Saturday, August 31, 2019

Global Analysis

Globalization has been impacting and changing countries' economies, cultures, and politics. In this research, we Just focus on the impacts of globalization on the economies of countries over the world. In term of economy, there are not borders between countries. Laborers and goods are exchanged between countries, which leads to not only the competitions between corporations of countries, but also the competitions between laborers.Countries around the world gain a lot of opportunities as well as challenges when applying globalization strategy. There are a lot of ways to define the terminology globalization. According to the book named International Management edition 8th (The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc, 2012- p. 6), globalization can be defined as the process of social, political, economic, cultural, and technological integration among countries around the world. Globalization is also defined as the process of international integration arising from the interchange of world views, prod ucts, ideas, and other aspects of culture.The appearance of globalization creates many chances and challenges for many countries around the world. To clarify the importance of globalization as well as its impacts on the economies of countries around the world, we need to response and analyze the following questions: 1 . How has globalization changed competition in businesses? 2. How has globalization changed the work environment within companies? 3. How has globalization changed career opportunities for the current generation? 4. How can you take advantage of globalization in your career plans?To answer completely those questions and to analyze profoundly the results of globalization can help us clarify the impact of globalization on the countries' economies and their laborers. How has globalization changed competition in businesses? A business with local laborers or with domestic technologies only creates local products and low revenues. The appearance of the globalization in a bus iness makes the laborers in that business become variable, and leads to the using of foreign and modern technologies in operating that business.The using of foreign laborers will decrease the cost of producing. Therefore, the cost of a complete product will completely decrease. As we see, corporations not only compete by paying high salary for employees, but also compete in finding new and cheap laborer markets which are Asian markets, especially India, China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, etc. The proof of competing in business by exploiting foreign labor is the hiring China's workers of manufacturing Apple's devices. Apple Inc. Gains competitiveness over other corporations by making use of China laborers.The laborers in China are very cheap and crowded. Therefore, Apple Inc. Can produce tons of its devices at very cheap prices. Another example is related to textile industry. Many big and famous fashion brands such as Tommy, Nautical, Nikkei, or Aids make use of foreign textile corporations in India, Bangladesh or Vietnam. The using of foreign laborers of those famous brands also creates the competitiveness between hired textile corporations. That is the competitiveness of the salary, work condition, and insurance policies for employees between hired textile corporations.Globalization also creates the technological competitiveness between corporations. Nowadays, consumers are interested in online shopping because it is comfortable, cheap, and fast. Therefore, online retailers or sale corporations always improve their technologies to satisfy the demands of consumers. The development of technologies leads to the development of the consumers' demands. More and more consumers around the world desire to shop internationally, and therefore multinational retailers also develop their information systems to provide their customers with qualified products in timely manner.According to a consumer survey, ninety six percent of responders say they shop online for convenience. Eigh ty percent of them shop online for price, and eighty nine percent of them think that shopping online is easier than shopping in person. As we see, the demand of shopping online is so huge, therefore the competitiveness between domestic or overseas retailers is really stressful. As we know, there are any organizations related to globalization, such as World Trade Organization (WTFO), Europe Union (ELI). The countries in those organizations are freely tariff to exchange products.Therefore corporations in those countries also compete to survive in the market. They create a new competitiveness, local corporations against foreign corporations. How has globalization changed the work environment within companies? Along with the change of competitive in businesses, globalization changes the work environment within companies. Globalization brings companies employees who come from many countries around the world. Those employees have different cultures, life styles and ethics. In multinationa l companies employees and managers have to find the common characters to work with each other.Managers will feel a little difficult to announce a policy, or employees feel weird when they corporate with their colleagues. Those are challenges which managers and employees have to deal with while working in a multinational companies. Globalization also improves the condition of working in companies which locate in developing countries. For example, when some famous fashion corporations want to have textile corporations in Vietnam recess their clothes, those famous corporations always require textile corporations in Vietnam that the employees have to work in a cool place, or clean air.Employees have to be bought insurance, or employees have to be completely protected when disasters occur. As we can see, globalization partly develops the working place within companies. In addition, globalization changes some common behaviors of someone in companies. In multinational companies, there are employees coming from different backgrounds. Therefore, employees have to learn the difference of cultures f the other to have accurate behaviors, and to exclude discrimination or racist. There are a lot of things changed in workplace when globalization appears.They are the changes of work conditions, salaries, and behaviors of employees. How has globalization changed career opportunities for the current generation? When globalization appears, there are many challenges as well as opportunities for the current generation. Current generation will have many choices for their careers because there are a lot of companies around the world waiting for them. People who come from the U. S or Europe will easily get the Job from international companies cause they are well educated and really active.In Asia, current generation also has a great chance to pick their Jobs themselves because there are a lot of foreign companies investing in this continent. Especially in China, Vietnam, India, or In donesia, young laborers have great opportunities to be admitted in multinational companies. Young laborers in Asia are patient, hard-working, and they often admit the low salary standard compared to the salary of laborers in the U. S. Therefore, multinational companies really like to hire Asian laborers. Because of that situation, some other young local laborers will be in trouble.They will be unemployed because of other cheap, good, and patient laborers. In short, globalization brings huge opportunities career for those who are active, quickly adopted, and qualified. It also makes some trouble for laborers who are not updated and well trained. How can you take advantage of globalization in your career plans? To be an international student, I think I am a quickly adopted person. Therefore globalization helps me have more chances to be admitted in multinational companies. I intend to work for an American company. I think they need someone productive, and active like me.In addition, t here are many U. S companies in Vietnam, and I believe that they need someone who has the experience in the U. S working styles and has the Asian background to adopt in Vietnam workplace. I think that globalization brings me a chance to work in multinational companies which locate in my country. I intend to work for a multinational company, and I really want to proceed it in my country. In my opinion, globalization helps me to proceed it. As we can see globalization has a great impact on the economy. It changes the competitive in business, the work environment, and impacts on current generation.Globalization is the good chance for developing countries to integrate in the world, and it is also the challenge for develop countries to compete against emerging markets of developing countries.

Friday, August 30, 2019

GCSE media studies coursework Essay

In this essay I will be comparing two articles taken from local newspapers in different areas. I will be looking at the techniques used in each article and their effectiveness. I will use this comparison to eventually decide which article is the more effective of the two. The two headlines from the articles are quite different. ‘Inches from tragedy’ is a large, bold headline written in a way that makes you want to see what the headline is talking about, as it sounds serious. ‘Firemen free bathroom tot’ on the other hand is quite small for a headline and only really uses one emotive word, free, making it sound like the child was imprisoned, which is worse than what actually happened. I think that ‘Inches from tragedy’ is the more effective of the two headlines because it grabs the readers attention and uses a lot of emotive language in such a short space to make the reader carry on reading. The language used in these articles is quite emotive in both cases. Both articles use exaggeration to tell you what they are trying to say. This is especially evident from quotes like â€Å"escaped death by inches† and â€Å"impossible for him to get out† as they are telling the truth about the events that occurred in each case, but are blatantly over-emotive to make the article more interesting. The firemen free bathroom tot article especially exagerrates the situation as it makes a toddler stuck in a bathroom sound like a major rescue attempt, whereas the other article Inches from tragedy features a very serious situation anyway. I think that both articles use emotive language very well, and that they are equally good at getting there point across through using language. Both of the articles feature one long, main interview and one shorter interview towards the end of the article. The interviews have been included in each case to give the reader an account of the events in the article from one of the people involved. This is a good idea as people who were actually involved in the events of the article will be able to give more information on what actually happened, and will probably know things that no-one else does. Having interviews also makes the reader sympathise with the people involved, especially if it is coming from one of the people mentioned in the main first paragraph of the article. The people who put together the articles must make sure that everything they include in the interviews is relevant and that they are not too long. I think that the article that uses interviews and quotes better is probably Inches from tragedy, because all the information given is relevant to and informative about what happened. I also think this because the interviews featured are not too long and leave room in the article for other information. Having a picture in an article is a good idea, because it lets the reader see exactly who was involved and let them see what effect the events of the article have had on them if at all. It can also give extra visual information to back up what is said in the article. This is especially evident in the picture from Inches from tragedy as it not only gives a picture of the avalanche victims, but also diagrams and labelled photos to show exactly what happened and where and when it happened. Journalists may also include pictures in their articles because it breaks it up and makes it seem like less to read. An article consisting entirely of text can seem quite daunting. Again Firemen free bathroom tot is nicely done with a good picture of the firemen and the child they ‘rescued’, but Inches from tragedy uses it’s picture better because as well as a photo of the two brothers caught in the avalanche, it has informative and interesting diagrams as backup to the article. Using fact and opinion in an article is good because it lets the reader compare an outside factual account of what happened with an opinion given from a reliable source. These two things will probably differ from each other, so it is good to give the reader both so that they can compare the two to see what actually happened. As well as differing from each other fact and opinion also back each other up on certain points of the article, such as the effect something has had on certain people. Fact and opinion can add drama to a piece, but the journalist would be better off making sure that they tie in with one-another, rather than being totally different. This would give well backed up accounts of what happened, adding a sense of drama to the article. Both articles use fact and opinion very well and I think are equally successful at giving well backed up information about what happened in each. These articles are obviously aimed at different audiences. Inches from Tragedy is found in the Metro, a newspaper which is probably aimed at city types and people who live in places dominated by big news. Firemen free bathroom tot on the other hand is found in the Bury St. Edmunds Citizen which is probably aimed at the people who live in the town of Bury St. Edmunds where news like that in this article would probably be big in the town, but not many other places. This means that the article from the Metro has been written in an interesting and emotive style, but is condensed to a size that can be read quite quickly. It also contains just the basic facts about what happened, backed up by good interviews. The other article on the other hand is about the same length, but contains a lot of information on what happened, backed up by fairly short interviews with the people involved. This more long-winded style is probably better suited to an article of this nature. The final effect on the articles is that Inches from tragedy is interesting to anyone because of the use of language and pictures, but Firemen free bathroom tot would only be found interesting by the people of Bury St. Edmunds. However, this is probably what both articles wanted to achieve anyway, so they are both quite effective at reaching their target audience. Overall, I think that both articles are effective at getting their story across to the people intended. They both feature emotive language, a large headline, interviews and a picture. Inches from tragedy was very well put together and extremely informative. The language used and the picture are two of this article’s main strong points, but it could do with more information on what happened and how instead of the excess of interviews. Firemen free bathroom tot is also very well written and is probably aimed at being something of a comedy article. It makes the situation sound major by using lots of exagerration and emotive language. However, sometimes the language used is a bit too much for the situation, as it isn’t anywhere near as serious as the article makes out. There is also quite a bit of irrelevant information in the article, such as the child looking at the fire engine. I think the most successful of these two articles has to be Inches from  Tragedy, because it is interesting, informative and not too long. It also backs up the information given in the articles by picking out relevant quotes and sections from interviews. The other article I feel doesn’t do this as well and so it just loses out.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

