The theory of Max Weber Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The theory of Max Weber - Essay Example The theory of Max Weber Such an organization will always be considered effective and will have a stable and legitimate authority with proper relationship between the leaders and the followers (Weber, 25). According to Max Weber, there are basically three types of authority in existence: traditional, rational-legal and charismatic. Traditional authority is derived from an established set of beliefs, customs and traditions whereby those upon which the authority is vested have the command to exercise it. This type of authority exists majorly in patrimonial systems and feudalistic societies where it is mostly handed down from one generation to another. One important factor in this type of authority is the acceptance of the followers to obey the authority without which the authority cannot exist. On the other hand, rational-legal authority is basically derived from a belief in the legality and hierarchy in existence. It is mostly realized in bureaucratic systems and in formal structures where people are expected to follow a given set of rules and regulations set forth (Miles, 112). Charismatic authority on the other hand arises out of the exceptional nature of individuals, their heroism or exemplary aspects in their character which grants them many followers especially in time of crises. . In modern administrative structures, it is traditional authority and rational-legal authorities which can provide proper administrative structures. In formal organizations, people must follow the set of rules and obey their seniors at work. Formal structures formed on the basis of charismatic authority must evolve properly in order to be successful. This involves the adoption rational-legal authority for proper administrative structures. With his theory of scientific management, Fredrick Taylor actually pioneered the scientific approach to management. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, Taylor was totally dissatisfied with the manner in which human organizations were managed and totally dedicated his time and energy on how this could be improved. He therefore pushed for a shift from the conventional style of personal management to a new style of scientific management. In personal management, the leader of the group was expected to be exceptionally bright in order to manage effectively (Taylor, 25). However, under scientific management, a group of ordinary people could perform better than the bright captain if they applied a scientific approach. He advocated for the training of employees in an organization to follow a given set of behavior rather letting them work at their discretion. In this regard, the spirit of cooperation was very important as it ensured proper working relationship between the management and the workers. Indeed such a situation was hitherto unknown in the organizations of that time. According to Taylor, the workload had to be effectively shared in the organization with the managers conducting the scientific work of instruction while the workers focusing o n the provision of labour. In this case, there is less wrangles in the organization as long as each party diligently performs their duty. In modern organizations it is realized that the scientific mode of management as described by Taylor greatly helps in creating authority and legitimacy. Organizations are headed by leaders who are expected to apply science in managing the employees. On the other hand, employees should follow the instructions of the managers in order to create order

Dante, Plato, Aristotle Essay Example for Free

Dante, Plato, Aristotle Essay The assignment is poetry v. philosophy. Plato speaks of a quarrel b/t poetry and philosophy. He dismisses the arts while Aristotle defends them. DO we see traces of this quarrel in later traditions? If so, where? And how is it played out there? For this essay, in addition to Plato and Aristotle, focus on Dantes Inferno. (Please look to see if my thesis is clear and strong, my evidence is all relevant, and whether this whole essay persuades you) Throughout his life, Plato strongly believed that the arts and philosophy directly opposed each other. On the other hand, Aristotle defended poetry as an aid to philosophy. Dante, a philosophical poet, successfully synthesizes Plato and Aristotles views in the Divine Comedy of the Inferno without compromising either school of thought. He acknowledges the fact that while the arts have its uses within the material world and philosophy its uses in the spiritual, both need the other to be complete. Both Plato and Aristotle agree that poetry brings about great emotion which has a lasting impact on the individual and society. However, they disagree on poetrys emotional effects. In Meno, Plato believes it results in harm while Aristotle argues that it leads to improvement in Poetics. Upon closer inspection, we see that Dantes Inferno contains a philosophical significance underlying its poetic style. Poetry and philosophy work towards the same end, but in different ways. There is no doubt that poetry is an imitation. What Aristotle and Plato dispute over is the source of that imitation. Plato strongly states that the arts are mimetic, twice removed from the truth. They are an imitation of the ideal entities in the realm of the forms, in which all things are perfect. For instance, tragedy presents multiple possibilities and situations rather than a single essence. In Meno, Platos Socrates discusses the difference between doxa and episteme. Poets, politicians and priests utilize doxa, a type of knowledge that is not mediated through any intellectual reasoning. This further demonstrates the composition of the material realm. Right opinion, or doxa, flees from the mind just as the materialistic body quickly perishes. Socrates says opinion is not worth much until it is fastened with reasoning of cause and effect (Plato 65). He is alluding to episteme, true knowledge that remains in the brain. This is accomplished through intellectual inquiry in the ideal realm. Throughout the dialogue, Menon insults Socrates by saying he looks like a stingray, alluding to a type of numbing-drug. However, Menon proves to have false knowledge as Socrates shows how anamnesis occurs via the Socratic Method. Only when he experiences aporia, the state of confusion and realization of ones ignorance, can he reach true knowledge. The reference to the drug, pharmakon, symbolizes how Menon became numb to the false, material world in order to transition to the divine realm where all things originate. While Plato asserts that imitation comes from the true essence of things, Aristotle believes it has its roots in human action. In Poetics, he examines how humans have an instinct for imitation, harmony and rhythm. We often learn our earliest lessons from mimesis. Aristotle asserts that the only way to reach the ideal is through action. He views it as a horizontal developmental rather than a vertical one, as Plato did. By the process of energia, we move from potential to actuality. This is also analogous to the concept of the material to the ideal. We come out of the cave and into the sun through our own activities. As the arts best represent action, tragedy contains knowledge because it presents psychological possibilities and universal truths about ourselves. Each possible reality may be the ideal essence. Tragedy, after all, is an imitation of action and of life, not men. The stage externalizes whats within our souls. The actors play out the meaning of life which the audience can safely inspect without endangering themselves. This perspective is extremely human-centric compared to Platos divine ideal. For instance, tragedy contains plot that is action-centric and based on the structure of incidents. Unlike a story, a plots events can be resequenced in any fashion. This is like an experiment in which the stage is our lab. A plot can furthermore be split in two ways: complex or simple. A complex plot contains peripeteia and anagnorisis. The latter, similar to Platos Meno, shows the progression from ignorance to knowledge. Yet the characters on stage, even after making decisions, are still susceptible to Fortunes will. Thus peripeteia occurs, alluding to God and the divine realm we ultimately reach with the aid of anagnorisis. There are some things people cant control. However, what we do imitate and control are our actions within the material world. For Aristotle, action was the most significant aim to focus on. In Dantes Inferno, the poet Virgil guides Dante into Hell. Poetry begins to act as a gentler remedy compared to philosophy. It is more relatable to the human mind and physical world. Through catharsis, Dante must eliminate all emotional tumult to become enlightened. This process of catharsis is similar to the movement from the material to spiritual realm. Paradiso, the highest realm, is where true intellect exists and where we become one with God. In the second canto, Dante demonstrates the wickedness of emotions and the materialistic realm when Virgil tells him: Your soul has been assailed by cowardice, which often weighs so heavily on a man- distracting him from honorable trails- as phantoms frighten beasts when shadows fall. (lines 45-48) This is an extremely Platonian perspective. Partially right, Plato believed that tragedy produced cowardly leaders as it appealed to passion rather than logic and reason. Through Virgil, Dante demonstrates how the arts, especially poetry, are effective in cleansing the soul of emotion by experiencing or contemplating it. Much like the Socratic Method in Meno, Dante must become numb to false knowledge via catharsis and begin with a clean slate. He accomplishes this by observing the damned in the inferno. When he passes through aporia, only then will he become enlightened and obtain truth. The shadows are a reference to Augustines visio corporals, the cave of pure materiality, in which false knowledge resides. Dante says in canto one that man must come out of the shadowed forest (line 2) where he is so full of sleep (line 11). All this is accomplished through human action, represented through tragedy and poetry. Furthermore, Virgil symbolizes the coming emergence of Christian Rome through Dante. He has already taken Aeneas to the Underworld, setting up the entire story. Parallel to this, poetry lays the necessary foundation for the coming age of philosophy. Dante uses typology of the inferno to paradiso. Like the Hebrew Bible, the inferno remains incomplete and foreshadows whats to come. The New Testament completes the text, in the same way philosophy does to poetry. Each is interdependent on the other. In the Inferno, Dante fails to read the inscription to the Gateway to Hell, demonstrating how the archaic style of backgrounding no longer resounds in the new age of foregrounding. This method brings to light how the mind reads and interprets with reason. Because the material realm is incomplete, Dante cannot move to this abstract, spiritual meaning without first going through the forest. In the third canto, Virgil describes to Dante how those in hell have lost the good of the intellect (line 18). The mind can never be fulfilled as it is a pure sensory experience. This is proven when Virgil is only able to guide Dante so far. He cannot take Dante beyond the material realm because he is not a Christian. He represents the arts, the non-metaphysical. A higher entity, Beatrice, will lead him to paradiso. Virgil declares in canto one: If you would then ascend as high as these / a soul more worthy than I am will guide you (lines 121-122). Likewise, we can think of poetry, represented by Virgil, as a disguise to philosophy, the eventual remedy of Beatrice. While philosophy speaks of a thing itself, poetry uses metaphors as a transition to reach a philosophical conclusion. It is a vehicle for truth in its own peculiar way, addressing our minds through imagination, sensibility and feelings. Dante can synthesize Plato and Aristotles views because they are working toward one common goal: the divine, the cave of pure intellect. The mechanisms of philosophy are simply a more sophisticated turn on poetry. Traces of Plato are still seen in Dante, especially when he states in the fifth canto: Those who undergo this torment are damned because they sinned subjecting reason to the rule of lust (lines 37-39). However, in tragedy, what seems irrational and absurd to the audience becomes permeated with reason as it speaks the universal truth about ourselves. The arts show there is something beyond human thought and action as the audience learn how we cannot control everything. There is something beyond this human, materialistic world that we cannot begin to understand. This is God, which is exactly what philosophy aims at. It speaks the truth, not only of human action, but of the existence of the ultimate good. In this way, poetry consists of rational thought and intellect. Virgil tells Dante in canto eight: Forget your fear, no one can hinder our passage; One so great has granted it (lines 104-105). We are turning inward to our souls to reach the divine. This also speaks of Gods infinite and unexplainable power. God makes the impossible possible. Dante had to go down into the deepest level of hell to see the divine. This irony demonstrates catabasis and anagogy, the one single movement towards God. Furthermore, Cassius and Brutus foreshadow Judas betrayal. These three make up the material inversion of the Holy Trinity. We are able to see God in Lucifer. This demonstrates the typology from the inferno to paradiso as well as the process of recollection in Platos Meno and Aristotles Poetics. Just as Dante had to move through death to experience life, the reader must pass through poetry to obtain philosophy. All thinking about God involves moving from the material to the realm of the forms. The divine uses metaphors, our language, to help us understand. We are able to indirectly talk to God through poetry as He determines our fate. It was his will to send Dante into Hell. Like poetrys catharsis and philosophys pharmakon, Dante engages his mind as he journeys through the inferno. By looking and contemplating the suffering of the damned, he becomes reconciled to aspects of his life which would otherwise be nonsensical. Both the poet and philosopher seek the existence of God and of the metaphysical. Although Dante recognizes that the arts have limited utility, he realizes how poetry helps lay the foundation for philosophy through the Aristotelian and Platonian method. It has a cognitive function by helping to better appreciate and complete philosophy. As Venantius Fortunatus wrote in his hymn Vexilla Regis, by death did life procure. Likewise, by poetry did philosophy come about.

