Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Motivation for Turkish entry to the European Union Essay

Motivation for Turkish entry to the European Union - Essay Example As a result of that the tensions of the Cold War between America and Soviet Union were visible in Europe until the cold war ends during the latter parts of twentieth century. Soon after the ending of cold war, European and American countries started thinking about cooperation rather than conflicts. As a result of that, ideologies like globalization has entered the horizon. The ending of cold war helped Eastern Europe to reduce its gap with Western Europe. The unification of two Germanys gave momentum to this process. The call for regional integration or a unified Europe or European Union started to become a hotly debated topic after the unification of the two Germanys. â€Å"The term â€Å"regional integration† means combining parts into a whole, according to the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary† (Dosenrode, 2010, p.4). Moreover, the theories of Federalism and Functionalism, put forward by prominent scholars gave momentum to the integration process of Europe. It shou ld be noted that Europe was functioning not as a whole, but as parts until the unification of the Germanys. The efforts for European integration were started immediately after WWII. ... Turkey is one country which is trying hard to become a permanent member in EU. Turkey is a Eurasian country of strategic importance because of its geographic location in between Asia and Europe. Its boundaries are located in two continents: Europe and Asia. That is why EU members are considering Turkey as a semi-European country. â€Å"Turkey  has not yet become a member of the  EU. Nevertheless,  Turkey's candidacy to join the  EU  is still one of the most considerable and controversial topics within the European political arena† (Kunnecke, 2013, p.527) Turkey has started its effort to acquire membership in the European Economic Community from 1987 onwards. Turkey is currently an associate member of the Western European Union. Moreover, they signed an agreement with the EU in 1995 and are officially recognized as a candidate for full membership now. Negotiations for accepting Turkey as full member of EU were started in 2005 and it is still going on. According to Aud as (2013, p.183) â€Å"Turkey  has been part of an ongoing process of integration with its European Union (EU) neighbours for year, and yet the debate for inclusion continues† According to Cendrowicz (2009), Turkey’s membership bid has become a major controversy of the ongoing enlargement of the European Union. He has pointed out that French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are against the introduction of Turkey into EU because of the public opinion against Turkey in Europe. Moreover, the current Eurozone crisis is another factor which weakens Turkey’s stakes for a membership in EU. Even though, Turkey is a secular democratic state, the influence of Islamic religion on political

Benefits Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Benefits Project - Research Paper Example In addition to this the other facilities and discounts like Lifeworks, flexible working hours, education assistance, service appreciation awards, career growth and training programs for employees with growth and leadership potential have also been considered. This in my opinion would make Sodexo’s plans comparable to Google, Microsoft or any other Fortune 500 company. Basic Issue, Purpose and Relationships But as they say, the strength and efficacy of a plan lies in its weakest link, and in this case, the link was a service provider, namely Aetna. It has been shown that Aetna has been a preferred company for Sodexo’s Group Life Insurance Plan. Therefore I also assume that this company is involved in the administration and provision of services under its Short and Long Term Disability Plans. Interestingly this fact was uncovered by delving into the Exit Interviews of quite a number of employees who had been bitter and critical in their appraisal of the coverage and degre e of care administered by the insurance company even under the Business Travel Accident Plan. Further investigation into the matter by a combination of HR and Medical Staff determined that no less that 15 such instances had occurred in the last one and a half years. Since staff was enrolled in the insurance plans automatically and the coverage was renewed every year, Aetna considered that they simply could not lose. As far as the relationships between fraud in the medical coverage and employee dissatisfaction are concerned, a little analysis will put forth that since the Short and Long Term Disability Plans as well as the Benefits Travel Accident Plan were related, one often leading to another, the connivance and inefficiency of Aetna staff was often the culprit leading to improper and insufficient attention to non-managerial staff. In many cases, such staff had to resort to other or personal means to meet these deficiencies in care. Since the complaints were few and far between, Ae tna had managed to get away with it unscathed so far. The amazing thing is that these very staff took proper care of Sodexo’s managerial and higher level staff quite well in similar instances of accident and disability. Clearly they knew who was wielding the power here. The purpose