Saturday, August 31, 2019

Race: Black People and Larger Racial Minorities Essay

Answer the following questions in 100 to 250 words each. Provide citations for all the sources you use. * Throughout most of U. S. history, in most locations, what race has been in the majority? What is the common ancestral background of most members of this group? White people have been the majority of the population. The common ancestral background of most of the members in this group are Europeans. * What are some of the larger racial minorities in U. S. history? What have been the common ancestral backgrounds of each of these groups? When did each become a significant or notable minority group? Whites and blacks are a larger race in us. Europeans are the common ancestral background of whites and African American common ancestral background was from the west. The whites became a significant minority group in the 1600’s and blacks became a significant minority group in the 1800’s * In what ways have laws been used to enforce discrimination? Provide examples. These laws were intended against which racial minorities? Laws have been enforcing discrimination by making sure that all races have the same opportunity at a job. This is the civil rights act and it was made so that blacks and other races could all have a fair chance at a job and could not be rejected because of their race. If a black person would try to get a job and not get hired but a white person goes in and has everything the same as the black person but gets hired the black person can take that company to court for discrimination. These laws where intended for all racial minorities so everyone has the same opportunity. * In what ways have laws been used to eliminate discrimination? Provide examples. Did the laws work to eliminate discrimination? Allowing blacks and white to attend the same schools and allowing them to sit anywhere on a bus. Back years ago blacks had to sit in the back of the bus and if a white person needed a seat they had to give up theirs, as far as the schooling goes now black and whites can go to the same schools. I think the laws worked to eliminate discrimination because you do not see anyone making a black person move for a white person or having a school with only white kids. They laws have helped us become one country instead of 2 and everyone has a better look at each other now that we can combine races.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Kamias Soap Essay

The researcher asked 10 respondents; 8 teachers, 1 laboratory technician and 1 housewife to test and evaluate the product. The respondents were asked to used the product and observe its effect on their skin. After enough days, they were asked to answer survey questionnaire which pertains to the product. They were asked to evaluate the product based on certain criteria which aim to answer the problem of the researcher. Through the data provided by the respondents, the researcher was able to interpret the results and draw conclusions. The researcher found out the abundance of Kamias fruit at home and nearby places. She then thought of what else to do with the fruit aside from its published uses. She decided to make the fruit extract as an ingredient in making dish washing liquid and presented it to her adviser. After several attempts, the researcher failed, but fortunately and accidentally observed the bleaching effect of the extract. She had decided to research about the contents of the fruit and found out that it contains oxalic acid. The researcher decided to switch the study on making a bleaching soap out of the extract. The researcher worked on the laboratory and made samples of soap using the raw materials (kamias extract and decoction of lemon grass and calamansi leaves). The researcher distributed samples of soap and let the respondents try the soap. The respondents answered certain questions that pertain to the product. After gathering the data from the respondents, the researcher interprets the data, made tables and draw conclusion.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Analysis of “The Lorax” Essay

The story, â€Å"The Giving Tree,† is a book written by Shel Silverstein that is about the relationship between a tree and a boy. In the beginning of the story, the boy and the tree spend a lot of time together having fun. For example, they would play hide and seek, the boy would play on the branches, and the boy would play king of the forest with the leaves of the tree. The tree would be very happy because she was interacting with the boy. Throughout the story, the boy would spend less and less time with the tree. As a result, the tree would become sad. Once in a while the boy would come back, asking for certain things, and the tree would be happy to help the boy because she loved the boy so much. Through the story, â€Å"The Giving Tree,† Shel Silverstein relates a lesson of how giving is more important than taking. In the story, the boy takes advantage of the tree by taking everything that the tree has. The tree gives freely without complaining because the tree loves the boy, and wants him to be happy. In the end, all the boy wanted to do was to spend time with the tree once again. If the boy did not continuously take advantage of the tree, the boy did not have to miss, and become unhappy about the old tree that loved him so much. The tree’s love for the boy is a perfect example of what people should be like: giving freely, and unconditionally. If everyone was like the tree, there would be very little unhappiness in the world, and the world would be a better place. If countries started to give freely to one another, there would be fewer wars, there would be no more sadness and devastation, and there would be world happiness and peace. The message from Shel Silverstein is to not be like the boy who ultimately becomes unhappy by taking from the tree. In summary, Silverstein uses the story to expound on the idea that giving is more important than receiving. The story also has a slight reference to the relationship between mother and child. The tree (the mom) was willing to give anything to the boy (the son). The tree sacrifices herself in order to make the boy happy, which any mom would probably do for her son. In the beginning, the tree wanted to sacrifice its time just to play with the boy. This is similar to a parent, which sacrifices time to interact with and provide for their kids. Towards the teenage years, the tree gives up her apples so that the boy could have money. Likewise, many parents sacrifice money to have their children enjoy their teenage years: movies, cars, trips, etc. When the boy becomes an adult, he takes the branches and trunk of the tree away to build a house, and a boat. All of these examples exemplify the ways in which moms make so many sacrifices to make their children happy, but some kids just take them, run with them, and never think about how much it cost their moms. As depicted in the story, the boy never expressed any gratitude to the tree. The boy rarely went back to visit the tree, but only visited the tree to take something away for his own personal benefit. Furthermore, moms also show sadness when their children leave them for college, and adulthood. When the boy does not come back to see the tree for years at a time because of his own issues, the tree becomes sad. In short, Silverstein illustrates the interaction between mother and child by showing the selfless acts of parents and the selfishness of children. The book, â€Å"The Giving Tree,† can strongly connect to our relationship between the environment and humans. Currently, there is an evident problem of global warming. This recent dilemma is caused because of our selfish taking from the environment. The tree can strongly resemble the earth on which we live, and the boy can resemble humans. We constantly take from the Earth, and rarely give back to the environment. For example, during the 20th century, industries took advantage of the Earth without replenishing resources: deforestation, driving animals to extinction, and over-fishing. Furthermore, since global warming has become such a big problem now, we want to go back to live on the lush, non-polluted earth. Likewise, after the boy takes everything away from the tree, the boy wanted the tree to be like it was before. Ultimately, the book elucidates the way in which humans abuse the environment just like how the boy misused the tree. A question that can come to mind when reading Shel Silverstein’s story is, what is the reason for writing the story. Silverstein might have written the book for young children, but it was to teach everyone of the â€Å"give not take,† principle. Moreover, another question can be what is the reason for allowing the boy not to think about his selfishness? Perhaps Silverstein wanted to portray the fact that people are sometimes selfish. Finally, throughout the story, why is the boy referred to as a boy even though he becomes a man. Maybe Silverstein was writing in the perspective of a mother because a mom always calls his son her boy.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

REFLECTION Assessment on being a health professional in Essay

REFLECTION Assessment on being a health professional in Interprofessional Capabillity Framework for the Faculty of Health Sciences - Essay Example Moreover, it illuminates on the appropriate demeanour of evaluating one’s philosophies, mannerisms, values, as well as attitudes. This assists in developing an effective practitioner (Gaare, Bernheim and Melnick, 2008). It is extremely significant and fascinating to be educated about other occupation in the health care squad. This illuminates on the similarities and disparities of one’s profession with those of other individuals in the well being affiliation. It also gives a vivid comprehension of other well being vocations. In addition, this brings the recognition that disparate proficiencies and knowledge that define one’s excellence in a profession, such as psychoanalysis are not sufficient. There are other prerequisites, for instance, excellent communication joint effort, operating ethically amongst other requirements. The reinforcement of this is through the analogous code of principles for an individual’s profession such as speech pathology and other well being occupations. The utmost significance in these lesions is the explication of the meaning of concentrating on a client’s needs. Moreover, it is extremely significant to deliver superior quality well being services as well as sustaining security in these endeavours. There is a widespread notion that excellence in a health occupation comprises of knowing the paramount interest of a client and fixing that client as per the interests. However, it is crucial to realize that listening cautiously is what provides a true comprehension of a client’s quandary (Deanery, 2012). The preliminary function of health practitioners is to protect and promote well being in society. Thus, they ought to apply verified techniques of peril analysis, propose efficient precautionary measures and ensure implementation. Additionally, they must give proficient and truthful advice to their clients. This is a facet of their

Implementing Change Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Implementing Change - Assignment Example In 1999 with major changes taking place at the national level of government in the form of devolution, local councils were scrambling to 'keep their heads above water'. During this time period, it was evident that each department was focused crisis after crisis within their own department and there was no vision for propelling the city into a cohesively run organisation (Leeds City, 2006, screen 1). Seeing the need for organisational change the leadership of Leeds City Council set about creating a culture of unified strategic direction and bring together all employees to focus on meeting the strategic needs of the city. In order to achieve this, the Chief Executive and his staff focused on development of the Council's Core Values as a first step in the process of organisational change. Once the core values had been identified council's next step was to begin to create the atmosphere conducive to change. In the following paragraphs we will examine how Leeds City Council was able to successful launch a sweeping organisational change and a shift to continuous process improvement. Upon arriving at the council core values the Chief Executive understood that without the support of employees the core values established would be nothing more that words on paper. The next step the executive undertook was to educate and gain acceptance for this move towards organisational change. ... l the "Vision for Leeds" into the culture of the council and ensure management understood 'the council's objectives and the cultural change needed to bring them about' (Leeds City, 2006, screen 1). The Road to Change Before an organisation can effectively make a change they have to understand what change is and what it is not. "The creation of healthy change is about living comfortably with conditions of constant change, and finding ways to create, within those conditions, pathways for accomplishing desired objectives through continuous adaptation." (Discussion, 2005) Understanding and redefining the complexity of this requires a three-fold approach. First, change does not mean we throw away the old, rather we build upon where we are; secondly, change is not finite, we can not view change as something we are finally doing or somewhere we will be - Change is constant; and thirdly, with change there is no return to normalcy. The continual process of evolving, of change, if you will, becomes the constant with the organisation. How we once did things as an organisation is in the past. Kotter and Cohen point out the biggest hurdle an organisation faces when initiating change is not dealing with proces ses or systems, but rather, changing the behaviour of the members of the organisation itself. Once that is accomplished the rest falls neatly into place. (2002) This requires a new way of thinking within the organization, a shifting from old preconceived ideas and notions and a movement towards envisioning and creating the means for this change to occur. The organization transforms itself based on the shifting thought processes brought on by the change. An organization is not the outward faade of the building and internally the hierarchy of management. An

