Monday, September 30, 2019

A happy campus

A happy campus is an enjoyable and comfortable place to study. There are a lot of good and helpful facilities. It’s a green space for teachers and students to recreate. It also has some places for entertainment. A happy campus has a great number of good and helpful facilities. There are modern classrooms, excellent libraries and health centers. Modern classrooms have a lot of helpful equipment for teaching and studying such as computers and projectors.Besides these classrooms, excellent libraries also help students and teachers in searching and looking for information because they have a lot of kinds of books in many different subjects. Health centers take care of not only physical but also mental health such as giving advice for students who have a broad range of lifestyle issues, personal problems and need some special considerations. In addition, a happy campus is a green space with a lot of plants, trees, flowers and grasslands.It make the campus become a peaceful place fo r studying and teaching. Teachers and students can lay down, sit on grass, enjoy the fresh air and chat with each other after class. The green space also helps people reduce stress after working for a long day. It is a fantastic place to get balance in life back. The happy campus also has a lot of places for entertainment such as a sports area, a student bar and clubs. The sports area is the place that students can train sports to improve their health.Students also meet the others who have the same interested in sports. They also play their favorite sports, relax and participate in outside activities. The student bar is the place in which students can spend time meeting each other, talking about everything, and listening to music of some student bands. Besides that, students also join some clubs such as business club or soft skill club to improve personal skill and apply what they have learned into life.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Serial Killers: Biology or Upbringing

As people in today's society, we are constantly being bombarded with the crazy actions that mankind is capable of. We watch the news and hear about murders, or even read a book about a mysterious killer. As we go through these pieces of reality, one can't help but be struck by the thought–what causes a person to act so violently? There have been many studies done to try and find an answer. For a crime such as serial killing, there are two thoughts. The first idea is that serial killing is caused by an abnormality in the frontal lobe of the brain. The other is that serial killers are bred by circumstance which means they have certain genes that make them prone to becoming a killer. With some analysis, the evidence for both theories can serve to prove that serial killers are genetically different. Serial killers have been named many different names over the years by experts. â€Å"In the 19th century, psychopathology was considered to be ‘moral insanity’† (Scott, par. 2). Moral insanity is when ones emotions are damaged, causing them to be carried away by furious instinct. That shows why experts would consider calling serial killers morally insane. Current experts call serial killers a biological disaster† (Scott, par. 2). This means they are born into this world already marked as a disaster. A former psychologist says there are two types, â€Å"They are known as ‘Antisocial personality disorder’ or ‘Social pathology’† (Scott, par. 2). Antisocial personality disorder killers usually do not interact with people which can be their reason for becoming a killer. Social pathology killers are disorganized in the world which makes them uneasy and more tempted to becoming a serial killer. These names can simply describe every type of serial killer in the world. The most serial killings have occurred in California. According to Michael Stone who has a Ph. D. in psychology, â€Å"California leads in the US with the most Serial Homicide cases that have occurred† (Stone 293). Another true statement that Michael has stated is, â€Å"The USA has 76% of the world’s serial killers† (Stone 293). This is showing that if the USA has 76% of the world’s serial killers, than California has more than half. This is an important thing that Michael Stone has found out. Getting to the bottom of why these serial killers kill can help solve the massive amounts of serial killing not only in California, but in the United States as well. It has been said that, â€Å"Europe in second, has 17%. England has produced 28% of the European total of serial killings† (Stone 293). Not only is the Untied States being threatened by massive amounts of Serial Homicides, but so is Europe. Looking at these numbers and percentages can be frightening that’s why understanding serial killers can possibly get rid of this problem. Most of the serial killers in the Untied States are males. Michael Stone has also came to find this out, â€Å"Less than 1% of female population are psychopaths and between 3-5% of men are psychopaths† (Scott, par. 3). Men are more likely to have an antisocial personality disorder or social pathology disorder. Men are genuinely stronger than women which can be another reason why there are more men serial killers than women. â€Å"†¦massive amounts of the frontal lobotomy’s done in the 40’s and 50’s, has been shown to factor into about 64% of male murders housed on death row right now in the United States† (â€Å"A Look Inside Serial Killers,† par. ). Frontal lobotomy was a form of psychosurgery to check the brain for abnormalities. So due to the abnormal frontal lobe section of the brain, males have struck out in violence and the United States is leading 64% on death row. Thus, another frightening situation that should be stopped. â€Å"Most serial killers are males under 50† (Scott, par. 8). This is probably because with age, the brain begins to mature. Also, people over 50 are getting old and don’t have the stamina or ability to kill anymore. The way serial killers feel can be the cause of why they become a serial killer. Phychophysiologist Adrian Raine, Ph. D. has stated, â€Å"A lack of remorse is the hallmark of the psychopath† (Stone 320). Having no care in the world about what they do is the main cause of serial killers. They feel nothing for the people they kill nor will they ever feel something. Serial killers show no emotion for the wrong they do. â€Å"They feel less fear and anxiety than normal people† (Scott, par. 5). Thus, the reason why they kill. Having less anxiety than a normal person means if and when they kill, they will not be scared of their consequences. Also stated by Adrian Raine, â€Å"‘Callous unemotional’ children seem in many instances to be the psychopaths of the future† (Stone 319). Children that show no emotion are known as Callous unemotional. This is a way of determining a psychopathic trait in children. Showing little or no emotion is a huge trait in serial killers. Serial killers are caused by biology rather than upbringing. â€Å"If you’re antisocial but come from a good home, the reasons for violent behavior may have more to do with biology than the upbringing† (Raine, par. 2). Meaning a good home can mean nothing if that person already prone to becoming a serial killer. Also means serial killing can be passed down the family tree. â€Å"Dysfunctional brain—not dysfunctional families—explains murders, especially when the murderer comes from a ‘good’ home† (Raine, par. 1). Something in these murderer’s brains triggers them to kill, not their environment. It’s obvious if they come from a good home/environment that it has to do with a dysfunctional brain. â€Å"Some people have biological systems that make it hard. If an individual has a right orbital cortex that is not functioning well, they’re biologically disadvantaged in developing a conscience† (Raine, par. 5). People with no conscience feel no remorse for the bad things they do, which is a trait of a serial killer. So in conclusion dysfunctional brains are the majority of the reason why serial killers kill. Genetics contribute to the building of a serial killer. A Genetic scientist once said, â€Å"On a Genetic level some people are more prone to becoming a serial killer† (â€Å"A Look inside Serial Killers,† par. 3). Just like any gene the serial killer gene can be brought down and passed around the family tree. That same Genetic scientist also said, â€Å"The biological relatives of psychopaths were 4-5 times more likely to be psychopathic than the average person† (Scott, par. 7). Meaning if a person’s family member is a serial killer, that person is more likely and at a huge disadvantage of becoming a serial killer. According to Adrian Raine, â€Å"†¦we may even encounter a child with such genetic disadvantage, that his aggression cannot be curbed even by the most tender and devoted parents† (Stone 320). This kid has too many bad genes to even try and help him not become violent or even a serial killer. This shows that not even the best therapy can help change a serial killer because it’s all in their genes. A certain gene can cause a person such as a serial killer to become violent to the point where they murder. â€Å"A gene called Monoamine Oxidase-A also known as the violent gene, is something found in almost all serial killers†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (â€Å"A Look Inside Serial Killers,† par. 4). This shows that this gene is very dangerous and the cause of almost all serial killers. This should be widely viewed by doctors and scientists to help the growing problem of this Monoamine Oxidase-A gene. Mothers pass down the dysfunction in the form of the MAOA gene to their sons† (â€Å"A Look inside Serial Killers,† par. 4). There are more male serial killers than females because of this dysfunctional gene passed down by mothers. So as Adrian Raine has discovered, â€Å"Damage to the frontal lobe with the dysfunction of the MAOA gene, we can certainly conclude that they are genetically pre-disposed for violence† (â€Å"A Look inside Serial Killers,† par. 5). Dysfunctional brains and dysfunctional genes are the leading reasons of why serial killers kill. Certain brain activity can cause a person to become violent. Research has found an increased propensity for aggressive behavior among individuals with lower function in areas of the brain (Raine, par. 21). This means people with aggressive behavior have lower brain functions in certain parts of the brain. Researchers have also found that, â€Å"†¦more impulsive killers showed lower prefrontal functioning and heightened sub cortical function† (Stone 319). The killers that kill on impulse have uneven functions in the brain which causes them to kill. They have high functions in some parts and low functions in the other parts. Adrian Raine says, â€Å"The need for higher levels of stimulation makes the psychopath seek dangerous situation† (Scott, par. 6). The result for higher levels of stimulation results in killing. Less activity in the brain is another reason why serial killers kill. â€Å"Killers who came from a good background averaged 5. 7% less activity in the medial prefrontal cortex† (Raine, par. 10). Less activity in the prefrontal cortex leads to violence. â€Å"Murderers from good backgrounds are more likely to have reduced activity in two key brain areas than murderers from bad backgrounds† (Raine, par. 3). A murderer with reduced activity means more violence, because they are constantly seeking danger. â€Å"When the kids come from a good home, a biological deficit may be to blame† (Raine, par. 11). Meaning genes that are passed down are to blame when a serial killer came from a good home. Serial killers have lower brain functions that make them kill. Founded by Adrian Raine, â€Å"The first evidence for structural changes in the brain of antisocial men explained the low arousal in these men, along with their inadequate response to fear, their lack of conscience, and their poor decision-making skills† (Stone 319). Antisocial men have three structural changes in their brain. These men are more likely to get caught because of their poor decision-making skills. The predatory killers were more able to plot and scheme successfully, lowering their risk of getting caught (Stone 319). These killers are a lot smarter than the antisocial men and often don’t get caught. People with lower prefrontal functioning, their ability to monitor and inhabit violent ambitions was weaker (Stone 319). Meaning the lower the prefrontal functioning is in the brain, makes killers want to kill without the slightest chance of stopping and realizing that it’s wrong. Damage to the prefrontal brain is the most common amongst all serial killers. Prefrontal cortex is involved in long-term planning as well as judgment; the statistics show that approximately 70% of brain-injured patients develop aggressive tendencies (Packard, par. 1). Damage to the prefrontal cortex affects judgment and judgment is always affected in a serial killers brain. They don’t know right from wrong, which has to do with their judgment skills. The prefrontal cortex is a far deeper area of the brain that gives rise to aggressive behavior (Raine, par. 12). So damage to this area can result in the worst aggressive behavior such as serial killing. â€Å"50-58% of psychopaths show abnormal brain wave patterns† (Scott, par. 8). This shows that more than half of the serial killers in the world have abnormal brain waves. Another part of the brain if damaged may make you violent is the frontal lobe. A former psychologist said, â€Å"The frontal lobe acts as the conscience† (â€Å"A Look inside Serial Killers,† par. 3). Without a conscience people act out in violent behavior because they have nothing in their brain to tell them it’s wrong. Thus, they become cold blooded killers. According to Michael Stone, â€Å"†¦children with psychopathic traits showed abnormal responses in the frontal lobe cortex†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Stone 320). This shows that even in children their brains can be abnormal and lead to serial killings later in life. â€Å"In humans, the frontal lobe of the brain is responsible for much of the behavior that allows humans to live together in stable social relationships. It is what stops most human beings from acting on their inherent violent tendencies† (â€Å"Brain Injuries,† par. 3). So damage to the frontal lobe makes it hard for that person to commit to a stable social relationship and may act very violently. In conclusion, serial killers are biologically different then regular people. They have lower brain functions and are genetically prone to becoming a serial killer. They tend to act upon violent actions due to their abnormal brain waves in their frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex. As everyone can see from this research, serial killers kill not because of their upbringing, but because of biology. This is why they are known by many experts as biological disasters. Works Cited https://hubpages.com/politics/Brain-Injury-in-Serial-Killers https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1998/04/980410101830.htm

