The Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads

Among the many religious books in Hindu philosophy, the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads are among the most famous. Both texts agree that knowledge is needed in order to liberate the Self (Atman) from worldly miseries and discover the dharma (truth). Failure to do so may result to subjection of the individual further into the world of ignorance and suffering, making him more of a victim of fate rather than its master or even enjoyer. However, despite their aparent similarities, differences in approach on the same philosophy could be found.The Upanishads, is intended for the individual devoted to consummate asceticism and with firm faith and yearning for the eternal, while the Bhagavad Gita, or Gita, as it is simply called, is a more practical guide for persons facing everyday or normal problems in life. The entire Hindu philosophy believes that there is a God that contains everything and that everyone contains the immortal aspect of God within him. A suitable analogy would be to think of God as the great ocean and we, His creatures, His tiny droplets, and with the rest of creation are subject to change.We are within God and God is within each core of our being: â€Å"I am the Self abiding in The heart of all beings; I am The beginning, the middle, and Also the end of all beings â€Å"(10. 20). The only reason while we experience change and suffering is that we failed to attune Name 2 ourselves to the immortal God. Both sources state that by connecting the self to the one God one can achieve eternal peace. However, man's unneeded worldly attachment and the instability of the human mind has prevented him from reaching this enlgihtened state.And if one has failed to attain liberation before the end of his lifetime, he is still subject to the endless wheel of life and death—he will be reborn.. Both sacred texts agree to the idea of the restlessness of the mind, and that the mind's unstable processes is the cause of the individual's ignorance of the true self. The factors that affect the mind's instability can be internal or external in nature. The internal factors are such things as pesonal longing, the tendency of the mind to wander from one thought to another, or desire, while external factors can be sensations like pleasure or pain.Having these distractions of the mind under control eventually reveals the Atman inherent in each individual. As the Bhagavad Gita clearly states: â€Å"Controlling sense, mind, intellect; With moksha as the supreme goal; Freed from desire, fear, and anger: Such a sage is for ever free. † (5. 28) That passage from the Gita is very similar to the one in the Upanishads: â€Å"The Self is subtler than the subtle, greater than the great; It dwells in the heart of each living being. He who is free from desire and free from grief, with mind and senses tranquil, beholds the glory of the Atman.† (2. 20). According to the Gita and Upanishads, the liberation from Life's vissicitudes and dualities can be attained through discipline of thoughts and emotions, and non-attachment to worldly affairs. Both sources are oriented at a certain sense of â€Å"freedom†. How to attain that, however, Name 3 is where they differ. The Upanishads and the Gita has varying descriptions, yet the same interpretation of faith. In the Upanishads, the term Shraddha was used, which is a Sanskrit word that has no English equivalent, but roughly means â€Å"faith and yearning†.In the commentaries of Swami Paramananda on the Gita, it is stated that â€Å"It is more than mere faith. It also implies self-reliance, an independent sense of right and wrong, and the courage of one's own conviction† (1. 3). In the Gita, we can find a more elaborate description. It was declared that man is dictated by his faith (17. 3), and faith is determined by three dispositions, namely, [1] the quality of truth, [2] action, and [3] indifference (2). The first disposition is marked by doing something without a sking anything in return—altruism.The second disposition is less desirable than the first, however good the act, for it is still motivated by personal desire, and the third is the disposition that leads to injury either of the self or others (17). It is apparent that the first disposition is the favored one. Like the traditional Christian teachings, faith coupled with good action is required, for faith without action is dead, but it is also necessary for one to place faith in the right context. The two books have different views on asceticism, the Gita favors only mental asceticism, while the other included material deprivation as well.The Upanishads view indulgence to worldly affairs as impediments to spiritual progress, while the Gita believes one can still live normally provided that he does not harbor any attachment to mutable things. The Upanishads maintains the practice of bramacharya (life of continence and altruism), and personal austerities. In fact, Nachiketas, a pr otagonist on one of its chapters, has declared his disdain for worldly things by saying that things in Life are â€Å"fleeting†, and even â€Å"the longest life is short. † On the other hand, the Gita views ascetism as counter-productive: Name 4â€Å"Sense-objects turn away from the Abstinent, but the taste for them Remains, but that, too, turns away From him who has seen the Supreme. â€Å" (2. 59) It argues that eliminating the object of desire does not guarantee the removal of the desire itself, as in the cases of drug abuse, mania and similar tendencies. Desire is an internal state and if the matter can be resolved mentally, extreme material deprivation on the ascetic would be unnecessary, and can also be a major obstacle in spiritual progress because its way of life does not liberate the practitioner from samsara (suffering).However, it has stated the importance of treating each worldly affair with full conscionsness or â€Å"single-minded devotion† (11. 54). Although desire is an immaterial thing, depriving oneself of external stimulus would provide a suitable environment for the ascetic in mastering the mind and its passions. Moreover, in the Gita, Nagarjuna, one of the text's protagonists, experienced difficulty in connecting with the eternal and act according to the dictates of his fate, due to his despondency, caused by the incoming war.Temptations or passions are indeed more difficult to resist in their presence than in their absence, but this doesn't mean that living a way of life as described in the Gita is impossible. Both books showed the two faces of the same coin, giving the practioners the freedom to choose according to personal preferences. Name 5 Works Cited Parmananda, Swami. â€Å"The Upanishads†. 1st World Publishing, 2004. â€Å"The Bhagavad Gita†. http://www. atmajyoti. org/

Mayella Violet Ewell Essay

Mayella Violet Ewell is Tom Robinson’s 19-and-a-half-year-old accuser and the eldest daughter of Bob Ewell; she has to take care of her siblings (such as Burris Ewell) due to Bob Ewell’s alcoholism. Before the trial, Mayella is noted for growing red geraniums outside her otherwise dirty home. Due to her family’s living situation, Mayella has no opportunity for human contact or love, and she eventually gets so desperate that she attempts to seduce a black man, Tom Robinson. Her father sees this through a window, and in punishment he beats her. Ewell then finds the sheriff, Heck Tate, and tells him that his daughter has been raped and beaten by Tom. At the trial, Atticus proves that it was her father who beat her by pointing out that the bruises are on the right side of her face only. This is important because Tom’s left hand is mangled and useless, while Bob Ewell is left handed. When Atticus Finch asks her if she has any friends, she becomes confused because she does not know what a friend is. During her testimony, she is confused by Atticus’ polite speech and thinks that his use of â€Å"Miss Mayella† is meant to mock her.  By testifying against Tom Robinson, Mayella is trying to destroy the evidence suggesting that she had attempted to seduce him, and to do what her father wants her to do so that he won’t hurt her — to eliminate her own guilt and fear of breaking a ‘rigid and time-honored code’. Mayella is played by Collin Wilcox in the movie.

Mcarthur Vitamin D Milk Essay

A. 1. McArthur Farm Grove is located in the Port Saint Lucie, South Florida where the climate is tropical with regular rainfall, this causes the usual soil composition consisting of rock, sand and mud. Shapeflies terrain has been created in South Florida, helping farming situations. 2. McArthur farms consist of 8,500 cows, owned by a large corporate farm with a labor force of typical farm employees. 3. McArthur cows are fed waste milk, that contains little mastitis. In this case all bacteria needs to be killed so the cows will consume good milk. B. 1. McArthur Milk was first produced in 1929 by Neville McArthur who created his own dairy with the produce of his own 20 cows. Over time, from Vero Beach to the Florida Keys, Neville McArthur gained the trust and loyalty of many families. 2. McArthur Milk is very important to our region’s economy , being the leading brand of diary products in South Florida. Though McArthur milk plays a vital role in our economy, it is 3.Market for McArthur is not only in the United States but the Caribbean Islands and Central America. McArthur brand milk supplies to many major business such as Abaco Market, Publix, and Rams Supercenter just to name a few. C. 1. Tanker trucks are loaded with McArthur Milk to transport the milk while keeping it cool. Temperatures of the milk can not rise beyond 44 degrees F when checked or else the entire load of which the milk is in will be trashed. Trucks which transept the milk also have to be cleaned every 72 hours. A characteristic of pasteurizing the milk is use of the Calf Milk Pasteurizer, a device which brings the milk to a temperature of 162 degrees F then cools it. 2. The largest market for McArthur Milk is in South Florida. D. 1. The type of images expressed from McAuthor milk are ones that is perfect for everyone. For example an Advertisement for McArthur milk produced one year ago by Grant Baird focuses on children who act as if they are grown-ups and no matter what their family size is the McAuthor milk is perfect. The language expressed is PG, so everyone can relate with this criteria. 2. The characteristics of the targeted market are families as well as single individuals, both young and old. Children are persuaded by the flavors marketed while adults and senior citizens are targeted with the family advertisement expressed. 3. An element of the packing that coveys a sense of the market for the product is the Vitamin D label placed on the packaging of the sleeve label. This brings in consumers for the benefits of nutrition in the milk.

Community Policing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Community Policing - Assignment Example By community partnerships, expected participation and collaboration by law enforcement agencies with other members of the community are seen to be instrumental in contributing to the peace and order of local communities. Organizational transformation, on the other hand, means â€Å"the alignment of organizational management, structure, personnel, and information systems to support community partnerships and proactive problem solving† (Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), n.d., par. 3). And, finally, the problem solving process includes relevant elements such as scanning, analyzing, providing immediate response, and evaluating the effectiveness and success of response programs and initiatives. The benefits of community policing programs (or foot patrol) were revealed by Trojanowicz and Pollard (1986) as follows: increased contact on a one-on-one basis between law enforcement officers and citizens; fostering of increased trust; enabling law enforcements to focus on eminent problems in the community; by being actively seen, this approach gives greater public support, and immediate availability to address emergency situations (pars. 16 & 17). As revealed in Pearson Education (2010), there are five distinct core police operation strategies that assist law enforcement agencies to meet their goals. These core strategies are as follows: preventive patrol, routine incident response, emergency response, criminal investigation, problem solving, and support services (an ancillary operational strategy). These were validated by Scott (2000) in his published work entitled â€Å"Problem-Oriented Policing: Reflections on the First 20 Years†. A vivid example was clearly indicated by Trojanowicz and Pollard (1986) as follows: â€Å"one neighborhood may suffer a particularly large number of problems with juveniles, therefore the officer there devotes a greater share of his time to such concerns, perhaps

See order info Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

See order info - Coursework Example The above discussed factors that include family structure, socio-economic status, community and own personal experiences influence decisions by several ways. These ways include change in moral judgments, emphasizing more modifying the behaviors of an individual and also inability to respond towards transforming socio-economic conditions (Kidder, n.d.). The factors mentioned above might conflict with the needs, preferences and biases of the patients and their respective families by making ineffective decisions by the family members relating to gaining proper treatment, not able to align the economic conditions with the treatment costs and irrelevant personal experience about the stated context (Claywell, 2014). There lay certain ethical theoretical frameworks that describe personal worldview about the aforesaid context in a best way. In this regard, such frameworks could be ascertained as virtue and compassion among others. For example, virtues associated with good character may support in adopting effective decisions towards deriving positive outcomes. On the other hand, exercising compassion with others in a particular setting may also describe personal worldview about the factors influencing decision-making procedure (Claywell,