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Initial business idea Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Initial business idea - Term Paper Example These people are those who appreciate a good healthy snack, and would have the purchasing power to patronize my products. A specialty tea shop needs as much above the line advertisements as below the line efforts. I will select proper media exposure in local newspapers and radio stations, and would go heavy on leaflets and billboards, and in store promotions. Target Market will be identified by first enumerating the qualities of each product to be offered. What are the products and variations to be served? What are the key benefits of these products? Do we put premium on its commercial appeal by engaging competitors in a price war and creating advertising plans that challenge the benefits of other similar products? Or do we want to maintain a certain brand image, and preserve the quality of the products notwithstanding other factors such as pricing? Having done all these, I came to the conclusion that I would like my business to appeal to a certain niche market, but not alienating the popular crowd. I would be serving health products – specialty tea, coffee and confectionaries. I would like my target market to find appeal in the thought that they would be enjoying cost efficient but highly healthy snacks in my tea shop. My target market covers a wide age range. These may be college students who would want to spend quiet time catching up on notes and lessons while having good snacks. I also consider young professionals and adults who now have the capacity to pay for a type of snack that would greatly be beneficial to their health. Since the young professionals and adults are more health conscious nowadays due to the rise in the number of health drinks in supermarkets, they are the kind of market that would enjoy the products that I would offer. Lastly, those belonging to the 40s to 60s age bracket are those who are partic ularly conscious about the food they eat, and would find joy in this new alternative being offered to

Monday, August 26, 2019

Choose (or create) and justify a METAPHOR which you feel best Essay

Choose (or create) and justify a METAPHOR which you feel best represents the literature of the late 20th - Essay Example Eliot, William Carlos Williams and James Joyce). Through a natural artistic progression of action/reaction, then, the post-modern movement that followed the modernist movement, used the trappings of relativity to examine and express that the juxtaposition of random events to expectations of relativity creates the illusion of an epiphany. In this essay, I will cite examples from two well-respected and critically acclaimed authors, Thomas Pynchon and Don DeLillo, to illustrate how they achieve this aim in contemporary perspectives, namely sociological and technical. Before we get to our examples, however, we need to start with the idea of epiphany and its recent place in literature. Long has the term â€Å"epiphany† been part of the Christian lexicon. It wasn’t until James Joyce introduced the term in his Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, that it gained a new connotation—one that deeply permeates literary fiction still today. An epiphany, as presented by Joyce, can be seen as the moment when a character comes to an illuminating realization wherein all that has been learned, or at least presented to the reader, makes sense as interconnected parts of a whole. For instance, in Portrait of the Artist of a Young Man, that moment comes when the protagonist, Stephen Dedalus, who spends much of the book struggling to understand the justice of Christianity and his place in it (among other things), comes to a moment wherein he sees God and God’s love in all things, as they comes together like puzzle pieces that form a new picture of Stephen’s reality. The reaction to this, then, is that all of the elements we encounter in everyday reality are not related, however, in any objective sense, but products of randomness in which we assign relative meaning to them; thus we create our own epiphanies. While his first three books

Sunday, August 25, 2019

System Development and Business Processes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

System Development and Business Processes - Essay Example Neither the storage of this information, nor the retrieval should be a time consuming exercise. All this should happen at the click of a button. YellowPen ushers in such a product. This should therefore bring in a great reengineering in the way the internet is used. Common shareable data helps in sharing research information across an organization. Knowledge Management is defined as availability of information for the right person at the right time. Information that one needs should be available when the person needs it. This is made possible by YellowPen. By using a common server, YellowPen is able to offer its services for any body who can log on to the system using Windows. It keeps the user posted as to what are the latest postings available which she has not read by having an online icon on their job tray. YellowPen provides a personalized Knowledge Management System for every user on the net. 1. Anywhere anytime accessible repository of all their information and the related information makes this methodology a unique and usable alternate to any other storage-retrieval mechanism that is in use. 2. Storage and retrieval is on the fly. When you need to store a specific information, all that we need to do is, drag and drop the specific page. The software captures the entire page with all its graphics and images into the YellowPen system. Along with this it also captures, who did the capturing, data and time stamps in addition to the location from which this was captured. YellowPen also captures a host of metadata along with this that helps in keeping the page updated and easily searchable for instant retrieval. 3. Being an encrypted and password protected database, it makes sure that the data is available on a single server and also is very well protected. It is also very well integrated with the current trends in piping XML data over RSS or Dublin Core. Do you believe that organizations will be better served by implementing YellowPen as an additional resource in a corporation Knowledge management in a company is very important. Nearly 60% of the information or knowledge in any company is in the minds of the people. Most of this knowledge gets transferred in the form of emails which are very difficult to search and locate when the need props up. A database with all the relevant information, easy to search option and a common repository where every body puts in relevant information is very useful and would bring out at least 20% of the dormant knowledge. If every company 'knows' what it 'knows' and could make use of that dormant knowledge residing in the emails and in the minds of the people, then certainly that company would be able to beat the competition. If a large company should need personal solution for these knowledge management systems, then they could create their own server with the software, which should be very valuable for their

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Discussions Questions- Managing Diversity Research Paper

Discussions Questions- Managing Diversity - Research Paper Example The evolution of anti-discrimination laws shall be used to elaborate this idea. Factors such as demonstrations, rallies and social uprisings have led the passage of anti-discrimination laws. All those factors require immediate attention from the government. Those acts show the level of concern that the public has given to the issue. For instance, to defend gay rights after the occurrence of Stonewall Uprising in1969, gays executed street rallies and demonstrations for the government to hear their concern (â€Å"Stonewall’). In a way, the alarming rate of incidence of discrimination based on sex, religion, race and national origin in the workplace has also influenced the passage of anti-discrimination laws. For example, the many complaints of racial segregation in schools and racial discrimination in the workplace have made the American congress pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. With regard to the Equal Pay Act, feminist movements have influenced the government decision to cr eate such law which will prohibit employers from basing the salary rate on sex. Q2- ABC Company has just been notified that the federal government will cut-off funding to the company because it does not have a diverse workforce that is representative of the community where it does business. Its workforce is 75% white men and the other 25% are minorities but only in unskilled positions. The community comprises women, people of color, people with disabilities, and other people who would be considered a minority. The company is given three months to develop a plan to address how it will become diverse, including having minorities in management positions. ABC Company has hired you, a diversity expert, as its consultant to develop the plan. What is your plan for ABC Company? Describe in detail including your rationale for specific actions of the plan. From the facts given, it is obvious that majority of the employees occupying managerial positions in ABC Company are white men while those designated with unskilled positions are minorities. To have a diverse workforce, it would be proper for the company to divide the employee population into 50% men and 50% women. Such division will be representative of both sexes. To include the other minorities in the division, each division will comprise the following: 15% people of color, 15 % men or women, 10% people with disabilities and 10% from the other minorities. This kind of workforce will be the target of the company’s plan. To make this happen, the company must enforce a policy emphasizing non-tolerance of discriminatory hiring and promotion of employees (â€Å"How’). It should also highlight the fact that it would always consider workforce diversity in choosing employees for management and unskilled positions. To instill diversity awareness among the current and future employees of the company, it should organize diversity trainings through seminars and workshops (â€Å"How†). This method is known to promote communication between the diverse groups (â€Å"How†). Moreover, ABC company should expand its hiring potential by joining career expos and job fairs as well as to advertise in local publications (â€Å"How†). Q3- Diversity in the workplace is so wonderful, says Jane who is a graduate student at Cal State University. Paul, another graduate student at Cal State University, rebuts, Diversity in the workplace sucks! What are at least five points that Jane could argue to support her position and what are at

Friday, August 23, 2019

Movie reivew Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Movie reivew - Essay Example This paper will analyze the episode that is titled Secrets of the Koran which is a part of the show that called Decoding the Past. To begin with, it would be quite important to provide an accurate account of the major themes of the Quran as they were presented in the episode. The first one that was mentioned in the chronological order is the desire to achieve the social justice. Indeed, at the present moment the people who actually comprise the intended audience of this show consider Islam to be a religion that almost enshrined the social inequality as well as oppression of women. However, the episode suggests that from the very beginning Islam was aimed at the groups of people who dominated the society and did not allow it to develop in the proper manner. In addition to that, a considerable number of scholars would prove that one of the highest virtues of Islam is closely connected to social justice (Gorder 20). Another interesting theme that was emphasized in the video is the war and violence in the Quran. The producers claim that a certain part of this sacred book is largely dedicated to fighting. Indeed, there are some verses which are called sword verses that clearly dictate a true Muslim how they should treat an enemy: fearlessly and fiercely in fight and mercifully after it (Smith and Furnish 77). In spite of that, the above mentioned verses are often recited without any context and they are thought to be aimed at the rest of humanity. The authors of the video suggest that this can be easily explained by the historical context in which the book was written: the newly founded city of the early Muslims was under attack of a powerful enemy and the conflict was primarily triggered by the differences in faith. The next theme of the Quran that was reviewed in the movie is the theological foundation of this religion,

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Is it better to use GDP per Essay Example for Free

