and the analysis there of (Bendy et al 2000). In general, the activity theory is composed of 5 units of analysis: Activity Task Action Operation Function Block Activity and tasks are objects of study as they are composed of assorted units with complex internal structures that represent particular kinds of activities focused to achieve terminal goals. Actions, operations and functional blocks emerge as units of analysis. Activities have intermediate couscous goals. Theories related to the activity theory Two theories have shown to be prominent that relate to the activity theory, namely the Information Systems Development (ISD) model and the Activity Analysis and Development (ActAd) Model. The activity theory is an explanatory theory that gives us a clear indication of the current situation and its problems, whereas the ISD model and ActAd is designed to carry out solutions and bring about change in systems. According to the paper written by Korpela et.al (Information Systems as an Activity), the ISD model and the ActAd model are interlinked where the ISD model is used as a universal work activity, with influence from ActAd as a theoretical framework. ActAD describes an activity as whole unit, comprised of networks and smaller activities or tasks, which is almost identical to the framework of the activity theory, Mursu et.al (2007). Korpela et.al explains the ISD model as a method in which an activity is manipulated by tools such as analysis, design, implementation, introduction and sustained support, as well as process management. In theoretical terms, the ISD model can be easily analyzed by using the activity theory as a framework, as all elements of the activity theory are interlinked forming a network for the interaction of activities. The use of activity theory and the diciplines in which it is used Psychology was the first discipline to use the activity theory, specifically a Russian psychologist Leontev (1977). Leontevs initial concern was the nature of the human consciousness and understanding the fundamental psychological basis of human behaviour through the study of linguistics, mental disabilities and its phenomena. In Engerstrorms article, Activity theory as framework for analysing and redesigning work the activity theory is defined as a multi-disciplinary approach, as it cuts across disciplines ranging from economics, sociology, psychology, ergonomics and criminology. Engerstrom (2000) describes the theory as drawing on psychological notions of mental processes, and makes use of institutions and communities rather than individuals as their units of analysis. Activity theory is directly proportional to learning and doing, in the sense that one cannot exist without the other; they are driven or initiated by a goal (Rohrer-Murphy and Jonassen, 1999). During the 19th century, social science was defined as the study of human behaviour within societies. An authentic definition of social science given by Émile Durkheim, Karl Marx and Max Weber: A society is made up of individuals are a major unit of analysis within a society, entitles them as primary architects of modern social science. With the use of the activity theory, we can predict the outcome based on background information and existing knowledge. This will enable us to gain a clear understanding of the varying behaviours and mental processes of people within a society. In criminology, activity theory was proposed by Lawrence Cohen and Marcus Felson in 1979 (Miller, 2006: 81). It was a response to attempt to analyse the then increasing crime rate of the United States during 1947 to 1974 (Cohen, 1979: 588).during that period, the crime rate was increasing and economic conditions were deteriorating, the activity theory was thus popular at that time as it was the only theory that could explain the circumstances. Once the analysis was complete, Cohen and Felson created a theory that was based on the rational choice model, in which people make rational decisions in ways that increases their advantages, and decreases their disadvantages as much as possible (Akers, 2004: 26). It is thus evident as stated above that the activity theory is versatile and can be used across multiple disciplines. It is an explanatory theory that enables the development of change and can be implemented in countless situations. Philosophical perspective of Activity theory According to Kutti (1991), activity theory is the Philosophical framework for studying different forms of human praxis as developmental processes both individual and social levels interlinked at the same time In other words the activity is not classified as a methodology but as a philosophy that looks at different forms of human natures acceptable practices, as developmental processes both on a social and individual level simultaneously. This philosophy is further described by Engestrom (1987) as a structural framework focused at surpassing all known dichotomies of micro-macro mental and material, observation and intervention in analysis and redesign of work. The Philosophical views deals with problems connected with knowledge, values, reason, mind and language (Teichmann and Evans 1999).Philosophical perceptions of activity theory found its origins in 1987, the birth of the society for research that was based on Activity Theory (ISCRAT) foundation. The Activity Theory was developed to solve problems for four main areas include Psychology of play, learning, cognition and child development (Becker and Niehaves 2007). Further more there where key outcomes or focus areas; language acquisitions and experimental development, these were also linked to educational institutes and schools. The activity theory discovers deep underlying concepts; the study of these concepts takes us through a process of transcendence. Thus it is important to realise that individuals have a variety of societal circumstances, secondly it creates ways to understand change, and thirdly the concept of labour and the role it plays. Labour comprises of the use and making of tools and the conditions that affect the activity. These conditions can be broken down to the functions of the process, relationship with nature, other people and the different people in the society (Engestrom 1999). Ontological perspective of Activity theory The term ontology comes from field of physiological concerned with study of being or existence. In computer science and information science ontology designed to enable the use of knowledge in a specific area whether physical or virtual. Ontology defines concepts, relationships and other distinctions that are relevant for development in a precise area (Liu and Tamer 2009). Ontology and activity theory is useful for theoretical and methodical lengths characterising and analysing and designing for a particular unit. The transition to meditated activity, fundamentally changes all psychological operations. The use of tools limitless broadens the range of activity within which new psychological functions may operate (OLeary 2010) As shown in the above figure. Activity Theory ontological perspective branches off the core disciplines of activity theory and looks at the tools, rules, division of labour, community, subject, object and outcomes in depth. The Ontology view will result in areas of meditational tools and artefacts, norms, tasks and roles, groups, individual, goals and results. Ontology offers a deeper and descriptive understanding of collaborative learning. (Barros et.al 2002). (Barros 2011 p:2) Epistemological perspective of Activity theory Epistemology is a philosophical study of what is required in order to have rational benefits and knowledge. Both traditional methods of philosophy and modern methods of cognitive science have broadened the understanding of epistemology (Cruz, 2011). Epistemology is an attempt to make sense of the possibility, nature and limits of human intellectual achievement. A key focus is to try to understand what is really known or believe reasonable. Epistemology aims to understand general and ever-present elements of human enquiry such as perceptual knowledge or inductive inference. Epistemology aims to investigate specific areas of knowledge or rational beliefs. To understand the nature of explanation in cognitive science ultimately the use of epistemology is present (Thorne 2005). When one relates the elements of Epistemology to the Activity Theory we can deduce that possibilities relate to the outcome of the activity and the limits referred to the rules that govern these activities. If we look at Activity Theory from an Epistemological perspective, its purpose is to describe a situation and how outcomes are achieved through the use of knowledge and resources, same as tools found in at. Activity theory thus realise what we know based on our knowledge and experiences, and gives us clear understanding thereof. Part b Activity Theory as an Analytical Tool: A Case Study of IS Development for an Anti-Retroviral Treatment Clinic in South Africa Does Activity Theory assist in highlighting challenges faced by the ART clinic with their current IS and assist in representing what users require from IS? The above the question is that which the case study seeks to answer. The ActAD model was used to highlight work and communication activities for which IS was needed. It was used to investigate the quality of data and illustrate importance of linking IS development and work practises. Research methods used were observation, structured and semi-structured interviews. These were used to help with understanding on how IS are used and also to understand reasons why it is not used. Value and performance of current IS needed to be researched if a potential explanation could be found. A number of techniques were used to collect data and to develop the process flow, these included the following: Use of available info, common knowledge, published docs and literature study on health info. Physical observations of the current process to watch and record the processes in the current systems Structured, semi-structured, unstructured interviews with various stakeholders were held. Either face to face or by email. After the collaborations with stakeholders and noting of concerns and viewpoints towards the current HIS, the ActAD model was used to represent the current IS and also the desired IS. Activity Theory as an Analytical tool: Actors and subjects: ART staff clinic that produce healthcare for HIV/AIDS patients requiring ART Means of work, the instruments and the facilities: computer, excel spreadsheet, docs in patient files, statistical data and medical instruments Object: unwieldy patients Means of co-ordination and communication division of work, rules, etc.: communications via phones or verbally, the rules stipulated and applied and use of captured data. Researchers role was to observe current situation by focusing on object, the means of work, instruments and facilities and how the actors and subjects made use of data collected. There are also exterior players illustrated by governmental and non-governmental organizations. Usefulness of Activity Theory: Highlighting the challenges The need for change: computer network and connectivity is lacking and thus a computer-based IS would be needed to aid the data incarceration, analysis and reporting. Current HIS does not support management functions or work processes of the clinic. IS as part of the work activity: work processes need to be streamlined if a computerised IS can assist with improving data quality and help improve decision making. Some of the improvement would include: Segregation of duties Verification of data Standardisation of ART clinic IS. Role of different stakeholders: the greatest challenge is the need for all the stakeholders to agree on a flexible IS that meets the minimum data requirements of the parties involved. Need for on-going support: funding for IT and training, ongoing upholding and support will be required once the system has been designed and implemented. This will lead to enhanced quality of healthcare services if it is part of proper admin and resource management.