Starbucks Coffee and Its Target Audience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Starbucks Coffee and Its Target Audience - Essay Example According to the Italian tradition coffee houses are like a place for conversation and that provides the customers with a sense of community. From the very beginning Starbucks has been a very different company. The company has not only celebrated the coffee and rich tradition but also successfully brought a feeling of connection. The company endeavors to bring an exceptional experience to the lives of its target market (Clark, Taylor 2007; Starbucks Corporation 2011) Starbucks’ target audience mainly comprises of the upscale coffee drinkers. The coffee chain provides an opportunity to its customers to take a break from the busy and hectic lives and spend some time in a relaxing atmosphere. Starbucks has a very well defined target audience. It has a target market in each age segment whether its adults, young adults or kids and teens. The primary target market of Starbucks consists of men and women aged between 25 to 40 years from urban areas and usually with high incomes. This target segment accounts for almost half the sales of the Starbucks. In order to appeal this target audience Starbucks works keep its products current and position them in such a way that they become a status symbol. Then comes the target market of young adults aged between 18 to 24 years. This segment accounts for 40 percent of the sales of the company. ... It makes it easier for the students whether they want to hang in there and work on their projects or it can be that they just want to hang in there to enjoy the coffee. The relaxing atmosphere provided by the Starbucks stores is an appealing factor to both the adult and young adult target audience. Now moving to the third target market segment that Starbucks is serving, comprising of kids and teens aged between 13 to 17 years. Though this segment is not large and accounts for only 2 percent of the total Starbucks sales, but still the company focuses on this segment. The main reason for the focus is that it is mainly the parents who purchase items for their kids. There are several products that Starbucks has just made for the kids and teenagers. Starbucks do not target the kids segment directly but it does make sure that its products are kid-friendly. The company also offers special child sizes in order to attract the kids (Starbucks Corporation 2011) Starbucks has formed a strong bra nd image in the minds of its target audience. It has used the selective specialization, product specialization and market specialization techniques for selecting its market segments. Target audience of Starbucks trusts the brand and associates it with high quality. There are certain requirements that the target market has from this famous brand as they look up to it with great admiration. The store has created a sense of convenience in the minds of its customers. Almost where ever they go, especially in United States they’ll found a Starbucks franchise within the respective vicinity. This means that there are several places still left that do not cater to the target audience. These places do not have a Starbucks franchise and

Networking Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Networking - Term Paper Example In this situation, computer networking becomes essential for the company. However, a computer network is basically a set of computers connected through cable or other media so that they can share resources, communicate, and distribute information. Normally, a computer network is categorized into three categories: local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and wide area network (WAN) (Nash 5; Kimbleton and Schneider). However, selection of a network structure depends on the corporations needs. This paper presents a detailed analysis of wide area network (WAN). This paper will outline WAN structure, its uses, advantages and protocols. To understand the structure of wide area network it is necessary to know about other two categories of networks: (Nash 25-27; Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat 471; Hutchinson and Sawyer 4.25; Forouzan and Fegan 14-15) A local area network is implemented to connect computers and devices within a small physical area for instance, school computer laboratory, home, office building or closely located set of buildings. In view of the fact that LANs cover limited geographical area thus high-speed media such as cables can be utilized to connect the computers. Additionally, since the high class media is used to connect the computers thus only some or no problems are emerged on the network. Moreover, since the LANs take small area thus the prices of equipment are somewhat cheap. Second class of networks is metropolitan area network (MAN), which is a high-speed network that is used to establish connection between local area networks in a metropolitan area for instance, a city or town and deals with the communication activity within the area. Since, MANs cover more wide area as compared to LANs thus they are slower than LANs however typically have a small number of errors on the network. Moreover, a MAN requires special equipment for connecting the different LANs together, thus

Strengths, Weaknesses and Plan of Action of an Analysis Essay

Strengths, Weaknesses and Plan of Action of an Analysis - Essay Example I have also been able to use a variety of sentence structures like simple, compound and complex sentence structures which help articulate my thoughts in a proper manner. Very short paragraphs keep the reader interested. I am also able to, as it shows by my draft, discuss both the sides of the issue so that the reader may be able to get a better idea about the positive and negative aspects of the issue at hand. It seems that I am very efficient in the presentation of my draft as the tone remains the same and all textual evidence is properly cited. It seems that I have been unable to specify a specific audience for my text. This may have led to some confusion for the reader as to for whom the text is really intended for. The text is not confusing in itself, but still, there should have been audience specification. I have not used any metaphors. The text seems to be less literary and more philosophical, which is something that many readers who are looking for some scholarly text might get disappointed about. Also, I have not used any external source which may have been necessary to back up my opinion. I have generalized the issue according to my own opinion, and there is no external source to support my argument. Other than these points, I have not come to know any noticeable weakness in the structure, layout and presentation in my text by way of my instructor’s and peer’s feedback. The first thing I need to revise is that I should incorporate some external sources in my text to back up my argument. I think it is very important as one is able to give more evidence to support one’s point of view. This involves research, and I must be able to do this by looking up for literary sources in the library and over the internet. I must, however, first consult my instructor to determine whether an external source is actually required in the first place. The second thing that I need to think upon is specifying my audience.

Linguist studies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Linguist studies - Essay Example The external and internal conjunctive relations of both texts were analyzed by means of a conjunctive reticulum (See Appendix). The analysis of conjunctive relations shows a combination of two kinds of logical relations. The positive review is mainly held together by extending relations of addition (in general, by the conjunction and). The enhancing relations play an important role as well, since there are many time and causal conjunctions. For example: According to Eggins (1994), the enhancing relations represent the typical narrative pattern, where the narrator concerns on when things happened and why. It is important to note that a movie review has a narrative and expositive character as well. It is narrative when the plot is introduced, and expositive, when the reviewer expresses his opinion on the film and describes the positive and negative aspects of a movie. Similarly, the negative review alternates between extension and enhancement, with more focus on the last one. The plot of the movie has less space in the review, since the reviewer remarks the movie features that he did not find appropriate, by comparing with other films and The Simpsons TV show. Therefore, causal and comparative conjunctions are often used. The logical relations derive basically from an external organization of the text in both reviews. The events beyond the text (i.e. movie, actors, writers, directors) are linked by external conjunctions. At the same time, most of the relations are stamped explicitly, rather than left for the reader to decode. It is important to note that most of the internal relations are implicit, that is, the reader must interpret the internal organization of the text. Implicit elaborating relations (expressed by that is, or in fact), typical of the internal organization, could be identified in the analyzed texts. In a broad sense, both texts represent the same field: a present-day movie. The specific topic of each one is the movie concerned by the

A College Degree Is Not Worth It Essay Example for Free

A College Degree Is Not Worth It Essay What is a college degree worth 50,000, $150,000, $300,000? The real question should be is a college degree really worth it? A lot of students go into college not knowing what to expect, or not knowing what to do. College degrees are made of paper, the importance of these degrees are valued by all the hard work you put in. There are several reasons why a college degree is not worth it. A college degree can be connected with negative associations. Getting a degree is like getting married. It’s a big decision someone has to make. There’s a lot of  cost, a lot of ups and downs, and it can be very stressful. Someone shouldn’t just go to college because they see everyone attending college after high school. The main number one reason why everyone wants to get a college degree is because they believe once they finish college they’ll have a better employment rate rather than someone without one. According to Not All College Majors Are Created Equal, by Michelle Singletary â€Å"the highest unemployment rate for recent graduates is generally the highest in architecture (13. 9 percent), then in non- technical majors, such as arts (11.1 percent), humanities and liberal arts (9. 4 percent), social science (8. 9 percent), finally law and public policy (8. 1 percent). † Having a degree is not automatically doing to get you a job, but most graduates are working in a job that does not require a degree. Focusing so much on college and perusing the goal of earning a degree can impact your social life. For many accomplishing a degree is not only a must but it becomes part of their life from sunrise to sunset. They start losing touch with reality, friends, and everyday activities. It is as if your life only has  one signal meaning that is, your college degree. College requires so many sacrifices because you have to have time to study for exams and getting your homework done. Not having a college degree doesn’t mean that someone won’t become successful. There have been a lot of people in this world that become very successful without a degree. For example: the CEO of Coca cola, Walt Disney, Steve Jobs, and many more. A degree does not make you the richest person in the world. There are many roads for an education rather than just attending college for a degree. Many people succeed without college degrees.