Computers :: essays research papers

Computers have come a long way in the last 40 years. From the room-filling machines of the 60's to the relatively tiny, sleek ATX form factor. The main reason for this achievement to be possible is the advent of the microprocessor made by IBM. This company had revolutionized the world of personal computer and fabricated the groundwork for the modern day PC. In the late 70’s, IBM was looking for someone to program an operating system for the revolutionary PC. They looked to one man by the name of Bill Gates who was starting up his own software company after dropping out of Harvard Law. Gates was always a whiz with computers so starting his own software company was a breeze for him and partner Paul Allen. While in high school, Gates made a program that would set him up to take all the classes with pretty girls and another program to set the seating charts in the room to maximize each class to have him not only in the same room, but in close proximity. Gates and affiliates at Microsoft accepted the challenge of creating an operating system for IBM’s PC. They came up with MS-DOS, or Microsoft-Disk Operating System. IBM loved it and it was implemented on every new PC that IBM made. Years passed and innovations to operating systems kept climbing. By the late 80’s, Microsoft had created many different versions of MS-DOS with each improving on the latter. Then, in spring of '89 they had unveiled Microsoft Windows. A graphical interface incorporated a mouse and appealing looks. At first Windows was not widely accepted, but after trial and error with versions to follow, Microsoft gained enough support to mass implement the system worldwide. By 1995, Microsoft hit yet another benchmark when it introduced Microsoft Windows 95. This operating system had more features and better compatibility, but was a little shaky on reliability. Microsoft's response to that was their Windows 98 which turned into the same story.

Woman and Young Girl

An old man is lying on a cardboard box in the middle of the park with no blanket to cover him. A young girl approaches him) YOUNG GIRL: Excuse me sir†¦ Are you k? WSDL you like a hot beverage? (The old man opens his eyes and smiles) OLD MAN: (in a soft voice) Oh, yes I would, young lady. YOUNG GIRL: It's freezing†¦ Come with me. There's a restaurant Just across the street. Let me help you stand up. (The young girl helps the old man to stand up. They walk slowly toward the restaurant.They enter and sit on a table. The waitress approaches them. She has a notepad and a pencil. There Is a a man and a woman sitting on a nearby table) WAITRESS: What would you like to order? YOUNG GIRL: Do you have any suspended coffees? WAITRESS: (smiling) I am afraid we do not†¦ But we do have a suspended meal If you want one. YOUNG GIRL: Well, that's great! Bring It to the gentleman, please. Oh†¦ And a cup of coffee, too. WAITRESS: (writing on a notepad) And what would you like to eat ? YOUNG GIRL: I'd like a sandwich, and a cup of hot chocolate. WAITRESS: would that be all?YOUNG GIRL: yes, please. WAITRESS: Your order will be ready In a few minutes. (The Waitress leaves) YOUNG GIRL: (to the Old Man) I am Sandy. What Is your name? OLD MAN: Hello Sandy, my name Is Craig. You are a very generous girl. WAITRESS: Enjoy your meal! YOUNG GIRL: Thanks: (The old man starts to eat) OLD MAN: (smiling) Thank you! This is Just what I needed. YOUNG GIRL: Let's eat before it gets cold! (The Man and the Woman on the nearby table call the Waitress. She approaches them) MAN: Excuse me, but we couldn't avoid listening to the conversation.That young RL asked for a suspended coffee, and we were wondering†¦ WOMAN: What is a suspended coffee? WAITRESS: (smiling) It's simple. People pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage, but they can also order a sandwich or a whole meal. WOMAN: Oh, I see. It's a simple but amazing cause . MAN: So people pay in advance for one or several coffees without drinking them. WAITRESS: That's right. Then, a customer-in-need asks if there is a suspended coffee available and have a hot drink without having to pay for it. WOMAN: A nice hot cup of goodwill!What a marvelous idea. We're definitely going to do this! MAN: Please, bring us the check, and add two suspended meals, and two suspended coffees. WAITRESS: That is very nice of you! I'll be back in a minute. WOMAN: It's a good tradition which I think we should adopt. I am going to tell all my friends and relatives. (The Waitress comes back and gives them check to the man. The man takes out his wallet from his pocket, and pays the Waitress) WAITRESS: Thank you. It's a great way to help homeless in the freezing cold. WOMAN: (looking at the Young Girl) We are very touched and impressed for what he did.WAITRESS: A single act of kindness can change a person's life. (The man and woman stand up) MAN: Oh, and by the way†¦ The food was delicious ! MAN: Thanks, you too. (The man and woman leave. The waitress approaches the Young Girl and the Old Man) WAITRESS: Is everything fine? WSDL you like something else? YOUNG GIRL: Yes, bring us two cups of hot chocolate. We're having a real nice conversation here. OLD MAN: (smiling) And she's a good listener, too. WAITRESS: That's great! Two hot chocolates are on their way! (The waitress leaves) The End

Internal Control System

The two primary goals of an internal control system are to safeguard assets and manage resources. This action by the organization, reasonably ensure that their specific goals and objectives will be met within compliance. This system consist of policies, measures and procedures designed to assist management with protecting the organization against waste, preventing and detecting fraud, inconsistencies, inadequacy, ineffectiveness, reliable and accurate accounting, evaluating performance and protecting both its tangible and intangible resources. It helps to minimize risks and they are an integral part of an organization’s financial and business policies. Internal controls are simply just good business practices. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was enacted on July 30, 2002. The bill was introduced and passed as a result of the then recent corporate accounting scandals by companies such as Enron, Tyco and Worldcomm, just to name a few. These very public scandals rocked the nation; since, they cost investors billions of dollars and challenged the faith that people once had in the America’s stock markets. This new Act helped to rebuild faith in a once loosely regulated system and repair some of the damage done by such greed and deceit. Some argue that the bill has reduced America's international competitive edge against overseas financial service providers (Wikipedia); but the bill was put in place to protect investors, shareholders and the general public alike by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures made pursuant to the securities laws (SOX-online. com). The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, is the agency created to oversee the accounting firms that act as auditors for corporate companies. The consequences for non-compliance are fines, imprisonment, or both. If a company announces deficiencies in its internal controls, the stock of that organization would most likely fall due to the public knowledge and experience with this type of thing before the Sarbanes- Oxley bill was introduced. Investors’ assurance in the safety of their stock will be negatively impacted. The negative impact can cause panic by investors, resulting in the selling of that investors’ share of stock. But if the company has a strong positive reputation and releases this information voluntarily then the company may save face and retain some of their shareholders trust and some shareholders may remain loyal by staying positive. One limitation of the internal control system is employing a staff large enough to accommodate the many segregated duties of one that is well organized and thought out. The mishandling of finances, under-protection of assets, human error, human deceit, illegal dealings, erroneous information, the size of the business, staff carelessness, poor judgment or lack of knowledge, collusion by staff, overrides by management for personal gain or other motives and controls failing to capture or flag odd transactions, are all limitations in an organization’s control system (Financial Accountability Handbook, Jan. 2010). Controls that are applicable for larger companies, are not applicable in small businesses. For example, a fewer number people perform the accounting practices in small companies since they do not have the resources or the staff to accommodate segregated duties. These persons may have dual responsibility of operation and custody. The isolation of duties may be missing or severely limited. Below is a more detail description of some of these limitations. 1. Judgment: The effectiveness of controls will be limited by decisions made with human judgment under pressure to conduct business based on certain information or a lack there of. . Breakdowns: Even well designed internal controls can break down. Employees sometimes misunderstand instructions or simply make mistakes. Errors may also result from new technology and the complexity of computerized information systems. 3. Management Override: High level personnel may override prescribed policies and procedures for personal gain or advantage; thus, should not be confused with management intervention, which justifies management act ions to depart from prescribed policies and procedures for legitimate purposes. Collusion: Control systems can be circumvented by employee collusion. Individuals acting collectively can alter financial data or other management information in a manner that cannot be identified by control systems. The internal control system is designed differently within every company depending on its own needs. This allows an organization to put in place ethnical methods and procedures that best suit its practices. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act being implemented reassures stockholders and the public that they can possibly, safely invest again with a less likelihood that similar future occurrences of corporate scandals will occur. There is no sure way to have a air-tight internal control system but if a company stays vigilant about staying within compliance, tying up loophole when discovered and prosecuting when necessary; the problem of mishandled finances may slowly become a thing of the past. Internal Control Principles: . The first internal control principal is an applied establishment of responsibility by one individual. 2. The next principal is the segregation of duties where different individuals have a specific duty. 3. The following principle is the physical, mechanical, and electronic controls. This is where there are individuals, machines and computers working together. 4. The last internal control principal is independent internal verification that employs different departments to specific responsibilities.

