Thursday, October 31, 2019

An Interview with George Washington Research Paper

An Interview with George Washington - Research Paper Example Instead, I celebrate the time that they had in this world and the difference they made in the lives of those they touched. I was also blessed to have family and friends to get me through those hard times. My brother Lawrence became like a parent to me after the demise of our father and his father-in-law William Fairfax also played a large role in molding me into the man you see standing before you. As you can see, the almighty may have taken my father to be with him but he provided me with two capable replacements in return and thus I was never lacking. Washington: (Laughing) Ah yes, not many predicted this path for me when I was young lad. My father, God rest his soul, was a slave owner and a farmer of tobacco. I can say he had enterprising spirit within him and he liked to try new things for he later also tried his luck in the iron mining business. Washington: Well after my father’s demise, I unfortunately could not follow in the steps of my older brothers and cross the seas for an education from Appleby School in England. Thus alternative choices had to be sought elsewhere nearer home. Funnily enough, I was to join the Royal Navy on my 15th birthday but our poor mother could not bear to see her son taken through such rigorous experiences! Little did she know that my path would still cross with the military’s later on. Washington: Alas no, my dear brother Lawrence assisted me in getting a job as an official surveyor for Culpeper County and my involvement with the military only occurred after he had breathed his last on this earth. (Pauses) Lawrence was a good man. He held a position in the militia as Adjutant General and his true value was revealed when they divvied this position into four parts after his death. Few people can say that they did the work of four men but my brother is one of them. I was appointed to occupy one of these four positions and thus my stint in the military began as a district adjutant

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Is Cloud Computing Beneficial to Organizations Research Paper

Is Cloud Computing Beneficial to Organizations - Research Paper Example Vast potentials for improving monetary revenues, performances and environmental concerns in these organizations were identified. Businesses, libraries and universities can substantially grow by using strategies to overcome cloud computing challenges identified in this study. 1. Introduction 1.1 History and Development of â€Å"Cloud† Development of â€Å"cloud† can be considered as an inevitable trend which began in 1950s as hardware time-sharing (Earnst and Young, 2012) and â€Å"Utility computing† and â€Å"Grid computing† in late 1980s (Global Technology Industry, 2011). Thus aggregating assets had been beneficial over on-premise computing since the beginning of IT industry. â€Å"Utility computing† allowed consumers to pay for computer software based on the amount they utilized as opposed to the traditional method of purchasing the entire software. â€Å"Grid computing† aggregated the processing power of several idle computers, decreased the time taken for operations of large software and provided multiple accesses to the data bases stored in remote computer labs, libraries and other offices in the universities (Educause, 2006). Moreover, Utility computing and Grid computing decreased the cost of purchasing license for software, increased convenience in monitoring the information systems in universities, aggregated the processors and decreased the time consumption on detailed-software such the 3D graphic designing. But these concepts were restricted to small scale operations in these organizations. Development of cloud enabled large scales businesses reaping benefits from resource aggregation and virtualization. It contains similar characteristics to Utility computing, Grid computing, High Speed Computers and clusters. But cloud computing essentially defers from Utility and Grid computing, due to many attributes. Example: services, deployment, associated issues and scope for development. These are described in detai l in the proceeding chapters. Furthermore, public used remotely hosted servers for connecting to the internet and obtaining web services such as Gmail, chat, e-banking and social-networking in large scale for a considerable time period in the history. But resource virtualization was not recognized as a possible venture involving vast economic benefits until the development of cloud in recent history. Cloud computing involves large scale aggregating and vitalizing of IT assets. It delivers a number of economic and operational benefits to all the consumer segments (Gong, Liu, Zhang, Chen and Gong, 2010). It has a growing potential to decrease the firms’ production costs, create virtual business firms and market business process as a service in modern economies (Earnst and Young, 2012). As opposed to Grid computing which mainly involved academic and government institutions cloud computing service providers involve commercial IT giants such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, IB M and Oracle (Gong et. al, 2010). And also private, cooperate and contract software developers and venders also market in clouds. Consumers of cloud computing services vary from small to large scale business firms, universities federal to individuals. Thus cloud computing provides benefits to many layers in the internet based market. Critical drawbacks had been identified related to operations of contemporary cloud computing. Building of cloud involves technologies and human creativity. Latter component also innovate methods for software piracy, hacking, frauds

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Motivation And Group Team Working Business Essay

