Monday, December 30, 2019

Managing Financial Risks With Derivatives In Telecommunications Ind... - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1348 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Finance Essay Type Research paper Did you like this example? INTRODUCTION In business world today many companies are faced with the increase in volatility of financial markets which has lead to increase in financial price risk. Many companies are faced with exposure to financial risk which are caused by unanticipated exchange rate and interest rate movements. These unanticipated movement in exchange rate which is caused by international competition can results into large gain or loss if the risk is not managed properly. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Managing Financial Risks With Derivatives In Telecommunications Ind" essay for you Create order Exchange rate movement generate business risks which can vary the current foreign assets and liabilities and interest rate movement can have indirect impact on companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s value on its future cash flows. Domestic and multinational companies who are faced with these kind of risks must assure that they control these risks otherwise if they are unmanaged then this can result into total failure of business. Financial Institutions have introduced different products to help companies in risk management. These products are Forward contracts on exchange rate, Futures contracts, Interest rate swaps and Options. Forward contract being the oldest product to be introduced to manage both foreign exchange and interest rate risks. 1.1 Problem statement Changes in business environment and increase in movement of interest rate and exchange rate has resulted into rise in financial risk exposure. These movements can affect not only companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s profit but also companyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s survival in indirect way. Financial risks management has turn to be a significant area of pertain for UK corporations. Therefore this proposal attempt to find out how UK Telecommunications industry handle financial risks in an increasing business risk environment. Research aim and objectives Aim The main aim of the study is to determine how firms in UK Telecommunications industry manage interest rate and foreign exchange financial risks by looking into use of derivatives. 1.3 Research Objectives The primary objectives of the research will be; To determine how companies manage risk To determine whether derivatives are used or not To determine which derivatives are used and for what purpose Disclosure of financial instruments 1.4 Research Questions The following research questions will guide this research How companies manage risk? Are derivatives used or not used? Which derivatives are used and for what purpose? What are the disclosure of financial instruments? 2. LITERATURE REVIEW Derivatives are financial instruments whose values are deduced from some underlying assets or rate/price. Derivatives are now of paramount importance to the business world, with imaginary value of more than $200 trillion of these derivatives are being traded on coordinated and over the counter markets in 2004 (Bank for International Settlements, 2004). The financial products which are provided by FinanciaI Institution are options, futures contract, forward contract and interest rate swap. The common Interest rate derivative is Interest rate swaps and others are future contracts and interest rate options while for foreign exchange derivatives are forwards contracts, currency swaps, foreign exchange futures and options. Forward contract gives the owner the obligation to buy an asset at set price and maturity date as agreed in the contract. Future as like forward but in futures are public traded while forwards are private contracts. Unlike future and forward, options give the owner the right but not obligation to buy or sell an asset at a fixed price on or before specified date (Prevost et al, 2000). Derivatives are used to cut down cash flows and earnings volatility caused by changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, interest rates and other risk factors (Barton J, 2000). Use of financial derivatives is widespread, especially among large publicly traded companies and is still increasing sharply. For example, in a study done by Guay and Kothari, (2003) based on annual reports information of 413 largest firms in the U.S revealed that 57% were using derivatives. In another study of 314 Fortune 500 firms showed that 72% were using derivatives (Barton J, 2001). Mallin et al. (2001) did survey analysis on the use of derivatives in risk management, he mailed questionnaire to 800 UK non financial firms listed on London stock exchange. Results showed that of 231 respondents 32% were applying at least one derivative instrument. Another res earchers Bodnar et al (2003) studied derivative usage in managing risk to 167 non-financial Netherlands firms and revealed 84 usable responses which is 50.3%. In India a study was conducted to examine derivatives usage in managing foreign exchange risk to 640 companies which were faced with foreign exchange exposure and results showed that 70.4% of respondents used foreign exchange derivatives to manage risk (Anand and Kaushik 2007). Whilst many firms use derivatives in managing risk, misuse of it may result into major losses. This was proved by Karpinsky (1998) who revealed companies like Sumitomo Corporation lost $3,500 million in 1996 because of copper future. On the other hand El-Masry (2003) collected data from questionnaire mailed to 401 non financial companies listed on London stock exchange, 50% of respondents did not use derivatives because the risk exposure was not substational. Likewise suryey done by Bodnar et al (1995) revealed lower use of derivatives and the rea son being low insignificant exposure. Regarding to mostly used derivatives to manage risk exposure, survey done by Marshall (1997) pointed that options, swaps and forwards were normally used to manage interest rate and foreign exchange risks. In El-Masry (2003) survey of UK non financial firms, results indicated that firms use options at 29.4%, forward/future at 23.7% and swaps 23.1%. 3.0. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research design This study will be conducted as a quantitative survey Sources of data The main source of data will be the annual reports of 10 companies in the UK telecommunications industry for the past three years. Documentary source Bell (1999) state documentary source involves the reading of relevant information from library source such as text books, journals, newspapers and internet. Secondary source will enable a researcher to conduct broad investigation and help confirm the reliability of the findings given that the findings may be subjective and this source will be used as well to cut down reliance on the annual reports as the main source of data used in the study. Sampling selection Selection of sample will be based on the public data information of the companies and the eligibility criteria will base on following factors; The company must be in the telecommunication services industry The company must be either a Domestic or a Multinational one which is exposed to financial risks as an outcome of international competition The company should be among of the listed London Stock Exchange companies Data analysis Data collected will be analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using frequency table. 4. CONCLUSION Measuring and managing financial risk exposure are crucial functions in cutting down companiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ vulnerabilities from major exchange and interest rate movements. Financial derivatives are very important in risk management of corporations 5. REFERENCE Anand m., Kaushik k. p., (2007).Management Motivations for Use of Foreign Currency Derivatives in India, IIML Working Paper Series. Bank for International Settlements. (2004). Triennial Central Bank Survey of Foreign Exchange and Derivatives Market Activity in 2004. https://www.bis.org/publ/rpfx05.htm. Barton, J. (2001). Does the Use of Financial Derivatives Affect Earnings Management Decisions? The Accounting Review, 76, 1-26. Bell, Judith. (1999). Doing your Research Project: A guide for first time researcher in Education: 3rd Edition Buckingham, Open University press.UK Bodnar g. m., de jong a., macrae v., (2003). The impact of Institutional Differences on Derivatives Usage: a Comparative Study of US and Dutch Firmsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, European Financial Management vol. 9, No. 3, pp. 271-297. El-masry a.,(2003) A survey of derivatives use by UK non financial companies, Social science research network Manchester Business School pg.455. Grant, K. and Marshall, A. P. (19 97), à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Large UK companies and derivativesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, European Financial Management, vol. 3 no. 2, pp. 191-208. Guay W Kothari, S. P. (2003). How Much Do Firms Hedge with Derivatives? Journal of Financial Economics, 70, 423-461. Hentschel, L., Kothari, S. P. (2001). Are Corporations Reducing or Taking Risks with Derivatives. Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, 36, 93-118. Mallin c.; Ow-yong k. and Reynolds m.,(2001) Derivatives usage in UK non-financial listed companies, The European Journal of Finance Vol. 7 (2001), pp. 63-91. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. Thornhill, A. (2007). Research Methods for Business Students. 4th Edition. Pearson Education Limited UK. Prevost, A. K., Rose, L. C., Miller, G. (2000). Derivatives Usage and Financial Risk Management in Large and Small Economies: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of Business Finance and Accounting, 27, 733-759.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Sigmund Freud And Its Effects On Human Development

From the moment of your first breath to the final moments of your life, the body goes through many developmental changes. There have been many different theories detailing the changes during the life span such as Freud, Erikson, Havighurst, Piaget, and Kohlberg. These theorists present development in stages which the human displays predictable behavioral patterns and build specific proficiencies. Through these stages, societal philosophies, attitudes, and values have an effect on human development. Other factors have influenced the human development such as psychological, biological, sociological, philosophical, and historical bases. These factors along with physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development help form the person. There are so many changes, happening for so many reasons from the first breath to the last moments, each unknowingly making you who you are. Sigmund Freud, known as the founding father of psychoanalysis, was born in Austria on May 6, 1856. Freud developed 5 stages of psychosexual development; each stage revolves around a significant erogenous zone. Freud believed the every child is born with an innate biological sexual need. Freud’s theory stressed on life in early childhood and how these interactions with the care provider determined behaviors later in life. The five stages are oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. Freud’s theories are all based on achieving a certain sexual point by a certain age. Freud believed if the stage was notShow MoreRelated The Influence of Sigmund Freud on Society Essay822 Words   |  4 PagesThe Influence of Sigmund Freud on Society The late nineteenth century marked a number of radical developments on science, art, and philosophy. Although the lives of humans used to be constantly at the mercy of nature, during this time, humans began harnessing its power and eventually started controlling it. A sudden urge to look beyond the surface of things became widespread. Sigmund Freud looked beyond the effects of behavior and explored the unconscious. He significantly changed theRead MoreSigmund Freud : Influences On Developmental Psychology1028 Words   |  5 Pages16 November 2014 Sigmund Freud: Influences in Developmental Psychology Sigmund Freud was one of the most influential psychologists in the history of the profession. He was influential in human psychological development and in the treatment of atypical mental conditions. In this paper Freud’s studies and contributions will be researched and shown how they influenced developmental psychology as we understand it today. Sigmund Freud was born in 1856 in Friedberg, Moravia. Freud considered himselfRead MoreEssay on Freud V Erickson1371 Words   |  6 Pages Sigmund Freud is probably the most familiar name that comes to mind when one thinks of famous psychologists. 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Sigmund Freud was influenced by the environment post World War I, and influenced the world through his theories and hisRead MoreSigmund Freud s Theory Of Psychology1356 Words   |  6 PagesSigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist, also known as the founding father of Psychoanalysis. Freud discovered psychoanalysis by organizing ideas and information from different theories and clinical observations. Psychoanalysis is A method of analyzing psychic phenomena and treating mental and emotional disorders that is based on the concepts and theories of Sigmund Freud, that emphasizes the importance of free association and dream analysis, and that involves treatment sessions during which theRead MoreComparing The Work Of Sigmund Freud And A Neo Analytical Theorist1290 Words   |  6 PagesPersonality Theories: Analysis of Freud and Karen Horney Yorkville University Alanna Sampson â€Æ' Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the work of Sigmund Freud and a neo-analytical theorist. This paper will compare the work of Freud and Karen Horney and begins with an introduction to the study of personality and an identification of the key elements in Freud and Horney’s theories. The paper then moves into an analysis of where Horney and Freud would find agreement and disagreementRead MoreEssay on The Contributions of Sigmund Freud1498 Words   |  6 PagesThe founder of Psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud was a physiologist, and medical doctor and a psychologist. During the span of his research in psychotherapy he was criticized by many who claimed his research was not science. Although it has been decades and Freud’s work has filled many of today’s psychology textbooks, there are contemporary critics who still question the legitimacy of Freud’s scientific work. Sigmund Freud’s achievements unlocked the unconscious and developed modern psychotherapy.