The importance of caterpillar inc in mining

The importance of caterpillar inc in mining Caterpillar Inc is the largest maker of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines in the world (Caterpillar Inc, 2010, p.1). It was started in 1925, and is based in Peoria, Illinois. Its operations are divided into three segments: machinery, engines, and financial business segments (Businessweek, 2010). With a global footprint, Caterpillar Inc.s product line boasts of more than 300 products, manufactured in twenty three countries (Caterpillar Inc, 2010). In the sections that follow, an internal analysis of the firm is carried out and its distinctive capabilities and core competencies evaluated. Its corporate, functional, and competitive strategies are also analyzed. Distinctive capabilities: The resource-based view of the firm asserts that an organizations resources and capabilities underpin the bedrock upon which the firms competitive advantage and strategy is based. While resources refer to the productive assets owned by the firm (Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny, 2008, p.12), capabilities refer to what the firm can do (Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny, 2008, p.12). Three types of resources have been identified: tangible resources, intangible resources, and human resources. As far as Caterpillar Inc is concerned, these are discussed below: Tangible Resources: Financial Resources: Caterpillar has a strong and healthy cash flow position. Net cash flows have increased from $592,000 in 2007 to $1,614,000 in 2008 and $2,131,000 in 2009 (Yahoo Finance, 2010). It enjoys strong market capitalization, which stands at $39.8 billion compared to only $6.29 billion for its closest competitor and the industry average of $1.71 billion. Its operating margins as well as price earnings ratio are well above the industry average (Yahoo Finance, 2010). Caterpillars sales revenues, profits, and other financial indicators have shown a consistent improvement over the years. For instance, sales revenues have risen from $30.3bn in 2004 to $51.3bn by 2008, surpassing the firms 2010 target of $50bn with two years to go. Over the same period, profits have risen from $2bn to $3.6bn. Other financial ratios have also witnessed a strong climb-up (Annual Report). The firm also boasts of an investment-grade credit rating as well as easy access to the capital (Caterpillar I nc, 2009). Marketing Resources: Caterpillar Inc has a marketing and distribution system that spans the entire globe. Additionally, it holds the market leadership position in the construction and mining industries as well as in the construction of natural gas, diesel, and industrial engines (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). With the broadest global footprint in the industry, it is very well diversified in terms of geographical spread and derives only 33% of its revenues in the US market. With over 300 products in its product line, its product base can be described as broad and well diversified which can help cushion it against downturns in specific product areas. Its customer service can also be described as superior, given that the firm offers among others quality assurance underpinned by a three year warranty, as well as fixed rate long-term financing tailored to specific customer needs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Physical Resources: Caterpillar Inc boasts of hi-tech manufacturing facilities spread in at least twenty three countries, and geared towards production in thirteen different industries. Under the Caterpillar Production System (CPS), it has a world class manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution system that are closely aligned with the flexible manufacturing philosophy (Caterpilar Inc, 2009). Intangible Resources: Technology: the number of patents which Caterpillar Inc has received has continued to increase year after successive year. By 2010, it had 620 patents. This is in line with its expenditure on RD which has grown from just $928 million in 2004 to $1.73bn by 2008 (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Reputation: the market leader in the construction and mining industries and in the natural gas, industrial, and diesel engine industries, Caterpillar enjoys strong brand recognition as well as a strong reputation for machines distinguished by their specialist expertise, durability, design, as well as dealer and service excellence. According to Saloner, Shepard, and Podolny (2008, p.12), resources by themselves cannot give a firm a competitive advantage but must be blended together to give the firm capabilities. Based on the inventory of Caterpillar Inc.s resources presented above, the firms capabilities can be given as follows: strong financial position which also gives the firm a high ability to finance innovation (RD) and working capital requirements, raise credit financing to expand its operations or investments, as well as the ability to finance its customers and dealers purchases over the long run. Strong innovation capabilities as evidenced by the increasing number of patents it holds and the sustained investment in RD activities. Supply chain efficiencies (flexibility, cost effectiveness, etc) as evidenced by its Caterpillar Production System (CPS). Strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities as evidenced by its global configuration of production, supply, and distribution facilities. Strong marketing capabilities as defined by its market leadership position, broad product portfolio (over 300 products in thirteen different industries), its strong brand recognition and reputation, and superior customer service and excellence. Selznick (1990) coined the term distinctive competences / capabilities to describe those things which the organization does extremely well relative to its marketplace rivals. In the case of Caterpillar Inc, its distinctive capabilities can be said to include: its innovation and financial capabilities as well as its well-diversified product base and geographical spread. Core competencies: Prahalad and Hamel (1990) define core competencies as those capabilities which are central to an organizations achievement of a sustainable competitive advantage. For the capability to be termed as a core competence, it has to meet four criteria as spelled out by the VRIO framework. It must be valuable, rare, inimitable, and the organization must be sufficiently organized to exploit it. While Caterpillar Inc has a very broad product line and wide geographical spread, this can be easily replicated by its rivals through a deliberate strategy of market development and product diversification. Its supply chain capabilities can also be easily replicated through undertaking demand and supply chain integration activities such as maintaining low inventory levels and adopting flexible manufacturing systems. Its main core competencies therefore are its innovation capabilities, its superior financial position, and its superior customer service. Strategy: Strategy formulation has been described as taking place at three levels: the corporate level, business level, and the functional level. Robbins and Coulter (2005) identify three types of corporate strategies. These include growth, retrenchment, and stability strategies. Traditionally, Caterpillar has pursued the growth strategy which involves aggressively expanding into new markets and introducing new products so that by 2008 it had more than 300 products. Apart from its domestic US market, it has spread to most countries in Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe and Middle East, and Latin America. However, prompted by the increasingly cyclical nature of the industries across which it operates as well as the recent global economic recession, the firm put brakes on its growth strategy and pursued a retrenchment strategy instead. This was characterized by cost reduction initiatives, closure of underperforming business units, and employee layoffs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). According to its annual report, the firms trough planning initiative has involved: Scaling down the number of its employees by more than 20,000, through voluntary as well as forced layoffs. Additionally, the firm has done away with many contingent workers (that is, temporary, agency, and contract employees). Reducing working hours as well as closing some plants temporarily in many of its global facilities. In some areas, the firm has introduced shorter working weeks. The firm has also undertaken various measures to optimize its supply chain management. These include reduction of inventories (which is expected to lead to lower inventory carrying costs), forging closer relationships with key suppliers, and the alignment of its logistical processes to conform to its flexible manufacturing system dubbed the Caterpillar Production System (CPS). It has drastically reduced compensation levels for its employees and managers, in some instances by as much as half. This is expected to drive cost savings. According to Robbins and Coulter (2005), firms which pursue the corporate strategy of growth have various strategic alternatives at their disposal. These include: concentration, vertical integration, horizontal integration, and diversification strategies. Of the four strategies, Caterpillar Inc has primarily made use of the diversification and horizontal integration strategies. Diversification involves expanding the firms scope of operations into other industries and product lines and this can be seen in the firms expansion to over 300 products and in thirteen industries. The horizontal integration strategy involves merging operations with other players in the same industry with a view of enhancing the firms competitive thrust and lowering competition in the industry. In the case of Caterpillar, this is evidenced by: Combination of its operations with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1965 in the Japanese market; joint venture with Navistar International Corporation which led to the creation of a new entity known as NC2 Global LLC in 2009; and a joint venture agreement with China Yuchai Machinery Co. Ltd in 2009 (Businessweek, 2010). The Ansoff Matrix has further identified the strategies which can be pursued by a firm deploying the corporate strategy of growth as: product development, market development, diversification, and market penetration strategies (Mercer, 1996). The firm has predominantly made use of the product development strategy which involves the introduction of new products for existing markets. Cases in point include the introduction by the company of next generation mining trucks, the first ever electric drive tracks in the industry, as well as the innovation of the revolutionary cat 175 engine (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). The market development strategy is also evident in the firms strategic posture, especially in its forays into more countries through geographic expansion. Some of the countries recently ventured into by Caterpillar include Saudi Arabia and India (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). At the business level, three main strategies have been identified. These include the overall low cost leadership strategy, the differentiation strategy, and the niche / focus strategy. The niche strategy has further been distinguished as either a differentiated niche strategy or focused low cost strategy. Additionally, an organization may follow a stuck in the middle approach where it simultaneously pursues two or more of these strategies (Porter, 1998). Of the three generic strategies, Caterpillar Inc can be described as following the generic strategy of differentiation. As its annual report (Caterpillar, 2009) attests, this strategy is based on two of its core competencies: its innovation capabilities and superior customer service. Functional level strategies are strategies which are implemented at the functional level in order to support the business level and ultimately, the corporate level strategies (Robbins and Coulter, 2005). For example, as far as the human resource is concerned, the firm continues to put a lot of emphasis on the training and development of its personnel. In 2008 for example, it spent up to $60 million in training and development initiatives. By ensuring that its employees are well trained and developed, the firm can see to it that creativity and innovation is fostered and that the staff are in a position to deliver exceptional levels of customer service. Its customer service strategy for example has involved offering three year warranties, and long term financing for customers and dealers (Caterpillar Inc, 2009). Its manufacturing strategy has involved upgrading of its facilities. For example, in 2008, the firm spent up to $2.4 billion in initiatives aimed at modernizing its manufacturing infrastructure. Other functional level strategies include ensuring costs are kept within manageable levels while maintaining high quality standards through initiatives such as the Six Sigma program, and ensuring that the organization is aligned with emerging market needs (Caterpillar Inc, 2009).

Role Of Music In Sonnys Blues

Role Of Music In Sonnys Blues The story Sonnys Blues is written by James Baldwin in 1846 and raises the problem of the misconception between two brothers. Their conflict grounded on the problem of racial discrimination in the African-American society. Influenced by the oppression, both bothers developed different views on life, which served as a problem for their common understanding. The narrator has adjusted to the white society still feeling the pressure, but not willing to change it. On the contrary to his brother, Sonny tries to find the way out and to state himself a worthy person of approval and respect. Sonny tries to avoid his pain and sufferings with the immersion into Jazz music, resided to his race. Describing Sonnys lifeline from his brothers perspective, depicting a fair representation of Sonnys relationship with music, and evaluating the authors method for creating a specific frame of mind in readers, it will be possible to create a holistic picture of Sonnys struggle on the way to salvation. The knowledge of Sonnys life comes only through the narrator. The only one evident point in Sonnys character is his hope that he can become a musician. His close minded brother, who seems to be the strict father for Sonny, rather than his supporting brother, expresses his disapproval of Sonnys wish. Suffer the consequences of his criticism Sonny agrees to live with Isabels family, only because they have a piano at home. Even though everybody admits that Sonny was at that piano playing for his life (p.101), nobody really hears and understands him. When he realizes that his efforts to create something from his music failed and he could not meet the expectations of the family, sadness devours him and he runs away. Later in the story, the brother narrates that Sonny starts to use drugs. Next, police arrests him for it and send to prison. Sonny kicks his drug habit and returns to live with his brother. After so many years and events influenced his life, he still continues to develop himse lf as a musician. As a matter of a fact, music plays a very significant role throughout the whole story written by James Baldwin. Basically, it is possible to notice how Sonny is dedicated to music and to jazz in particular. Additionally, the role of music is irreplaceable in defining and describing the major characters, as well as the culture of Harlem as a whole. Seeing Sonnys eternal eagerness to music, it is reasonable to assume that music is the only drug for Sonny, his only way of expressing his hopes and dulling his pain, incomparable even to his drug addiction. Sonnys devotion to Jazz is even able to change the upstanding mind of his brother by the end of the story. Comparing to his brother, who is afraid of the disorder and cannot face pain and uncertainty of the way Sonny lives, Sonny has a radically different perception of the world. Due to Sonnys artistic nature, tenacity and willing to struggle, his brother finally begins to understand not only the value of jazz and blues music, but also himself and his relationship with Sonny. In the club he starts to appreciate Sonny in a way he never did, as a real musician (p.107). Rather than trying to make Sonny fit into his world, he is now in Sonnys world. Or, rather: his kingdom. Here it was not even a question that his veins bore royal blood (p.107). The name of the story is Sonnys Blues, which contradicts with the genre of music, which Sonny is dedicated to. Sonny finds his strengths and motivation in jazz music. Basically, this music genre is based on informal order and format, which gives the musicians a lot of space for genuine expression of their souls. On the other hand, the actual name of the story seems to reflect Sonnys story of life. As a fact, blues is a music genre, which mostly expresses melancholic feelings, as well as it is infused with deep sadness and tragedy. Consequently, by naming the story Sonnys Blues the author defines Sonnys life with a genre, which is full of grief and sorrow, disappointments and frustration. The method which the author uses to frame the flow of the story is very representative, and leads the readers to a specific atmosphere and directs them towards a specific frame of mind. Creating a complete representation of Sonnys struggle on the way to salvation, it was essential to unfold the major aspects of Sonnys story and to describe his relationships with music and its meaning in Sonnys life. Additionally, by analyzing the name of the story it was possible to assemble the right atmosphere the author was trying to create for the readers. Thus, the author has chosen music, for it is communal function to tell the stories of a community of people. Music evokes feelings in performers and in listeners, helping them to cure from the failure in their lives or to at least feel comfortable in the company of others who are similarly afflicted.

Terrorism in Canada: Air India Flight 182 Disaster :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

Terrorism in Canada: Air India Flight 182 Disaster The Air India disaster occurred on July 22nd, 1985. It is believed to be the most serious terrorist act that has ever taken place in Canada, claiming the lives of over three hundred people, most of them Canadian. To the present day, the bombings remain a mystery, with only one person charged in connection with the crime. Almost 15 years after flight 182 plummeted into the Atlantic off the coast of Ireland it continues to be investigated by authorities throughout the world, including the RCMP and CSIS in Canada. Sometime in mid-June of 1985, a man with a slight east-Asian accent called the Canadian Airlines international reservations desk in Vancouver, and after a number of inquiries, booked tickets for two flights departing from Vancouver on July 22nd. The first was booked to Narita, Japan in the name of L. Singh, the second, from Vancouver to Toronto, where the passenger M. Singh would transfer to Air India flight 182 to New Dehli, India. A man described as "A bearded Indian male wearing a mustard colored turban ," (www.airindia.istar.ca) paid for both tickets in person, in cash, a few days later. For both lights, luggage was checked under the names of both passengers, but neither party boarded their respective flights. Canadian Airlines flight 003 to Narita, Japan arrived at its destination without incident. However, at 7:13 London time, a suitcase exploded while being unloaded from the plane, killing two baggage handlers and injuring others. The luggage for M. Singh was transferred in Toronto to the Air India flight. At 8:13 London time, the pilot radioed that everything was normal as the plane started it's descent into London's Heathrow Airport. Moments later, the plane exploded, and crashed from an altitude of 31,000 feet into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Ireland. Following the crash, an unprecedented salvage operation took place, in which jet wreckage was recovered from ocean depths that had been previously unexplored. The investigation of the crash revealed the following: Â ¨ the black box recorded a thud, muffled bang and a faint shriek. Â ¨ the pilot tried to send a distress call while he desperately attempted to gain control of the aircraft. Â ¨ fan blades on the engines were not bent indicating the engines were not running when the plane hit the water. Â ¨ One hundred and thirty-one bodies were recovered from the crash site.