Punishing an innocent person

Punishing an innocent person All societies around the world have adopted a set of laws that have been precisely designed to create an environment of peace, order and respect for universal human rights like the right to life.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Punishing an innocent person specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It has therefore been necessary to create institutions such as the police force and courts of law; which have been given a responsibility of detecting, arresting and punishing individuals that fail to live by established laws in a society. Generally, we have been intuited by our consciousness and our societies to approve punishments for the guilty (Those that have trudged on other’s rights or broken set laws). However, as we have often observed, our societies are so complex that it is hardly possible to establish a comprehensive system of appreciating the just and punishing the guilty. Just like the guilty, the innocent have and will continue to be punished. A number of philosophical thoughts have therefore been presented on the morality of punishing the innocent intentionally. These philosophical thoughts have tried to justify the punishment of an innocent person in some specific circumstances. It is useful here to evaluate the meaning of innocence. According to Murphy (2007), it is much easier to define innocence from the legal perspective as compared to doing the same from a moral perspective. From a legal perspective, someone can be judged to be guilty (the reverse of innocent) if he/she has engaged in an act or behavior that is not allowed by a set of rules governing a society where he/she comes from (Murphy, 2007). Moving to the moral field, the threshold moves to the grey scale as one is obliged to apply theories on morality, which often contradict each other, in order to define innocence (Murphy, 2007).Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your fi rst paper with 15% OFF Learn More The utilitarian moral theory is oftentimes applied to justify the punishment of an innocent individual (Murphy, 2007). According to the utilitarian theory, an action or behavior can be evaluated to be morally acceptable or not depending on the effects that it will bring to the greatest number of people (Kay, 1997). When an action brings about happiness and pleasure to an extensive portion of a population that it will affect, then, such an action is morally acceptable in the eyes of a utilitarian (Kay, 1997). However, when an action brings about suffering and pain to an extensive segment of a population that it will affect, then, such an action is judged to be morally wrong in the eyes of a utilitarian (Kay, 1997). Considering that the process of punishing any person will automatically bring about pain to the one undergoing punishment, such a process will be morally acceptable to a utilitarian if it brings about joy to the most extens ive segment of a population (Kay, 1997). The action of punishing a person for breaking a law/laws cannot therefore be acceptable to a utilitarian if the action will fail to contribute in bringing joy to many (Kay, 1997). The innocence of an individual as it pertains to punishment is therefore of less importance here. What matters however is the effect of the punishment on the largest section of a populace-whether it will be able to bring them pleasure or pain (Kay, 1997). It is therefore possible to picture some complex scenarios that may justify the intentional punishment of an innocent person as it pertains to the utilitarian theory. For example, let’s imagine that a rioting and destructive mob capable of destroying properties as well as killing and injuring thousands of lives is demanding that a certain individual be killed (Newman, 1995). In this case, releasing the person whose life has been demanded by the destructive mob will definitely lead to many killings and pain; bringing about suffering and pain to many (Newman, 1995). On the other hand, killing the person whose life has been demanded by the destructive mob will deter the mob, and therefore save many lives and property, preventing pain for many (Newman, 1995). In this case, although the concerned person may be innocent; at least in legal terms, an individual or party that is guided by utilitarian principles will not hesitate to punish him (the person whose life has been demanded by the destructive mob) even if it means murdering him, because such an action will be deemed to have prevented suffering for the largest segment of a population (Newman, 1995).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Punishing an innocent person specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More What about a person that has not been confirmed to be guilty and is held by the police for the reason that releasing such a person will lead to a series of crimes like murder that w ill immediately be done by the person in custody from the moment he is released (Newman, 1995). The person in custody, although innocent, can therefore be subjected to punishment as he is held in a prison where he endures limited freedom and deplorable living conditions in order to prevent him from bringing about harm to a portion of a society where he operates from (Newman, 1995). On the other hand, the person in custody can be given freedom by releasing him from custody, something that will precede a series of sufferings to a portion of a society where he operates from (Newman, 1995). The preferable action in the eyes of a utilitarian will therefore involve keeping the innocent person in custody, since this will prevent suffering to many. The person in custody is therefore sacrificed in order to save the largest portion of the society from pain (Newman, 1995). It may also be necessary for a government to design and implement a policy tailored to combat a wrong that has been done t o a population segment and bring the level of that segment to that of others in a society, as it pertains to their economic wellbeing among other parameters (Kay, 1997). Such a process will involve establishing policies like affirmative action to specifically favor minorities and the powerless in a society. Implementing affirmative action means that individuals living in a society where such a policy is implemented will be compelled to sacrifice some of their rights that they would otherwise have enjoyed; such as the access to employment and education, in order for such rights to be distributed to minorities (Kay, 1997). Although members of such a society may be innocent from oppressing minorities, they have been obliged to endure some form of punishment: when they sacrifice part of their rights (Kay, 1997). Such a price and sacrifice is of necessity in order for a government to accommodate every citizen and for the promotion of equality within a society. For the purpose of preservi ng an important moral value that has been threatened in a society, say the value of freedom, a process that may involve punishing the innocent may become a necessity (Newman, 1995). In such a case, it may be necessary for a nation to go to war.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To defeat the enemy, it may be impossible to avoid injuries and casualties including those that are in no way involved in combat (Newman, 1995). It therefore becomes necessary to punish innocent segments of a population residing in an environment that is controlled by an enemy, during combat (Newman, 1995). Although the principles of morality are hardly counted before embarking in combat, it may become morally right to consider the pain and suffering of populations affected by the war as a necessity required to protect and uphold a valuable moral right such as the right to freedom (Newman, 1995). The threat of terrorism for example has inspired fear and strived to limit our right to freedom (Newman, 1995). Although the exercise of wisdom and control is of necessity to prevent unnecessary suffering during the war on terror, it may become unavoidable at times for a nation to participate in combat- in the endeavor of mitigating terrorism and preserving societal rights (Newman, 1995). C onclusion As has been seen, it becomes necessary in certain circumstances to subject innocent individuals to punishment to achieve certain moral purposes. The utilitarian theory justifies the punishment of a person whether guilty or not on the criteria that such a punishment will inevitably lead to the wellbeing of the most extensive population segment in a society. Besides, policies like the affirmative action that emphasize on equality oblige government to compel some society members to sacrifice part of their rights for distribution to minorities. It may also become necessary to punish innocent members of communities in an environment controlled by an enemy by a nation that has gone to war to preserve important moral values like the right to freedom. Reference List Kay, D., January 20, 1997.Utilitarianism. [Online] New York: Wofford. http://sites.wofford.edu/kaycd/utilitarianism/ Murphy, G.J, 1990. The killing of the innocent. The Monist, 57 (4), p. 527-550. Newman, G., 1995. Jus t and painful. New York: McMillan.