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Evaluate the Organization’s Involvement and Responsibility Free Essays

Motivation and Empowerment Evelyn Hamilton, Aaron Pobleh and Regina Taylor CJA/474: Managing Criminal Justice Personnel November 26, 2012 Instructor: Pam McIver The term motivation and empowerment is a universal concept that is hoped to work towards the good of any organization. Motivation and empowerment does not come from rewards to employees but instead, recognition, responsibility and advancement. Leaders who are effective in motivating and empowering their staff have acquired a great achievement, which can increase efficiency, and self development of skills and abilities. We will write a custom essay sample on Evaluate the Organization’s Involvement and Responsibility or any similar topic only for you Order Now When employers are concerned about the welfare and needs of their staff, this provides trust among staff. The purpose of this paper is to compare motivation and empowerment, define the components of empowerment, analyze the implications of empowerment and delegation in a criminal justice organization and analyze the role of trust in personnel issues. Compare motivation and empowerment Motivation and empowerment are two words that are very popular in every workplace. Generally when one mention motivation, everyone would think it is what employer gives their employees, unfortunately, motivation in the workplace goes way far beyond that. Motivating your employees gives them authority to do more work for you and do it better. According to businessdictionary. com, motivation is both internal and external factors which desire and energize people to become committed to a job, role, or subject, or to strive to reach a goal. While empowerment is management practices which allow the sharing of information, power, and rewards with employees so that they can take initiative, and make decision to solve problems, and improve themselves as well as enhance their performance (www. usinessdictionary. com). Everyone need to feel empowered regarding their work ethic on the job or being assertive in life challenges and changes, but without the key elements of self-motivation, assertiveness and the ability to make good decision how would they be able to motivate others. Mangers of an organization should show through their behavior and actions how provide the necessary skills to be productive and efficient. This in turn will produce hap pier employees. Define the components of empowerment In order to be an effective leader a person would need to be empowering by those below them and therefore allow them to take initiative on their own. A leader that has poor management skill fails to empower anyone underneath him. For example, an office manager as well as a beginner officer within the work place or in the field must feel good about performing on their own and not feeling they will be overly scrutinized regarding their errors. They must not fear the aftermaths or punishments for taking individual decision making. When this happens, employees began to shun management for fear always doing something wrong. Employers should provide positive communication to their staff (National Empowerment Center). There was a research designed to examine the concept word of empowerment in this programs sponsored by multiple examiner of the criminal justice it was first anticipated to create a working definition. After research the â€Å"elements of empowerment were identified, including access to information, ability to make choices, assertiveness, and self-esteem. Empowerment has both an individual and a group dimension (Tom Roger, 2011). This research studied participants in self-help programs for people with no self-motivation and the need for encouragement. At the beginning of the study,† it was stated numerous of the individuals involved empower in their research. It’s obviously the important theory concerning the essential to defining meaning of empowerment as part of the development. Although it â€Å"recognized that empowerment had elements in common with such concepts as self-esteem and self-efficacy, these concepts did not fully capture what was considered a distinctiveness about empowerment† (Tom Roger, 2011). In an earlier â€Å"debates empowerment was† considered â€Å"complex, multidimensional concept, and that it described a process rather than an event†. It was never â€Å"believe that an individual had to display every quality on the list in order to be considered† empowered (Tom Roger, 2011). Analyze the implications of empowerment and delegation in a criminal justice organization Today the style and practices of police leadership is changing rapidly. The term shared leadership is one being used by many police chiefs all across the country. They believe that this approach to management by sharing power and influence to individuals within the organization, who are otherwise hierarchical unequal, will view their leadership as a leadership which looks at the broader aspect of giving authority to employees which will allow them to make decisions, solve problems, and be held accountable for their actions (Mussellwhite, 2007). Whenever officers are empowered they become dedicated to their jobs. Because they are given the skills, resources, authority, opportunity to be motivated and committed to their jobs, roles, or duties. Something which is refers to as being dedicated. Employees empowerment in a police department which delegate assignments, allow officers to take responsibility of their jobs results. It also allows them to make decisions about it. When officers are delegated with responsibilities, it makes them think in decision making, take control, behave, and take actions responsively, because they know that they will be held accountable for their actions. Police departments that apply employee empowerment create an environment in which their officers are empowered, productive and are happy in their jobs. Such police departments do not limit their employees to information (Heathfield, 2012). Analyze the role of trust in personnel issues. The role of trust in personnel issues involves how employees relate and respond to their employer. For example, if an employer is more concerned about getting the job done employees will pick up on that and will respond to their employer in a negative way. But when employers’ show that they truly care about their employee’s well being they will respond in a positive way. It would be in the organizations best interest for employers to take time to get to know their employees. Employers should empower their staff by allowing them to make important decisions in reference to their day to day duties. This will cause employees to respect their employers which will also lead to trust. When employees trust and respect the organization they will do the best possible work they are capable of doing. This in turn will lead to accountability on the part of the employee (Mussellwhite, 2007). When an employer gains the trust of their staff, they will know how to motivate each individual person for the best outcome of the organization. Employees understand that no organization is a perfect organization. When employees know and feel important to the organization, respect and trust will deepen. Respect and trust will take an organization to higher creativity and increased efficiency (Forbes. com, 2009). Positive communication is the cornerstone to empowerment and trust within an organization. When employers take the time to consider their staff opinions and feedback on daily operations, this can cause higher productivity and increase efficiently. Employers should share information about the organization with their staff. This provides for a clear picture of how the organization is progressing or not progressing. This also produces trust among employees because employers trust their staff (Mussellwhite, 2007). Conclusion In conclusion, this paper compared motivation and empowerment, defined the components of empowerment, analyzed the implications of empowerment and delegation in a criminal justice organization and analyzed the role of trust in personnel issues. Motivation and empowerment is about providing production and management guidelines to employees and then allows them to operate in an independent manner. Empowerment and delegation within the criminal justice system involves sharing power and influence to individuals within the organization, who are otherwise hierarchical unequal. This leadership looks at the broader aspect of giving authority to employees which will allow them to make decisions, solve problems, and be held accountable for their actions. The components of empowerment are about communication, feedback and productivity. Employees should be trained properly so that trust is gained through empowerment. A motivated and empowered employee will respect and trust the organization which will lead to accountability and responsibility. Leaders can gain great achievement when they effectively motivate and empower their staff into self development of skills and abilities. References Chris Musselwhite, 2007. Inc. Motivation=Empowerment; retrieved on November 22, 2012 from www. inc. com/resources/leadership/articles/20070801 Employees Empowerment: How to Empower employees. Retrieved on November 22, 2012 from www. humanresources. about. com/od/employeeempowerment Empowerment in the Workplace ttp://ezinearticles. com/? Empowerment-in-the-Workplaceid=6541445 Make sure your employees trust you or else. Forbes. com 2009. Retrieved from http://www. forbes. com/2009/03/23/trust-respect-employees-leadership-managing-blanchard. html. National Empowerment Center Article www. power2u. org/articles/empowerment/workingdef. html Susan Heathfield. 2012. What is Empowerment; Retrieved on November 22, 2012 fr om www. businessdictionary. com/definition/empowerment. html What is Motivation; Retrieved on November 22, 2012 from www. Businessdictionary. com/definition/motivation. html How to cite Evaluate the Organization’s Involvement and Responsibility, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Is Macbeth a man or a monster Essay Example For Students