The Matrix and how it relates to philosophical issues raised with Essay

The Matrix and how it relates to philosophical issues raised with skeptism and the mind body problem - Essay Example When Neo, A computer programmer, learns this, he rebels against the machines together with other people who are now free in the real world, from a dream world. The movie involves many references of hacker subculture and cyberpunk, where religious and philosophical ideas like evil genius, Rene Descartes, Vat Brain Cave’s Allegory and Homanages like Spaghetti Western, Japanese animation, and dystopian fiction. However, does the film relate to philosophical issues raised with Skeptics and the mind body problems? Many philosophical issues are dealt with in the matrix as it touches on many and different topics of philosophy. It is therefore philosophically relevant since some colleges that offer philosophy also focus on this film during the study. However, the first film was the executed, unlike the second and third, which people felt disappointed with (Meinhold 55). Matrix film is very interesting as it mixes Eastern and Western philosophy. The ancient Vedas gives the main point where all human beings are explained under the illusion of the spell of Maya. The Supreme God’s personality, energy of Krishna, is this Maya and that is what covers the entity that is living from their real identity and reality and leaves him thinking of themselves as very happy as they live in ignorance, irrespective of the condition they maybe in. this is shown when Cypher tells the agent that artificial intelligence is what cheats people while they are sleeping, and also acts as an agent of cover potency. The film is not very specific, since anyone can say it supports his point of view as well as prove it. Some people believe that every machine represents a corrupt multinational corporation or government. This is supported by the fact that we created them, we cannot control them, and they now control us, but many of us are not free because they feed us off (Meinhold 74). He adds that in order to fight them, one has to use deals that have

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Technology - Essay Example The goal of modern warfare technologies like nuclear, chemical and biological weapons is to shatter the opponent by causing massive, large scale and indiscriminate loss of human life. Technology has not only made it possible to cause pervasive and senseless killing in human conflicts but â€Å"the challenges to the laws of war posed by technological revolution (Allenby 70)† have made modern warfare more unethical and impersonal. Simply speaking technology has made warfare more lethal by bringing into existence the weapons of mass destruction like the nuclear, chemical and biological weapons that cause senseless killing and are not concerned about the humane and ethical concerns governing wars. For instance, nuclear weapons are the creation of the technological development that has taken place in the past few decades. Nuclear weapons tend to be weapons of mass destruction that can cause large scale destruction and the loss of human life. Nuclear weapons rely for their impact on the energy inherent in the nucleus of an atom. When the particles in the nucleus of an atom either split or merge with each other, massive amounts of energy are released. When the nucleus of the atoms of a nuclear material like uranium or plutonium is split by using a neutron, leading to the release of energy, this process is called nuclear fission (Mueller 93). In contrast when the two atoms of an element like the isotopes of hydrogen merge leading to the release of large amounts of energy, this process is called nuclear fusion (Mueller 74). Nuclear weapons rely on nuclear fission or nuclear fusion to release energy that could cause massive bloodshed and destruction. The atomic bomb is a nuclear de vice that relies on nuclear fission to cause death and destruction. The atomic bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima during the Second World War released energy equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT and killed approximately

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Functions of article 3 ECHR; Provision or enforcement of standards Essay

Functions of article 3 ECHR; Provision or enforcement of standards - Essay Example This is a question that might get so many awkward answers if a clear interpretation of the article is not given. The first question any person would ask before answering this question is whether the convention has any jurisdiction to influence laws on crime and social support in countries outside Europe. The provisions of Article one of the ECHR have been a tough nut to crack particularly because the stipulations in the article are a little confusing and to some extent ambiguous. The bone of contention in this article is usually the extra-territorial authority of the convention. Miller set to establish the boundaries of the convention authority and found out that the extra-territorial authority of the convention was in question1. She admitted that that article one of the convention doesn’t give the clear amplitude of the convention’s jurisdiction and continued to stress that the convention’s participation in the ‘war on terror’ campaign only soured t he wound rather than disinfect it. In a bid to avoid the contentious issue of its jurisdiction, the convention has referred to its ties with other internationally recognized bodies such as the United Nations. For example in the Behrami v. France case and the Saramati v. France case, the ECHR where the issue of the convention’s jurisdiction was raised and the convention decided to counterattack these concerns play playing the card of its relations with the UN charter. Ryngaert examined the time where the scope of ECHR’s jurisdiction that was presented when looking at the Al-Skeini v the United Kingdom case2. The case was brought to the attention of ECHR by six Iraqi natives who had close family and social ties with some Iraqi citizens whose lives were ended by British soldiers in a town that is south of Iraq know as Basrah. The six brought the case to the ECHR in form of an appeal claiming that the UK had gone against the sentiments articulated in articles three and two of the convention as the soldiers inflicted pain and killed the Iraqis in one of their detention facilities. Articles two and three are against the brutal treatment of any individual and the separation of an individual with his or her life. However, the main concern when handling the case was not whether UK had indeed breached the stipulations of articles two or three but whether the location where these acts were committed fell under the legal jurisdiction of the ECHR. After presiding over that case an opinion that people outside ECHR’s reach who have been affected by a breach of the conventions acts could bring the perpetrators of the heinous acts into the ECHR’s immediate jurisdiction for prosecution. However, the ECHR did not confirm these allegations. The ECtHR& ECHR has the mandate to conduct its endeavours to the citizens of the 47 signatory states of the COE but doesn’t add the convention and its court can practise outside the states under the COE3. Jus t by looking at the jurisdiction concerns of the convention the answer to the question is already a big resounding no. But what if we turn a blind eye it the conventions issue of jurisdiction and assume the convention had the global jurisdiction. Would it have the capacity to provide the standards of criminal law and social support then? The reason for the establishment of the ECtHR under the ECHR was to ensure

Monday, August 26, 2019

Case study analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Case study analysis - Essay Example For resorts, these technological advantages opened new opportunities in terms of involvement in time-sharing projects and the development of new properties such as recreation-focused hotel and higher-end housing. In Florida the lodging industry was experiencing the period of changes of substantial net growth with the resorts’ occupancy to remain considerably higher than in any other region of U.S. Being a part of Playa Dorada, Inc. located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, the Tennis Club lived its high times with 26,6% of all visitors to be involved in such activity. However, the current director Douglas Hall recognized the two main issues that were worth attention: lack of capacity and pricing structure. In this context, the main concerns were to tackle such problems to enable more visitors use tennis courts. Despite the twenty-three courts available for the visitors, most of them were occupied in the most used hours. As a solution to the problem, Hall thought of building extra courts as the same cost, however, they would bring a net loss to the company. In addition, new courts would need duplication of facilities that along with service staff would bring greater cost to the resort. Whil e the issue with capacity was hard to resolve, the pricing structure could be used by Hall as shifting of the situation. Through special pricing schemes, promotions and additional services, the Tennis Club could implement changes per court charge, such as doubles play. Despite the reduction in revenue in doubles play, more guests would be able to use the court. Through implementation of fewer charges for hard-surface court, the company would make it more cost affordable. In addition, the tennis and discount plans would also shift the use of hard-surface courts for the adult clients to play while younger players would be offered 50% off after two hours of play on hard-surface court. To make the tennis courts available to more people, there is a reason to think over the cause

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Chemical Castration of Pedophiles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 19000 words