Brutality and Deceit in A Streetcar Named Desire Essay -- Tennessee Wi

  Ã‚  Ã‚   A Streetcar Named Desire is a socially challenging play in light of the way in which Tennessee Williams depicts the capacity of human nature for brutality and deceit.   He takes the viewpoint that, no matter how structured or 'civilized' society is, all people will rely on their natural animal instincts, such as dominance and deception, to get themselves out of trouble at some stage in life.   William's has created three main characters, Blanche Dubois, Stella Kowalski and Stanley Kowalski. Each of these characters is equally as civilized as the next, yet all are guilty of acts of savagery on different levels.   Throughout the play Williams symbolically relates these three characters to animals, 'savages,' through the disclosure of their attitudes, beliefs, appearances and desires. The most obvious example of a savage in the play is Stanley Kowalski.   He is a large well-toned, territorial male with simple beliefs and a short temper.   He does not have many manners and does not care what people think of him.   He seems very simple but there is more to him than meets the eye.   Stanley feels threatened by Blanche not only because she has invaded his territory, but also because she is a reminder to his wife of what she sacrificed to marry him and of the severe limitations on what he has been able to provide her in return (Adler 51).   At first, Stanley acts physically dominant over both Blanche and Stella, by rifling through Blanche’s possessions (Williams 124), by quoting to Stella and Blanche that "every man is a king" (Williams 197-198), by throwing the radio out the window in a drunken frenzy and by actually striking his pregnant wife (Stella) (Williams 152-155).   However, towards the end of the play, Stanley realizes his ... ...s that lifestyle that they shared in their youth.   However, Stanley has shown her his world and she is caught between the two, like a ping-pong ball.   Ultimately Stanley wins the game, because of Stella’s primal nature, her sex drive and her need to be dominated. It appears that Tennessee Williams has called for all the world to be cognizant of the fact that mankind is still a member of the animal kingdom in spite of society’s efforts to cloak his primal urges and somehow give the appearance that he is above the other animals.    Works Cited Adler, Thomas P.   A Streetcar Named Desire: The Moth and the Lantern.   New York: Twayne, 1990. Kazan, Elia.   Twentieth Century Interpretations of A Streetcar Named Desire.   Ed. Jordan Miller.   New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1971. Williams, Tennessee.   A Streetcar Named Desire.   Stuttgart: Phillipp Reclam, 1988.

Happy people make people happy Essay

Like yawning, many recent studies have proved that laughter is contagious. Does this necessarily imply that when you smile to a complete stranger, he will smile back to you? Or on the other hand, when you frown at a complete stranger, he will frown at you as well? To find out the answer, we designed an experiment to test will happy people make people happy. Independent variables are the factors we manipulated. There are two independent variables in this test. The first one is our emotion conditions when having eye contact with the strangers, i.e. smile condition, frown condition and control condition. We define smile condition as smiling without teeth, frown condition as knitting our brows, and control condition as having a neutral facial expression. The second one is gender. To understand if gender matching matters, we will test the three conditions with strangers with the same gender and the opposite gender. Dependent variables are the variables being tested in the experiment. In this test, the dependent variables are the responses from the participants. We will rate their responded expression in 5 categories: clear frown, small frown, neutral, small smile, and clear smile. However, there are confounding factors that may affect the results of the experiment. Confounds are the extraneous variables in an experimental design that correlates with both the independent and dependent variables. Possible confound is the original facial expression of participants. Randomly choosing participants is a way to prevent confounds. To further eliminate confounds, we will choose complete strangers as participants and will not tell them about our test beforehand as they may confound the result by giving us what they believe we want to see. The last thing we do is to execute this test in a consistent way. We have strict control over our facial expression to make sure that our expressions will not defer a lot among participants. This is not a simple test as what we originally consider. The first obstacle we encounter is not having enough confidence to frown at people. It is not difficult to smile at strangers, but frowning at strangers is somewhat weird  that we hesitate for a long time before having confidence to complete the test. The second obstacle we encounter is there are possible biases in choosing participants. For example, we tend to choose participants with the same race or at similar ages with us. This may create possible confounding factors to the test. The last obstacle we encounter is finding suitable participants. Since we want to choose participants that are walking alone and not distracted by phones or music, surprisingly there are only a few can be found around campus. It takes us quite a lot of effort and time in finding suitable participants for the test. Before conducting the test, we state our hypothesis as when we smile to people, people will smile back to us; whereas when we frown at people, people will frown at us as well. We come out with this hypothesis because we believe ones emotion can influence others, that is when there are optimistic and happy people in a group, other members in the group will become happy more easily; whereas when people in a group are generally in a pessimistic and unhappy mood, other members in the group will be influenced and become unhappy as well.

How Roles and Statuses Affect Behavior

How Roles and Statuses Affect Behavior There is a fine line between status and role. Status is the position or a rank in a group or social structure. An example of this would be the president, Barack H. Obama. The president is a status because it is a position in a social structure; in this case, Barack H. Obama would be the president of America. On the other hand, a role is an assumed or an expected way a person should behave. For example, a mother is an assumed position where as soon as a female gives birth, they are expected to take care of the child, and thus called â€Å"mother. In Philip G. Zimbardo’s article, â€Å"The Pathology Of Imprisonment,† (pg. 140, 2011) Zimbardo wanted to simulate a prison environment and see the psychological and how the roles of the guards and prisoners develop. Zimbardo did this by creating a advertisement in the newspaper and hired two dozen young men who were at first, all on the same playing field; all of them had no criminal reco rd, emotionally stable, normal, and were all intelligent and from middle class families.The important part about this is that the role of prisoner and the role of guard were chosen by the flip of a coin which meant that the roles were completely random and the prison environment would be the only factor in how it shaper the boys behaviors. Throughout the experiment, the boys were videotaped so that Zimbardo could observe the behavior. Very quickly Zimbardo noticed that the guards became more and more aggressive towards the prisoners, and the prisoners reacted exactly how a real prisoner would react.Zimbardo states that the guards came up with many creative ways to control the prisoners. In one case, a rebellious prisoner, who refused to eat, was in solitary, and the rest of the prisoners were given a choice, whether to let the prisoner out and give up their blankets, or keep the blankets and keep the rebellious prisoner in solitary for the night. In the end, it was every man for him self and the rest of the prisoners chose to have their blankets.The only incentive for the prisoners was the pay of fifteen dollars per day, but some had to be cut short because of their reactions to the prison environment, such as crying, depression, and insanity. It was clear that the boys who were supposed to play the role of prisoners and guards were now acting in the mindset as if their status was really the prisoner and the guard. In fact, the experiment got too realistic and Zimbardo’s two-week experiment had to be cut short to six days. In Harvey Molotch’s article, (pg. 66, 2011)â€Å"The Rest Room and Equal Opportunity,† the author argues that even if men and women have equal amount of space in the bathrooms, it does not guarantee equal opportunity in the bathrooms because of the different roles of women and men. Men can use urinals, which take up less space than toilets and women need their own private stalls because of their specific needs. The author also suggests how western culture shapes the way how women use the bathroom, such as doing make up and gossiping. Therefore the differences in roles of women and men cause unequal opportunities even if they are given the same opportunity.

Cellular Tower Proliferation In The United States Essay

The â€Å"Cellular tower proliferation in the United States† article talks about the growth and development of cellular communication over the years. The article looks at how the current form of this communication came to be with a review of the stages the process has undergone. The article reviews the results of the demand for wireless communication where there has been an increase in infrastructure to facilitate the same. Though erected with the right intention in mind, the article reviews how the same has not gone well as expected (Wilke, 45-62). The rise of many structures to support the cellular communication has led to a dramatic change in the landscape all over America. This has in return generated reactions from various groups. Objections are one of the reactions. The same are from members of the community, various interest groups and regulatory boards. The reasons for objections vary from those who complain about the visual impacts of the erected infrastructure to the perceived risks associated from the same structures being within human residential areas. The proximity of such infrastructure is perceived to have negative health effects. The article finishes by reviewing the steps taken to mitigate the negative effects emanating from cellular communication with examples such as infrastructure modification to fit with the environment to maintain the visual appeal (Wilke, 45-62). Analysing the article, one appreciates that is a great eye opener to the effect of technology in the society. As an individual, one is able to appreciate how far humanity has come in terms of development. For this case, the rise and improvement in communication networks has benefited the society. The historical analysis of how communication networks have come to be gives one the opportunity to associate with this technology and appreciate the work put into it. By doing this, a clear image is painted to the author where the article acts as a source of information in this case on cellular technology. As one covers the different issues in the article, one is able to appreciate that though the society demands the existence of some amenities such as communication structures as identified, the existence of the same and impact cannot be ignored. The society may invent such amenities for the day to day use but are not willing to live with the consequences, especially the negative ones. The h ighlight of the presence of communication towers and subsequent change of the landscape serves as an appropriate example. It shows the never ending conflict between humanity and his inventions. However, one feels that more examples would have been fit to shed more light on the impact of the technologies with the development in cellular communication acting as the illustration of what is happening to the society. In showing the various mitigating strategies used in combating the negative effects of the cellular communication infrastructure, one is able to realize the need for a thorough understanding and deep analysis of any form of invention before introducing it to the society. A personal take is that experiments and studies should be done in such a way that in case problems arise with the inventions, quick steps are taken to combat the same. The article provokes one to question the presence of other inventions whose impact has been profound apart from the example given such as the cellular infrastructure. The article also makes one question the impact of the same form of technological advancement in this case the cellular infrastructures in other parts of the world apart from America. One cannot help but think of the impact of the same on a global scale and what is in for mankind if development in the same area continues with the same trend. References Wilke, Thomas A. â€Å"CELLULAR TOWER PROLIFERATIONIN THE UNITED STATES.†The Geographical Review  92.1 (2002): 45-62. Print. Source document

To what extent is this true and how important is this conflict to the novel as a whole?