Is Macbeth a man or a monster? Essay Upon the opening of the play of Macbeth we hear of him through narrative but do not see him, though the sergeant is biased towards Macbeth and Banquo in his report of them in battle. We find out from the sergeant that Macbeth is someone who portrayed valour on the battlefield. However, this is interesting because we find out later that Macbeth is not as ruthless when he is not on the battlefield. Macbeth was frightened of the witches when he first saw them. Firstly by their appearance and secondly by their predictions, but what is interesting is that the witches predicted things which were positive so Macbeth was afraid of how he might react after hearing their predictions. So we have clues that Macbeth had already thought about plotting to kill the king because of his ambition. All he needed was a little push to carry it through. Banquo, however, realises that there must be a trick hidden in the witchs prophecies somewhere but Macbeth refuses to accept that. When Lady Macbeth finds out about the witches her strong desire for ambition and her cold nature leads Macbeth astray. Macbeth is a little ambitious at first, but Lady Macbeths far exceeds his and so she is able to get Macbeth to agree with her to kill King Duncan. Macbeth still has a conscience at this stage because he is very hesitant about killing the King but his weak nature over comes him. He has a conscience throughout the entire play as this is seen by the hallucinations of the dagger and the ghost of Banquo and his vivid imagination and his constant worry also provokes him. This is also evident in his terrible dreams that give the solid theme that he has indeed murdered sleep. Throughout the play we see the character of Macbeth change not from just the way he thinks and what we hear from the play, but from the actions he takes in the play, from killing Banquo, then having Lady Macduff and her children murdered, shows the insecurity that was present in Macbeth. After the murder of Duncan Macbeth becomes paranoid and his first step of killing the guards is one of many that Macbeth takes to secure himself. Macbeth is also very superstitious and this is shown when he believes the prophecy the witches told him that Banquos offspring would become Kings. Towards the end of the play when Macbeths wife has died and the battle is drawing closer Macbeth shows some good that may have been. He wishes for a normal life for which he would have lived to an honourable age but he recognises that he has denied himself of this. Even when Macbeth hears that the prophecy has become true of Birnam Wood coming to Dunsinane, he rejects this idea and fights on until he realises that Macduff wasnt born in a natural birth but instead was Untimely ripped from his mothers womb. When Macbeth hears of this  he realises what he has done and how the witches have tricked him but instead he realises that it is useless and so he fights on only to be slain. Macbeth can be summarised into a character although strong physically he is very weak mentally and it is this weakness, which causes the downfall and change of Macbeth. Other factors do however also contribute to this change such as his wife whose ambition is very strong at first and is much more stronger mentally than Macbeth but it is also Macbeths ambition and his trust in the witches which ultimately change him. .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a , .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .postImageUrl , .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a , .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a:hover , .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a:visited , .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a:active { border:0!important; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a:active , .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u948b4eb47fb1f7b03dde18d39929749a:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: The Story of An Old Man EssayDuring the course of the play and the events that go on, it seems to the audience that it will be Macbeth who loses his mind and become mad, but this is not so. We see Macbeth keep his sanity throughout which shows how strong he is, although he does hallucinate. We see that in Act 2 Scene 1, Macbeth sees a dagger floating before him, which only he can see. He says, Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come let me clutch thee. I have thee not yet I see thee still. Also, we see that Macbeth isnt a monster at all, although he does terrible things. After he kills Duncan, Macbeth immediately feels guilty for what he has done. This shows that Macbeth is human as guilt is a human quality. We see Macbeths mind slip out of focus as his wife tries to calm him. He says whilst still in a daydream state Will all great Neptunes oceans wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red. Another factor, which must be taken into account when looking at Macbeths character change, could be the three Witches. The three witches are introduced right at the beginning of the play. They recount to Macbeth three prophecies. That Macbeth will be Thane of Cawdor, Thane of Glamis and King. These prophecies introduce Macbeth to ideas of greatness. Macbeth will eventually follow through on killing king Duncan, a destruction of the natural order; it was sometimes thought that the witches had the ability to reverse the natural order of things. This brings into the play idea of fate and the role with which it has in the play. We can wonder if Macbeth ever had a chance of doing what was right after he met with the witches. It is however, more realistic to believe that Macbeth was responsible for his own actions throughout the play as in the end it was he who made the final decisions. Banquo says in line 24, The instruments of darkness tell us truths, / Win us with honest trifles, to betray s / In deepest consequence. He thinks and says bad things of the witches. He calls them instruments of darkness and the devil. He might  believe that these prophecies will only bring harm even before anything begins to happen. So Macbeth is warned by his best friend before he makes any decisions that the witches are evil, and what they suggest is evil. The witches could foretell the future, they can add temptation, and influence Macbeth, because they had told Macbeth that he would be King he became impatient and tried to hurry it as quickly as he could. But they cannot control his destiny. Macbeth creates his own misery when he is driven by his own sense of guilt. This causes him to become insecure as to the reasons for his actions, which in turn causes him to commit more murders. The witches offer great enticement, but it is in the end, each individuals decision to fall for the temptation, or to be strong enough to resist their captivation. The three Witches are only responsible for the introduction of these ideas and for further forming ideas in Macbeth head, but they are not responsible for his actions throughout the play. Overall, after looking through the play and also seeing a version on video, I can say without a doubt that Macbeth is most definitely a human not monster. He shows too many human qualities throughout the play to be considered a monster. Even though Macbeth does some terribly evil things I think he regrets most of them, although to late to stop doing them. Even so he must be considered a human for the remorse he shows and for his courageousness and bravery during the whole of the play.

Thursday, November 28, 2019

Bible as Literature Essay Sample free essay sample

The Four Source Theory or the JEPD theory was an effort of certain scriptural bookmans during the Enlightenment epoch of the 18Thursdaycentury to do sense of the â€Å"seeming† disagreements of the Torah’s histories in some of its narrations. It tries to screen through the sensed differences in manners and nomenclatures found in the first five books of the Judaic Scripture. The Four Source refers to the J. E. P. and the D as the four likely resources of the informations gathered and compiled into four volumes. i. e. . Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Numbers. and Deuteronomy. The J represents the alleged â€Å"Jehovist† beginning who wrote about 850 B. C. Passages like Genesis 1-2:3 and Genesis 7:2-3 are some illustrations of the informations supplied by J beginning. The E beginning is the â€Å"Elohist† who wrote and added his/their stuff sometime 750 B. C. Portions of Bible that contain. or instead. used the word â€Å"Elohim† for God are the subdivisi ons provided by the Elohist. We will write a custom essay sample on Bible as Literature Essay Sample or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Genesis 2:4-3:3 is believed to be portion of the E beginning. The missive P is the â€Å"Priestly† beginning. Obviously. as the really name suggests. the information was supplied by the priests or a priest ( Hebraic Priestly community ) . The book of Leviticus which deals chiefly with temple. the priests. priestly responsibilities. etc. . must instantly come to mind when â€Å"priest† or â€Å"Priestly Source† is mentioned. Harmonizing to the advocates of Four Source Theory. Leviticus and poetries such that in Genesis 6:19-20 and others are parts supplied by the P beginning. The Priestly Source came approximately 450 B. C. The 4th beginning is the â€Å"Deuteronomist. † which is represented by the word D. This beginning came manner back 622 B. C. . and its stuff is the book of Deuteronomy. To hold come up with this theory. Julius Wellhousen ( who developed this theory ) and other advocators. believed to hold alleviated or minimized the otherwise contradictory parts of the Pentateuch. For illustration. harmonizing to these theoreticians. Genesis 1 is a different history of creative activity that which is described in chapter 2 of the same book. The two histories. nevertheless. are non two different stuffs supplied by two different writers. Genesis 1 merely narrated the creative activity of the existence and the Earth. while Genesis 2 focal points on the creative activity of adult male and the inside informations of what had happened inside the Garden of Eden. It’s merely a affair ofangle.to do usage of contemporary journalists’ nomenclature. Other â€Å"seeming† disagreements inside the Torah and the remainder of the Holy Scripture can be explained therefore and in many other ways. which. if non wholly snuff out the visual aspects of contradictions. would however render coherency to scriptural literature. Plants Cited: Dietch. Linda A. Candidate Drew University Madison. NJ. â€Å"Critical Positions: Making Sense of the Text – the Four Source Theory in Biblical Scholarship. † American Bible Society. ( 2008 ) .