Callie Khouris Thelma and Louise - Moving Beyond the Male Experience E

Even in today's growing world of feminism, young girls, as well as grown women, are being taught by the media to organize their lives around men. Their needs, expectations, work schedules, ideas, and interests become second to the men in their lives. All too often the media associates power and status to men, only to strengthen the barriers between the male and female genders. Take for example Hollywood, where "women get only about a third of all movie and TV roles, and last year earned less than male actors in all age categories..."(Eby, 1). And even though gender should not be used as the determining factor of what one can and cannot do, Hollywood, as well as everywhere else, has proven that the old habits of gender discrimination die hard, if at all. Luckily, there exist screenwriters and filmmakers who aren't afraid to step outside the limitations of gender, stirring up some controversy. Callie Khouri, creator of "Thelma and Louise" is the exception to this rule. Awarded "Best Original Screenplay", the film challenges our preconceived notions of gender limitations by "giving a feminine twist to a pair of all too familiar Hollywood genres, the road picture and the buddy picture"(NY Times, 1991). The "road and buddy movie" usually calls for men in the lead roles, whereas "Thelma and Louise" called for Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon. A film such as this one allowed for two women to get into dangerous trouble, enjoy themselves, and "unmask the other sex"; actions normally reserved for men (NY Times, 1991). According to Ms. Khouri, the script of "Thelma and Louise" was infact, "a conscious effort to counter what [she] sees as Hollywood's tendency to limit women's roles to easily identifiable types such as bimbos, whores, and nagging wives"(NY Times, 1991). She therefore uses the characters in the movie not so much to prove a point, but instead to make a point. At the same time that Ms. Khouri is making her point, the movie becomes somewhat of a catharsis for women. "Thelma and Louise" is supposed to be "about what every woman knows"(Eby,4). Though rape is a major issue that is used in the movie, it is not supposed to be the only issue women relate to. The general comparison between the women on screen and the women in the audience should be the feeling of at one time or another having been threatened, having been treated as inferior, or having foun... ...y she begins to snap under the pressure. In one particular scene, the role reversal becomes most obvious to the audience. Louise finds out that Thelma has left JD alone in her hotel room with the money which Jimmy had brought them. By the time the girls make it back to the room, JD and the money are long gone. Louise comes to the realization that the control she once possessed has now escaped her. Thelma, who watches as her friend crumbles before her eyes, realizes that she needs to break free from her child-like persona and take control of the situation. Thelma takes on a new sense of responsibility and maturity. She gives Louise a chance to finally let her guard down. "This is a movie about the adventures of women, and that's rare. And that really sad that its rare and we can't think of another movie like this"(LA Times, 1991). Thelma and Louise was a movie written and produced to give women an opportunity to finally tell their story in a society where the media is all too often dominated by males. This was an opportunity to move females from the roles of girlfriend and side interest into the leading role. It is no longer about a man's experiences and a man's adventures. Callie Khouri's Thelma and Louise - Moving Beyond the Male Experience E Even in today's growing world of feminism, young girls, as well as grown women, are being taught by the media to organize their lives around men. Their needs, expectations, work schedules, ideas, and interests become second to the men in their lives. All too often the media associates power and status to men, only to strengthen the barriers between the male and female genders. Take for example Hollywood, where "women get only about a third of all movie and TV roles, and last year earned less than male actors in all age categories..."(Eby, 1). And even though gender should not be used as the determining factor of what one can and cannot do, Hollywood, as well as everywhere else, has proven that the old habits of gender discrimination die hard, if at all. Luckily, there exist screenwriters and filmmakers who aren't afraid to step outside the limitations of gender, stirring up some controversy. Callie Khouri, creator of "Thelma and Louise" is the exception to this rule. Awarded "Best Original Screenplay", the film challenges our preconceived notions of gender limitations by "giving a feminine twist to a pair of all too familiar Hollywood genres, the road picture and the buddy picture"(NY Times, 1991). The "road and buddy movie" usually calls for men in the lead roles, whereas "Thelma and Louise" called for Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon. A film such as this one allowed for two women to get into dangerous trouble, enjoy themselves, and "unmask the other sex"; actions normally reserved for men (NY Times, 1991). According to Ms. Khouri, the script of "Thelma and Louise" was infact, "a conscious effort to counter what [she] sees as Hollywood's tendency to limit women's roles to easily identifiable types such as bimbos, whores, and nagging wives"(NY Times, 1991). She therefore uses the characters in the movie not so much to prove a point, but instead to make a point. At the same time that Ms. Khouri is making her point, the movie becomes somewhat of a catharsis for women. "Thelma and Louise" is supposed to be "about what every woman knows"(Eby,4). Though rape is a major issue that is used in the movie, it is not supposed to be the only issue women relate to. The general comparison between the women on screen and the women in the audience should be the feeling of at one time or another having been threatened, having been treated as inferior, or having foun... ...y she begins to snap under the pressure. In one particular scene, the role reversal becomes most obvious to the audience. Louise finds out that Thelma has left JD alone in her hotel room with the money which Jimmy had brought them. By the time the girls make it back to the room, JD and the money are long gone. Louise comes to the realization that the control she once possessed has now escaped her. Thelma, who watches as her friend crumbles before her eyes, realizes that she needs to break free from her child-like persona and take control of the situation. Thelma takes on a new sense of responsibility and maturity. She gives Louise a chance to finally let her guard down. "This is a movie about the adventures of women, and that's rare. And that really sad that its rare and we can't think of another movie like this"(LA Times, 1991). Thelma and Louise was a movie written and produced to give women an opportunity to finally tell their story in a society where the media is all too often dominated by males. This was an opportunity to move females from the roles of girlfriend and side interest into the leading role. It is no longer about a man's experiences and a man's adventures.

