Objective and subjecive ( you have the file you can read and see its Essay

Objective and subjecive ( you have the file you can read and see its dont have to be the room at algoma u any room - Essay Example The classroom floor uses white glazed tiles. The classroom is lit by rows of fluorescent lighting. This particular classroom has a more professional feel and design to it. Comprised of 3 rows of semi modular computer tables, each row seats up to 4 persons. The computers are mounted to each table and each student uses a top of the line LCD monitor for class lecture purposes. The seats themselves are modern and ergonomic in design and look so that each student can be seated comfortably during the long stretches of class hours. Most of the class lectures in this modern classroom are done via power point presentation as evidenced by the projection screen hanging in front of the students area. The professor has his own table off to the right side corner of the room. The table houses his own computer and other teaching paraphernalia. Mounted to the back of the teachers desk is the white board where manual drawings and notes may be written down for further reference during the lecture. Off to the left side of the room is another small counter that is used to hold other teaching equipmen t or

Psychology and Positive Reinforcement Essay Example for Free

Psychology and Positive Reinforcement Essay For this project if I had to design a study investigating the relationship between alcohol and violence, I would use the experimental method. The experimental method involves manipulating one variable to determine if changes in one variable cause changes in another variable. This method relies on controlled methods, random assignment and manipulation of variables to test a hypothesis (Cherry, n. d. ). The reason for this method is so I can put the test subjects in a controlled environment and monitor the affects of the alcohol and see if the alcohol consumed by the test subject allows them to display forms of violence. By using another method with the experimental method to get more results out of this study, I would also use survey research. Survey research is one of the most important areas of measurement in applied social research. The broad area of survey research encompasses any measurement procedures that involve asking questions of respondents. A survey can be anything that forms a short paper-and-pencil feedback form to an intensive one-on-one in-depth interview (Trochim, 2006). I would combine these methods to determine the outcome of the study and support my investigation of the relationship between alcohol and violence. For example, I would get four test subjects that would consist of two groups, two men and two women. I would have all subjects fill out a form that displays likes and dislikes and what makes them happy/ unhappy. I would then have one subject from each group would consume alcohol but all the drinks would be the color red each subject will be by themselves for the first hour in different rooms. After that hour they would be placed in room together and exam how the gamma-aminobutyric acid displays the affects of using their dislikes on their behavior after the consumption of alcohol. The strengths of this study would be finding the chemical in alcohol and what chemical inside of the human body that triggers the violent display. Also strengths for this method would be compilation of verifiable data and ethical compliance. But with all strengths you do have weaknesses; those weaknesses for these methods would be not having accurate reports for these methods and distortion of unreliable case studies. Also you may have test subjects that do not reflect the general population and him or her in fact have their own social issues that may reflect violence from the outcome of alcohol. The ethical consideration for this research would be no children, women that are pregnant, separation of a person with a criminal background and non-criminal background, test subjects are only to consume a certain amount of alcohol by their size and weight, and the test subjects are only to be tested in a controlled environment. The difference between negative and positive reinforcement is that negative reinforcement; is when a certain stimulus/item is removed after a particular behavior is exhibited. The likelihood of the particular behavior occurring again in the future is increased because of removing/avoiding the negative stimuli (Stangor, Chapter 7, 2010). For example: My son has choirs to do every day after school and does not like to do them. He does his choirs because if he does not he would not be able to play his video game. Positive reinforcement: is a very powerful and effective tool to help shape and change behavior. Positive reinforcement works by presenting a motivating item to the person after the desired behavior is exhibited, making the behavior more likely to happen in the future (Stangor, Chapter 7, 2010). For example: My daughter studied very hard on her spelling test and receive an A for passing it, for receiving that A on her test I gave her ten dollars for studying and doing a great job on her test. Using negative reinforcement on my son not doing his choirs helps him understand that you will not get anything in return for not doing your job after school. Using positive reinforcement for maintaining a positive path you will be rewarded for your accomplishments. The ethical standards are displaying a positive for doing something positive and a negative result for a negative behavior. For example, you cannot throw a rock at a car window and expect to get ice cream in return. That would be rewarding a person for doing a negative action. Also you cannot reward a person for cheating on a test by copying off of someone, excepting credit for someone else’s work instead of your own. When displaying these reinforcement methods it helps to create modifications of the behavior that’s displayed by the children from my example. When using these methods it creates a pattern for learning responsibility. Learning responsibilities helps form other positives paths to encourage a person to be more motivated nd become successful. The theory that best fits my psychological thought would be the behavior theory and also the developmental theory. The behavior theory also known as behaviorism is a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. The developmental theory: Theories of development provide a framework for thinking about human growth, development, and learning (Trochim, 2006). The way I see psychology I believe that it starts with these theories first. Understanding human behavior and the development of behavior helps me better understand the mentality of people. Psychology is a very broad field that deals with all aspects of life, from a social stand point, economical stand point and environmental stand point. Psychology helps us understand why we do the things that we do, for example culture of honor. A term that is defined by responding to insults with aggression or catharsis observing or engaging in less harmful aggressive actions that will reduce the tendency to aggress later in a more harmful way (Stangor, Chapter 14, 2010). These psychological theories of behaviorism cannot be studied without developmental theories to help understand these patterns and create determination to why we do things. Give us a better understanding, in other words casual attribution; determining the causes of people behavior (Stangor, Chapter 13, 2010). Our social cognition is set to predict behaviors, but how can we predict behaviors if we do not develop ways to understand it. Basically prejudging or stereotyping these behaviors. It is nothing in psychology that would have me to believe that the research that is provided is not true. Everything that I have studied, I either have done or seen done; our attitude another behavior that we exhibit and in my opinion would be the core to behaviorism. It displays any feelings that we have towards people, work ethic, environment, and our social representation. First I would have to define the disorder by observing the dysfunctional pattern of thought, emotion, and behavior. Next I would exercise the bio-psycho-social model of the illness; to help me understand the disorder. Using the DSM-IV-TR, I would look for any psychological history and use of the Axis IV check for social or environmental problems, such as homelessness, divorce, school problems, or other stressors present. Also I would use Axis I and V to determine if this person is suffering from mood, anxiety, or learning disorders; is this person at risk of hurting him or herself and others (Stangor, Chapter 13, 2010). The disorder I have discovered that my client has is anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder is a psychological disturbance marked by irrational fears, often of everyday objects and situations. The treatment I would use to help my client would be antianxiety medications; drugs that help relive the fear of anxiety. Also I would use biomedical therapies; treatments that are designed to reduce psychological disorder by influencing the action of the central nerves system. This method would involved the use of medication but also include direct brain intervention with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT0, psychosurgery, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (Stangor, Chapter 13, 2010). These methods of therapy would help my client be more at ease with their disorder. The ethical obligations of the psychological professionals would be that. Psychiatrists are physicians with specialized knowledge of mental illness and its treatment. Psychiatrists share the same ethical ideals as all physicians and are committed to compassion, fidelity, beneficence, trustworthiness, fairness, integrity, scientific and clinical excellence, social responsibility, and respect for persons. Psychiatrists endeavor to embody these principles in their diverse roles as diagnosticians, treating physicians, therapists, teachers, scientists, consultants, and colleagues (Principles of Ethics and Professionalism in Psychiatry, n. d. ).

Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground - Exposing the Unseen Depths

Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground - Exposing the Unseen Depths of the Human Mind The lights are on but nobody’s home. My elevator doesn’t go to the top. I’m not playing with a full deck. I’ve lost my marbles. †¦.cause I am cra-a-zy! Just like yooou! -Barenaked Ladies Crazy. That is how Dostoevsky’s man from the underground is referred to as he writes his notes-- his paradox on life. Is he crazy? Are his ramblings only the cries of a madman? Many would like to think so and our narrator would probably agree that they are only normal in thinking that. They are "decent" people. And yet, maybe there is a bit of truth in these notes. Perhaps we are all crazy. No? Ok, we are all decent people who function effectively in society. But what if there were hidden secrets behind the surface of this decency? â€Å"Dostoevsky uses his narrator to reveal those unseen depths of the human mind. His "craziness" is merely an amplification of what all people have inside of them. This man from the underground attempts to break these chains, but he too is human, and can never completely escape. He tries to uncover our eyes to a cycle to which humans are forever subject†( Morson 482 ). Knowing of their contempt for him, our narrator follows his old schoolmates to a brothel wanting to prove that he is unconquerable. He follows to undermine the superiority that he knows they feel over him. It is from this spiteful drive that the man from the underground finds his way to Liza, his closest experience to genuine happiness. Instead of being faced with another round of proving himself, he finds that they had all "gone their separate ways". It is her face that catches his attention when she comes in the room: "There was something simple and kind in... ... This deceptiveness festers until one can no longer be distinguished from any other. He conforms to the "generalhumanness." He becomes a slave to society and loses the courage to break the chains that keep him from being vulnerable. This cycle makes him normal. He is what is expected. Works Cited Coetzee, J. M. â€Å"Confession and Double Thoughts: Tolstoy, Rousseau, Dostoevsky.† Comparative Literature, Vol. 37, No. 3. (Summer, 1985):193-232. Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Three Short Novels: Notes from the Underground. Garden City, NY: Anchor Books, 1960. Matlaw, Ralph. â€Å"Structure and Integration in Notes from the Underground.† PMLA 73.1 (March 1958): 101-109. Morson, Gary Saul. â€Å"Paradoxical Dostoevsky.† The Slavic and East European Journal 43.3 (Autumn 1999): 471-494. Paris, Bernard. â€Å"Notes from Underground: A Horneyan Analysis.† PMLA 88.3 (May 1973): 511-522.