The history of marijuana

The history of marijuana Historical records indicate that marijuana was used as legal tender in several spots in America since it was a valuable and rare economic resource. Before 1937, it was legal to distribute marijuana for non-medical reasons (Holland 142). After this date, the marijuana Tax Act was put in place.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The history of marijuana specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The new law prohibited marijuana distribution. By the beginning of 1951, a minimum sentence for illegal distribution of marijuana was established by the Boggs Act (Fatout 345). This law has remained in force until this date. Besides, the Operation Intercept was implemented by President Richard Nixon as an anti- drug policy in 1969 (Baum 124). Since the hemp plant was completely legal, even the United States’ Presidents like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington grew it in their own farms. According to other personalities li ke Stephen King, â€Å"marijuana should not only be legal†¦it should be a cottage industry† (Stoned 187). This essay explores the controversies surrounding the legalization of marijuana. Although marijuana was widely accepted by several governments and individuals, it should be noted that most of it was used to manufacture clothing materials (Holland 64). Besides, quite a large volume of the harvests were turned into medical uses. According to the new set of legislation, it was considered illegal to be found in possession of 25 grams of marijuana. If arrested, the offender could be fined from as low as one hundred to 250 dollars (Fatout 164). The option of being jailed for a specific period was also provided depending on the severity of the offense. Jimmy Carter once noted that â€Å"I now have absolute proof that smoking even one marijuana cigarette is equal in brain damage to being on Bikini Island during an H-bomb blast† (Holland 135). In 1988, marijuana was de clared as one of the safest natural herbs by Francis Young (Baum 89). He was the DEA judge in Washington He noted that marijuana could be used as a therapeutic substance especially in its natural form. Since then, the laws governing the control of marijuana and its consumption have been tightened to make it cumbersome for users to use and distribute it freely (Baum 173). On the same note, there are several agencies and nongovernmental organizations that have been set up to ensure that the prohibition of marijuana remains in force. For instance, DEA is one of the agencies that have been on the forefront against any attempts to legalize marijuana (Stoned 132).Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The DEA agency has always refuted any attempts to legalize marijuana (Baum 182). In 1994, an anti-legalization forum was held in Virginia for two consecutive days. Te forum brought together representatives from both the private and public sector. Some of the dominant issues that were discussed in the forum included the following: Who will cater for the medical expenses incurred in rehabilitation of the drug addicts? Who will give backing to the habit of the addicts? Who will cater for the costs of legalizing marijuana such as the criminal and social burdens? (Baum 375) It was also noted that the proponents of legalization of marijuana were making use of the print and audio-visual media in order to pass their ideas across. The same chance was seemingly being denied those against legalization. The voters in California managed to pass Proposition 215 in 1996. This new proposal made it legal to possess certain minimum amounts of marijuana although the federal government has never supported these legislations (Baum 340). In 2007, the attempt to legalize marijuana was downplayed by the entry of Gordon Brown who took over as the prime minister of Britain a fter the exit of Tony Blair. Gordon mentioned his intention to classify marijuana into category B (Fatout 174). Proponents of legalization have been positing over the years that the drug should be legalized since it is not addictive like those that are processed. Proponents who advocate for legalization observe that even the past generation made use of marijuana in a safe and healthy way. Mark Twain once noted that â€Å"what I contend is that my body is my own, at least I have always so regarded it. If I do harm through my experimenting with it, it is I who suffers, not the state (Fatout 386). As a result, advocates of legalization of marijuana used this quote several times to convince the state authorities that it was upon the users of marijuana to decide whether to smoke it or not because the state wouldn’t go at any loss. Credentials of authors Baum has written several books such as the Citizen Coors: An American Dynasty (Morrow/HarperCollins, 2000) and Smoke and Mirror s: The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure (Little, Brown 1996). He has also written for the New York magazine as a staff writer. Fatout has been an English tutor at Purdue University. Some of his productions include Mark Twains First Lecture: A Parallel (His Miscellanea), and Mr. Lincoln Goes to Washington. He died in 1982 and Mark Twain in Virginia City, Mark Twain on the Lecture Circuit, Meadow Lake: Gold Town. Holland has been a specialist in psychopharmacology for long and also a teaching professor in the field of psychology. She has written several literary works in this field.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The history of marijuana specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When anti marijuana legislation was enacted, some sections of the political class were vehemently opposed to the idea (Holland 76). For instance, Dan Quayle who was a US representative pointed out that the â€Å"congress should defi nitely consider decriminalizing possession of marijuanaWe should concentrate on prosecuting the rapists and burglars who are a menace to society (Baum 356). The latter was similar to a sentiment that was echoed by Abraham Lincoln on the illegalization of marijuana that â€Å"a prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded.† According to the Gallup poll that was conducted in October 2011, the legalization of marijuana was supported by 50% of the population while another 46% noted that it should be prohibited (Holland 61). The National Drug Control Policy office in the US pointed out that it did not support the legalization of marijuana. This took place immediately after the 2012 presidential elections (Stoned 76). Baum, Dan. Smoke and Mirrors: The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure. Boston: little Brown, 1996. Print. Fatout, Paul (ed.). Mark Twain Speaking. Lowa: University of Lowa Press, 1776. Print. Holland, Julie (ed.). T he Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis. Rochester: Park Street Press, 2010. Print. Lincoln, Abraham.U.S. President Speech to Illinois House of Representatives.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More n.d. Web. Jan. 16 2013. Stoned, Michael. Weed: 420 Things You Didnt Know (or Remember) about Cannabis. Avon: Adams Media, 2009. Print. Baum has written several books such as the Citizen Coors: An American Dynasty (Morrow/HarperCollins, 2000) and Smoke and Mirrors: The War on Drugs and the Politics of Failure (Little, Brown 1996). He has also written for the New York magazine as a staff writer. Fatout has been an English tutor at Purdue University. Some of his productions include Mark Twains First Lecture: A Parallel (His Miscellanea), and Mr. Lincoln Goes to Washington. He died in 1982 and Mark Twain in Virginia City, Mark Twain on the Lecture Circuit, Meadow Lake: Gold Town. Holland has been a specialist in psychopharmacology for long and also a teaching professor in the field of psychology. She has written several literary works in this field.