In Africa, AIDS Has a Woman’s Face

The article In Africa, AIDS Has a Woman’s Face is about how women in rural Africa play a big role in the all around living of their families and how AIDS and H. I. V. is affecting it. What would be the outcome of Africa’s future if woman were no longer able to carry the same duties because of the AIDS epidemic? One of the main things is that woman in Africa are the back bone to the families and communities in general. Women are the ones that make all the decision and do the agricultural work. As we could say it, they are the ones that keep society going. There are many strengths in this income is coming in because of the agricultural and families are healthier for that. The author states, â€Å"When women are fully involved, the benefits can be seen immediately: Families are healthier; they are better fed; their income, savings, and reinvestments go up (Annan 307). But the same way we can see there are strengths, there is also a weakness. Most of the people that get affected by AIDS and H. I. V. are women. The author states, â€Å" A United Nations report released last month shows that women now make up 50 percent of those infected with H. I. V. orldwide- and in Africa that figure is now 59 percent (Annan 307). This just means that we need to help them women especially in the prevention of H. I. V. and AIDS. From personal experiences I strongly believe women are the backbone in any family. For example, I take care of feeding my husband and children as well as the women in this article. As Annan writes, â€Å"Women were the ones who found alternative foods that could sustain their children in time of drought (308). In my case, that is something I tend to do when money is tight. Educating my children in the best way possible, it is one of the things that I pray for over and over. Even that I am constantly letting them know what is right from wrong, as well as inculcating our cultural Hispanic habits. Annan states, â€Å"The recent United Nations report shows that H. I. V. infection rates in Uganda continue to decline (309). This means not only at that particular place, but in many different throughout Africa. That just shows how parents and teachers are getting more involved in the education of prevention of AIDS and H. I. V. I strongly believe that the women in Africa are an essential part of living and life. In Africa, women are the ones that keep everything going for a living. I totally agree with the author on educating the children the different ways of prevention for such a bad infection like it is AIDS and H. I. V. My husband donates directly out from his check to the AIDS foundation. Because I believe people should be educated on diseases and preventions. Women also are the ones that in most cases keep the families together as I do for mine. Many of the things I read on this article like how women are the core of a family in Africa to the education and prevention of AIDS and H. I. V. All these things are what we need to help on, so that Africa’s future won’t look much more affected and dark.

Hibernation

Arieana Koonce Ms. Stephens Biology Honors March 9, 2013 True Hibernation vs. False Hibernation Hibernation is when a mammal has a low body temperature, slow breathing and heart rate, and low metabolic rate. A ground squirrel hibernates in their dens. These dens allow them to sleep for a long time. They rarely wake up. Their hearts beat about 1-2 times per minute. Ground squirrels actually sleep through the entire cold winter. Their body temperature dips down so low that there body is only a couple degrees warmer than outside.It could reach below freezing. These animals prepare for this five to six month period the rest of the year. Hibernation is the animal's way to adapt to thing. Compared to ground squirrels, who hibernate in dens, and other true hibernators however, the hibernation arrangement of bears is only a sequence of long naps. Since the body temperature of bears remains high and their breathing remains at a normal rate, their winter naps can easily be bothered or woken up .Some bears even wake up during their winter nap and search and walk around for hours, occasionally possibly days. Therefore that makes bears mammals that are not true hibernators. In conclusion, false hibernation is a way for the larger mammals to stay warm throughout winter without having to do all the things the smaller ones do. It is not the same thing as true hibernation because their body temperature only drops a couple of degrees. Although they are very different mammals do whatever they can to survive the tough winter.

Socially Just Whack! (SJW) Professor Ramos Blog

Socially Just Whack! (SJW) So there is a ongoing group of people in our online-society that really gives the human race a bad name, a bad image and a bad reputation. These so called â€Å"activist† are called Social Justice Warriors, and they go out into the worlds of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp and so on to put down the big   name trolls and get the social world back into order! But the problem is that when these warriors go into a battle unprepared, they tend to get slaughtered by the troll and it just looks like batman getting his back broken by his nemesis Bane but then getting his neck snapped and it’s all over, roll credits. If a group of people are going to do this at least know what consequences people like vigilanties face on a day to day basis which can lead to death threats, harmful acts, stabbings, shootings, innocent bystanders getting shot and killed themselves, rape, pillaging, genocide. But them knowing that probably would make them want to do it more since they are proba bly kids who are disobedient to their parents and when their parents say not to do something, they do it anyways. So what is a solution to ending these SJW’s and their crazy logic? Well I have a couple of ways that are amazing and one ridiculous way of doing things that’s also effective. So the first way off getting rid of the social dipshit warriors is to make them own up to their own words and make them have the title â€Å"warrior† added to their name and the same with the pussy-ass troll that wants to stir the pot and make controversy out of nothing for no reason, so they should fight like warriors and commanders and fight to the death in am arena they chose. These SJW’s promise warfare against these trolls and sometimes use methods such as swatting where a person calls a bomb squad to a person’s house or send malicious ware to open in a chat room or text message. So if its the warfare they want why can’t they agree to fight to the death? Why do they have to make the internet society so conflicting towards others who really don’t care about their useless banter back and forth. Why just let them argue when they can fight it out and to the death then the winner standing was the right one? That’s what we did in the old days and kinda still do now but with more subtle features. Next method is a more reasonable one, why don’t they consider their group as a political standing group and just pay taxes for their property of meet up and for having this group established? You know why? Because they won’t like to pay taxes when what they were doing before was just using their freedom of speech instead of making a conscious decision and saying this is what we believe in and we agree that our movement is helping the world so much we can pay for taxes like theses to not only help people in need in the internet but also around the real world. You’ll never hear that coming from any SJW-tard that only thinks about their own beliefs that are affected by the world. When you’re running with a one time line about something that you think should be corrected, then yeah use your god given right and use that first amendment, but if you are just going on every page and correcting what you think is politically incorrect, sorry for harsh words but get a life, stop being a piece of shit or kill yourself. That’s bitter and petty and the human race is way more respectable than that. So pay taxes and become a known group instead of a random person’s belief of nothing but try and do they right thing . My last sentence to get rid of this problem is to get a person of higher knowledge (like a Harvard graduate or Sefferino Ramos) to have the final decision towards the arguments. So when a dispute arises, there is a button that either one of the three parties in the discussion (the troll, the SJW, or someone just reading a comment) can click this button to call either one person who is qualified to be a final decision maker and he comes in to settle the argument once and for all. So the thread would stop and no further comments but the three parties will be posted while the outsiders can look in and see how the dispute is going. Now once the third party enters, there will be a wage that is placed upon their belief, any wage of choice, and the decider that is going to decide will lawfully make the wage placements legitimized through the courts and then will do academic research on both side to determine which party is right. After the decision is place wages will be distributed and who ever loses, gets their opinions and pages watched and over looked and if they share their opinion in the time that they are not supposed to then they will be fined which will help create jobs in the IT field and create more revenue for parks and recreational areas amongst communities in the USA. All in all as I conclude this wonder three idea page, to say to kill them all would be really mean and illogical to the human race, anyways they are going to off themself anywho in due time. What is being implemented is that we make them pay and help out the community by saying that what they believe in is right and they can choose to expand their ideas to people who think they are right and they can contribute or place wagers where their money then continues to play a big part in contributing to communities and helping grow more trees or something. If not they can be placed in the lions den and fight for what they believe is right compared to the lion who will be fighting for survival which is right with only using logic in the lion’s sense. Annotated Bibliography gladiator. Britannica Concise Encyclopedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Britannica Digital Learning, 2017. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/ebconcise/gladiator/0?institutionId=5312. Accessed 10 Aug. 2018. I use this to know what gladiators fought for. And I learned they fought for pride and self righteousness. Not because someone offended them by saying a couple of words. That would be like so he uses words I use swords and stab the SJW. Crabtree, David E. taxes. Encyclopedia of New Jersey, edited by Maxine N. Lurie, and Marc Mappen, Rutgers University Press, 1st edition, 2004. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/rutgersnj/taxes/0?institutionId=5312. Accessed 10 Aug. 2018. I use this article to learn more about what kind of taxes besides property taxes are there when creating a group or club. I learned there are a lot of taxes that starting a group has to go through and that it takes time for things like that to process. Something those SJW don’t have to make their beliefs right. Walker, Michael, and MICHAEL WALKER. Gambling. The Elgar Companion to Consumer Research and Economic Psychology, edited by Peter E. Earl, and Simon Kemp, Edward Elgar Publishing, 1st edition, 1999. Credo Reference, https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/elgarcrep/gambling/0?institutionId=5312. Accessed 10 Aug. 2018. I read this article because I wanted to know more about the gambling aspect since I don’t really gamble in my free time. And I learned you can gamble on anything rather you think it is going to land on red or black or if the sky will have a purple tint to it at at twelve midnight. Lots of things to take account from this article.