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Chlamydia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Chlamydia - Essay Example In order to do so it is essential to recognize the symptoms of Chlamydia, diagnose the victim, and provide treatment immediately. Chlamydia is spread by having unprotected oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected person. A person remains infected until they have finished their treatment regardless of whether they have or not have symptoms. It can spread from a woman to her fetus during pregnancy. When the baby is born it might have an eye infection or pneumonia due to Chlamydia. Chlamydia is diagnosed for men by a urine sample. (Cates, 1771-1781) This can take up to more than ten samples because it is harder to find a test that has the germ in it. This can mean they have Chlamydia ,but the test says they do not. A diagnosis for women is by taking a swab of MPC out of the cervix. The most likely ways of getting Chlamydia is people who have a number of different sex partners, people who have sex partners who have a number of different sex partners, people who don't use condoms, and people who have a history of other STDs. Chlamydia can only be prevented by protected sex or total abstinence. Chlamydia isn't a typical pathogen. It is very small in size like a virus and has some characteristics like a bacteria. The only problem with this microorganism is that it cannot make energy for itself like the way a virus and bacteria can.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Media and Sexuality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Media and Sexuality - Essay Example Fashion magazines are a good example of how media represents sexuality. With particular interest to the Dolce & Gabbana; we are looking at how fashion will allow me to suppose about the specificity of the visual pleasures and forms of identification that will be extracted from such magazines. The dissimilar consumer habit that is assumed in lesbians and gay men in addition to their reading of fashion images is related to the difference in historical relationship to fashion (Lewis 19). Whatever the fashion, dress has become a huge marker to the identity of the everyday’s lives of gays and lesbians. They have served as an identity to other homosexuals or as a method of passing; for those who may be gay coded. Because of these reason clothes have been so important to the lives of gays and lesbians and so related pages may seem of more interests to them. It has also been an argument that lesbian viewers and readers have always had a mode of selfish identification with images of be autiful women images and producing desires to have or to be the displayed woman. As she gazes at the model she may synchronize at a fantasy level of desire to be like her, a desire to have her, and moreover, a longing to be because she is the receiver of another woman’s gaze. Besides, in the female world the fashion magazine produces logic female desires gazes whether she is consciously lesbian or not. This is referred to as paradigmatic lesbian viewing (Lewis 23). She can be imagining to be looking at the images so as to learn how to make herself desirable for her man. But this does not police the viewer against the lesbian pleasure. Although we are focusing on the lesbian visual pleasures, gay magazines have the habits of illuminating. ... But this does not police the viewer against the lesbian pleasure. Although we are focusing on the lesbian visual pleasures, gay magazines have the habits of illuminating. Previously, the male body has been documented in ways that thought to be connected with the body of the female alone. Gay magazines have done it in the reverse; they seek to sell the idea of homosexuality as a lifestyle which they openly celebrate. They try to make the readers to celebrate and participate in their mainstream culture, rather than to converse to them in an insulate of fantasized gay separation. It means that the advertising revenue is possible, more so when this campaign adverts look to be increasing at homes in a gay venue (Lewis 29). So while looking at the fashion coverage we are viewing it in the increasing queering of the popular gay culture. A single reading experience for a gay or lesbian will engage the reader in reading prevailing representational codes and this may more or less open them to same sex pleasures. To consume a gay or lesbian magazine is therefore, an experience of simultaneous reading with and against the grain. The re-reading of images that were previously consumed is laid with obviously homoerotic connotations in the homosexual context. There has been some debate on the nature of picture presentation in lesbian magazines. Popular lesbian magazines such as diva have brought up the naughty/nice composite of picture presentation that is a signification of the up to date awareness and style of the lesbian dress debates (Lewis 38). A look at the top figures invites a participation and identification. It is the policy of lesbian and gay magazines to use photographs of

Thursday, September 26, 2019

International Business (MaArketing ORHuman Resource Management) Research Paper

International Business (MaArketing ORHuman Resource Management) strategy of an International Firm - Research Paper Example The modern environment of the business world differentiates the business organizations of the world into the globetrotters and the globe watchers. The globetrotters are the most successful of the organizations where the essence is to target the different markets of the world. The globe watchers on the other hand look to take the advantages of the multinational companies in the production and the marketing process. The development of the globetrotters or the multinational companies depends on the efficiency of the marketing department of the organization to a large extent. The marketing in the other countries depend on the evaluation of the country. The market of the country and its customers are to be analyzed. The analysis of the economic conditions of the country will help in the growth of the company. The marketing department of the globetrotting companies has to evaluate the conditions to be able to exert them in these countries. (Cavusgil, December, 1991). The successful multina tional companies of the world have followed this model in its growth path. The paper will look into the marketing strategies of a well known international company to understand the situation. Coca Cola will be good example in the case of the study. Coca Cola was born in 1886 in Georgia. Dr. John Pemberton is credited with the invention of the drink. However, he was not aware of the potential of the drink and eventually sold it off to Asa Candler. It was under the reign of Candler that Coca Cola achieved iconic status. He was instrumental in the marketing and the advertising of the product. This was done with the help of merchandising of various products. Another important development during his reign was the bottling of the drink. The international expansion of the drink started under Ernest Woodruff and the bottling of the drink soon began in the other parts of the world. In Europe the drink was first bottled in France. Coca Cola became even more

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Intelligence profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Intelligence profile - Essay Example A graduate of Carleton University (B.A.) and the University of Western Ontario (M.B.A., Ph.D.), Dr. Calof focuses his research and publications on international competitive intelligence. 3. Professor Calof focuses his research on international competitive intelligence and the application of knowledge for innovation. A director of the Canadian Institute of Competitive Intelligence, Jonathan has given over 500 speeches, seminars and keynote addresses around the world on competitive intelligence and has helped several of Canada's largest companies and government agencies enhance their intelligence capabilities. In recognition of his contribution to the competitive intelligence field, Jonathan was presented with the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professional's (SCIP) Catalyst award. Jonathan Calof has more than 100 publications to his credit. He is the co-author of "Competitive Intelligence - Keys to Success" and has contributed to several books. He has also published articles in j ournals such as Competitive Intelligence Review, Journal of International Business Studies, Business Quarterly, International Journal of Small Business Management, International Business Review. As well, Dr. Calof has been given awards and honours from several academic associations, including the Academy of Business Administration, the International Council for Small Business - South Africa, the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada, and the Academy of International Business. His case, Sterling Marking Product's, was recognized for being one of the top 10 cases sold by the Ivey School of Business in 1998 and his article For King and For Country on competitive intelligence was selected as being among the best articles in Business Quarterly. Interest in his work has also resulted in several interviews on radio and in print in Canada, United States, United Kingdom, South Africa and New Zealand. He has been featured in such publications as the National Post and the Globe and Mai l, as well as being featured on Canada A.M (CTV), As It Happens (CBC) and Global News. Detailed Profile 1. Dr. Calof is recognized as one of the leaders in intelligence and business insight. An associate professor of International Business and Strategy at the Telfer School of Management at University of Ottawa, Dr. Calof combines research and consulting in competitive intelligence, technical foresight and management insight in the creation of the Universities management insight program. As well, he is a Board member for CASIS (Canadian Association of Security and Intelligence Studies), is on the advisory board for the Algonquin College intelligence analyst program, and is also co-director of the Foresight Synergy Network. 2. An article in the Edmontonian called him "one of the world leaders in competitive intelligence". While CA Magazine (Charters Accountants) described him as "a highly sought after, as a consultant, by businesses and government agencies.† 3. Throughout all th ese activities Jonathan is passionate about competitive intelligence and the insights and advantages that all types of organizations can get from it. 4. He has also publis