Monday, November 25, 2019

Tartaros - A Place of Ultimate Punishment

Tartaros - A Place of Ultimate Punishment Free Online Research Papers Tartarus, also seen written as Tartaros, was not just believed (in Greek mythology) to have been a place of ultimate punishment, but also as one of the first Gods from which everything in the universe descended from. In ancient orphic sources Tartaros is also the unbounded first-existing â€Å"thing† from which the Light and the Cosmos is born. Before the time of the elder Titan gods and the Olympian gods, there were five primordial gods that emerged from the void of creation. First Chaos (the Goddess of Emptiness) transpired into the universe. From her arose Tartarus (Primeval God of Hell) and his siblings Gaea (mother Earth), Eros (God of love, desire and fertility), and Erebus (God of Primordial Darkness). Little is known of the deity state of Tartarus, but it is said that he was a dour and depressing being. With time he sank into oblivion, giving his name to the darkest and most cruel place of punishment. The location of Tartarus is described as being the lowest region within Earth, lying far beneath the disk of the world. It was a dank and wretched pit engulfed in murky gloom. In The Iliad, Zeus claims that Tartarus is â€Å"as far beneath Hades as heaven is high above the Earth.† Tartarus is a place so far from the sun and so deep in the earth that it is hemmed in by three layers of night, which surrounds a bronze wall in which Tartarus is encompassed. The Greek poet Hesiod claims that a bronze anvil falling from the heavens would fall nine days before it reached the Earth. The anvil would then take nine more days to fall from Earth to Tartarus. According to the Greeks, there were three places in which the soul could rest for eternity. There was the Elysian Fields, the resting place for the blessed, heroic and virtuous. Then there was Hades, a place for the souls of mortal sinners. And finally there was Tartarus. Tartarus was known as being the prison for defeated gods. It was also a place where the punishment fit the crime. The Titans, also known as the elder gods, were the first to rule the Earth. Kronos was the ruler of all the gods. Among him were Gaea (mother and wife of Kronos, their offspring were the first of the Olympians), Uranus (father of Kronos), Rhea (mother of Zeus, goddess of the Earth, mountains and forests), Oceanus (husband of Tethys and produced the rivers and the three thousand ocean nymphs), Tethys, Hyperion (Titan of Light, father of the sun, moon, and the dawn), Mnemosyne (Titan of memory and mother of the Muses), Themis (Titan of justice and order, the mother of the Fates and the Seasons), Iapetus (father of Prometheus, Epimetheus and Atlas), Coeus (Titan of Intelligence, father of Leto), Crius, Phoebe (Titan of the moon, mother of Leto), Thea, Prometheus (Wisest Titan, creator of man, name means â€Å"Forethought,† The only Titan not sent to Tartarus), Epimetheus (Dumbest of Titans, name means â€Å"Afterthought,† accepted Pandora from Zeus, which brought ills and sorrows into the world), Atlas (Lead the Titans into battle), and Metis. In time the Olympians became power-hungry and challenged the Titans in a battle to rule the universe. Zeus, who led the Olympians, defeated his father Kronos and sent the Titans away to Tartarus where they were imprisoned in darkness for eternity. Among the Titans in Tartarus were Otus Ephialtes, Ixion and the Lapithes, Sisyphus, Tantalus, the Cyclopes, and the Hecatonchires. Otus and Ephialtes were two giants who warred with the Titans against the Olympians. They tried to reach heaven to overthrow the Olympians by piling Mount Ossa on Mount Olympus and Mount Pelion on Mount Ossa. Ixion was King of the Lapithes and is also called the â€Å"first human to spill the blood of a relative†. He murdered his father-in-law to avoid paying a price for his bride. When no one on Earth would purify him, Zeus took Ixion to Olympus and purified him. While there Ixion tried to seduce Zeus’s wife Hera, but Zeus created a phantom of her and by it Ixion became the father of the Centaurs. As punishment for his sinful act, Ixion was chained eternally to a revolving, fiery wheel in Tartarus. The Lapithes were a fierce people of Thessaly, known for the battle with the centaurs, which resulted in the complete destruction of the Centaurs and the exile of the Lapithes to Tartarus. Sisyphus was renowned for his cunning and was said to have even outwitted Death. For his disrespect to Zeus, he was condemned to push a heavy rock to the top of a steep hill in Tartarus for eternity, where it would always roll down only for him to push back up. Tantalus was the King of Sipylos, the son of Zeus and father of Pelops and Niobe. He was admitted to the society of the gods, but his repulsive behavior provoked their anger, and Zeus damned him to suffer eternally in Tartarus. One legend says that he had divulged divine secrets and stolen the gods’ sacred food. Another tells that he had murdered his son Pelops and served his body to the gods to test their intuition. As punishment he was immersed up to his neck in cool water, which disappeared whenever he tried to satisfy his thirst, and the fresh fruits, which hung above him leapt up when he attempted to take a bite. The Cyclopes were sons of Uranus and Gaea, and they were Arges, Brontes, and Steropes. They were giant beings with a single, round eye in the middle of their foreheads. They were so strong they could move mountains with their bare hands. In the battle between the Titans and the Olympians, the Cyclopes were overpowered by the Titan giants and were locked away in Tartarus. Years later, Zeus had found them one day visiting and smuggled in five jars of nectar, which refreshed them. Zeus then set them up with a prison workshop, including forge. Here they put together a helmet of invisibility for Hades, a missile trident for Poseidon and a stock of thunderbolts. Lastly, there were the Hecatonchires. They were the sons of Gaea and Uranus, and their names are Cottus, Briareus, and Gyges. They were stronger, more overbearing and fierce than the mighty Cyclopes. They had one hundred arms and fifty heads, a truly awesome yet horrifying sight. Their father Uranus was so disgusted, he cast them into Tartarus. Though it is the lowest, darkest and most evil place in Greek mythology, I found Tartarus to be very interesting and mysterious to study about. In today’s society, some believe that there are only two places in which your soul can travel to, Heaven or Hell. But in Greek mythology, your soul can be sent to one of three. To them, the afterlife was just as important as their mortal life on Earth. Research Papers on Tartaros - A Place of Ultimate PunishmentThe Gnostic JesusThe Damnable Life of FaustBooker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Ida B. Wells-BarnettJoel Kovel’s The Enemy of NatureLegalization of Same Sex MarriagesCritical Analysis of HamletThe Rise and Fall of Napoleon BonaparteEmmett Till BiographyThe Broken FamilyFalse Advertising

Thursday, November 21, 2019

To what extent does the internet represent a more democratic medium of Assignment

To what extent does the internet represent a more democratic medium of information - Assignment Example that when the history of the 20th and 21st century will be written, internet would be labelled as the major stimulus that shaped this era and many of the developments that have been witnessed by these generations (Gaur, 2006, p. 57). Over the past few years, citizens from various developed countries in the world have become extremely cynical and sceptical of their government, traditional forms of media and governmental institutions for any information. Therefore, these people usually extend greater trust and credibility over the internet, which they are increasingly using to fulfil their information needs. Furthermore, many political parties and politicians, realising the power of internet are using the internet to their advantage (Bennett & Entman, 2000, p. 214). The rise of several populist parties in Europe, some of which now enjoy considerable representation within the parliaments of Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Netherlands, Spain, Latvia, Slovakia, Greece and others, have been able to transform their parities because of their extensive reliance over social media (Salter, 2003, p. 118). Since the internet has the ability to reach billions of people all over the world and absorb their opinions, viewpoints and ideas, the general opinion amongst the public is that internet is a populist and democratic tool. From the surface, it might appear that internet is a highly democratic medium, as it is so diverse, huge, far reaching and dynamics that nobody can control it (Gaur, 2006, p. 57). However, a closer examination makes it apparent that the internet has deeply embedded structural inequalities. For example, consider the fact that the most developed countries in the world, which account for only 16 percent of the world’s population, control 97 percent of all internet hosts (Bennett, 2007, p. 259). Interestingly enough, the 100 least developed countries in the world have only 5 percent of the internet hosts of Iceland. Nevertheless, proponents of

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

GOV.13US & MO CONSTITUTIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

GOV.13US & MO CONSTITUTIONS - Essay Example The decision to eliminate the U.S citizens from voting for the senators was thought to allow for judicial appointments and the ratification treaties. The twenty first amendments stated that the importation and transportation of alcohol to any state or the possession and the use of any intoxicating liquors was prohibited while the eighteenth amendment mandated national prohibition of alcohol and ushered in the prohibition period. During this period, the manufacture, the sale and the distribution of alcohol was prohibited (Jeffers, 2000). The nineteenth amendment gave women the right to vote. Women obtained the right to vote while this is still practical in 2013. Women are still objectified in 2013 with great numbers of women coming out to vote during elections. For example, the U.S government has forty four women representatives in the senate government. This demonstrates that women are still objectified today. 4.   How would you like to get your paycheck with no taxes taken out?   What amendment started federal income tax?   Is our current tax system fair?   What do the political parties generally say about taxes? The sixteen amendments legalized the collection of tax on income. The current system is fair since it give reasonable requirements for the collection of tax. Majority of the U.S political parties give total support for the collection of income tax. They believe that the collection of the income tax affects dramatic changes in the country’s way of life. The twenty sixth amendments lowered the voting age from the age of twenty one to the age of eighteen years. During the Vietnam War, there was the slogan’ old enough to vote’. During this time the eighteen years old children were recruited to the army and granted the right to vote. The twenty third amendments granted the Washington D.C the right to vote and cast votes for the vice president and the president during elections. Before then, they could not vote for the president because

Monday, November 18, 2019

Implementation of Materials Requirements Planning Case Study

Implementation of Materials Requirements Planning - Case Study Example There was a delay in ordering and forecasting due to jumbling of trucks. Vice president recommended that for the software to work, it needed at least 25 Premio employees and managers to adjust their jobs. The minor problem was only lack of adequate parking space for the customers or visitors due to the parking of delivering trucks. Gmunder insisted that the system would overhaul production, procurement, and shipping as well as imposing the required discipline, which Cinque, the company’s CEO wavered. Gmunder estimated the system would raise the annual money flow by $500000 and an annual savings of $150000 through the reduction of wasted material. Cinque still questioned about the system claiming that the numbers were worth pursuing, but with no sales yet. Cinque elaborated that the system affects every operation of Premio Foods Company. Employees started complaining about because some of them would be laid-off from a job (Barrett, 2010). The system was also doubted by one of the veterans and also a director of technical services, suggesting that the company would end up getting solid sales forecasts. The veteran viewed it as a big corporate BS. He also feared to undergo from the shortage of raw materials especially during the holiday. Mark Renna, who is the director of logistics and aged eight years, warned Cinque about an eruption of a similar case of installation of MRP system. He elaborated that customers were not getting their orders, and most of the trucks left the firm half full, which might happen to the company. It seems MRP system is based on the assumption of the deterministic region. Leads and demand times are the most assumed determinists. In a manufacturing environment, however, the assumptions are invariably violated. There exists a conflict between reality and assumptions in the execution of MRP system.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Writing An Essay At Tertiary Level