Free Essays on Measuring Informant Discrepancies

There are important implications for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment based on discrepancies among informants’ ratings of child psychopathology. Measures are completed typically by parents and children to assess child dysfunction. These measures include self-report checklists and diagnostic instruments. Relatively little agreement on the nature and extent of the child’s social, emotional, and behavioral problems are some of the ratings gathered from these sources. The article reviewed and illustrates the most frequently used methods of measuring informant discrepancies in the clinical child literature (raw difference, standardized difference, and residual difference scores) and outlines key considerations to influence their selection. The article concludes that frequently used methods of measuring informant discrepancies are not interchangeable and recommend that future investigations examining informant discrepancies in clinical child research use the standard ized difference score as their measure of informant discrepancies. Child research is a very important area of the counseling profession. I have found that in many ways it is vital to its growth. I feel that it takes a special skill to become a child counselor. These discrepancies prove just that. I think that the standardized difference score is the best measure to use for informant discrepancies. The authors have carefully dealt with each score and decided that they are not compatible between each other. Out of the three given, I agree with the authors’ choice. There were several considerations that influenced this selection and the standardized difference score still came out best. I think that when a decision this heavy weighs upon factors like diagnosis, assessment, and treatment; it takes careful patience and time. I also feel that parents and children need to stop being the primary assessors of child dysfunction. This matter needs to be addre... Free Essays on Measuring Informant Discrepancies Free Essays on Measuring Informant Discrepancies There are important implications for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment based on discrepancies among informants’ ratings of child psychopathology. Measures are completed typically by parents and children to assess child dysfunction. These measures include self-report checklists and diagnostic instruments. Relatively little agreement on the nature and extent of the child’s social, emotional, and behavioral problems are some of the ratings gathered from these sources. The article reviewed and illustrates the most frequently used methods of measuring informant discrepancies in the clinical child literature (raw difference, standardized difference, and residual difference scores) and outlines key considerations to influence their selection. The article concludes that frequently used methods of measuring informant discrepancies are not interchangeable and recommend that future investigations examining informant discrepancies in clinical child research use the standard ized difference score as their measure of informant discrepancies. Child research is a very important area of the counseling profession. I have found that in many ways it is vital to its growth. I feel that it takes a special skill to become a child counselor. These discrepancies prove just that. I think that the standardized difference score is the best measure to use for informant discrepancies. The authors have carefully dealt with each score and decided that they are not compatible between each other. Out of the three given, I agree with the authors’ choice. There were several considerations that influenced this selection and the standardized difference score still came out best. I think that when a decision this heavy weighs upon factors like diagnosis, assessment, and treatment; it takes careful patience and time. I also feel that parents and children need to stop being the primary assessors of child dysfunction. This matter needs to be addre...