Chemical Castration of Pedophiles - Essay Example The author assumes that the most seriously sexuÐ °lly deviÐ °nt individuÐ °ls Ð °re now to be held in psychiÐ °tric hospitÐ °ls or speciÐ °l fÐ °cilities for the treÐ °tment of their sexuÐ °l deviÐ °tion. It is these individuÐ °ls who need to be treÐ °ted using Ð ° chemicÐ °l Ð °pproÐ °ch in Ð °ddition to cognitive behÐ °viouriÐ °l therÐ °py. At the end of the study the author comes to conclusions and gives his recommendations. ChemicÐ °l cÐ °strÐ °tion therÐ °py is Ð °n effective tool in reducing the overwhelming libido of the sexuÐ °lly motivÐ °ted non-violent pedophile. The goÐ °l of treÐ °tment is not ultimÐ °tely to chÐ °nge the sexuÐ °l preference of the pedophile, but rÐ °ther to blunt his erectile cÐ °pÐ °bility Ð °nd sexuÐ °l drive so he no longer poses Ð ° probÐ °ble threÐ °t to potentiÐ °l child victims. It is cleÐ °r thÐ °t child victimizÐ °tion hÐ °s reÐ °ched epidemic proportions in this country, Ð °lthough lessening in re ported numbers in recent yeÐ °rs. For this reÐ °son, stÐ °tes need to look to chemicÐ °l cÐ °strÐ °tion therÐ °py Ð °s Ð ° viÐ °ble Ð °lternÐ °tive to lengthy incÐ °rcerÐ °tion Ð °nd Ð ° step in the treÐ °tment of the biochemicÐ °l cÐ °uses of the pedophiles sexuÐ °l deviÐ °ncy—his unusuÐ °lly high sex drive Ð °nd corresponding levels of testosterone. LegislÐ °tures need to be cognizÐ °nt thÐ °t Ð °lleviÐ °ting the sexuÐ °lly motivÐ °ted criminÐ °l pedophile from his unusuÐ °lly high levels of testosterone might be the most humÐ °ne form of treÐ °tment. In doing so, stÐ °tes need to be respectful of the bÐ °sic fundÐ °mentÐ °l rights of the sexuÐ °l offender. The protection of the child victim should not leÐ °d to the victimizÐ °tion of the pedophiliÐ °c sex offender.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Business Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Business Strategy - Assignment Example Crystal Jade is listed as one of the top market performers and they still strive to maintain their position through laying various business strategies. Limited barriers to entry inform of patents and rights. Most of foods and beverages offered by Crystal Jade are not strictly regulated through patents and legal rights making it easier for other players to sell and offer similar goods and services. No technical skills required to start up a firm. Unlike in highly controlled industries such as law, engineering, and medical where technical skills is paramount no or limited technical ability is required to start and run a restaurant successfully Competitors are high in number and equally balanced in key areas of operation. Crystal Jade is face intense competition both locally and internationally. Key among its competitors include but not limited to Old Chang Kee, Sakae Sushi, KLG, Marrybrown Restaurant, Es Teler 77, and Hoka Hoka Bento. Crystal Jade has been enjoying political stability all its areas of operation. The company currently operates at least 121 outlets in approximately 9 different countries across Asia and in the United States all of which are political stabile. However being a multinational company Crystal Jade has to deal with varied public issues such as taxation policies, different trade and labour laws and regulations which may have direct impact on the operations of the business. For instance, The US operate different labour and tax laws compared to China and Singapore and such differences may be a significant challenge to the growth and expansion of business if they are not addressed effectively. It is quite plausible that Crystal Jade is operating its business in a number of the most flourishing economies in Asian region. Key global economic bodies such as World Bank and IMF have ranked China, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia as being among the fasted growing economies globally

Identify a new initiative, need, situation, or problem that exists in Term Paper

Identify a new initiative, need, situation, or problem that exists in my major area of study (Public Administration) see attachm - Term Paper Example The country has suffered in almost all the aspects as the governmental policies are not effective in dealing with terrorism. Public administration is an essential part of a government and the governmental policies and ideologies form the major part of a country’s security. Public administration includes problem identification, policy determination, analysis and proposing a solution to resolve the issue. A government generally aims at resolving the problems related to public in an efficient manner. Public administration is considered to be the important part of a country’s government and the government has the responsibility to implement procedures that are favorable for the public. This ensures that public administration is connected to almost all types of organizations and it has touched the lives of many. Terrorism, when compared to the other issues has become a life threatening problem that has led to several related issues. Public administration in any form aims at serving the public in an efficient manner. (Petroni, 2005). Public safety has becomes a matter of concern these days. The reason is the increase in the number of illegal activities that pose greater risks to the people residing in a country. The country must incorporate certain strategies to improve this situation and must propose policies to make sure that people are safe. Since security is the primary concern, the involvement of the government is the important part of a country’s security. Each stage of a country’s security is taken care by the government. The public administration department of U.S’s government has appointed certain voluntary organizations to safe guard the people. These organizations follow the legislations imposed by the government and must impart the importance of it. Though the government in U.S has been proactive in dealing with the terrorist activities, the lack of co-ordination and other factors lead to a problematic situation. Public administration must be carried out in an effective way, so that the government can be sure of eradicating the problem of terrorism. The political parties play a major role in the public administration department. (Chandler, 2000). Each of these parties place their own suggestions and options to deal with the recurring problems. Due to this reason, the government is pushed to a situation where they cannot decide about the solution for a particular problem. These problems contribute to the existing issues and thus make it tough for the government to deal with these issues. History of Terrorism in U.S Terrorism has been a great problem in U.S since the time of Second World War. Second World War created an impact on the lives of people residing in U.S. Even though terrorism is not new to U.S, the effect of wars and the aftermath created a wave of fear among the residents of U.S. People migrated to some other parts of the country and this made the remaining people to have a tough time. T he government and the political parties were not able to resolve the problems that resulted due to the increasing issues of terrorism. The government felt that the reason behind the terrorist activities was the American democracy. Democracy resulted in domestic terrorism as the people did not trust the concept of democracy. Instead they formed groups to agitate and protest against the governmental policies. When compared to the other countries,

Friday, August 23, 2019

Discussion Board Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Discussion Board - Assignment Example According to Caligiuri, Lepak, and Bonache (2010), today many firms arrange flexible working schedules and work-at-home facilities for their employees so as to meet employee satisfaction and hence to mitigate staff shortage or staff turnover issues (p.na). Organizations follow this policy also to attract highly skilled labors and to reduce their operating expenses. Under such circumstances, it is inevitable for the management to frame more comprehensive workforce management approaches so as to generate better outcomes. If concerns fail to develop a collaborative approach for managing their diverse workforce and work schedules, it would not be possible for them to gather fragmented pieces of information and to assess approaching threats effectively. The situation worsens during the time of economic crisis or unforeseen changes in the global business environment because such contingencies may raise potential challenges to organizations, HR departments, managers, and employees. A well structured human resource philosophy is vital to enable organizations to address financial, operational, and workplace issues in an efficient manner while emphasizing a people-first management style. First, it is necessary to respect the individuality of each employee in order to keep him/her motivated towards the achievement of shared organizational goals. Second, firms should consider their human resources as an integral component for creating a worksite environment that promotes excellence in training and learning, R&D, and public relations. Third, the top management must emphasize the fact that the staff members need to maintain proper knowledge, resources, and authority to perform their tasks effectively on an individual basis as well as in a team setting. Fourth; organizations should value and promote diversity in the workforce, particularly when it comes to the design and implementation of personnel programs,

Thursday, August 22, 2019

How to Get Good Grades Essay Example for Free

How to Get Good Grades Essay Dont just copy what your teachers write on the board, either: take extensive notes on everything. Notes should be short, and if possible get pens with colored ink because it aids the memory. These notes can help you to remember when you are studying. Review your notes every night, so when the big test comes, remembering what you learned is a snap. Priority You have to prioritize what is the most important.. if go out with your friends or stay at home to study. Stay organized Organizing your things help you remember to bring your supplies and your homework to class and to your house to do your homework or studying. Ask your teacher if you dont understand something You have to evacuate doubts, after class or immediately Asking questions will improve your grades and help your understanding. Plan ahead Always plan the assignment beforehand. Always get the assignment, homework or project finished at least 1 whole day before to deliver it your teacher. It is not a good idea finish the work in class it is not going to be as good as your work in your house. Study Study! Don’t waste time, do your work and take notes. When taking tests, relax If youre, or worried that youll fail the test, youre sure to get a low score. If you studied for it long enough that you know the information, then you shouldnt be worried about getting a low grade. You may have to cut down on happiness and fun in order to succeed. The best students know how to say, No, I cant hang out because I have to study. But remember that it is important to balance out your studies and social life. Consequences If you don’t worry about your grades and don’t push yourself to do the right things,,, it is probably that you drop out†¦ drugs, pregnancy, quarrels with your parents those are only examples that how you can be affected by your grades†¦ and also an important thing it is that in the future you won’t be able to find a good job As we saw through this presentation, we can do a lot of things for improving our grades†¦ it is only a matter of effort†¦ later you are going to see your achievements and you are going to be able to do whatever you want, work in a good company or have your own business. So I hope that you value this information and do the right thing.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Examining The Application Package Of Accounting Software Information Technology Essay