Throughout Iris Murdoch's novel, ‘The Bell' we are constantly being presented with conflicts, many of which relate to the discord between sex and religion which have been opposed to each other since the dawn of creation when Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation in the Garden of Eden. This conflict has particularly dark tendencies and acts as a destructive force for several characters, namely Catherine, Michael and Nick. Despite this being the primary theme of the novel we are also presented with a number of conflicts of a different nature. The main conflict of the novel is that existing between sex and religion, as embodied by Catherine and Michael. Michael is constantly confronted by the issue of his sexuality and how it affects his religion. He is always striving to live a good life and he believes that entering into the priesthood would allow him to achieve this. However he is prevented from fulfilling this wish by his homosexuality which goes completely against the Church's teaching. Michael believes that to live a good life, â€Å"One should have a conception of one's capacities †¦ study carefully how best to use such strength as one has†. In initiating relationships with firstly Nick and then subsequently with Toby, Michael is clearly failing to do this. He is aware of his sexual tendencies and knows that they are viewed as improper but fails to take measures to prevent them from overpowering him. Michael admits to this failing in Chapter 16, â€Å"Michael was aware now †¦ that it had been a great mistake to see Toby †¦ the clasp of hands, had had an intensity, and indeed delightfulness, which he had not foreseen – or had not cared to foresee. † Michael seems to take pleasure in the feeling of guilt which these forbidden relationships cause in him. When he is confronted by James Tayper Pace, following Toby's confession of what had taken place between them, he is quite willing to take all the blame for the whole situation, â€Å"The real blame belongs to me. By sending Toby away you've made him feel like a criminal. † It is as though Michael wants James to blame him. He feeds off guilt; the constant cycle of guilt, redemption and then further guilt. Nick's arrival at Imber Court acts as a further reminder of his sins and at the conclusion of the novel when Nick has killed himself, Michael is left with a permanent reminder of his actions as he becomes responsible for Catherine. Despite all the guilt, Michael feels that his love of God and his love of Nick â€Å"come from the same source†. The moments in which he claims to feel closest to God are ironically found with Nick and Toby. Of Michael's feelings over his initial contact with Toby the narrator comments that, â€Å"He had felt his heart heel over in tenderness for the boy, and had been sure that such a spring of feeling could not be wholly evil. † However, Michael is unable to reconcile his homosexuality with his religion and is tormented by it constantly. Nick's death destroys his faith in God and causes him to question whether he had ever really believed at all. He is ridden with guilt over his failure to give Nick the redemption he was looking for. He made desperate cries for help but Michael was too concerned with trying to lead a ‘good life' to notice. The one good thing he could have done was to be true to Nick, however he fails to realise this until it is too late. Although he does eventually return to the Mass he simply â€Å"existed beside it†. There is no longer any future for him in religion; he must concentrate on looking after Catherine. As the Abbess said, â€Å"the way is always forward, never back†. Michael is facing in the right direction but it is up to him to start walking. Catherine, like Michael, cannot reconcile her sexuality with her religion. As a postulant nun she is preparing to sacrifice her whole life to serve God. Iris Murdoch believed that one of life's great tasks was to engage in a process called unselfing. By joining the convent Catherine is attempting this process. Therefore, her feelings for Michael are totally improper for someone in her position; consequently she is ridden with guilt, which leads to her attempt to take her own life. The entire community is oblivious to her feelings for Michael. She is viewed as being something the other members should aspire to, â€Å"our little saint† as Mrs Mark observes. Dora is particularly in awe of her, both for her beauty and apparent sexual purity. She also feels slightly threatened by her as she represents what she can never have or be. It is as a result of Dora's interest in Catherine that we first get a suggestion that she is not as holy as everyone believes. Dora questions her motives for wishing to enter the abbey and Catherine's reply is, â€Å"There are things one doesn't choose †¦ I don't mean they are forced on one. But one doesn't choose them. These are often the best things†. This hints that she is not whole-hearted in her wish for a religious life: it appears that it is what was always expected of her, rather than being of her own design. Dora is the only character who notices this; the rest are all deceived until the dramatic incidents at the end. However nobody suspects that she may have feelings towards Michael. The only incident where we are given an inkling of any attraction is when Nick is working on the van and Catherine is sitting beside him with her skirt up around her waist; Michael arrives and she doesn't readjust it. Michael feels uncomfortable in this situation but gets the impression that she must â€Å"positively dislike him† as she looks up at him without smiling. Catherine ultimately fails to suppress her love for Michael and when the new bell falls into the lake she views this as a sign that God has condemned her, driving her to attempt to take her own life. Like Michael she cannot be truly good as she cannot reconcile her faith with her sexuality. There are also religious conflicts within the community as a whole. Firstly there is the conflict between the abbey and the lay community. The abbey is cut off both physically and in terms of the role it plays in everyday life. The abbey is separated from Imber Court by a large lake. The only way to reach the abbey is by a rowing boat which can be pulled across from either end. Then there is a high wall which goes all the way around the abbey. The only way in is through a door in the wall, which surprisingly is always kept unlocked. Toby discovers this when he climbs over the wall into the abbey as part of his sexual awakening. This incident follows the embrace with Michael and is Toby's attempt to convince himself that he is not homosexual. There is very little contact made between the abbey and the court. We only see rare glimpses of the nuns and Michael is the only person who is allowed to visit the Abbess. Most communications are made through Mother Clare, her intermediary. These boundaries are all representative of the widening gap between lay and spiritual life, and the fading role of religion in everyday existence during the 1950's when Murdoch was writing. People were abandoning the church in favour of other beliefs more relevant to the world they were living in. The community as a whole is separated from the rest of the world as there is a boundary wall enclosing both the abbey and the court. As Michael comes to realise, the community was an impossible dream; it is an attempt to isolate themselves from the realities of life. We also see religious and sexual conflicts between individual characters. Take for instance the contrasting speeches given by Michael and James Tayper Pace, in chapters 9 and 16 respectively, on how to live a ‘good life'. James teaches that the good life is, â€Å"to live without any image of oneself†. He has absolute faith in God and believes that he will guide him through life. James is a very sure person, confident in his own beliefs and very dismissive of anyone who disagrees with him. â€Å"I have little time for the man who finds his life too complicated for the ordinary rules to fit†. This viewpoint is very much the orthodox view of religion that had held prominence unchallenged for centuries until the time period in which Murdoch wrote the novel, when people started challenging this blinkered outlook. Michael by contrast takes a much more open stance. He believes this it is important to, â€Å"have some conception of one's capacities† so as to know â€Å"how best to use such strengths as one has†. Rather than having blind faith in God alone he suggests that you should explore yourself, test the boundaries of your capabilities. Ironically Michael fails to be aware of his own shortcomings in his dealings with Nick and Toby. To most modern audiences this attitude would seem much the better of the two. Nevertheless, in presenting these two different viewpoints Murdoch acts as a moral philosopher but allows us to contemplate and draw our own conclusions. She does not appear to be endorsing one in particular, possibly suggesting that the way forward is a compromise between the two. There is also a conflict of character between Mrs Mark and Dora. Mrs Mark strictly enforces the religious ideals of the community. For example when Dora asks her what she and her husband did before entering the community she is told, â€Å"We never discuss our past lives here †¦ when people ask each other questions about their lives, their motives are rarely pure†. In fact Dora is asking purely out of interest, she does not attempt to judge others. By conversing with Mrs Mark she was simply trying to show human warmth but this is killed by Mrs Mark's restrictive nature, which is reflected in the community as a whole. Murdoch uses symbolism to show conflicts with this novel and the most obvious use of it is the two bells. The old bell depicts scenes from the life of Christ, illustrated by rural, peasant images. It is inscribed with the words, â€Å"Vox ego amoris sum† (I am the voice of love). The bell is symbolic of a traditional way of life that had existed for centuries, with religious and secular life co-existing in harmony. In contrast the new bell is covered with â€Å"arabesque swirls†: these are meaningless, therefore reflecting the declining importance of religion in peoples' lives. Spiritual fulfilment was becoming more abstract during the 1950's, an example being Dora's revelation in the National Gallery when she is standing in front of Gainsborough's painting of his two daughters and experiences something â€Å"real† but at the same time â€Å"perfect†. In the past people would have turned to religion to provide such feelings and called them revelations. The story of the bell flying into the lake and the nun who drowned herself because she was having a relationship with a man are representative of the ongoing conflict between sex and religion. When the old bell is rung again it heralds the revealing of the long know truth that this conflict will never die, as Catherine declares her love for Michael and Toby confesses to James Tayper Pace over his encounters with Michael. The tarnishing and growths encrusted on the bell from years of being underwater illustrate the loss of purity in contemporary religion, also the tarnishing of Michael and, through his actions, Nick. The lake is another important symbol which contains different meanings. As well as providing a physical gap between the court and the abbey it is symbolic of the divide between spiritual and temporal life. When at the end of the novel Dora cuts the painter on the rowing boat it shows that there is no future for these two lifestyles to exist side by side. The lake is particularly significant when analysing the character of Toby. When he is contemplating his relationships with Dora and Michael he walks â€Å"carefully† around the lake. He is young and inexperienced in the ways of the world, not yet ready to make important decisions such as his sexuality. The murky waters of the lake represent the mysteries of life; Toby has tested the water out but is not going to throw himself in until he is certain. His ability to swim is also symbolic of the fact that he can cope with situations that face him; likewise, the aquatic nun who comes to the rescue of Catherine and Dora. She has learnt to live a purely religious life. Dora cannot swim at the beginning of the novel, she is drowning in Paul's restrictive power, however by the end she has learnt to live without him and take control of her own life. By contrast, Catherine is never able to come to terms with her feelings for Michael, resulting in her near death experience by drowning. There are other significant examples of symbolism. When Michael is in the chapel and describes the singing of the nuns as â€Å"hideous purity† this symbolises the struggle between sex and religion which is taking place inside him. It is because of this conflict that he finds their singing repulsive, as they have what he wants but knows he will never get; a truly religious life. Catherine is in a similar position, therefore it is perhaps significant that they both have the same dream about the drowning nun. There is ironic symbolism in the name of Dora's lover, Noel Spens. Noel is a very Christian name but he speaks out strongly against religion. He believes that it misguides people and places unfair restrictions on their lives. Dora's changing musical tastes are also significant. At the beginning when they hold an evening of Bach's music, Dora dislikes this as she finds it too structured and formal. She much prefers listening to Noel's jazz music, with its jungle rhythms and exuberant style. However by the end of the novel we are told that she has taken an interest in listening to Mozart. This is representative of the change from chaos to order in her life in general. She learns to take control of her life and not let Paul repress her. Initially she describes marriage as being â€Å"enclosed in the aims of another†. She is scared of Paul's physical power and will follow his orders to the letter. She is like the butterfly trapped on the train. Toby saves her from his restrictiveness by allowing her to rediscover her youth. He releases her. At the same time Dora saves Toby from being trapped in a relationship with Michael by allowing him to realise that he is not homosexual. There are many conflicts within this novel, the majority of which relate in some way to that existing between sex and religion. It is its destructive nature which makes this conflict so dark and I would argue that it is a conflict that can never truly be resolved. We do see different kinds of conflict as I have discussed but these do not play such a central role in the novel.

Essay about smartphones Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

About smartphones - Essay Example A Smartphone contains these features and many more. Such features include features helping users to organize their notes, calendars, create and establish networks, synchronize their data across networks, play and download media files, in a variety of application integrated in a Smartphone, which was only possible on a computer a few years back. The first generational phones only had the basic functions. In effect, the PC ruled the internet world. However, the advancement in technology has ensured integration of the internet technology to mobile technology. More so, the Smartphones are at par with computers in terms of internet speeds. In effect, an individual can receive and send mail via the Smartphone. Furthermore, a Smartphone will allow the editing, creation, and sending of documents in real time. Thus, an individual has a platform to run a mobile office. The downloaded applications, popularly called apps, ensure that individuals have a variety of tools that fitted their lifestyles. In addition, the world witnesses a recent phenomenon in the rise and use of the Social Medias sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube, among others. In effect, sharing of information in real time has become a norm rather than the exception with most of the sharing taking place via Smartphones. In fact, the recent revolutions in the Arab world christened â€Å"The Arab Spring† were a success because of the role of these Social Media sites with information passed over the Smartphones. In conclusion, it is evident that Smartphones are a vital part of human life. Not only are these gadgets important for an individual’s unique lifestyle, Smartphones provides an individual with a mobile office outside his or her physical office. In effect, the gadgets enhance professionalism and efficiency at work. Indeed, the rapid growth in technology will continue to provide the world with amazing apps

MidTerm Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MidTerm - Essay Example The state department uses the security strategy to obtain the resources required to enhance security nationally and internationally. The pentagon is also effective in formulating national security policy. More recently, the Pentagon has concentrated on the climate change aspect of national security, in additional to the enhanced risks associated with terrorism, food scarcity, international poverty and infectious diseases (Roger & Harvey 133). The policy also forecasts the increasing need for military disaster responses during the cases of extreme weather that enhances the level of international humanitarian crises. The personal strategy illustrates the strategy adapted by the military to address security challenges like; rising sea levels, increased violent storms, and enhanced droughts. The defense department initiates strategies for mitigating climate change risks in all operational areas; for example, military planning processes. The White House spearheads the National Security Council (NSC) in foreign and also security policy areas. The NSC comprises the President and other key cabinet members and security officials. The main responsibility of the NSC is to give advice to the president in the areas of foreign policies and also national security policies. The president also coordinates the policies in various agencies through the NSC. The NSC was initiated through the National Security Act (1947). In the reorganization plan of 1949, the NSC was initiated under the Executive Office. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was initiated through the National Security Act (1947). The Director of the Central Intelligence is the leader of the intelligence community. He/she is responsible for advising the president on national security intelligence. CIA addresses security policy issue through several concepts. The agency develops several multidisciplinary centers that tackle high priority areas like

Luncheon on the Grass and Pastoral Symphony Essay

Luncheon on the Grass and Pastoral Symphony - Essay Example â€Å"The style of the painting breaks with the academic traditions of the time. He did not try to hide the brush strokes: indeed, the painting looks unfinished in some parts of the scene† (Shronda, Art: story in a medium). The active, live independence spirit in impressionism could be viewed as excellent from popular pieces of work, which could have been rejected in 1863 by the salon and might have been exhibited within the Le Bain title, meaning The Bath at the Salon des Refuses within the same year. In accordance with Antonia Proust, the picture’s notion might be said to have depicted itself to Edouard Manet at the time when piece they had been watching Argenteuil’s bathers. Edouard Manet had been reminded of the concert Champetre of Giorgione, but instead of trying to bring substantial painting back to life, he opted to redo the theme within modern personnel and in a clearer color than the previous. There might have been the technique of Old Master within the formal arrangement element with regards to the characters. Although Manet may be said to have ostensibly opted to set his stage in an open ground, there might be a couple of suggestions and clues of the fresh possibilities’ color and light within this open air painting. We might have had knowledge that the artist of this piece of work might have kept Titian’s Pastoral Symphony in consideration as his primary source to Le Dejeuner Sur l’herbe (Shronda, Art: story in  the medium).