The Kostenki Archaeological Sites

The Kostenki Archaeological Sites Kostenki refers to a complex of open-air archaeological sites located in the Pokrovsky Valley of Russia, on the west bank of the Don River, about 400 kilometers (250 miles) south of Moscow and 40 km (25 mi) south of the city of Voronezh, Russia. Together, they contain important evidence concerning the timing and complexity of the various waves of anatomically modern humans as they left Africa some 100,000 or more years ago The main site (Kostenki 14, see page 2) is located near the mouth of a small steep ravine; the upper reaches of this ravine contain evidence of a handful of other Upper Paleolithic occupations. The Kostenki sites lie deeply buried (between 10-20 meters [30-60 feet]) beneath the modern surface. The sites were buried by alluvium which was deposited by the Don River and its tributaries beginning at least 50,000 years ago. Terrace Stratigraphy The occupations at Kostenki include several Late Early Upper Paleolithic levels, dated between 42,000 to 30,000 calibrated years ago (cal BP). Smack dab in the middle of those levels is a layer of volcanic ash, associated with the volcanic eruptions of the Phlegrean Fields of Italy (aka Campanian Ignimbrite or CI Tephra), which erupted about 39,300 cal BP. The stratigraphic sequence at the Kostenki sites are broadly described as containing six main units: Modern levels at the top: black, highly humic soil with abundant bioturbation, churning by living animals, in this case mainly burrowing by rodents.Cover Loam: loess-like deposit with several stacked occupations dated to the Eastern Gravettian (such as Kostenki 1 at 29,000 cal BP; and Epi-Gravettian (Kostenki 11, 14,000-19,000 cal BP)Upper Humic Complex/Bed (UHB): yellowish chalky loam with several stacked occupations, early and mid-Upper Paleolithic, including Initial Upper Paleolithic, Aurignacian, Gravettian and local GorodsovianWhitish Loam: homogenous loam with some sub-horizontal lamination and in the lower part in situ or reworked volcanic ash (CI Tephra, independently dated 39,300 years agoLower Humic Complex/Bed (LHB): stratified loamy deposits with several stacked horizons, early and mid-Upper Paleolithic, including Initial Upper Paleolithic, Aurignacian, Gravettian and local Gorodsovian (similar to UHB)Chalky Loam: upper alluvium stratified with coarse deposits Controversy: Late Early Upper Paleolithic at Kostenki In 2007, the excavators at Kostenki (Anikovich et al.) reported that they had identified occupation levels within and below the ash level. They found the remnants of the Early Upper Paleolithic culture called the Aurignacian Dufour, numerous small bladelets quite similar to lithic tools found in similarly dated sites in western Europe. Prior to Kostenki, the Aurignacian sequence was considered the oldest component associated with modern humans at archaeological sites in Europe, underlain by Mousterian-like deposits representing Neanderthals. At Kostenki, a sophisticated tool kit of prismatic blades, burins, bone antler, and ivory artifacts, and small perforated shell ornaments lies below the CI Tephra and Aurignacian Dufour assemblage: these were identified as an earlier presence of modern humans in Eurasia than previously recognized. The discovery of modern human cultural material below the tephra was quite controversial at the time it was reported, and a debate about the context and date of the tephra arose. That debate was a complex one, best addressed elsewhere. Read more about the Pre-Aurignacian deposits at Kostenki Comments from John Hoffecker concerning initial criticism of the age of the site Since 2007, additional sites such as Byzovaya and Mamontovaya Kurya have lent additional support to the presence of early modern human occupations of the eastern Plains of Russia. Kostenki 14, also known as Markina Gora, is the main site at Kostenki, and it has been found to contain genetic evidence concerning the migration of early modern humans from Africa into Eurasia. Markina Gora is located on the flank of a ravine cut into one of the river terraces. The site covers hundred of meters of sediment within seven cultural levels. Cultural Layer (CL) I, in the Cover Loam, 26,500-27,600 cal BP, Kostenki-Avdeevo cultureCL II, within the Upper Humic Bed (UHB), 31,500-33,600 cal BP, Gorodsovian, mid Upper Paleolithic mammoth bone industryCL III, UHB, 33,200-35,300 cal BP, blade-based and bone industry, Gorodsovian, Mid Upper PaleolithicLVA (layer in volcanic ash, 39,300 cal BP), small assemblage, unipolar blades and Dufour bladelets, AurignacianCL IV in the Lower Humic Bed (LHB), older than the tephra, undiagnostic blade-dominated industryCL IVa, LHB, 36,000-39,100, a few lithics, large numbers of horse bones (at least 50 individual animals)Fossil Soil, LHB, 37,500-40,800 cal BPCL IVb, LHB, 39,900-42,200 cal BP, distinctive Upper Paleolithic, endscrapers, possible horse head out of carved mammoth ivory, human tooth (EMH) A complete early modern human skeleton was recovered from Kostenki 14 in 1954, buried in a tightly flexed position in a oval burial pit (99x39 centimeters or 39x15 inches) which had been dug through the ash layer and then was sealed by Cultural Layer III. The skeleton was direct-dated to 36,262-38,684 cal BP. The skeleton represents an adult man, 20-25 years old with a robust skull and short stature (1.6 meters [5 foot 3 inches]). A few stone flakes, animal bones and a sprinkle of dark red pigment were found in the burial pit. Based on its location within the strata, the skeleton can be generally dated to the Early Upper Paleolithic period. Genomic Sequence from Markina Gora Skeleton In 2014, Eske Willerslev and associates (Seguin-Orlando et al) reported the genomic structure of the skeleton at Markina Gora. They perfomed 12 DNA extractions from the skeletons left arm bone, and compared the sequence to the growing numbers of ancient and modern DNA. They identified genetic relationships between Kostenki 14 and Neanderthalsmore evidence that early modern humans and Neanderthals interbredas well as genetic connections to the Malta individual from Siberia and European Neolithic farmers. Further, they found a fairly distant relationship to Australo-Melanesian or eastern Asian populations. The Markina Gora skeletons DNA indicates a deep-aged human migration out of Africa separate from that of Asian populations, supporting the Southern Dispersal Route as a possible corridor for population of those areas. All humans are derived from the same populations in Africa; but we colonized the world in different waves and perhaps along different exit routes. The genomic data recovered from Markina Gora is further evidence that the population of our world by humans was very complex, and we have a long way to go before we understand it. Excavations at Kostenki Kostenki was discovered in 1879; and a long series of excavations have followed. Kostenki 14 was discovered by P.P. Efimenko in 1928 and has been excavated since the 1950s via a series of trenches. The oldest occupations at the site were reported in 2007, where the combination of great age and sophistication created quite a stir. Sources This glossary entry is a part of the About.com guide to Upper Paleolithic , and the Dictionary of Archaeology. Anikovich MV, Sinitsyn AA, Hoffecker JF, Holliday VT, Popov VV, Lisitsyn SN, Forman SL, Levkovskaya GM, Pospelova GA, Kuzmina IE et al. 2007. Early Upper Paleolithic in Eastern Europe and Implications for the Dispersal of Modern Humans. Science 315(5809):223-226. Hoffecker JF. 2011. The early upper Paleolithic of eastern Europe reconsidered. Evolutionary Anthropology: Issues, News, and Reviews 20(1):24-39. Revedin A, Aranguren B, Becattini R, Longo L, Marconi E, Mariotti Lippi M, Skakun N, Sinitsyn A, Spiridonova E, and Svoboda J. 2010. Thirty thousand-year-old evidence of plant food processing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 107(44):18815-18819. Seguin-Orlando A, Korneliussen TS, Sikora M, Malaspinas A-S, Manica A, Moltke I, Albrechtsen A, Ko A, Margaryan A, Moiseyev V et al. 2014. Genomic structure in Europeans dating back at least 36,200 years. ScienceExpress 6 November 2014(6 November 2014) doi: 10.1126/science.aaa0114. Soffer O, Adovasio JM, Illingworth JS, Amirkhanov H, Praslov ND, and Street M. 2000. Palaeolithic perishables made permanent. Antiquity 74:812-821. Svendsen JI, Heggen HP, Hufthammer AK, Mangerud J, Pavlov P, and Roebroeks W. 2010. Geo-archaeological investigations of Palaeolithic sites along the Ural Mountains - On the northern presence of humans during the last Ice Age. Quaternary Science Reviews 29(23-24):3138-3156. Svoboda JA. 2007. The Gravettian on the Middle Danube. Paleobiology 19:203-220. Velichko AA, Pisareva VV, Sedov SN, Sinitsyn AA, and Timireva SN. 2009. Paleogeography of Kostenki-14 (Markina Gora). Archaeology, Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia 37(4):35-50. doi: 10.1016/j.aeae.2010.02.002