A Cross-Cultural Study of British, Indian, and Portuguese College Students Essay

Love Styles: A Cross-Cultural Study of British, Indian, and Portuguese College Students Love is a feeling known to many people. Sometimes, it becomes a goal for different individuals to find their love through different ways. Moreover, love is a feeling which helps individuals to be compassionate to other people. Hence, love is not a mysterious thing yet no one has really attempted to study such topic for its very vague concept. However, there is a study which presented varying aspects regarding love. The article Love Styles: A Cross-Cultural Study of British, Indian, and Portuguese College Students. Furthermore this article provides a very significant understanding towards the subject of love. Therefore, as stated by the author is categorized into six different types of love. The types of love which were mentioned are Eros, Ludus and Storge which are categorized as the primary styles of love. The secondary styles are Pragma, Mania and Agape. These are all composed of different categories which mostly provide the concept of love in the current society. Eros is known to be the romantic and passionate type of love. Ludus is known to be the game playing love. Storge is a love which is based on friendship. Pragma is meant to name the practical kind of love. Mania is the possessive or dependent kind of love while Agape is the unselfish kind of love. Thus, all of these kinds of love is dynamic that could interchange or develop through time (Neto, 2007). Hence, the author was able to create a study which does not focus on the concept of romantic love but also the varying kinds of love in the society. Hence, in order to understand the concept of love, the author view various culture such as the British, Portuguese and the Indians in order for to attain the accurate results of the data. In the conclusion, the author realized that the need to view love must go through a gender, cultural and psychological aspects for there are great differences in the ethnicity of varying individuals. The research question in the author’s mind is definitely leaning on the concept of love through utilizing the concept of Lee on various students from India, Britain and Portugal. Hence, this is the main basis utilized by Neto in order to derive to such study. In order to get the accurate data, the author used various students of different nationalities such as Indians, British and Portuguese that shall provide different view points of the study. The study was composed of 562 individuals who are not equally divided between male and female. The results stated that different cultures of people are important in predicting the kind of styles of love which they make. Furthermore, the cultural perspective mainly predicts what kind of love the participants wanted to experience. Moreover, the gender of the students who participated is significant in the study. Therefore, there are studies which show that Eros is important to both genders. Hence, in the study Indians is much leaning into three secondary type of love such as Pragma, Mania and Agape (Neto, 2007). Thus, the Portuguese and British participants are much active in the Ludus kind of love. In the whole study, I view that all the information provided is very interesting. The kind of love that is being practiced by different individuals from varying countries is truly affected by the culture and environment they have experienced. Furthermore, I find it very interesting that Indians tend to have a Mania style of love. Although I have learned their culture, I do not believe that Indians’ love style could lead into a very deep and possessive state. I have learned that although love is needed by everyone, the types of love could be different. Love is not only defined through an Eros relationship but also through different kinds of love such as Storge or Agape. Most people see love as a serious relationship that could end up in marriage. Friendly relationships and companionships are also love but with limitations. References Neto, F. (2007). â€Å"Love Styles: A Cross-Cultural Study of British, Indian, and Portuguese College Students. † Journal of Comparative Family Studies. Retrieved on May 13, 2010 from http://findarticles. com/p/articles/mi_hb3248/is_200704/ai_n32226385/? tag=content;col1

My Priorities

Daniela Resendez Carolyn S. Smith English-1301-52 10/02/2012 My Priorities Women and men have different sets of priorities. Because men have always cared more about materialistic objects, their priorities are different from those of women. Most women are more sentimental; therefore, their priorities are humanistic. Since I am a woman, my priorities are humanistic. My three main priorities in life are my family, God and my friends. My first priority is my family.I cannot imagine a person that has something or someone else as a first priority; basically, my family is the most important thing in my life. The love of the family is unconditional. I always feel support with them, and I know I will never feel homeless with them by my side. After all, they are the people with whom an individual will share the great moments of life. My second priority is God. I know that many people do not consider him a priority, maybe because they do not believe in something bigger than them.But, my belief is different, I am never going to be alone and I am always going to feel hope. Belief in God is not only by words, but by actions. An action that proves individual belief is going to church. I used to go to church since I was a child. It was there that I learned about the good and bad things in the world. Finally, My friends are my third priority. Like family, is impossible not to have our friends in our priorities. Because with them there is always that loyalty that unites us, we are always going to find a family in them.We can talk with our friends the way we talk with our mother or sister, and sometimes we can have more trust in them. We share funny moments, with our friends, which are very important in our lives. Because those moments are unforgettable, friends are a priority. We party with them the way we cannot with our family, thus we share the most important secrets. In conclusion, my priorities have always given me stability, hopefulness and happiness. My family, God and my friends are my three main priorities and that is how I have managed to accomplish my goals.

The global group of energy and petrochemical companies is a multinational company with worldwide recognition The WritePass Journal