Cognitive Psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Cognitive Psychology - Essay Example The crux of this interpretation of science, particularly the development of hypotheses about and models of hypothetical generative mechanisms of cognition is that, although unobserved by investigators, such mechanisms are necessary for the production of the observed phenomena (Fodor & Pylyshyn, 1988, 3-71). To find out the logical basis of these hypotheses about unobserved generative mechanisms, scientists have taken the help of the physical sciences. In physical sciences, the hypotheses are not the result of blind guesswork or the unfettered imagination. They are created by the invention of models or hypothetical representations of what such mechanisms may plausibly be in reality. The invention of adequate and plausible models is constrained by the requirement that the nature of what is proposed should conform to the basic type hierarchy that expresses the beliefs people have about the nature of the world. Hypotheses about cognition can be evaluated only by testing their predictions regarding the effects of various environmental manipulations on behaviour (McCloskey, 1991, 387-395). These theoretical entities are said to provide a functional characterization of the central nervous system. This is built on the assumption that the same cognitive process could be implemented or instantiat ed in a variety of different neuroanatomical structures or neurophysiological processes. In other words, this characterization of cognition is materialist, but it does not assume a simple one-to-one mapping between cognitive and neural states and processes. Thus the definition of the cognitive processes can further be modified into a process... There is a startling similarity with present day computational models where this has been a natural mode of computation for widely interconnected computer networks of active elements. The generalization of these ideas to the connectionist view of the brain and behavior is that all important encodings in the brain are represented in terms of relative strengths in the synaptic connections. Connectionism can explain this by assuming that individual neurons do not transmit a large amount of symbolic or representative information, instead, they compete by being appropriately connected to a large number of similar units, and the prevalent and conventional computer model fails to incorporate this in the present understanding of cognitive psychology. Conclusion: However, this realization is important in that connectionist theories of cognitive psychology may with adequate research come out with a newer, modified, and more sophisticated model that explains all or the computer scientist may cr eate a developed computer that can have a cognitive psychology of its own. There are, however, certain troubling questions that need to be answered before one venture into this area. Human cognition involves the management of meaningful signs according to standards of correctness. In developing a computer model according to connectionist theory, there is the probability that one might lose the two main features of human cognition, intentionality, the meaningfulness of signs, and normativity, conformity to standards.

Cigarettes and Smokers Regarding The Economy Essay

Cigarettes and Smokers Regarding The Economy - Essay Example Cigarettes taxes are most effective in reducing consumption of the young population or more precisely children and teenagers who get pocket money and are not financially independent (Chaloupka). People who try cigarettes for thrill will be put off greatly by a significant amount of sales tax. But for hard-core consumers of cigarettes, quitting is not easy at all as they experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to quit. They will be willing to forgo their consumption of other products but cigarette. Foregoing the consumption of other products does not curb the need for them. Therefore, hard-core smokers tend to resort to shop lifting because after spending on cigarettes they are left with very less money. The sellers of other products will incur losses because hardcore smokers are willing to sacrifice products like biscuits, sweets, chocolates or magazines for cigarettes. Sometimes when the government announces a rise in sales tax on cigarettes, it takes time for the tax to come int o effect. In the mean while smokers buy cigarettes in bulk so that they do not have to pay the higher price for a packet of cigarettes. So this bulk buying should be taken into account before the government imposes sales tax. Some economists are of the view that a sales tax on cigarette will be more effective in the long run than in the short run because smokers readily adjust to price in the short run. If the price is permanently increased from let’s say $2.5 to $5.0 for a packet of cigarettes then the long run impact will be double the short run one and a lot of people will be able to overcome the habit altogether. Imposing a sales tax on cigarettes is just not enough. The revenue generated from sales tax should be invested in Health Programs dedicated to discouraging smoking. Also filtered cigarettes should be taxed less than the unfiltered ones. However the difference in the tax rates for the two should not be very large. Besides this taxation policy, there should be a ban on cigarette advertising and it should be made mandatory that the hazards of smoking be mentioned on a packet of cigarettes. With no advertising, the attractive packaging also lures consumers. The government should come up with a generic packaging design that is less appealing to consumers. It should be obligatory on retailers to sell cigarettes to people who have attained the age of majority (18 years old). Government sponsored campus drives at different schools and universities should be held in which lectures on negative effects of smoking should be conducted. Student volunteers can also be hired by the government to spr ead awareness. There should be tariffs imposed on the cheap cigarettes imported from other countries. Sales taxation alone cannot deter consumers from smoking. Like other economic policies, taxation should be carried out with above mentioned measures to ensure good health of all.

Healthcare Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Healthcare Management - Essay Example sponse to the impacts of the recession in that it targeted on saving and mobilizing creation of jobs in all sectors while also providing temporary assistance to people directly affected by the recession. Through the Act, people invested heavily in the healthcare sector thereby creating jobs and consequently leading to an improvement in the industry. The Act also compelled the Federal government to spend directly in the healthcare sector among several critical others such as education and energy. This is an award that was set up by the Congress in an attempt to raise awareness about the need for US companies to focus on quality management. The award is thus given to the companies that have observed and successfully implemented these quality management terms and systems. The awards are given to companies in several industries, among them being the healthcare sector. The award system has particularly been influential in facilitating improvement in the healthcare industry with notable areas of improvement being seen in the leadership, customer focus and human resource management and development. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made a ruling on the implementation of this program which is the last Medicare pay-for-performance initiatives. Through this program, hospitals which perform poorly in reducing conditions and complications that patients acquire while undergoing treatment (secondary diagnosis), will have their inpatient payments funded by Medicare reduced. This ruling is meant to send a word of caution to hospitals on the need to improve their services and consequently lead to improved healthcare. It is expected that about 80 million Americans will be retiring within the next 20 years, which means that demand for primary care and other healthcare workforce will shoot drastically. This is, therefore, expected to prompt a demand for healthcare related employment opportunities thereby attracting more enrollment in education programs such as

Watching debate video and answer the questions Movie Review

Watching debate video and answer the questions - Movie Review Example In the wake of this, strategy needs to be devised. Be it spying, or preventive measure or any other scheme manifested towards protecting the citizens and the cities makes up for quite a valid point from the debate. The possible misuse of the authority, the too much infiltration of the security agencies into the private lives and activities is a fact and possible fear that makes up for the point of disagreement. Liberty Security, technology and democracy are few of the factors that are stressed for and possibly feared of being violated in the spying process. The overall debate allowed knowing the level of threats faced by the United States of America and the level of work and research invested into the process of spying in order to prevent any mishap and event from happening. The integrated presence and participation of the American top corridors decision makers is another revealing fact with regard to the spying process and grants being granted

Illegally evidence Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Illegally evidence - Case Study Example Within this framework consideration will be given of the factors that judges have taken into account when deciding whether or not to exclude such evidence. This will involve looking at policy issues in relation to the use of illegally obtained evidence in order to reach a conclusion as to whether in general terms the courts will opt to include or exclude such evidence. In reaching a decision as to the uniformity of the application of this discretion consideration will be given to whether changes that have occurred with regard to the rights of the suspect under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 have impacted on the admissibility of such evidence. Although there have been many changes in the law with regard to the use of evidence that has been illegally obtained many judges still use the case of R v Sang [1980]1 as a yardstick by which to measure whether evidence such be excluded. In this case Lord Diplock commented that "(1) A trial judge in a criminal trial has always a discretion to refuse to admit evidence if in his opinion its prejudicial effect outweighs its probative value. (2) Save with regard to admissions and confessions and generally with regard to evidence obtained from the accused after commission of the offence, he has no discretion to refuse to admit relevant admissible evidence on the ground that it was obtained by improper or unfair means."(at p 437) In this case In this case the court following the comments made by Lord Diplock concluded that the judge would have no power to exclude the evidence on the basis that it had been obtained through the use of an agent provocateur2. In many ways the decision whether or not to exclude illegally obtained evidence seems to centre on fairness. Sang remains as an authority of the rules on the exclusion of evidence as was demonstrated in the case of R v Nadir [1993]3 where Lord Taylor CJ said that if a judge "considers evidence the Crown wish to lead would have an adverse effect on the fairness of the trial, he can exclude it under s 78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984....He also has a general discretion to exclude evidence which was preserved by s.82(3) of the 1984 Act which would allow the judge to exclude evidence he considers more prejudicial than probative." In the later case of R v Khan [1994] 4 All ER 4264, Lord Taylor seemed to change his opinion of the use of Sang as an authority stating that "Since, on any view, the discretion conferred on the judge by s 78 is at least as wide as that identified in R v Sang it is only necessary to consider the question of the exercise of discretion under s 78 - which is what the judge did." In general terms although the judge has the discretion to be able to rule the evidence as inadmissible it is more common for the courts to allow the evidence to be adduced. Many judges are of the opinion that the effect of s78 does not make very much difference to the cases brought before the court as most judges seem to decide in favour of inclusion rather then exclusion of such evidence as was the case of R v Mason [1987]5 and in the subsequent case of R v Samuel [1988]6. Mason was later quashed on appeal when it was discovered that the only real evidence against the defendant was the confession and that this had been obtained by telling the defendant that his fingerprints had been found