Writing An Essay At Tertiary Level Academic writing, like all forms of communication, is an act of identity: it not only conveys disciplinary content but also carries a representation of the writer. The notion of identity has only surfaced in writing research relatively recently, but it is increasingly seen as less a phenomenon of private experience than a desire for affiliation and recognition. Cave men could do it, why cant I? Communication in the written form has been around for millions of years, be it on a cave wall, or the best university in the land. Mans attempt to get across a message has truly been a constant in our lives for so very long. Essay writing to many people is a difficult concept to grasp. Plenty of time is taken up preparing the makeup of the essay. There are no shortcuts in a well written essay, only time and research can bring about the results the university requires. The plan, Where to begin! The age old question when it comes to essay writing. How do you put that first word, then sentence and finally paragraph together? Well according to most of the sources that I have come across, a basic structure keeps coming up. The importance of an introduction, as well as the body and conclusion are all key areas of an essay. Then just as you embark on your writing task, more problems are faced. Outlined below are 4 key areas I believe let students down time over time. The Introduction To identify the main issue(s), explain and justify the methods(s) of analysis to be use, and assess the quality of the evidence available. Sounds straight forward enough when you start out, but without the correct introduction, the reader or audience will be lost to you. Trying to find balance between the correct amount of information, to draw the reader in, without sounding to boring or waffling on. A quote or hook is one way to draw the reader in, and have them wondering if the rest is as good or have they used up their best material. Do you agree with the question or disagree? Put together an argument that can both show your knowledge of the subject material, and putting it into an argumentative context. Avoiding Plagiarism DEFINITION OF PLAGIARISM Oxford English Dictionary (Vol XI, pg 947) 1989: 1. The action or practice of plagiarizing; the wrongful appropriation or purloining, and publication of ones own, of the ideas, or the expression of the ideas (literary, artistic, musical, mechanical, etc.( of another. 2. A purloined idea, design, passage, or work. Plagiarius in Latin means kidnapper, seducer, plunderer, a literary thief according to the Roman poet, Martial. Plagiarism is not simply understood. Students may deliberately choose to plagiarize their work, but others may through other means, reach the same desired goals. Students from many backgrounds may not understand the reasoning behind plagiarism, which can lead to significant problems within education. Students tend to plagiarize because they do not understand how they can write in their own voice, as it can be such a daunting task. . Others may not have developed the skills to accurately document their information. Still others may be struggling to learn English. (Thompson) Planning and research So we have been asked to write an essay 2000 words long, ideally the best thing we can do is to always start with a plan. Planning an essay makes things much easier. It gives you the chance to organize your time so you can meet your deadlines accordingly. It helps you distribute the information in a clear way. Planning provides you with a true sense of safety, since you are already half way done even before writing the first paragraph of the paper. With this particular essay I find that I am in agreement with the question. It is an extremely complex issue, as I have outlined above, to organise and write. A problem faced by so many is the ideas and information that is floating around inside their mind, but do not have the natural ability to get said material onto paper. To form an argument: introduce the concept, talking about obvious instances first, such as size and style, talk about what they tend to involve, and answer what this provides. Give the positive and negative aspects. Then assess the perfect environment, and contrast this with a good or bad situation (Northedge, 1990, pp. 110-155) BODY where the evidence is presented, examined, arguments put forward and supported or refuted. This is where you should develop your argument or themes. Taking each of your main points and support them with examples and illustrations. Start breaking your materials down into paragraphs, one paragraph for each aspect of the topic. Essay Structure The following is the basic essay structure or discernible pattern, which should help you plan your essay and organize your material, expanding the three elements that constitute any essay. MAIN BODY where the evidence is presented, examined, arguments put forward and supported or refuted. CONCLUSION where you sum up and draw the threads together. 1. Introduction Your introduction should: (a) Comment on the title or topic of the essay (b) Define or explain any difficult or ambiguous terms in the title; plus keywords (c) Direct the reader by stating which aspects off the topic you intend to cover and why The introduction should be roughly 5% of the total length of your essay, generally one paragraph. 2. Body The main body of the essay should develop your argument or theme. Take each of your main points and support them with examples and illustrations. Break your materials down into paragraphs; one paragraph for each aspect of the topic. A paragraph may: (a) raise a particular issue, or (b) develop a particular issue. Often the first sentence is the topic sentence that is, it explains what the paragraph is about. As you develop your argument, you must move from point to point and from paragraph to paragraph. This involves transitions to smooth the way for the reader. It is important to remind the reader where you have been and where you are going. Linking words are used as signposts to help the reader make the transition from one paragraph to the next. The linking words you use will depend on the way you are developing your argument. The following are ways to develop your essay from one paragraph to the next, and common linking words for each. 1. Cause and Effect: You can discuss the cause in one paragraph and the effect in the next one, or the other way round. In this case you are expressing a relationship or drawing a conclusion. (Linking words: as a result, thus, therefore, consequently, thus, for this reason, because of.) 2. Positive and Negative Aspects: You can contrast the positive and negative aspects of something. You might discuss the positive aspects in one paragraph and the negative in the next. (Linking words: but, however, on the other hand, although.) 3. Sequence of Events, i.e. before and after: You can show the next step or the previous step to the event you are discussing. (Linking words: then, after that, finally, ultimately, following, before, first, previously, firstly, secondly , thirdly.) 4. Illustration: You can illustrate or give an example of what you have been talking about. (Linking words: for example, for instance, such as, that is.) 5. Extension: You can extend an idea, add weight to your argument, give further examples. (Linking words: similarly, moreover, furthermore, in addition, not only.) 3. Conclusion Your conclusion should: Summarize your main ideas. Answer any specific questions which were asked, through your answer may be tentative. Draw a general conclusion from your argument. In your conclusion you may also, discuss the wider implications. You should not introduce any new arguments or information. The conclusion should make up about 7-8% of the total length of your essay. It is useful to check the essay for basic errors a day or two after writing it, if you have allowed time for this and you are not then tempted to start re-writing bits of it! http://www.intranet.hereford.ac.uk/Services/Study%20Skills/Essay%20Structure.htm Thompson, Celia. Discourses on Plagiarism: To Discipline and Punish or to Teach and Learn?, http://www.bond.edu.au/hss/communication/ANZCA/papers/CThompsonPaper.pdf. The purpose of the essay is the natural aim or plan of the essay itself. As the writer, it is your sole responsibility to judge just what exactly you wish to accomplish with your essay once youre done with it. A common misconception among students is that the essays purpose is to simply impress their high school teachers or professors whove requested them to write an informative or persuasive essay. This is not just harmful, but frowned upon, as professors are genuinely disappointed in such efforts by their students who dont see the wider perspective of the essay (i.e. the actual target audience). Your essay must include the following: Selection of at least four (4) key points from the Readings and/or other academic sources Presentation of ideas in an essay structure Correct referencing throughout (in-text and in the Reference List) Presentation of ideas that are related to student learning Demonstration of your understanding of the issues and concepts Demonstration of your ability to reflect on own context and present relevant argument Good Study Guide by Andrew Northedge) Norton, B. (1997). Language, identity, and the ownership of English. TESOL Quarterly, 31, 409-429. Essay Structure diagram

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

A Worn Path and The Jilting of Granny Weatherall Essay -- Compare/Cont

In the short stories A Worn Path by Eudora Welty and The Jilting of Granny Weatherall by Katherine Anne Porter, both women overcame several obstacles. In A Worn Path, Phoenix Jackson faced obstacles such as her age, physical challenges, and how others viewed her. Granny faced obstacles such as dying, feeling betrayed by her children, and disappointment in her love life. In A Worn Path by Eudora Welty an elderly African American woman named Phoenix Jackson picks a cold December day to make yet another perilous journey to a near by city to get medicine for her ailing grandson. On the way this old woman faces many obstacles, both natural and man-made. Phoenix draws upon her perseverance and willingness to sacrifice herself to help her throughout her journey, but it is the undying love for her grandson that truly guides and drives her to her final goal. She is described as being a very old woman. â€Å"Her eyes were blue with age. Her skin had a pattern all its own of numberless branching wrinkles and as though a whole little tree stood in the middle of her forehead, but a golden color run underneath, and the two knobs of her cheeks were illuminated by a yellow burning under the dark (Welty 386). These all show an indication of her old age. Also, her loss of memory indicates her old age. It was only until Phoenix reached the doctor’s office she remembered why she went on her journey. â€Å"My grandson. It was my memory had left me. There I sat and forgot why I made my trip†(Welty 394). Another character in the story was a white man who was a hunter. When Phoenix falls in the ditch, he helps her out of the ditch. Even though the hunter helps Phoenix, he still poses as a threat to her, because it seems he did not want her to finish her journey. This is made apparent when he states, â€Å"Why, that’s too far! That’s as far as I walk when I come out myself, and I get something for my trouble†(Welty 391). In addition, like her name, Phoenix seems ageless. When she stops to drink water from the spring she says, â€Å"Nobody know who made this well, for it was here when I was born†(Welty 391). When she encounters the hunter and he asks her how old she is she says, â€Å"There is no telling, mister, â€Å"said, â€Å"no telling† (Welty 392). Again her age is emphasized when she goes to t he doctor’s office and the nurse ask her why she never went to school. â€Å"I never did go to school, I was too old a... ...e must have due a great compensation in the afterlife. The greatest wrongdoing was that having been promised a Heaven, an eternal life, and Granny was once again left alone. Granny was much like Phoenix Jackson, they both had to overcome obstacles or challenges in life that made them stronger. Granny had to deal with the heartache and pain of being deceived and disappointed by what she thought was love and Phoenix had to overcome the obstacles of traveling a difficult Journey because of the love she had for her grandson. Fate can control humans’ lives and can help humans reach the end of the challenging path. Phoenix’s and Granny Weatherall’s ability to withstand and overcome these challenges shows their strong determination, and the will power to endure hardship and continue to be strong. Works Cited Bartel, Roland. â€Å"Life and Death in Eudora Welty’s â€Å"A Worn Path.’† USA: Harcourt Brace and Company, 1998. 45-48 Kirsznerand and Mandell, Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing. Earl McPeek. USA: Harcout, Inc., 2001, 1997,1994,1991. 388-395 Porter, Katherine Anne. â€Å"The Jilting of Granny Weatherall.† Literature: Reading, Reacting, Writing. Fort Worth: Harcourt, 2000.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Analysis of Acid by Titration with Sodium Hydroxide