The global group of energy and petrochemical companies is a multinational company with worldwide recognition Introduction The global group of energy and petrochemical companies is a multinational company with worldwide recognition IntroductionBACKGROUND OF SHELLLITERATURE REVIEWCorporate Strategy of shellDeliberate or EmergentBusiness StrategyCRITICAL ANALYSIS  Internal Analysis Inbound LogisticsOutbound LogisticsOperationsMarketing and SalesServicesExternal Analysis: EconomicalSocialTechnologicalPorters 5 forcesPower of SuppliersPower of BuyersThreat of SubstitutesThreat of a New EntrantFinancial ReviewsExisting StrategyFUTURE SPECULATION:-REFRENCES:-Related Introduction BACKGROUND OF SHELL Shell, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies is a multinational company with worldwide recognition. Shell is best known for its service stations and for exploring and producing oil and gas on land and at sea. In truth Shell deliver a vast range of energy solutions and petrochemicals to customers, produce and sell petrochemical building blocks to industrial customers on a global scale, invest in making renewable and lower-carbon energy sources, competitive for large scale use. LITERATURE REVIEW Corporate Strategy of shell By being more upstream Shell aims to focus its investments on long term, high return projects to develop oil and gas resources, and grow the companies leading liquefied natural gas business. Downstream profits involves; generating more cash by reshaping integrated oil products and petrochemicals portfolio to enhance operations and focus on growth markets, particularly in Asia. Shell believes that this strategy will improve their business performance and increase their contribution to sustainable development. â€Å"Stronger emphasis on our upstream activities and fast growing markets will help us deliver the energy the world needs for economic growth and poverty reduction†. Shell aims to increase focus on producing cleaner burning natural gas, in so doing reducing dependency on coal. Shell is aware that the growing demand for oil and gas presents sustainable development challenges. Producing and using this extra energy is only sustainable, and socially acceptable, if ways are found to combat the risks to the climate and avoid health, safety and environmental incidents. â€Å"We recognize that we will not achieve our strategy and improve business performance for our shareholders unless we respond effectively to these key environmental and social concerns†. Deliberate or Emergent â€Å"Deliberateness refers to the quality of acting intentionally. When people act deliberately they ‘think’ before they ‘do’. They make a plan and then implement the plan. A plan is an intended course of action, stipulating which measures an organization proposes to take†. (De-Witt Meyer, 2004) Shells’ planning does not take the form of complex and inflexible ten-year plans generated by a team of corporate strategists. Rather, the planning process generates a series of â€Å"what if† scenarios. â€Å"Scenario planning is the process in which managers invent and then consider, in depth, several varied scenarios of equally plausible futures with the objective to bring forward surprises and unexpected leaps of understanding†. The implementation of the planning process allows Shell to make strategic no matter what the future. For a company like Shell it is necessary to have a deliberate strategy as well as emergent. Plans need to be outlined and addressed in order to set company objectives. Large oil spills or uncontrollable air emissions are never planned, for this reason it is important Shell pays attention to being emergent as then it can encounter any problems that may arise. Below is a model showing the distinction between deliberate and emergent strategy. Business Strategy Business strategy is concerned with â€Å"how firms should go about creating a sustainable competitive advantage in each business in which they operate† (De-Witt Meyer, 2004) CRITICAL ANALYSIS   Internal Analysis From literature review:- Michael Porter identified the ‘value chain’ as a means of analyzing organizations strategically relevant activities in order to understand the behavior of costs. Competitive advantage results from carrying out those activities in a more cost-effective way than its competitors. The value chain tool is a great technique to employ in order to single out the firm’s specific competitive strengths and weaknesses. Porter identified primary and support activities as shown in the following diagram: IMAGE SOURCE:   mbaknol.com As it can be seen above Porter has distinguished between the primary and support activities. For the purpose of this report focus will be given to the primary activities whose direct concern is with the creation and delivery of a product or service. Inbound Logistics â€Å"Activities associated with receiving, storing and disseminating inputs to the product, such as material handling, warehousing, and inventory† Due to the size of Shell, and to ensure the smooth running of the many processes involved in a company of its size, there are strict rules to follow. The 1st step of the inbound logistics is receiving. At Shell the initial step would be to find the oil. This is of huge importance and the company invests a lot of money to use statistical analysis to determine the location of oil. Once locating the oil it is essential for Shell to draw up exploration contracts with the countries within whose boundaries the oil was first established. Once the contracts have been approved and negotiations agreed the company can then start its drilling process. Shell’s subsidiary company â€Å"Shell Shipping† is used to ship oil to relevant locations. After the distribution of the oil to its desired location the next process is for it to be stored. Outbound Logistics â€Å"Activities associated with collecting, storing and physically distributing the product to buyers, such as finished goods warehousing, material handling and scheduling† Having recognized how the company extracts and then stores the oil the next process is to successfully distribute that to customers. Having processed the oil in its refineries, the oil is driven out to relevant service stations throughout the country by freight management. Once it arrives at the service station the oil is distributed to different pumps and then is ready for use by its consumers. Operations During this stage of the value chain process, goods are manufactured or assembled. Due to the large number of processes involved in extracting and processing oil, we can establish how large the operation base is at Shell. Shell places a great emphasis on conducting operations in the right and accurate manner. It will be detailed in the operations as to how much fuel needs to be distributed to relevant service stations as well as stating what type of fuel is needed. This is sensitive data and incorrect judgments could result in huge revenue being lost. Marketing and Sales This area focuses strongly upon marketing communications and generating sales. Industry sectors like the oil industry have to try and differentiate their products from those of their competitors. Customers view their end product, petrol, just like that of any other commodity. Shell recognizes the need to build brand loyalty and to establish a returning customer base.   The best way to do this is through advertisement. This report will move on to discuss how Shell has used advertising to its advantage. Services For Shell, after sale service is a difficult benefit to offer. However, as petrol is a consumable commodity it is not something that can be returned or exchanged. Once the petrol has been purchased by consumers it is not within the companies interests to accept an exchange. Shell believes it is necessary to maintain a good name and reputation. The customer satisfaction programme focuses on customer and consumer ratings at BP in comparison to relevant competition. Evaluations are based on actual experience with BP and its competitors. Measures attained in this way tend to be more operational in nature focusing on market execution. External Analysis: From Literature review:- A PEST (Political, Economical, Social and Technological) analysis is used to analyse the external environment. Below a Pest analysis has been conducted; Political: factors that need to concern shell are as follows: Government Taxation Shell having interest in Unsteady Countries Government taxation is a concern for the oil industry because it is already heavily taxed and more taxes could start a process whereby people would start moving away from petrol to find cheaper more sustainable products. Shell have interests in countries where there is no political stability or where there are chances of dangerous wars breaking out. Such as Iraq and Nigeria this is very damaging especially when a company like Shell has invested millions of Pounds on exploration and drilling. Economical The cost of petrol continues to increase causing consumers to wrongly blame the oil companies.   The price of oil is managed by OPEC, an international price fixing body. The OPEC MCs coordinate their oil production policies in order to help stabilise the oil market and to help oil producers achieve a reasonable rate of return on their investments. This policy is also designed to ensure that oil consumers continue to receive stable supplies of oil. Social Consumers are more ethically inclined and the ethical marketplace, in Britain alone, is currently worth 14 billion pounds.   While petrol may not be seen as an ethical purchase, petrol companies can, as well as advertising their product, inform the consumer of the Company’s commitment to the environment. That is advertising the fact that they deal in sustainable energy products. Technological The oil industry is becoming aware of the need to produce efficient and environmentally conscious fuels. We cant use fossil fuels forever as they are a non-renewable and finite resource. Research suggests that we should start using hydrogen. Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless gas that accounts for 75 percent of the entire universes mass. Porters 5 forces There are five stages to the Porters model. These are shown below. Competitive Rivalry One enduring characteristic of the oil industry has been change. Competitive rivalry in the oil industry is very high due to there being very little difference between the products of all the suppliers. BP has learned to be responsive to change and indeed to be at the forefront of the change process. It is not commonly known that oil is refined at shared premises, so in reality all petrol is the same, regardless of the company label given to it and as such competitive rivalry is high. On 11 October 2007, BP announced their intention to simplify their organizational structure. From 1 January 2008, there are only two business segments exploration and production and refining and marketing. Power of Suppliers There are no direct suppliers of the oil industry, and in the case of Shell there are none whatsoever the company has subsidiary organisations to handle all aspects of what the company does.   Countries could be defined as suppliers, since it is there that the oil comes from, but the effect over the oil companies is limited to the law. Power of Buyers Buyers have no power over the oil industry since oil is a commodity that is always in demand. Threat of Substitutes At present there are no substitutes for petrol. While hybrid vehicles are making their presence known, electric cars are not as powerful as fuel consuming cars and are not in demand by the consumer. Threat of a New Entrant It is difficult for a new company to break in to the oil industry as the cost of entry is pricey. Current competitors in the market are having a hard time finding new oil reserves. Porters five forces model is essential in helping understand the industry in depth before any consideration is given to entering it. Financial Reviews Even though the accounts show profits and financial figures from the year 2001-2005, it can clearly be seen that BP has generated a greater amount of revenue. If the financial information is going to be compared to today’s age then BP still lie ahead. Existing Strategy An organization and its environment need to fit. This is expressed in terms of the classic SWOT analysis tool. The tool suggests that a sound strategy should match a firm’s strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) to the opportunities (O) and threats (T) encountered in the firms environment (De-Witt Meyer, 2005) SWOT Analysis Strengths The UK offshore oil and gas industry provides an important indigenous energy supply. As well as being used for energy purposes, oil and gas have other uses, notably as a source of feed stocks for the petrochemicals industry. Much of the UK industry boosts employment in areas where it would otherwise be very low as a result of the declines of shipbuilding, the UK steel industry and other large industrial sites. Weaknesses Large UK offshore oil and gas reserves are becoming more difficult to find and develop economically. Some UK fields are depleted and companies active in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) are now faced with the burden of dismantling and disposing of offshore structures in an environmentally acceptable manner. Variations in oil prices and the unpredictability of international politics mean that the UK offshore oil and gas industry fluctuates in response to these forces. Opportunities Many of the newer discoveries are smaller and more difficult to develop than most of the older fields, thereby presenting a commercial and technological challenge for the innovation of new, economically viable ways of extracting oil and gas. Having now worked in the UKCS for several decades, UK companies, suppliers and consultants have built up extensive expertise that can be utilised overseas. Threats Large international oil and gas companies are placing a greater proportion of their resources in regions outside the UKCS, where development and operational costs are lower than they are in the UK. FUTURE SPECULATION:- Having critically evaluated the strategy of Shell I feel there is a need for them to improve in order to fulfill the desire to become market leader and overtake BP. The company emphasizes through its strategy that it is very environmentally and socially conscious yet its not doing a great deal different from other companies out in the market. I feel now is a good time for shell to invest in something new like hydrogen fuel cells or wind and solar energy.   Hydrogen as a fuel is high in energy, yet a machine that burns pure hydrogen produces almost zero pollution A new investment is expensive but the benefits are huge as it is a new innovation which has been on the cards for sometime. Investing in fuel cells will limit the damage caused to the environment as the technology is environmentally friendly. Millions of pounds, required to clean spillages/leaks, will be saved and a positive public image will be established if not further reinforced. The company has done a lot of research into this technology so it is not something that they have not considered. In the future, hydrogen could also join electricity as an important energy carrier. An energy carrier stores, moves and delivers energy in a usable form to consumers. Shell realizes that hydrogen is a fuel for the future but it needs to be more pro active rather than re active. It should try and introduce this technology into the market REFRENCES:- Bibliography Books .Porter, M.E (1987), From competitive advantage to corporate strategy, Harvard Business Review, pp.43. Hamel, G, Prahalad, C.K (1989), Strategic intent, Harvard Business Review, pp.63-76. RAPHAEL, A. and ZOTT, C. 2001. Value Creation in e-Business. Strategic Management Journal, No 23, pp493-520. Porter, M.E (Response to letters to the editor), Harvard Business Review, pp   COLTMAN, T. R., DEVINNEY T. M. and MIDGLEY, D.F. 2007.   E-Business Strategy and Firm Performance:   A Latent Class Assessment of the Drivers and Impediments to Success. Journal of Information Technology No 22 pp87-101. MOLLER, K. and RAJALA, A. 2007.   Rise of Strategic Nets – New Modes of Value Creation. Industrial Marketing Management No 36 pp895-908. PORTER, M. E. 2001.   Strategy and the Internet. Harvard Business Review, March, pp63-78. SHAFER, S. M., SMITH, H. J. and LINDER, J. C. 2005. The Power of Business Models. Business Horizons No. 48, pp199-207. Websites www.essentialaction.org/shell www.shell.com www.shell.com/static www.juergendaum.com/news www.ukeducation.org.uk (www.alphonso.cipher-sys.com) www.valuebasedmanagement.net www.opec.org energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter20.html www.keynote.co.uk

A Draft U.S. Plan on Iraq Inspection Authorizes Force essays

A Draft U.S. Plan on Iraq Inspection Authorizes Force essays The Bush Administration has drafted a plan for inspections that provides for unrestricted access to all sited in Iraq, including Saddam Husseins presidential compounds and palaces. Also authorities the use of military force if Baghdad interferes with what the United States is going to do A U.S. official says if we find anything in what they give us that is not true, that is the trigger. The plan which American and British officials are presenting is to declare that Iraq is already violating its obligations to the United Nations. Iraq also needs to put the ownership on Saddam Hussein to comply. Saddam has a seven-day deadline to accept and declare all his weapons of mass destruction, and 23 more days to open site and provide documents to support this declaration. It appears that France, China and Russia who also have say in this are not supportive of force towards Iraq. They feel that military action should not be used. There was a provision of resolution in 1998 called 1154, which s tated that Iraq had to be notified before inspecting presidential sites and they were to have diplomats in their company when inspected. This new plan would override resolution 1154. I think we have to do something to find out what kind of mass destruction Iraq is capable of but I do not believe we should have to use military force and go to war. Too many people would be hurt and a lot of lives could be killed. I know that some how we need to stop Saddam Hussein but Im not sure how. I do not understand how anyone could be so sick and destructive as a man like Saddam Hussein. I hope the United States can find a way to prevent mass destruction and war because are world will be crushed if something of that notion happens. There is enough disease and death and sadness in life already without people risking others lives for no good reason. ...