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Math questions Speech or Presentation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Math questions - Speech or Presentation Example vertisement: â€Å"In a recent clinical study, Brand ABC* was proved to be 1950 percent better than creatine!† Actual brand will not be named (Sobecki et al., p. 810). Comment: For one, the statement is missing numerical figures essential a reader’s understanding such as the probability that the new substance promoted would take effect within a specific confidence interval. Despite claiming that the product is 1950% proven effective, no actual proof is presented so the ad’s exaggeration could either raise suspicion or stir curiosity on potential consumers. Readers may also find themselves trying to make vague sense of how recent the study was made since the claim does not go any further than mentioning ‘recent’ which could mean dating to a couple of years back. Moreover, the term ‘clinical’ appears insignificant unless replaced by a name of a credible health institution known to have conducted similar studies in the past. By not divulging the brand name or label, the advertisement runs the risk of making some of the readers think that it is a possible hocus-pocus or that without sufficient details, it emerge s a detractor of another leading brand in the market. Explanation: The double negatives and the manner in which the question is made seems misleading as it occurs more disposed to convince someone to agree that tutoring students who pass is still important. Chances are, on one hand, the person being asked may be readily and psychologically conditioned to consider the importance of tutorial in any case without paying due regard on situations it is most needed, and on the other, he or she may find that passing students make no significant difference from the failing ones. So the ambiguity of meanings attached to the question might cause results out of an erroneous understanding that tutorial is actually a necessity and the query sounds as if no second thoughts or further analysis is required. It is quite obvious how the application of suspect

Monday, September 23, 2019

A Philosophical Approach Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A Philosophical Approach - Assignment Example The development of ethics has come with some controversies and debates. There are philosophers like Immanuel Kant who believe that there is a universal set of laws that apply to all human beings and all situations (O'neill, 1993). This therefore means that what is right and what is wrong is universal and on no account should it be compromised (Shiples & Maier, 2011). However, there are the utilitarians who argue that if something does the greatest amount of good to the greatest number of people, then that can be seen as good (Tavani, 2011). Although utilitarians claim their approach is the most practical, there is an issue of whether it is the best, because if 99% of people have enslaved 1% of people and subjected them to the worst and most severe conditions, can we say that it is good? This is the fundamental debate about ethics and its foundations Review of the Pinto Fires Dennis Gioia narrates the incidents of the Ford-Pinto brand in the 1970s which was an ethical dilemma and how it caused the death of several innocent people. A summary of the facts are narrated from Trevino & Nelson (2007): In the late 1960s, there was a huge demand for sub-compact cars around the globe and German and Japanese manufacturers were set to take over the international market. Ford, the American car manufacturer had to internationalize quickly and catch up with its competitors on the global market. The Ford-Pinto was designed and there were signs that it would do well internationally, so there was the need to speed up the research and development process to begin mass production to meet the huge demand. Ford’s Vice President, Lee Iacocca asked for the acceleration of the development process from 43 months to 38 months and this was accepted by the President who was a man of repute. The engineers identified that there was a major flaw in the car’s combustion and fuel system that made it vulnerable to explosions during accidents. However, due to the need to accelerate the development process, the engineers were not given ample time to correct the error. This led to the development of a car that led to the death of many users. In 1978, a Pinto car crash that killed the passengers led to a legal action the criminalization of the Ford company for the lack of proper care to develop a safer car. Ethics & The Pinto-Fires The Pinto case comes with several questions related to ethics. First of all, did the Vice President and the management team of Ford really act ethically? What were their major responsibilities and did they fail totally? Is it fair to attribute the death of passengers in one of many automobile accidents in America to the top-level management? What was the responsibility of the other people in Ford? The Eight-Step Model Trevino & Nelson (2007) identify eight steps which must be followed in taking ethical decisions in businesses. If this model was applied, it is likely that the management of Ford would have worked out a different approach to the Pinto brand and avoided a few issues. Step 1: Gather the Facts: First of all, the management of Ford should have gathered all the facts relevant to the global automobile industry. This way, they would have gotten enough information to identify the need to consider safety as a primary issue. However, it is clear that the focused more on internationalization and the capturing of market share ahead of the safety of their customers. Step 2: Define the Ethical Issues:

Sunday, September 22, 2019

4 short anwser for beyonce HBR case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

4 short anwser for beyonce HBR - Case Study Example Provide a chance for uplifting marketing collaboration in all areas of entertainment for the fans seeking the best quality production in the entertainment industry through the reporting of positive news in entertainment, fashion and art as well as fresh experience in live social events. Parkwood Company plans to use its independence in assembling able teams that can execute decisions precisely. The company uses its strategic placement in the American music industry to form joint ventures with some of the big recording firms in the world such as the Columbia Records. This makes the fans want to feel the unique piece and talent display emanating from a dual origin. The company uses brand partnership and makes use of sponsors in promoting her content. Additionally, the company organizes strategic launches through the assistance of big communication companies like Apple. This strategy draws many fans to like Beyoncà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s music and videos on the go. In addition, the intensive use of social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and others draws a good portion of the public attention. The approach used by Parkwood Entertainment Company is in line with the contemporary trends and competitive strategies. Just as other entertainment fans embrace collaboration in marketing, the firm maximizes in the strategy through engaging some of the world’s best corporations such as Pepsi and Apple to establish a significant competitive advantage. In addition, Beyoncà ©Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s capitalizes on the online social network marketing which draws the useful and youthful fans whose loyalty cannot waiver easily. This marketing trend conforms to the dominant online marketing that currently gives a competitive edge to (Krstic and Becic

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Equations of Motion Worksheet Essay Example for Free

Equations of Motion Worksheet Essay 1. A car moving at a velocity of 25 m/s, accelerates at a rate of 6 m/s2. Find its velocity after 3s. 2. An object is dropped from rest. Calculate its velocity after 2.5s if it is dropped: a. On Earth, where the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8m/s2. b. On Mars, where the acceleration due to gravity is 3.8m/s2. 3. A motorbike is travelling with a velocity of 3m/s. It accelerates at a rate of 9.3m/s for 1.8s. Calculate the distance it travels in this time. 4. A Tesla Roadster car accelerates from rest at a rate of 7.1m/s2 for a time of 3.9s. Calculate the distance it travels inn this time. 5. A bullet accelerates at a rate of 90,000m/s2 from rest. Calculate its velocity if it travels a distance of 0.5m while accelerating. 6. An aircraft is travelling along a runway at a velocity of 25m/s. It accelerates at a rate of 4m/s2 for a distance of 750m before taking off. Calculate its take-off speed. 7. A car is travelling at a speed of 21m/s. It accelerates at an average rate of 3m/s2 for a time of 4 seconds. Find the distance it travels. 8. A car accelerates at a rate of 10m/s2 for a time of 4s. It reaches a speed of 52 m/s. Calculate its initial speed. 9. A bullet is at rest. It travels a distance of 0.34m in a time of 0.0095 seconds. Calculate its acceleration. 10. A falcon is diving at a speed of30m/s. It accelerates at a rate of 40m/s2 and reaches a speed of 100m/s. Calculate the distance it travels during its acceleration. 11. A snail is at rest. It accelerates at a rate of 0.00075m/s2. Calculate the time it takes to reach a speed of 0.0135m/s. 12. A blue shark accelerates at a rate of 16m/s2 for a time of 0.8s. During this time it travels a distance of 11.52m. Calculate its initial speed. 13. A car is travelling at a speed of 30m/s. It decelerates at a rate of 12m/s2. Calculate the time taken for the car to come to rest. 14. A stone is thrown vertically upwards. It decelerates at a rate of 9.8m/s2. It reaches a greatest height of 16.53m. Calculate its initial speed. 15. A rubber toy pops up to a maximum height of 2.51m. Find its initial velocity.