Is it better to use GDP per Essay Many numbers could be calculated to make a judgment on an economy. But we need a general number that measures the total economys strength, but is it better to use the cruel GDP number to measure the level of growth of a particular economy, or calculate the GDP per head number to get a better judgment? On March 13th under the title of Grossly distorted picture in the Journal The Economist an article talked about that issue and compared between the two measures with evidences and examples. The writers opinion The writer tries to grab our attention to the fact that maybe using the total GDP does not show the real state of the economy, but a better way to measure the economy is the GDP per head which the writer is considering it a rough guide to average living standards. (GDP, 2008). So, according to the writer (2008) opinion the amount of total GDP doesnt necessarily indicates to the real growth of the economy, even sometimes the level of economic growth in a particular country could be higher than another country that has a higher GDP number because of the lower level of growth in population. The writer (2008) in this article demonstrates two obvious examples which they are America and Japan, while the US economy made a growth of 2. 9% Japans economy made a growth of 2. 1%, so most people would say immediately that the US economy scored better but we must consider also the level of population growth, while the GDP per head growth in US was 1. 9% it scored 2. 1% in Japan, higher domestic increase in population and a very high level of new people come from abroad cause a 1% growth in population, but in Japan the GDP per head growth reached the level of 2. 1% because Japans population has been decreasing. (GDP, 2008). Shortcomings Anonymous (2008) also gives other example of how using GDP per head tells a completely different story than using the GDP, as using the GDP growth doesnt necessarily provide the right image of a countrys welfare, but population growth must be regarded too. The writer (2008) provides examples like Brazil which has been in a fast growing economy, but for the last fast year the GDP per head increase by only 2. 3% because of the high growth of population, and the writers (2008) gives the opposite example which is Russia who has a GDP growth near the level of Brazil, but yet still the GDP per head tripled for Russia because population rapidly decrease. In general, the GDP is a tricky measure but GDP per head provides a clearer image according to what the writer (2008) say. Should recession be redefined? the standard definition of a recession—a decline in real GDP over some period . (GDP, 2008). But, should this definition still be used? The writer (2008) disagrees with that as recession doesnt necessarily mean an actual decrease in GDP but simply a decrease in GDP per head, and for example he imagines that in Japan where the population is decreasing if the GDP growth was 0% the GDP per head will increase, but in America the GDP per head growth will be considered dropping over the past couple of months because the population growth exceeded the GDP growth, so the writer (2008) suggests that the right definition of recession should be a fall in average income per Person. Conclusion The writer (2008) suggests GDP per head not just for the fact the GDP per head considers the growth of population, but he thinks that using GDP per head can boost up economies. By giving Japan as an example the writer (2008) recommends that government announces GDP per head which is increasing because of decreasing population instead of disappointing GDP number, this will make people optimistic and make them consume more and economy gains. References Grossly distorted picture. (2008, March 13). Retrieved April 6, 2008, from http://media. economist. com/finance/displaystory. cfm? story_id=10852462

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Plato, Descartes, and The Matrix Essay Example for Free

Plato, Descartes, and The Matrix Essay Consider this, Is what we believe to be real and true real and true? In the movie The Matrix, Neo is a computer programer by day and hacker by night. He senses that something is wrong with the world but insists what he know he feels. When he dreams, he isn’t sure if it was real or just a dream just as Descartes believes he cannot trust his senses to tell him whether or not he is still dreaming. Neo meets with Morpheus and Morpheus gives Neo the option of knowing the truth. According to Morpheus the world isn’t real, it is an illusion and offers Neo a life altering choice. To take a pill that will give him the truth. The truth Morpheus refers to is that the world Neo believes in is just an illusion. What Neo perceives as real by his senses is nothing more than a computer generating ideas in his head without any real experiences. Morpheus gives Neo the option of continuing to live his life in the shadows and the way he perceives it or to see the light and the truth. This closely resembles the allegory of the cave by Pluto. Plato invites us to imagine humans being held prisoners, with no freedom to move or see except what is directly in front of them in the form of shadows. This is the prisoners reality. This is what they come to believe is real. When in-fact there is another world just beyond their reality. It is only after one prisoner escapes the shackles and chains and finds that the actual world is not just shadows but a world with the light of the sun. The prisoner has difficulty adjusting his eyes to the brightness, but eventually does. This experience parallels to what Neo experiences. Descartes poses the questions in his work Meditations of First Philosophy, 1961, of how we cannot for certain that the world he experiences isn’t not the product of an illusion forced upon him by an evil demon. He questions what he believes is real because of what he sees and feels while dreaming and therefore can’t trust his senses to tell him if 2he is still dreaming. When Neo accepts the â€Å"red pill† and his perception of his life slips away when he realizes that the human race is held in containers, unconscious, with a computer generating their thoughts and experiences. Humans invented Artificial Intelligence and in turn the AI took over mankind and enslaved them using them for the energy they required to stay ‘alive’. Neo realizes what Descartes proposed, that Neo’s life was just controlled by an evil demon, the Matrix. But Descartes went on to argue the existence of God, saying a Good God would not let an evil demon control us. Neo struggles with this new truth because he didn’t believe in fate because he didn’t like the idea he wasn’t in control of life. Neo life as he knew it is gone, and he is faced with the new reality and he struggles with the different emotions first of shock, fear and disbelief and then acceptance. He joins the group of dissidents to help others see the truth and reality of life. Knowing the truth doesn’t necessarily ‘set you free’ as we find out. A fellow dissident Cypher discovers the truth is hard and decides that ‘ignorance is bliss’. He negotiates a deal to deliver Morpheus in turn for his previous ‘life’. For Cypher, the truth was too much to handle, he liked the illusion of his previous life. Once Neo gains knowledge of he Matrix, he is able to discern between the truth and illusion and ascends to a higher level of understanding. He realizes that he can no longer blindly accept information received through his senses, but must requires answers to his questions. He like Descartes comes to the conclusion â€Å"I think, therefore I am†. The difference between the Matrix and Plato and Descartes is the movie gives Neo a way back to the physical real world whereas Plato and Descartes only suggest there is another reality and we are dreaming but doesn’t give us a way back. None of the notables address God within the realm of truth. God states he is the way of the light and the truth. We are challenged in our daily lives to live a real life.