Examining The Application Package Of Accounting Software Information Technology Essay It is a widely researched topic to motivate small businesses to adopt IT. There is little research focused specially on the motivating factors for adopting computerized accounting systems (CAS) in small organization, though there is much study on the overall adoption of IT. However, small business accounting software is an essential sub-set of overall small business IT research. Accounting software was the biggest application package used and the powerful factor behind the IT hardware acquisition decision. To look into the motivating factors for adopting accounting software, it would be practical to first review the more comprehensive literature on overall IT adoption. Hence, this literature review begins with a discussion of the studies of general IT adoption and then reviews studies particularly focused on accounting software adoption. 2.1 FACTORS FOR ADOPTION OF IT Thong (1999), Harrison, Mykytyn and Riemenschneider (1997), Cragg and King (1993), Moore and Benbasat (1991) and Treadgold (1990), who have made research about small business IT adoption, have now identified a variety of motivating factors. Thong (1999) attempted to strengthen the myriad of IT adoption research by developing an integrated model of information systems adoption. This model is a useful framework in reviewing the variables that impact on a small business owners decision to adopt IT. Thong classified the factors into four elements: Characteristics of the organization; Characteristics of the management; Characteristics of the technological innovation; and 4. Characteristics of the business environment. 2.2 Characteristics of the Organization The characteristics of the organization are variables that manipulate the decision whether to adopt IT or not. Organizational characteristics for instance: employees level of IT knowledge, business location, information-intensity, business size and industry sector has been evaluated in preceding research studies of Fink (1999); Burgess (1998); Wenzler (1996); Attewell (1992); Yap (1990); and Delone (1988). In general, the greater the sales turnover are determined by the larger the number of employees and the more information-intensive the industry, thus the more likely a small business will adopt IT innovation .In addition, Thong (1999) states that small businesses tend to suffer resource poverty in terms of financial competence, offered time and IT skilled staff to facilitate innovation adoption. As a result, Attewell (1992) adds that resource poverty raises the obstacle to innovation adoption in small business. 2.2.1 Information Intensity Yap (1990) quoted in Thong (1999), that businesses have different information-processing needs in different sectors. Those in more information-intensive sectors are more likely to adopt IT than those in less information-intensive sectors. Further, (Porter and Millar, 1985) have reported that greater uses of IT in businesses are due to greater information intensity. Therefore, greater information intensity will lead the holder or supervisor of small business to perceive IT as a most important competitive device and as a result increase the probability and complexity of applying computer software. 2.2.2 Business Size Dewar and Dutton (1983) and Moch and Morse (1977) quoted in Thong (1999), point out that the technological innovation literature has found that larger businesses have more capital and infrastructure to facilitate to adopt computerized accounting system. However, Ein-Dor and Segev (1978), specify that small and medium businesses face considerably more barriers, among others, a lack of internal information system expertise, restricted monetary resources and as such are less likely to adopt information systems than large businesses. Supplementary literature Alpar and Reeves (1990) quoted in Thong (1999) disagree that, even among small businesses, the larger the business, the more able it is able to employ people with specialized skills, for example, knowledge of information systems. Hence, there is a greater opportunity to move from manual system and adopt the computerized one. 2.2.3 Industry SEcTOR Some particular industries are more suited to computerized record keeping than others are discussed by some researchers. These findings are partly supported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 1999-2000 report, Business Use of Information Technology. The maximum use of computers was in businesses in the material goods, business services, electricity, gas and water supply industries. At the same time, the minimum computer use was in the private and other services like housing, cafes, restaurants, transport, storage, retail trade and construction. Therefore, it is more suitable to implement a CAS in industries in which there are more trading dealings and transaction processing so that to facilitate day-to-day running of the business. 2.3 Characteristics of Management Thong (1999) points out that in large businesses, group teams are usually involved in the IT decision-making process. However, this is in distinction to small businesses where the owner-manager is generally the IT decision maker. Therefore, Rizzoni (1991) indicates that in small businesses, the characteristics of the owner-manager are vital in determining the businesss approach to IT. Thong (1999) emphasized that the three major characteristics of owner- manager which are important to IT adoption are: Level of IT education and accounting knowledge. Computer self-efficacy, and Innovativeness. 2.3.1 Level of IT Education and Accounting KNOWLEDGE In view of the fact that managers have miniature knowledge about accounting or seeing as they do not know how to prepare accounts and financial statements, they generally prefer to contract out their accounting work to public accounting firms. In addition, in several countries and in several businesses, managers neither considered the accounting subject by any means nor the accounting subject in the secondary level or tertiary level. Accordingly, Lees (1987), DeLone (1988) and Neidleman (1979) quoted in Thong (1999), specify that the possessors are not alert of the significance and the usefulness of accounting information over and above the advantages of using computers to make effortless accounting works. Thus, it still exists an unwillingness to apply computer software for the reason that business process outsourcing decreases the lack of accounting perceptive of owners. Consequently, there would be a larger possibility to implement a CAS, if managers have been educated about the a ccounting knowledge or if they could be learned about the advantages of computer know-how to produce rapid and precise accounting information. 2.3.2 Computer self-efficacy Self-efficacy is the belief that one has the capability to perform a particular behavior that is extending the social cognitive theory. Compeau and Higgins (1995) described computer self-efficacy as a judgement of ones capability to use a computer. Delone (1988) and Raymond (1988) state that small businesses owners or managers who have commenced computer training and possess computer self-efficacy are more liable to implement IT. The key leader for innovation is the owner-manager and small businesses often cannot afford the luxury of experts to guide them towards the innovation adoption and diffusion process. Thus, it is important for the owner-manager to have computer self-efficacy. It is posited here that, to the degree that the owner-manager feels comfortable and confident with the information technology, here construed as the owner-managers computer self-efficacy, innovative information technology will be adopted. On the other hand, Gableand Raman (1992) discovered that managers in quite a lot of firms are less alarmed or have no idea of the probable remuneration resulting from the use of computers in accounting as they do not possess computer knowledge. Hence, managers would be willing to adopt such computer technology to process accounting data and produce appropriate and consistent financial reports on time, if they could be learnt about the favourable effects resulting by adopting accounting software package. 2.3.3 INNOVATIVENESS Innovation is defined as a change made in the traditional way of doing things. In this framework, innovation means the development of altering the way of preparing financial reports from manual system to accept accounting software package as a device for recording and processing accounting transactions and financial reports. Thong (1999) states that the owner-manager is the one who is in charge for the running of the company in small and medium businesses. As a result, the characteristics of owner-manager are essential in determining the innovation attitude given that they are the main decision maker. Kirton (1976) quoted in Thong (1999), contends that everyone is located on a continuum ranging from an ability to do things better to an ability to do things differently. The owner-manager will seek solutions that have already been tried and understood, if the latter is not a modernizer. In contrast, Kirton, (1984) indicates that the owner or manager who wants to innovate will favour so lutions that have not been attempted and are thus hazardous. However, Thong (1999) suggests that there is not anything that other associates of the business can do to use computers for accounting works if the owner-manager has not the willpower to innovate. 2.4 Characteristics of the Technological Innovation The decision to implement Information Technology is dependent on the characteristics of the technological innovation itself as they are also a vital determinant. Rogers (1983) defined diffusion as the process by which an innovation is communicated through certain channels overtime among the members of a social systems. Rogers uses the terms technology and innovation synonymously, but explains that technology is a design for instrumental action that reduces the uncertainty in the cause-effect relationships involved in a desired outcome. There are five, potentially relevant, characteristics of innovation noted by Rogers (1983) which are potentially valuable in explaining the results of our research. Complexity: how difficult technological innovation is perceived as easy or difficult to understand and use; Compatibility: how technological innovation must be consistent with the existing values, past experiences and needs of potential adopters, for instance producing quick reports as efficiently and effectively; Relative advantage: how much technological innovation must be perceived as better or worse to be compared to its predecessor system; Trialability: is the degree to which an innovation may be experimented with by potential users on a limited basis; Observability: how much time it takes for the results of technological innovation to become visible and maximize profit. It has been noticed, over the past decade that the initiation of powerful, economical microcomputers jointly with available accounting software, have enhanced and raised the barriers to IT modernization. Thong (1999) confirms that, this has shown the way to a boost in the adoption of IT in the accounting field of small businesses. 2.5 Characteristics of the Business Environment Business environment encompasses all those factors that affect a companys operations, and includes customers, competitors, stakeholders, suppliers, industry trends (accounting firm and accountants), regulations, other government activities, social and economic factors and technological development. 