Former Cop Daniel Holtzclaw Sentenced to 263 Years

Former Cop Daniel Holtzclaw Sentenced to 263 Years In January 2016, former Oklahoma City police officer Daniel Holtzclaw was sentenced to 263 years in prison for the rape and sexual assault of 13 black women in 2013 and 2014. State prosecutors argued that Holtzclaw should serve his sentence consecutively, making the case that each survivor deserved to have justice for the individual crimes. Holtzclaw made a career of assaulting Black women motorists during traffic stops and other instances and then scared them many of them into silence. His victims- many of whom were poor and had prior records- were too afraid to come forward. A jury found Holtzclaw guilty on 18 out of 36 criminal charges, including three counts of procuring lewd exhibition, four counts of forcible oral sodomy, five counts of first and second-degree rape, and six counts of sexual battery in December 2015. The jury recommended that Holtzclaw serve 263 years in prison. Three of Holtzclaw’s victims delivered impact statements at the January 2016 sentencing hearing- including his youngest victim who was just 17 years old at the time of her assault. She told the court about the great damage she experienced, revealing the her life â€Å"has been upside down.† How Hotlzclaw Chose His Victims At least thirteen women came forward to accuse Holtzclaw of sexual assault. Many of the women had not reported the assault for fear of reprisals or fear-later confirmed by the jurys failure to find Holtzclaw guilty on all 36 of the criminal charges brought against him-that they would not be believed. At a preliminary hearing in the case, the 17-year old survivor explained her reasoning, â€Å"Who are they going to believe? It’s my word against his. He’s a police officer.† This notion of â€Å"he said, she said† is a fairly common argument used to discount sexual assault survivors. And when the accused is a person in a position of power, such as a police officer, it can be even harder for survivors to get due process. It was this very circumstance that Daniel Holtzclaw was counting on. He picked out very specific targets: women who were poor, Black, and who, in several cases, had run-ins with the police because of drugs and sex work. Because of their backgrounds these women would not make credible witnesses against him. He could act with impunity and never have to face any consequences because his victims were already considered guilty in the eyes of the law and society. A similar case happened in Baltimore, where poor Black women were targets of sexual assault: â€Å"20 women who filed a lawsuit against the Housing Authority of Baltimore City are splitting a settlement worth almost $8 million. The lawsuit alleged that maintenance workers at various housing complexes had demanded sexual favors from the women in exchange for receiving badly needed repairs on their units.† Again, these maintenance workers, not unlike Daniel Hotlzclaw, banked on these women being both desperate and untrustworthy.   They believed that they could rape women and not be held accountable. Daniel Hotlzclaw was disabused of this power when he pulled over the wrong the woman, however.   Jannie Ligons, a 57-year-old grandmother, also survived an encounter with Holtzclaw. She was the first woman to come forward. Unlike many of the other victims, she had a support system: she was supported by her daughters and her community. She helped lead the charge that prompted 12 other victims to come forward and speak truth to power. Whats Next? Holtzclaw’s attorney said he plans to appeal. However, the judge has previously denied Holtzclaws request for a new trial or an evidentiary hearing. Holtzclaw is currently in jail serving his 263-year sentence. Convictions for police in sexual assault cases are rare and hefty sentences are even rarer. Nevertheless, sexual misconduct within the police force is fairly common. Here’s hoping that Holtzclaw’s case will not be exception but rather the signal for a new era where police are held accountable for sexual violence.

Bilateral Trade Agreements between the EU and the Philippines Essay

Bilateral Trade Agreements between the EU and the Philippines - Essay Example International trade traces its roots from the modern economic concepts popularized by economists such as David Ricardo. Particularly, it has its foundation on the "principles of comparative advantage" which supports international trade (Mankiw). Introduced by David Ricardo in 1817 through his book On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, comparative advantage posits that trade can create value for both countries even if one has the fewer resources in the production of all goods. Using the production possibilities frontier, Ricardo was able to prove this, achieving a significant breakthrough in the field of international economics. Practically, Ricardo believes that given the situation, both countries can still gain by having the less efficient country specialize in the production and exportation of the commodity in which its absolute disadvantage is smallest and import the product in which it has its greatest absolute disadvantage. The commodity in which one country has the least absolute disadvantage can be thought of as one in which it has a comparative advantage. ... Therefore, if each 'economic agent' (firm, person, country) does what he, she, it does best, and each trades some of the results for what others do best, then everyone can be better off in terms of the amount of goods and services available to them" (Mackintosh). This argument that asserts the gains from trade is not only concerned about international trade; it is also an issue of most of the debates in the politics of economic policy. It is an argument for freedom of specialization and trade (Mackintosh). In a high-income and low-income country comparison, the book, Making the International: Economic Interdependence and Political Order highlighted that in a two-commodity example of food and pills, specialization will benefit both countries as each will be producing the commodity with the least opportunity cost, simply saying that trade can help increase income even for the low-income countries (Mackintosh). In recent years, there is an observed rise in the number of bilateral trade agreements between countries. Experts say that for a powerful country like the USA, "smaller FTAs accomplish the goal of liberalization and the expansion of markets for U.S. goods" in the absence of a broader agreement like the Doha round (MacMahon). On the part of the smaller countries, bilateral trade agreements increase the local employment and provide a better climate for investors from powerful nations (MacMahon). A significant general reason for the rising popularity of bilateral trade agreements is the disenchantment with the progress with liberalization at the multilateral level. The difficulties and failures associated with concluding the Doha round have simply supported this view.

Survey collection website Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Survey collection website - Essay Example In terms of pricing, both websites provide free sign-up for basic features and Pro Sign Up for advanced features. In surveymonkey.com, the Basic feature is free, select feature costs $24 per month, Gold feature costs $299 per year and Platinum costs $779 per year. I designed a survey with surveymonkey.com. The template was very easy to create because it just involved answering questions by selecting one of multiple choices provided. The template was useful because it enabled me to understand the item I was surveying; hence I could make the right decision. The survey was very easy to launch because I just filled some information and submitted; and then it was launched automatically. This might be useful for me in future to survey the market and make the right decision about my target market and the kind of product or service that I can offer in that market. In order to launch the product in real life, I would have needed to complete details of my target audience and the required number of audience to be surveyed. â€Å"Survey Monkey or Zoomerang: How to Choose?† by Susan Barnes is an article that explains the features and benefits of using the two websites. One of the disadvantages of using these features is that respondents are not see n, so they may provide unreliable information. Barnes, S. (2010). Survey Monkey or Zoomerang: How to Choose? Outreach Evaluation Resource Centre, Accessed October 4, 2014 from

American Indian Philosophy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

American Indian Philosophy - Research Paper Example In the literal meaning, philosophy refers to the love of wisdom. In fact, philosophy is derived from a word that means love of wisdom (Fixico 2). As a result of many roles and tools that philosophy plays, different meanings of philosophy have arisen. Therefore, it can be defined as a set of theories that study of the elementary nature of knowledge, existence, reality, mind, values, language and reason. It is a tool that tries to seek the truth by questioning why things are done in a certain manner. It uses the science of reasoning to scrutinize the ideas, statements, thoughts, and most importantly the way things are done. American Indian philosophy is an association whose members are professional philosophers and students studying philosophy. Their main aim is to promote and further the study of all issues of philosophy that affect the indigenous people and the community (Fixico 7). This is a philosophy paper that summarizes some of the ideas of the great philosophical thinkers and with their major contribution to the many beliefs of the American Indian. According to Fixico (11), philosophy is fundamental because besides being used for teaching, it is a rational tool for investigative purposes of the being, knowledge and conduct. Philosophy is used as a tool used to convince people especially when they are in the wrong. Through its tools of reasoning it is able to subject people’s opinion to the rigor of scrutiny and eventually it can identify a flaws reasoning and they can be convinced otherwise. Philosophy also serves to develop intellectual abilities which are important in life. Other than h aving the requisite skills for a particular profession, the knowledge of philosophy helps an individual to become analytical, interpretive and critical in human capacity context and to any subject matter. Philosophy has made it possible for people to classify what they believe in by thinking about ultimate questions about the existence of God. Philosophy makes it possible for a person to study the about the past and able to discover why the people thought as they did and scrutinize the value they thought may have been based on (Fixico 22). Philosophy also influences the everyday lives by affecting the languages we speak and gives it a classification. For example philosophy holds an idea that there is a difference between things and action which is used to classify a language into nouns and verbs. Therefore we make a philosophical inquiry each time we try to find the difference between noun and verbs. Philosophy has helped in many ways to transform many institutions such as governmen t, marriage, religion, family, education and business as reported by Fixico (29). Philosophical arguments have led to putting to an end system of government that is delivering to expectations. It is bringing prompt changes in the laws and the changing of the whole economic system. These changes have been effective because the leaders of these institutions have been able to hold beliefs about what is considered essential, true and real about how the institution should be led and how life should be. Fixico (48) asserts that the education system is based on philosophical ideas about the development of what students should learn about and for which purpose. Democratic society which has been developed by society philosophy hold it firmly that people should be left to think and make choices for themselves. However, non democratic societies do not apply the use of philosophy in the leadership thus discourage democratic rule whilst insisting on citizens to surrender their own interests at t he expense of the state’s interest (Fixico 51). Therefore, the values and skills of philosophic ideas that are taught by the educational system of society have been developed as a result of philosophy. Branches of philosophy Philosophy is divided into various branches, which include the following. First, is the epistemology which is the