Friday, September 20, 2019

The History of Zara

The History of Zara Zara is the most successful brand of Spanish company Grupo Inditex. Its owner, Amancio Ortega, opened first retail store in 1975 in La Coruna, a small port in Spain. Zara became the worlds largest fashion retailer by 2008 end. By this time it had stores in over 70 countries, out performing its rivals like Gap of USA and Sweden based HM (Hennes Maurits) (http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/aug/12/retail.spain). Zaras Innovative Operations: Daniel Piette, director of fashion, LVMH has described Zara as possibly the most devastating and innovating retailer in the world http://tbmdb.blogspot.com/2009/12/business-model-example-zara-devastating.html, owing to the companys innovative and unique approach in fashion retail. Zara follows the concept of a vertically integrated supply chain, in which the company has a tight control over most of the design phase, production phase and distribution system to its chain of retail outlets. The rest of these processes is handled by its sister concerns with nearby locations. Unlike its competitors Zara does not outsource its production to Asian developing countries; the proximity of production units helps Zara by giving flexibility in production so that the company can meet the ever-changing demands of the consumers more efficiently than its competitors. Zara has integrated the system of POS (Point Of Sales) and has formed a unique method that helps in the production of new designs. POS helps in monitoring what designs are bringing in maximum sales at the retail shops. The store managers are allowed freedom to decide which designs to display and which ones to keep back in the store, depending on the sales of those designs. Zaras employees at the retail outlets gather feedbacks from the customers and convey the information to the headquarters with the help of hand-held PDAs that each employee is required to carry. At the headquarters, the design teams immediately respond to feedbacks sent via PDAs and begin designing new clothes accordingly. The clothes are manufactured and distributed to the retail stores within a short period of 2 to 4 weeks owing to the vertical integration of its supply chain. While its rivals are busy finding and identifying what the latest trends might be and finally take 4 to 9 months to distribute new designs to their respective stores, Zara manages to design, manufacture and distribute new designs in a matter of just of 30 days. Taking advantage of the fast turn around time, Zara eschews the concept of producing just one collection per season, like its rivals do. Instead the designs keep on changing frequently so that Zara manages to deliver new designs twice a week to its retail shops. Zara only produces small quantities of each style so that there is continuous demand of popular designs. It cuts down on manufacturing costs as well. Thus Zara manages to deliver around 12000 different styles in a year whereas its competitors can produce only 4000-5000 per year. Hence, the company-coined phrase, fast fashion http://www.3isite.com/articles/ImagesFashion_Zara_Part_I.pdf. Current Technology in Information Communication Zaras use of technology in information technology is unique from its competitors. Firstly Zara uses much less technology, in terms of expenditure and work-force, than its competitors just 0.5% of its work force compared to 2.5% of employees that its rivals utilise. Similarly Zara spends only 0.5% of its revenue on information technology compared to expenditure of 2% by its competitors. Secondly Zara employs a unique combination of human and IT intelligence. Managers at the stores and the market survey done by the employees, form the human intelligence while IT intelligence consists of the PDA devices used to send information collected by the managers and other employees carrying the PDAs. An order form is transmitted to each managers PDA asking for information such as availability of garments and patterns of garment sales. The managers of each retail outlets then divide this order form into sections and these sections are transmitted to the PDAs of each employee to fill up, based o n customers feedback and the kind of designs sold. Employees then transmit back their respective sections to the managers PDA, after entering the customers requirements. The managers of each store are given total authority to determine and identify which sections are to be retained in the order form. The edited order form is then sent back to headquarters where the designing teams start working on the basis of the order forms. This unique hybrid of humans technology helps in managing the inventories efficiently and quick and efficient link between demand and supply, thus successfully helping in their own doctrine of fast fashion. Summing up Zaras use of technology http://leoborjblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/10/zara-it-for-fast-fashion/: Gather customer requirements PDAs Logistics and transmission of order form POS terminals and modems. Quickly designing new style CAD (Computer Aided Design) Advantages of such an Innovative System Vertical integration of supply chain and short turn around time lead to High turnover of product. Quick and efficient distribution helps to eliminate warehouse requirement, saving on additional storage costs. Searching the market for latest fashion trends and responding quickly to the consumer requirements with the help of hand-held PDAs. Complete autonomy and flexibility to the employees and managers who are in direct contact with the customers. POS terminals run on DOS operating system, which is cheap and easy to maintain and operate. Perceived limitations of this System http://www.slideshare.net/koffman/zara-case-study-2780928 Zara and its sister concerns have been using DOS as their main operating system in all the processes. It is an outdated operating system. As the POS vendor supplies DOS OS to zara only, it can always stop its supply, while continue to supply other operating systems to its other customers. Store managers are the decision makers. Zara headquarter relies solely on the experience and intuition of the managers. Instead of looking after customers, managers and employees have the time-consuming task of manually entering the garment details in small PDAs. This could result in the employees failing to assist some customers in choosing and might miss out on few garment sales. Inventory is maintained manually as well. Information transmitted is one way only. Managers have no knowledge of the inventories at headquarters and the stores distribution centre. Consequently managers cannot promise a customer if a particular garment that has been sold out, can be replenished and in how many days. Promises made to customers not kept can damage Zaras reputation, so the managers need to know about the garments inventories at headquarters and the distribution centres. There is a great demand for Zaras garments even though new designs are available twice a week. Zara may consider increase in production to meet these ever growing demands. Gathering of information therefore may need to be upgraded in terms of frequency. Its competitors can change to a better OS or software package and increase their turn around time, neutralizing Zaras edge of fast fashion over them. New IT Technology for Sustainability http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=97642 Benefits: New technology may not help Zara in increasing the competitive edge over its competitors but will help in sustaining that edge. A new operating system will help in installing software packages that will help in efficient access of inventory at the stores as well as headquarters and distribution centers. Upgrading to new OS will remove the companys dependency on its current supplier of DOS. Using more than one IT supplier will increase Zaras bargaining power. A Network can be set up between HQ, production centers and retail stores. POS system can be automated so that each sale will automatically update the POS devices. If the POS system of all stores can be interlinked all the store managers can easily know the inventory online and can make and keep their promises to customers demanding a particular garment. POS automation will help reduce overall workload of the employees and managers, as they will not have to manually enter every detail required in the order form. There will not be any need of hand held PDAs. Dedicated POS software will ensure that orders will now be made on the basis of theoretical inventories and will be more accurate. Orders can now placed continually increasing the frequency from twice a week to daily. Ideal software to be used for integration would be ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). Linking all the process in the supply chain, from HQ, design centers to retail stores, will not only help the managers in accessing inventories but will also help HQ to regulate the supplies more accurately according to the orders placed. Production will become even leaner than before. ECQ (Economic Order Quantity) can help in determining quantities of different garments that buyer can order so that there is sufficient stock for the customers. This will reduce inventory cost as well. Knowing reorder levels will streamline managing of the inventory and help in maintaining the autonomy of the managers. Managers can determine from the reorder levels whether a particular garment needs to be ordered before it will go out of stock and can transmit the same to the production centers that are now linked to the retail outlets. Of course manual checks will still be needed occasionally to check a stores real time inventory is same as the theoretical inventory in case of exceptions like garments getting stolen or gone missing. Designers at HQ will now not depend entirely on the managers discretion and can observe themselves sales of new designs due to two-way system integration by ERP. Just in case a store does run out of stock on a particular garment, the manager can easily check the inventories of local nearby stores for availability and suggest the customer to go there. Inter-store connectivity will have added advantage of shipping garments to another store that has more demand of a particular garment. This will further increase the speed-to-market. Besides HQ even managers of different stores will benefit if they know through network what is selling at other stores and what is not. Cost Analysis: Zara will have to upgrade to better OS that will support ERP like Linux, Unix or Windows NT. Implementation cost of Linux is lowest of the three OS. But recurring costs like service-contract is much higher (McAfee et al). Annual cost of using Unix is the lowest and if functionality remains more or less same, Unix will be best suited. If other costs like plans for systems failure are not taken into consideration then implementation cost will relatively much lower than prospective ROI (Return On Investment). Risk Analysis: Changing software and operating system in all retail shops world over is not an easy task. Due to location of Zaras retail outlets all over the world, there will be many extra tangible costs. Cost of replacing current POS system with the new one. Cost of installation of new cables in each store and maybe new infrastructure to support the cables. Cost of external IT support, hiring professional consultants. Cost of internal IT management and technical training of personnel. Time taken to train the personnel till outside assistance is not required cannot be determined as level of training and learning will be different at different locations around the world. Risk Reduction: Both current and new systems should operate together till the personnel of each store can run the new system smoothly; this will not interrupt any service provided to customers. Zara has a huge pilot outlet that is around 1,500 square meters. Zara can use this as training facility from its personnel from all over the world. Zara can use it to test the new system as well. Zara can hire experienced software professionals and open an in-house department for software management and development. Zara can outsource the management and development to experienced software companies. However Zara will have to trade-off between highly efficient and expensive companies. Zara should develop a contingency plan and an exit plan as well in case the company cannot continue with the up gradation for some reason. Robust data backup is required in case the new system crashes due to mishandling by inexperienced staff.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Power Semiconductor Devices Essay -- Power Conversion Essays

Power Semiconductor Devices Introduction Today there are many power semiconductor devices used in different applications of power conversion. The diode is one of the oldest semiconductors devices and is still wildly used today in power electronics. Diodes are found in virtually all power converts in one form or another. For this reason our discussion will be focused on the application of power diodes. Power Diodes are two terminal electronic devices that permit current flow in predominantly one direction. Diodes are composed of differently doped silicon or germanium bounded together at a junction. Purpose As an Electrical Engineering specializing in Power Electronics it is important to understanding the application of different types of diodes in power electronics. The technology behind the development of pn junctions and solid state devices is continuously advancing. This is why it is important to be informed of the most modern advances of one of the world’s oldest power semiconductor devices. This paper will focus on the construction and ratings of various types of power diodes to convey the importance diodes have power electronics. Power Diodes: Power diodes are successors to the very first semiconductor devices. Power diodes are mainly used as uncontrolled rectifiers to convert single-phase or three- phase AC voltage to a rippled DC voltage. Typically they are constructed of a mixture of differently doped silicon or germanium. Most common are the silicon diodes because they can operate at higher currents and junction temperatures then germanium diodes. All diodes are devices that conduct current in only one direction. Whenever the voltage on the anode is positive with respect to the cathode, the dio... ...e a diode that will satisfy the requirements of the circuit while increasing overall circuit efficiency and maintaining reliability. Through improved modern design techniques diodes are no longer a weak component, and are becoming more important in power electronics with the increase demand for higher power quality and power efficiency. Works Cited: N. Mohan, T.M. Undeland, W.P. Robbins, â€Å"Power Electronics†, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  © 2003 Timothy L. Skvarenina, â€Å"The Power Electronics Handbook† CRC Press LLC  © 2002 Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings Volume 483, â€Å"Power Semiconductor Materials and Devices† Materials Research Society  © 1998 â€Å"Dura-Bilt5i MV Engineering Reference Book†, GE Toshiba Automation Systems, U.S.A.  © 2003 Kilowatt Classroom: Electrical Training Seminars - Web Site Home Page http://www.kilowattclassroom.com/