2.5.1 ACCOUNTING firm Oran (1988) and Shannon (1986) indicate that many small business owner-managers are not alert of the extra services supplied by accountants. Additionally, until a problem does not arise, owner-manager will not discuss with accountants (Holmes 1987). Moreover, ASCPA (1992) and Breen et al. (1994) maintained in their research that an external accountant used up much of his time on an act in accordance with accounting practice and accounting standards, thus he can help a business to acquire and put into practice the accounting software in the business accounting cycle. Gorton (1999) found that businesses that were recently start-up were more liable to move toward an external accountant for suggestion than more grown-up organizations. Also, Wenzler (1996) states that accountants are exceptionally placed to provide accounting software advice and support to their clients. Such proposal shows to be efficient and effective for businesses to opt for accounting software. There are close relationships between small and medium business owners and accountant, seeing as quite a few small and medium businesses contract out their operation transaction recording and reporting to external accounting firms. In addition, Davis (1997) noted that small and medium businesses depend a lot on accounting firms as their most faithful business advisors. Accounting firms have more acquaintance about their clients and their clients business. They know what their objectives are, and can put forward approaches to help in attaining those objectives. For this reason, as recommended by Yap et al. (1992), accounting firms can considerably influence CAS adoption among small and medium businesses and besides their participation may also contribute to the achievement of computerized accounting implementation. Nevertheless, to reduce errors and put a stop to fraud, it is essential for accountants to be aware of the impact of making use of of computers on the accounting procedures and controls that are premeditated. Moreover, computers cannot replace the opinion and insight of educated accountants but the computerized accounting software can facilitate the tasks by automating much of the everyday bookkeeping processes in the manual accounting systems (e.g. posting, trial balance preparation). Furthermore, computer software allows the accountant to spotlight more on how to proceed with the accounting entries and techniques on financial reports. Last but not least, more of the accountants hard work can be paying attention on supporting management in considering the impact of financing, investing and operating decisions on financial statements and other measures of performance by utilizing accounting software. 2.5.2 Competition Ives Learmonth (1984) and Link Bozeman (1991) quoted in Thong (1999) confirmed that it is usually assumed that competition will enhance the possibility of innovation adoption. Ettlie (1983) and Ettlie Bridges (1982) quoted in Thong (1999) also point that competition leads to environmental insecurity and increases both the need for and the rate of innovation adoption. Porter and Millar (1985) advise that, businesses will be able to compete in three ways by adopting IT: IT can create competitive advantage by reducing costs or increasing differentiation. IT can change the industry structure and, in doing so, change the rules of competition. IT generates new businesses by creating derived demands from new products, often within existing operations of the business. 2.5.3 External Agents Small businesss customers were a considerable reason for implementing IT, more than the pressure of competitors suggested by Wenzler (1996). Luckily, Public Practice Accountants are in a superior position to provide systems analysis, design, implementation, and support advice to their clients as many small businesses are in lack of resources to adopt CAS. Furthermore, the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was an external influence on small business owner-managers decisions to adopt a CAS. Many small businesses would have taken advantage of Government incentives to help with the transition costs of the GST. Many small businesses computerized their accounting systems following the introduction of the GST because accounting for the GST using manual records proved to be too complicated (Lief 2000). Since the introduction of the GST, it has been shown that many small businesses agree that the costs involved were usually: offset by better record-keeping and resultant better business management. The general consensus was that the move to computerized records was very positive for the small business sector overall. 2.6 BARRIERS FOR ADOPTION OF IT Computerized accounting implies that the only thing that employees do is inputting and recording transactions into the computer, which then processes the other steps of the accounting cycle automatically or by a request. Davis and Olson (1985) defined Information System adoption as using computer hardware and software applications to support operations, management, and decision making in the business. In this study, computerized accounting is defined as using computer software applications to support accounting operations. However, many small businesses are cautious about the effect computer may have in their firm. When a CAS is installed, if there is a bad option of hardware or software, or insufficient planning, this may lead to obscurity and may have severe long-term consequences. Some reasons constantly mentioned in literature to explain why small firms that had not yet adopted IT, identified the three main barriers to IT acquisition. 2.6.1 Lack of computer skills and knowledge Stanworth and Gray (1992) and Marlow (1998) reported that drains on time and money characterize important limitations. Computer technology infuses businesses both large and small; the need for employees with adequate IT knowledge is serious. There are two achievable solutions to this dilemma. Firstly, it is the employment of devoted IT staff. However, this is can be outer the budget of the small association and is expensive. Secondly, IT training is another choice. Conversely, this also appears to be costly. The courses for small firms, professional practices where clients are to be paid on a time basis, time used up when undertaking training is considered by many owner-managers to be a loss of income as all these have proved to be expensive. Accordingly, many small and medium enterprises struggle forward with what knowledge exists inside the organization. The small body of study emphasizing upon the outcome of training in small firms is contradictory. Delone (1988), investigation of vital process factors, stated that the level of computer training was not connected with IT success (measured as the impact of IT on the organization and computer use). On the other hand, Montazemi (1988) stated that there is a favourable relationship between levels of training and measures of the impact of IT. Where workers were disappointed with the levels of training available, he noticed their computer literacy, end-user fulfillment and approval of IT was poorer than their better-trained counterparts. In addition, Igbaria et al. (1997) accounted that training also is useful for small organizations. Their research demonstrates training to be definitely related with the apparent effectiveness of IT and to use it without difficulty. On the basis of their conclusions, Igbaria et al. declare that individuals with no sufficient training are liable to face troubles while using the system. Since they are struggling, they may in fact consider that the system is too rigid to utilize and that the performance remunerations of practice are offset by the hard work of employing it and finally become hesitant to adopt the technology, thus defeating the purpose of establishing the new technology. 2.6.2 Lack of Time Niederman et al.(1991) and Galliers et al.(1994) state that analysis carry out in large businesses have constantly revealed information systems (IS) planning to be one of the top priorities of information systems and business managers for time management. However, Fidler et al.(1993) and Dou- kidis et al, (1994) report that existing study puts forward that small organizations are fading to pursue the model set by their larger counterparts and remain, in terms of modern management practice, in the dark ages. Whilst it is recognized by Malone (1985) and Cragg (1990) that the official planning techniques of large businesses are not essentially suitable for small businesses as investigation recommends that small firms that have adopted more formal planning systems come across lesser IS problems. Regardless of such results, Cragg and King (1993) report finding `few formal planning and control activities associated with the computer, or for that matter, with the business as a whole. Where planning does take place it has a tendency to be assumed on an unexpected, problem basis; only an action of the owner-manager; informal, periodic and closed; and prejudiced seriously by advice from external sources with less skills and experience than the owner-manager. While Doukidis et al. (1996) suggests, although IT is generally linked with a systematic approach to management and decision-making and its introduction requires careful planning, much small business management performance is based on short-term, informal, ad hoc lines. Furthermore, McMahon (2001) study mentioned that it really develops management in small firms and frees up time by using a computerized record keeping system. However, John Breen and Nick Sciulli (2002) initiated that business operators are probable to have complexity finding time to put into operation a CAS as they lack the time to examine and or implement a computer software package. For that reason, it may have a positive effect on the business taken as a whole and may facilitate to find the time to adopt CAS, if owner-managers could have the required management and financial skills. Besides, Proudlock et al (1999) research observed that some businesses owners did not have enough time to locate and acquire particular accounting software that satisfy their business necessities, and they did not have time to set up the accounting software and to record the routine business dealings. This is why they did not adopt Information Technology in the financial accounting system. 2.6.3 financial resources Iacovou et al. (1995) finds that small and medium enterprises need a constant supply of sufficient financial resources for a flourishing adoption of CAS. The financial resources are looked-for to face the installation costs, maintenance, and other current expenses that might crop up during the whole course of the system operation. However, Iacovou et al. (2005), Quayle (2002) and Riquelme (2002) added that not all small and medium enterprises have enough financial resources needed to support the adoption of CAS and as such financial limitation becomes the barrier to CAS. Head (2000) confirmed that: ..small business cries poor when it comes to buying computers. This shows that it is very costly and difficult when shifting from manual system to computerized system. Also, due to costly investment, many small business managers were unwilling to use computer software in the accounting system as mentioned by Head (2000) research study. However, Doukidis et al. (1994) and Proudlock et al. (1998) state that consultant assistance comes at an elevated price, often too high for the small business. Consequently, many small organization owners prefer to obtain advice from neighbouring firms and support firms as well as less formal sources of advice such as immediate family, friends and acquaintances, who basically have little or no understanding of the business. In the same way, Delone (1988) and Gable (1991) affirmed that IT consultants may not always be the reply. Although they are familiar with the application of IT in business, they hardly ever are aware of the specific needs of individual businesses in the same depth as the owner-manager. 2.7 Conclusion This overview of past research studies has clearly demonstrated the criteria which influenced the factors for the adoption of information technology in the accounting profession for some small and medium businesses. Nevertheless, these past studies have lifted a debatable issue in the literature. Consequently, no contrasts are made between businesses that use a computerized accounting system. This assessment would be practical in the reasons for using or not using computerized records, over and above what factors would persuade more businesses to adopt IT irrespective of their dimensions. Moreover, according to the literature, all of the above characteristics influence the owner or managers decision to implement IT in the accounting field to a varying extent depending on the economy and industry in which the business operates. .