Motivation And Group Team Working Business Essay Molander Winterton (1994, p.3) states that Anyone who has spent time in a number of work organizations will have noticed how the climate differs, the different ways in which things are done, differing levels of energy and individual freedom, and of course, different kinds of people. And The complex mixture of assumptions, behaviors, stories, myths, metaphors (symbols) and other ideas that fit together to define what it means to be a member of a particular society, this view has been supported in the work of Stoner and Freeman (1999, p.181.). Culture is derived from notional context, clearly linked to strategy and determines how strategy can be implemented. In successful organization, there is a strong culture. In 2006, Haier is the worlds 4th largest whitewoods manufacturer and one of China top 100 IT company. In addition, Haier branches in technology research, manufacture industry, trading and financial services with 240 subsidiary companies and 30 design centers, plants and trade companies and more than 50,000 employees around the world. The global revenue was approximately 10,000 million pounds. Nevertheless 20 years ago, Haier was a small state owned company in Qingdao, China and it was losing $178,000 on annual revenues of $421,000. (Haier, 2010) During that period, it had built up its own sales network around world, export more than 160 countries. Meanwhile, Haier just product refrigerators originally, now its product range cover dozens of categories in the domestic electrical appliance market with thousands of individual products. What makes Haier from a small unsuccessful company, which is nearly shut down to an international large-scale enterprise? It is the Zhangs hammer. Zhang Ruimin the CEO of Haier Corporation, he drives and transforms Haier to a global player. Haiers culture, style and operational approach reflect its Chinese traditions and its successes are identified with its key leaders. Haier president Yang Mianmian states her strategy of one low (price), three high (value, growth and quality) it is also cited as a key for Haiers continuing success. A story of Zhang Ruimin that took in a day in 1985, Zhang took a sledgehammer to a row of 76 faulty Haier fridges to the whole workforce who were lined up to watch ( a fridge cost about two years wages in that year). Zhang said: If we do not destroy these refrigerators, what is be shattered by the market in the future will be this enterprise. This hammer is a symbol of Zhangs complete rejection of the previous company attitude that defective products could be tolerated and knocked out at a discount. This story signifies that Haier Corporation is with a strong and distinctive culture. The international strategy of Haier seeks to offer a fast delivery and good service to local market and customers by make maximum use of local labour resources and capital. It is always changing products for the local preferences and habits (as with the wine fridge), a practice that could become costly in terms of complexity and logistics. Haiers global branding strategy aims at standing as a local brand in different market. With the strong Haier culture, Zhang has decided to go for the difficult markets first on the basis that success in these markets would require the company to improve faster than seeking to dominate less fiercely contested markets. Haier has dominated the Chinese market, though Zhang has sought to expand the network through alliances, such as the 2002 agreement with Sanyo, this agreement helps Haier force into Japan market. Haiers strong culture can be seen most clearly in its internal relationships even exporting to other country. Haier built and opened a factory in South Carolina to serve the American market. At first, its methods were strange to the new employees from local labour market. However, according to a report in the Chinese Peoples Daily: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦both sides have harmonious exchanges, the difference of cultural background, instead of causing estrangement between the Chinese and American workers in their work, has increased their interest in mutual understanding. Initially, the American workers were against to volunteer for overtime to complete the days target work, but the Haier culture motivated them accept the strange work system from China and even prepare for the next days work at Independent Day. Haier seems spread its culture to America. Nowadays, Haier represent as a super brand from China manage to establish and consolidate its position as global brand. As CEO Zhang said: Another challenge unique to China is we have started our brand development late. So we have to catch up in a very short period of time. I will give you an analogy: Its like constructing a 10 story building. Our foreign competitors have already finished all the way up to the ninth floor. The Chinese market is their tenth floor. Once they have moved successfully into the China market, they will be finished with building this high-rise. But in China, we have only built the first floor. There are still nine floors to go. The story recently carried out in the Essentials of organizational behavior by Mullins (2008 cited in Lecture note University of Birmingham Organizational behavior course, 2009). Haier makes culture as a tool of upgrade and powerful company. The aspects of culture can be national, organizational, or interest group, relatively enduring values, beliefs, customs, traditions, and practices commonly shared by a discrete group-defines boundaries between organizations. It also can be transmitted from one generation to the next-conveys a sense of stability and identity. Culture is something larger than individual self-interest, provides standards and control mechanisms. Innovation and risk, attention to detail, outcome orientation, people orientation, team orientation and stability perceived as organization culture separate the high strength employee and low strength employee. The countrys origin effect appears on most global companies that rooted in national business system of their home co untry. Hofstedes analysis has brought up cultural differences in such areas as power distance and uncertainty avoidance, such nationalities as American, British, German/European and Japanese emphasis different approaches to business. Cultures interact with such elements as national business systems, corporate control, management development and human resources management such as COKE, TOYOTA, and UBS. The Business organisation and management lecture given by Dr Peter Foss in November 2009 has shown the definition of motivation is The willingness to exert high levels of effort toward organisational goals, conditioned by the efforts ability to satisfy some individual need. Many factors can influence motivation for example, needs or expectations, behaviour or action, desired goal, frustration or fulfilment and feedback. These make a cycle system, the need or expectations leads to behaviour or action then a desired goal will be set, during the process the blockage will result in frustration, on the contrary get through the blockage will contribute to fulfilment, finally some feedback to needs or expectation. Two differing perspectives are the content theories and process theories. The content theories emphasis what and process theories accentuate how. The content theories identify our needs and strengths; provide the elements of motivation (Spicer, 2010). The Maslow Hierarchy of needs construct by 5 stages, from lowest to highest each stage has its own expectation after reach it, then will move to the next stage. We satisfy needs in the order given: physiological, safety, social, esteem and self-actualisation. After turn to next unsatisfied need, the satisfied need will not be a motivator any more. Meanwhile, lacks of satisfaction will effects physical and mental health. The innate desire to scale hierarchy and self-actualisation stimulates the desire for more. The Hongwu Emperor is one example to interpret this theory. Hongwu Emperor named Zhu Yuanzhang found Ming Dynasty in China, who is an outstanding military scientist and politician. He was born in Pei County in 1328 and he was the youngest of four brothers. His family was difficult to supply basic needs for them and in 1344, the broken dam of Huang River destroyed this poor family, only Zhu Yuanzhang survived. In order to dispense the terrible life condition, Zhu Yuanzhang joined a local rebel group to fight Mongol army. With a strong survivable desire, physical talent and natural leadership ability, Zhu Yuanzhang became a leader in one branch of Red Turban. The Red Turban was mixed brief by Buddhism and Zoroastrianism, the major force against Yuan Dynasty. In the 1356 Zhu Yuanzhang took control of a major city of China, Yingtian (now called Nanjing), he started operate his own policy and built his power prepared for separate from Red Turban in the future. Benefited by Zhu Yuanzhangs splendid talent, he won the largest naval battle, after won and from now on, Zhu Yuanzhang started collecting treasure and jewellery from the people under his rule and built his own palace in Yingtian. He took the rest of China and destroyed Yuan Dynasty in 1366. In the year 1368, Zhu Yuanzhang proclaimed himself Hongwu Emperor. (Buzzle, 2010) From this story, Zhu Yuanzhang followed Maslow Hierarchy of Needs, transfer from physiological to safety when he joined the rebel group, after took control of Yingtian, and he sought for affiliation. When Zhu Yuanzhang proclaimed himself Hongwu Emperor the stage from esteem to self-actualisation. However, the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs theory limited by live condition and level of knowledge. According to the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid, the Physiological is the most common need and Self-actualiation is the smallest. It is not suitable for the modern world any more, with the upgrade level of human civilization. Self-actualization cannot stay at the top of Maslow Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid any more, physiological does not the basic need for most people. Theory X Type Theory Y Type People dislike work and want to avoid it Work is interesting, need it for growth Force is needed to get the right effort People will direct themselves to goal People are mostly motivated by money Desire to fulfill ones potential is motivating Most people have little creativity Creativity is available, but widely under used Source: Foss, 2009 The McGregors Theory X and Theory Y show two opposite views of individual. Managers would more support Theory Y, the mental motivators are more effective than substance motivators. The employee with Theory Y mostly will be the top of their own territory, but Theory X cannot. David McClelland learned that employee motivated by the six basic human needs: achievement, power, affiliation, independence, self-esteem and security. (Bratton, Sawchuk, Forshaw, Callinan, Corbett, 2010) The Process theories of motivation focus on the choice of motivator that effect in the period of work. How much effort the worker paid in the specific work depends on the motivator. The three process theories of motivation are equity theory, expectancy theory and goal-setting theory. ( Bratton, Sawchuk, Forshaw, Callinan, Corbett, 2010) Equity Self : Outcomes(100) Inputs(100) Other: Outcomes(100) Inputs(100) Inequity (under-rewarded) Outcomes(100) Inputs(100) Outcomes(150) Inputs(100) Inequity (over-rewarded) Outcomes(150) Inputs(100) Outcomes(100) Input(100) The Equity Theory is defined by ratio of an individuals inputs and outcomes to explain how people utilize the resources and energy to distribute fairness. The balance or imbalance direct influence the satisfaction and motivation of employees. Inequitable reward leads to dissatisfaction, lower output and departure. Equitable reward contributes to continue same level of output. More than Equitable Reward conduces to harder work, discounted reward, higher motivation. Conspicuously, the best way to manage the motivation of employees is a positive reward system. (Bratton, Sawchuk, Forshaw, Callinan, Corbett, 2010) Expectancy theory based on the expectation for the output of employees. Moreover, satisfy the equation: Force of motivation (F) = V (direction) ÃÆ'- I (probability) ÃÆ'- E (expectation), motivation is the product of direction, probability and expectation. The effort affect the performance, performance influence reward, finally the reward decide how much output and expectation. The satisfactions of personal goal approach contribute to a higher passion of employee to the work or research. (Bratton, Sawchuk, Forshaw, Callinan, Corbett, 2010) Goal-Setting theory is the process of motivate employees using goal setting method. A challenging goals lead to higher level of performance, but this hinge on the workers ability, otherwise, will damage the motivation and confidence if the goals cannot be reached. Specific goals conduce to higher value of work than oversimplified goals. An energetic employee in goal setting can improve performance by increasing commitment. Individuals belief of being capable of performing a task assisted by setting goals increases performance. (Bratton, Sawchuk, Forshaw, Callinan, Corbett, 2010) The next topic I chose is Group and Team Working. Group and team are two different conceptions. The Group is two or more people work together, face to face communication and have a common target. Nevertheless, the Team is a group of two or more people who influence and care each other, are acting as one people for common objectives and perceive themselves as a responsible entity with an organisation. (Bratton, Sawchuk, Forshaw, Callinan, Corbett, 2010) Developing from Groups into Teams is one of the managers of organization need to think over. The Team had always better than the Group that is why a group of the world best football players cannot 100% defeats a professional team with unknown players. The task and process approach of transfer group into team have a great deal of aspects: different culture if the members of the group have different nationality or culture background, choose a leader from the group, environment, motivation, resources and power or ability. There may also have plenty of uncertain and complex difficulties. Affiliation and achievement of individual needs of group members, the communicate channels, openness to each other and decision making are foundations of a team. Nowadays, team working is competitiveness, with a high competitive market race, organization required to upgrade its efficiency of work and emphasize the importance of the spirit of team working. Especially when face a large-scale project, the individual cannot finish it by itself, at this point, the age of individualism was end, an outstanding team seems be the main stream of world development. The performance of a team depends on the classification of work team, lower-level teams just make things like self-managed work team similar with a single group, middle-level teams monitor thing like project team but not perfect, the senior-level teams plans and runs things, they drive the project to be real by their steps. (Bratton, Sawchuk, Forshaw, Callinan, Corbett, 2010) To be a high performing team required a common purpose, clear defined goals, psychological, role clarity, mature communication, productive conflict resolution and accountable interdependence. Establish sense of urgency, select members for skill and skill potential, pay attention to first meetings and actions, set clear rules for each member, challenge group frequently, set and seize on a few quick performance oriented tasks, spend lots of time together and use positive feedback. The other important rule is insure psychological safety: equal voice, contribution; everyone participates; attack issues not people; privacy in team discussion. (Foss, 2009) The leader is the core of a team who manage the direction of team approach with an overall consideration. The leader should familiar with the ability and virtue of each member and makes them act best in the suitable position, stimulates the potential of them, strengthens the communication between the team and makes the members feel their importance in the team. The members of team are indispensible for the team, should have the consciousness of team working. Finishing the job of themselves is the responsibility in a team, in additional, the members of team should trust each other. The barriers to team effectiveness like social loafing, risky shift, decision-making, groupthink and common knowledge. A pernicious conflict in the team, especially between the leader and co-leader, this will dissociate the team. In the team, the 1+1 probably not larger than 2. In the 2004 NBA final, the Laker has Shaquille ONeal, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, Gary Payton and the coach Phil Jackson versus the Pistons. Everyone believed the NBA most powerful team in the last 20 years would defeat the team without one superstar easily. However, the result was the Pistons defeat the Lakers with score 4 to 1. Actually, Shaquille, Kobe, Karl and Gary they are great basketball players no matter in the league or history, but they are not a team, just a famous group. Kobe and Shaquille not get along well for the team leader, Karl and Gary desire for a champion ring, a team with domestic trouble and foreign invasion cannot call a team. The three topics are from the module organizational behaviour and sociology of work. An abundant knowledge of organizational behaviour helps handle the relationship between employees and managers in the organization and have the positive function to the company development. The first topic is organizational culture, and the first part is the definition about organizational culture. Next using the Haier cooperation as the application organizational example, during the application part connects with the theory of organizational culture. The final part is described the key theory and principles, in addition, the criticisms of the theory and principles in this part either. The second topic is motivation. The first part is explain what motivation is and provides The Maslow Hierarchy of needs theory as the main theory. Using the Hongwu Emperor as the example to explain the maslow hierarchy of needs theory. The following is the criticisms and personal opinion against the maslow hierarchy of needs theory. Finally part is the other key principles and theory. The last topic is group and team working. The first part is same with the other two parts explain the definition of group and team working. Next depict the differences between group and team. The Laker from NBA is the organization to show how to manage a team and the barriers to team effectiveness. The Organizational culture, Motivation and Group and team working are important aspects to an organization. The knowledge of organizational behaviour is art of human relationship in the organization, it is the mental spirit of an organization. A successful management of organizational behaviour not only build a concordant relationship during the employees and managers but also clear the barriers to organization upgrade and performance.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Internet Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Internet links people together via computer terminals and telephone lines (and in some cases wireless radio connections) in a web of networks and shared software. This allows users to communicate with one another wherever they are in the â€Å"net." This Internet link began as the United States military project Agency Network Advanced Research (ARPANET) during the Vietnam War in 1969. It was developed by the United States Department of Defense’s (DOD) research people in conjunction with various contractors and universities to investigate the probability of a communication network that could survive a nuclear attack. For the first decade that the Internet was in existence, it was primarily used to facilitate electronic mail, support on line discussion groups, allow access to distant databases, and support the transfer of files between government agencies, companies and universities. Today over 15 million people in the United States and approximately 25 million people worldwide access the Internet regularly, including children. Many parents believe that depriving their children of the opportunity to learn computer skills and access the knowledge available on the Internet would give them a distinct technological disadvantage as they enter the twenty first century. Portelli and Mead state by the year 2002, the reported number of children who access the Internet from home is projected to increase from the current 10 million to 20 million (6). In addition to home access, Poretelli and Meads further stated that as of 1997 the percentage of United States schools that offered Internet access as a part of their regular curriculum was over sixty percent. There were over nine thousand public libraries across America in 1997, sixty percent of these offered on-line access to its users (7). In view of this information, one can concluded that the on-line percentage for both schools and libraries has increased notably since 1997 and the number continues to grow as more of these facilities â€Å"plug in and log on." Whether at home, at school, or at the public library, children are accessing the Internet. The word â€Å"children† is somewhat ambiguous considering the range of ages that it encompasses. For instance, eighteen is the normally accepted age at which a child reaches legal adulthood; therefore, â€Å"children† would refer to any age between birth and seventeen. Porterfie... ...n. February 1999. 2 Cummins, H. J. â€Å"War Games - Are Video Games No Different Than Military Training Simulations? Are We Teaching Our Children To Kill ?† Minneapolis Star Tribune. January 1999. 1E Denerstein, Robert. â€Å"Into the Heart of Darkness - Two Killers Lived in Suburbs, But Inhabited Their Own Twilight World.† Denver Rocky Mountain News. April 1999. 31A Durkin, Keith F. â€Å"Misuse of the Internet by Pedophiles: Implications for Law Enforcement and Probation Practice.† Federal Probation. September 1997. 14-18 Groves, Howard. â€Å"Conduct of Life†. Christian Science Monitor. 16 March 1999: 24 CD-ROM. UMI- EBSCOhost. April. 1999 Madden, Lisa. â€Å"What Dangers Lurks Behind that Screen†. New Hampshire Business Review. 15 August 1999: 14 CD-ROM. UMI- EBSCOhost. April. 1999 Sources Cited Portelli, Christopher J. And Mead, Coralie W. â€Å"Censorship and the Internet - No Easy Answers.† Contemporary Women’s Issues. October 1998: 4-8 CD-ROM. UMI- EBSCOhost. April. 1999 Porterfield, Deborah. â€Å"Ask Parents Why They Want a Computer and You’ll Hear...† Gannett News Service. June 1997. CD-ROM. UMI- EBSCOhost. April. 1999 Rushkoff, Douglas. â€Å"Are ‘Screenagers’ Wiser Than Adults ?† USA Weekend. June 1999. 12