Stephanie Thao Chemistry 1151 Laboratory Analysis of acid by titration with sodium hydroxide Ms. Hoang November 2012 Introduction: The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate an example of how to determine the unknown molarity of hydrochloric acid by titration with a base (sodium hydroxide). Titration is a common laboratory method of quantitative chemical analysis that is used to determine the unknown concentration of an identified analyte (wekipedia). The first step will be measuring and combining water and acid (Hydrochloric acid).An indicator anthocyanin will be added to the solution to change the color to pink. Anthocyanin is a water-soluble vacuolar pigment that may appear red, purple, or blue depending on the pH (Wikipedia). This pink color acts as a pH meter and will show a change in color to represent a change in the pH. As the base (sodium hydroxide) is added, the solution will then change color (this is referred to as the â€Å"stoichiometric end point†). This c olor change represents the increase of pH, as well as showing that the moles of the acid in the solution are equal to the moles of the base (Survey of Chemistry lab manual).Using a dilution equation of M1xV1=M2xV2, the concentration of the hydrochloric acid can be calculated. M1=NaOH(molarity), V1=NaOH(volume), M2=HCl(molarity), V2=HCl(volume). Procedure: Instructions for laboratory were found on page 91 of Survey of Chemistry lab manual. All calculations were rounded off by 2 decimal places for accuracy. Preparation of the indicator required a combination of 50 grams of cabbage with 50ml of ethanol and 20mL of DI water to extract the anthocyanin indicator. This procedure was completed by the instructor and the anthocyanin indicator (â€Å"cabbage extract†) was provided.Then 10mL of hydrochloric acid and 20mL in of deionized water were measured in a graduated cylinder and combined into an Erlenmeyer flask. Pipette 5 to 10 drops of anthocyanin indicator was added to the soluti on in Erlenmeyer flask until the solution change to a pink color. Then the solution was titrated with sodium hydroxide until the solution changed color from pink to blue. The titration of the acid was repeated in three trials. All data and calculations were recorded. Data Tables: Solution Table Acid Bottle Code: #9| Trial # 1| Trial #2| Trial #3| Final buret reading acid (mL)| 9. 1| 9. 2| 10. 10| Volume of acid used (mL)| 9. | 9. 2| 10. 10| Final buret reading NaOH (mL)| 26. 30| 44. 70| 45. 50| Initial buret reading NaOH (mL)| 7. 91| 26. 30| 26. 50| Volume of NaOH (mL)| 18. 39| 18. 40| 19. 00| Concentration of NaOH (M)| 0. 1| 0. 1| 0. 1| Molarity of the acid (HCl)| 0. 202M| 0. 199M| 0. 182M| Ratio of volume of NaOH used (mL) to volume of acid used (mL)| | | | Calculations: As previously stated in introduction, formula M1xV1=M2xV2 found on page 93 of Survey of Chemistry laboratory manual was used to calculate the concentration of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Trial 1 M1 = 0. 1 (NaOH) V1 = 18. 39mL (NaOH) M2=Unknown (HCl) V2=9. mL (HCl) 0. 1 x 18. 39 = M2 x 9. 1 1. 839/9. 1 = M2 M2 = 0. 202M Trial 2 M1 = 0. 1 (NaOH) V1 = 18. 40mL (NaOH) M2=Unknown (HCl) V2=9. 2mL (HCl) 0. 1 x 18. 40 = M2 x 9. 2 1. 839/9. 2 = M2 M2 = 0. 199M Trial 3 M1 = 0. 1 (NaOH) V1 = 19. 00mL (NaOH) M2=Unknown (HCl) V2=10. 10mL (HCl) 0. 1 x 18. 39=M2 x 10. 10 1. 839/10. 10 = M2 M2 = 0. 182M Average of acid 0. 202 + 0. 199 + 0. 182/3 = 0. 194M = M average Discussion and conclusion: This lab was successful in the proper color change needed to represent an end point when acid (hydrochloric acid) and indicator anthocyanin is titrated with a base (sodium hydroxide).As stated in the lab manual anthocyanin will go from a color of pink to blue, a pH of seven to eight, where the blue is an indication that acid has been neutralized by the base (Survey of Chemistry lab manual). During this experiment after adding enough sodium hydroxide to the indicator solution; the solution changed color to blue, an indica tion of the stoichiometric end point. All three trials showed the proper color change. This proved that the color change indicated that the pH level had changed in solution and the amount of base added is chemically equivalent to the acid in the flask.The formula M1xV1=M2xV2 was used to calculate the unknown concentration of hydrochloric acid. The results from the trials showed that the concentration of hydrochloric acid was 0. 2M. The concentration of the two acids should be relatively close in order to cancel each other out. It was complicated to compare the two concentrations since the given molarity of sodium hydroxide is in the one decimal place holder, whereas the calculated concentration for hydrochloric acid is in a two decimal place. From the lab it can be concluded that pH indicators can be an imprecise method to calculate the concentration of an unknown concentration.Critical Thinking Questions 1. Trial 1 M1 = 0. 1 (NaOH) V1 = 18. 39mL (NaOH) M2=Unknown (HCl) V2=9. 1mL (H Cl) 0. 1 x 18. 39 = M2 x 9. 1 1. 839/9. 1 = M2 M2 = 0. 202M Trial 2 M1 = 0. 1 (NaOH) V1 = 18. 40mL (NaOH) M2=Unknown (HCl) V2=9. 2mL (HCl) 0. 1 x 18. 40 = M2 x 9. 2 1. 839/9. 2 = M2 M2 = 0. 199M Trial 3 M1 = 0. 1 (NaOH) V1 = 19. 00mL (NaOH) M2=Unknown (HCl) V2=10. 10mL (HCl) 0. 1 x 18. 39=M2 x 9. 1 1. 839/10. 10 = M2 M2 = 0. 182M 2. 0. 202 + 0. 199 + 0. 182/3 = 0. 194 = M average 3. 0. 08233 – 0. 194 x 100/0. 08233 = 135. 63 percentage error 4.The main concept of this lab was to calculate the unknown molarity of an acid through titration. 5. Some of the experiment performed was to determine the concentration of an unknown concentration of an acid through titration by adding a second known concentration acid that will react with and cancel the first one. The endpoint of the titration will allows you to calculate the original concentration. 6. The dilution equation of M1xV1=M2xV2 was required to solve for the molarity of the hydrochloric acid where M1=NaOH(molarity), V1=NaOH(vo lume), M2=HCl(molarity), V2=HCl(volume). . The lab was successful in the properly changing color to represent a stoichiometric end point through titration. The dilution equation was then used to calculate the unknown molarity of one of the acid. The calculated results weren’t easily compared due to their decimal placing. References: Survey of Chemistry lab manual, â€Å"Chem 1151 Laboratory Experiments 3rd edition 2011-2012† http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Anthocyanin http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Titration http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Endpoint_%28chemistry%29

Friday, November 8, 2019

John the Baptist

John the Baptist Thompson 4Rhonda ThompsonTimothy T. GrannanTHL225 Lead - Basic Christian Beliefs5 May 2014The Story of Jesus and John the Baptist (Matthew 3: 1-17) In the third chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew, a well-known prophet named John the Baptist is going throughout the land preparing the people for God's kingdom. John went about the land of Judea preaching the coming of Lord, telling the people that they needed to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come hear" (New International Version (NIV), Matt 3:2). John understood that he was sent to preach of the coming of Jesus, but he also understood that people might mistake him for their Savior, so he made it clear that, "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more power than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (NIV, Matt 3:11).Baptism of Jesus by St. John the Baptist, with des...And when the Pharisees, a group of religious zealots who paid more attention to how things looked than the salvation of souls, and the Sadducees, who were not religious at all and did not believe in the resurrection, came to where John was baptizing, John immediately let them know that their ways of thinking were worthless if they did not believe in the coming of the kingdom of God (NIV, Matt 3:7-10). While John was baptizing Jesus came to him to be baptized. John recognized Jesus and almost committed a sin when he questioned why Jesus would need to be baptized by him, when it should be the other way around (NIV, Matt. 3:13-14). Jesus, understood John's apprehension and he let him know that things had to be this way for right now, but they would soon be changing. The...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Multiple Intelligences in the ESL Classroom

Multiple Intelligences in the ESL Classroom The theory of multiple intelligences was developed in 1983 by Dr. Howard Gardner, professor of education at Harvard University. Here is a discussion of the eight different intelligences Dr. Gardner proposes and their relationship to the ESL / EFL classroom. Each explanation is followed by lesson plans or exercises which can be used in class. Verbal / Linguistic Explanation and understanding through the use of words. This is the most common means of teaching. In the most traditional sense, the teacher teaches and the students learn. However, this can also be turned around and students can help each other understand concepts. While teaching to other types of intelligences is extremely important, this type of teaching focuses on using language and will continue to play the primary role in learning English. Example Lesson Plans (re)Introducing Phrasal Verbs to ESL StudentsComparative and Superlative FormsCountable and Uncountable Nouns - Noun QuantifiersReading - Using Context Visual / Spatial Explanation and comprehension through the use of pictures, graphs, maps, etc. This type of learning gives students visual clues to help them remember language. In my opinion, the use of visual, spatial and situational clues is probably the reason learning a language in an English speaking country (Canada, USA, England, etc.) is the most effective way to learn English. Example Lesson Plans Drawing in the Classroom - ExpressionsVocabulary Charts Body / Kinesthetic Ability to use the body to express ideas, accomplish tasks, create moods, etc. This type of learning combines physical actions with linguistic responses and are very helpful for tying language to actions. In other words, repeating Id like to pay by credit card. in a dialogue is much less effective than having a student act out a role-play in which he pulls out his wallet and says, Id like to pay by credit card. Example Lesson Plans Lego Building BlocksYoung Learners Games for ESL Classes - Simon SaysTelephone English Interpersonal Ability to get along with others, work with others to accomplish tasks. Group learning is based on interpersonal skills. Not only do students learn while speaking to others in an authentic setting, they develop English speaking skills while reacting to others. Obviously, not all learners have excellent interpersonal skills. For this reason, group work needs to balanced with other activities. Example Lesson Plans Conversation Lesson: Multinationals - Help or Hindrance?Creating a New SocietyGuilty - Fun Classroom Conversation GameLets Do Tourism Logical / Mathematical Use of logic and mathematical models to represent and work with ideas. Grammar analysis falls into this type of learning style. Many teachers feel that English teaching syllabi are too loaded towards grammar analysis which has little to do with communicative ability. Nonetheless, using a balanced approach, grammar analysis has its place in the classroom. Unfortunately, because of certain standardized teaching practices, this type of teaching sometimes tends to dominate the classroom. Example Lesson Plans Match-up!English Grammar ReviewDifferent Uses of LikeConditional Statements - Reviewing the First and Second Conditional Musical Ability to recognize and communicate using melody, rhythm, and harmony. This type of learning is sometimes underestimated in ESL classrooms. If you keep in mind that English is a very rhythmic language because of its tendency to accent only certain words, youll recognize that music plays a role in the classroom as well. Example Lesson Plans Grammar ChantsMusic in the ClassroomPracticing Stress and IntonationTongue Twisters Intrapersonal Learning through self-knowledge leading to understanding of motives, goals, strengths and weaknesses. This intelligence is essential for long-term English learning. Students who are aware of these types of issues will be able to deal with underlying issues that can improve or hamper English usage. Example Lesson Plans Setting ESL ObjectivesEnglish Learning Goals Quiz Environmental Ability to recognize elements of and learn from the natural world around us. Similar to visual and spatial skills, Environmental intelligence will help students master English required to interact with their environment. Example Lesson Plan Global English