Assessing The Importance Of Being Scientific Literate Sociology Essay

Assessing The Importance Of Being Scientific Literate Sociology Essay This report is to provide a clear and comprehensible analysis on scientific literacy which is an idea that is so powerful and would change how a society will behave and develop in current time. The concept of scientific literate is being advocated in developing countries such as Thailand and advance countries like Canada and The United States as well. It will affect a society from economically, educationally, culturally, and politically point of view. Nevertheless, the impact of it on the future generation must be considered. Questions to be addressed in this report include: 1. What is scientifically literate? 2. Should society be scientifically literate? 3. Consequences of not scientifically literate. 4. How to foster scientific literacy in a society and sustain it? 5. The importance of being scientifically literate and how it influences an individual. 6. Role of government, private institution, public citizen in pursuing scientific literacy. 7. Scientific literacy and democracy. 8. Influences of scientific literacy in the business world. In general, a nation that possesses significantly scientific literate will successfully captures world attention and profits from the others in trading and exports of technology and science orientated goods and services. For instance, South Korea is the world most scientifically literate following on is Japan. Both of the nations are countries that invest heavily on the research and development sector and pursue advancement in technology to create a better future. Hybrid vehicles and low energy consumption electrical items are sector which being focus heavily as green technology is the future of technology. In order to be to be scientifically literacy, it requires efforts and time to attain in every individual. The most fundamental step is to inject this concept into the education system. Besides that, this report will outline the steps in order to reach minimal scientific literacy in every individual. Most importantly, to sustain the scientific literacy concept over time and make deep influence in the future generations. INTRODUCTION What is the importance of being scientifically literate and its impact towards the society and future generation? In the 21st century, most of the countries start to rely heavily on the technology industry and usage of science. Phillips (2003) concluded scientific literacy is the understanding of science and its purposes; ability to judge scientifically and critically; ability to use scientific facts in problem solving and using evidence; knowledge required for intellectual participation in science-based problems; understanding the nature of science, including its association with culture; appreciation of and comfort with science, including its marvel and curiosity; knowledge of the threats and advantages of science; and ability to question about science or being skeptical and to deal with scientific expertise. With the effect of science and technology in every aspect of our live, especially on the political and personal decisions that sustain the democratic economy system the society must be scientifically literate. In order to provide a better future for the next generations, creating a universally literate society is imminent. This includes the exposure and education not just in reading and arithmetic but also science, technology and mathematic. Hence, the 1st step towards the goal is assessing our current level of scientific literate of the society. An experiment conducted at Harvard University graduation depicts the scientific literacy of the students (Private Universe Project, 1989). In the study, young graduates were asked to answer this question: Why is it warm in the summer and cold in the winter? 22 out of 25 got the answer wrong. The society may not be scientifically literate as it suppose due to many factors also. Through learning all the facts and theories behind the science we will be able to think on our own and critically. Why scientific literacy is considered important? The world is experiencing a rapid growth in population so the decisions we make every day have the tendency to affect energy consumption, natural resources, the environment, and ultimately our community. Individual decisions may not seem to make any difference, but with 7 billion populations worldwide, the magnitude of one wrong decision can be lethal to the Homo sapiens survival. However, creating a total scientifically literate nation is not an easy task to complete. It challenges and issues are many and take long time to address and require enormous effort and funds. LITERATURE REVIEW 1. Conceptual overview. Even though scientific literacy has gain attention over the years, this concept is still recognized as controversial (Jenkins, 1990, 1994). In addition, Venezky (2009) stated that the term scientific literacy can classified as liberty, justice and happiness. On top of that, there are different factors that would influence the interpretation of scientific literacy. Such as, the different purpose for advocating scientific literacy, different interest group that concerned with scientific literacy, and way of measuring aspects. In each of these factors carries different interpretations and perception towards the term. On top of that, Miller (2007) proposed that in order to understand the model of civic scientific literacy, it is essential to start on with an understanding of the concept of literacy itself. The fundamental idea of literacy is to possess a minimum level of reading and writing proficiency that a person needs to be involved in written communication and social life. In this c ontext, civic scientific literacy can be understood as the level of understanding of science and technology a person needed to live in a modern society. In addition, scientific literacy does not imply an idyllic level of understanding, but just a minimal threshold level. This further implies every individual is able to be scientific literate regardless of education level. Figure 1: A conceptual overview of scientific literacy Graber et al. (2001) further organize the views as illustrated in Figure 2 reconsiders the balance between the different competencies. This view shows the need for scientific literacy is more important than knowledge and implements the component of values as a science education. Figure 2: The Graber model for scientific literacy Graber s model for scientific literacy can be perceived as interrelates with human rights, education, gender equity, and tolerance. A further view for scientific literacy determined as the general aim as achieving societal requirements, such as learning to deal with social issues and to make rational decision base on evidence. Shamos (1995), however reject any definition of scientific literacy. He defines scientific literacy as promoting skilled consumers of science with the talent to gain understanding or knowledge from experts. In general view, scientific literacy is the understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for individual decision making, involvement in civic and cultural affairs, and economic production. Scientific literacy allows a person to ask, find, or determine answers to questions derived from inquisitiveness on everything happening around. It also means that a person has the capacity to explain, clarify, and predict natural phenomena. Apart from that, individuals will exhibit scientific literacy in different behaviour, such as correctly using technical terms, or applying scientific concepts. In school level, Bybee (1997) has proposed that scientific literacy to be considered in four functional levels. First, nominal which refer to individual can recognise scientific terms but do not understand the meaning thoroughly. Secondly, functional which means using scientific and technological terms but only out of context such as in school examination or test. Thirdly, conceptual and procedural that requires the individual to demonstrate the understanding of the relationship between concepts. Last, multidimensional which includes developed perspectives of concept in science and technology in addition with the nature and role of science in application in personal life and society. Hazen (2002) concluded that the difference between doing science and using science. He argues that scientific literacy is a mix of concepts, history, and philosophy that help you understand the scientific issues. Other definitions argue for a more comprehensive knowledge of science, but this general idea uses the less difficult definitions proposed by Miller and Hazen. 2. Should society be scientifically literate? Scientific literacy in the general public has come in a period of decline. Opposite to common perception, advanced communities are starting to feel the shortage of bright scientists supporting the scientific world. The extensive usage of technology causes human to neglect the value of science. Nowadays, science is everywhere and modern living standards are based on science too. However, scientific literacy in our society is inadequate. The educated people have no interest in science, not to mention the uneducated population. And the reasons is because the flaws in our education system. Science is important in a society because it has brought many advantages to a society. For example, the invention of steam engine by James Watt propelled the Industrial Revolution and boosts the nation economy, wealth, social living conditions, income level, and many more. Science is the ultimate tool to forge a modern society and the community must be scientifically literate to cope with the advancement. Espinosa (n.d.) stated the reasons why society is not longer interested in science anymore. In the study, Espinosa suggest that science should the school curricula since early the education. In this context, astronomy has an important role to play in educating scientifically literate society. Astronomy is ideal for teaching children numbers, day-night cycle and act as an initial exposure of science. Besides, astronomy will show them the importance of mathematic, geology, chemistry, physics or even biology in the later stage. Indeed, astronomy is a perfect anchor and astronomy has al so interested Mankind since the ancient time. Being scientifically literate allows us to understand the reasons behind a technology or occurrence of a natural phenomenon. Therefore, science is important for the society and especially in carrying an efficient economic human activity such as plantation. The correct method of harvesting will yield more products and producing more income for those ordinary farmers. Science is an important part in human evolution and improvement in quality of life. People should aware and understand of its cultural and political impact as well. Government should scientifically educate the general population, so that every person is ready for the future. An example of most scientifically literate nation is South Korea and following is Japan as illustrated in Figure 3. The research is conducted by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in determining the scientific literacy for economical and educational purposes. Miller (2007) outline that in developing an assessment of civic scientific literacy, it is vital to create a measure that will be functional over a period of years and that will be adequately responsive to capture changes in the constitution and composition of public understanding towards scientific literacy. South Korea and Japan are known countries that focus on technological advancement and development. According to most a recent study by European Commission, Meyer (2009) stated that Japan uses 3.39 percent of its GDP on research and development, while South Korea uses 3.23 percent and the United States spends 2.61 percent. In the contrary, China spends just 1.42 percent of its GDP. The amount of science and technology researching projects in Europe is growing, but the European Union is still slow comparing with the research and development investment targets of Japan and South Korea. If a nation is not scientifically literate, it may face problems like inadequate professional personnel or lack of research and development. Japan and South Korea that determined to be pioneering in the research and development field is gaining profits by selling their technology to the world. For example, car manufacturer, Toyota hybrid vehicle, Prius is favor by many western countries especially the Uni ted States. In addition, worlds most popular consumer electronics brand, Samsung from Korea capture the world consumer demand in electronics products. Undeniable, the scientific literacy in Japan and South Korea contributed in their success. Figure 3: Scientific literacy by country (OECD) Also, acquire from the National Science Foundation (NSF) document Science and Engineering Indicators 2006 in Figure 4, a survey that is designed to evaluate scientific literacy. Countries participating include: the United States, 25 European Union countries, South Korea, Japan, Russia, China, and Malaysia. Figure 4: Survey questions from Science and Engineering Indicators 2006. National Science Foundation The results of such surveys are promising. The majority of respondents from all countries except China properly recognized the first statement about earth s core temperature as exact. Though, fewer than 50% of respondents from all countries correctly identified the lasers as false and the statements about electrons as true. Only respondents from the United States, the European Union, and Japan scored higher than 50% in correctly identifying question three concerning radiation as incorrect. In the other hand, the United States was the single nation able to achieve higher than 50% in accurately state out that antibiotics do not eradicate viruses. 3. Why constructing a scientifically society? Generally the public perceive scientific literacy brings positive effects to the society. However, there are only few reasons for advocating scientific literacy being highlighted by the public (Thomas Durant, 1987). In this part, a number of familiar points of view will be suggested in support of scientific literacy. These arguments for promoting scientific literacy, which are based on Thomas and Durant (1987) and Shortland (1988) can fundamentally be grouped into a macro and micro view. In the macro view, the first common reason for advocating scientific literacy is the bond between scientific literacy and the economic well-being of a nation. It is believed that national wealth relies on the nation s capability in competing successfully in international markets. Meanwhile, the international competitiveness depends on the national research and development policy and programmes. Highly developed countries will be able to capture investor from other countries due to its ability to provide quality supply of scientist, engineers, and highly-trained personnel to conduct research and development. In the same time, to exploit minor niche markets. However, only nations whose general public possess a proper level of scientific literacy will be able to sustain the environment. In addition, scientific literacy will facilitate individuals to contribute more intelligently and efficiently in the productive sector of the economy (Walberg, 1983). Therefore, scientific literacy can b e regarded as an essential human capital that manipulates the economic well-being of a nation in various factors. In addition, associated to the economic perspectives, a higher level of scientific literacy among the population will promote greater support for science itself. This is due to the injection of new recruits that attracted to science (Shortland, 1988, p. 307). Another factor in which society benefit from the influence of greater scientific literacy is the public s expectations of science. The better and clearly the public comprehend about the objectives, developments, and capacity of science, the less likely the public will be to receive unrealistic anticipations of science. While unrealistic hope may result in loss of confidence and eventually withdrawal from being scientifically literate. In other words, this also prevents the public from being easily con or believing untrue myths. Prewitt (1983) supported this argument by emphasizing on democratic practice in a nation. An effective government will only be constructed by voter that is scientifically literate so they able to make meaningful involvement, engage with political processes, and participate in suitable social change. There is also an argument in the context of science and culture. Thomas and Durant (1987) quoted that [t]he general health of a nation in which science is practiced depends on the effective integration of science in the wider culture. According to Thomas and Durant, the science is being perceived by the public as the essence of technicality and specialization. The separation of science from the wider culture may lead the general public fail to understand the science properly as it contradicting from their origin culture and practices. Such as religion that are often contradicting with science since the emergence of science or Renaissance period in the Europe. In consequence, the public ma y feel fear in accepting science in their society and creating confusion. Hence, increasing scientific literacy of the public would create a suitable environment for the public to be productive and healthy. In the micro view, scientific literacy reflects on individuals. It is believe that improved understanding of science and technology is beneficial to individuals living in a science and technology orientated society (Thomas Durant, 1987). Personal decisions, such as diet, smoking, healthcare or safety in the home and at work, should be aided by reasonable level of scientific literacy so that decision made will be useful. Extensive knowledge on the foundation of science and facts enable the individual to indentify and reject pseudo-scientific information. An unaware public is exposed to misleading information on, for example, medicine. (Royal Society, 1985) With the widespread scientific literacy among the public, it will create a citizen that is confident and capable to deal with science and technology related matters that arise in their daily life effectively. The employment issue of the people is the very important area that will benefit with scientific literacy. As the economy becoming more knowledge-based, the demand of quality human resources is increasing at the same time and also an important economic asset of modern science and technology societies (Brooks, 1991). Therefore, individual with adequate knowledge will be in a advantageous position to exploit new and better job opportunities. In the same time able to take full advantage in developing technical skills in work place (Thomas Durant, 1987). During the World War 2, the Nazi Germany slaughtered about 6 million Jews under the command for Adolf Hitler (Holocaust Encyclopaedia, n.d.). The Holocaust was an organized, state-funded discrimination and massacre of about six million Jews by the Nazi regime. They believe that Jews are Untermenschen (inferior people) and should be eliminate. The Nazi racial ideology of inferior people is an example of non-scientifically proven theory. The poor scientific literacy among the Nazis caused the death of millions in concentration camps. Given that the Nazis able to view and justify the idea of inferior people the Jews should had survived the massacre. In addition, Locke (n.d.) quoted all men are created equal in his view and all men have the rights to pursuit their happiness. His statement also supported by the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson in The Declaration of Independence. Miller (2002), who had been assessing the scientific literacy of society for over 30 years, emphasizes the significance of civic scientific literacy in present society that depends heavily on the invention and usage of science and technology. He strongly believes that in the future or now the society requires a population that is reasonable knowledgeable in the field of contemporary scientific and technological topics so that the democratic process will be able to function at the correct behavior. In a democracy, the public will have both indirect and direct influence on the formation of public policy. During elections, citizens elect their desire politicians and vote on individual ballot items. Meanwhile, the ballot choices could include issues that related to science, such as pollution, recycling, natural resources, energy, and endowment for research and education. There are several factors that will influence a public opinion and justification. Such as education, environment, poli tics, and individual experiences. While such factors are influential, when politics clash with scientific issues, fundamental scientific literacy is a must for an informed decision making process. Science does not always offer simple answers and might call for a complicated understanding of terms and ideas to interpret. Political debate, rather always rephrases scientific issues to the worthlessness. Only an audience with the ability to comprehend and to filter the information being feed or bombarded able to form well considered judgments. There are number of solid reasons for promoting scientific literacy for both the general public and the individual good. The purpose for promoting scientific literacy is not only reliant on the benefits, but is also influenced by ideological and philosophical reflection (Champagne Lovitts, 1989). Therefore, promoting scientific literacy would bring greater benefit for the current and future generations and propel the humanity towards a better future and technology. 3. How to create a scientifically literate society? The world is now increasingly influence by the expansion of science and technology. Hence, achieving scientific literacy is vital as an educational outcome for the development of society. This increasing demand of scientific literate communities requires them to engage, deal with ideas and applications of science. In order to address this important question, clarifying the idea of scientific literacy and construct a common comprehension toward the idea is essential. Citizens that are scientifically literate will be able to utilize their knowledge in science to meet their social and personal demands (Murcia, 2005). Without an acceptable level of scientific literacy, they might unable to understand and appreciate the fundamental of science, its interaction with society, roles, values, and shaping of humanity s future. The science is a continuing developing discipline and borderless hence being scientific literate may only need a minimum understanding on the ideas. These concepts will endure rapid change and have impact on the society throughout at least for few years. For instance, the genetic research is a field that constantly changes with events such as stem cell research and cloning. So, what is the most effective method to engage the society in scientific literacy and eventually encourage them to contribute in the development of scientific literacy? In order to incorporate the way of thinking, the assumptions and values inherent in the building of scientific knowledge, understanding of nature of science is an essential part of scientific literacy. Hence, Murcia Schibeci (1999) proposed a set of themes that would represent a promising view of nature of science, which is also consistent with the contemporary science philosophy and practice. 1. Scientific knowledge has an impermanent position and should not be accepted as absolute truth. 2. New scientific knowledge is formed as a product of creativity and imagination joined with techniques of scientific inquiry. 3. Science develops through ongoing research and critical questioning. 4. Science is active and ongoing, not a stagnant gathering of information. 5. Scientists and the scientific community usually exhibit the professional standards of openness of mind and integrity. The themes suggest that scientific results and knowledge should be considered critically and not perceived as the rigid fundamental of science. Thus, science is essentially a vibrant, human activity that conducts through critical questioning and constant research tied with reasonable imagination. First of all, engaging an individual attention, desire and interest to find out more about daily activity of science interacting with society is a crucial step toward developing scientific literacy. Real world investigations will provide opportunities for instilling scientific literacy as they able to see different forms of knowledge from various fields that would relate to each other. Through connected and interrelated study activities, the values and assumptions underlying the scientific literacy and how the science will interacts with the society concept will be explicit. Natural curiosity can be the driving force in learning essential foundational habits such as observing, investigating, measuring, questioning, using scientific language to describe experiment and constructing informed decisions based on scientific ideas. Through making informed decisions, individual will tend to build introductory understandings of the vibrant, creative and tentative nature of scientific research. In this way, they would develop critical thinking or questioning skills to appreciate the role science that in need for solving personal problems or dilemmas. Reading and interpreting non-fiction science content is also an integral section of context in instilling scientific literacy. Through reading simple newspaper articles related science or applications of science in daily life will enact an individual curiosity of the science in it. Science in the media will create an important motivation for investigation as it will exhibit the dynamic personality of scientific knowle dge and the call for critical questioning. Meanwhile, individual will create awareness in evaluating information and claims that are being made by the author. Murcia (2005) supported this view that individual will gain stimulus for inquiring, questioning and participate in discussion about the topic critically when introduced to scientific related articles. Figure 5: Sources used for attaining science information. (National Science Foundation) Figure 5 is a study on resources used for obtaining scientific materials. Options consider are internet, books, television, magazines and newspapers. The internet clearly shows a dominant percentage among the options for both the year 2001 and 2004. The internet is a reliable and efficient alternative in promoting scientific literacy. Due to its versatile characteristic, internet can be used in everywhere provided an internet connection and a computer or any electronic devices that is capable of internet browsing. The tremendous growth of internet over the years also serves as a reason why internet is worth to consider. In addition, as an increasingly important researching tool, it is user-friendly, interesting and covers wide area of material. The internet also allows distance learning technology and able to bring large audiences around the world together. Hence, it can also strengthen the relationship between outside institutional and formal education. Most importantly, internet is a tool that able to aid the community in learning and spreading of scientific literacy materials. Hence, creating a website or forum which focuses on discussing scientific issues and problem will attract people to visit and contribute their opinions regarding to specific issues. Increasing the public awareness on the issues is important as well. The media, researchers, research institution, university and industry as well have a role to play. They must ready to communicate and engaging in debate on scientific issues in a professional manner and comprehensible for the public as well. Their honest explanation on the benefits and limitations of scientific issues will clarify the public and increases the scientific literacy. In order to do so, relevant information must be made available to the public in the easiest way as possible. Internet is the perfect candidate for the job. Creating a database of press release, images, background information, details of events and science journal for the public is a way of creating awareness in scientific development. Alpha-Galileo is an example of internet service that provides tailored information to the media. Apart from that, organizing international forum, including online forum will facilitate the exchange of informati on and popularize scientific issues. Democracy needs citizens to have a certain technical and knowledge to be part of it. Besides, a pool of scientists and engineers are essential in creating a social-economic development and improvement. It is therefore necessary to induce scientific knowledge to young children. Meanwhile, encouraging them to embark on a scientific career and provide necessary aids. Also, not to neglect individual who has started on scientific career. Approving endowment for research and development will certain promote the development scientific research sector. This also helps them to retain their enthusiasm and motivation in conducting tedious research. Education system itself is a vital factor that influences the scientific literacy of a society. Therefore, teaching method in school must be reviewed because the impact on the student will directly reflect how they behave after completing education. Hence, teaching method must be designed to stimulate interest such as establishment of innovative projects. Experts views on policy should be convincing but the public opinion must not be neglected. A dialogue with the citizen will create a mutual understanding between the official and public and foster quality policy. Though information gathered from different stakeholders including media, citizens, research organizations and enterprises the authority will able to see the general idea. Producing gender equality in science is vital as well in promoting scientific literacy. In the history of science, research often fails to take specific needs of women into consideration. According to European Commission, female represent 50% of the student population but only 10% is in senior position in academia and industry. This may due to conservative way of thinking in the population upbringing. However, the rapid growth in scientific and technological progress can create serious ethical question that would concern every individual. These questions may also have the potential implications for future generations also. Therefore, a systematic information facility on ethical issues in science is needed. This facility will provide information on legislation, codes of conducts, debates and practices. Meanwhile, the researchers must have integrity in conducting research. They should use good scientific practices including research integrity. Providing model courses and training modules will raise the awareness of researcher in field of ethics also. 4. The impact of science in the business world (scientific management). In scientific management, the principle object of it is to secure the maximum prosperity for the employer and employee. The prosperity does not only consist of wages but more importantly is the development of each employee to his condition of maximum efficiency. In a traditional type management process, the success of a business depends almost completely on the initiative of the employee. Taylor (1911) outline that the initiative of employee is obtain with total uniformity under the old system in his work of scientific management.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