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Art History Renaissance Essay

The making of a work of art is much like the story of Creation in the Bible. However, this divine ability was not fully realized until Michelangelo described the creative experience as â€Å"Liberating the figure from the marble that imprisons it†. Perhaps that is why the concept of creativity was once reserved by God, as he could give material form to an idea. 1) The interest of the artists in Italy in rational and systematic order, in the revival of classical vocabulary and in humanist naturalism signaled the commencement of the renaissance in Italy. Discuss using two works from this period. When the French invaded northern Italy and sacked Milan eighteen years later Florence would come under the sway of the Hapsburg dynasty. During the high renaissance in Italy could be considered the age of great accomplishments in the fields of art which as occurred in the late 15th century and the first half of the 16th century. During this age is politically a period of tension and turbulence, wherein foreign invasions and internal conflicts produced upheaval and instability. Under the sway of Hapsburg but it no longer provided the primary impetus for creative activity. In the mean time that Rome was under the control of ambitious Popes succeeded Florence as the artistic center of Italy. For the patronage of the arts, the greatest contribution was probably made by Julius. His successor Leo X (1513-21) continued the patronage of major painters, sculptors and architects, but the artistic achievements of the period were not matched by political success. In the burial place of Julius II, it should be perceived the Medici tombs in the scenery which their designer initially intended for them, much has been written on the importance of the four recumbent figures two-faced below seated figures of the Dukes; the woman beneath Duke Giuliano is imaginary to be symbolical at night. 2) Evolution in artistic style is sometimes characterized as including a `classical peak` or high point of perfection, followed by a dramatic and reactionary period. Mannerist art had a reactionary nature to the ideals of the high renaissance. Discuss with reference to an artists and specific works. The unique format for the ornamentation of the enormous ceiling of Michael Angelo of the Sistine chapel demand to only have compromise, a sequence of paintings of Apostles of colossal measurement within the lunettes on top of the windows, and fillings in the rest of the ceiling with an attractive decoration. The Pietas subject matter shows Christ in is mother’s knee, just after he is taken from the cross. But the two figures characteristically appeared discomfited in northern art, with the body of a full grown man lying laboriously transversely the lap of much smaller woman. Michelangelo initially projected for the portion to be located inside a low place, and therefore, he refined to a smooth finish all the surfaces that would have been perceptible and gave scrupulous heed to the material. This towering amount of finish is not often present in Michelangelo’s vocation, and so most likely reflects the tastes of the supporter. Leonardo Davinci’s stylistic innovations are even extra obvious in The Last Supper, which represented a customary subject in a completely original means. In fifteenth-century Italy artist made increasing use of pigments applied a secco. But around 1500 there was a revival of pure fresco technique, which came to be regarded by art theorist as the ideal means for painting walls and ceilings, and also as the one that revealed artistic proficiency most clearly. In many, perhaps most drawings and paintings apart from those produced in Italy between the fifteenth and twentieth centuries, differences in the size of figures signify their relative importance- a deity and worshippers, a ruler and courtiers, sometimes a man and a woman-rather than their physical distance from one another and the foreground. Cited Literature Hugh, Honour. (2005). A World History of Art. Laurence King Publishing Art.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Statistics and Golf Ball

Case Study 1: Par, Inc. Par, Inc. , is a major manufacturer of golf equipments. Management believes that Par’s market share could be increased with the introduction of a cut-resistant, longer-lasting golf ball. Therefore, the research group at Par has been investigating a new golf ball coating designed to resist cuts and provide a more durable golf. The tests with the coating have been promising. One of the researchers voiced concern about the effect of the new coating on driving distances. Par would like the new cut-resistant ball to offer driving distances comparable to those of the current-model golf ball.To compare the driving distances for the two balls, 40 balls of both the new and current models were subjected to distance tests. The testing was performed with a mechanical hitting machine so that any difference between the mean distanced for the two models could be attributed to a difference in the two models. The results of the tests, with distances measured to the near est yard, follow. These data are available on the excel file â€Å"Golf†. Managerial Report 1. Formulate and present the rationale for the hypothesis test that par could use to compare the driving distances of the current and new golf balls. . Analyze the data to provide the hypothesis testing conclusion. What is the p-value for the test? What is your recommendation for Par, Inc.? 3. Provide descriptive statistical summaries of the data for each model. 4. What is the 95% confidence interval for the population mean of each model, and what is the 95% CI for the difference between the means of the two populations? 5. Do you see a need for the larger sample sizes and more testing with the golf balls? Discuss. Case Study 2: Higher Education in Asia-Pacific The pursuit of a higher education degree in business is now international.A survey shows that more and more Asians choose the MBA degree route to corporate success. The number of applicants for MBA courses at Asia-Pacific school s continues to increase about 30% a year. In 1997, the 74 business school in Asia-Pacific region reported a record 170,000 applicants for the 11,000 full time MBA degrees to be awarded in 1999. A main reason for the surge in demand is that an MBA can greatly enhance earning power. Across the region, thousands of Asians show an increasing willingness to temporarily shelve their careers and spend two years in pursuit of a theoretical business qualification.Courses in these schools are notoriously tough and include economics, banking, marketing, behavior sciences, labour relations, decision making, strategic thinking, business law, and more. The data named â€Å"Asian† shows some of characteristics of the leading Asia-Pacific business schools. Managerial Report Use the methods of descriptive statistics to summarise the data. Discuss your finding. 1. Include the summary for each variable in the data set. Make comments and interpretations based on maximums and minimums, as well as the appropriate means and proportions.What new insight do these descriptive statistics provide concerning Asian-Pacific business schools. 2. Summarise the data to compare the following: a. Any difference between local and foreign tuition costs. b. Any difference between mean starting salaries for schools requiring and not requiring work experience. c. Any difference between mean starting salaries for schools requiring and not requiring English tests. 3. Do starting salaries appear to be related to tuition? 4. Present any additional graphical and numerical summaries that will be beneficial in communicating the dataset and others.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Jump SHip to Freedom essays

Jump SHip to Freedom essays This book was about slavery and Arabus who wanted to be free and not have to answer to his slave master Ivers who treated him like dirt. It is hard to compare Arabus and me because there is not much in common between us. One thing we have in common is that we both believe that African Americans should not be discriminated apart from white people. Something that we dont have in common is that his father is dead and mine We both have determination. Arabus was trying to become free by stealing his Fathers soldiers notes and then sailing with Ivers all the way to New York and then jumping off and swimming away from Ivers so he could find his fathers old friend and trading in his dads notes for money and then he could by his freedom and then buy his mothers freedom. I have never had to fight for my freedom but I think I would have the determination to fight for my freedom. We can both swim well. He proves he is a good swimmer when he jumps off the ship and swims away to get to New York. I have never proved Im a good swimmer by swimming away. People know I can swim well because they have seen me swim at the pool. I dont think that I could swim away for as long as he did. The last thing that I will compare is the fact that he lost his dad when he was really young and I still have mine. His dad was a soldier that was fight and his ship sunk and was African American . My dad is not a soldier and he is not There are differences but I think we could be friends if we were the same age because we have the same morals. What we dont have in common are little things that ...

Monday, October 21, 2019

How to Conjugate the French Verb Passer (to Pass)

How to Conjugate the French Verb Passer (to Pass) Meaning to pass, the French verb  passer  is an easy one to remember and the conjugations are not too difficult, either. French students who have studied other regular -er  verbs will find this lesson relatively simple to follow. By the end, youll be familiar with the basic present, past, and future tenses of this very common verb. How to Conjugate  Passer Conjugations are used in French in the same way they are in English. We add certain endings to the verb stem to form the various tenses. This helps us use the verb properly and form complete sentences. Since  passer  is used in many common expressions, its important to memorize the conjugations. To begin, well look at the indicative verb mood, including the present, future, and imperfect past tenses. These verb conjugations are formed by adding  the regular -er  endings  to the verbs stem of  pass-. Using the chart, match the subject pronoun of your sentence with the appropriate tense. For example, I am passing is  je passe  while we will pass is  nous passerons. Try practicing these in context to aid in memorization. If you need some ideas,  passer  is used in many idiomatic expressions that youll find useful as well. Present Future Imperfect je passe passerai passais tu passes passeras passais il passe passera passait nous passons passerons passions vous passez passerez passiez ils passent passeront passaient Passer  and the Present Participle The  present participle  of  passer  is  passant. This was formed by adding -ant  to the verb stem. Not only can  passant  be used as a verb, in some contexts it may also be an adjective, gerund, or even a noun. Passer in the Past Tense The imperfect is the past tense, though its also common to use the passà © composà © in French. This requires the construction of a short phrase that uses the auxiliary verb à ªtre and the past participle passà ©. Putting it together is quite simple: use the subject pronoun, conjugate  Ãƒ ªtre  to the present tense, and attach the past participle. For example, I passed is  je suis passà ©Ã‚  and we passed is  nous sommes passà ©. More Conjugations of Passer As you build your French vocabulary, you will find other basic forms of  passer  useful. For example, if you wish to express that the action of passing is uncertain, the subjunctive verb mood is used. Similarly, if it is dependent on something else also occurring, you will use the conditional verb mood. In rare cases, you might encounter the passà © simple or the imperfect subjunctive. While the other forms of  passer  should be your priority, these are good to know as well. Subjunctive Conditional Pass Simple Imperfect Subjunctive je passe passerais passai passasse tu passes passerais passas passasses il passe passerait passa passt nous passions passerions passmes passassions vous passiez passeriez passtes passassiez ils passent passeraient passrent passassent You will use the imperative verb mood when using  passer  in short  commands and requests.  When using it, skip the subject pronoun, so  tu passe  is simplified to  passe. For the phrase Pass it! you will say Passe-le ! Imperative (tu) passe (nous) passons (vous) passez