Monday, November 4, 2019

The Evolution of Human Resource Management and the Contemporary Essay

The Evolution of Human Resource Management and the Contemporary Approach to Human Capital Management - Essay Example It is, therefore, a measure of an employee’s economic value based on the employee’s skill set. The concept of human capital appreciates the fact that labor is not equal, and human capital can be improved through investment in training and development. The quality and level of education, experience and skills of an employee have economic value to employers and the whole economy (Skelton and Anderson 2008). Human resource management (HRM) is the process of hiring and developing employees in order to make them more valuable to the organization. Formerly known as personnel management, HRM evolves into a broader profession engaging more actively in employee management to include tasks such as, conducting job analysis, recruiting the right people, orientation and training, dispute resolution and communicating with employees at all levels. HR professionals must possess extensive knowledge of the industry and demonstrate leadership qualities and effective negotiation skills (Sk elton and Anderson 2008). Overview of human resource management The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), in 2005, found that 54.8% of HR professionals worldwide encountered bureaucratic obstacles and marginalization in their careers, in the organizations they worked with (Lundy and Cowling 1996). In light with the terms used to define HR professionals today, for example, ‘strategic partner’, HR has adopted a more strategic role in management unlike the previous functional role. For example, in 2005, Mercer, on his global study on HR found that half of the companies were restructuring to give HR a more strategic role. HR managers have shifted from the more traditional approach of role reporting that was mainly transaction based where they had to report to an administrative manager. They are now currently members of the senior management. Unlike other professions like insurance and banking that have a more identifiable consistencies and an almost linear evolution path, HR’s role within an organization can almost be described as scatter gram characterized by a series of disjointed activities(Lundy and Cowling 1996). Borrowing from the first principles of evolution, HR has gone through an inter-generational process of variation, selection and retention of the best practices. Variation implies acquisition of new kinds of skills sets, motivations and expectations, and triggered by various internal and external environmental changes among HR professionals. These forces selectively eliminate certain variations and promote other variations to be favoured by the selection process. While variation is personal, selection impacts the structure of workforce of an organization. Studies have documented that, organizations deliberately preserve, duplicate or reproduce the selected variations as has been confirmed by the spreading of strategic HR practices through geographical regions and organizations (Lundy and Cowling 1996). Where technological i nnovations such as software applications have made functional tasks for HR professionals obsolete, HR professionals have had enough time to articulate on strategic goals instead of routine administrative tasks. For example, payroll software automated previously labour intensive tasks for HR professionals, leaving them with ample time for higher strategic thinking required by the knowledge economy. More sophisticated technologies like the 360-degrees performance appraisal programme  emphasizes strategic management skills, and the accompanying software requires HR professionals to upgrade their skill set to levels required in using and developing these technologies. Virtual offices have eliminated the ability to monitor employees manually, necessitating use

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Analysis of the function of Hedging in the Futures Market Dissertation

Analysis of the function of Hedging in the Futures Market - Dissertation Example The author of the dissertation "Analysis of the function of Hedging in the Futures Market" begins with the introduction where shows her concern that Individual investors, business establishments and portfolio managers are all exposed to price risks, which they counter or minimize by hedging in the futures market. Though not meant for making money, hedging has proved to be a good option for reducing price risks consequently minimizing losses. Besides guarding against price risks, hedging, when executed prudently, can bring in multiple benefits like stabilizing market volatility, absorbing unexpected market pressures and even providing competitive edge during depressed market conditions and when price wars intensify. The futures market acts as the platform, which the investors use for minimizing risks and following exponential growth in hedging, the futures markets have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, hedging is not so simple as it appears and there are no sure sh ot formulas to always win at it either. Today, hedging can make or break an organization or an individual investor and as such adequate knowledge of the roles and technicalities of hedging in the futures market is of paramount importance. As a result of globalization today’s enterprises are increasingly facing various risks over time like risks in prices and productions. These risks not only affect the enterprises but also extend to the individual investors and portfolio managers who put money in the stocks of the companies (5).

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Effective Team and Performance Management Essay - 7

Effective Team and Performance Management - Essay Example P.1). Tuckman theory of team formation and development is the most acknowledged model of team development and occurs in four stages which are forming, storming, norming and performing (Johnson 2010, P. 17). After the performing stage Tuckman developed another stage and named it as the adjourning stage (Edison 2008, P. 14). Meredith Belbin’s team theory analysis the roles played by team members depending on their characteristics and behaviors as well as interpersonal styles. Team performance is affected by its characteristics in regards to size, team norms, team cohesion, management styles, conflict resolutions approaches and feelings among the team members towards each other. Effective management is important for the success of the team. An effective team manager adopts different management styles depending on the arising situation in the workplace (Efere, 2003). There are several team management styles namely authoritarian style, democratic style, laissez-Faire Style, paterna listic, concertive style among others which a manager or a company can adopt (Efere, 2003). This paper will critically evaluate theories on team dynamics, formation, conflict resolutions, factors affecting team performance and offer recommendations for the management to improve teams in Electron Company if adopted. Introduction An effective team may is able to move to and from one stage to another. A company may change its strategy and therefore form different teams. Electron Company changed its management structure and team management to increase performances. Electron is a manufacturing company dealing with telecommunication components and is situated in United Kingdom, established in 1997 as a department and sold out ten years later in 2007 as the original company opted to subcontract its manufacturing department and that is why up to today the company is still the leading client of electron. The management structure was not changed. However the company did not perform as expecte d and this necessitated change in its production practices by escalating productivity, improved client services and improved team performance. A new management approach was introduced to help the different teams achieve productivity objectives in a period of two months and in addition the teams that were to meet their objectives, to all members were paid additional benefits. In the restructured format, new employees were employed on temporary basis while the old employees were distributed to all the teams to help the new members adapt into the company. The teams had the authority to establish their working norms which they would follow and the new team members we supposed to comprehend and follow the teams’ norms and values and therefore the teams were affirming concertive control on the newly employed. Team formation In an organization employees of a specific department work as a team or in some cases teams are established to perform a specific task. Evaluations of the teams are conducted periodically to determine their performance or set new goals after the team is formed it takes time to grow and mature to an efficient team. Several theories explain team dynamics and development and most sociologist point to relationship and personal characteristics of the members involved (Nazzaro and Strazzabosco 2009). Tuckman’s model of team development Tuckman's group development model pays

Monday, October 28, 2019

Strengths and Weaknesses Essay Example for Free

Strengths and Weaknesses Essay It is very difficult to outline my strengths and weaknesses (I would say areas of improvement) at any point of time, as they keep on changing. This is because when I see any area of improvement, I make it a point to mend it as soon as I can. It is really important to keep on building on skills all the time. I believe this attitude of recognizing my area of improvement and working on to improve it has been biggest strength. Another thing which has always worked in my favor is my passion and enthusiasm to learn new things. I must admit that the movie â€Å"3 Idiots† has been instrumental in taking me on to this path. After watching this movie I have always tried to imbibe whatever I read or come across which is message the movie gives. The movie made me think about what is that I am good at, which enchanted me toward the career of finance as I was good with my analytical skills and the ability to understand numbers quickly. This set me off on the path of finance when I started pursuing Certified Financial Planner and Chartered Financial Analyst. My passion kept on surging since then and I never looked back. I feel bliss to see my family being proud of me as I am now working as a faculty at IPLAN institute helping students in clearing CFA Level 1. Let me talk about my areas of improvement. I believe there will be many. My major area of improvement at the moment is that in this rat race era I am in, I sometimes cannot acknowledge the balance between my personal and professional life. With time, new horizons will open and new avenues will be revealed. This change will unfold a new set of trends and areas of improvements. I would like one famous quote which I have faith in is from the movie of Will Smith, â€Å"The pursuit of Happyness†: Don’t ever let people tell that you can’t do something. If you have got a dream, you have to protect it. Period.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Common Core is Failing Our Education System