The Illegality of Cocaine :: Pregnancy Drugs Essays

The Illegality of Cocaine As I was skimming through the casebooks in Current Issues and Enduring Questions, I stumbled upon a story by James Q. Wilson called â€Å"Back to the Future† in which he proceeded to tell that cocaine harms an unburned baby and can lead to physical deformities or neurological damage. This sparked my curiosity into wanting to know more about the effects of cocaine on the body and an unborn child. Cocaine comes from the leaves of the Erythroxylon Coca tree which are native to Peru and Bolivia (GG 300). Cocaine is referred to as a benzoylmethyl ecgonine. Ecgonine is an amino alcohol base which is closely related to trephine, the amino alcohol in atropine. Ecgonine is an ester of benzoic acid and a nitrogen-containg base which has the same fundamental structure like the ones in synthetic local anesthetics (GG 300). Cocaine is a hydrochloride, water-soluble salt, dry white powder that is usually snorted through a small tube placed into the nostril; it can also be injected int o a vein (Encarta). The history of cocaine can be dated back into the 1850’s. In 1855 cocaine was first isolated and came to be widely used as an anesthetic in minor surgeries (Encarta). Cocaine has been used for a long time as a drug of abuse, but in the late 1970’s and 1980’s, it became one of the top drugs to be taking (Encarta). There are four common methods of which it is used: 1. swallowing which is not very effective because it is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract 2. snorting or sniffing is the most common 3. injecting with a needle produces an intense, awesome rush, but the effects do not last long because of the rapid metabolization by the liver 4. smoking or free-basing is common because it produces an extreme high. The problem with smoking is that it is followed by irritability and discomfort, which results in the user wanting to smoke more (march). The effects of cocaine usually only last between twenty minutes and an hour depending o n the purity and the amount of the drug taken in (march). The first signs noticed from cocaine are and increase in motor activity, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and an increase in respiration (march). Other than these results seen from cocaine, death may sometimes occur from a small dose cause by seizures or a heart attack (Encarta).