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Affirmative Action In The United States :: essays research papers

The writer Mary Anne Warren is focusing on describing the current practices in many organizations today in regards to the implementing a goal vs. a quota system for the purposes of affirmative action. She defines a quota as "Those who use the term "quotas" pejoratively tend to assume that the numerical standards will be set so high or enforced so rigidly that strong reverse discrimination-that is, the deliberate hiring of demonstrably less well qualified candidates-will be necessary to implement them." (Warren, 370). Warren then describes goal as "The term "goal", on the other hand, suggests that this will not be the case, and that good faith efforts to comply with the standards by means short of strong reverse discrimination will be acceptable." (Warren, 370). The critical thing that must be understood when exploring the subject is that the writer is describing how affirmative action is being applied in American organizations today in other words the current reality. However, she fails to speak to us about how the law designs this program to function. This is the critical component that American organizations must be educated to understand. Affirmative action as defined by law is most definitively not based on a quota system. In fact, what is not widely known is that this program can be equally used by all individuals provided that an inequality exists in the group that they belong to as not being reflected in the work force. So what is affirmative action? What is it designed to do? It is not designed to provide an opportunity to an unqualified candidate. It is designed as "a way of compensating individuals or groups for past injustices or for present disadvantages stemming form past injustices" (Warren, 373). It is further designed "as a means about bringing about further future goods-for example, raising the status of downtrodden groups." (Warren, 373). The keyword in these quotes is the word "group". Who are these groups? The law has identified them. Some of the groups identified are: race, religious beliefs, blood trait, gender, disability (whether physical or mental), veteran status, national origin, and the list continues. In no way does this require that you have to hire an unqualified person for a position because they fall into one or more of these groups. What it does mean is that you can not discriminate and exclude a person from getting a job, getting promoted, and other factors, just because they happen to fall into that group.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Mgt Syllabus

What about unethical but moral? Which is more important to an organization, to be ethical or moral? Why? What are ethics? How are personal ethics different than business ethics? Based on your work experience, describe an ethical issue that you faced. What were the ethical implications surrounding that issue, if any? How was the issue resolved or how should it have been resolved? Does your organization have a written code of conduct? If so, how effective is this cook AT conduct:' 10 want extent ay you tank Tanat a cook AT conduct can Nell to define the ethical values of an organization?How might a code of conduct policy reflect the personal ethics of the employees? What can a business do to reduce the likelihood of making unethical decisions ND creating more ethical problems? Think of an example of unethical behavior you have observed in a business setting. Was this behavior a result of an unethical person or an unethical organization? Explain your answer. Week Two Organizational Valu es ; Read Chi. 14 of Business ethics. ; Read Chi. 8-10, up. 115-118, up. 138-142 of Managing business ethics. 2. Discussion Questions What is the relationship between organizational values and organizational culture?Does organizational culture influence organizational values more than organizational values influence organizational culture? Explain your answer. How do organizational values of your organization influence its conduct? How do your organization's values influence you? How might a small business owner, whose business has grown from an owner and operator to employing 12 people over several years, create the organizational culture and organizational values of the business? Consider that the same business has grown to employ 100 or more people over several more years.How might the approach to organizational culture and values change depending on the size of the organization? What is the relationship between organizational values and personal values? Which of your personal va lues are embodied in your organization? How do employees' personal values influence the conduct of your organization? What issues might arise if employees' personal values are significantly different from their employer's organizational values? want Is winless-Doodling:' near want classmates malign an employee Low ten whistle on his or her employer?If the company's top executive asked you to create a code of ethics policy for the company, what would you include? What approach would you use? Why would you select that approach? Provide at least two examples of items you would include in your code of ethics and describe why they are important to your company's code. Think of a moral or ethical dilemma you experienced recently at work. What steps did you take to resolve the issue? In retrospect, how might you have handled the situation differently? How might this process be different if you were acting on behalf of the organization?How might you have handled the situation differently if you were the CEO? Imagine you are a division manager at a large pharmaceuticals company. You directly supervise 50 average and above average performing employees. Many employees on your team have been with the company for several years. Some recently hired employees, mostly women and minority groups, were hired to remedy the lack of diversity in the workplace. Recent financial difficulties within the company quire each division manager to reduce their workforce by 15%.Describe the process you would use to make this decision. How do you ethically Justify your decision? Do you think that you share the same ethical perspective as people who work with you? Explain your answer. Why is it important, or not, to share ethical perspectives in the workplace? What are the ethical standards for where you work? To what extent do you think that ethical perspectives may change over time? What factors might influence these changes? What is your experience working with or working for someone you fe lt had a much efferent ethical perspective than your own?How did you know when the two of you were approaching the same ethical dilemmas from different ethical perspectives? What was the outcome? How did your decisions or outcomes compare? Week Four Ethical and Legal Issues in Business course Agelessness ; Read Chi. 10 of Business ethics. ; Review Chi. 3, 8, & 10 of Managing business ethics. 2. Individual Assignment: Ethics Game Simulation Resource: Ethics Game Simulation Complete the Ethics Game Simulation. Write a 700- to 1,050- word reflective Journal in which you answer the following questions: What were the ethical issues presented in the simulation? What decision-making steps did you take to ethically address these issues? ;What ethical perspectives, or lenses, did you use to make your decisions in the simulation? ;How did these ethical perspectives, or lenses, influence your management decisions? ; How might concepts from this simulation relate to your workplace? Do you think human resources (HRS) polices should govern ethical and legal issues? Why or why not? How might HRS policies govern unethical or unlawful behavior? Do we need laws that enforce ethical codes? How might a situation in business be legal but unethical?How might a situation be ethical but illegal? Share an example from your own experience of HRS policies that address or encourage ethical practices. What is your definition of a stakeholder? Which of the different stakeholder groups' interests are the most important, and why? What ethical responsibilities does an organization have to different stakeholder groups? How might ignoring the needs of one stakeholder in favor of another stakeholder affect the organization? Provide an example. Why might a business want to appeal more directly to a secondary stakeholder roof than the primary stakeholders?What advantages might there be in doing this? Why might a business want to appeal more directly to a group that is not a stakeholder group? In w hat types of situations might this make sense? What is the difference between a stakeholder group and a special interest group? Name three examples of business or organizations in which you are a stakeholder. What makes you a stakeholder to these organizations? How are your views important to these organizations? Are your views aligned with the legal and ethical considerations of the organization? Explain your answer.Describe a time when another stakeholder group's views were in direct opposition of your views or the organization's flews. want napped Week Five Cross-cultural Ethics and Social Responsibility Analyze ethically and socially responsible business practices across cultures. ; Read Chi. 18 & 21 of Business ethics. ; Read Chi. 1 1 of Managing business ethics. 2. Individual Assignment: Final Examination Resources: Business ethics and Managing business ethics Click the link to the Final Examination on your student website available from the end of Week Four through the end of Week Five.Complete the Final Examination. You are allowed one attempt to complete the exam, which is timed and must be completed in 3 hours. Results are auto graded and sent to your instructor. Note. Final Examination questions are adapted from Business ethics and Managing business ethics. 3. Learning Team Assignment: Ethical Organization Profile Write a 1,050- to 1,750-word paper in which your Learning Team explains a fictitious organization's ethics programs and overall ethical environment. Create a fictitious organization. Describe the type of business, locations, size, and products or services offered. Write a value statement which includes: Overall ethics of the organization Socially responsible business practices Write a basic code of conduct. Select three of the following to include: ; practices ; Workplace discipline Termination of employment Diversity Harassment ; Family and personal issues Hiring Imagine your organization NAS cellar to Deign operations In another country. Identify the country and answer the following questions: What legal and ethical issues might your organization face with operations in that country? ; What stakeholder groups relevant to your organization would be affected by expanding operations into this new country? ; How might those groups influence he legal and ethical decisions your organization might make while expanding its operations? ; How might the legal and ethical issues faced in this country influence your organization's value statement and code of conduct? 4.Discussion Questions What must an organization consider from an ethical and socially responsible perspective before deciding to expand operations in other countries? How might an organization be considered ethical and socially responsible in its home country but not in the new country where they expanded operations? How might an organization balance varying views of ethical standards across cultures? Provide an example of a business currently addressing this issue and discuss any personal experience you may have with these issues. How might ethical and social responsibility issues, such as community service or environmentally responsible practices, affect an organization's operations in different regions of the US? What must an organization consider when expanding operations to Omaha, Nebraska; Santa Monica, California; Montgomery, Alabama; and Detroit, Michigan? Select two from the list to discuss in your response. Should a company vary its ethical and socially responsible business practices in different regions, even f laws which regulate the company's operations remain consistent across regions?Why or why not? What positive and negative outcomes might result from the choice the company makes about its ethical and socially responsible business practices in different regions? ; Imagine you are the marketing manager for a product you use daily, like gourmet coffees or paper towels, and you are selected to introduce the product to a new inter national market. What ethical or social responsibility issues, such as sustainability and fair trade, might you face when introducing the product to that raked? How might you overcome these issues?Name the product and the international market in your response. If your company plans to expand operations in a country known for human rights violations and sweatshop labor practices, what might you do to assure the media that the organization is committed to fair wages and running an honest, ethical factory? Would you consider choosing to open the factory elsewhere to prevent the media attaching the company's name to other companies that have abused and exploited ten workers Tort canapà © largo:' winy would you make tens console?