What Is Statistical Significance How Is It Calculated

What Is Statistical Significance How Is It Calculated SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you've ever read a wild headline like, "Study Shows Chewing Rocks Prevents Cancer," you've probably wondered how that could be possible. If you look closer at this type of article you may find that the sample size for the study was a mere handful of people. If one person in a group of five chewed rocks and didn't get cancer, does that mean chewing rocks prevented cancer? Definitely not. The study for such a conclusion doesn't have statistical significance- though the study was performed, its conclusions don't really mean anything because the sample size was small. So what is statistical significance, and how do you calculate it? In this article, we'll cover what it is, when it's used, and go step-by-step through the process of determining if an experiment is statistically significant on your own. What Is Statistical Significance? As I mentioned above, the fake study about chewing rocks isn't statistically significant. What that means is that the conclusion reached in it isn't valid, because there's not enough evidence that what happened was not random chance. A statistically significant result would be one where, after rigorous testing, you reach a certain degree of confidence in the results. We call that degree of confidence our confidence level, which demonstrates how sure we are that our data was not skewed by random chance. More specifically, the confidence level is the likelihood that an interval will contain values for the parameter we're testing. There are three major ways of determining statistical significance: If you run an experiment and your p-value is less than your alpha (significance) level, your test is statistically significant If your confidence interval doesn't contain your null hypothesis value, your test is statistically significant If your p-value is less than your alpha, your confidence interval will not contain your null hypothesis value, and will therefore be statistically significant This info probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense if you're not already acquainted with the terms involved in calculating statistical significance, so let's take a look at what it means in practice. Say, for example, that we want to determine the average typing speed of 12-year-olds in America. We'll confirm our results using the second method, our confidence interval, as it's the simplest to explain quickly. First, we'll need to set our p-value, which tells us the probability of our results being at least as extreme as they were in our sample data if our null hypothesis (a statement that there is no difference between tested information), such as that all 12-year-old students type at the same speed) is true. A typical p-value is 5 percent, or 0.05, which is appropriate for many situations but can be adjusted for more sensitive experiments, such as in building airplanes. For our experiment, 5 percent is fine. If our p-value is 5 percent, our confidence level is 95 percent- it's always the inverse of your p-value. Our confidence level expresses how sure we are that, if we were to repeat our experiment with another sample, we would get the same averages- it is not a representation of the likelihood that the entire population will fall within this range. Testing the typing speed of every 12-year-old in America is unfeasible, so we'll take a sample- 100 12-year-olds from a variety of places and backgrounds within the US. Once we average all that data, we determine the average typing speed of our sample is 45 words per minute, with a standard deviation of five words per minute. From there, we can extrapolate that the average typing speed of 12-year-olds in America is somewhere between $45 - 5z$ words per minute and $45 + 5z$ words per minute. That's our confidence interval- a range of numbers we can be confident contain our true value, in this case the real average of the typing speed of 12-year-old Americans. Our z-score, ‘z,' is determined by our confidence value. In our case, given our confidence value, that would look like $45 - 5(1.96)$ and $45 + 5(1.96)$, making our confidence interval 35.2 to 54.8. A wider confidence interval, say with a standard deviation of 15 words per minute, would give us more confidence that the true average of the entire population would fall in that range ($45Â ± \bo{15}(1.96)$), but would be less accurate. More importantly for our purposes, if your confidence interval doesn't include the null hypothesis, your result is statistically significant. Since our results demonstrate that not all 12-year-olds type the same speed, our results are significant. One reason you might set your confidence rating lower is if you are concerned about sampling errors. A sampling error, which is a common cause for skewed data, is what happens when your study is based on flawed data. For example, if you polled a group of people at McDonald's about their favorite foods, you'd probably get a good amount of people saying hamburgers. If you polled the people at a vegan restaurant, you'd be unlikely to get the same results, so if your conclusion from the first study is that most peoples' favorite food is hamburgers, you're relying on a sampling error. It's important to remember that statistical significance is not necessarily a guarantee that something is objectively true. Statistical significance can be strong or weak, and researchers can factor in bias or variances to figure out how valid the conclusion is. Any rigorous study will have numerous phases of testing- one person chewing rocks and not getting cancer is not a rigorous study. Essentially, statistical significance tells you that your hypothesis has basis and is worth studying further. For example, say you have a suspicion that a quarter might be weighted unevenly. If you flip it 100 times and get 75 heads and 25 tails, that might suggest that the coin is rigged. That result, which deviates from expectations by over 5 percent, is statistically significant. Because each coin flip has a 50/50 chance of being heads or tails, these results would tell you to look deeper into it, not that your coin is definitely rigged to flip heads over tails. The results are statistically significant in that there is a clear tendency to flip heads over tails, but that itself is not an indication that the coin is flawed. What Is Statistical Significance Used For? Statistical significance is important in a variety of fields- any time you need to test whether something is effective, statistical significance plays a role. This can be very simple, like determining whether the dice produced for a tabletop role-playing game are well-balanced, or it can be very complex, like determining whether a new medicine that sometimes causes an unpleasant side effect is still worth releasing. Statistical significance is also frequently used in business to determine whether one thing is more effective than another. This is called A/B testing- two variants, one A and one B, are tested to see which is more successful. In school, you're most likely to learn about statistical significance in a science or statistics context, but it can be applied in a great number of fields. Any time you need to determine whether something is demonstrably true or just up to chance, you can use statistical significance! How to Calculate Statistical Significance Calculating statistical significance is complex- most people use calculators rather than try to solve equations by hand. Z-test calculators and t-test calculators are two ways you can drastically slim down the amount of work you have to do. However, learning how to calculate statistical significance by hand is a great way to ensure you really understand how each piece works. Let's go through the process step by step! Step 1: Set a Null Hypothesis To set up calculating statistical significance, first designate your null hypothesis, or H0. Your null hypothesis should state that there is no difference between your data sets. For example, let's say we're testing the effectiveness of a fertilizer by taking half of a group of 20 plants and treating half of them with fertilizer. Our null hypothesis will be something like, "This fertilizer will have no effect on the plant's growth." Step 2: Set an Alternative Hypothesis Next, you need an alternative hypothesis, Ha. Your alternative hypothesis is generally the opposite of your null hypothesis, so in this case it would be something like, "This fertilizer will cause the plants who get treated with it to grow faster." Step 3: Determine Your Alpha Third, you'll want to set the significance level, also known as alpha, or ÃŽ ±. The alpha is the probability of rejecting a null hypothesis when that hypothesis is true. In the case of our fertilizer example, the alpha is the probability of concluding that the fertilizer does make plants treated with it grow more when the fertilizer does not actually have an effect. An alpha of 0.05, or 5 percent, is standard, but if you're running a particularly sensitive experiment, such as testing a medicine or building an airplane, 0.01 may be more appropriate. For our fertilizer experiment, a 0.05 alpha is fine. Your confidence level is $1 - ÃŽ ±(100%)$, so if your alpha is 0.05, that makes your confidence level 95%. Again, your alpha can be changed depending on the sensitivity of the experiment, but most will use 0.05. Step 4: One- or Two-Tailed Test Fourth, you'll need to decide whether a one- or two-tailed test is more appropriate. One-tailed tests examine the relationship between two things in one direction, such as if the fertilizer makes the plant grow. A two-tailed test measures in two directions, such as if the fertilizer makes the plant grow or shrink. Since in our example we don't want to know if the plant shrinks, we'd choose a one-tailed test. But if we were testing something more complex, like whether a particular ad placement made customers more likely to click on it or less likely to click on it, a two-tailed test would be more appropriate. A two-tailed test is also appropriate if you're not sure which direction the results will go, just that you think there will be an effect. For example, if you wanted to test whether or not adding salt to boiling water while making pasta made a difference to taste, but weren't sure if it would have a positive or negative effect, you'd probably want to go with a two-tailed test. Step 5: Sample Size Next, determine your sample size. To do so, you'll conduct a power analysis, which gives you the probability of seeing your hypothesis demonstrated given a particular sample size. Statistical power tells us the probability of us accepting an alternative, true hypothesis over the null hypothesis. A higher statistical power gives lowers our probability of getting a false negative response for our experiment. In the case of our fertilizer experiment, a higher statistical power means that we will be less likely to accept that there is no effect from fertilizer when there is, in fact, an effect. A power analysis consists of four major pieces: The effect size, which tells us the magnitude of a result within the population The sample size, which tells us how many observations we have within the sample The significance level, which is our alpha The statistical power, which is the probability that we accept an alternative hypothesis if it is true Many experiments are run with a typical power, or ÃŽ ², of 80 percent. Because these calculations are complex, it's not recommended to try to calculate them by hand- instead, most people will use a calculator like this one to figure out their sample size. Conducting a power analysis lets you know how big of a sample size you'll need to determine statistical significance. If you only test on a handful of samples, you may end up with a result that's inaccurate- it may give you a false positive or a false negative. Doing an accurate power analysis helps ensure that your results are legitimate. Step 6: Find Standard Deviation Sixth, you'll be calculating the standard deviation, $s$ (also sometimes written as $ÏÆ'$). This is where the formula gets particularly complex, as this tells you how spread out your data is. The formula for standard deviation of a sample is: $$s = √{{∑(x_i – Â µ)^2}/(N – 1)}$$ In this equation, $s$ is the standard deviation $∑$ tells you to sum all the data you collected $x_i$ is each individual data $Â µ$ is the mean of your data for each group $N$ is your total sample So, to work this out, let's go with our preliminary fertilizer test on ten plants, which might give us data something like this: Plant Growth (inches) 1 2 2 1 3 4 4 5 5 3 6 1 7 5 8 4 9 4 10 4 We need to average that data, so we add it all together and divide by the total sample number. $(2 + 1 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 5 + 4 + 4 + 4) / 10 = 3.3$ Next, we subtract each sample from the average $(x_i – Â µ)$, which will look like this: Plant Growth (inches) $x_i – Â µ$ 1 2 1.3 2 1 2.3 3 4 -0.7 4 5 -1.7 5 3 0.3 6 1 2.3 7 5 -1.7 8 4 -0.7 9 4 -0.7 10 4 -0.7 Now we square all of those numbers and add them together. $1.32 + 2.32 + -0.72 + -1.72 + 0.32 + 2.32 + -1.72 + -0.72 + -0.72 + -0.72 = 20.1$ Next, we'll divide that number by the total sample number, N, minus 1. $20.1/9 = 2.23$ And finally, to find the standard deviation, we'll take the square root of that number. $√2.23=1.4933184523$ But that's not the end. We also need to calculate the variance between sample groups, if we have more than one sample group. In our case, let's say that we did a second experiment where we didn't add fertilizer so we could see what the growth looked like on its own, and these were our results: Plant Growth (inches) 1 1 2 1 3 2 4 1 5 3 6 1 7 1 8 2 9 1 10 1 So let's run through the standard deviation calculation again. #1: Average Data $1 + 1 + 2+ 1 + 3 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 1 = 14$ $14/10 = 1.4$ #2: Subtract each sample from the average $(x_i – Â µ)$. $0.4 + 0.4 + (-0.4) + 0.4 + (-1.6) + 0.4 + 0.4 + (-0.4) + 0.4 + 0.4 = 0.4$ #3: Divide the last number by the total sample number, N, minus 1. $0.4/9=0.0444$ #4: Take the square root of the previous number. $√0.0444 = 0.2107130751$ Step 7: Run Standard Error Formula Okay, now we have our two standard deviations (one for the group with fertilizer, one for the group without). Next, we need to run through the standard error formula, which is: $$s_d = √((s_1/N_1) + (s_2/N_2))$$ In this equation: $s_d$ is the standard error $s_1$ is the standard deviation of group one $N_1$ is the sample size of group one $s_2$ is the standard deviation of group two $N_2$ is the sample size of group two So let's work through this. First, let's figure out $s_1/N_1$. With our numbers, that becomes $1.4933184523/10$, or 0.14933184523. Next, let's do $s_2/N_2$. With our numbers, that becomes $0.2107130751/10$, or 0.02107130751. Next, we need to add those two numbers together. $0.14933184523 + 0.02107130751 = 0.17040315274$ And finally, we'll take the square root: $√0.17040315274 = 0.41279916756$ So our standard error $s_d$, is 0.41279916756. Step 8: Find t-Score But we're still not done! Now you're probably seeing why most people use a calculator for this. Next up: t-score. Your t-score is what allows you to compare your data to other data, which tells you the probability of the two groups being significantly different. The formula for t-score is $$t = (Â µ_1 – Â µ_2)/s_d$$ where: $t$ is the t-score $Â µ_1$ is the average of group one $Â µ_2$ is the average of group two $s_d$ is the standard error So for our numbers, this equation would look like: $t = (3.3 - 1.4)/0.41279916756$ $t = 4.60272246001$ Step 9: Find Degrees of Freedom We're almost there! Next, we'll find our degrees of freedom ($df$), which tells you how many values in a calculation can vary acceptably. To calculate this, we add the number of samples in each group and subtract two. In our case, that looks like this: $$(10 + 10) - 2 = 18$$ Step 10: Use a T-Table to Find Statistical Significance And now we'll use a t-table to figure out whether our conclusions are significant. To use the t-table, we first look on the left-hand side for our $df$, which in this case is 18. Next, scan along that row of variances until you find ours, which we'll round to 4.603. Whoa! We're off the chart! Scan upward until you see the p-values at the top of the chart and you'll find that our p-value is something smaller than 0.0005, which is well below our significance level. So is our study on whether our fertilizer makes plants grow taller valid? The final stage of determining statistical significance is comparing your p-value to your alpha. In this case, our alpha is 0.05, and our p-value is well below 0.05. Since one of the methods of determining statistical significance is to demonstrate that your p-value is less than your alpha level, we've succeeded! The data seems to suggest that our fertilizer does make plants grow, and with a p-value of 0.0005 at a significance level of 0.05, it's definitely significant! Now, if we're doing a rigorous study, we should test again on a larger scale to verify that the results can be replicated and that there weren't any other variables at work to make the plants taller. Tools to Use For Statistical Significance Calculators make calculating statistical significance a lot easier. Most people will do their calculations this way instead of by hand, as doing them without tools is more likely to introduce errors in an already sensitive process. To get you started, here are some calculators you can use to make your work simpler: How to Calculate T-Score on a TI-83 Find Sample Size and Confidence Interval T-Test Calculator T-Test Formula for Excel Find P-Value with Excel What's Next? Need to brush up on AP Stats? These free AP Statistics practice tests are exactly what you need! If you're struggling with statistics on the SAT Math section, check out this guide to strategies for mean, median, and mode! This formula sheet for AP Statistics covers all the formulas you'll need to know for a great score on your AP test!