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Corporate Environmental Reporting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Corporate Environmental Reporting - Essay Example The stakeholders have been under utter confusion with regard to the information contained in the reports. Naturally, an expectation gap exists between the users (stakeholders) and preparers of environmental reports. At this juncture, a study is relevant as to examine whether there is any such expectation gap is present or not. The present study, therefore, attempts to examine the difference in the perception of preparers and users of environmental reports in the U.K. The study is carried out as an exploratory research by suing sample survey. An extensive preliminary research has been undertaken so as to acquire a basic knowledge of the unexplored area. The study heavily relies on primary data and data are collected directly from the respondents using two sets of well structured questionnaire. An interview schedule is also prepared to collect data. The population for the study comprises of two sets of professionals, namely chartered accountants and chief accounting officials of 200 ma nufacturing firms in the U.K. Naturally, the sample size of the survey comes to 400 put together. The data collected are edited, coded and analyzed to arrive at meaningful conclusions and generalizations. Because of the increased emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) the world over, corporations are obliged to present the information about the fulfillment of their duties towards various stakeholders including society... Corporations across the globe have accepted CSR as an effective tool for sustainable development and high financial performance. To communicate and share the information about what the corporations have done in respect of CSR is made possible through what is popularly known as Environmental Reporting (ER). In a broad sense, environmental reporting is known by various nomenclatures such as Corporate Social Reporting, Triple Bottom Line Reporting etc. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) defines Environmental Reporting as "public reports by companies to provide internal and external stakeholders with a picture of the corporate position and activities on economic, environmental and social dimensions". It is taken as a means to publicly demonstrate organizations' commitment to environmental obligations and to disseminate information on their environmental performance and initiatives. In most of the countries, environmental reporting has not been made mandatory, but corporations take it as obligation on their part to fulfill the information needs of the various stakeholders by preparing various reports in an appropriate manner. In the developed countries like the U.K and the U.S., it is being widely established and applied by big as well as small organizations. As per the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, following are the principles of environmental reporting. - Transparency; - Accuracy; - Clarity; - Inclusiveness and completeness; - Verifiability and auditability; - Timeliness; - Relevance to the concerns of stakeholders; - Comparability (to facilitate comparison over time and between organizations); and, - Neutrality Since the emergence

12 Steps to Recovery Essay Example for Free

12 Steps to Recovery Essay Addiction of any substance is an extremely difficult thing to accept. When we finally realize that We have a problem it is up us to admit it. Once we have accepted that we are addicted we have made the first and most important step to recovery. We learn that once recovery is what we want in our lives there are steps to take these steps is to mean we are ready to completely give yourself to a higher power. This higher power can be anything or anyone we want it to be, whether it be God or someone we can really trust and depend on. There are 12 steps to recovery that will help us stay clean and help us be successful in staying in recovery. This we call the â€Å"12 Step Program. † The first step to recovery is we admit we’re powerless over our addiction and our lives have become unmanageable. This means admitting weeven have an addiction problem. By saying your life has become unmanageable states that we don‘t want to continue living your life the way have been during your addiction. Our addiction has taken over our life, and admitting that we’re an addict helps us take responsibility for our actions instead of blaming others as we did before. The second step is we have come to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity as we knew it. See more:  The Story of an Hour Literary Analysis Essay For most of us our higher power is god. We would give everything to our higher power and ask him for forgiveness. We then would recite the Serenity Prayer to help us. The Serenity Prayer is â€Å"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference! † This is a very powerful prayer as I feel today. The third step is that we’ve made the decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand and know him. We allow him to guide us through the recovery process we are going through. He lets us know that we are not alone in this, and we will never be alone again as long as we have him in our lives. The fourth step is making a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. We look inside ourselves to find out what our morals are and to figure out what we believe in. We figure out what we stand for and learn what we think is right and wrong in life. In this step you must become brutally honest with yourself knowing that there’s nothing we can do to change the past. This does not mean you are a bad person but that you have made some bad decisions in our lives, that we as human beings are not perfect. The fifth step is when we have admitted to God, ourselves, and another human being the exact natures of our wrongs we have done during our addiction. Completing this step gets the monkey off your back pursay. More than most people the addict lead a double life. This means we are only showing what we want people to see. Not being honest and showing our true colors. We still continued to lie and expected to be able to stay clean. Through this step we learned that this is not possible in order to stay clean and live a honest life through recovery. Those of us that belong to religious sanctuaries can confide in the proper person of that faith . Others that are not religious may find someone they can confide in such as a doctor or therapist. Someone that we can trust to keep what has been said in confidence. We cannot disclose anything to our family because we are not allowed to say things to them that will make them unhappy. We cannot save our own skins by making someone else unhappy. By doing so our fears come closer and we begin to realize that our life is opening up and showing what our life was really about . This is the scariest thing we will do. And the hardest step to complete out of all 12 of them. The sixth step is when we ask God to remove these defects of character. Which in turn means we surrender our whole self to God? When we are ready, we say to him something like this: â€Å"My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen† The seventh step we become willing to ask God to help us to remove all of our shortcomings. This is not a long step and like I said previously it’s not one of the hardest steps to do during recovery.