Public health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Public health - Essay Example r gotten from over-the-counter for other reasons besides those for which they are meant or in an excess way.† It is the use of any substance in a harmful pattern for the purpose of mood alteration. The drugs commonly abused include those with psychoactive effects such as alcohol, cannabis, caffeine, amphetamines, nicotine, opiates, and the hallucinogens (Boyd, 2009). Other drugs not categorized and have a potential of abuse include steroids and other drugs used for performance enhancement. In addition, some medical preparations have also been used for various intentions, besides the intended use. An example is erythropoietin, which is used to increase the volume of blood and also improve the performance of athletes. The use of the above mentioned substances has been related to abuse, physical dependence and addiction. This has led to an overall public concern on the issue of drug abuse and its health consequence. Addiction is defined as the craving of chemical substances such as drugs, tobacco and alcohol which the person addicted finds difficult to control (McCarady, 1999). National Household Survey of Drug Abuse (NHSDA) in the United States is the body concerned with epidemiological investigation of substance abuse. This survey divided the substance abuse into illicit use and abuse of drugs vs. legal use (Tobacco and alcohol). The illicit drugs are further divided in to 9 categories: cocaine, marijuana, heroin, inhalants, hallucinogens, pain relievers (non-medical use), stimulants, tranquilizers, and sedatives. The common abusers of drugs and alcohol are the adolescents due to their experimental nature and pressure from the peers. Older adolescents and young adults also make a significant contribution in the statistics. For instance, a nationwide survey taken by Monitoring the Future in 2010 on the rate of substance abuse in the US showed that 48.2% of the pupils in 12th grade had used illegal drugs in the past. 41.2% of them had taken alcohol 30days before

How Have African-Americans Worked to End Segregation, Discrimination, Research Paper

How Have African-Americans Worked to End Segregation, Discrimination, and Isolation to Attain Equality anc Civil Rights - Research Paper Example Consequently, various anti-racism movements emerged in order to end this trend of racism against blacks in the United States. Martin Luther King was one of the most famous black activists who paid his life for the sake of ending racism in the United States. The echo of his famous word 'I have a dream' still persists in the ears of activists and anti-racists, in an attempt to make this 'dream' come true. King himself was subjected to sever cases of racism and violence, as "during the 1960s, Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed, beaten, and eventually killed for his leadership in the civil-rights movement" ("Battling Racism: †¦."). In the United States, the year 1963 witnessed a major civil rights mobility with the efforts done by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in the field of fighting racial segregation. King, president of SCLC is now inspiring civil rights movements all over the United States to resist the social, economic, and p olitical practices that involve racial discrimination and segregation against African Americans. One of the most successful campaigns in this field is the Birmingham campaign, which has witnessed strategic effort that is exerted by King and his SCLC for the sake of promoting civil rights for African Americans. This campaign, which is based in Birmingham, Alabama lasted for more than two months in the spring of 1963, aiming "at ending the city's segregated civil and discriminatory economic policies" (Garrow, 1981). In fact, the effective tactics, strategies, and philosophies followed by King and his organization have played major roles in fulfilling the goals of the campaign in Birmingham, Alabama. The first and most significant aspect of King and his civil rights movement is the adoption of non-violent approaches to reach the goal of ending racial segregation in the United States. This tactic was particularly evident in the Birmingham campaign, where King and his African American fo llowers organized non-violent gatherings, marches, and boycotts in order push the city officials to review the civil laws that are considered by King and his movement unfair. King stressed the resort to non-violent approaches in Birmingham, when he declares that "the purpose of  ... direct action is to create a situation so crisis-packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation"(Garrow, 1981). Thus, it can be said that King, and his philosophy of nonviolence, was the dominant force in his civil rights movement that achieved great success in Birmingham. In employing the tactic of non-violent resistance against the practices of segregation, King was a strong believer in the power of non-violent approaches to attain legal demands of equality and abundance of racial segregation. In this context, King was inspired by the character of Gandhi in India, who was a strong advocate of the policy of non-resistance. Witnessing the success of Gandhi and his movement in reaching thei r goals in India, King believed that he also can succeed in forcing his government to abolish segregation laws. Thus, the core reason behind the success of Birmingham campaig

The Negligence In Term Of Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Negligence In Term Of Law - Essay Example The above definition has been taken from the case of Ryland. According to the Civil Act 2002 Section 42, the first part of negligence is the duty of care:â€Å"the standard of care required of the defendant is that of a reasonable person in the defendant’s position who was in possession of all the information that the defendant either had or ought reasonably to have had, at the time of the incident out of which the harm arose†   After ascertaining that there was a duty of care, the plaintiff has to prove that there was a breach of such duty, which resulted in an injury to the Plaintiff. In order to establish negligence as a Cause of Action under the law of torts, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant had a duty to the plaintiff, the defendant breached that duty by failing to conform to the required standard of conduct, the defendant's negligent conduct was the cause of the harm to the plaintiff, and the plaintiff was, in fact, harmed or damaged.The defense of Marv in would be the appropriate precaution of risk, and before concluding that argument let us define and precaution of risk as covered in the Act:â€Å"A person is not negligent in failing to take precautions against a risk of harm unless— (a) The risk was foreseeable (that is, it is a risk of which the person knew or ought to have known); and (b) the risk was not insignificant; and (c) in the circumstances, a reasonable person in the person’s position would have taken those precautions.†... The defence of Marvin would be appropriate precaution of risk, and before concluding that argument let us define and precaution of risk as covered in the Act: â€Å"A person is not negligent in failing to take precautions against a risk of harm unless— (a) the risk was foreseeable (that is, it is a risk of which the person knew or ought to have known); and (b) the risk was not insignificant; and (c) in the circumstances, a reasonable person in the person’s position would have taken those precautions.†4 Marvin has the defence of saying that he took enough precaution against the risk, but the pothole was in such a place that any other person in a similar situation would not have been able to avoid the accident. Along with this fact, the bike did not get damaged and Norton faced injury due to the fact that he had already been injured at the spot where he fell, which resulted in the aggravation of such injury. The right of Marvin is to sue the University of Canberra under the common law principle for not taking enough precaution in order to avoid the pothole where the bike crashed. He can transfer the liability onto the college by arguing on the basis of negligence on the part of college through not maintaining the University campus in the right order. The liability of Marvin is the fact that his actions caused injury to Norton, and on top of that he was drunk while he was riding. He did not take enough care and precaution when he knew while being drunk he should not have ridden the bike. Moving onto Norton, let us first deal with his liability. Norton was the one who introduced Marvin for drinking to drown his sorrows. From this point it can be inferred that he was totally aware of what was

How Have African-Americans Worked to End Segregation, Discrimination, Research Paper

How Have African-Americans Worked to End Segregation, Discrimination, and Isolation to Attain Equality anc Civil Rights - Research Paper Example Consequently, various anti-racism movements emerged in order to end this trend of racism against blacks in the United States. Martin Luther King was one of the most famous black activists who paid his life for the sake of ending racism in the United States. The echo of his famous word 'I have a dream' still persists in the ears of activists and anti-racists, in an attempt to make this 'dream' come true. King himself was subjected to sever cases of racism and violence, as "during the 1960s, Martin Luther King Jr. was jailed, beaten, and eventually killed for his leadership in the civil-rights movement" ("Battling Racism: †¦."). In the United States, the year 1963 witnessed a major civil rights mobility with the efforts done by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in the field of fighting racial segregation. King, president of SCLC is now inspiring civil rights movements all over the United States to resist the social, economic, and p olitical practices that involve racial discrimination and segregation against African Americans. One of the most successful campaigns in this field is the Birmingham campaign, which has witnessed strategic effort that is exerted by King and his SCLC for the sake of promoting civil rights for African Americans. This campaign, which is based in Birmingham, Alabama lasted for more than two months in the spring of 1963, aiming "at ending the city's segregated civil and discriminatory economic policies" (Garrow, 1981). In fact, the effective tactics, strategies, and philosophies followed by King and his organization have played major roles in fulfilling the goals of the campaign in Birmingham, Alabama. The first and most significant aspect of King and his civil rights movement is the adoption of non-violent approaches to reach the goal of ending racial segregation in the United States. This tactic was particularly evident in the Birmingham campaign, where King and his African American fo llowers organized non-violent gatherings, marches, and boycotts in order push the city officials to review the civil laws that are considered by King and his movement unfair. King stressed the resort to non-violent approaches in Birmingham, when he declares that "the purpose of  ... direct action is to create a situation so crisis-packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation"(Garrow, 1981). Thus, it can be said that King, and his philosophy of nonviolence, was the dominant force in his civil rights movement that achieved great success in Birmingham. In employing the tactic of non-violent resistance against the practices of segregation, King was a strong believer in the power of non-violent approaches to attain legal demands of equality and abundance of racial segregation. In this context, King was inspired by the character of Gandhi in India, who was a strong advocate of the policy of non-resistance. Witnessing the success of Gandhi and his movement in reaching thei r goals in India, King believed that he also can succeed in forcing his government to abolish segregation laws. Thus, the core reason behind the success of Birmingham campaig