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Major General George Meade in the Civil War

Major General George Meade in the Civil War Born at Cdiz, Spain on December 31, 1815, George Gordon Meade was the eighth of eleven children born to Richard Worsam Meade and Margaret Coats Butler. A Philadelphia merchant living in Spain, Meade had been crippled financially during the Napoleonic Wars and was serving a naval agent for the US government in Cdiz. Shortly after his death in 1928, the family returned to the United States and young George was sent to school at Mount Hope College in Baltimore, MD. West Point Meades time at Mount Hope proved brief due to his familys increasingly difficult financial situation. Wishing to continue his education and aid his family, Meade sought an appointment to the United States Military Academy. Securing admission, he entered West Point in 1831. While there his classmates included George W. Morell, Marsena Patrick, Herman Haupt, and future US Postmaster General Montgomery Blair. Graduating 19th in a class of 56, Meade was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1835 and assigned to the 3rd US Artillery. Early Career Dispatched to Florida to fight the Seminoles, Meade soon fell ill with fever and was transferred to the Watertown Arsenal in Massachusetts. Having never intended to make the army his career, he resigned in late 1836 after recovering from his sickness. Entering civilian life, Meade sought work as an engineer and had some success surveying new lines for railroad companies as well as working for the War Department. In 1840, Meade married Margaretta Sergeant, the daughter of prominent Pennsylvanian politician John Sergeant. The couple would ultimately have seven children. After his marriage, Meade found steady work increasingly difficult to obtain. In 1842, he elected to re-enter the US Army and was made a lieutenant of topographical engineers. Mexican-American War Assigned to Texas in 1845, Meade served as a staff officer in Major General Zachary Taylors army after the outbreak of the Mexican-American War the following year. Present at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, he was brevetted to first lieutenant for gallantry at the Battle of Monterrey. Meade also served on the staffs of Brigadier General William J. Worth and Major General Robert Patterson. 1850s Returning to Philadelphia after the conflict, Meade spent the bulk of the next decade designing lighthouses and conducting coastal surveys on the East Coast. Among those lighthouses he designed were those at Cape May (NJ), Absecon (NJ), Long Beach Island (NJ), Barnegat (NJ) and Jupiter Inlet (FL). During this time, Meade also devised a hydraulic lamp that was accepted for use by the Lighthouse Board. Promoted to captain in 1856, he was ordered west the following year to oversee a survey of the Great Lakes. Publishing his report in 1860, he remained on the Great Lakes until the outbreak of the Civil War in April 1861. The Civil War Begins Returning east, Meade was promoted to brigadier general of volunteers on August 31 at the recommendation of Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin and given command of the 2nd Brigade, Pennsylvania Reserves. Initially assigned to Washington, DC, his men built fortifications around the city until being assigned to Major General George McClellans newly formed Army of the Potomac. Moving south in the spring of 1862, Meade took part in McClellans Peninsula Campaign until being wounded three times at the Battle of Glendale on June 30. Quickly recovering, he rejoined his men in time for the Second Battle of Manassas in late August. Rising through the Army In the course of the fighting, Meades brigade took part in the vital defense of Henry House Hill which allowed the remainder of the army to escape after the defeat. Shortly after the battle he was given command of the 3rd Division, I Corps. Moving north at the beginning of the Maryland Campaign, he earned praise for his efforts at the Battle of South Mountain and again three days later at Antietam. When his corps commander, Major General Joseph Hooker, was wounded, Meade was selected by McClellan to take over. Leading I Corps for the remainder of the battle, he was wounded in the thigh. Returning to his division, Meade achieved the only Union success during the Battle of Fredericksburg that December when his men drove back the troops of Lieutenant General Thomas Stonewall Jackson. His success was not exploited and his division was forced to fall back. In recognition for his actions, he was promoted to major general. Given command of V Corps on December 25, he commanded it at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863. During the course of the battle, he implored Hooker, now the army commander, to be more aggressive but to no avail. Taking Command Following his victory at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee began moving north to invade Pennsylvania with Hooker in pursuit. Arguing with his superiors in Washington, Hooker was relieved on June 28 and command was offered to Major General John Reynolds. When Reynolds declined, it was offered to Meade who accepted. Assuming command of the Army of the Potomac at Prospect Hall near Frederick, MD, Meade continued to move after Lee. Known to his men as The Old Snapping Turtle, Meade had reputation for a short temper and possessed little patience for the press or civilians. Gettysburg Three days after taking command, two of Meades corps, Reynolds I and Major General Oliver O. Howards XI, encountered the Confederates at Gettysburg. Opening the Battle of Gettysburg, they were mauled but succeeded in holding favorable ground for the army. Rushing his men to the town, Meade won a decisive victory over the next two days and effectively turned the tide of the war in the East. Though triumphant, he was soon criticized for failing to aggressively pursue Lees battered army and deliver a war-ending blow. Following the enemy back to Virginia, Meade conducted ineffective campaigns at Bristoe and Mine Run that fall. Under Grant In March 1864, Lieutenant General Ulysses S. Grant was appointed lead all Union armies. Understanding that Grant would come east and citing the importance of winning the war, Meade offered to resign from his army command if the new commander preferred to appoint someone different. Impressed by Meades gesture, Grant refused the offer. Though Meade retained command of the Army of the Potomac, Grant made his headquarters with the army for the remainder of the war. This proximity led to a somewhat awkward relationship and command structure. Overland Campaign That May, the Army of the Potomac embarked on the Overland Campaign with Grant issuing orders to Meade who in turn issued them to the army. Meade largely performed well as the fighting progressed through the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House, but chaffed at Grants interference in the armys matters. He also took issue with Grants perceived preference for officers who had served with him in the west as well as his willingness to absorb heavy casualties. Conversely, some within Grants camp felt that Meade was too slow and cautious. As the fighting reached Cold Harbor and Petersburg, Meades performance began to slip as he did not direct his men to scout properly prior to the former battle and failed to coordinate his corps properly in the opening stages of the latter. During the siege of Petersburg, Meade again erred altering the attack plan for the Battle of the Crater for political reasons. Remaining in command throughout the siege, he fell ill on the eve of the final breakthrough in April 1865. Unwilling to miss the armys final battles, he led the Army of the Potomac from an army ambulance during the Appomattox Campaign. Though he made his headquarters near Grants, he did not accompany him to the surrender talks on April 9. Later Life With the end of the war, Meade remained in the service and moved through various department commands on the East Coast. In 1868, he took over the Third Military District in Atlanta and oversaw Reconstruction efforts in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. Four years later, he was struck by a sharp pain in his side while in Philadelphia. An aggravation of the wound sustained at Glendale, he declined rapidly and contracted pneumonia. After a brief fight, he succumbed on November 7, 1872, and was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Materials homework assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Materials homework - Assignment Example Moreover, HMAC technology permits asphalt concrete to the range of 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit cooler compared to the PCC resulting to the reduction in terms of the temperature, which substantially decreases energy utilization at the mixing plant and consequently lessen greenhouse gas emissions during production. HMAC production concrete drastically decrease the quantity volatile organic compound emissions thus eradicating the smoke and odor related to the PCC, bricks, gravel and stabilized earth. HMAC production lowers production temperature that normally results to oxidation of the asphalt mix during the traditional hot-mix asphalt production process. This leaves efficient asphalt within the mix by aiding in the reduction of the aging impact of the asphalt. Aging impact results to brittleness and cracking. Moreover, HMAC possesses the potential for increased compaction over the PCC, bricks, gravel and stabilized earth, which aids in reducing potential damage to the streets due to the recurrent loading over period. Engineering wood is the best for building two stories house within the Oregon coast having sustainability goal. Oregon coast has higher humidity levels and the engineering wood is more suitable since it is more resistant to relatively higher moisture and steady. Engineering wood is also not susceptible to swelling due to alteration in temperature thus adding attractions within the basements or within the regions possessing relatively higher humidity levels. The wood also works efficiently under the floor heating systems due to its stability. Engineering wood normally has a thickness of 15mm hence offers greater stability and long-term usage. Natural finish of the building will consists of very board of multiple layers of the timber that bonded together. The underlying outermost of 4mm of engineering hardwood will act as an option to the solid

Friday, October 18, 2019

The Growing Population And Their Fight For Survival Essay

The Growing Population And Their Fight For Survival - Essay Example The author believes that the 9/11 tragedy emphasizes the scope of the danger which â€Å"weapons of mass destruction, and especially nuclear weapons, present to the humanity† (432). Prior to the catastrophe, many of its ingredients had already been obvious, including suicide bombers and the exaltation of the Asian hatred toward the West (Schell 433). The emergence of suicide bombers and the expanding market of nuclear weapons were both responsible for the escalation of violence (Schell 433). However, the hidden danger of the nuclear weapons in Russia and the United States can be more serious (Schell 433). Understanding the sources of the hate toward the United States is the task crucial for the future safety and stability in the U.S. (Schell 435). Atwood describes her visit Afghanistan in February 1978, several weeks before one of the most significant military conflicts broke out. Atwood writes that her relatives tried to change her plans (279). Yet, she could not lose the cha nce to see the houses of Kabul carved wood and taste the cultural and political atmosphere in the country (Atwood 279). Atwood visited the country with her child, and she hired a car to see the disastrous retreat of the British from Kabul (279). She felt the pressure of the cultural norms – men never talked to her directly, whereas women in the streets were wearing chadors (Atwood 280). She bought a chador in the market, and once put on, Atwood could feel turning blank in the visual field, being both there and not there (280).