Monday, September 16, 2019

Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression

Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression Aggression in humans has been associated with low levels of serotonin and high levels of dopamine. Usually, serotonin has a calming effect, which inhibits aggression. When serotonin levels are low, this inhibitory effect is removed and people are less able to control their aggressive behaviour. Evidence for the importance of serotonin comes from two main sources.Brown (1982) found that there were low levels of the waste products of serotonin in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals who are prone to impulsive and aggressive behaviour. The second source of evidence is studies where participants were given the drug dexfenfluramine, which reduces levels of serotonin in the brain. Mann (1990) administered dexfenfluramine to male and female participants, and found that males displayed more aggressive response on a questionnaire.A Meta analysis of 29 studies of serotonin and aggression showed that these studies consistently found evidence of low serotonin levels in antisocial children and adults. The levels of serotonin were particularly low in individuals who had attempted suicide, suggesting that low levels of serotonin lead to impulsive behaviour, one consequence of which is aggressive behaviour and, in some individuals, suicide. One of the consequences of low levels of serotonin is that the brain creates more receptors in an attempt to capture any serotonin that is available.This has been shown to be the case in research by Arora and Meltzer (2003), who found elevated levels of serotonin receptors in people who had committed violent suicide, thus supporting the claim that normal levels of serotonin have an inhibitory influence on violent behaviour. Ferrari (2003) showed support for serotonin in aggressive behaviour in an animal study for rats. They allowed rats to fight at the same time every day for 10 days, and not on the 11th day. They found that rats learned from their experience and had raised levels of serotonin in anticipation of having to fight.Serotonin explanation of aggression have been criticised as being reductionist. The link between serotonin and aggression is fairly well established in non-human animals, but the position is less clear in humans, particularly as aggressive behaviour in human is far more complex behaviour, and is subject to social learning, genetics and other factors. Testosterone has been associated with aggressive behaviour, although most studies have been corelational only. A Meta analysis carried out by Archer (1991) found a low positive correlation between testosterone levels and aggression.A study by Kouri (1995), gave participant either testosterone or a placebo. They were told that, by pressing a button they could reduce the amount of cash that another participant was receiving. Those who had received the testosterone pressed the button more than those with the placebo. An advantage of this study is that it made use of the experimental method, so allowing th e researchers to demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship as researchers manipulated the presence of testosterone to see it effect on aggressive behaviour.An explanation of why testosterone and aggression are linked is the challenge hypothesis. This proposes that testosterone levels only rise above the base level in response to social challenges, such as threats to reproductive success. However, Mazur (1985) criticizes this explanation, claiming that individuals only act to assert dominance, which can be expressed in many different ways, of which aggression is one. There is also a gender bias in research on testosterone and aggression, as research typically tends to concentrate only on the role of testosterone on males.However, Archer (2005) found that the association between testosterone and aggression was even stronger for females. An additional problem is that research evidence is far from conclusive, with some studies showing no significant difference between violent and non- violent criminals (Bain et al. 1987), although another study found that most violent criminals had higher testosterone levels than less violent criminals (Kreuz and Rose 1972). This suggests that among individuals who are already predisposed towards violence, testosterone may be an additional influence that makes aggressive behaviour more likely.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Humans and machines Essay

The interesting feature about discussing the interactions of humans and machines is the inadequacy of language describing these interactions or the ambiguity of the connections between humans and machines. What is really at the center of the debate is how society should view the place of machines or non-human elements within human society. In addition, the application of the technological use of non-human elements in the modern machinery of war exposes the problem of how humans have changed the practice of warfare starting in WWI and how it made war evolve from a â€Å"human† experience to an â€Å"inhuman† experience instead of a â€Å"non-human† experience. The scope of this paper is to analyze the relationships of humans and machines in general as well as in the context of war. Discussion What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be non-human? According to Casper, the human identity is not a natural state of â€Å"being†, rather it is a constructed identity in relation to the context that society gives it. (Casper, 1994) In fact, the recognition of human social identity and the positions or functions attached to it are based on our interpretation of where these elements should be placed, for example, in order to understand or define something, we place it in ‘mental boxes’ that simplify our recognition of identity and function within society. However, Casper argues that we cannot fully justify why we assign human identities to non-human elements or vice-versa. (Casper, 1994) In order to illustrate the lack of consistency as to what we call human or non-human, she uses the example of the fetus that is considered alive for surgery, â€Å"a potential human† with human qualities but also a non-human agent for medical research using fetal tissue (p. 843). Casper mentions The Actor Network Agency (ANT) movement who finds that we should do away with natural/technical and social/cultural labels, which confuses our notions of what is human and what is not. However, this â€Å"analytical symmetry† treatment forgets to explain how we interpret the identities of agents and assign labels. Understanding how and why we label humans and non-humans may help diffuse the confusion over agent identities that bother sociologists and society so much since they cannot seem to make sense of it, for example, some people talk to their car like it was a person but a car is not a person but why do some people have the need to anthropomorphize their car whereas they would call their dog â€Å"it†? Some people would insist that animals are living beings therefore that they deserve to be referred to as he or she. (Casper, 1994) Another example in our technological society is the factory worker who gets laid off and replaced by a robot. The worker knows that he or she is better than a robot. Yet, the robot does his or her job consistently, faster, and without breaks. So, is the worker a sophisticated robot or is the robot a sophisticated worker? Bruno Latour would agree on that ambiguity because of our inadequate handling of situations in which non-human entities are mixed with human agents, especially from the perspective of sociologists. (Latour, 1988) Latour deals with this debate skillfully using an illustration to make his points: the door in a wall, opening and closing thanks to hinges (non-human element) and a human door keeper who has been assigned to close the door each time it is opened. He argues that ‘the hinge always does its work’, precise and consistent while at some time, the human doorkeeper may falter. So, the door keeper could be replaced by a non-human element the ‘door keeper number 2’ to prevent the faltering. The fact that we call the non-human element the door keeper even though it is not human, shows that we do not have ascribed what Latour calls â€Å"a coherent vocabulary† to distinguish humans from non-humans. Thus, his conclusion (p. 310) is that the reason why we have not done that is because â€Å"the delegation of competences and our social interactions imply the participation of non-humans. † The confusion is that non-humans exist within a context of figurative/non-figurative speech, not a human/non-human context. In essence, that is why we anthropomorphize our car. (Latour, 1988) Consequently, it seems that our lives are intimately intertwined with the use of technology, machines, and other tools, including robots as well as computers that all are non-human agents indispensable to our way of life. In fact, one particular illustration of such a reasonable conclusion can be found with computer hackers who, for the most part, are not considered part of ‘normal functioning society. ’ Sherry Turckle investigated MIT A. I. lab students who also are considered hackers. The main recurring idea among these students (almost exclusively male) is the fear of social interactions with other people due to a lack of trust or understanding of social interactions. Hackers are known to be loners and self-admittedly feel in control of their computer and its actions. In fact, on p. 212, this one student states: â€Å"computers have become an extension of my mind. † (Turckle, ) Their self-esteem, their existence become defined only through their medium, resulting in a gradual elimination of life experiences that paralyze them, adding to their needs to mask their personal fears of the world that exists beyond their machine. (p. 208) In contrast, there are people who even today cannot use a computer because they are afraid of revealing to others their lack of computer knowledge that has become essential in our modern society. Some may get help to improve their computer skills whereas others become so angry with the machine, taking their anger, originating from their own lack of confidence in learning new things, onto this ‘stupid’ machine; some may even become technophobic. Unfortunately for our society, science and technology have been used for warfare. Historically, wars always needed improvement in their methods of killing. As a consequence, the development of technology became a part of warfare while its propaganda glorified science and technology as the agents of victory. (Virillio, 1988) (Delanda, ) This became especially true as scientific knowledge evolved in physics, engineering, and chemistry. When WWI broke out in 1914, the weapons available then were the first of their kinds, the most inhuman of their kinds, killing many soldiers remotely: either gassing soldiers with the deadly gas phosgene or using machine guns or canons with an extended range to kill as many enemy soldiers as possible. (Visvanathan, ) In WWII, planes, tanks, and ships became more and more sophisticated with technological advances like radar and sonar. The advent of using nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki horrified the scientists who naively believed that their work would be used to deter, not to destroy. (Kaempffert, 1941) â€Å"Fat Man† and â€Å"Little Boy† were dropped on these two Japanese cities; ironically, these two deadly bombs were named as if they were human themselves. To the Japanese, the nuclear catastrophe and its aftermath on the population promoted the creation of the character â€Å"Godzilla†, a pre-historic mutant monster. With the Cold War, more weapons gradually became stealth weapons instead of ‘front’ weapons. Nowadays, machines have turned into non-human extensions of their makers or rather their military masters, for example, long-range surveying equipment on satellites allowing spying activities on neighboring nations. Yet, is it appropriate to say ‘non-human’ when modern weapons like continental missiles can kill so horribly and from the comfort of a military base on the other side of the world? The military is relying on technology more than ever by using computers, artificial intelligence research, simulation modules that mimic a battlefield or even war video games whose graphics have been rendered so life-like that video gamers who are soldiers may not know reality from fiction, killing enemy soldiers without any care, as if they were video game characters, non-human or human? In conclusion, the relationship between human and non-human agents is complex but not impossible to characterize if the realization is made that non-human agents are part of our environment and society. In fact, they occupy a greater place today than 10 years ago (computer technology, for example). The key to their seamless integration in our society is the figure/non-figurative reference style proposed by Latour as it is already used unconsciously by many of us. References Casper, M. (1994).Reframing and grounding non-human agency: what makes a fetus an agent? The American Behavioral Scientist, 37(6): 839-856. Delanda, Latour, B. (1988). Mixing humans and non-humans together: the sociology of a door-closer. Social Problems, 35(3): 298-310. Kaempffert, W. (1941). War and Technology. The American Journal of Sociology, 46(4): 431-444. Turckle, S. (n. d. ) The new computer cultures: the mechanization of the mind. Book? , publisher, year? Virillio, P. (1988). War and Cinema. Visvanathan.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

How does Dickens present the poor and poverty in A Christmas Carol?