How do Senor Flores, Senora Flores and Dr. Jean View this Situation Essay

How do Senor Flores, Senora Flores and Dr. Jean View this Situation from Totally Different Perspectives - Essay Example He also does not want to listen to the advice of Dr. Jean. The Latino’s belief in machismo makes Senor Flores feel offended if he listens to Dr. Jean’s advice. He thinks that his male ego is insulted. The perspective of Senora Flores on Alejandro’s situation is very fatalistic, or what the Latino’s term as fatalism. She feels that she is being punished by God that is why Alejandro is sick. She is suffering from inferiority complex and feels that she is being discriminated at the hospital for being a Latino and not speaking much. She is afraid that Alejandro will be discriminated too in school because he is sickly. Senora Flores feels overburdened by the responsibility of taking care of Alejandro. But at the same time, she believes that her mother should help her take care of Alejandro. She respects her mother, so much so that when she suggested that Alejandro is taken to an espiritista, she blindly followed her although she probably disagrees with her. Dr. Jean’s perspective of Alejandro’s situation is exactly the opposite of the views of the Flores family. She does not totally understand the Latino culture and beliefs; thus, resulting in misunderstandings with them. The first conflict is with regards to time. She dislikes the Flores’ disregard of time. She also feels that just because she is a woman, Senor Flores does not like to listen to her advice. She does not understand why the Flores’ had to consult an espiritista instead of just following her medical advice and give him his medicines. Dr. Jean is an example of a doctor who is quite detached to the family of her patient. She does not realize that it is important for a Latino family that they see some simpatia from their medical provider. Senora Flores chose to consult an espiritista when Alejandro was not getting better probably through the prodding of her mother.

Diversity Issues Essay Example for Free

Diversity Issues Essay Share some contemporary examples of cultural diversity issues. Some contemporary examples of cultural diversity issues, for example, are law enforcements inabilities to understand completely some of the minority group’s language, traditions, beliefs, lifestyles, religions, stereotyping, and profiling of minorities. Law enforcement also encounters cultural diversity issues with the different moral beliefs of ethnic groups, therefore, can interfere with relating to other minorities when faced with a situation. Law enforcement officers should focus on education, training, and gain knowledge of their local minorities to form a universal relationship with those minorities to avoid the cultural and ethical issues, which may raise suspicions when in turn it is the beliefs, morals, etc. of that minority rather than hiding something, or under the influences of drugs or alcohol. An example is with Asian and Hispanic females. Females in both these minority family environments are considered subordinate to men, and many are expected to take a role as the mother while the male counterparts are allowed to participate in social activities such as jobs, sports, clubs, afterschool activities, and such (Shapiro, 2002). Law enforcement encounters much problematic issues regarding the subordination of females by the male counterparts in these minorities, resulting in calls to the school systems because female Hispanics are prone to be hostile toward peers because of stress, which derives in the family and the attempting results to conform-assimilate with youths in America (Shapiro, 2002). Reference: Shapiro, M. (2002). Asian Culture Belief: Vietnam. Retrieved September 29, 2011, from http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu/downloads/products/briefs/culture/pdf/ACB-Vol2-Iss5-Vietnam.pdf https://www.google.com

ARE WE JUST WHO WE ARE :: essays research papers

To consider that we as humans are born with genetic directions determining who we become in my opinion are only part of the explanation. According to the article by Tom Wolf, Edward O Wilson believed that we as humans are born with genetic instruction that requires development in order to reach a predetermined mental destiny. If this were true, this would give, if anything, an excuse to those in society, who are thought to be inferior to other races as is. This idea would basically support the notion of difference beyond cultural effects. It obviously would also put other groups such as homosexuals in a position to say that they are born a certain way and simply developed their homosexual views through society. This is what had so many different groups opposing the study according to the article. For anyone to be able to prove that there are genetic differences that make one group more or less inferior to another would be an opportunity for the human and economic majority to separate the human race even more. These supposed innate differences would be the blue print for a caste system. Just looking at America history of slavery and ethnic dominance, anyone could understand that the development of a caste system on any level would lead to a civil war on some levels. I wonder exactly what those who sponsor these studies plan to do with the information other than inform. Possibly it was a large corporation who first funded this study because they see opportunity for human control through human assignment. With this kind of situation, it would be as Huxley explained in Brave New World, mental control through predetermined beliefs and life assignments. If any race or group felt they were created for any one specific reason that seemed more or less important than another group would automatically lead to the implication of human being inferior to others. I am not sure even if it is possible how great this information would be for those who are minorities in the world. Also, what about those who are put in positioned to change their situation financially and socially? Obviously, not everyone who is born poor and so-called with little class remains in this state.

Women in the Quran :: A Level Essays

Women in the Qur'an The traditions of Islam revolve around the blessed words of Muhammad revealed to him through Allah. These revelations guide Muslims through not only the act of worship, but also through a lifestyle strictly designated in the words of the Qur'an. Those who criticize Islamic customs often accuse the Qur’an of attempting to govern society under prehistoric law. This holy book dates back to the lifetime of the prophet Muhammad in the 7th centuries Clearly times have changed; yet many Islamic customs have not evolved through time. One of the most controversial topics in Islam today addresses women’s issues. Popular American culture portrays Islamic women as veiled and silenced figures living in a world of submission. Feminist groups in the United States focus on Muslim women and attempt to liberate the strong hold of Islamic tradition on women’s freedom. Over 900 million Muslims continue to worship Allah worldwide. Islam continues to thrive as one of the major monothe istic religions across cultures and the followers of Islam respect and defend the words and customs laid out in the Qur’an. Qur'an Text: Word â€Å"woman† used only 18 times in the Qur'an, usually in reference to what she will contribute to a family or what her duties are as a wife, her roles are defined vividly when the word woman is used. From: The Cow [2.221] And do not marry the idolatresses until they believe, and certainly a believing maid is better than an idolatress woman, even though she should please you; and do not give (believing women) in marriage to idolaters until they believe, and certainly a believing servant is better than an idolater, even though he should please you; these invite to the fire, and Allah invites to the garden and to forgiveness by His will, and makes clear His communications to men, that they may be mindful. From: The Family of Imran [3.35] When a woman of Imran said: My Lord! Surely I vow to Thee what is in my womb, to be devoted (to Thy service); accept therefore from me, surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing. The word â€Å"man† is used 304 times, and it most often used to describe the human experience of work, economic status, and interactions with Allah. From: The Cow [2.184] For a certain number of days; but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man; so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know. Women in the Qur'an :: A Level Essays Women in the Qur'an The traditions of Islam revolve around the blessed words of Muhammad revealed to him through Allah. These revelations guide Muslims through not only the act of worship, but also through a lifestyle strictly designated in the words of the Qur'an. Those who criticize Islamic customs often accuse the Qur’an of attempting to govern society under prehistoric law. This holy book dates back to the lifetime of the prophet Muhammad in the 7th centuries Clearly times have changed; yet many Islamic customs have not evolved through time. One of the most controversial topics in Islam today addresses women’s issues. Popular American culture portrays Islamic women as veiled and silenced figures living in a world of submission. Feminist groups in the United States focus on Muslim women and attempt to liberate the strong hold of Islamic tradition on women’s freedom. Over 900 million Muslims continue to worship Allah worldwide. Islam continues to thrive as one of the major monothe istic religions across cultures and the followers of Islam respect and defend the words and customs laid out in the Qur’an. Qur'an Text: Word â€Å"woman† used only 18 times in the Qur'an, usually in reference to what she will contribute to a family or what her duties are as a wife, her roles are defined vividly when the word woman is used. From: The Cow [2.221] And do not marry the idolatresses until they believe, and certainly a believing maid is better than an idolatress woman, even though she should please you; and do not give (believing women) in marriage to idolaters until they believe, and certainly a believing servant is better than an idolater, even though he should please you; these invite to the fire, and Allah invites to the garden and to forgiveness by His will, and makes clear His communications to men, that they may be mindful. From: The Family of Imran [3.35] When a woman of Imran said: My Lord! Surely I vow to Thee what is in my womb, to be devoted (to Thy service); accept therefore from me, surely Thou art the Hearing, the Knowing. The word â€Å"man† is used 304 times, and it most often used to describe the human experience of work, economic status, and interactions with Allah. From: The Cow [2.184] For a certain number of days; but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man; so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know.