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Literature review of the puritan dilemma

Literature review of the puritan dilemma This assignment is based on the review of the books The Puritan Dilemma: The Story of John Winthrop Authored by Morgan, Edmund and America: A Concise History, Volume 1: To 1877 Authored by James A. Henretta and David Brody. Chapter 6 According to the Puritans, what was governments role in society? The Puritans believed that the church and government should work together to promote holiness and help people to succeed both materially and spiritually. A government official had to be apart of the church. Government was viewed as a proper agency for carrying out the churchs goals, even on family worship. Who were the Separatists? Where, in America, did they first settle? Did Winthrop agree with them? Why/why not? The separates were the puritans who did not recognize the established church and others doubted that the England church was scriptural or its administrations was valid. In America, they settled in Massachusetts Bay. Winthrop did not agree with the separatists because their viewpoints were not in line with puritans believe that evil was everywhere. In addition, the separatists also threatened the relation with England. What, to Winthrop was the most compelling reason to leave England for America? Winthrop made the decision to move his family Ton America to escape religious prosecutions. The charter for the Massachusetts Bay Colony company did not specify a place for the member of the company (the owners/stockholders) to meet? Why was this important? The charter for the Massachusetts Bay Colony company did not specify a place for the member of the company (the owners/stockholders) to meet? Why was this important? It was important to keep it secrete from the board of governors in England. Did the colony prove to be a good business investment They were as the company becomes successful as the company becomes the only successful company that was not under influence of board of governors in England. Also they engaged in business What was Winthrops attitude towards the Indians? Winthrop first perceived Indians to be a Godsend but latter changed his tune after they killed many whites. What was the role of immigration in the colonys survival? The role of their migration to the colony survival was void the coming war with France, gain wealth, escape the jurisdiction of the Virginia company, as well as practice their purified Protestantism. What were the differences between Presbyterians and Congregationalists? The difference between Presbyterianism and congregationalism is not all about elders rule, but whether the region of congregations need be ruled by a single bishop or just a congregation of presbyters. In other words, Presbyterianism means rule by Presbytery. Chapter 7 How did the definition of freemen of the colony change? Why was this important? To be a freeman was like to be given the power of making decisions for your own. Minors for instance were not legally supposed to make any decision. Freemen were supposed to attend meetings in Plymouth town, but the court voted to give room for freemen to assemble in individual towns, as they were to select deputies who were to attend court sessions in Plymouth. In addition, the freemen were to meet in Plymouth for the selection of governor and the assistant, but the court voted to give room for proxy voting hence done away with colony wide meetings of all freemen. This was much important as it allowed formal representative assembly holding. What was the relationship between (Puritan) church membership and voting rights? Were voting rights in the colony more restrictive than in England, or less restrictive? Why? The relationship between church membership and voting rights was that, only freemen were allowed to vote. For the qualification one had to show visible means of support and the necessary level of being responsible. The population was strongly puritans and the small group leaders dominated its governance. These people were strongly influenced by puritan religion elders. Though the governors were elected, such like elections were limited to freemen, who had been examined for religious opinions. As a result, the colonial leadership faced intolerance to other religious group. The voting rights became more restrictive as the colony grew wider and more diversified. There was a time where property needs excluded around 25% of the adult gents from voting. However the franchise remained still relatively open. The governmental systems of Plymouth also modified as the colony grew. Was the colony a theocracy? Why/why not? The government of the colony was just a mixture of both theocratic as well as democratic. The Massachusetts bay colony was partly theocratic. This is because, it was believed by puritans that they had a convent with God for them to build a community that will act as a model to all other nations to copy from them. This is theocratic as everybody believed in it and worshiped a God who was to help them come up with such like a nation. In addition, the colonys franchise was extended to all adult males who were part and parcel of the puritan congregation, as they never took into consideration, the views of other churches or non- religious people, both the Catholics and Jews were all hanged in Boston. Also, the church influenced. This shows theoretic idea behind such like government, and how the church and God affected most decisions of the colony and provided background that established their governance. The Puritan Dilemma by Edmund Morgan 8. Did Winthrop do to stabilize the colonys economy? To stabilize the colonys economy Winthrop practiced moderation which served to bring the colony successfully through the years that separatism posed threats to its mission and survival. 9. What does Morgan say about the prudishness/drabness of the Puritans? Morgan says that despite the puritans having to devote most of their lives to god, they would eventually sin and falls short of his glory. He also says that despite the relentless effort by a puritan to refrain from sin he could end up sinning anyway. These show prudish puritans were. 10. How did the idea of a covenant with God affect Puritan thinking? How did this lead to the Puritan idea of the city on a hill? The puritan thinking was affected by the covenant with god such that he always has to put god as priority in their lives despite having pleasures of the earth god must always remain the main focus in a puritan life. This thinking made puritans to devote much part of their lives in finding a balance between life and god. The puritan idea of the city on the hill is derived from the belief that in order to win the belief of others one must try to do good in a world of wrong doing and that one must moderate in actions he does so that he comes close to god by being a shining star on a dark earth. 11. Why was Separatism problematic for the colony, in Winthrops eyes? In Winthrops eyes separatism was seen as problematic for the colony because they were humble, living and respectful people but at same time they were defiant with a holy intransigence. Chapter 8: What was the issue in which the people first expressed displeasure in Winthrops government The issue in which people first expressed displeasure with Winthrops government is his in ability to think critically about issues, instead he tend to take positions intuitively and justify it by arguing in the Lawyerly attitude of I told u so. In Chapter 8, what does Morgan describe as Winthrops greatest weakness? In chapter eight the Morgan shows that Winthrops greatest mistake is what he describes as his inability to be severe enough in enforcing the laws of the state as he tends to take weeks before banishing those guilty of crimes in the society. How would you describe the theology of Roger Williams? What was his view of the relationship between church and state? No puritan was not allowed to vote unless he as a member of the church hence Roger Williams can be described to counter the dependency of the state on church in which he beliefs that they did wrong when they didnt tolerate the views of the indigenous people but instead robbed them their land and started using church and state to reproof them. 4. How did Ann Hutchinson get into trouble in the colony? Why did her beliefs seem dangerous to Winthrop and others? Anne Hutchinson got in trouble with the colony when she boldly begun preaching the doctrine of antinomianism which declares that a man is saved divine grace a lone and not by the help of his good works. Thus; no matter how one lives wickedly his salvation doesnt not depend on it. Her belief seemed dangerous to Winthrop and others as they belief inn judgment through doing well hence countered their root of faith. 5. Where did Hutchinson go after her trial? After her trial Anne Hutchinson went to Rhodes islands and letter to Netherlands where she got killed in one of the attacks on the Dutch settlements by the Indians. 6. What document was drafted by Nathaniel Ward of Ipswich, Massachusetts? Why was it important? Nathaniel ward drafted the body of liberties which his model became preferred and then complied to form the criminals provisions of the body of liberties. He codified the Massachusetts in 1941. 7. What was the Puritan dilemma? The dilemma of the puritans was the problem of doing right in a world that does wrong or equally same the being in the world but not of it, this dilemma challenged all every puritan throughout their lives.

Monday, August 19, 2019

the civil war Essay -- essays research papers

Being a typical and traditional father has always been the role of every father. Every traditional father has a different attitude towards his son, they want their son to see life the rough way, be responsible, and have a very typical attitude towards life. In the story â€Å"Powder† written by Tobias Wolff the fathers thoughts are not traditional and typical, like most fathers. The father in the story wants his son to experience life in a different way. He wants the son to live the life that he chooses, instead of living a forced or a conditioned life. The story reveals the conflict between the father and son relation where the father is trying to expose his son to reality and freedom. The mother has a conflict with the father because of his leniency and the carefree attitude towards her son. The father always pushes his limits for him and his son to have a good time whenever they are together. Before they left home to go skiing a day before Christmas dinner, the father promised to bring the son home for the Christmas dinner. Once they started skiing the father loved his sons company and he was having a great time looking at his son enjoying himself skiing. The father was not thinking or even worried about getting home for Christmas dinner because he was happy at that moment for himself and his son. It was snowing before getting into the last run the father knew he could run out of time, but he didn’t care and did what he was enjoying. Saying that he wanted to go for the last ru...

Sunday, August 18, 2019

The Issue Of Sport :: essays research papers

The Issue of Sport The material I have studied for the Issue of Sport has helped me understand more about living in our contemporary world. The film and the screenplay "Strictly Ballroom" along with newspaper articles and the television documentary on Sport made me understand why sport is important in our society. Sport involves many things such as competition, dirty tactics, personal achievement and sport officials. Firstly, whenever there is sport, there is competition. There is competition for all levels of sport. Some people thive on competition while others are just testing their own limitations. Competition is both good and bad for our society; it brings out the best and the worst in people. If there is competition it makes people strive harder to do the best they can. But it can also lead to dirty tactics, drugs or violence. In the screenplay "Strictly Ballroom", dirty tactics were used due to the competitive pressure. At the State Final Championship Scott and Liz were blocked by Ken Railings and Pam Short. It was also unfair competition, Barry Fife (The Dance Ferderation President) was being dishonest. Wayne overheard Barry setting it up so that Scott didn't win the Pan Pacific Grand Prix. The Sport weekly magazine article " Shirley knows her tables" printed on 14th May, 1996 dicusses her determination and preparation for the competition in the 2000 Olympics game. Every game have different levels of competion and also the bigger the prizes, the more competitive. Shirley trains very hard and knows it is very competitive at the Olympics. Secondly people can personal achievement from sport. Sportspersons are satisfied that is they have performed to their expectations. Personal achievement is doing the best you can or setting up goals and fulfilling them by winning. It helps to lift the spirits and the motivation of a person's mind. Family support is also important to a person's success. In "Strictly Ballroom", Scott and Fran achieved some goals such as the time Fran asked Scott to dance with her and he eventually agreed. They showed their individuality and are very determined non- conformists. They dance for the enjoyment of it. Both of them have the same dreams. But Scott's personal achievement is different from Fran's. He grew up expecting to win the Pan Pacifics. Fran and Scott fulfilled their ambition and are satisfied by merely being able to dance their own steps. The newspaper article "Straight into the record books" from The Sydney Morning Herald published on 6th Febrary 1996 demonstrated personal achievement of Tammy van Wisse, the first person to swim Bass Strait. Her individuality and

Never Ending War is Never Ending Power :: Patriot Act, The Bush Administration

The executive branch and president Bush had expanded their authority and power beyond what the framers could have envisioned. In doing so the checks and balances that had existed no longer function as designed and has created a loop of power and control in the executive branch under the theory of the unitary executive. Many of the powers that the executive branch wield come from Congress giving the Bush administration extraordinary powers following 9/11 with the Patriot Act. The Patriot Act that takes away the protection of habeas corpus, due process, privacy, reversal of innocent until proven guilty (p. 272, 274). It also grants the use of sneak and peak searches allowing for looking first and getting a warrant later which violates the 1st and 4th amendment (p. 271). National security letters requiring providing information for records and then not allowing that person to tell anyone but a lawyer (p. 271). All of these powers were given under the idea of â€Å"war powers†, typically war time is a limited amount of time that accept more extreme security measures, but with the prospect raised by the Bush administration of a new era of never ending conflict means these powers might not end. Another tipping of the scales towards the executive branch and president is the use of signing statements. The signing statements allow legislation passed by congress to be applied how the executive branch sees fit which directly contradicts the legislative role is creating laws ("Aba: Blue-ribbon task," 2006). In the passage of the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005 the administration tried to disallow federal district courts from hearing challenges by Guantanamo detainees (p. 156). While seemingly allowing for the banning of mistreatment, it also prevented filing by detainees against the government for acts of mistreatment, making it unenforceable (p. 157). The allegations of torture against terrorist suspects violates not only the Geneva Convention but also human rights. Torture is not an effect method to gain information it only works to get those tortured to do admit to anything to make the pain stop (Gibney, 2007) . Some powers the administration took for themselves including NSA wiretaps which are not always used against terrorists (p. 112, Farren & Gibb, 2007) . The Bush administration bypassed the FISA court which could be considered weak oversight enacted by congress and operates in secret. The FISA court was specifically setup for the purposes of warrants in exactly the types of cases that were bypassed.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Impact of Human Activities on Natural Hazards Essay