In the novel A Christmas Carol Dickens shows that there is much poor and poverty going on in the world. In the novel a families are exposed of going through poverty and being poor, Bob Cratchit and his wife and Tiny Tim and his other children, Bob Cratchit is a man who works for Mr Scrooge. He has a small family who depend on the income he gets from Mr Scrooge. This is already showing the readers that if Mr Scrooge did not pay him his earnings then Bob would be in trouble with his family. How will he manage to feed them?. Even though this family is poor, they seem to be in high spirits at all times. Bob's family are all depending on Mr Scrooge to pay him if not then they will not continue to exist. Showing the readers this family is very unfortunate to not have as much money as Mr Scrooge has. This shows that the Cratchits may not be as happier as they are now if they had no money at all, Yet going through poverty does not stop tiny Tim from praying to god â€Å"to help them all†. Fred, Scrooges nephew seems to be happy enough with the money he has and comes to share his happiness with Mr Scrooge but he neglects Fred's offer to have dinner at his home. Fred who had married a lady who was not as rich as Mr Scrooge was happy despite the lack of money he is determined to celebrate Christmas. He is always glad and joyful regardless of how much money he has. Men and women â€Å"should open their shut up hearts freely†, Even if you opened your heart freely what if money was stopping you? You have all the money you could ever wish for, yet your still not as happy as other are? Fred does not worry about what you think money can bring. Open your heart freely. Mr Scrooge shows not feeling but seems to be in a bad temper at all times even though he has more money than he needs. Fred shows he is better off without all the money that Mr Scrooge has, he has his wife, his family his friends even though he is going through poverty and Dickens is showing this by making Fred go round to his uncles work and invite him to his Christmas dinner and is ignored by Mr Scrooge by calling Christmas a â€Å"Humbug†, He is showing that even though you may be poor and are going through poverty there should be nobody to stop you from being in a excellent mood. Fezziwig, another business man just like Mr Scrooge has many more people and families who depend on him and rely on him to keep them alive with his money. Fezziwig is seen giving all his workers a day off and smiling and laughing away with them, Scrooge seems to think why Fezziwig will do such a thing (Spend so much money for his workers). Although Fezziwig is rich and has his family and friends with him he spends some of his money on his workers this expands the happiness he already has, and also makes his workers cheerful in the season of Christmas. Mr Scrooge seems to think that what Fezziwig is doing is also a â€Å"humbug† he cannot come to terms with the fact that sharing is caring. Fezziwig is better off giving money to the poor and being happy unlike Scrooge who has so much money but does not share at all he dislikes wasting money he dislikes spending his money altogether. Dickens is trying to show the readers that even having to be poor and going through tough times with getting to have a shelter and leaving in a place your family can sleep well, being happy about Christmas and the more merrier you are the more merrier your Christmas will be. The readers can tell that Scrooge is very different from Fezziwig the two differences that they have is that Scrooge hates spending his money, even though he is rich he is miserable rotting away in his work place and in his house on his own. Whereas Fezziwig is as rich as Scrooge, he spends a modest amount of money to make the life of his workers a little more enjoyable. What Dickens is trying to show the reader is that Scrooge is the type of person who is greedy at first and will want to keep his money to himself and all his thoughts and feelings kept inside himself. His character has formed for his past. Scrooge was a lonely boy and then as a young man he was employed by a kind and giving man. All the same, Ebenezer had magnificent ambitions. He also wanted to earn as much as he could ever get and this is what had distorted Scrooges personality as well as himself. His fear of having to lose all his money and Business, has changed his social life, and his personal life, it's affected him mentally and physically. He has neglected his friends and his family, he also seems to disregard himself and forget how he is, forgetting his health and well being for his money. This fear of poverty has taken over his life and changed him. Dickens is trying to show us that poverty is something very powerful, having no home or money could change the way you think of money completely you may steal to get money or even beg, but before when you did have the money you had taken it for granted. So once you have lost all of the money you once had you may want it back again and will do anything to gain it back. Dickens as a child had also gone through poverty as he used to work in a workhouse in his early ages, poverty was a great inspiration for Dickens to create A Christmas Carol as it shows so much that people may not understand, Charles Dickens is trying to show us how a Christmas should be spent without al the grief but full of joy and happiness. Dickens experience of poverty had also changed his way of thinking and has made him realise that poverty possibly will affect some ones family and their own self in a bad way. Just before his father's arrest, the 12-year-old Dickens had begun working ten-hour days at Warren's Blacking Warehouse. He earned six shillings a week pasting labels on jars of thick shoe polish. This money paid for his lodgings with Mrs. Roylance and helped support his family, So Dickens knows how Bob Cratchit will feel about his family being dependent on him for the money he earns for Scrooge. At this time there was a lot of poverty in London and it was not unusual for such a story as A Christmas Carol to occur. Transformation The transformation that took place had changed the way that scrooge used to think about Christmas, He was at first a very lonely and miserable old man, who used to keep everything to him self, his feelings were never expressed and by no means ever smiled. Scrooge is very touched by the visions that the ghost of Christmas past shows him; his transformation begins. He remembers the feelings he had for the love of his life, but he had left her for his business and his wealth. The scenes he had seen were appalling and he had realised that he could steer clear of ending his life in misery. He had seen the consequences of his actions, and stirred away from them. In the novel A Christmas Carol Dickens links Scrooge to `bad weather` on page 12 Dickens metaphorically describes Scrooge, â€Å"No Warmth could warm, no wintry weather chill him. No wind that blew was bitterer than he.† â€Å"The heaviest rain, and snow, and hail, and sleet could boast of the advantage over him in only one respect. They often `came down` handsomely, and scrooge never did.† Dickens had described Scrooge as being so â€Å"cold† that the heaviest rain and coldest weather were better off than him. He is compared to his nephew Fred who with such a uncle, who comes from such bad weather; â€Å"he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked again.† This is showing us that Fred is a much happier person than scrooge. And even though he is from the same background as Scrooge, he is a completely different person to scrooge. Dickens is trying to show us that Scrooge and Fred have a complete contrast between them. Fred is â€Å"Warm† and Scrooge is â€Å"Cold†, As soon as Fred has entered the room the atmosphere had changed; from cold to warm, showing us how cold Scrooge really is. Furthermore Dickens shows Scrooge how the industrial revolution had changed London and the affect it had on the poor people. On Page 77 the phantom later takes Scrooge to an â€Å"obscure part of town, where Scrooge had never penetrated before, Although he recognised its situation and its bad repute.† Being so rich Scrooge had never stepped into the bad parts of town, which because of them that part of town was in that bad state The onset of the Industrial Revolution marked a major turning point in human society; and these poor people who had no jobs and no money had to stay at the dark parts of town which was in a bad condition. The industrial revolution had introduced many new things which had rapidly changed the whole world.