Innovation Diffusion and New Product Growth Models Essay

Innovation Diffusion and New Product Growth Models - Essay Example A number of organizations consider these innovations as a critical driver for economic performance. Researcher Silva, (2009) has agreed that the 21st century is totally based on information, innovation and knowledge-based economy. The success of organizations is hugely depended on the gaining of competitive advantages by effectively managing the current technologies and work processes while simultaneously creating innovations for the future. Innovation within the organizational processes can be viewed as the proper and efficient application for better solutions for the existing as well as changing and evolving marketing needs (Silva, 2009). Â  Innovation is the most important tool to success for the organizations in the post-Fordism business era. Post-Fordism elaborates the ability of organizations to improve their flexibility and adaptability towards the changing demand and preferences of the local as well as a global market by emphasizing on small batch production, economies of scope and new communication procedure (Amin, 2011). On the other hand, the percentage of failing of organizations is also increasing day by day from 2% in 1960 to 14% in 2008 (Edmondson, 2011). A large number of once leading companies, such as Kodak, Nokia Xerox, Motorola, and Polaroid, has experienced a huge failure due to the acquisition of wrong organizational practices and behaviors, while the market is continuously reforming and modernizing with new sets of behavior and practices. The organizational design and stereotypical practices are hampering the desired growth for the various leading organization while small firms are making their w ay to secure a successful position in the market (Edmondson, 2011). The lack of expertise to suspect the future has caused for overconfidence in such organization (Edmondson, 2011).

COMPARE TWO POTENTIAL RIVER OR SEA FRONT DEVELOPMENTS FOR ONE CITY Assignment

COMPARE TWO POTENTIAL RIVER OR SEA FRONT DEVELOPMENTS FOR ONE CITY WITH THE INTENTION OF ATTRACTING TOURISTS - Assignment Example West Pier was Brighton's second pier, connecting The 1823 Royal Suspension Chain Pier and was considered one of only two Grade I documented piers in the UK, apart from Clevedon Pier (Royal Town Planning Institute 1900). The necessity to restore glory has seen Brighton i360 conception. The i360 is a designed 183-metre (600Â  ft) watching tower constructed within the seafront of Brighton, next to the West Pier. Strategy and plan were submitted in June 2006 and were accepted by Brighton and Hove City committee on 11 October 2006 with building projected to commence in 2007. The comparison is drawn in that while Brighton and Hove's i360 seafront observing tower develops the West Pier strategies to be reassessed. 2. Background Due to adversity of weather pattern that has been limiting tourism industry or limiting tourist to particular seasons. The building of i360 would cut the barriers and allow tourism throughout the year. This would be possible due to an aerodynamic pod, heated in wint er, air-conditioned in the summer and accommodating more than 200 persons at a time. This is an opportunity to allow growth in Brighton and Hove after the fall of West Pier (Best 1974). A conservation team searched for new concepts to salvage Brighton and Hove’s deteriorated West Pier. The West Pier Trust drew up a brief for architectures to submit new plans to save the construction on Brighton’s sea front. At the trust’s yearly general conference, Chairman Glynn Jones supposed a successful strategy must harmonize the proposed i360 watching tower had to be constructed and become successful (Leo 2013). 3. Presentation of options Presentation choices involve assessment why the tower building would be recommendable as a tourist site. In this section, the concept of view is put under consideration and the new pier compared with the old one. 3.1. The Observation Tower An observation tower is a construction applied to view events from an extensive reserve and to gener ate a full 360 degree variety of vision. These structures are typically at least 20 metres (65.6Â  ft) high and constructed of iron, stone, and wood. Many contemporary towers are also utilized as restaurants, TV towers, or churches. At 175 metres tall and incorporated with an observation pod approximately 141 metres, the i360 will be Britain's uppermost observation tower remote of London – higher compared to the London Eye (Else 2013). At about four metres broad, the i360 has a willowy, elegant plan. Located on the edge of the Grade II* Regency Square, this structure will make an optimistic benefit to the Regency Square Conservation region, adding optical interest and improving its appearance and character. At the base of the pier will be a shop and hospitality structure and a restaurant and cafe serving for up to 400 persons. Intended to use as little power as necessary over its existence, the Brighton i360 is not merely a great experience for tourists, but will avail socia l and ecological benefits to Brighton & Hove. The observation tower will be a stylish 21st

Thursday, October 17, 2019

You can choose the topic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

You can choose the topic - Research Paper Example In the ‘experience machine’ proposed by Nozick, we may be brought to ask – how can one be infinitely happy in a setting where no knowledge or feeling of pain is evident? How is it ever possible in a virtual sphere of living to attain true happiness if in this world we have no way of distinguishing pain from pleasure since pleasure is all there is? Apart from any form of suffering or unpleasant experience, it would be difficult to figure out what being truly happy is like for our basic concept of happiness is normally derived from the notion of its opposite. Moreover, Nozick’s virtual machine, as it is by nature, would bear no potential of subjecting us to the challenges which form the essence of life as we have been significantly aware of through our regular encounter of reality. Dwelling in an ‘experience machine’ occurs to be an equivalent of living in a place where no one can be expected to pay regard for the value of ethics. All that matters herein is pleasure in its ultimate level or concentration so that each individual finds no required commitment to care or even think of someone else’s welfare. Apparently, such person may go through the typical course of virtual life in which one solely lives for oneself, a rather selfish endeavor to ponder about. To assure there could be eternal bliss in a place that mechanically generates object of happiness and takes full control of our senses to be conditioned towards the state of mirth alone and with no trace of low-spiritedness is impossible. As human beings who have initially become acquainted and accustomed to the several truths found in reality, we see our external differences from each other and know primarily that our distinct character traits from the rest of our kind exhibit the fact that each one of us is unique. Because of this, the meaning of happiness may be established as one and the

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Is Thrasymachus and Hobbes right to see human nature in such stark Essay

Is Thrasymachus and Hobbes right to see human nature in such stark terms, or is Socrates right to see justice as something good in and of itself - Essay Example The researcher states that prior to deciding who the righteous intellectual is regarding claims made either for human nature or justice, one might as well begin to consider deliberating upon how each perspective is delivered and which basis or grounds satisfy the premises established. Through Plato’s â€Å"The Republic†, a significant part of Socratic philosophy may be said to have been conveyed since Plato himself is subject to the tutelage and influence of Socrates in their period. Though Plato presents a rather limited scope of democracy in dealing with liberty and nature of man, his concern for justice and resolving to define such virtue with Socrates in the light that favors human psyche instead of a perceived behavior is remarkable. On the other hand, Thomas Hobbes and Thrasymachus share a nearly common insight whereby Hobbes proposes via â€Å"Leviathan† that man, by nature, is free the logic of which is based upon natural rights whereas Thrasymachus confe rs to defend the opposite side of justice and takes man’s freedom to agree with matters that are only advantageous to men regardless of whether or not justice is at work. Hobbes thinks â€Å"each man has the liberty to use his own power, as he will himself, for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life; and judgment, and reason, he shall conceive to be the aptest means that each man has a will power to do whatever he thinks can preserve his own life and consequently to do anything which he thinks is right.† ... To Hobbes, until the man possesses the natural right to everything, he cannot be secured no matter how strong or wise he can be, in order to keep on living according to man’s life expectancy. Likewise, Thrasymachus promotes the Sophist challenge of arguing that ‘justice is nothing but the advantage of the stronger’ and this originates from the primary belief in objective truth among the Sophists such as himself, who further accounts for the objective moral truth that does not acknowledge the fact with â€Å"right† or â€Å"wrong† in absolute degree. For Thrasymachus, all actions are neither right nor wrong but are ought to be figured as either coming with or without advantage to the person who executes them. Like the rest of the Sophists, he supports the idea that an individual must gain involvement only with deeds that return advantage and avoid those whose results are otherwise obtained in unpleasant disadvantage. In the similar manner, Hobbes entr eats his own approach of the issue with a precept or general rule of reason stating â€Å"that every man, ought to endeavor peace, as far as he has hope of obtaining it; and when he cannot obtain it, that he may seek, and use, all helps, and advantages of war.† The first branch of this rule states the fundamental law of nature which is to seek peace and follow it while the second branch pertains to the sum of the right of nature which assumes by all means we can, to defend ourselves. This second law is derived from the fundamental law of nature by which men are commanded to endeavor peace, rationalizing â€Å"that a man be willing when others are so too, as far forth, as for peace and defense of himself

You can choose the topic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

You can choose the topic - Research Paper Example In the ‘experience machine’ proposed by Nozick, we may be brought to ask – how can one be infinitely happy in a setting where no knowledge or feeling of pain is evident? How is it ever possible in a virtual sphere of living to attain true happiness if in this world we have no way of distinguishing pain from pleasure since pleasure is all there is? Apart from any form of suffering or unpleasant experience, it would be difficult to figure out what being truly happy is like for our basic concept of happiness is normally derived from the notion of its opposite. Moreover, Nozick’s virtual machine, as it is by nature, would bear no potential of subjecting us to the challenges which form the essence of life as we have been significantly aware of through our regular encounter of reality. Dwelling in an ‘experience machine’ occurs to be an equivalent of living in a place where no one can be expected to pay regard for the value of ethics. All that matters herein is pleasure in its ultimate level or concentration so that each individual finds no required commitment to care or even think of someone else’s welfare. Apparently, such person may go through the typical course of virtual life in which one solely lives for oneself, a rather selfish endeavor to ponder about. To assure there could be eternal bliss in a place that mechanically generates object of happiness and takes full control of our senses to be conditioned towards the state of mirth alone and with no trace of low-spiritedness is impossible. As human beings who have initially become acquainted and accustomed to the several truths found in reality, we see our external differences from each other and know primarily that our distinct character traits from the rest of our kind exhibit the fact that each one of us is unique. Because of this, the meaning of happiness may be established as one and the