How Is Science Combating Food Shortages in Africa Essay Example for Free

How Is Science Combating Food Shortages in Africa Essay Africa has been fighting a constant battle against starvation for decades. What with an uncontrollably growing population and harsh dry climate, its no wonder that not only Africa, but the world could be in for a big crisis: the lack of food. With over 7 billion people in this world to feed, one billion in Africa, its a wonder that our planet can support this mass population, and the situation is going to get much worse unless there is a solution as to how the shortage of food can be fixed. Since the 1970’s, scientists have experimented with Genetically Modified foods (GM foods). That means that they’ve changed the organisms, and the DNA, in order to enhance some aspects of the food or fix any possible faults. So far, GM organisms have proved to increase food production, which is a relevant and effective solution. This solution has indeed raised arguments, creating economical, ethical and societal implications. Genetically modified foods could be the solution to save Africa from the endless starvation and malnourishment. It offers something completely new; it is a biotechnical solution that is different to any other option considered to aid those suffering from the lack of food in Africa. GM crops grow faster, produce much more, need less time and less labor. It would be a permanent solution. Unlike transferring food across the oceans in order to give aid, GM foods would be able to be produced in the countries that actually will need and use them, instead of relying on other wealthier nations to bring it to them. This would also teach these less developed countries how to manage on their own, and not being supported or aided by the more economically developed countries. Even more positive aspects of this solution are, that these GM crops have longer shelf-life, meaning that they do not have to be consumed immediately, but they can be stored for longer. Furthermore; they don’t require as many natural resources and materials as normal crops, which is good cause Africa itself doesn’t offer that many, which is one of the reasons as to why it’s in the situation that it is in right now. This would give an exceptional amount of aid and hope to the people of Africa as it would fix one major issue that has been developing throughout the years, and help them defeat other problems that their nations are facing. However, there are always downsides to these new inventions. Firstly, GM foods haven’t been in the know for long enough to know if they have any side affects that humans should be concerned of. Many people resist the idea of genetical modification because of this uncertainty. The foods and crops could always trigger allergic reactions, which might be fatal in nations that offer poor medical aid, or any health impacts for humans and even animals. However, the certainty that these problems exist is only an assumption. For as far we know, there might be no bad consequences or effects that GMO’s might bring. Another issue is how this will work in the nations of Africa. The leaders of the nations might decide that this is an uncertain and doubtful solution, that might only bring harm to their countries. Or some nations might fear change, even if it could help the starvation issues that they’re struggling with. The only thing that the developed nations could do in this case, would be to try and negotiate as to how this solution can help them, not only temporarily but in the long run as well. Also, it will be a very cheap solution, which will be a major attraction to many nation as their economical situations aren’t that great. Furthermore, the annual cost of individuals having to purchase the genetically modified seeds will be an issue, as the continent is generally very poor. The effect of growing and consuming genetically modified crops is still unknown, however many possible and realistic assumptions have been made. A possible dilemma is the harm that these organisms could cause to other organisms in the nature. For an example, the mortality rate of monarch butterfly caterpillars has gone up recently, due to the wind blowing pollen from genetically modified B.t corn to milkweed plants, that the caterpillars consume. A nature study was held in order to find out whether this was true or not, and the results were in fact pointing towards the pollen being the cause of death. There are also countless other victims of genetic engineering, however they cannot be prevented as the toxins that kill the pests are also harmful to other insects. Unfortunately, in order to grow healthy crops without a financial loss, the use of these B.t toxins is essential. Another issue that could arise from this is cross-breeding of these herbicide tolerant crops and the weeds themselves, resulting in a ‘superweed’ that would be immune to these toxins. That could cause in mass destruction of crops and a great financial loss to the farmers, as well as an unnatural new specie. An issue that could arise within the use of GM crops is the strain on the economies of the nations using them. It would be quite expensive to transport the GM foods across the globe, and it would also take some time. Also, the cost of these seeds can be expected to rise due to the technology used to create them. A more developed country and farm could possibly afford the annual cost of these crops, however a less economically developed country cannot. A solution for this problem could be funding the production and research of GM foods. An example of such a funder is the Rockefeller Foundation, who has founded the research and production of genetically modified rice. GM rice would be a very costly process but with the help of funders and other wealthy companies the cost of expense can be reduced. Since the population of already 7 billion is estimated to almost double in the upcoming 50 years, the worlds biggest dilemma at the moment is to find a solution as to how to feed all these people and how our natural resources won’t be all used up. GM crops is one of the many solutions thought to solve this problem, however, like the rest of them, it comes with many different positive and negative aspects. Furthermore, since it is such a new invention, and not a lot of research has been done yet, the effects and consequences are unknown. If the massive population growth could be stalled for a few decades, say by introducing a one-child-policy, then the development of solutions such as GM crops could be completed meanwhile. This would be a really effective way to provide food aid to the peoples of the world, especially Africa, in order to defeat hunger and starvation, and it would also slow down the growth of the population, maybe even declining it.