Charlotte’s Web: Allegory of the Barn Essay

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White is a children’s novel that tries to instill the values of friendship, loyalty and basic characteristics of humans through an adventure of farm animals. This novel was written in the early 1950’s at the time when the world was split by a curtain in two. It is open and direct in topics dealing with traits of certain animals and their role in the society of the â€Å"barn†, but one cannot disconcert the subtle praise this novel gives to the society that this novel is encompassed by. Charlotte’s Web contains re-occurring imagery, which implies that the society in which the characters live in is bountiful and that farm life is relatively easy, and brings the promise of simple but fruitful life. This novel, although intended for children, carries with it a strong ideological undertone that glorifies capitalism. This is not meant to be subversive in any way but rather it is a sign of the times that the author lived in and the strong forces that drove the American society when this novel was written. The author indulges the reader with abundance of images that present the reader with the notion that the life in the country is effortless and that everyone is relatively well to do. The most prominent method used is the rather descriptive manner in which Mr. White describes the vehicles that are parked in front of Mr.Zuckermans barn. The author does not describe the vehicles merely as numerous but he goes on to name nine specific makes present † Fords and Chevvies and Buick roadmasters and GMC pickups and Plymoths and Studebakers and packards and De Sotos with gyromatic transmissions and Oldsmobiles with rocket engines and Jeep station wagons and Pontiacs†(83/84). He also goes on to describe some of the most prominent features of these vehicles almost to the point where a reader is compelled to feel pride in the fact that one can choose between so many vehicles if one chooses. It may be argued that these descriptions are made so specific in order to indulge the imagination of a child reading this novel. A valid argument can be made that Mr. White consciously or subconsciously introduced this descriptive element to praise and embellish the success of the life that he considers to be rural. One has to stress that any notions of this imagery being used consciously is very unlikely simply because public and open displays in literature were not uncommon at this time and there would be no reason for the author to be this subtle consciously. Another re-occurring image that is the most prominent symbol of Capitalism is not referred to often in this novel but is referred to nevertheless. Money is not something that the author uses here as a force that in some subtle way drives the story of the novel. That is to say, greed is not the force behind the story and monetary references are minor but important when analyzed from a semiotic perspective. Although in Ch II Wilbur is sold it is not specific for how much, but latter on in the story the author describes the abundance of goods at the fair and the freedom the kids enjoy when they get there. Most receive money from their parents and are free to do whatever they wish with the allowance they have received. The significance of this is that, beside of this being a step in maturity of the characters involved, the amount that is dispensed by the adults to Fern and Avery is fairly descriptive again. â€Å"Mr. Arable gave Fern two quarters and two dimes. He gave Avery five dimes and four nickels†(131). This type of descriptive imagery is repeated once more when Mr. Zuckerman receives the prize for Wilbur and the author once more tells us â€Å"He [the judge] handed Mr. Zuckerman two ten dollar bills and a five dollar bill†(160). It’s fairly uncommon to be descriptive about money in this manner in children’s novels and one can only assume the meaning and the context in which this was written in. The Fair is another vehicle that is used to emphasize the excess that children indulge themselves to once a year. The author is fairly descriptive as to what one can find at the fair. This is surely done to justify the excitement that Avery and Fern display when they are finally â€Å"released† upon the fair. E.B. White is also descriptive as to what Tempelton can find at the fair. The wasted food is plentiful and at one point Tempelton himself said how he â€Å"[I] must have eaten the remains of thirty lunches† (148). This laid-back mention of the food that is wasted again brings about the notion of excess, which is the heart of the argument against Capitalism. Food is a re-occurring image that is used to display the excess the people live in E.B.Whites novel. Wilbur being dirty, because he is a pig, is washed by Mr. Zuckerman’s farm hand Lurvy with buttermilk. This is not the only instance where food is the symbol of excess. Wilbur’s diet is also detaile d in Charlotte’s Web. The author goes on to say that Wilbur is fed with â€Å"skim  milk, wheat middlings, leftover pancakes, half a doughnut, the rind of a summer squash, two pieces of stale toast, a third of a gingersnap, a fish tail, one orange peel, several noodles form a noodle soup, scum off a cup of coca, an ancient jelly roll, a strip of paper from the lining of the garbage pail, and a spoonful of raspberry jelly†(75). Admittedly paper from a garbage pail, stale toast and a orange peel is not something one can envy Wilbur on but jelly and pancakes and skim milk is definitely something one can look forward to. This food that is being described to the reader is meant to show the reader that Wilbur is being treated and fed good even though he is a pig. But one cannot help but wonder, while reading this passage, why this food is wasted and is life on a farm that good and that rewarding that one can afford to feed farm animals with leftover desserts and lunches and dinners. The fair brings about a plethora of images that one can associate with the theme of this paper. Even though the fair is associated mostly with the younger generations we also see that both Mr. and Mrs. Zuckerman also have things that interest them. Mr. Zuckerman wishes to see the tractors on display and Mrs. Zuckerman expresses the wish to see the â€Å"deep freeze†(133). These symbols are typical examples of a consumer driven society. Although the argument of W.E Whites subtle praises of the American way of life has been made. The author of this paper did not contrast the world of Mr. White to that of Communism but rather to a normal farm in rural America in 1950’s. It is important to understand that novels carrying any message of the society is written in is a very powerful tool. Plato’s allegory of the cave would successfully back the argument that this novel is but a puppet projecting its image on a wall and that the reader is a chained subject viewing the images. Certainly it must be made clear that the author most likely did not project these images with any other intent other than making the story more enjoyable. All of the arguments presented above can be dismissed rather easily if one does not open themselves to the idea that even children’s novels may be tools by which we educate our young ones to more than values and morals. Are we showing our children from a young age that excess and wastefulness of our resources, whether it is food or natural  resources, is ok? Or are we simply praising what we have and showing our pride with the fact that we are capable of buying dozens of different brands of vehicles when realistically we only need one. Children need to be taught the value of a hard earned dollar and that food and other resources are not to be wasted so lightly. This novel although innocent does play a small part in subtle miseducation of children about what constitutes real farm life.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Perseverance and Persistence the Key to Success Personal Statement - 6

Perseverance and Persistence the Key to Success - Personal Statement Example It is not a hidden fact that in India and other countries with similar culture, the head of families, the eldest brother in my case, is expected to support all the other family members and do anything and everything that falls under their responsibilities or even beyond. And the list of such responsibilities is endless. For instance, I am supposed to feed and drape them, meet the expense of my siblings’ education, accumulate enough funds for my sisters’ dowry and wedding expenditures and also to set aside finances for the recommencement of my own professional education. Besides these and other duties, if I want to study, develop a better career for myself or do anything else for my self-actualization, then that all have to be secondary when it comes to prioritizing my tasks. It is not a hidden fact that in India and other countries with similar culture, the head of families, the eldest brother in my case, is expected to support all the other family members and do anythi ng and everything that falls under their responsibilities or even beyond. And the list of such responsibilities is endless. For instance, I am supposed to feed and drape them, meet the expense of my siblings’ education, accumulate enough funds for my sisters’ dowry and wedding expenditures and also to set aside finances for the recommencement of my own professional education. Besides these and other duties, if I want to study, develop a better career for myself or do anything else for my self-actualization, then that all have to be secondary when it comes to prioritizing my tasks.         Mostly men belonging to this region of the world, in such scenarios give up their own individuality and compromise on their self-esteem. The culture calls for too much devotion and self-less commitments. I certainly praise the inhabitants of this region for their fidelity and conformity to any circumstances they are made to live in. The immense disappointment is when a man loses his own distinctiveness. I think people should stay persistent in what they want to do and how they want to do it. This does not suggest a rebellious attitude at all. I can easily say that I m a good son and a brother, at the same time I excel in all other professional matters too. If one has the mindset to take up challenges and prove oneself, then nothing remains unattainable. It takes an extraordinary amount of discipline though. I have always managed my time so as to accommodate all of my tasks. Assigning priorities makes life easier. But it should be better done than said.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Invastigation report Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Invastigation report - Case Study Example ound 2300hrs as he went about pushing the parts for investigation by Tina, who at the time is looking the other way and trying to get something from her purse, he stops the forklift right behind Tina. The parts land on her back, right on her heels. Tina has her Achilles dislocated and her arm broken and is taken to the hospital. There was an eyewitness in the background who so it all unfold, but couldn’t really guess if an accident could happen in that situation, because it hadn’t happened in a long time. His name is Bryan workman. When I got the report from the supervisor at the company, at around†¦., I schedule an interview with the three, Bryan Workman, David Cox, and Tina Robbins in that order. Their narrations are consistent and convincing. My interview with Tina at the hospital and apparently, the company hasn’t done much; her husband hasn’t been informed of what happened to Tina at the workplace. Nobody had gone there to check up on her since being taken for medical attention. This is utter complacency on the part of the company. This is so against the laws that govern the welfare of the workman as embedded in the constitution of the United States of America. Our diagnosis of the problem reveals gross misconduct and violation of the laws guarding the workman in America. Another show of complacency lies in the fact that a workplace accident that happens at 2300hrs is reported to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) at 0230hrs. An amount off $152000.00 has been reserved for Tina’s medical cover. This, according the doctor’s report, is way too less, with their estimation standing at $1.3M. She will keep away from job for at least 6 months as she goes under recurrent checkups. In the assessment of OSHA, and in line with OSHA workman compensation provisions, a person who has suffered injuries of the nature of Tina’s deserve a compensation of not less than $2.3M. So instead of the $152000.00 reserved, Tina’s case would cost

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Confronting Gender Inequality in Botswana Essay

Confronting Gender Inequality in Botswana - Essay Example Many of the government’s Western-influenced programs have addressed, but failed to root out, ancient customs that continue to challenge the country’s attempts to achieve equality. Customary inequality: Gender disparity among married women Botswana’s legal system operates in an awkward and impractical two-track paradigm, with cultural laws and customs existing alongside the nation’s common law. The conflict inherent in this system allows traditional gender inequality to exist in spite of anti-discriminatory laws passed by the government in recent years, written expressly to establish a gender-neutral social system. Botswana’s traditional law remains â€Å"particularly prejudicial to women’s rights, perpetuating unequal power relations between men and women and strengthening stereotypes on (Name) 2 the role of women† (Shadow Report to the CEDAW Committee, BOCONGO, 2009). The Domestic Violence Act was passed in 2008 but unequal power rela tions persist between men and women. This law criminalized acts of violence against women, but the fundamental conflict between tribal/customary and common law has frustrated efforts to legislate equality between the sexes. In Botswana, even today, â€Å"under customary law and common rural practices men are perceived to have the right to ‘chastise’ their wives† (Shadow Report to the CEDAW Committee, BOCONGO, 2009). At present, the law sets 18 as the minimum marriage age. But traditional practice honors no such age limit and considers women of all ages to be minors, extending no individual financial or property rights. Worse, married women who experience physical violence of some form have very few practical rights. A 2009 United Nations report indicated that three of every five women in Botswana have experienced some kind of domestic violence. The minimum punishment for rape is 10 years in prison, but marital rape is not a criminal offense. There is no provision in the law requiring victims to be tested for rape and, as of 2010, there was only one domestic violence shelter in operation (Shadow Report to the CEDAW Committee, 2009). In a 2010 statement to the 45th session of the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Botswana Ambassador Boometswe Mokgothu reported that the country recognizes the importance of addressing the problem at its source. To that end, the government has embarked on a â€Å"sensitization† campaign aimed at the guardians of the country’s tribal customs, the Ntlo ya Dikgosi. â€Å"Sensitization of the Dikgosi is very important (Name) 3 to solicit their support, especially that some of the discriminatory and harmful practices that impact negatively on women and development are found in this area† (Mokgothu, 5). Addressing the problem at the tribal level stands out as a remarkably enlightened and progressive tactic aimed at effecting change at the source. It is essentia l that the government continue to establish long-term working partnerships with tribal leaders if true gender equality is to be maintained. Young, pregnant and uneducated: Seeking educational equality for pregnant teens In Botswana, pregnancy is one of the main reasons young women drop out of school.Â