Public Relations In Non Profit Organisations Marketing Essay

Public Relations In Non Profit Organisations Marketing Essay First this essay will explain the role of public relations in non-profit organisations and provide a brief description of our campaign; second the campaigns strengths and weaknesses will be discussed; third the campaign will be discussed in relation to public relations theory; and finally a conclusion summarising the main points discussed in this essay Public Relations and Non-Profit Organisations: Public relations can play an important role for non-profit organisations, providing the support to create new, and maintain existing relationships necessary to meet organisational goals, meet fundraising targets, and develop organisational awareness. As Broom, Center, and Cutlip state, there are five functions the practitioner aims to carry out within non-profit organisations, these are to: Define or brand the organisation, gain acceptance of its mission, and protect its reputation. Develop channels of communication with those an organization serves. Create and maintain a favourable climate for fundraising. Support the development and maintenance of public policy that is favourable to an organizations mission. Inform and motivate key organizational constituents (such as employees, volunteers, and trustees) to dedicate themselves and work productively in support of an organizations mission, goal, and objectives. (Broom, Center, Cutlip, 2006, p. 449) Campaign Description: Intentio PR designed a campaign to achieve two goals; first to increase the amount of funding Parent to Parent receives through creating relationships with the business community; and second to increase awareness of Parent to Parent through the relationships and campaigns developed with the business community. Therefore, Intentio PRs key campaign goal was to increase the amount of funding Parent to Parent receives, while simultaneously increasing awareness of Parent to Parent and their services to key audiences. Intentio PR proposed three projects to achieve these goals: A redevelopment of Parent to Parents website to be more interactive, and to allow for a better donation function. A cause related marketing campaign with Huggies, where a certain amount of each Huggies product purchased was donated to the organisation A relationship with TradeMe, in which users can donate the auction success fee or entire proceeds for an auctioned item to Parent to Parent. Campaign Strength and Weaknesses: Prior to the development of Intentio PRs three campaigns, Parent to Parents current situation was researched, more specifically research concentrated on their purpose and mission, their current financial situation, and their sources of funding. The information gathered from this influenced our next stage of research as we found that there was a problem with funding, and that businesses were not approached for funding, focussing efforts on grants and applications instead. Stemming from our organisational information, we then conducted research that looked into what motivates businesses to provide sponsorship to non-profit organisations, what they see as essential to this relationship, and their level of awareness for organisations providing services to the disabled. Research also looked into the funding and sponsorship situations of the regional Parent to Parent offices. We encountered difficulties in relation to this research in regards to response rates, from both business, and the regional offices contacted to participate. Although not sufficient to produce any significant generalisations to either of the communities surveyed, the information gathered did produce enough relevant data to help in the formation of our campaign goals and objectives. The goals for this campaign fit in to two management situations that Smith describes, a task management goal focused on obtaining more funding, and reputation management goal which is focussed on Parent to Parents awareness and perception (Smith, 2002, p. 69). Although our campaign had a goal derived from our previous research and worked, as Smith states, to provide the direction while objectives pinpoint the destination (Smith, 2002, p. 67) I believe we could have developed more specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (SMART) objectives for the three campaigns developed. Consequently, this would have allowed for us to develop more specific and detailed campaign evaluations, which lacked any specific criteria to measure success against. The reputation or awareness objective that was listed could have been improved by specifically stating who the community mentioned is, for example amongst all parents of disabled children; and by providing measurable targets for the objective, for example an increase of awareness by 60%, although previous awareness levels of the organisation amongst the target audience for the objective would be needed as the standard to be measured against. Public Relations Theory: Although we attempted to use the four step process, that is research, planning, action, and evaluation, our campaign was lacking in areas such as planning and evaluation that would have brought it together. Five theories I would use to describe and evaluate aspects of Intentio PRs campaign would be systems theory, the two-way asymmetrical model, social exchange theory, social learning theory, and situational theory. Systems theory can be used to examine both the internal and external relationships an organisation has with its employees and customers. Baskin, Heiman, Lattimore, and Toth describe organisations as made up of interrelated parts, adapting and adjusting to changes in theenvironments in which they operate. Organisations have recognisable boundaries, within which there must be a communication structure that guides the parts of the organisation to achieve organisational goals. (Baskin, Heiman, Lattimore, Toth, 2007, pp. 44-45) These organisations can be considered either open or closed systems; open systems allowing the flow of information from outside stakeholders, and how these relationships with outside stakeholders might affect the organisation; closed systems choosing to focus on past decisions and how these have performed when making decisions, preferring not to seek new information from outside of the organisation. Our campaign would be based on an open systems theory, with research in to outside organisations and how these relationships are established, and maintained being conducted, as previously discussed; also, we seek to establish new relationships with Huggies, and TradeMe to increase funding and awareness. As surveys were mainly used to explore relationships with businesses, and the information found used to develop or influence our campaign design, the two-way asymmetrical best describes our research and development model, as Tench and Yeomans state Feedback from audiences is important in this model of communication, but it is used to adapt communication strategies to be more persuasive, not to alter the organisations position. (Tench Yeomans, 2006, p. 147) Intentio PRs cause related marketing campaign with Huggies establishes an exchange with the consumer of the Huggies product; for every product the consumer purchases, $2.00 will be donated towards Parent to Parent. Therefore, the act of buying this product (the cost), results in them helping out a charitable organisation (the reward). I believe this is an example of the social exchange theory, which uses the economic metaphor of costs and benefits to predict behaviour. It assumes that individuals and groups choose strategies based on perceived rewards and costs. (Baskin, Heiman, Lattimore, Toth, 2007, p. 48) I believe the social learning theory, which states that we can learn new behaviours merely by observing others (Baskin, Heiman, Lattimore, Toth, 2007, p. 50), is applicable to our TradeMe Team Up campaign. Although there will be a media release and other promotional material in relation to this campaign, the main method in which TradeMe members are going to learn about these donation features are through observing and adapting this behaviour from another member who has used these features on their auction(s). Both VanLeuven; and Baskin, Heiman, Lattimore Toth state that the more positive and rewarding the consequences, the more likely the behaviour will occur. (VanLeuven, 1989, p. 196) Therefore the probability of the observing TradeMe member adopting this behaviour (the donation feature) is more likely if they believe the reward (donating money to a charitable cause) is a sufficient or positive reward for performing the task; the goal of the promotional effort for this campaign should consequently be to align TradeMe Team Up campaign as so. Situational theory, according to Tench, and Yeomans; and Baskin, Heiman, Lattimore Toth (2007, p.46-47), divides an organisations publics according to those publics who actively seek and process information about an organisation or an issue of interest, and those publics that passively receive informationas the situation, problem, opportunity, or issue changes, the publics, with which the organisation must communicate, change. The redevelopment of Parent to Parents website is aimed towards the active information seekers of their publics; the new website design allows for easier navigation of the site, and easier access to relevant information, such as events, regional information, and organisational information. It would be the active users of this website, who are also TradeMe members, who would be the early adopters of the donation feature of TradeMe Team Up. Conclusion: Theory establishes a framework through which common phenomena can be described and analysed. This essay has described the public relations campaign designed by Intentio PR, and has worked to relate the various components that it comprises to relevant public relations theory. I believe the campaign we produced could have been improved if we had used or referred back to the theory discussed previously, and if we had designated SMART goals to each of the campaigns.

The House of Bernarda Alba Essay -- Drama

The House of Bernarda Alba The National theatre Choose one production that you have seen and which you particularly enjoyed and discuss the aspects which made it so successful? The House of Bernarda Alba is a tragedy by Lorca which was set in Spain in the early 1930’s during the Spanish civil war and is about five daughters whose life’s resolve around their mother Bernarda Alba. The girls are repressed by there mother which could be why he wrote this play, to express his feelings and show through the characters how he felt during life as he was repressed for being gay â€Å"better never to lay eyes on a man, never to have seen one’. I enjoyed ‘The House of Bernarda Alba’ as many aspects of the play were successful. There was a large, complicated realistic set like Stanislavski would use with period costumes and props which allowed the audience to see it visually which helped believability in the play as it contributed to the realistic acting. It helped you feel like you were in Spain, as a hot climate was suggested through the set; it was exotic, light and Spanish looking. The props gave a sense of the period the play was set for example the radio, the bell, the wash basin and the sewing machines were all authentic. The set was in Bernarda Alba’s house which was a grand mansion with a gilt, lofty ceiling. I think the towering interior clearly represented the distorted mind of Bernarda Alba. The house was a very open, free place for the girls to roam around in. It had a courtyard in the centre, light green walls making it seem larger and many plants, showing the outside was brought inside. I felt this was a success as the set showed how Bernarda Alba didn’t want the girls to leave the house as there were closed shutters down to the floor; this showed the girls were isolated from the outside world. The set designer has evidently striven to create a physical space which represented psychological unease There were four stone pillars which I feel could have represented four of the daughters and the last daughter was represented by the drain shaped as a cross on the courtyard, which showed she died. I also felt that the pillars were successful as they might signify the house is like a prison for the girls, and they are the bars. There were two stained glass windows one which was broken which gave a sense that once the... ... came across as controlling by her strict tone of voice. It was successful the way the director showed the girls as fearful of the mother. Every time someone would stroll in the room they would jump as they thought it was their mother and if their mother did come in they would sit down immediately and sit in silence sewing. If their mother asked them a question you would hear a fearful tremble in their voice as they replied showing they lived in fear of their mother. Another way in which the actors of the girls were effective is the way they reacted to men. The only men the girls would ever see apart from their father, was the man who delivers the fabric. So in the play when Pepe came to the door all the girls would get excited and start jumpy around screaming as they ran out the door. I feel this play was generally a very successful piece of realistic drama because of the set, costumes, lighting and the acting. It had a detailed set and several strong actors which helped bring the play to life as well as real rain at the end to create a dramatic effect. Long silences were used in the play to produce tension and it used comedy and tragedy to engage the audience.