Questionnair on customer satisfaction of bank Essay

To make a questionnaire first of all we need to understand management problem of SBI Bank. For that we need to know Why Customers are dissatisfied? Research Question: Now we need to understand where the problem is. Is it that Service Provided by SBI bank is not up to the mark or Staff member are not efficient and effective in their work or communication and after care services are not efficient or product offer by bank is not up to the mark. These are four areas in which management problem needs to be identiefied.This is known as Research Question. Investigative Question : Now we have identified problem area so now we need to examine different aspects of particular problem area its is known as investigative question. Eg. Service Provided by SBI is helpful? Service is being provided timely? In Second area of Problem of staff member, we need to Examine that information provided by staff member is easy to understand Staff member are Help full In third problem area of after care service, we need to examine whether account is Keep up to date or not? Queries are attended promptly Measurement Question: Now we need to convert investigative question in to normal layman language so that person can Understand and can answer properly. Myself Khushbu Desai. I am T.Y.B.B.A Finance student. I am doing study in B.R.C.M College of Business Administration. I have prepared a Questionnaire for Business Research Project Against Study of Customer Satisfaction for Customers of State Bank of India (SBI), Parle Point Branch. Please help me to do survey by rating the service that you currently receive from SBI Bank 5 = Excellent 4 = Good 3 = Average 2 = Poor 1 = Very Poor (Tick the boxes where appropriate) Â  

A Gathering Of Old Men

Ernest J. Gaines' novel, â€Å"A Gathering of Old Men† employs experimental narrative techniques in order to probe themes of racism and classicism, as well as to examine the nature of storytelling in humanity's past and also for humanity's future.By employing no less than fifteen separate narrators   in this novel, Gaines is able to penetrate deeply into the subjective experiences of a a number of men — together whom comprise a social microcosm of African American history and experience.Through the diverse range of voices at his disposal, Gaines probes a wide range of grievances and also exaltations among his characters and demonstrates the strength of communal unity. The diverse range of narrators used in the novel expresses the novel's theme of strength-through-diversity adn unity-through-intimacy.A careful reading of the novel reveals the deep motivations of its characters, each of which reveals the novel's theme of redemption and social renewal. Because of the â⠂¬Å"tribal† nature of the diversity of narrators, the reader is able to feel as though they are a direct participant in the action, as though reading the novel is an initiation rite of sorts.The novel's central intrigue: the murder of   Beau Baton, also forwards the initiation or ritualistic them: the novel is meant to show the growth (or initiation) not only of chronologically grown men into — long delayed – manhood, but to redefine standards of black masculinity altogether for the characters in the novel itself and also for the novel's readers.In the novel, the fifteen separate narrators are drawn out of their ordinary lives and into a civic, almost mythic role. Gaines signals that the unfolding of events is meant to have this mythic, ritualistic overtone when the old men gathering proclaim that things seem new again, that they feel good about what they are doing.Wallace sees the water of the river â€Å"as if it were still a mystery,† while   Mat ad mits that he is happy that they   â€Å"and all the rest are doing something different, for the first time† ( Gathering, 40).There is also the symbolic/ritualistic firing of guns, urged by Clatoo who tells the men â€Å"Let them down there hear you† ( Gathering, 48) and contrasted with the brutality of combined experience among the novel's protagonists, this symbolic gunfire demonstrates controlled violence and anger: emotions turned to ritualistic healing.There can be no doubt that these feelings of race-based anger contributed to the murder. When asked, Uncle Billy admits that he killed Beau out of a longing for revenge:What they did my boy†¦. The way they beat him. They beat him till they beat him   crazy and we had to send him to Jackson (the state mental facility). He don't even know me and his mama no more. We take him candy, we take him cake, he eat it like a hog eating corn†¦.The ritual-based and initiation based theme of the novel is meant to tra nsform the violence of the murder into a healing process,where each of the novel's narrators â€Å"confesses† their anger and need for revenge and then each learns something through the experience of participating after-the-fact in a murder that only a single man committed.Later, for example, Gable reveals his son is killed for the false accusation for rape on a   white woman and Coot talks about his war experiences.The man who could break horses, Yank, relishes his role without at first realizing it makes him subservient to whites. But there is also a shadow of environmental awareness tied to the ritual murder: that the renewal of black masculinity is directly tied to the renewal of nature.Johnny Paul explains the murder on behalf of the flowers: â€Å"That's why I kilt him, that's why†¦.To protect them little flowers. But they ain't here no more. And how come?† (Gathering, 92).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gaines' intention is to tie subjective individual renewal with the renewal of both community and environment and he portrays the murder an consequent ruse in symbolically charged terms.Killing Beau might revive the river: â€Å"That river†¦. Where the people went all these years. Where they fished, where they washed they clothes, where they was baptized. St. Charles River. Done gived us food, done cleaned us clothes, done cleaned us soul. St. Charles River — no more, though. No more.They took it. † (Gathering, 107). Because the novel relies on complex themes, it is dangerous to assume that racial issues are any more dominant than issues of community preservation and environmental preservation.The key theme in the novel, as m,mentioned, is the reviving of masculinity: the renewal of masculine energy which is seen to extend beyond race and into the elements of the earth and nature themselves.Mathu's discovery of his community is the most starkly profoundly as portrayed in â€Å"A Gathering of Old Men.† When he says â₠¬Å"I been changed†¦.I been changed. Not by that white man's God. I don't believe in that white man's God. I been changed by y'all.Rooster, Clabber, Dirty Red, Coot — you changed this hardhearted old man.† (Gathering, 182 ); he as admitting that even his previous contempt and mistrust of white people has been challenged by his new-found notions of community.While it is relatively easy to spot the racial themes of â€Å"A Gathering of Old Men† the communal themes and the themes of renewal through nature may be a bit more difficult for the casual reader to understand.When the various themes of the novel are begun to be regarded as a whole, the picture which emerges is not a picture of â€Å"black† anger of African American bitterness or even of racism or classicism, but issues of humanism.The reclaiming of masculinity by the men in the novel can be regarded, symbolically, as the renewal of any person or any group which seeks to finally reaffirm its power after a period, perhaps even a protracted period, of suppression and duress.Rather than portray this accumulated anger and resentment as exploding in, say, a violent — if even localized — revolution, Gaines views the kind of fusion of bitterness, anger, and resentment, to a call to awareness of and an identification and re-claiming of communal ties and environmental awareness.Taken this way, the subjective stories presented by the various narrators of â€Å"A Gathering of Old Men† can be seen to transform into universal voices of awareness, and cathartic change.This transformation is heralded by community and the liberation of private anger and private experience as culturally accepted, in fat culturally imperative information.The novel's experimental narrative techniques weld the ancient oral tradition of tribal cultures with the scathingly sharp awareness of modern political and psychological realities.

Applied Managerial Dision Making

Applied Managerial Decision Making MGMT600-1301B-03 Phase 3 individual project Rocklyn Kee Colorado Technical University Online Professor Donald Pratl March 11, 2013 There are 500 employees in the sales force of Company W that are spread out over Southeast, Northeast, West, and Central regions. The company has recently incorporated a new software program in and attempt to monitor how many sales are generated by each employee. It is expected that each month each region should sell the same aamount of products.It has been noted that over the last three months however that this expectation has only been reached by half of the employees in each region. Before a decision can be made on possible theories as to why this is, some statistical testing must be done. Company W knows that there are different techniques that can be used to statistically analyze this issue. The one that we will be discussing here will be non-parametic statistics and hypoyhesis testing along with chi-square distribu tion testing of data. Let us begin by first defining these terms for a better understanding. Hypothesis Testing This is a technique that is applied sequentially by businesses in order to obyain concluions in regard to population utilizing information obtained from a sample. This information is gathered so as to enable a decision to be made as to the acceptance or rejection of the hypothesis by the researcher. The researcher makes a decision on two types of hypotheses the null (Ho) and the alternative (H1). The research is actually done on the null hypothesis, as this is the one that trys to reject the hypothesis statement by proving it to be untrue.The researchers testing end result will do one of two things accept or reject the null hypothesis statement. Should the statement be proving to be untrue and rejected, the alternative hypothesis would in turn then be accepted. CTU Online, (2013) * Non-parametric Statistics This is what is known as an assessment to categorically apply info rmation. The informationcan be ordinal or nominal. The researcher will be allocated to classify information that is presented as qualitative for variables that are nominal, while the researcher will be allocated by ordinal variables th categorize the presented information so it can be ranked.There will be no formulated statements from non-parametric analysis in regard to the information that is presented by the researcher. The ANOVA, (analysis of variation) is a commomlly used method of non-parametric. The researcher does an analysis with the ANOVA to see if there is a differentation among groups, and if the mean of them are the same. With a null hypothesis the ANOVA will determine if the information that has been presented has the same means, while with the alternative hypothesis it will determine if the information has defferent means.CTU Online, (2013) There is a one way method and a two way method for an ANOVA analysis that can be used by the researcher. There is only one factor for the researcher to test for equality of the presented information in the one way method, and the two way mwthod allows for distinguishing if there may be another factor. * Chi-Square Distribution Use Two types of information can typically be generarted when variables have no pattern, categorical or numerical. Researchers’ employ using the chi-square distribution in order to unmask the distinctions and to see if they are independent.Categorical variables are specific variables with no fixed numerical value, and numerical type variables are numerical. In this regard there are question asked like, what type of work do you do, or do you own a vehicle? These types of questions are categorical variables because of the answers which would be for example, construction and yes or no, which are different responses from that of other questions like, what is your weight or what is your GPA? , that are numerical variables. These can be continious or discrete, for instance; how many ho mes do you own? This is discrete.What is you height? This is continious. The counting of particular things is where the discrete data comes, and measuring a particular thing is where the continious data comes. CTU Online, (2013) * Using Chi-Square Analysis There can be a fluctuating in the testin using of the chi-square analysis based on the collected information, such as in this case of the representatives that reached the quotas and those who did not. In relation to the null hypothesis the statement would be, the sales representatives using the new sales software were able to meet their sales quotas vs. he sales representative not using the new sales software where not able to meet their quotas. The null in this statement cannot be proven to be true, because there is no proof that the sales representatives that used the new software were the ones to meet their quotas and the ones not using it where the ones who did not. Theory here is that the null hypothesis is false, and the alt ernative hypothesis is accepted. This means that the same amounts of products were not sold by representatives using the new sales software.To develop statements of truth in regard to issues and problems in order to accurately classify is why researchers do hypothesis testing. The researcher has to have a complete understanding of the question or issue in odere to collect, analyize, and interpret data. A researcher has to analyze different theories statistically in order to be useful in educated business decisions making. Voelz, V. , (2006) References: . CTU Online. (2013). Applied Managerial Decision Making www. ctuonline. edu Voelz, V. , (2006). Hypothesis testing www. standford. edu