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

International order from 1945 to 1969 Essay Example for Free

International order from 1945 to 1969 Essay Introduction By the end of Second World War in September 1945, world had seen human tragedies and devastation of civilizations on an unprecedented scale. The enormity of disaster had brought complete social, economic and political chaos in the countries involved in the war, requiring long term restoration and rebuilding projects (Cottam and Woodby, 1998). The victorious countries, with the only exception of USA, fared hardly better than the defeated Axis nations. The creation of UNO in 1945 to restore peace and order in the world brought a sense of general relief in world and people felt that after 6 years of intense violence stability and tranquility were returning back. However, almost as the War ended sharp ideological and strategic differences emerged between the two new superpowers, USSR and USA that pushed the world from World War to Cold War. The countries that fought against Axis powers during war years were now polarized against each other in communist and democratic factions pursuing political and strategic agendas against each other. The US led democratic world was wary of the dangers of totalitarian society under the communist rule, as marked in the Stalin’s USSR (Robbins, 1988). As the dangers of communism became manifest, USA realized that its status of a true world-power required it to take effective actions and develop long term plans in promoting the ideals of democracy justice , and liberty that had shaped the free world since past two centuries. The rift between these two opposing factions assumed serious proportions in the Berlin Crisis, Korean War, Cuban missile crisis, Czechoslovakian invasion of USSR and finally Vietnam war; events that defined the period ranging from 1945 to 1969. The Strategic Condition after 1945 The strategic affairs of world saw a revolutionary changeover with the atomic strike on Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Laver, 2005). Previous to the atomic age, the strategic considerations generally involved three dimensions of land, sea and air forces. However the post war strategic planning defined defense just in two dimensional terms, where air, land and sea forces were categorized as conventional system and atomic weapons, including atom bombs and atomic missiles constituted the nuclear dimension of the strategy (Laver, 2005). As Laver (2005,) points out, under the new strategic system, the approaches were apparently limited to mere identification of the more appropriate strategy between conventional and nuclear. The real strategic situation however did not unfold itself as simply as it was made to be sound on paper. There were a broad range of issues in creating an optimum strategy and policy in the deployment and use of nuclear weapons within the new international framework that required a total departure from previously established norms and tactics. According to Laver (2005) some of the major issues affecting the new strategic policies were 1. Development of new technology to effectively implement the nuclear option. 2. New defense equipments that meet the nuclear requirements. 3. Mobilizing resources for effectively equipping the armed forces with a perfect combination of conventional and nuclear weapons. 4. Evaluation and measurement of economic, political and social fallouts of nuclear strategies throughout the world. These issues occupied the US foreign and strategic completely, especially in the wake of nuclear buildup in the USSR that created a possible threat of global nuclear catastrophe between the two superpowers. The first American nuclear strategy was forwarded in 1950 that proposed that national defense strategy should be build around the concept of containment. The core of the policy was simple- halting communism through combined conventional and nuclear strength of USA. In 1953, the policy of containment was replaced by policy of deterrence where nuclear option superseded the conventional strategy. However this policy was exposed as inefficient by Henry Kissinger who argued that US lacked sufficient conventional force to check communist expansion throughout the world and that implementing nuclear option towards this end would be catastrophic for the world. The end result, as put forward by Kissinger, would be US inaction and inability to counter the growth of communism (Kissinger, 1957). Kenney recognized the utility of this idea and he established the predominance of conventional strategy over the mindless destructive potentiality of nuclear option. The Vietnam War of 1960s offered US to test its conventional strategy and the incomplete success and the delayed results brought realization that the conventional strategies required further investment of resources and technology in the way of establishing democratic ideals and principles in the world. Cold War is referred to the period from 1945 to 1990 where the strategic conflict and conflicting ideologies of US and USSR that had enveloped world under a continuous shadow of war. The terror of mutual nuclear holocaust was the only factor that prevented both countries from fledging an all out war. Cold War originated due to different political, economic and strategic standings of both USA and USSR after the end of Second World War that created a hostile world environment (Dobson and Marsh, 2001). Three reasons have been put forward to explain the origin of the Cold War. US had emerged as a colossal economic power after the War but it failed to help USSR in building up it war ravaged economy and society, whereas Western Europe received massive funding and help from the US. The second reason was contrasting economic policies and world view of USA and USSR that pitted USA’s democratic and individual ideals against totalitarian and centrally planned philosophy of Soviet Russia. The third major reason was clash of geo-political interest and ambitions of the two superpowers. Driven by the mutual misperceptions and fear of each other’s intentions, ambitions and power, USA and Soviet Russia acted in ways to ostracize each other from their exclusive zones. In 1947 Marshall Plan of USA, that aimed to provide financial assistance in preventing an immanent collapse of Europe, sought to keep USSR out of the entire project. USSR, growing deeply suspicious of USA’s expansionist policies reacted by closing Western access to Berlin, creating first major crisis of the Cold War in 1948. Events unfolded dramatically with US led forces providing airlift to Berlin through 1948 and 1949, USSR responding by closing Western’s access to most of eastern European nations and creation of NATO in 1949 (Dobson and Marsh, 2001). These events firmly sequestrated the two sides and sealed any possible chances of reconciliation. With the outbreak of Korean war in 1950 and USSR’s expansionist policies in South East Asia, USA prepared itself for an all out diplomatic, ideological and if required armed intervention to combat its sworn enemy. The Cold War essentially transformed into a battle of showdown with both the countries trying to outmatch other by trade embargos, increasing efforts of polarization, espionage and technological race to develop greater horde of nuclear weapon and space research. The second major crisis of the Cold War was precipitated in the form of Cuba missile crisis. US intelligence information reported deployment of USSR’s nuclear missile in Cuba with range and payload to strike major US cities and places of strategic importance. There was intense pressure on the then President Kennedy to respond to crisis by military intervention in Cuba. However this step involved risks that the crisis may evolve into a full fledged nuclear war between USA and USSR. Restrain from Kennedy and right diplomatic measures helped to avert a major nuclear disaster. The final episode marking the international order from 1945 to 1969 was civil war in Vietnam in 1965 and the US intervention that led to more than 50, 000 US casualties and international embarrassment for US policymakers. Reference Cottam, M. L, Woodby, S. (1988). The Changing Agenda: World Politics since 1945. Westview Press: Boulder Dobson, A. P. and Marsh, S. (2001). U. S. Foreign Policy since 1945. Routledge: London. Henry Kissinger, Nuclear Weapons and Foreign Policy New York: Harper, 1957, Laver, H. S. (2005). Preemption and the Evolution of Americas Strategic Defense: Parameters. Volume: 35. Issue: 2. Robbins, K. (1988). The World since 1945: A Concise History. Contributors: Oxford University Press: Oxford.

Monday, October 14, 2019

An Analysis Of Market Segmentation Of Ikea And Bandq Marketing Essay

An Analysis Of Market Segmentation Of Ikea And Bandq Marketing Essay In 1958, Ingvar Kamprad founded the first IKEA store in Almhult, Sweden. So far, IKEA is the largest and most international furniture emporium, globally. (IKEA, 2010 a). As the biggest competitor of IKEA, BQ is a leading company in home decoration and gardening in Europe. It was founded by Richard Block and David Quayle in Portswood, Southampton in 1969. Presently, there are above 60 stores around the world, among which, the largest one in Beijing. (BQ, 2010 a) 1.2 Theory Market segmentation is classifying consumers into groups according to their characteristics (Hall et al, 2008) and set certain groups as targets. Market segmentation consists of four types, including geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioral type. (Hall et al, 2008). Another concept concerned with market segmentation is marketing mix. It is important in marketing strategy, with a goal of satisfying consumers needs. It is also recognized as the 4Ps, consisting of product, price, place and promotion. (Hall et al, 2008). 1.3 Aims The objective of this report is to analyze how IKEA and BQ deal with marketing mix and marketing segmentation. In addition, the emphasis of this report is how these two companies differentiate products to different targeted segments, as well as how they combine market segmentation with marketing mix to make profits. Findings Market Segmentation IKEA targets young and fashionable people as its main consumers; in particular those love modern furniture and accessories. Therefore, its products are more colorful and novel. In addition, IKE fixes the products prices at a lower level, which is quite attracting for the average consumers, such as white-collars. (IKEA, 2010 b) Different from IKEA, BQ is specialized in one stop shopping, in which, customers can buy most decorations and accessaries they want in one store. Furthermore, BQ has professional teams to help customers designing and decorating in their own styles. The aim of this service is to provide convenience for customers who do not have much time to deal with decoration. (BQ, 2010 b) 2.1.1Comparison In comparison, IKEAs targets are mainly young people who love innovative items, while BQ focuses on one stop shopping with people who have not much spare time as its major consumers. Furthermore, the IKEA products are mostly shown as models, which are fixed and limited. However, customers are able to buy raw materials from BQ and make any product. Marketing Mix 2.2.1 Product As a total concept, product refers to all merchandises and services provided by a business. Therefore, product is more than physical stuffs sold by stores (Hall et al, 2008). IKEAs major products are furniture, such as kitchen modules, bathroom facilities, lighting equipment, sofas and textiles. (IKEA, 2010 b) It has outstanding quality and a special name to every product, and offers a wide range of home furnishings with best aesthetic designs and functions at reasonable prices. (IKEA, 2010 b) BQ stores supply with around 40,000 products for home fittings, such as lights, door handles and lawnmowers. (BQ, 2010a) Its selling point is a variety of products for home decoration. Moreover, BQ has professional teams to help personalized designing. (BQ, 2010 c) 2.2.1.1 Comparison The products of Both BQ and IKEA are complementary. They provide a full range of products, as well as professional designers. However, a most significant difference between them is that, IKEA only sells finished products, whereas BQ provides raw materials as well. 2.2.2 Place There are around 330 IKEA stores in 38 countries. (IKEA, 2010d) For all of them, the products are displayed in a clear and scientific classification. Further, there are floor pained arrows to lead consumers quickly find the items they need. For example, all the products for a room are shown visually by being placed a single model room. (Guangzhou IKEA, 2010) Besides entity stores, IKEA also allows consumers to do e-shopping on its website with an easy reviewing of the details of the products. As for BQ, there are 371 stores in total, with 41 stores in China. According to statistical data, there are over three million customers walking into BQ per week. In addition, it has a website for consumers to search the details of their products. (BQ, 2010a) Moreover, BQs operating system is GMS (General Merchandise Store), thus all products in BQ are placed on shelves for consumers to choose freely. (BQ, nd) 2.2.2.1 Comparison Both of two companies sell products mainly in stores. Besides, they both open stores in areas with large population. Moreover, the two companies have websites to offer online shopping. On the other hand, one of the differences is their operating modes. The IKEA stores have scientifically classified all products so that consumers can quickly and easily find what they need. In contrast, the BQ stores are the GMS (General Merchandise Store) mode. 2.2.3 Promotion Promotion is to propagandize products through all measures available (Hall et al, 2008). The basic promotional tool of IKEA is its free catalogue with a list of its products. The IKEA Catalogue includes commodities details, such as colors, sizes and prices. (IKEA, 2010 e) It is worthy to mention that, IKEA also established a group named Social Initiative, aiming at strengthening the relationship between IKEA and the society. This group works together with UNICEF and Save the Children, with the purpose of giving all children a better life. (IKEA, 2010 f) Discount is an effective promotion BQ uses to attract consumers. Similar to IKEA, BQ also has policies to show its social responsibility. As for this, BQ makes great efforts on environment protection in the procedures of product design, packaging and the use of materials. To some extent, advocating environmental products is also a useful promotion skill of BQ. (BQ, 2010 e) 2.2.3.1 Comparison Both IKEA and BQ construct their own websites to introduce their commodities and offer consumers with e-shopping service. BQs most frequently used promotional measure is discounting, while IKEA publicizes its products by free catalogue. In order to fulfill their social duties, they both have actions in making contribution to the society. Although their promotional measures are different, they have the same purpose to create more profits. 2.2.4 Price The price is simply the amount of money that consumers pay to gain the benefits of the product (Hall et al, 2008). The prices of IKEAs products are set reasonably. It adopts innovative manufacturing techniques to products at a lower cost. Consumers choosing, assembling and transporting products by themselves can reduce the price. (OPPAPERS, 2010) One method IKEA uses is mantissa pricing, fixing the prices with 9s, such as 299, 699 and 799 yuan, giving customers an impression of cheapness. (Guangzhou IKEA, 2010) BQ fixes most commodities with appropriate prices for the average consumer. Besides, it also offers discount to attract consumers. Furthermore, BQ offers installment payment service, which is another effective promotion strategy. (BQ, 2010 c) 2.2.4.1 Comparison According to OPPAPERS (2010) and BQ (2010c), both of them set the prices of their products reasonable and appropriate. The prices of BQ products are a little lower than IKEAs. However, IKEAs consumers do not need to pay extra charges for assistance and transportation, which is a quite attracting policy. In contrast, BQ has more beneficial services such as discounting and installment payment. Conclusion 3.1 Summary In conclusion, both IKEA and BQ are successful furniture sales enterprises. They divide their consumers into groups in accordance with types of market segmentation: demographics, psychographics and behavioral. The differences in 4Ps between IKEA and BQ were also discussed in the paper. Moreover, although the IKEA products prices are higher than BQ, their products and locations are similar. Besides, they both have various promotional skills, such as discounting and installation service. 3.2 Recommendation Although both of these two companies have large sales volumes, it is still a necessity to enhance marketing mix, for their installation service charges are slightly higher than peoples expectation. The sales volume could be better if they can reduce the price to some extent. On the other hand, it is suggested that BQs products could be more fashionable and colorful in order to attract younger consumers. It is also recommended that the two companies perform routine market research so as to know well of consumers feedbacks.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Moment In Life :: essays papers