Natural hazards are naturally occurring phenomena that have disastrous impact on humanity. These phenomena had been in existence even before the advent of humanity. The hazardous dimension of these natural phenomena are in the context of the impact that such a phenomenon would have on human population in the area affected by that phenomenon. In this essay, the effect that human activity has on these natural hazards would be analyzed. Some human activities may be exacerbating the factors that cause the natural hazard, like the impact of excessive and unplanned logging on floods and droughts. In certain other cases the human activities may cause subsequent or supplementary hazards to a primary hazard event, like building dams in earthquake prone zones may lead to flash floods and landslides in the event of a rupture. A hazard can be defined as an event that has the potential to cause harm. This potential may be on account of its unexpected timing of occurrence or the actual intensity of the event itself. Human societies can withstand these events within a normal scale of occurrence. However, human societies become vulnerable when these events occur unexpectedly or are of an intensity or duration that falls beyond that normal scale (O’Hare and Rivas, 2005). Natural hazards can be broadly classified under the heads of geological, hydrological, climatic and diseases. This essay would limit its scope to analyzing causal relationships, if any, of human activities on landslides, floods and drought and the secondary hazards triggered by those activities in the event of an earthquake. Of all human activities that have a direct or indirect impact on natural hazards, deforestation is by far the most significant. Deforestation is the removal or destruction of forest cover of an area. It may occur due to unscientific logging practices without regeneration and may be accompanied by subsequent conversion to non-forest usage like agriculture, pasture, urban, mining or industrial development, fallow or wetland. At a very broad level, it has been argued that deforestation is a major cause of global climatic changes. It has been predicted that removal of forest cover will lead to violent and unpredictable environmental fluctuations. At a smaller landscape, deforestation has a direct bearing upon the climatic, hydrological, edaphic and biological aspects of that area. Deforestation is associated with higher levels of soil erosion and landslides, sedimentation in river beds and changes in fluvial geomorphology (Haigh, 1984). Quite a few of these effects of deforestation have a direct bearing on the natural hazards that will be covered in this essay. One of the major functions of a forest is to maintain the humidity level in the atmosphere. Trees withdraw groundwater through their roots and transpire the excess water through their leaves. Forests return a major part of the rainfall received by them through evapotranspiration. Annual evapotranspiration in tropical moist lowland forests ranges up to 1500 mm per year, with transpiration accounting for a maximum of 1045 mm per year (Bruijnzeel, 1990). This process of evapotranspiration in the leaves of trees takes the latent heat of evaporation from the surrounding atmosphere. Thus evapotranspiration has a cooling effect on the atmosphere that aids precipitation. Deforestation denies the atmosphere of this cooling effect and is thus a contributing factor to lowering of annual rainfall in an area. Further, the effects of deforestation generally compound the severity of drought. Lack of trees translates to the lack of root fibers that hold the topsoil. In the event of a drought, the topsoil flakes and gets blown by the wind, leading to severe dust storms. This phenomenon had devastated the American Great Plains for close to a decade in 1930s. The dust bowl covered farming areas in Colorado, Kansas, north west Oklahoma, north Texas and north east New Mexico. The fertile soil of the plains was exposed due to lack of vegetation cover and actions of the plow. These farming techniques that led to severe soil erosion, coupled with prolonged periods of extremely low rainfall, led to a series of severe dust storms that ranged up to the Atlantic coast. Much of the fertile topsoil was lost in the Atlantic (Cartensen et al. , 1999). Direct causal relationship between human activity and drought is yet to be conclusively established. However, there are studies available that point to a positive correlation between the two. For example, climate-modeling studies have indicated that the 20th century Sahel drought was caused by changing sea surface temperatures. These changes were due to a combination of natural variability and human induced atmospheric changes. The anthropogenic factors in this case were rise in greenhouse gas levels and aerosols (GFDL Climate Modeling Research Highlights, 2007). The effect of human activities like deforestation is rather more direct and pronounced in case of hydrological hazards like fluvial floods. Fluvial floods occur when the discharge of a river exceeds its bankfull capacity. Forests create deep, open textured soils that can hold large quantities of water. When the forest cover is removed through logging, the soil becomes compacted. More rainwater is converted to runoff or near surface flow and less proportion percolates as groundwater. Research has shown significant increase in monthly runoff following logging activities (Rahim and Harding, 1993). The runoff rainwater carries with it considerable amounts of loose soil particles. Removal of vegetation cover through excessive logging activities or overgrazing leaves the soil bare. In such a situation, the upper layer of the soils becomes susceptible to erosion by surface runoff. These suspended soil particles are deposited on the riverbeds. The effect of this type of soil erosion by surface runoff is even more pronounced when the deforestation happens in the riparian zones as well.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Use of a Redox Indicator to show Dehydrogenase Activity

Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (also known as T.T.C) is an example of an artificial hydrogen acceptor. It is a redox indicator which is colourless when oxidised, however when reduced, it produces a red, insoluble precipitate called ‘formazans'. T.T.C can therefore be used to investigate the enzyme activity of dehyrogenase enzymes by showing a colour change when they are present. The purpose of this experiment is to see what effect temperature has on the activity of dehydrogenase enzymes within yeast cells. Materials/Apparatus: * Actively respiring yeast suspension. This is prepared by adding 10g of dried yeast to 1dm3 of distilled water, followed by mixing in 50g of glucose. This mixture should be allowed to stand for 24 hours before the experiment takes place. * Tiphenyl tetrazolium chloride is used as a redox indicator to investigate the activity of dehydrogenase enzymes when yeast suspension is exposed to different temperatures. * Distilled water for the preparation of the yeast suspension. * Test tubes to place the mixture of yeast and T.T.C. * Test tube rack to allow the test tubes to stand upright in the water baths. * Incubator to allow enzyme activity to occur at different temperatures * Syringes to accurately measure the right amount of yeast and T.T.C needed for each solution. * A Glass rod to evenly distribute the cells in the solution after the T.T.C has been added. * Crushed ice to allow the dehyrogenase activity to take place at 10degrees. * Beakers for the yeast suspension to be prepared in. * Thermometer to measure the temperature of the water bath containing the ice cubes. * Stopwatch to measure the time taken for the solution to change colour. NOTE: The colour change is completed once the solution has turned a ‘salmon pink' colour. Allow all solutions to reach the same colour before removing them from the water baths. Method: Prepare a solution of yeast cells by adding 10g of dried yeast to 1dm3 of distilled water, followed by mixing in 50g of glucose. This mixture should be allowed to stand for 24 hours before the experiment takes place. Once the yeast suspension has been allowed to stand for 24 hours, the froth should be removed and discarded. Set up a water bath by adding ice cubes to cold water, until the water has reached 10degrees. Continue to measure the temperature with a thermometer ensuring that the temperature is maintained. Set up separate incubators at 30, 40, 50 and 60 degrees. Using a syringe, place 5cm of yeast suspension into three separate test tubes and place in the incubator. Leave for several minutes and then add 0.5cm of T.T.C into each solution and place them back into the incubator set at 30degrees. Start the stopwatch immediately. Observe carefully for any colour changes that have developed. When the colour change has taken place, take the test tubes out of the incubator and note down the time taken for the colour change to take place. Repeat this procedure at 20, 40, 50 and 60 degrees. To measure the dehydrogenase activity at 20 degrees, carry out this procedure at room temperature. Table of results: Temperature (degrees) Time taken for colour change to occur (minutes) 10 No change 20 52.11 30 26.12 40 10.08 50 4.22 60 4.43 A bar graph has been produced to portray these results so that a comparison can clearly be seen. The graph has been drawn on graph paper. Conclusion: The results from this experiment indicate that temperature has a definite affect on the activity of dehydrogenase enzymes. The graph shows that as the temperature increases, the time taken for the solution to change colour decreases. This shows that dehyrogenase enzymes work faster at a higher temperature as there was no colour change when the T.T.C was added to the yeast suspension at 10 degrees. The temperature at which the dehydrogenase enzymes worked at their quickest was 50 degrees. This indicates that 50 degrees is the optimum temperature for the enzyme activity to take place as the colour change took slightly longer when placed in a water bath set at 60 degrees. This may be due to the fact that some of the dehydrogenase enzymes could have been denatured due to the high temperature. However, it is not quite clear whether 50 degrees is the optimum temperature for the enzyme activity to take place because this experiment took place using a limited amount of temperature ranges. If this investigation was to be repeated, a wider range of temperatures could be used so that an optimum temperature could be established. Overall, the results from this experiment support the hypothesis and therefore have provided successful and sufficient data which have confirmed the predictions that were made prior to the investigation taking place.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Indian English Literature Essay