George Orwel's Biography and the Question about Orwel's Political Essay

George Orwel's Biography and the Question about Orwel's Political Development - Essay Example He came from a poor family, but attended an expensive school because he was bright and could easily earn a scholarship. The Principal at St Cyprian School took him into the school at substantially reduced fees with an aim of bringing credit to the school (Orwell 3). His education at St Cyprian helped him attain a scholarship to study at Wellington College and later on at Eton College. He could not afford university fees so he joined the India imperial police force as portrayed in his essays ‘Shooting an Elephant’, and ‘Hanging’. Orwell clearly shows his displeasure in working with colonial Britain. He considered imperialism to be a terrible thing and clearly stated that he was in support of the Burmese and all against their oppressors (Orwell 148). He later moved to Paris as depicted in ’How the poor die’ where he went to hospital after falling ill. Orwell recounts his experiences in a public hospital, in Paris. In the ward, the staff mistreate d the patients and handled them carelessly. The death of numero 57 makes him wonder how lucky it would be if someone dies a natural death. He further states that perhaps it would be better dying violently and not due to old age. In the essay, he argues that a person only stays alive by a virtue of the fear of death (Orwell 133). Orwell later moved to Spain with his wife when the civil war broke out. He fought for the Spanish government against Francisco Franco’s Nationalist uprising. He got shot in the throat while on fighting on the front at Huesca in Aragon. Many of Orwell's friends got arrested, shot, or just disappeared when the communists partly gained control and tried to purge the POUM. Orwell and his wife managed to escape alive in 1937. His work experience in Burma as a police officer and the war in Spain contributed a lot to his political philosophy against totalitarianism. Every line of serious work he wrote since then was for democratic socialism and directly or i ndirectly, against totalitarianism (Orwell 31). Orwell believed that the common man would win the battle against oppression someday, but he hoped that victory would come soon. Orwell later died of tuberculosis after marrying his second wife Sonia who promoted his works after his death. Question2 Revision refers to viewing the ideas from a critical and clear perspective. It is a process of rethinking the draft which facilitates for reconsideration of presented arguments. It facilitates for two essential issues which are unity and coherence in the work. On the other hand, proofreading or editing is a more strict check on spelling, language and sentence structures. This is to ensure that the paragraphs are logic. Proofreading comes last after the revision as it involves correcting all errors that may have been ignored before. Question 3 Doyle Blackburn’s propensity for violence is evident at the beginning of the comic, but he appears to have softened his violent nature at the en d of the comic. Doyle’s connection to the drug world and his violent nature tend to control his daily activities as he is seen getting into fights. Doyle impresses Lily’s (his girlfriend) boss in the way he handled a stubborn client. Lily’s boss says â€Å"I like the way you handled the situation. Sometimes these deadbeats have to be shown just who they are dealing with†. Doyle’s character here is seen as spontaneous and protective. His violent nature also disrupts his relationship with Lily. Lily

The Marketing Mix Marketing Communications Analysis (Promotion) Assignment

The Marketing Mix Marketing Communications Analysis (Promotion) - Assignment Example In its effort to create strong consumer awareness, Axe has adopted TV commercials, billboards and magazine adverts. This has been achieved through application of humor in its adverts. For example, in one of its adverts, the products depicts that when a consumer uses it he will see seven Snow Whites rather than Seven Dwarfs. To improve its publicity, Unilever adopts public releases that are aimed at improving consumer perception towards its brands. Through the public release, the company identifies Axe as a cool, stylish and fashionable brand. One of the major strategies that Axe has implemented in its creation of strong customer relationship is sponsoring of various events including youth festivals and music shows. In such events, the brand freely interacts with males aged 17 to 25 years who are its key target market. The humor that is portrayed through its adverts travels from a user to the other. In this way, Axe deodorant has successfully created a positive product- consumer relationship that is vital to face of its rivals in the contemporary competitive business environment. Through its websites, Unilever gives notification to its consumers regarding new products in the market. In order to ensure effective communication with its customers, Axe has emulated social sites such as Face book, Twitter and Orkut thus initiating a feedback mechanism through which consumers can give their views on the promotional programs adopted by the brand. Additionally, Axe deodorant initiated a Call Me Campaign (Virginia Sole-S 23). According to this promotion technique, consumers are advised to call 9987333333 so as to communicate with Axe Girl known as Tanya. As a result, consumers are eligible to win prizes such as iphones and

New York City Subway System as a Potential Target for the Terrorists Assignment - 1

New York City Subway System as a Potential Target for the Terrorists - Assignment Example The city cannot operate without the rapid transport system. This makes the subway an integral part of everyday life in New York. The importance of the New York City subway system makes it a potential target by the terrorists. The objective of terrorists is to instill fear in the minds of dwellers of a particular region by disrupting their activities and economy. The terrorists target the infrastructure that a city or state cannot do without. They disrupt operations and crumble economies. This makes the subway a preferred target. The attack involves a gas that will be spread across the subway to render the commuters there inactive. Since the terrorist expects maximum casualty, this will be their best approach. Thereafter, a bomb will be detonated to destroy the underground transit system. Such an act will affect a number of systems. The first will be the electricity transmission lines. The system of the underground transport system depends entirely on electricity for lighting and controlling the temperatures, the bomb is expected to destroy the wire lines that will have an impact on the city-wide transmission lines. A number of blocks adjacent to the building will go without electricity after the attack. The gas will pollute the air around New York City and might affect the Hudson River water. When such an attack is launched in a system as expansive as the New York City subway system, a number of activities need to be realized to assist in containing the situation. A first, every station will need to have their own communication base where all communication to the commuters and workers will be initiated. The security heads at every base will need radios and protective gear. Two at each station will be enough to ensure seamless communication. This will require 936 radios. The personnel will also need protective gear to protect them from the dangerous gases.

I need 6 references for early childhood education Annotated Bibliography

I need 6 references for early childhood education - Annotated Bibliography Example The â€Å"Inclusive early childhood education† text presents a comprehensive resource book with essential information on the vast early childhood learning challenges, including the issue of disabilities and strategies for managing these special needs in regular educational settings. The text is relevant to the course of this essay as it provides a solid grounding theory and practical guidelines for assistance in preparing the teacher to integrate the children learning needs. This text presents essential historical and philosophical perspectives within the continuum of childhood education. It provides a variety of significant and challenging topics including child development research, assessment, play, diversity, policy and inclusion. The text is most relevant to the development of this essay because it discusses the trends, concerns, arguments, as well as challenges in the early childhood education sector. This source is most useful for the dissertation as it frames the content that defines the how, why and what of becoming an established and successful early childhood educator. The text gives a variety of roles that as a teacher one must assume in working with the children and parents. The focus on competence, knowledge and case studies presented avail numerous opportunities for reflection. Hence, it is a core source for the dissertation. The â€Å"A-Z of play† is a source book in which Moyles presents the key themes entailed in the role of play for the child while undertaking the learning activities. The text covers key concepts in the areas of concepts, theories and theorists entailed in early childhood education. This source is useful as it provides core understanding of aspects such as language, communication, listening and play, in addition to learning activities and processes. Thus, it is useful for this essay. This source from the annual editions series facilitates a variety of convenient current articles on the subject of early childhood

Language & Levels Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Language & Levels - Assignment Example Additionally, without proper communication, the department will not be motivated to associate themselves in planning the objectives and goals of the organization. The management of communication and human resources are the questioned area when the firm is deficient despite having necessary tools. The second measurement is equipment. If the objectives and goals are well, designed and comprehended by the working team and are well motivated, but the firm is deficient, management need to revise the equipment and tools to see if they are corresponding to the productivity level. Another measurement is teamwork and the values of the organization. If the members of the department do not show a collaborative attitude towards one another, a crucial problem may arise in terms of assessing the interaction between the team members. The measurement used in out department to measure the effectiveness of the company is descriptive data. The goal of descriptive data is to describe. The numerical measures are used in telling the features about a collection of data. Some of the items that belong to descriptive data include average, kurtosis, and skewness. Conversely, in inferential data, there is use of representative subset of the population called the sample. Inferential data researched on the statistical sample (Menzefricke, 2 005). The recommendation for the organization inefficiency posted by one of my classmates is by balancing the internal process value, human relation value, rational goals value, and the open system value. The contextual and structural variables are associated with the above values. Additionally, the concern posted by another classmate on communication measurement, the organization needs to explain the goals of the company to the employs and set the kind of values that are well followed and understood by the employees. I would also suggest the company to

I need 6 references for early childhood education Annotated Bibliography

I need 6 references for early childhood education - Annotated Bibliography Example The â€Å"Inclusive early childhood education† text presents a comprehensive resource book with essential information on the vast early childhood learning challenges, including the issue of disabilities and strategies for managing these special needs in regular educational settings. The text is relevant to the course of this essay as it provides a solid grounding theory and practical guidelines for assistance in preparing the teacher to integrate the children learning needs. This text presents essential historical and philosophical perspectives within the continuum of childhood education. It provides a variety of significant and challenging topics including child development research, assessment, play, diversity, policy and inclusion. The text is most relevant to the development of this essay because it discusses the trends, concerns, arguments, as well as challenges in the early childhood education sector. This source is most useful for the dissertation as it frames the content that defines the how, why and what of becoming an established and successful early childhood educator. The text gives a variety of roles that as a teacher one must assume in working with the children and parents. The focus on competence, knowledge and case studies presented avail numerous opportunities for reflection. Hence, it is a core source for the dissertation. The â€Å"A-Z of play† is a source book in which Moyles presents the key themes entailed in the role of play for the child while undertaking the learning activities. The text covers key concepts in the areas of concepts, theories and theorists entailed in early childhood education. This source is useful as it provides core understanding of aspects such as language, communication, listening and play, in addition to learning activities and processes. Thus, it is useful for this essay. This source from the annual editions series facilitates a variety of convenient current articles on the subject of early childhood

American History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

American History - Essay Example Poe's comic short story where its main attribute interestingly opposes typical notion of mystery attached to it by superstition. It feels like adventure is going to come my way at any moment with this 'sagacious' creature and I find myself soaked in an imagination of an elegant, lovely black cat that looks after the welfare of its master wherever the latter may be. Edgar Allan Poe, being the author of 'The Black Cat' would fill in the second notch since I'm quite up to satisfying my curiosity of his childlike poetic stance though majority of his works are known to possess macabre themes. I suppose it would be amply wonderful to find out about the special reasons behind his equivalent measures of inclination in detective-fiction and poetry. Perhaps, I could make him lead me to an inspiration of discovering how precious the treasure in writing is and exchange a few intellectual yet delectable verses of romance to figure how rich the literature and intelligent minds were during his time . Though it is rather unusual for me to acquire diversion in operatic theaters and watch dramatic plays, I would still sit next to Werther for my third choice. I believe this unique experience can be a potential source in engaging a different mood of delight.