Observe different person's behaviors in hospital Essay

Observe different person's behaviors in hospital - Essay Example From a theoretical point of view, the behavior shown at work is the result of operant conditioning reinforced through punishment and rewards. Therefore, individuals’ behavior can be assessed well only if they are approached from various dimensions. It is interesting to note that people who gather at a public place are more likely to express their real traits when compared to those at workplace. I spent some time observing how the patients and staff at Miami Children’s Hospital behave in the hospital premises. At the conference hall, I observe the parents or relatives of some patients attending Professor Juan Aqua’s orientation speech on ‘Childrens Medical Services Primary Care Program’ (CMS). He gives lectures on the significance of the program emphasizing on how the Miami Childrens Hospital Pediatric Care Center serves as a medical home for their child once enrolled in the Program. His old age and his low voice make it extremely difficult for audience to catch what he says. Evidently, he had this speech earlier perhaps for another batch, for he speaks to the audience as if they are already aware of the program. The staffs at the venue show no special interest in the speech as they are familiar with each and every aspect of the CMC. People attending the talk have multiple responses. Some are interested to hear what the professor says whereas those sitting in the last rows look distracted. Obviously, they are happy to get the professor to lecture from the middle of the class in a much louder voice. They may pay better attention to the professor’s lectures, and answer his questions only if the professor delivers lectures in a louder voice in an interactive way. Many of them remain unresponsive, waiting for their turn to move to the registration counter. The orientation program is mandatory for enrolment. However, there are a few parents who take notes of each

The meaning and influence of leadership to SAMSUNG Essay

The meaning and influence of leadership to SAMSUNG - Essay Example This document focuses on the different leadership theories and tools. It further illustrates the implementation of these leadership theories in Samsung to understand the importance of leadership management. 2- Background of Samsung Samsung Group is a multinational conglomerate organization having numerous of business subsidiaries and affiliation (Samsung, 2013). Samsung is one of the prominent information technology leaders globally. The organization operates and manages more than 200 hundred subsidiaries (Lunenburg & Ornstein, 2012). The organization has successfully sustains it market positioning in the global IT market and economy. Samsung is reported to have the largest annual growth and profits (Samsung, 2013). The prominent Samsung industrial subsidiaries includes, Samsung Electronics (ranks fourth largest information Technology Organization), Samsung Engineering and Samsung C & T (13th and 36th largest construction companies in the world), Samsung Life Insurance (14th largest insurance organization of the world), Cheil Worldwide (15th largest advertising agency) and Samsung Everland (the oldest theme park and Everland in South Korea). The success of the organization lies in its strong leadership and strategic management. 3- Literature review Trait Theory of Leadership Trait theory primarily focuses on the heritable attributes, behavior patterns and personal characteristics of the leader (Northouse, 2010). The theory defines that the different personal characteristics and patterns fosters the leader effectiveness in the different groups and organizational situations (Northouse, 2010). Some of the scholars argue that the leadership traits are not acquired; perhaps individuals possess leadership traits that cannot be developed whereas this perspective has been criticized over the period as some of the scholars believe that the leadership traits can be acquired. Leadership behavior Ethical Leadership is the approach of the leaders to develop awareness about the right and wrong. It develops code of conduct for the leaders to make decisions and embed ethical attitudes and behavior (Hellriegel & Slocum, 2007). Ethical leadership allows to influences the attitudes and values, foster leader’s behavior and the empowerment of employee. Contingency theory believes that the leadership style shall be appropriate with the dynamic conditions. Fielder’s Contingency theory states that the effective leadership is dependent on the leadership style that is changed with the changing conditions. (Lunenburg & Ornstein, 2012) The theory assumes that either the leaders are task oriented or relationship oriented; the style leadership adopts shall be according to the preferences of its orientation. It suggests that the task oriented leaders are more focused on the accomplishment of the tasks, whereas the relationship oriented leader’s aims to develop effective communication and interpersonal relationship with its employee (Lunenburg & Orn stein, 2012). Therefore, the leader’s favorability in every situation is the major concerns to develop effective leadership (Daft & Lane, 2008). Fielder’s contingency theory primary focuses on the leader’s personality and the psychological disposition. It further suggests that it is necessary to focus on at least one element of the leader-led situations, though it does not provide a complete description about the issues, but it allows

Individual article analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Individual article analysis - Essay Example How a person sees oneself along these lines helps marketers to speculate the kind of products that may appeal to the person. However, the way a person perceives oneself is often far from reality(Gration, Raciti and Arcodia 650). This paper reviews the article by the title above. Brands confer value to consumers in multiple ways(Khare and Handa 63). One way is by enhancing the personality of their user. Besides functional attributes, the non-functional features of the product may determine the consumers decision to buy or not to buy. The article under review reports the findings of the research that explored the degree to which self-concept and brand personality interact to influence how a consumer evaluates brands and arrives at purchase decisions. The research involved a number of secondary school students whose individual self-concept was measured using a scale developed by Malhotra in 1981. The respondents were then made to evaluate one out of three imaginary brands of mobile phones, rate the brand on the basis of the general quality then indicate whether or not they would buy the phone. Having set the stage, the authors proceed to define key concepts in their paper. These are self-concept, personality and Indian youth. They contend that self-concept studies have understood the concept as being multi-dimensional(Khare and Handa 64). The concept enables the consumer to evaluate oneself under different circumstances. Most self-concept studies, they report, have focused on explaining why a consumer buys one brand of a product and not the other. It is crucial that marketers comprehend and appreciate the impact of self-concept, both individual and social, on purchase decisions. Self-concept studies have been based on the hypothesis that the way a consumer sees oneself influences the types of brands they buy. Brand personality entails giving brands human characteristics. For example, a car manufacturer

Argument Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Argument Analysis - Essay Example Lipsky-Karazs article is based on the premise that everyone wishes to know how Vera Wang went from fashion designer for Lothars on 57th street to the almost a billion dollars a year fashion power house that she has now become. She provides factual information to help her theme along by interviewing those whom she feels knows Ms. Wang best. These would be the people who saw her get her start in the business. People like fashion leader Michael Kors talk about seeing her when she was getting started in the business. Fashion editor Polly Allen Mellen also shared her insights into how Vera was shaped into the person she has become. Part of what makes this article an excellent and insightful read is that Ms. Lipsky-Karasz never tried to interpret her interviewees point of view. She simply told the story ad verbatim. No comments or suppositions. However, she did have an early â€Å"The Devil Wears Prada† moment at the the start of the article, giving the reader a sense of fear for the little woman that was never to be given reason within the article. By using Ms. Wangs personal interview tidbits whenever applicable, the writer gives credence to any assumptions that she has made about Ms. Wang. Thus making her interpretations pertaining to the actions of the fashion goddess acceptable and effective in an overall sense. The author has obviously targeted the fashion conscious women of the world who look to Vera Wang fashions as part of their lifestyles. The article tries and succeeds in pulling its target audience into the frenzied and often crazy world of fashion that Ms. Wang thrives in and excels the most. Much as the article places a highly positive spin on Vera Wang the fashion designer and personality, it became quite obvious later on that the interview was turning into a fluff piece, without a negative comment ever being said about Ms. Wang. It is hard to believe that Ms. Wang had not made any

Social Class and Impact this has Upon Young Children's Learning and Essay

Social Class and Impact this has Upon Young Children's Learning and Early Years Practice - Essay Example This essay sresses that the primary purpose of this study was to identify the parenting practices that mediate relations between persistent, recent, and transitional poverty and the externalizing and internalizing behaviors of 0- to eight-year-old children. Poverty was hypothesized to influence children's externalizing and internalizing behaviors indirectly by affecting maternal emotional unresponsiveness, use of physical discipline, fewer stimulating experiences, and a lower-quality home physical environment. With the exception of the effects of poverty transitions, poverty estimates generally cross-validate. This report makes a conclusion that negative relations between poor social class transitions and fewer stimulating experiences, lower-quality home physical environment, and children's externalizing and internalizing behaviors were unexpected. A possible explanation for these findings is that parents use financial resources in periods of relative economic prosperity to enhance the quality of the physical environment and ease economic hardship during years of poverty. This interpretation is consistent with Garrett, Ng'andu, and Ferron's NLSY study, which found that increases in family income had the strongest effect of any predictor on subsequent total HOME scores for children who were born poor. The large increase in the total effects of persistent poverty on both outcomes when the poverty transition variable was placed in the model suggests that the effects of poverty could well be much greater in the absence of periods of relative economic well-being.