An Analysis of The Dominate Perspectives of International Political Eco

In the world of international political economy, three dominant perspectives have emerged over time. The differences and similarities between the realist/mercantilist, liberalism, and historical structuralism perspectives are significant. In this essay, I will compare and contrast these dominant perspectives. First, I will give a historical account of how each perspective originated. Then I will outline the actors involved in each perspective, explore those actors’ interests, and outline which of those actors set economic and political policy. Lastly, I will explore how those political and economic actors relate to each other. History Among the three dominant perspectives, realist/mercantilist is the oldest and some would argue the most important and comprehensive theory . It was developed in Europe during the 15th to 18th centuries and was based on the premise that what best-supported national power and wealth was increasing exports and collecting precious metals, such as bullion . The states would then establish colonies, a merchant marine, and develop industry and mining to attain a favorable balance of trade . In order for the states to be able to fund their expansion, pay for their increasingly large armies and cover the growing costs of their government they needed to accumulate wealth. The state became more involved in the economy favoring export-oriented policies because in order to accumulate the much-needed wealth, the state needed to sell more than it bought, or export more than it imported . Governments started to impose import duties to protect local businesses and provide a source of revenue. Production was also increasingly regulated by the state and economic treaties were struck between states. The problem was; what good was all the accumulated wealth if they cannot protect themselves from invaders? The states quickly learned that wealth and security were intrinsically related and that in order to have and keep one you must have the other . Security, and the accumulation of wealth to pay for the costs of the security, is therefore now considered to be the most important aspects of realism/mercantilism and states now use the economy as a way to generate more wealth and more power .   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Liberalism was a reaction against the policies of realism/mercantilism. The French philosophers ‘The Physiocrats’ condemned the in... ...he corporate sector guides the economic policies of the state and the state in turn regulates the corporate sector with favorable intervention. In summary, after examining the origins of each perspective, and exploring the main actors, which set policy and how they relate, it has become clear that while each theory has been put into practice and have all failed and succeeded to some extent, no one theory can accurately sum up the incredibly complex world of international political economy. Prepared By: Tim Delroy Bibliography Balaam, David and Veseth, Michael â€Å"Introduction to International Political Economy† (New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2001) Ekelund, Robert B. and Tollison, Robert D. â€Å"Politicized Economies† (College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 1997) Goldstein, Joshua S. â€Å"International Relations† (New York: Longman, 2001) Jones, Barry; editor â€Å"The Worlds of Political Economy† (London: Pinter Publishers Ltd, 1988) Magnussen, Lars â€Å"Mercantilism: the Shaping of an Economic Language† (New York: Routledge, 1994) Stubbs, Richard and Underhill, Geoffrey R.D.; editors â€Å"Political Economy and the Changing Global Order† (Don Mills: Oxford University Press, 2000)

Business Model Assignment Essay

Had been very busy lately finishing up on all the marking and a host of other stuff. Why is it that everything has to come together at the same time? Now I have to advise my students on completing their Business Model Assignment. My advise to them: â€Å"Do a little bit every day. Don’t wait until the week of submission and then try to cramp everything in one week. You will go haywire if you do that.† There are four parts to the business model as required in the coursework brief: core strategy, strategic resources, partnership network, and customer interface. Now, we are in Week 4. Try to cover one part in one week, and you will be able to complete your assignment by Week 7. Of course, you would have to compromise on your CNY celebrations. Never mind, you still have many more CNYs to come. :)) In this post, I will touch on the first part – i.e. core strategy. Let me start with business model. A business model is just a simplified description of how a business makes money. Usually, it is the precursor to the business plan. The objective of having a business plan is to â€Å"sell† your project to external financiers or internally to top management. If you have a well-thought out business model, then it forms the basis for writing a good business plan. A business plan may consist of the management team, the business model, the implementation plan, the financial plan, an analysis of the external environments, and maybe also a part on risk analysis. So you see, the business model is actually just a part of the business plan. Okay, now let’s look at core strategy. What exactly do we mean by â€Å"core†? It simply refers to our most valuable customers – who we are selling to. It also refers to our most important product – what we are selling. Also refers to our most important channels – how we are selling. Strategy? It’s just the art and science of today’s business environment i.e. how we differentiate ourselves from others. It refers to us finding our very own space in an over-crowded market. In the marking scheme, marks for this part is allocated for three areas of discussion: the mission statement (3 marks), product and/or market scope (4 marks) and basis for differentiation (4 marks). Let us move to the first of these: the mission statement. The mission statement simply defines what we sell and who we sell to. Having a mission statement provides us and our employees the framework and purpose of the existence of our business. The mission statement can be stated in one sentence or several sentences. Get your group’s members to sit down together and brainstorm on a mission statement for your group’s business venture. If you put your brains together, you will be able to come up with a reasonably good mission statement. Google for examples of mission statements. Learn from the mission statements of others and try formulate a good one for yourself. After your group has come up with the mission statement, then explain your mission statement. So, in this area, two things you need to do: State and explain your mission statement. The next area of discussion is your product and/or market scope. Product scope refers to the number of products you carry for sale in your business. You may build a successful business based on a single product strategy or you may have different lines of product to cater to a larger variety of customers. Your product scope will determine your future marketing strategy, your profit goals, and market saturation. With a single product scope, you build your business around one primary product. You become a specialist and often can build a niche market for your product, especially if you can develop territories over which you have complete control. Management is simple and inventory is easily monitored. A multiple product scope can include selling two or three or hundreds of products. Market scope is similar to product scope. It defines the number of customers you sell to and who they are. Yeah, you are right – it’s akin to market segmentation. You should have studied about market segmentation in your Fundamentals of Marketing course. If you have forgotten, well, just Google and find out. So, in this area, what you need to do is to describe your product/s and/or your customer segments. What’s next? Oh yeah, basis for differentiation. Meaning how you differentiate your product or service with those offered by your competitors. Differentiating your product makes you stand out from the crowd. It represents the X-factor that sways the customer’s preference in your favor. In other words, successful product differentiation creates a  competitive advantage for you because customers will tend to perceive that your product is unique or one of a kind. Product differentiation may be as simple as just changing the way that a product is packaged. It may also be as elaborate as introducing new functionalities to the product. So, in this area, what you need to do is to explain how your product/service is differentiated from those of your competitors.