Moment In Life I was born on 6 September 1980 in Bangkok, Thailand. The first two people that can describe me the best are my father and my mother. They told me that the first time they saw me they had the happiest time in their lives because I am the first son of them. They said that I was a curious and mischievous boy. When I was six years old, I entered Chulalongkorn University Demonstration school. In this school I was taught to be polite, responsible and loved in learning. I have made many friends in this school and I have had many experiences in this school, too. I was in a student council where I learnt how to work in a group in a democratic way. I was in a volleyball team. I got the certificate of merit from this school from 1992 to 1996. When I was in grade 11, I decided to go to study aboard because I think that now we live in a globalization and we all need to know other people in other countries in different culture so that we can help one another in the future. My mother and my father agree with me so they asked my aunt that which school in the United States is appropriate for me. My aunt told me that Cranbrook school is a good school in Michigan then I applied for Cranbrook. When I was accepted I am so glad because I can be near and take care of my sister who is now studying civil engineering in the University of Michigan attaining her Ph.D. Before I came here, I promise my mother and my father that I will never make them disappointed. Now I am in Cranbrook school, I have made many friends and I gained more experiences. I am the Residential Advisor of the dorm and also one of the leader in World Club. I am so happy to be here. In the future I want to be an engineer like my father and my sister so that I can help my father in his engineering company. I want to be a civil engineer because I like Calculus, Physic, Environmental Science, drawing and when I was young I always saw my father, working on his table, calculating his plan which was my first impression with engineering. Now it is time for me to go for a higher

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Tennessee Williams: Author and Playwright :: Biography Biographies Essays

Tennessee Williams: Author and Playwright      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Thomas Lanier Williams was born on March 26th, 1911 in Columbus, Mississippi. Williams wrote fiction and motion picture screenplays but is primarily acclaimed for his plays. Thomas was the first son and second child of Cornelius Coffin and Edwina Dakin Williams. He was named after his paternal grandfather and insisted to be called Tom by the age of ten. His siblings include an older sister named Rose and a younger brother named Dakin. Williams spent a great deal of time with his sister Rose because she was not very stable, emotionally or mentally. Daryl E. Haley once said that Rose "was emotionally disturbed and destined to spend most of her life in mental institutions." Tom was primarily raised by his mother because his father was a traveling shoe salesman. Edwina Dakin Williams was the daughter of a minister and very over protective of Thomas. She began to be over protective after he caught Diphtheria when he was five years old. His mother was also an a ggressive woman caught up in her fantasies of genteel southern living. Amanda Wingfield, a character in his play The Glass Menagerie, was modeled after Williams' mother. Cornelius Coffin Williams, Tom's father, spent most of his time on the road. Cornelius came from a very prestigious family that included Mississippi's very first governor and senator. Mr. Haley also states that Tom's father was "at turns distant and abusive," that is, when he was actually around. Toms father also repeatedly favored his younger brother Dakin over both of his older children. Big Daddy, in Tom's play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, is modeled after his father. Thomas once said, in reference to his parents relationship, "It was just a wrong marriage." From 1923 to 1926 Thomas attended Ben Blewette Junior High, and was at this time that some of his first stories were published in a local newspaper.    Thomas Williams lived in Clarksdale, Mississippi for several years before moving to St. Louis in 1918 at the age of seven. At age sixteen Tom had his first brush with the publishing world when he won third place for his essay "Can a Good Wife Be a Good Sport?". Besides winning third place, he also got five dollars from this National Essay Contest. In 1927, also at age sixteen, he published "The Vengeance of Nitocris." In the fall of 1929 he attended the University of Missouri to study journalism.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Maruti 800 Car

There are many cars on the market that are exciting with respect to power(Accord), interior design(Octavia, Benz), overall execution(again Accord) & the vitality in the segment they play in (New City) [pic][pic][pic][pic] but no other car is as close to what ALTO is in the entry level segment. Santro & Indica do have a strong hold on the upper level where Alto plays (Alto 1. 1) but with respect to the range that Alto has from mid 2 to low 4 lac it is the only choice. August 05 Alto is being launched with better styling (clear head-tail lamps), changed nose and a few more vibrant colors to make matters interesting. The seat fabric have received an upgrade. Although Swift continues to take limelight, guess Alto is serving Maruti and entry level buyers just fine. I wish they again launch it with the 1. 1 liter engine. Given that Alto has longer wheelbase and (more) modern chassis than Zen it would kill Zen’s sales if launched with 1. 1 liter engine. June 04: For the first time ever a model (Alto) outscored 800 on the sales chart. This is due to Maruti positioning Alto as entry level car & in order to phase out 800 & also they slashed entry level price by 25,000 (without AC) at 2,34,000. Recently I had a test ride of a used Alto 1. without power steering. The car was in a good condition. I really liked the power of 1. 1 engine. With 4 passengers it was pulling very well. The transmission was typical Maruti/Suzuki, a little rough but spot-on. As I am used to Palio’s butter smooth gears I found the gears in Alto a little crude but accurate & easy to locate specially from 2nd to 3rd, it is easy to find it. Although I have heard a few complaints from some owners about Grinding noises from transmission. So better watch-out for that. The AC was good enough but left me for wanting as it was VERY hot. Also with AC on the acceleration suffered a bit. Can’t blame as I had 4 full grown adults with me! 🙂 Overall I was very satisfied but when finally we sat for negotiations the Doctor was asking a little too much than I thought a used Alto should cost. This led to me test drive of the new Alto (800), at 2,60 it was very close to the used 1. 1! The test drive without AC was very good but with AC full blown the acceleration did suffer significantly. So I tried shutting off AC when I was speeding & then started it when cruising, it worked just fine. I thought I can manage with this power by effectively shutting off AC when I needed to Pass & on inclines (valleys etc). The interior was a bit lacking compared to Palio & also Santro but at this price point it did meet my expectations. It is only a matter of getting used to. I didn’t like the shifter coming out of teh floor as opposed to much better treatment in Palio/Santro. Here in Alto it seem to come out of the floor! 🙂 But not a point that would affect my decision. The interior room is satisfactory if not significant. 4 Adults can fit in for trips of say 3/4 hrs with some halts. The seats themselves are good & I found a very comfortable seating position except some room for my legs as I am 6’ 1’ with the legs of same length as of my 6’ 3’ friend! ) The fuel economy I was told as phenomenal with at least 14 in city & 17-18 on the highways! That was MUCh better than 10/14 of my Palio. As this car is for my father I thought he would get a little better than what I can extract! Driving style you know! 🙂 I was a bit concerned about the tire size & t hought for a longer trips bigger tires would be preferable but it would affect the fuel economy I guess. You can’t have all!! The styling is conservative but tasteful for the common man who thinks that car is an extension of their personality. The fashion seekers should shop elsewhere. Both front & rear styling is interesting enough but at the same time toned down to take out the last drop of boldness.. The car looks much better with body colored bumpers than the ugly black ones! They look like an accessory externally attached than the integral part of the car! Only black car looks ok with those bumpers. Anyways, who buys a black color car in a counry of hot summer! 🙂 (There are quite a few mind you! ) I am almost set on Alto 800. I compared it with all the competition & it bits the competition when you factor in the price & daily running costs (fuel/maintenance) & have decided to go for Alto 800 Lxi. I think it is worth to pay for the extra features for some price. At the same time I didn’t think it was a good idea to spend more than 4 lac for 1. 1 as I thought the level of interior materials & overall comfort would be more justified in Santro/Indica/Palio for a little more cash. Fuel economy is again where Alto 1. 1 would do better than most though. The color availability is again ok for this price range. I would love to see more colors coming out soon to keep interest in the product. I would recommend Alto to anyone planning to buy a entry level car. It is a must to have a loot at this car before buying any other car you like. This is the perfect as far as the segment it plays in goes. MARUTI UDYOG LIMITED – Managing competition successfully Maruti Udyog Limited (MUL) was established in Feb 1981 through an Act of Parliament, to meet the growing demand of a personal mode of transport caused by the lack of an efficient public transport system. It was established with the objectives of – modernizing the Indian automobile industry, producing fuel efficient vehicles to conserve scarce resources and producing indigenous utility cars for the growing needs of the Indian population. A license and a Joint Venture agreement were signed with the Suzuki Motor Company of Japan in Oct 1983, by which Suzuki acquired 26% of the equity and agreed to provide the latest technology as well as Japanese management practices. Suzuki was preferred for the joint venture because of its track record in manufacturing and selling small cars all over the world. There was an option in the agreement to raise Suzuki’s equity to 40%, which it exercised in 1987. Five years later, in 1992, Suzuki further increased its equity to 50% turning Maruti into a non-government ganization managed on the lines of Japanese management practices. Maruti created history by going into production in a record 13 months. Maruti is the highest volume car manufacturer in Asia, outside Japan and Korea, having produced over 5 million vehicles by May 2005. Maruti is one of the most successful automobile joint ventures, and has made profits every year since inception till 2000-01. In 2000-01, although Maruti generated operating profits on an income of Rs 92. 5 billion, high depreciation on new model launches resulted in a book loss. COMPANY HISTORY AND BACKGROUND The Evolution Maruti’s history of evolution can be examined in four phases: two phases during pre-liberalization period (1983-86, 1986-1992) and two phases during post-liberalization period (1992-97, 1997-2002), followed by the full privatization of Maruti in June 2003 with the launch of an initial public offering (IPO). The first phase†¦ Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd. Hincon House, LBS Marg, Vikhroli (W) Mumbai – 400083 email: [email  protected] com Tel: +91 22 25775959 Fax: +91 22 25775732 Hindustan Construction Co. Ltd. 706-707, 7th Floor Surya Kiran, 19, KG Marg New Delhi – 110001 Tel: +91 11 23358717, 23358727 Fax: +91 11 23358837