Monday, August 19, 2019

Essay --

Sumedha Kucherlapati -MS in Information Management Systems-2014 ____________________________________________________________________________________ My earliest memories as a child were playing â€Å"SUDOKU† with my sister and thoroughly enjoying it. As I grew up my love for logical games grew with me. When I started working at Deloitte, I was always applauded for my analytical and problem solving skills. Further due to the professional exposure at Deloitte as Business Technology Analyst, I got acquainted to business to technology transition of real life challenges and requirements. This fascination has progressively transformed into my career goal to be the best blend of technical and functional consultant and I believe that doing a Masters in Information Systems management will help me step closer to my goal. I have always excelled in education and did my entire high school on scholarship. My undergraduate studies in Electronics and Telematics from GNITS, one of the top three private colleges in the state has given me a very substantial knowledge of the basic areas of Computer Science. Courses like Cryptographic algorithms, Network analysis, Wireless Communication Network and Computer Networks helped me learn about Information security, Computer Architecture and gave me an insight into hardware of electronic devices. To complement my theoretical knowledge, I presented a paper on â€Å"Use of Compact Fin-FET memory circuits to increase read, write capability.† This article focused on the results of an independent-gate Fin FET SRAM cell simultaneously enhancing the read data stability and memory integration density. The paper fetched us first prize at a National Level technical fest. I also headed the IEEE, ISTE s... ...lp 275 Special and differently abled children on the ‘National Impact Day' conducted by Deloitte which is the biggest Annual event of the firm. Working at Deloitte has helped me understand that to stand out as a leading consultant it is very important to have business insight along with technical expertise and MISM course structure at your esteemed university would equip me with perfect blend of the same. My experiences assured me that I am on the right path towards my goal and would like to continue pursuing my skills in this direction. I strongly feel that courses like IT Project Management and Consulting Communications in your curriculum would further boost my skill set. I would be honored to be under the unmatched guidance of the eminent professors at Heinz college and am looking forward with great hope to get an opportunity to join your university.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Growing With Style :: Writing Style Styles Essays

Growing With Style Defining writing style is somewhat like describing Big Foot. People study it, and talk about it, they try to enlighten others about it. But when it’s all said and done, you just rely on; â€Å"I’ll know it when I see it.† Style is not unique onto ourselves, but I think that we all, either as audience or as writer, have our own interpretation of style. For example, the University of Miami’s Philosophy and Literature Departments hold a Bad Writing Contest that gives mock prizes to the â€Å"worst published academic writing† that someone can find (Miami.edu). It is all in good fun and it is based solely on the opinions of the judges of the contest. The texts, Style: Toward Clarity and Grace by Williams and Elements of Style by Strunk and White teach about the importance of â€Å"good style.† Both books are quite different in their approach and the style in which it is presented. Strunk and White is short and sweet. Williams is lengthy and often times a tedious read. Both books are biased to their opinions; Williams is more instructional while Strunk and White almost sounds like a reprimand. However, both books offer up a wealth of knowledge and support. Both Williams and Strunk and White discuss the idea of clarity. Clarity is an important element of style because without it, you will have a lost or disinterested audience. Strunk and White state, â€Å"Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts†(23). Keeping this in mind will help a writer to stay on track. Instead of digressing on an unrelated topic, the writer can focus on a point and stick to it. Williams has two principles that help with managing and expressing a flow of ideas in a concise manner: 1. Usually, compress what you mean into the fewest words. 2. Don’t state what your reader can easily infer (115). A writer can achieve meaning compression by eliminating such things as redundant pairs (full and complete, true and accurate) and redundant modifiers (completely finish, past memories) (116). Some of these examples are so common in our speech that we can fail to see them as a problem in our prose.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

What Doesn’t Kill You Make You Stronger

Survival is a word that has a pretty basic meaning, â€Å"To continue existence† I the name from Microsoft Office, there is really nothing to argue about. As I remember Living at 528 N. Bayard Ave; the only way you could live is if you had thick skin. Our definition of thick skin was being able to takes joke and being bullied without crying or running and telling Aunt Sabrina what happened. My cousin Darnell and I would play as much jokes on my sister Desiree and cousin Ruby. Every since I was younger I could remember everyone I know had jokes. Everyone was made fun of, and the only you made it through it is you had to get back at them by a joke or a prank believe that through all the jokes and pranks I am able to not be so offended by the little things people do to bother me and shaped me into a stronger person. I believe in the social world if someone does an act to diminish your character and you don’t shutdown and go in to social isolation then you have thick skin. In this paper I will argue that with more details that when it comes to the saying â€Å"what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger† is the main key is survivalin a social aspect the saying is true. Living in most urban neighborhoods with as many as fifty young children of all ages for all my life you are bound to get teased by someone; especially if you are not the best dresser or have the coolest sneakers on, or the most money. You have to be able to bend and not break. I can remember a time where I was the butt of all jokes but since I didn’t let anything make me go under a rock. These experiences allow me to one a day to be the joke maker and not be subjected to being that weak loser. I can remember a being in Tenth grade at Overbrook High School. Every day I would go into Biology class and we would tell momma jokes so like three kids would gang up and talk about my mom; at this age being 16 I was already prepared since all the encounters in my past that helped me I this situation. That’s the only I made it through high school and it’s the reason why I can hold my own in the world today. On the other side of this debate; I can remember being in my house and my parents bring up how my little sister tell them that me and my others siblings were picking in her. So I said that, â€Å"Well teasing her is not killing her and what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and I only trying to prepare her for all the people that will talk to her so it cannot effect her†. Then my dad responded, â€Å"It may kill her and but you are hurting her, or maybe even crippling her and make her socially inapt†. He continue by saying that she may not even want to take risk because of the things that people may say about the from the withdrawal state I may have cause. After making me feel guilty he used a wildlife analogy saying, â€Å"If a lion is hurt in battle then is he stronger†. Then I said another way I can prove how my saying is true is how you see all the people that commit suicide form cyber bullying and from people making jokes about them. They couldn’t handle the joking around or hazing; since it didn’t make them stronger it killed them. Living as long as did you are bound to have days were you are going to receive an amount of jokes, but its up to you if you let them get to you and mess up your life. Your never going to get away from. So when it to survival (at least the social aspect of survival) I believe that the key is â€Å"whatever doesn’t kill you make you stronger. Even though people may say the word â€Å"survival† they have a tendency like Darwin’s theory of evolution â€Å"only the strongest survive†. What I say to that is how do I people get to the â€Å"strongest†. That is where my definition comes in to play you have to endure all the negativity or the positive things that happened to you. So you get to the point of being the â€Å"strongest†.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Chicago Gun Violence

Chicago has earned a lot of negative attention in recent years earning the infamous nickname â€Å"Chairs† due to the high rate of gun violence. In 2014, thus far it has been 1,775 reported shootings in Chicago In which 252 were fatal. That is extremely high given the fact that the year Isn't over. Today Is September 8th; which also means this Is the 51st day in the year. That means someone, on average, was shot and killed every day of the year In Chicago. Those statistics do not even Include norm-gun related homicides.If I was to Include those extra 48 homicides, the average deaths per day would be 1 . 2. If homicides were to continue at that rate, it could possibly be 436 murders by the end of the year. These numbers are very disturbing and hopefully something is done about that. When you observe Chicago in comparison to other cities, Chicago has always been in the top 5 for murders. One thing that has changed about that is in recent years it has been number one in murders w hich is another obstacle that holds Chicago back. In 2013, Chicago led the way with murders with 412 homicides.New York was in second with 333, It Is eye catching that the Jump between 2nd place and 1st place was almost 100 homicides. Los Angels was not too far behind in 4th place with 255 homicides. Chicago In comparison to these other cycles Is a war zone. 2012 was even worse with 503 murders that year and this was the same year Chicago was given the title of Murder Capitol. The violence in Chicago is very serious, during the July 4th weekend 82 people were shot in which, 14 were fatal. It got to the point where PoliceSuperintendent Garry McCarthy was pressured to deploy National Guard. Back in 2012, Chicago gained national attention because of the death of Hading Pendleton, a 15 year old girl who had a lot of promise in her future. She was shot and killed a week after performing in the band at President Beam's second inauguration. After, that tragic incident, she became the face of anti-gun violence in Chicago. Still to this day In Chicago, the death of young children and teenagers is still a problem. In fact, a 3 year old and 9 year old were shot this past week In Chicago.The 3 year old survived but is in critical condition. It Is heartbreaking to hear incidents Like that constantly In the news. Earlier In the year, during Easter weekend, 45 people were shot. Amongst the 45, SIX were children In the age range of 11 to 15. To add to it, that was all one incident. That is awful that an event like that even As you can see, Chicago gun violence is very prominent in the communities. This violence has become a major problem mainly because it affects the teenagers and children around it every day.It alters their minds and desensitizing them to certain things that people normally would not be numb too. Too many lives are being lost in the violent streets of Chicago. So much potential within these communities are being wasted or lost and something needs to happen s o these statistics can drastically drop. This topic really hits deep with me because Chicago is my home. I could have easily became a statistic and succumb to the influence of my neighborhood. I Just hope one day that Chicago can one day move forward from the egregious nickname â€Å"Chairs†.