History of English language and literature in India starts with the advent of East India Company in India. It all started in the summers of 1608 when Emperor Jahangir, in the courts of Moguls, welcomed Captain William Hawkins, Commander of British Naval Expedition Hector. It was India’s first tryst with an Englishman and English. Jahangir later allowed Britain to open a permanent port and factory on the special request of King James IV that was conveyed by his ambassador Sir Thomas Roe. English were here to stay. As East India Company spread its wing in southern peninsula, English language started to get newer pockets of influence. But it was still time for the first English book to capitalize. Late 17th century saw the coming of printing press in India but the publication were largely confined to either printing Bible or government decrees. Then came newspapers. It was in 1779 that the first English Newspaper named Hickey’s Bengal Gazette was published in India. The breakthrough in Indian English literature came in 1793 A.D. when a person by the name of Sake Dean Mahomet published a book in London titled Travels of Dean Mahomet. This was essentially Mahomet’s travel narrative that can be put somewhere between a Non-Fiction and a Travelogue. In its early stages, the Indian writings in English were heavily influenced by the Western art form of the novel. It was typical for the early Indian English language writers to use English unadulterated by Indian words to convey experiences that were primarily Indian. The core reason behind this step was the fact that most of the readers were either British or British educated Indians. In the coming century, the writings were largely confined to writing history chronicles and government gazettes. In the early 20th century, when the British conquest of India was achieved, a new breed of writers started to emerge on the block. These writers were essentially British who were born or brought up or both in India. Their writing consisted of Indian themes and sentiments but the way of storytelling was primarily western. They had no reservation in using native words, though, to signify the context. This group consisted likes of Rudyard Kipling, Jim Corbett and George Orwell among others. Books such as Kim, The Jungle Book, 1984, Animal Farm and The man-eaters of Kumaon etc were liked and read all over the English-speaking world. In fact, some of the writings of that era are still considered to be the masterpieces of English Literature. In those periods, natives were represented by the likes of Rabindra Nath Tagore and Sarojini Naidu. In fact, Geetanjali helped Tagore win Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1913. There was a lull for more than 3 decades when India was passing through the era of aspiration and reconstruction. Some sporadic works such as ‘A Passage to India’ by E M Foster, ‘The Wonder that was India’ by E L. Basham and ‘ Autobiography of an unknown Indian’ by Nirad C Chaudhuri though set the stage on fire but were unsuccessful in catalyzing and explosion. It was in late seventies that a new breed of Convent, boarding school educated and elite class of novelists and writers started to come on block. The likes of Salman Rushdie, Vikram Seth, Amitabh Ghosh and Dominique Lepierre set the literature world on fire. Rushdie’ s ‘ Midnight Children’ won Booker in 1981 and send the message loud and clear that Indians are here to stay. Arundhati Roy and Kiran Desai repeated the feat when they won Man Booker in the year 1997 and 2006 respectively. In the mean time, a new crop of authors such as Pankaj Misra, Chetan Bhagat, Jhumpa Lahiri, William Dalrymple, Hari Kunzuru have arrived on the international scene and their writings are being appreciated round the globe. India became independent from Britain in 1947, and the English language was supposed to be phased out by 1965. However, today English and Hindi are the official languages. Indian English is characterized by treating mass nouns as count nouns, frequent use of the â€Å"isn’t it?† tag, use of more compounds, and a different use of prepositions. With its distinct flavor, Indian English writings are there to stay. With he surge of English speaking population, the future looks anything but bleak.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Teacher’s Pay for Performance

Should Teacher’s Salaries Be Based on Student’s Academic Performance? Is a student’s failure in a class an indication that a teacher or professor did not adequately perform his or her job? There are two points of view on this issue. Many will argue that teachers should be paid on a merit system, or Pay for Performance system. There are some that believe that there are too many external factors in a class room for a teacher’s salary to be based on how he or she performs in the class room.Teacher’s pay for performance will be highlighted by first discussing what is pay for performance, next, detailing the definition of teaching, and finally, exploring the question of should teacher’s salaries be based on a student’s academic performance. Pay for performance is essentially when an employee is allowed to be partly responsible for his or her pay increase. A company will set goals as well as allow the employee to set his or her own goals and if the employee meets those goals, he or she will get a raise.These raises are based on levels of performance ranging from one to five. A level of one means that an employee failed to meet his or her expectations. A level of two means that an employee needs improvements in some areas. A of three means that an employee met his or her expectations. A level of four means that an employee exceeded his or her expectations. A level of five means that the employee far exceeded his or her expectations or as some managers imply, he or she is a â€Å"super employee†.Pay for performance is designed to inspire employees to work harder so they can obtain higher raises and bonuses if they reach a certain level. Employees may also be motivated to perform better the next year. The question remains, should teachers be on this type of merit system? Teaching is conveying knowledge in formal learning institutions, whether it is a school, K-12, or a university or college. Teachers have a major i nfluence on a student’s life. They plant seeds of knowledge that continue to grow with a student.They support, empower, engage and care for their students. Today, most teachers are paid based on their seniority or academic degrees. Perhaps they should be paid based on their level of accomplishment and responsibility. Teacher evaluations should be based partly on student achievement data and their raises should be based on student’s academic performance. If teachers were paid based on student’s academic achievements, they would put forth more effort to provide a higher quality of teaching.Competition would be raised among teachers and a possibility of higher salaries would encourage them to perform better. If teachers were paid for their performance it might also differentiate teachers who care about their student’s performance from those who only want to collect a paycheck. On the other side of the coin, there are also reasons why a teacher’s salar y should not be based on student’s academic performance. The first being that there is a lack of standard academic performance tests, which means there is no measurement criteria.There is the possibility that some teachers might give students higher grades to benefit their salaries. The strongest argument against teacher pay for performance would be that all students do not have the same level of intelligence, commitment, or determination. It may not be fair to hold a teacher responsible for a student that cannot learn or do not want to learn. Given the scenario that a teacher’s pay increases would be based on student’s academic performance, their levels of performance could range from one to five also.A level five would indicate that all students have passed the class with a grade of B or better and performed well on a standardized test. A level four would indicate that all students passed the class with a grade of C or better. A level three would indicate that 80 percent of the students passed the class. A level two would indicate that at least 50 percent of the students passed the class. A level one would indicate that only 20 percent of the students passed the class or a student has failed the class more than once under the same teacher.Teachers that perform at level one should not receive pay increases. A performance level of three or above should receive salary increases. An example of a level one performance would be if a student failed the same class two or more times or if only four out of twenty students passed a class, then that teacher or professor obviously has not imparted the knowledge to their students that they set out to convey. An example of a level three teacher’s performance would be if his or her students continuously increase their academic performance or pass standardize tests.In conclusion, I assert that teacher’s salaries should be based on their student’s academic performances. If teachers hi t their levels, they should receive higher raises. It they fail their students, their salary should not increase. There are a lot of educators that would disagree with this assertion; however, given the state of our education system, a change needs to be put in place. If teachers are required to perform better and are paid better based on their performance, then students will perform better.

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Personal statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Personal statement - Essay Example I feel as though I have always learned lots in school, but never had the grades to reflect my efforts. I also tend to keep to myself when it comes to studying, so I thought studying with others might help me improve my grades. Finally, in high school, I learned that my time management skills were not very good. This often caused stress that I didn’t need to experience. As I look back on these goals, I feel really great because I have accomplished all three. If all goes well, I will have a 3.0 GPA. It may actually be higher if I do well in my most difficult class. I met some great friends on the first week of school and we formed a study group that meets each week. I have never studied with other people and found this to be a great way to learn and to meet people. I hope that next semester will find many of us taking the same classes so we can study together again. I can say that I met my third goal because I did not freak out a single time this semester as a result of forgetti ng or putting off a project, paper or test. I did feel a lot of stress about my grades, but that was simply because I wanted to meet my goal of earning a 3.0 GPA. I would call it normal stress, as opposed to stress caused by wasting my time or procrastinating. Time Management and Study Skills are the topics that meant the most to me this first semester at ASU. I knew that this was a weakness of mine coming into college. My first reaction to the topic when it was introduced in class was something like, â€Å"Oh, yea, this is what I need.† I think that the skills we talked about in class were helpful, but more than anything else, I think I am maturing and realizing that reaching goals is directly connected to decisions I make about work and study habits. I know that for the first time in my life, I actually wrote down assignments in a planner and scheduled set study times. Establishing a study group was a big part of this success, but I actually went to the library on several o ccasions by myself to study for tests. This was not a typical behavior for me in the past. Managing my time this first semester made me feel in control. I was able to think about studying because I blocked time out for studying and stuck to my schedule. Sticking to a study schedule was difficult, but I was able to do it. If I had to point to any one thing that helped me this first semester, it would be scheduling time for studying. My first semester was great. I feel as though I have been successful in many ways. The single most enjoyable thing about this semester was my study group. Having fun people from my classes to meet with made me want to engage in studying more often. I never have experienced this before and I think that it is great. One concern that I have is that I will not be able to meet with the same people next semester. I guess I just need to trust that I’ll just meet more interesting, fun people. One of my biggest challenges this semester was meeting up with b eople that knew me before I came to ASU. I was not the best student and did not always have the healthiest lifestyle. These people were not supportive of my educational goals. All they wanted me to do was to hang out. It was difficult for me to tell these people that I just didn’t want to be that person anymore. It was hard to say to old friends that I had changed and I was moving in a new direction. What gave me the strength to do this was the new friends I met during this first semester. I am excited for the next semester and all of the