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Is Lady Macbeth the Real Driving Force Behind Duncan’s Murder?

Macbeth â€Å"Lady Macbeth is the real driving force behind the murder of King Duncan† Discuss this statement and decide whether or not you agree. Known as one of the most influential writers in history, Shakespeare was born in 1564 in Stratford upon Avon. During the 17th century Shakespeare rose to more fame and became one of the popular playwright writers across the globe. Altogether his collection of master pieces is 154 heart-wrenching sonnets and 37 compelling plays. ‘Macbeth’ delivers a powerful message about a tale of greed and a hunger for power which leads to tragic consequences. Macbeth is a naive character who is the protagonist of the play. He is one of the noble men for the king and this highlight to the reader of the loyal and trusted position he carries. Subsequently, we find that Macbeth is from an honourable family. ‘By Sinel’s death I know I am thane of Glamis’ This also shows that he is of a high class, strengthening his character as being trustworthy and of an honourable status. Macbeth as a sincere character which does not last for long once the three witches ‘plant the seed’ in Macbeth’s mind. During the play, Macbeth has issues with his desires and loyalty towards the king. The three witches appear in front of Macbeth and Banquo. They portray their prophecies which have an impulsive influence on Macbeth making him ‘thunderstruck’ at the thought of ever being admired enough to become king. This consumes Macbeth with disturbing thoughts when they refer to him as the ‘thane of Cawdor’ and the ‘future king’. These make Macbeth compelled in the witches predictions. He may react in this spontaneous manner becoming ‘speechless’ because he has a desire to gain a higher status and may have had thoughts of murdering Duncan previously. Macbeth becomes eager and impatient, ‘stay’, ‘I charge you’ shows that he is commanding the witches because he is desperate to hear his future. This introduces a completely different side to Macbeth as being, he has been given the title of ‘thane of Cawdor’ yet he still wants more. His curiosity and frustrated behaviour shows that he already had a hidden desire of ambition. The witches have an obvious impact on Macbeth, as he starts to talk to himself and a horrid image of ‘murdering king Duncan’ is placed in his mind. This is a huge contrast to the Macbeth we were shown earlier who was a ‘noble’ and ‘loyal’ person we are shown this so that we can observe how he changes from being ‘faithful’ to disloyal. We see that Macbeth finds murdering Duncan unnecessary and decides to leave it up to fate; â€Å"If chance will have me king, why chance may even crown me without stir†¦ This shows that Macbeth doubts that murder is required in order to fulfil the prophecy and become king. It also shows that Macbeth is an indecisive character as he has still not made his mind on what approach to take, the reader is unsure of what Macbeth will decide. Macbeth instantly writes a letter to his wife Lady Macbeth, displaying his eagerness to spread his new found news, this shows that he felt that there was some truth in the witches’ prophecy. Lady Macbeth is a striking character, who is introduced as Macbeth’s wife and long term companion. Shakespeare contrasts the role of Macbeth to women of the 17th century who would have been at home and submissive towards their husbands. Lady Macbeth seems like the more dominating person in the relationship â€Å"You shall put this night’s great business into my dispatch, which shall to all our nights and days to come† This shows that even though she is not actually going to perform the murderous act, she has decided to take control of the situation by handling the preparations as she believes that he husband is not competent enough to do it himself. The fact that Lady Macbeth only takes part in the planning and not the crime illustrates that she does not need to worry about the consequences of their vengeful scheme, there might not be any consequences for her as she did not commit the vicious act of murder. Lady Macbeth is a sly woman who desires for more control, this is reflected upon the advice she gives to Macbeth. Look like th’ innocent flower, but be the serpent under’t† Lady Macbeth encourages her husband to be like a snake which symbolises wickedness, portraying that she is not a good influence on Macbeth, this could confirm Lady Macbeth’s real character that even if she may appear to be innocent she really is an immoral and cunning character. She decides to take the matter into her own hands by planning Duncan’s murder her plan involves getting the servants drunk. â€Å"†¦. is two chamberlains will I with wine and wassail so convince that memory, the warder of the brain, shall be convince a fume, and the receipt of reason† She is very intelligent and has thought ahead so that the plot does not fail. She has decided to make the plan herself because maybe she does not trust Macbeth enough. Macbeth himself is not too keen on committing the murder without Lady Macbeth aggravating him, this also shows that she is the one with the desire and the plans; she wants to be the Queen of Scotland. This makes the reader aware of Lady Macbeth’s negative characteristics, which she possesses, also making the reader feel angry towards her for consuming Macbeth with evil thoughts. Lady Macbeth tries to force Macbeth into making a decision through manipulation, but Macbeth does his best to try and put off this decision about whether or not to murder Duncan; â€Å"we will speak further†, this shows that Macbeth is reluctant to end the conversation about murdering Duncan, at this point Macbeth has still not made up his mind. This makes the reader aware of Macbeth’s state of mind , it also portrays his human qualities that although he is plotting a murder he is feeling guilty at his wicked thoughts this makes the reader sympathetic towards him that he is in this situation and is confused on which path to follow and whether or not he should listen to Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth somehow manages to be manipulative towards Macbeth this is portrayed through her approach to Macbeth’s refusal to continue in the plot with the use of phrases like â€Å"live like a coward† this shows Lady Macbeths manipulative qualities and the way she has manipulated the situation to get an outcome which benefits her and Macbeth. As she knows what to say to infuriate him she decides to challenge his manhood; â€Å"When you durst do it, then you were a man; And to be more the man†¦ † She decides to challenge this because she knows he feels very strongly towards it. This shows the reader that Lady Macbeth will take all sorts of steps as well as having a corrupting approach of bullying Macbeth into murdering Duncan. Throughout the play Macbeth is uncertain on what he should; â€Å"If we should fail? † this shows Macbeth’s fickle behaviour, his questioning his wife as if she has all the answers and knows the future, it makes the reader aware of his low confidence and more sympathetic towards his state of mind he is not the one making the decisions he is leaving them for Lady Macbeth to make. Macbeth is eventually persuaded by his wife into murdering Duncan, â€Å"I am settled, and bend up each corporal agent to this terrible feat. Away, and mock the time with fairest show. † He is reluctant and has now come to the conclusion that he wants to do all in his power to achieve his aim, and make his ambition come true. He is fearful â€Å"I’ll go no more I am afraid to think what I have done; Look o’t again I dare not. † This shows that Macbeth is frightened: he does not want to take a chance in going back to the scene where Duncan’s murder took place, because he may get discovered even though it is in order to perfect the crime scene. He is even afraid of his own thoughts, which shows that Duncan’s death has had an impacted on his vulnerable mental state. The individual to blame for the murder of Duncan is debatable as there are several characters that have a hand in his death. Could it be the witches who planted the seed of becoming King into Macbeth’s head? Macbeth himself who committed the murderous act, or is it Lady Macbeth who cunningly drove Macbeth into committing the murder? Although this is true, Lady Macbeth is the real driving force behind the murder of King Duncan. She is a stronger and more ruthless, who is determined to get what she desires; she is more influential in her decisions than Macbeth. She is fully aware of Macbeth’s boundaries and to what extent she has to push him in order to make him kill Duncan. At one point so furious at Macbeth for being a ‘coward’ that she wanted to become a man herself. The three witches, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are all responsible for Duncan’s death. From this we can draw a conclusion that although all these characters played a role in Duncan’s murder Lady Macbeth has a stronger pressure as she kept giving Macbeth sly comments she drove Macbeth into Murdering King Duncan.