Thursday, August 15, 2019

The Changing role of women in Britain since 1900

Target 1: How useful is source A as evidence about attitudes towards suffragettes in 1908? Explain your answer using source and knowledge from your studies. The attitudes towards suffragettes in 1908 were mixed; everyone had their own opinions of them. Some people were very supportive on what they were doing and some of them had a very negative response. In source A there is a picture of a ‘suffragette demonstrations in London 1908'. Underneath the source the source it states â€Å"Mrs Emmeline Pankhurst leading a demonstration which 200,00 people are said to have attended.† This source does not give enough evidence to prove this statement. I explain why. In this picture it shows me the suffragettes having a peaceful demonstration they are smiling and at the same time getting what they want to say across, from my knowledge and understanding suffragettes were seen as violent and they were seen as a very confrontational group. In the source booklet under The WSPU- the suffragettes it tells me that In 1903 Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters formed a breakaway group called the Women's social and political union (WSPU), that was to campaign for the parliamentary vote for women on the same terms as it was granted to men, or would be in the future, their motto was â€Å"deeds not words† yet the photo paints a different picture. In source booklet source 6 under Suffragette tactics it tells me that in 1908 the suffragettes would start occasional attacks on properties such as breaking windows, etc. But yet again from source A I cannot see this. The source also states, â€Å"200,000 people are said to have attended† From source A it seems to me that at least only 1,000 people attended. In this source I can see only one policeman and he looks quite peaceful and undisturbed. If this were a demonstration where 200,000 people are said to have attended there would be hundreds of policemen on sight. This photo is very unreliable to its statement. The source says that Ms Pankhurst lead the campaign yet there is no proof to prove this. This is supposed to be a demonstration but from my understanding a demonstration is 1) an outward showing or feeling. 2) A public meeting or a march for political or moral response. 3) A show of military force. If this was a demonstration you would have seen exactly what they were demonstration from the use of banners and posters or even photos but I cannot see any of this. This photo (source A) is very unreliable and does not give enough evidence to represent that it was a suffragette demonstration in London 1908. This source is not useful evidence about suffragettes in 1908. Target 2:Source D and E are both from 1910, yet they give different views about the campaign to gain women the vote. Which is the most reliable source for investigating people's attitudes in 1910 towards the campaign? Source D is an article from the daily sketch (newspaper) in 1910. It is about a demonstration made by women in 1910. This article is anti-suffragette; it's against women for what they are doing. This article is about a suffragist attack on the House of Commons. The title â€Å"DISCRACEFUL SCENES†, and â€Å"120 arrests† gives you a dreadful view of the suffragettes. This source is also very negative against women because it puts them down. In the first passage it states â€Å"they caused even more violent scenes then before†. This gives you the impression that they were always violent and aggressive and that's all they were good for. Also in the first passage it states â€Å"It was a picture of shameless recklessness†. This makes the women look disgraceful and outrageous. In Passage two the first four lines say, † One campaigner sprawled in the mud to the obvious disgust of decent men and the obvious delight of others†. This gives me the idea that some people found it a revolting and thought they were shameful, but yet some people saw it a something very positive. This source is very negative towards the suffragettes and makes them appear violent and shameful. This really affected the way people viewed the suffragettes. Source E is in favour of the suffragettes and are for the vote for women. This source is a postcard issued by the suffragettes in 1910. This postcard shows what a women may be, such as a mayor, a mother a doctor or even a teacher and still not have vote, then goes on to show what a man may be, such as a convict a lunatic, unfit for service or even a drunkard but yet still get the vote. Women were put in a lower category then these types of men; Suffragettes saw this as an insult. However I feel that both Source D and Source E are very reliable for investigating people's attitudes towards the campaign, but I think the most common attitude towards the suffragettes at that time was Source D. Source D gives the most relevant information and is the most reliable source because these were the negative attitudes shown towards the suffragettes at this period of time. The community didn't like to see women behaving as men or behaving inappropriately it made them look bad. This source investigates the minority of people's attitudes towards suffragettes in 1910 but at the same time remains relevant for the investigation of people's attitudes towards suffragettes in 1910. Target 3: Without the First World War women would have not gained the right to vote in 1918†³ Do you agree or disagree with this interpretation? I agree with this interpretation. I believe that women would have never gained the vote without the First World War. So many men had gone of to war that the women were needed to fill their places this increased the number of women in the industry. The war made it adequate for women to work such jobs. People believed that women shouldn't be prohibited from doing work they are fit for. While the men were sent of to war, women showed how equally they worked to men, the leaders saw this as an opportunity to show what women were capable of, they showed how capable they were of doing what was seen as a man's jobs. The suffragettes broke the stereotype of how people viewed women, women were seen as housewives, they stayed home and cook and look after the kids. Men also thought that they didn't have the intelligence or intellect to do a â€Å"mans job†. In Source 27 on the source sheet written by E.S. Montague, Minister of munitions, in 1916 he states that: â€Å"Women of every station†¦. have proved themselves able to undertake work that before the war was regarded as solely the province of men†¦. Where is the man now who would deny women the civil rights which she has earned by her hard work?† Women were showing themselves how equally skilled they were to men, and that both sexes were equally alike. People started to see the women as people that played a likewise part in society as men and that they deserved the vote. People believed that the women earned their rights through their hard work. In Source 29 on page 68 it also state that: â€Å"†¦ Many women had witnessed the suffering and anguish of men of men as they had not seen in the previous wars and had also worked side by side with comrades and friends. It was inevitable that this would start to change mutual perceptions of and the granting of the votes at last (to women over thirty) seemed totally appropriate.† This gives me the impression that people did see the women working really due to the war and did all they could to gain the vote and the only resort and the most appropriate was to give them the vote. In Source 19; Page 66 we are shown a female tram driver it does not give us a date but it shows it shows us that women were enthusiastically involved in a man's role. This acts helped change the way people viewed suffragettes. Before most people attitudes were biased towards giving women the vote, but after the war people attitudes change and However in 1918 the barrier against women's suffrage was broken and a partial victory won, under the Representation of the People Act, women over 30 years of age were given the parliamentary vote if they were householders, the wives of householders, occupiers of property with an annual rent of à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½5 or more. About 8.5 million women were put under this new law. It was not until ten years later, however, that all women could vote on equal terms with men, at the age of 21 and over, the new bill becoming law on July 2, 1928.

Media Research Example Essay

Start with a short intro You can start with the title or genre as your basic point. Dicussing why, where,when or how. Remember to always do background checking on the genres to get the codes and conventions to make yours suit the conventions, not to confuse your target audience. Dont forget to do some research on your target audience too. This is essential. Other research you can do, for example on scripts or previous posters similar to yours is a mustdo and a real big help! My example: Research for my thriller film Forbidden Pieces For the title of my film, I researched different films that had similar film ideas to mine and tried to think of a title that would represent my idea but not give it away as soon as someone read it. I looked at different musical words with other adjectives and came up with these ideas and after asking those from my target audience they agreed that Forbidden Pieces would be the best title. >Swinging Life. > Forbidden Pieces > Crescendoing complications > Paper Cut This is because some of the scenes I believe a younger audience wouldn’t understand, yet there are parts that I believe students can relate to better than adults – that is also why I have based my film in a school with a student around education – something that influences students every day, or that they can relate to everyday. I then asked them using my questionnaire and series of questions; one being what they would like to see in a psychological thriller, nearly all of them said suspense or death and blood, one that makes you really think. So with their list of most popular everyday uses I have added a few to my film, including laptops, phones and school equipment as well as music. Usually in a psychological thriller, the target audience is those who are above the age of 18 and this is because of some of the characters may have psychological illnesses that younger viewers would find disturbing. However, for my film Forgotten Pieces, I have lowered my target audience to 15 because there is not going to be so much bloody scenes. My character does in the end go insane after loosing everything, and commits suicide – not that you see her commit suicide just her feet hanging, meaning it is suitable for slightly younger teens. Past research has shown that women are more attracted to psychological thrillers, because they enjoy the mystery and story behind events that take place in thriller films. My script research has come from many different things, the first from looking at thriller scripts online. I found that the website: http://www.simplyscripts.com/genre/thriller-scripts.html was really helpful, as it gave me lots of different thriller scripts to look up. I used the scripts from 13 Ghosts, and Sixth Sense to help me, and I realised when and where I had to make things bold, or stand out more by putting them into caps. I never realised how hard writing a script could be, how much you actually have to include. I also looked at what my target audience would like to see in a thriller film, and used that in my script. As well as making the dialogue modern but still sounding posh or proper English at some parts as the school is for the elite. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jaI1XOB-bsTo start off with, I had to think of what type of genre I wanted my film to be, whether it was just a horror ( which I was informed is a very popular choice) or if I wanted it to be a thriller. I decided to look up what was needed in terms of codes and conventions for a thriller, but when I looked I found that there were so many different types of thriller: my one, I decided would be a psychological one, one that plays with the mind and makes you  shake with suspense. So I then looked up what I would need for a psychological thriller and found these; Codes and Conventions of a Thriller movie  I also looked then, at similar style films. Either with an instrument as the main focus ( the piano) or with psychological issues, and found.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Business and Virtue Ethics Essay Example for Free