13 Domestic Cabinet Departments Essay Example for Free

13 Domestic Cabinet Departments Essay 1.) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – responsibilities include farming, agricultural products, food stamps, and anti-poverty programs, and conservation and natural resource protection. The inspectors of this department are responsible for the safety of the nation’s food supply. 2.) U.S. Department of Commerce- responsible for everything we buy and sell, they regulate everything from foreign trade to fishing to the granting of patents, they oversee programs that support minority businesses, and provides statistics and analyses for business and government planners. 3.) U.S Department of Defense (DOD)- responsible for supplying military hardware, administering personnel pay and benefits, providing info to the public and military, managing military education programs and attempting to locate missing personnel or prisoners of war. 4.) U.S. Department of Education- their first responsibility is making sure that the nation’s public school systems provide students with proper school supplies, educational facilities and qualified teachers. Personnel promote parental involvement in their children’s education, develop financial aid policies and encourage the use of modern technology in the classroom. 5.) U.S. Department of Energy- works to ensure that the nation has a steady, consistent and safe supply of energy. Energy scientists work to harness the sun’s power while its physicists attempt to capture nuclear energy for civilian or military use. 6.) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the governments primary agency for overseeing the health and well-being of the American people. HHS employees work on more than 300 programs and perform essential services ranging from food safety to medical research to drug abuse prevention. HHS has regional offices across the country. 7.) U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) first priority is to protect the nation against further terrorist attacks. Component agencies will analyze threats and intelligence, guard the nations borders and airports, protect critical national infrastructure, and coordinate the nations response for future emergencies. 8.) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) responsible for ensuring that American families have access to decent, safe and affordable housing. Among HUDs biggest programs are insuring mortgages for homes and loans for home improvement, making direct loans for construction or rehabilitation of housing projects for the elderly and the handicapped, providing federal housing subsidies for low- and moderate-income families, and enforcing fair housing and equal housing access laws. 9.) U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) manages the nations natural resources, from land and water to coal and natural gas. By monitoring the extraction of natural resources, Interior Department personnel work to efficiently protect and preserve the environment. The Department also houses the office responsible for overseeing Native American affairs. 10.) U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) makes sure that federal laws aimed at protecting the public and promoting competitive business practices are implemented, including immigration and naturalization statutes, consumer safeguards and criminal prosecutions. The FBI falls under the Justice Departments authority. 11.) U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) administers and enforces laws and regulations that ensure safe working conditions, minimum hourly pay and overtime. Through its varied initiatives, it also works to meet the special employment-related needs of the disabled, the elderly and minorities, and provides job banks, unemployment benefits and workplace health regulations. 12.) U.S. Department of State- responsible for the conduct of the nations foreign affairs and diplomatic initiatives. State Department personnel coordinate conferences with foreign leaders, hammer out treaties and other agreements with foreign governments and protect the safety of US citizens traveling abroad. 13.) U.S. Department of the Treasury- Printing the nations money is only one of many responsibilities overseen by the nations second oldest cabinet department (only the State Department has been around longer). It also sets domestic financial, economic and tax policy, manages the public debt and collects taxes. Less obvious is Treasurys other major role—law enforcement; the Secret Service and the Customs Service are Treasury agencies. 14.) U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Cars, trucks, buses, trains, boats, and airplanes all fall under the Department of Transportations authority. So does the nations transportation infrastructure. The work of Transportation Department employees makes it possible for Americans to travel home for the holidays, away on vacation, and even to and from work. The Transportation Department is also home to the new Transportation Security Administration, which is responsible for protecting the countrys transportation systems and ensuring the safety of its passengers. 15.) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Best known for its healthcare system, the VA also provides social support services, administers pensions and other veterans benefits, and promotes the hiring of veterans.

Triumph Of The Will Film Studies Essay

Triumph Of The Will Film Studies Essay There are many contrasting opinions on the subject. Some believe that the movie is a piece of Nazi propaganda meant to promote the Nazi image and discourage its enemies. Others believe it is a factual presentation of an event, without possessing any intentional propaganda. Whichever the answer, it is well known that Leni Riefenstahls career has been haunted by Triumph of the Will to this day. To properly judge whether Triumph of the Will was a documentary or propaganda, an accurate definition must be stated. The word propaganda derives from the name of an organization set up in 1622 by the Roman Catholic Church to carry on missionary work, the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Congregations de Propaganda Fide). Today propaganda is seen as the systematic effort to manipulate other peoples beliefs, attitudes or actions. The propagandist has a specified goal or set of goals and to achieve these he deliberately selects facts, arguments, images, etc. to present them in the ways he believes will have the most persuasive effect. A documentary is defined as a work, such as a film or television program, presenting political, social, or historical subject matter in a factual and informative manner and often consisting of actual news films or interviews accompanied by narration. Originating from official documentation released for various reasons, it has since become the standard name of non-fiction programmers which attempt to present their subject matter based on fact. In 1934 Hitler commissioned Leni Riefenstahl; the only director whom he believed came close to rivaling the work of Eisenstein, to produce an artistic film about the Party convention at Nuremberg, Triumph of the Will. In her book on the film, Riefenstahl notes that The preparations for the Party convention were made in concert with the preparations for the camera work. In reality however, the rally was intended from the outset to be the stage for a spectacular piece of film propaganda glorifying Nazism. Although Triumph of the Will was indeed about the Nuremberg Party Congress, preparations for the rally were carefully constructed around the preparations for the film. The Third Reichs architect, Albert Speer, carefully constructed the groundwork for the event, with grandiose building arrangements and precise plans for marches. The city of Nuremberg became a stage-set for Riefenstahls film, with a sea of swastika banners, bonfires and torches. Riefenstahls cinematic technique creates a sense of feverish movement and a seemingly endless array of banners and people. Leni Riefenstahl has always claimed, however, that she knew nothing of the objectives of the Nuremberg Rally. When she described the conception of the film she said, Shortly after he came to power Hitler called me to see him and explained that he wanted a film about a Party Congress, and wanted me to make it. My first reaction was to say that I did not know anything about the way such a thing worked or the organization of the Party, so that I would obviously photograph all the wrong things and please nobody even supposing supposing that I could make a documentary, which I had never yet done. Hitler said that this was exactly why he wanted me to do it: because anyone who knew all about the relative importance of the various people and groups and so on, might make a film that would be pedantically accurate, but this was not what he wanted. He wanted a film showing the congress through a non-expert eye, selecting just what was most artistically satisfying in terms of spectacle, I supp ose you might say. He wanted a film which would move, appeal to, and impress an audience which was not necessarily interested in politics. In an interview in 1964, reprinted in A Biographical Dictionary of the Cinema by David Thomson, Riefenstahl made clear that she felt Triumph of the Will was a recording of an event, not a propaganda film, said, If you see this film again today you ascertain that it doesnt contain a single reconstructed scene. Everything in it is true. And it contains no tendentious commentary at all. It is history. A pure historical film it is film-verity. It reflects the truth that was then in 1934, history. It is therefore a documentary. Not a propaganda film. Oh! I know very well what propaganda is. That consists of recreating events in order to illustrate a thesis, or, in the face of certain events, to let one thing go in order to accentuate another. I found myself, me, at the heart of an event which was the reality of a certain time and a certain place. My film is composed of what stemmed from that. It cannot be denied that Triumph of the Will is a record of an event. It is a film of an actuality and happened when and where the film says it did. In an account of the making of the film, Riefenstahl writes that she was involved in the Rallys planning and conceived the event with filming in mind. As Susan Sontag (a revered novelist and director) reiterates in her article entitled Fascinating Fascism: The Rally was planned not only as a spectacular mass meeting, but as a spectacular propaganda film. However, by 1993 in The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl, Riefenstahl claimed that she was not involved in the design of the Rally I just observed and tried to film it well. The idea that I helped to plan it is downright absurd. The film was financed by the Nazi Government, commissioned by Hitler himself, completed with the full cooperation of all involved, with huge resources at her disposal an unlimited budget, crew of 120 and between 30 and 40 cameras. It stands as a powerful artistic representation of the ideas in Hitlers book Mien Kemp work, extreme nationalism, and belief in corporative state socialism, a private army, a youth cult, and the use of propaganda and the submission of all decisions to the supreme leader, i.e. himself. The film, however, reached and influenced far more people than the book ever could. Riefenstahl claimed in The Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl that it was Not a documentary but a work of art, [there was] no commentary in the normal sense of the word. Theres no commentator to explain everything. Thats the way it differs from a documentary or a propaganda film. If it were propaganda, as many say, theyd be a commentator to explain the significance and value of the occasion. This wasnt the case. In contrast, Susan Sontag in Fascinating Fascism claims that it is the most successful, most purely propagandistic film ever made, whose very conception negates the possibility of the film-makers having an aesthetic or visual concept independent of propaganda. Just as there are critics who argue that Triumph of the Will is the filming of an actual event and, as such, is a documentary, there are others who speak of the sensationalist and propagandist techniques used to promote the event in the film. Images such as the opening scenes, where Hitlers plane is flying through the clouds, giving a sense of divinity and being above it all, and the clever filming of the crowds watching Hitlers procession on the streets which give the impression that every street Hitler drove on was packed with adoring people illustrate the use of these techniques and indicate more suspicious aspirations from the director. Of course, there are critics who choose a point of neutrality, favoring each side of the argument equally. They argue that propaganda is a part of all film. Paul Rotha (a famous writer and director of Riefenstahls time) said, In one form or another, directly or indirectly, all films are propagandist. The general public is influenced by every film it sees. The dual physic-psychological appeal of pictorial movement and sound is so strong that if it is made with imagination and skill, the film can stir the emotions of any audience. Or as Robert Flaherty (often proclaimed as one of the founding fathers of documentary film) so eloquently declared, Sometimes you have to lie. One often has to distort a thing to catch its true spirit. Many can argue the different options regarding Triumph of the Will, saying it is a documentary, it is propaganda, or it became propaganda unintentionally. However, three points which cannot be refuted indicate that Leni Riefenstahl intentionally made the film propaganda. The fact that she was chosen and funded by Hitler to make the event appeal to the masses would immediately let her know that she needed to produce a film which gave the people the impression Hitler wanted. The angles of Hitler above the adoring crowd as he speaks and the scenes of his plane coming out of the clouds are obvious propagandist techniques to elevate and deify Hitler. Finally, the camera angle manipulation in the film, which made the crowds seem even larger than they were, would not be present in a true documentary which sought to produce the facts. This is obvious evidence of conscious propaganda on the part of Riefenstahl. As such, it is safe to conclude that Triumph of the Will was an intentional piece of propaganda meant to persuade the people to follow certain values.