Common Core is Failing Our Education System I feel very connected to the issue of national testing and standards. I went to public school K-8 and private school 9-12 so I was able to see the issue and how classroom learning can go on both sides. My audience is Betsy DeVos. My research went well, there were a lot of topics on the issue so I didnt have a hard time finding a plethora of information from both sides. It took a while to find some really good articles though. My purpose is to try and get a state centered hand in standards and testing and to repeal Common Core. My only constraints are a series of mental health issues that popped up last year, (which is why I am writing my quest essay on that) but it isnt an excuse, just some background I suppose. I feel as if it isnt my best work, but I feel that way a lot because I have never really enjoyed my writing or been able to get into the process. My peer editors were Leo and Nils and they were both helpful to me. I was able to also get a lot of help at the writing center. Ryan ConnerCourtney BrognoEnglish 1453/16/2017 Common Core is Failing Our Education System In 2001, when the No Child Left Behind Act was passed, emphasis on standardized testing took the spotlight. No Child Left Behind and its successor, Common Core, created the phrase teaching to test. It implies that educators in K-12 classes are no longer trying to foster learning and critical thinking, but instead making sure their students are able to pass a test, deemed by the nation to be comprehensive of the knowledge they should have. Its intentions may have been to help keep students on a path to success but instead has only hindered the ability of students, myself included, as a whole. I, along with many other millennials, experienced the impact of these standards firsthand. Luckily, from early childhood my family and friends gave me the opportunity grow and develop my mind outside the classroom. I was pushed to excel in all aspects whether it be math, social studies, or art. It is something I deeply cherish and respect, but had it not been for these outside influences I wouldn t be where I am today. Going to public elementary and middle school and later a private high school allowed me to gain insight into the toll the creation of a national standard took on my education. The focus of my early education with standardized testing was heavily influenced by teachers focused on making sure we were prepared solely for the test given to each student at the end of the year. Classes were mundane and cookie cutter, no matter the topic. They all seemed to be teaching similar material in a similar fashion, with no room for students who fell behind. It was as if those who didnt succeed in class were further behind each year, with no way out. My idea of education and classroom dynamic changed when I switched to private high school. There were no national standards imposed on us, no standardized tests to take at the end of the year, and room for individuality when it came to your own education. The school decided where the bar of achievement, for every student, was to be set and helped achieve it by focusing on strengths and weaknesses on a case by case basis, truly allowing us to grow. Those students who were left behind in elementary and middle school were no longer left in a hole impossible to dig out of. These experiences allowed me to see that Common Core is detrimental to the education of students for a plethora of reasons, but primarily because of the students who are behind are in a rut, which is hard to dig out of. Instead, if we repeal Common Core while replacing it with more effective state and locally created standards then we would allow students from all situations and backgrounds to learn and be involved in their own education. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) took away funding from certain programs that had been federally supported and introduced standardized testing for most grades K-12, the scores of these tests to be made public all the way from school to state. Those same scores often determined not only how students were performing based on the standards, but also if instructors and staff would hold their jobs at the end of the year. Although this wasnt the first step towards standardized testing it is arguably the first major stepping stone towards what we have today, Common Core. Common Core can be viewed as a refinement of the NCLB. Common Core takes the issues of unclear and differing standards and boils it down to allow schools to understand where improvement can be made. It sounds great on paper, but in actuality faces many of the same problems NCLB created. It takes the local control and understanding out of the equation and punishes under-performing schools that arent able to teach the material eff ectively due to socio-economic issues in communities across the nation. (Bidwell) In the Sacramento region, 30 percent of economically disadvantaged students met English standards on the latest Common Core tests, compared with 63 percent of wealthier students. About 23 percent of economically disadvantaged students met math standards, compared with 53 percent of wealthier students. (Lambert) Nancy DeVos, I urge you to repeal Common Core, which as you state on your website you are not a supporter-period. Instead of repealing with no replacement, instead, find a new system in which the state governments gain control while the federal system is still involved. You would allow communities to nurture students on an individual level so that they can develop the skills and the mental ability they need to think critically instead of the teaching to the test that Common Core still holds. The article, The Common Core Brake Job And The Need For A National Standards Discussion by Alan Singer, states that Common Core as a whole is failing the nations students by its inability to prepare and teach students in an effective way. Although Singer states that he is an opponent of Common Core, there needs to be an education curriculum in place. Common Core was muddled with corporations and individuals who wanted to profit from education instead of creating, and later refining, a system that would be adopted by 45 of the states. There must be more done before a new system is made to truly try to understand how a childs mind develops and how to create goals that cater towards it. Singer advocates that during his time teaching he was able to learn that Teaching means engaging student interest, not handing out scripted activity sheets with text selected by highly paid consultants using computer algorithms. He believes teaching is successful when you are truthful and cater towards t he real level of your students so that you can challenge them more and they can become invested in their education, not just a score on a test. The idea of replacing Common Core with a different program is thought to be near impossible to supporters. The article, How hard would it be to replace the Common Core with something better? by Valerie Strauss, goes into detail about how changing the standards from Common Core to a different program would not just be possible, but beneficial. She adds a piece to her article by Sandra Stotsky, a professor of academic reform and previous commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Education. Massachusetts standards before Common Core had nothing in common with the program in place today. Yet, they were able to create such a strong education system of standards and teaching that Almost all the students at the Advanced level and about 80 percent of the students at the Proficient level who had enrolled in four-year public colleges and universities in the Bay State in 2005 needed no remediation in mathematics or reading. (Stotsky). Their programs, starting back in 1993, were based around bringing students of all backgrounds to the same level. They overhauled school funding and specifically put a majority of it towards districts with low-income children. The money was used to update textbooks, hire and train teachers, and create new classes among the many other aspects they were able to improve. And with these changes, student test scores and graduation rates slowly improved. Today, the district says nearly 90 percent of its high school graduates go on to some form of post-secondary education up from 70 percent before. (Carapezza) Stotsky believes that their programs and standards allowed minorities to excel and that Common Core does the exact opposite. In her experience, the standards they created were, in fact, easy to implement, contrary to opposing beliefs. Her closing suggestion is to ask each Department of Education to send out an anonymous survey to English, math, and science teachers for information on how to revise the states standards. A more recent example is that Missouri recently replaced Common Core standards. The article Missouri education officials replace Common Core standards by Summer Ballentine explains the changes. The State Board of Education passed a new set of goals for K-12 in four areas. The areas covered are English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, the first two were already covered by Common Core but the last two are new additions. They want to have a more comprehensive education goal while allowing the local schools to plan how to reach them. (Ballentine) They are in the process of creating their own tests to match the learning goals set by the state. This initiative is similar to what Massachusetts did in their public school system to reach the level of proficiency and success they are known for today. Although, it differs slightly in that Missouri is taking what Common Core does and is trying to improve upon it, instead of scrapping the idea as a whole. This seems to be the best of both worl ds, having a standard set of goals for the state as a whole while allowing schools to take control of how the students they teach will be able to reach said goals. In Jennifer Marshall and Lindsey Burkes article Why National Standards Wont Fix American Education: Misalignment of Power and Incentives they go into great detail about the root issue behind national standards and testing. A misconception about national standards is the idea that national standards are necessary for parents to be able to gauge the performance of their child compared to others across the country. Found on the Common Core State Standards Initiatives website, the common core state standards will enable participating states to work together to make expectations clear to parents, teachers, and the general public. Their answer as to why national involvement is the better option fails to address why or how national standards and testing is improving the country. The information parents need is already available through programs such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Student and school performance is in existence, and has been since NCLB, but there can be a lack of transparency in some states. Marshall states If access to information has been inadequate, that does not justify a national standards and testing regime. Rather, policies should insist on clear reporting of the essential data to parents and other taxpayers. In the same article the authors created a list of what state policymakers should do. Strengthening state standards and tests would challenge students while also being able to have the control to raise the challenge as the years went on, like Massachusetts. Marshall believes States with outstanding standards and tests have taken great pains to ensure proper and precise learning sequencing. This is appropriate at the state level, where teacher certification and other integrated factors of a quality education system are determined. Allowing states control of their standards would foster a better curriculum and higher achieving students, as seen by Massachusetts. Another initiative to be taken is state publishing of school test scores readily available to parents. This would enable transparency and accountability within the state so that schools would push towards the standards outlined by the state. Common Core is failing our students, but if it were to be repealed and replaced with a state centered curriculum and testing we would prosper, not only as a nation, but as individuals. Teaching the test is detrimental to all students but it especially hurts those who dont have the initial drive, internal or external, and fall behind. The promise from my high school was that each and every one of us were to be ready for the daily rigor higher education fosters upon graduation. I firmly believe getting an education based around an individual set of standards, state-made and locally carried out, will help them reach goals they didnt think was possible, no matter the background they come from. Works Cited Ballentine, Summer. Missouri Education Officials Replace Common Core Standards. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 20 Apr. 2016. Web. 26 Feb. 2017. . Bidwell, Allie. The History of Common Core State Standards. U.S. News. U.S. News, 27 Feb. 2014. Web. 3 Mar. 16. . Carapezza, Kirk. How Massachusetts Schools Went From The Middle Of The Pack To First Place. On Campus. WGBH.org, 24 Apr. 2016. Web. 16 Mar. 2017. . Frequently Asked Questions. Common Core State Standards Initiative. Corestandards.org, n.d. Web. 16 Mar. 2017. . Lambert, Diana. Poor Students Lose Ground with Common Core Testing. The Sacramento Bee. Sacbee.com, 22 Sept. 2015. Web. 16 Mar. 2017. . Marshall, Jennifer A. Why National Standards Wont Fix American Education: Misalignment of Power and Incentives. The Heritage Foundation. Heritage.org, 21 May 2010. Web. 16 Mar. 2017. . McCluskey, Neal. Behind the Curtain: Assessing the Case for National Curriculum Standards. Cato Institute. Cato.org, 17 Feb. 2010. Web. 16 Mar. 2017. . Singer, Alan. The Common Core Brake Job And The Need For A National Standards Discussion. The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 05 Jan. 2017. Web. 6 Mar. 2017. .