Business and Virtue Ethics Essay Abstract For the purposes of this assignment we will analyze the Mattel case and discuss the actions of the company regarding the behavior and actions in conjunction with the Global Manufacturing Process that was implemented. Breaches of the two business ethics elements of integrity and egoism will be assessed. Within the discussion I have identified the virtues prudence, justice, fidelity, and courage that were largely violated by the Mattel organization and how it affected the employees of Mattel. We will discuss the implications of virtue, deontological, and utilitarian ethics regarding their potential usefulness in evaluation of the Mattel case. Introduction Mattel’s concept of Global Manufacturing Principles (GMP) was not a novel concept. The many forms of GMP including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) have been around for decades and have worked to insure that specific industries are held to a standard that is industry wide. ISO’s model is â€Å"Say what you do, and do what you say†. When a company endeavors to become ISO qualified, it is required to document every activity (as a standard operating procedure, SOP) that occurs within the company and adhere to that process without deviation. ISO qualified companies are always subject to audit by other ISO registered companies and is initially audited by four such companies in order to acquire certification. Having been directly involved with ISO implementation at a former employer that supplied fasteners for manufacturing, I am fully aware of how involved the certification is. The company SOP was over 1000 pages. Additionally, another ISO company can and will come in and audit your company prior to electing to conduct business with your company. In some instances, ISO qualification is not enough to be awarded the business. The nutrition industry also adheres to the Good Manufacturing Practices, of which I was required to be certified in every year. Each department of the nutritional company I worked for had its own GMP standards that we were to adhere implicitly. The nutrition industry, while not regulated by the FDA, is controlled indirectly by the FDA. GMP is an FDA requirement. Having worked in two industries where the concept is not only expected, but required in some instances; I was not impressed by the fact that Mattel implemented GMP of their own volition for the sole purpose to improve public perception after misconduct was exposed by the media. Business Ethics Issue The one word that I found that resonates throughout the article, whether spoken or implied, is â€Å"integrity†. The incoming CEO stated that Mattel would behave in all actions with â€Å"unwavering integrity† and that the company’s commitment to the GMP remained unequivocal and undiminished. (Sethi, Shapiro, Emelianova, pg.490) Ironically, I identify the most noticeable and important business ethics issue as just that; a lack of integrity. Merriam Webster defines integrity as â€Å"the firm adherence to a code of especially moral value, the quality or sate of being complete or undivided, and the quality of being honest or fair. Mattel exhibited none of these traits insofar as where their GMP’s were concerned. In fact, there were numerous infractions regarding the non-enforcement of their GMP’s across the board in the Asia and Mexico based manufacturing facilities. The second ethics issue I identified was narcissism. Mattel implemented this GMP program with the attitude of ‘look at what we’re doing’ but with minimal effort to ensure the success of the program. According to Duchon and Drake (2009) extreme narcissistic organizations will establish these formal ethics programs but will not have much effect on hindering unethical behaviors. This was evident in that the supervisors at the factories knew what they were supposed to be doing; but found ways to circumvent the system and there were no reprisals as a result of their nonconformance. Ultimately, it was a program of words and not deeds. Three Virtues Prudence â€Å"Careful good judgment that allows someone to avoid danger or risks. † (M-W, 2013) In my opinion, a great deal of misfortune and hardship could have been avoided if Mattel would have practiced a modicum of prudence before ever moving their manufacturing to Asia. In a perfect world, and especially in a modern world we do not expect children to work. However, when dealing with underdeveloped countries; it is normal for children to work in conditions that would be an affront to any American’s moral nature having abandoned child labor decades ago. If Mattel had done due diligence, they would have known that the facility in Indonesia was operating in an unacceptable manner (Sethi, et al. pg. 486) and could have implemented working conditions and requirements from the get-go. Then the exposure by the media would have never been an issue. I have no doubt that the draw of paying lower wages and increased productivity was the catalyst to overlook the conditions in those overseas factories. Justice â€Å"The quality of being just, impartial, or fair. Conformity to truth, fact, or reason. † (M-W, 2013) The concept of justice was completely lost on Mattel. While the implementation of the GMP program was comprehensive; the execution and enforcement was unconscionable. The last paragraph of the GMP, exhibit 1 says that if â€Å"Mattel determines that any of its manufacturing facilities or vendors violate these principles, we may either terminate our business relationship or require that facility to take corrective action. If corrective action is advised and not taken, Mattel will immediately terminate current production and suspend placement of future orders. †(Sethi, et al.pg. 487). However, when audits were performed; the facilities were rife with infractions but there was no follow through when corrective actions were required. The facilities were allowed to continue to operate unhindered. Astonishingly, the 20 plus companies that were not owned by Mattel were allowed to operate without any disciplinary actions imposed by Mattel for infractions if any auditing was conducted at all. Considering the fact that both Mattel owned and vendor factories employ some hundred thousand plus employees; Mattel’s actions were nowhere near impartial, fair, or conforming to fact or reason. Fidelity â€Å"Quality or state of being faithful, accuracy in details. †(M-W, 2013) For this virtue, I am concentrating on the act of being faithful to the employees. Whether or not the GMPs were self-imposed or not, Mattel had an obligation to the people it employs. Throughout the article, it was found during audits that the employee’s time cards would systematically be incomplete where they were not being allowed to clock-out. This resonates that these people were being required to work overtime ‘off the books’. Employees were not being given the appropriate days off or vacation time. Some living conditions and canteen conditions were substandard. Fines were being imposed. (Sethi, et al. 2011) The list goes on and on. In my opinion, Mattel should have had impartial representatives on the ground in these factories to ensure that the rules for payment, working overtime, and work conditions were being upheld. There should have been constant supervision and vigilance on a corporate level. To think that audits that were being conducted every three years was comprehensive enough to get the job done was blind and narrow minded. Courage To go one step further. A virtue is an attitude. Courage is measured when there is risk involved; but also rationality. To be truly courageous there needs to be a clear picture of what a person’s values are. Courage does not need to be proven beyond a doubt. (Hartman, 2008) In the case of Mattel, I feel it was courageous to implement such a comprehensive GMP program although it was misguided and ultimately failed. An even more courageous act would have been to rehab the program and bring it to its full potential and fruition. The article does not mention whether Mattel experienced any loss of revenue as a result, but public perception is a fickle entity and once all of the attention over sweat shops and child labor overseas died down, Mattel was no longer under the microscope. Financially, Mattel was spending money it perceivably no longer needed to spend. Since their program was self-imposed; it is no surprise that Mattel just unceremoniously abandoned the GMP program after nine years. When some organizations implement and enforce codes as part of a self-regulation process and others do not, those who self-regulate invariably incur greater costs. These costs are usually passed onto the consumer who subsequently (and sensibly) choses the organization which offers the cheaper product. (Blackburn & McGee, 2004) Virtue Ethics â€Å"Virtues† are attitudes, dispositions, or character traits that enable us to be and to act in ways that develop this potential. They enable us to pursue the ideals we have adopted. Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity, fairness, self-control, and prudence are all examples of virtues. (Andre, Meyer, Shanks, and Velazquez. 1988) Virtue ethics indicates that business decisions should be made in a manner that attributes to the overall goals of the professional. It stresses activities and motives, what we do and why. Virtue ethics proffer that action and motive are connected to character and disposition. Actions are taken and decisions made because they are linked to a certain character. (Blackburn and McGee. 2004) â€Å"That â€Å"ought† does not imply â€Å"right† can be seen in another sort of case as well, namely, when what one ought to do in one’s circumstances results from one’s own prior wrongdoing. In such a case, doing what one ought to do may not be the same as doing a right act or a â€Å"good deed†. In fact, the same prior failure may both increase one’s level of obligation to do a given act now and decrease one’s level of praiseworthiness. † (Russell, 2008) The above quote is especially poignant in the Mattel case. Because Mattel implemented the GMP program on the heels of a media expose, the intentions were not solely based on the ‘right’ thing to do, but on what they ‘ought’ to do. Mattel probably did not get the recognition or good press they were looking for and therefore had no proclivity to ensure that the plan was a success. Utilitarian Ethics â€Å"Actions are approved when they are as such to promote happiness and disapproved when they have a tendency to cause unhappiness. † (Driver, 2009) We also know that utilitarian ethics work for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Mattel directly employs over twenty thousand people throughout Asia and Mexico. If the happiness of those employees would have been considered; the pay, working conditions, time off, and canteen programs would have never been an issue. If the executives of the company would have experienced any of those adverse conditions, they would have cried â€Å"foul† all the way to an attorney. The employees are ultimately left without a voice and no recourse. Deontology â€Å"To act according to the maxim that you would wish all other rational people to follow as though it were universal law. † â€Å"Never treat a person as a means to an end. † (Pecorino, 2000) Kant contends that where morality is concerned, it is guided by law and therefore judgment is not necessary to fill in the blanks, because there are no blanks. He believed that people can conform to duty and not be morally limited. He believed that we could use indeterminate action-guidance for imperfect duties, and I’m paraphrasing; to weigh the moral options for decisions regarding duty towards others. Because that decision requires the minimum of our morality. Kant rejected virtue ethics. (McAleer, 2001) My opinion is that deontology would not work in the Mattel case. There are too many variables to consider in order to narrow down the maxim that will be comprehensive enough to include thousands of people over a number of cultural variances. Conclusion While the design of Mattel’s Global Manufacturing Principles may have been well intended and meant to improve the working conditions of the employees, the implementation was short-sighted and poorly executed. All too often when the few aspire to set standards for the many, the end result is a miscalculation. GMP’s are not a one size fits all type of endeavor. Each facility should have had a program that was custom to their country and working conditions. The ethical treatment of employees was the intention; but the ultimate governance was not enforced. The aftermath was the abandonment of the program due to the lack of interest and participation on the public and other companies in the industry. References Andre, Claire, Meyer, Michael and S. J. , Shanks, Thomas, Velasquez, Manuel. (1988) Ethics and Virtue. Issues in Ethics, V1 N3. We have essays on the following topics that may be of interest to you