Thailands Tourism Industry In The Globalization Era Tourism Essay

Thailands Tourism Industry In The Globalization Era Tourism Essay CHAPTER 1 At present, that the world is in the globalization era which causes more aggressive competition on businesses in several regions. This explain more about concepts of various countries in the free world or capitalistic world where there is the centre in the western countries those focus on development. As countries use developmental strategies to maintain economic, political, and military power and influence of the capitalistic world (Hongthongkham, 1976). Tourism today has become an industry that is now crucial to the world economy, it is now a widely held view that in almost every country tourism has grown, and has become a core product in the international trade of those counties. Tourism now rates between 1-3 out of the top 10 key industries globally this industry is now vital to economic prosperity (http://thai.tourismthailand.org/about-thailand/economy/, 2010). Thailand has a significant tourism industry which has the potential, with Government policies and assistance, to be developed much more this growth for Thailand provides an excellent source of foreign currencies. Since ancient times mankind has explored and travelled and now with modern technologies especially in transportation and communication, and an increasingly mobile world population there can be almost limitless growth. This growth has changed the way business is being done, from clusters of techniques to a more specialized planning organization. With market integration now called tourism industry is now a very important factor in the economies of many countries today (Nuntajak, 2010). The tourism industry of Thailand has change dramatically and is now a major industry in world tourism. Over the past decade, international tourist arrivals in Thailand have grown faster over the past 10 years, from 8.58 million in 1999 to 14.09 million arrivals in 2009 by the Tourist Authority of Thailand or TAT (2010). Thailand has been gaining an increasing market share of international tourists. During that period, the tourism industry has been one of the great significant sectors for economic growth and each year there were each tourists spending money, at least 3,000.00 baht per person per day when tourists come to Thailand (TAT 2009). For Thailand, the number of international tourists are increasing every year, a number of factors are responsible for tourism growth and development of the tourism industry in Thailand over other destinations, Owing to the friendly, welcoming, and peace loving nature of the Thai people. There are many reasons why Thailand appeals to wealthy tourists of foreign and different cultural destinations who have travelled to Thailand, to enjoy a unique and fulfilling experience. An important part of the Thailands tourism industry success is because of the physical geographic diversity of Thailand (TAT 2010). Due to Phuket, a part of Thailand, is another world class destination. This place is serenely beautiful and is well known for the beaches and the blue seas and also one of the top ten diving destinations in the world. There are many activities available around Phuket such as, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, fishing, surfing beach, jet skis and the place for honeymooners. Generally Speaking, international tourists are focusing not only on the product, but also on the people who work for the hospitality and the tourism industry can give the right information to tourists. Therefore, there are many international tourists increasing arrivals to Phuket. According to the statistical reports by Department of Tourism (2006), the number of international tourists arrivals in Phuket was 1.2 million in 2008 and 1.1 million in 2009 and is now a significant share in the Thai market. The statistics showed the number of international tourists that generate revenue, prosperity to the local and more importantly to create a multi-professional occupations, such as interpreter, translator, waitresses, airline officers, including tourist guides who close with international tourists all through the time they are stay in Thailand (tourism.go.th, 2010). Moreover, tourist guides are the personnel group having roles in encouraging and supporting tourism. They are the cultural diplomat because they tell tourists about various stories on society, tradition, cultural arts, economy, and politics (Ritthirak, 2002). Therefore, tourist guides are a career which creates a lot of benefits to the country. But in fact, 22, 732 tourist guides apply for the tourist guide licenses from Tourist Guide and Tourism Business Registration Office on December 31, 2001. A tourist guide may have ability to use more than 1 language (Ritthirak, 2002). Before applying for the tourist guide licenses, those tourist guides have to pass the quality creating process in order to have knowledge, ability, moral, and code of conduct. In practice, Tourism Authority of Thailand coordinates and provides Tourist Guide Training Standard Curriculum for implementation of educational institutes in the university level all over the country. The standard curriculum contains basic knowledge subjects which are necessary for working. After receiving the training, tourist guides can bring the evidence to apply for the tourist guide licenses from Tourist Guides and Tourism Business Registration Office of Tourism Authority of Thailand. In the beginning the status of the tourist guide was not recognized. Supaporn Makjeang mentioned in Tourist Guide Principles (1996) that anyone could be a tourist guide if he or she could speak English and it was not necessary for them to receive high education. It was not until the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) was founded in 1977 and the professional tourist guide training course was created that professional tourist guides were developed. The training courses have been operated until now and expanded to other major provinces. Moreover, the Professional Tourist Guide Association of Thailand was founded on July 29th 1975 as the center of all tourist guides (Tourist Guide Association Thailand, 1992). Nowadays, the basic knowledge of the tourist guide is mentioned as the basic requirement except from the fluency of foreign languages. This policy makes the university graduates get more jobs. Travel agencies always employ the tourist guides who finish the training courses from the institute guaranteed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This stimulates people who are interested in the tourist guide occupation to finish the training before the job application. Moreover, some government places, especially the Grand Palace and the royal temples, allow only the tourist guides who already passed the training course and have tourist guide licenses to operate the tour (Khummanon, 1996). The expansion of tourism industry and the increasing of the number of tourist guides in Thailand, caused some immoral competitions among tourist guides. They try to do everything to get their own benefits regardless of the rules and their major duty. For example, do not do their job as best as they can, do not pay attention to their clients or take their clients to the shopping area where they received the commission, trying to persuade the tourists to believe that the goods and services are of high qualities with fair prices. In the case of jewelry, some tourist guides said the color mirror are the precious stone, some said gold but its only the metal guilt with gold or said the dog bones as tiger bones (Lookdamnoen, 1989). Lookdamnoen also advises that the first place where the travelers arrive in Bangkok, Bangkok International airport, there are some people trying to submit tendered place where the tourists can meet upon arrival and claim that they are the officers of the airport and favor some services, such as accommodation, sightseeing, excursion and transfer services. They advise some information with documents for tours and excursions with unfair price. In additional, the bad manners of tourist guides such as shouting, crapping to call tourist groups, showing boredom when some tourists came late for the appointment because of the misunderstanding of language or any mistake, showing anger when tourists ask for some explained information, etc (Charoenmuan, 1992). The Tourism Authority of Thailand in the conference of 1/1995 mentioned the tourist guides behaviors that ruin the reputation of their occupation as follows: Forcing tourists to purchase some optional tour by deceiving or intimidating the tourists to accept that tour beside the original deal with the tour company. Taking tourist to the cheating or unfair price shops so that they receive tip or commission from the shop. Requesting some tips or special payments by convincing the tourists to be sympathetic with the management that has no benefit. 4. Taking the tourists passports or air tickets until the tourists pay some additional costs. At the conference of 1/1996 there are some other behaviors that caused the bad reputation and the loss of the honor of the code of ethics as mentioned in the second Ministerial Regulations (1996) of the Act of the Tourist Business and Guide 2008. 1 Explaining or informing some unreal or incorrect information that causes harm to the nation, religion, and the monarchy. 2 Not performing his own duties as a tourist guide who should be concerned with the benefit of tourists as the first priority. 3 Being dishonest, seeking some improper benefit or forcing tourists to do something they are unwilling to do. 4 Disobeying the moral standard. 5 Not believing in the local tradition and regulation of each travelling place. Therefore, the above problems that can say the causes of Thai tourist guides unsuitable behaviors are based on the loss of their moral of the rules and they forgot the importance of their own duties, though they are educated from acceptable institutes as professional tourist guides. Therefore, the assumption of these is the lack of the code of ethics that is the basis of all behaviors and caused people to do the right or suitable things, concerning the collective benefits, and feel responsible for society. All these can be taken as the principle or rules of the suitable performance that the researcher is interested in the ethics of Thai tourist guides and the ways to solve them that can be applied to be the basic idea and promote the professional tourist guides effectively. Related Literature Tour guiding is a highly regarded profession today and being a tourist guide comes with great responsibilities as lives of people while on holiday are entrusted in tourists care. Therefore, it is of vital importance that tourist guides strictly follow and adhere to the tourist guide standards and professional tourist guides code of ethics in order to promote ethics and high moral behavior in the perspectives of international tourists who are travelling in Phuket. This study will look at related fields of business ethics, some ethical theories, moral, and tourist guides ethics in Thailand. Therefore literature review covers the following The importance of tourist guide Tourist guide situation in Thailand Classification of tourist guide in Thailand Qualifications of tourist guide Manners of tourist guide Role and responsibilities of tourist guide The Characteristics of tourist guide Code of ethics of tourist guide Business ethics Normative ethics Moral theory Virtue theory Duty theory 1.2.10 Related research 1.2.1 The importance of tourist guide A tourist guide is a significant component of the travel industry as he has the sole responsibility of taking care of the tourist including all travel arrangements of providing information and explanations (Pongsabuth, 1997). In addition, Supaporn Makjeang in the Principle of Tourist Guide (1996) mentioned that tourists are strangers to their destinations because they are not familiar with the local people, cultural and custom. When travelling alone without a tourist guide, they face problems and challenges and in most cases land up wasting their money and time. Therefore, with time, tourists have come to favor having a tourist guide for their trips. The term tourist guide is used in the travel business with on ease of the understand. However, academics have defined the concept of tourist guides more in terms of rules and responsibilities. A numeral of terms are use to explain those whose responsibility it is to take care of and to inform of tourists. Courier was the term most generally applied to describe tourist guide , today a courier can be called tour captain, tour escort, tour manager, and tourist guide (Jafari, 2000). During the 19th century Thomas Cook became the first travel company that operated group tours by train to Loughborough and other places in Europe (Kruttawacho, 2008). This required tourist guides who could explain and guide tourist on these trips. The Tourism Authority of Thailand in cooperation with Chulalongkorn University in 1961 (Mr. Sumonchart Sawaddikul, a professor at the Faculty of Arts), designed a training course training on professional tourist guides. The first tourist guides student for this course were the third year and upper Faculty of Arts students at Chulalongkorn University. Thereafter the course gained popularity and interested student began to in role. After Chulalongkorn University offered the course for 13 years, Silapakorn University implemented the same course for the first time in 1973 (Khummanon, 1996). In addition, the Humanities Faculty of Kasetsart University started the same course for its own students and opened a new tourism course for the graduated who were still unemployed. Nowadays the course has become widely recognize and other University as the Rajaphat and the Rangsit, ect. have capitalized on its importance and have started offering it to the general public. Due to tourism growth the government realized the need to pass a bill on standards and procedures for tourist guides. The bill stipulated that the Tourism Authority of Thailand be the support and controlling body for the tourist business and tourist guides, by making sure that they meet the standards required by law (that each tourist guide have a tourist guide license) as set out in the Tourist Business and Tourist Guide Act 2008 of Thailand (Tourism Authority of Thailand, 2010). The tourist guide licenses are issued after a person completes the training course arrange by the government service. Each course requires different levels of education. The qualifications stipulation is that one has to be a Thai citizen, aged 20 years or older, with good written and spoken Thai. Tourist guide situation in Thailand Increasing number of registered guides in Thailand demons that working as a tourist guide has become a popular career in the tourism industry. The language requirement in the number of tourist guides in Thailand, (see Figure 2.1). One reason of tourist guides increasing because students who studied in tourism industry course when their graduated TAT approves the tourist guide license. Therefore, the number of registered guides is quite high. Figure 2.1 Number of tourist guide license requirement and approval during January 2010 to November 2010 Source: Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office, Centre (2010) From the implementation year of the Tourist Business and Tourist Guide Act of 2008 until November 2010, there were 42,075 registration tourist guides in Thailand and 35,010 for General guide and 7,065 for Specific guide. Most tourist guide (30,781) was in English language (see Table 2.2) Figure 2.2 Tourist guide classification by languagesJ:ToonioWork_TWitoon20 02 54figure 2.2.jpg Source: Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office, Centre (2010) Classification of tourist guide in Thailand There are two main types of tourist guides: the general guide and the specific guide, as followings: General guide: a tour guide who has knowledge about general tours to places around the kingdom, able to speak Thai and also convey information in other languages to tourists. General guide (Foreign): silver bronze card color, a tour guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists all over the Kingdom in Thailand. General guide (Thai): golden bronze card color, a tour guide who can conduct tours specifically only for Thai tourists all over the kingdom in Thailand. Specific guide: a tour guide who has specialized knowledge; e.g. history, archeology, trekking, etc. to give the information to tourists with specific interests. Specific guide (Foreign-specific area): pink card color, a tour guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists only for provinces listed on the card and those in the adjacent areas. Specific guide (Thai-specific area): light blue card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours specifically for Thai tourists only using the provinces listed on the card and the provinces of adjacent areas. Specific guide (Forest trekking): green card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists specifically in the forest trekking areas. Specific guide (Art cultural): red card color, a tourist guide who conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists specifically on areas concerning history, archeology, art, cultural, or Thai literature all over the kingdom in Thailand. Specific guide (Marine): orange card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists specifically about history, archeology, art, cultural, or Thai literature to tours all over the kingdom of Thailand. Specific guide (Seashore): yellow card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists in the areas by the sea or on islands, with the distance from the coast to the tourist attractions of no more than 40 nautical miles. Specific guide (Natural destinations): purple card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists only on the natural attractions printed on the card. 2.8 Specific guide (Local cultural): brown card color, a tourist guide who can conduct tours for Thai and foreign tourists on the culture, history, geography, and archeology particularly within the local cultural attractions named on the card only. Moreover, there are three kinds of tourist guides; an on-site guide, a city guide and a specialized guide (Mancini, 1996). 1.2.4 Qualifications of tourist guide Wannathanom (2003) mentions that being a tourist guide, one should have some specific qualifications since it is a career for those who have to interact with many people from different cultures and different behaviors. Eighteen attributes which are of importance to the tourist guides were identified, which are Klamsaengsai (2006) mentioned that: Good personality: before taking care of others, the tourist guide has to initially concentrate on his or herself, especially with regards to cleanliness and overall neatness. Human relations: this is about the ability to impress tourists and to create friendships with their automatically. Be a knowledgeable person: the tourist guide should be erudite about the destination and related topics, and possess a broad and deep knowledge for the benefits of the tourists. Eloquence: in the career of a tourist guide cannot be avoided because verbal communication is one tool for achieving success. Perceptiveness: good tourist guides should be able to notice and memorize surroundings quicker than tourists, since some notices can be useful for the tourist guide in answering popular questions from tourists. Service mentality: this qualifying is most important for tourist guide who works in the service industry. Tourist guides need to have the spirit of being a service provider to make others happy instead of doing the work just for money or temporary experiences. Travel Experience: the more travel experience they have the more confident the tourist guide will be. Punctuality High responsibility: one big responsibility of the tourist guide is to take care of all tourists, all throughout their traveling, therefore tourist guides cannot abandon their duties of looking after the tourist. Punctuality is one significant thing that the tourist guide who acts as a tour leader needs to respect. Patience: the tourism industry can be called a people based industry where both demand and supply are mainly related to individuals with different characteristics. If there is pressure from tourists or other problems, tourist guides have to refrain themselves. Intelligence: this does not mean being a genius but tourist guides have to be conscious of every situation and so that everything goes smoothly. Sense of humor: not exactly like a comedian, but tourist guides should have some talent in sharing jokes and general information. Good mentality and good health: in tourist guides, it is a hard based type of work taking care of a group of tourists. Tourist guides always have limited time to relax, therefore they should take care of themselves as well. Good memory: besides recognizing tourist information, tourist guides must try to remember. Then, they can call tourists by their correct name and making a tourist impression Leadership: in conducting tours, tourists always believe that the tourist guide is the head or the leader of the tour who can help them in every difficulty. Tourist guides should be able to control the group. Honesty: this is the quality needed for every career including that of the tourist guide who have to take care of tourists, follow the itinerary, or recommend good shops to tourists without cheating. Foreign Language: in case of inbound or outbound tours, proficiency in foreign languages, especially English is one important attribute for tourist guides to achieve in communicating with foreign tourists and to make the tour go smoothly. Be enthusiastic: as being a leader of the group, tourist guides need to be active and reactive anytime to make tourists feel confident. Problem solving ability: for both predicable and unpredictable problems, tourist guides are the heroes in the eyes of tourists, so they have to use their experience and their talent to solve the problem. Referring to H.Q. Zhang, I. Chow (2004) conducted to assess tourist guide performance that service quality of tourist guide should/should be or has as followings: Punctuality Ability to solve problems Knowledge of the destination Honesty and trustworthiness Knowledge of information about safety regulations Ability to deliver the service promised in itinerary Politeness Being good at presentation skills Well trained Ability to briefing visitors on daily itinerary Ability to respect for customer Ability in communicating in foreign languages Ability to being friendliness Ability to general friendly atmosphere Ability to neat and tidy appearance Ability to always being available for help Ability to paying attention to detail Ability to informing visitors about destinations customs Ability to introducing reliable shops Ability to sense of humor According to Hall mentions that in Handbook of Professional Tour Management (1993) the tourist guides should have some qualifications that make an advantage trip as follows: The ability to attract prospects: the tourist guide should be a positive sales factors, some travelers want a status symbol, and security. Tourist guide should be able to command and control the group by the follow factors. Knowledge of the area: tourist guide should knowledge of historical place and have been there before when the tourist guide speak with more empower to advice facilities and attractions, to assess the period of travel days, and to remember and handle the possible problems. First aid skills: tourist guide must be prudent about any medical burdens. And another skills as artificial respiration, CPR, water safety, and first echelon first aid are important. Having someone available in these areas to provide the convenient thing to tourist. Forcefulness and decisiveness: tourist guide should have able to manage people and decision making. This is no job for an unsteady, timid personality. A positive outlook: tourist guide should be an optimist and optimism must be made communicate, definite maturity is essential, enabling them to maintain a perspective to communicate this with confidence. Honesty and loyalty: tourist guide should have moral must be practiced on behalf of the tourist guide, no cheating the tourist. This is both unfair and unwise, and ultimately reflects on the escort. Assertiveness: tourist guide had better possess self-assurance, self-pride, and a certain amount of ego. When a receptionist insists there are fully single rooms as promised by the vouchers, tourist guide must be stable. Get me a supervisor this does not mean being loud and abusive, or acting tough; that it mean exhibiting inner strength and resolution. It means insisting on the rights of the tourists. A claim demeanor: the best tourist guide do not panic, even internally. They are able to think clearly when riot threatens. A warm personality: tourist guide must be a bit of the commanding officer in the tour, while establishing leadership credentials, must still communicate a sunny disposition, flash that ready amile, and reveal an enthusiastic. Tourists expect their escort be lively, gifted with attractive voices, and having that essential sense of humor. A clean and neat appearance: tourists can afford to look casual or untidy, but tourist guide present a perpetually appearance. Tourists wonder how he or she can keep looking fresh. Good health: tourist guide should be reasonable a good health, free from weaken complaints, and blesses with a reserve of power. Tourist guide must always be up and stay ahead of their passengers who wake up first and sometimes the last to bed. Even when the escort is not feeling in top form. Tourist guide should have ability to bounce back from the head cold or upset stomach, along with the power to persevere. Flexibility: tourist guide should have ability to change directions when they might face with equipment breakdowns, failure in communication, disagreeable and troublesome passengers, illness, natural disasters, transportation delays, and so on. Anticipation: tourist guide figures out in advance everything that might go wrong and tries to insure against this occur. That means frequent conversations with the bus driver or cruise personnel, advance phone calls, a survey of facilities before leading in the group Negative qualities: the thing that the tourist guide should acknowledge tourist do not want the tourist guide who are dishonest, who are congenitally lazy, whose manner is abrasive, who are frightened and unstable, and who have no talent for managing others. Therefore, there is not yet concluded rather than well-designed to give all conclusions of the tourist guides qualifications. In what it mostly depends on governments tourism policys development and adaptation of each country Manners of tourist guide Manners and ethics of tourist guides is their verbal behavior, interaction and the best practices of tourist guides in order to maintain prestige of the professional status, and professional tourist guides who make a profession of honor which has been respected as representatives of the country and the Thai people (Makchang, 1996). Tourist guides are responsible the full time and not leave tourists on their own. Integrity to tourists do to not lose the integrity tourists benefits such as, taking the tourists to buy only at shops where tourist guides get more commission with no regard for the quality of the product. Tourist guides should understand that they are in the position of service providers to tourists and not show inappropriate reactions to tourists when tourists do not perform according to schedule. Tourist guides should have an understanding of the desires and needs of their tourist. They should also give equal attention to everyone, and maintain harmony. Tourist guides should have compassion, A desire for others to be happy the purpose of tourism is to help as tourists want to be happy and enjoy travel that tourist guides can willingly provide to tourists.