The Impact of Globalization on Poverty Essay -- Outsourcing, Offshorin

Globalization has helped raise the standard of living for many people worldwide. It has also, however, driven many deeper into poverty. Small businesses and third world countries are not capable of updating their technology as often as their larger, wealthier counterparts. Unable to compete with multinational firms and wealthy nations, small businesses and third world countries and forced to do business locally, never growing and reaching their full potential. Technological advances are made daily throughout the world. However, it is expensive to rapidly make and transport these advances globally. This high production cost causes the consumer’s price to be unnecessarily high. Today, there are many countries in the world that cannot afford to pay such a high price for the latest technology, and by the time they can afford to pay, newer, more advanced technology exists. The democratization of technology benefits mainly the wealthier countries. Technological advances not only benefit wealthy countries, but also wealthier companies. Technological advancements allow countries and their companies worldwide publicity when they are successful. Because investors are able to easily invest on the Internet, on the telephone, and through facsimile machines, the profits of companies have increased greatly. Currency traders all over the world have also been able to update exchange rates and notify the public of the updates more rapidly. This has led to more desire to finalize deals because companies are able to be sure that they are receiving competitive exchange rates. Swissair, an airline based in Switzerland, even moved its entire accounting division from Switzerland to India simply because the accountants in India are among the best in the world. They were able to do this because all of the information from their new office halfway around the world was transmitted through the use of technologically advanced devices. Because labor is cheaper and the workers are more skilled in India, the company benefited in two ways. For the same reasons as in India, Thailand has moved from being primarily a rice-producing nation, to the world’s second largest producer of pickup trucks and fourth largest producer of motorcycles (Solbrig). As far back as the invention of the telephone, the countries with the best economies were the most technologically advanced. ... ...Claas van der Linde. Toward a New Conception of the Environment-Competitiveness Relationship. Journal of Economic Perspectives. (Fall 2009) pp. 97-118. Solbrig, O. T. et al. Globalization and Technology. Harvard University Press: Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2014. Tietenberg, Thomas. Globalization Economics. Addison Wesley: New York, 2011. pp. 561. pp. 7-11. Internet Sources Consulted "Globalization." - National Geographic Education. National Geographic, n.d. Web. 14 May 2015. LONDON. "When Did Globalisation Start?" The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 23 Sept. 2013. Web. 15 May 2015. "Globalization." Defination & Example. Investing Answers, 2001-2014. Web. 15 May 2015. Olivero, Tina. "Globalization: Understanding the Impact of Globalization on Our World." Global Oil and Gas Industry News. 29 Nov. 2011. Web. 15 May 2015. Ager, Rob. "Collative Learning - Rob Ager." Collative Learning - Rob Ager. N.p., 2007. Web. 22 May 2015. Collins, Mike. "The Pros And Cons Of Globalization." Manufacturing . Net. Saving American Manufacturing, 28 June 2010. Web. 26 May 2015. Fitzpatrick, Liam. "The Best of Asia." Time. Time Inc., 27 Apr. 2007. Web. 26 May 2015.

Background/Introduction of Wal-Mart Germany: A Failed Marketing Plan

Wal-Mart is not only the world’s most dominant player in the retail home market industry, it is also the world’s largest corporation in terms of revenue earning more than $240 billion in 2003. It is also the biggest private-sector employer in the world today with around 1. 38 million staff on its payroll. The first Wal-Mart was set up in 1962 by brothers Sam and Bud Walton as a five and dime store in Rogers, Arkansas. Forty years later, branches have mushroomed all over America.Today there are 1,647 Discount Stores, 1,066 Supercenters, 500 SAM’s clubs and 31 Neighborhood Stores in operation across the country—all under the Wal-Mart corporate umbrella. Wal-Mart thrives on its everyday low prices (made possible by its sophisticated inventory management system and the biggest private satellite communication system in the world), emphasis on customer service, and highly-motivated personnel. With its huge and uncontested success in the homeland, Wal-Mart decide d in 1991 to embark on an ambitious campaign to become an international retail store corporation.Its goal was to have its international operations contribute a third of its total profits by 2005. It opened a SAM’s club outfit, its first overseas branch, in Palenco, Mexico City. Since then, Wal-Mart has opened branches in 9 countries and in 1993, it opened the Wal-Mart International Division, to oversee the company’s international operations. So far, revenue returns has been spectacular. In 1979, its annual turnover reached $1 billion for the first time. In 1993, it earned a billion in only a week and in November, 2001, in a record-breaking single day. In the year ending January 31, 2003, Wal-Mart posted sales of $244.5 billion, with about 16. 5% earned abroad. Its 2003 turnover is three times higher than Carrefour’s, the world’s second biggest retailer. However, while Wal-Mart has become the market leader in the US, Mexico and Canada, the same didnâ€℠¢t hold true for its other overseas markets. Its operations in Asia (which includes China, South Korea and Japan) and Latin America (Brazil and Argentina) are profitable but not as much as the North American profit rates. A notable case to consider, however, is Wal-Mart’s failure in the German market. The Wal-Mart Germany FiascoGermany is the third biggest retail market in the world after US and Japan. In December 1997, Wal-Mart decided to expand into Germany—a move that was once considered as an initial foray to make its presence known throughout Europe. The company took over the chain of retail stores, Wertkauf, for about $1. 04 billion and Interspar hypermarkets for â‚ ¬560 million. However, revenues have not mirrored those of North American postings. By 2002, Wal-Mart Germany only earned an estimated â‚ ¬2. 9 billion, a market share of 1. 1%. By 2003, it has lost about â‚ ¬1 billion, closed two outlets and laid-off around 1,000 staff.Wal-Mart’s Germ an operations is said to have failed because of four reasons: First, Wal-Mart’s entry into the German market was through acquiring 74 Spar hypermarkets, a company which before the buyout was already the weakest player in the market. Spar stores were located in less well-off areas and has the industry’s highest logistics cost and lower returns. Meanwhile, its acquisition of Interspar is considered as an overpriced deal since the same chain of stores were bought by its former company only two years earlier at a price seven times lower than what Wal-Mart had to pay for.The second reason is the clash of cultures between Wal-Mart Germany’s American CEOs and German employees. The ignorance of these executives regarding Germany’s laws and culture has created widespread employee dissatisfaction and union-bashing. American Rob Tiarks, Wal-Mart Germany’s first CEO, was unwilling to learn the German language, ignorant with the country’s framework of re tail market and ignored the strategic advice given to him by former Wertkauf executives. The company installed a German CEO in 2001 but his ability to turn Wal-Mart’s future around is yet to be judged.It also has to deal with unions, a factor that is absent in its US operations. Third, Wal-Mart has not been able to deliver its promise of lower prices and compete with other and bigger discount stores in the country like Aldi. German shoppers have also been turned-off by the concept of â€Å"greeters† which, in America, is considered good customer service but a form of harassment in the European country whose people are used to self-service. It also cannot offer the 24/7 convenience of its American store counterparts because of Germany’s restrictive shopping hour regulations.Finally, Wal-Mart Germany has been continually accused of infringing German laws and regulations like the anti-trust act which requires all corporations to disclose financial information. More problems could be foreseen for the company using the present situation as gauge. So far, it has failed to accomplish the financial benchmarks it has set for its first European foray. The future of Wal-Mart Germany is, indeed, not encouraging at this point in time. Reference Knorr, Andreas and Andreas Arndt. Why did Wal-Mart Fail in Germany? Bremen: Institute for World Economics and International Management, June 2003.