of this paper is not only to highlight this deficiency but also its causes so that the erring staff is removed or the coverage is given to another insurance company. Such a state of affairs can hardly be tolerated. It is also desired to review the efficacy and management of all the different types of medical coverage so that similar or other deficiencies can be highlighted and corrected. Thus we will accomplish a thorough review of all types of medical coverage given by Sodexo, and by doing so positively impact employee satisfaction. It is also interesting that one or two lower level employees had highlighted these in their assessments of the available benefits at the company, and even made a remar k in their employee satisfaction surveys, but these were unfortunately overlooked by HR as being too unlikely to be true. It was assumed that the employees were over-reacting to an already bad or painful situation. For one thing, this state of affairs may indicate that HR has become too complacent and sure of itself and therefore it is suggested that future employee surveys and benefits assessments be independently

Monday, October 28, 2019

Campbell’s Life Essay Example for Free

Campbell’s Life Essay Born on April 13, 1933, Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell is one of the few politicians of note who rose in the political circles carrying proudly his Indian ancestry. He is proud of his Native American heritage. His sense of pride and loyalty to his roots and to his culture was seen through his actions as well as through his clothing; it was as if he was wearing his culture, identity and heritage. For example, he was seen wearing ceremonial tribal clothing as he attended the opening of the National Museum of American Indian (NMAI) . It was considered as a â€Å"major aspect† that has created, established and sustained the overall â€Å"persona† that is Senator Campbell all throughout his life, especially during his political life . Campbell’s personality of hinging so much of who he is as he presents himself to the public on his being a Native American Indian was just enough for people to forget that there were actually men who preceded Campbell who, just like him, were partly Native American Indian and also won elected public office. One of them served in an office even higher than Campbell’s – and that would be Charles Curtis, who would eventually become the first vice president of the United States who is a Native American Indian. The highest elected office ever held by an Indian in the US was the vice presidency . Unlike Campbell, Curtis was from the Kaw tribe hailing from Kansas. In his vein was quarter of blood from this tribe. Also, he was an attorney before getting elected, unlike the more blue-collar type of jobs that Campbell pursued early in his life before shifting to jewellery designing and production later on. Nonetheless, both elected men are good and honorable men who made the Native American Indian community proud. But even with men like Curtis and how they were ‘bigger’ men politically, the Indians appreciate Campbell’s efforts at staying with his packaging as the American Indian holding office at the senate and at the congress. This personality/attitude more than compensates for the fact that he was not the first of his kind. Although not the first Native American senator, he is the first to make a statement with his Indianness. Indeed, he, too, was a record maker of sorts, and in many ways. This is what the paper will explore throughout the discussion on the different aspects of personal and political life of Senator Campbell, who, in November 3, 1992 made a historic feat by becoming the first American politician with Native American roots to be elected as a senator. It was something that hasnt happened in more than the six decades that has passed in the senate history prior to his election to the office. Prior to that, he became the sixth politician with Native American heritage and ancestry to be ever elected to the congress, a seat that was given to him through the votes of the public for three times . Senator Campbells Indian heritage is no secret. In fact, it seems that it is one of his many major personal characteristics that the media, as well as his colleagues, often refer to or address, particularly his being Indian, and his respectful stature in the Indian community, like being a Northern Cheyenne Tribe chief, a position he and only 43 others possess . Because of Campbell’s pride towards his heritage, his people in return are doing ways to let Campbell know that his act of holding on to his Native American Indian roots and not covering it up with modern day personality just to suit his high echelon colleagues and. So that he will suit their taste for a particular company, his native Cheyenne are going out on a limb just to celebrate the victory of one of their most accomplished sons. For example, many Cheyenne individuals joined the parade. Some of them spent as much as they can spare just to lavish Campbell and the parade with the decorations fitting to the act of congratulations coming from the Cheyenne tribe. Some actually spent more than they could spare just so they can claim Campbell as their own and they can show how proud they are of Campbell. Six of the riders were Northern Cheyenne, who had bankrupted themselves to show the world that Campbell was one of their own . Despite his Indian American / Native American Indian roots, Campbell was a Catholic from the time his mother, also a devoted catholic, had him baptized when he was still a baby by bringing him and his sister Alberta to a church to be baptized just close to the time Campbell was born, until the time when he seemed to have had a falling out with the Catholic faith. But Campbell, during his adult life and especially during his tenure as public office politician, drifted from religion, and proof of this is the item â€Å"unspecified† marked on the space allotted for the identification of religious affiliation of the individual. This distinction, again, made Senator Campbell someone who is different from the rest of the field in the 106th Congress. He was the only one whose religious affiliation was unspecified, although there were no clear explanation(s) why such was the case it could be anyones guess, from clerical error, mistake, or other reasons . His sudden dissociation with the Catholic faith was a surprising turn of events for Campbell. There are many good things that the Catholic faith has done for Campbell, especially during his youth. For example, there is the role of the faith during the times they were sent to the orphanage by their parents because they cannot take care of him and his sister because of their mothers sickness and their fathers alcoholism and inability to financially support them. While the Catholic faith and the orphanage system had their share of bad reputation, history points how the Catholic experience was a relatively good one for Campbell. In retrospect, Campbell recalled how the nuns and priests, who took care of him when his parents were unable to take care of him, treated him well. In his recollection of his days with these priests and nuns, as he narrated it for his biography published in book form, he mentioned just several instances wherein he was punished like being sent inside a pig pen to be with a huge pig. The reason for his pains against Catholicism maybe rooted in the things that he never verbalized, in the things which he only referred to as painful memories of his childhood, some of which he experienced in the orphanage . If he saw flaws in the orphanage, then it is not surprising if he also saw flaws in Catholicism because the two are one and the same during his youth.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Evaluating use of PowerPoint for teaching in schools

Evaluating use of PowerPoint for teaching in schools Microsoft PowerPoint Program is a presentation software programme that can be used effectively in academic sector (Bartsch and Cobern, 2003). PowerPoint was developed as a business software tool, but its inherent capabilities led to its adoption in education, and this has been the subject of ongoing research. PowerPoint is an easy-to-use software application (Holzl, 1997) and can be used to give dynamic and engaging presentations in the visual mode. Some of the features of the PowerPoint are helpful for lecturers, for example, to highlight key points, and to show assignment information. Additional features such as clipart and cartoons can add interest to presentations (Sammons, 1997). Several researchers have analysed the effects of PowerPoint on student performance and student preferences towards Power Point. These studies have used different methodologies and there are a range of empirical results. These are described in the following sections, where each studys merits and demerits of using Power Point are presented, followed by analysis and conclusions. It is one of the most useful things to know about the secondary school perspective on styles of teaching, and how this impact on the students future. In olden days, it was very difficult for the school teachers to make use of technology in classroom teaching. One of the main reasons is lack of training and equipment. The use of electronic media in school laboratories, classrooms are being increased and are being used in science and technology lessons by teachers who are confident in the usage of modern technology in the classroom (Ofested, 2002). Nowadays, it is also common for the school teachers to give lectures through modern packages and PowerPoint, particular during practical classes. In spite of availability of technologies, still delivery the lecture through chalk and talk approach is dominant one (Dudley and Timothy 2006). Nowadays, in developed countries, the use of PowerPoint in education has become widespread. However in some schools in Saudi Arabia, its usage is not ubiquitous but restricted to some important lessons and topics. This may in part be due to teachers limited knowledge of how to use PowerPoint, so broadening their knowledge might give benefits and make it easier for students to learn. However, in most schools, the classrooms are simply not equipped for PowerPoint presentations a single classroom in the whole school may be the only one equipped for PowerPoint. In addition to that, there may be resistance by some teachers to alter, while others are still hesitant, given the debate over the extent of any positive influence of PowerPoint on the educational performance of students. Past studies are inconclusive about PowerPoint, with contradictory views. However in Saudi Arabia, some studies supported the usage of such technology in Saudi schools for the benefit of learners (Al-Sharhan, 20 06). In general, the discussion about the use of PowerPoint in teaching practice has two important problematic issues: How effective is the technology at improving the quality of teaching received by learners. How consistent is PowerPoints use have teachers the required skills and enthusiasm for its use The first issue can be manifested in the level of satisfaction that may be inspired by the technology. For some researchers, the simplicity of the technology removes more of the teaching professional load and leads to a non-stimulating delivery of content (Pauw, 2002). The second issue tells about the inconsistency within the educational setting due to absence of suitable training and opposition in implementing the technology by someone. This may have negative effects on learners, who were given the different modes of approach in delivering the PowerPoint presentations within the same discipline. Therefore, it is more important in selecting the technology to ensure that it is compatible with the aims of training in order to bring the successful implementation. Purpose of the Study This present study evaluates the use of PowerPoint for teaching in schools. The factors involved in implementing PowerPoint in schools are also explored. Based on this study, it has been found that computer technology and multimedia presentations have no guaranteed effect on quality of learning. On the other hand, It has also been found that the use of such technology motivate the students for positive learning. Moreover, it has been proposed that use of technology is in harmony with the adoption and familiarity of learners of such technology, and so connects prevailing learner and educational cultures. The present study also addressed the factors to implement the way of effective adoption of technology, proper deployment of PowerPoint, training and development, models of teaching practice in mixed formats. At the same time, it is also important for the teachers to keep update the technology and technological changes. Then only, the content delivery and driving force for learning will be maintained. Though, PowerPoint is in greater use among teachers and researchers, but the best format to deliver materials based on learner assimilation needs to be found (Heines, 2000). Research Questions How does the use of PowerPoint presentations in educational institutions compared to traditional presentation, including the use of overhead projectors and handwritten blackboard notes? Does the use of PowerPoint increase the student performance? What are the advantage and disadvantage of use of PowerPoint in teaching? What are the factors affecting the use of PowerPoint presentations effectively? What are the benefits of existing debate on the use of PowerPoint presentations in the classroom setting? What are the opinions of the students in PowerPoint presentations regarding lighting, use of colours, backgrounds, images, and sound, and the way of delivering the lecturers through of slides? Literature review INTRODUCTION Several researchers have made an attempt to analyse the student performance and preferences based on the effects of PowerPoint. In their attempts, different methodologies were used and based on that a range of empirical results have also been proposed. These were discussed based on the use of PowerPoint and its merits and demerits were also presented in the following sections. There has been a lot more discussion over different methods to deliver lecture to the students. In particular, many lecturers use written material delivered on a chalkboard, whiteboard, or by transparent sheet on an overhead projector, and, in last fifteen years or so, the method of presenting the visual information directly from a computer onto a screen. These types of computers and projection technology devices can be seen in the classrooms. This gives the facility to engage the learners through graphics and multimedia presentations. Many faculty members and administrators felt that PowerPoint was initially considered as a cutting edge technology for use in the classroom. Later students felt that the PowerPoint should not be used more often because it is too passive. For example, Creed (1997) argues that the use of computer-based presentations makes the teacher to be too focused. Kask (n.d.) and Parks (1999) suggested that the computer-based presentations make the students to take a nap in larger auditoriums, where the some of the lights in the auditorium have to be dimmed. Prior to lecture, if the lecture notes are provided to the students, students may show less interest in attending the class. Others feel that the PowerPoint offers the ability to provide more concentration to the students. For example, Stone (1999) argues that the discussion in the classroom is improved by the use of computer-based presentations. In the part of the presentation, the discussed questions can be displayed on the screen. Based on the students interaction and response, the students names and comments can also be projected in the presentation. Finally, these interactions and responses can then be printed or given to all students. He also discusses how the exercise and experiments given to the students can be facilitated by incorporating them in the presentations. It can also be argued that the students take less time for taking their notes, whereas the PowerPoint allows more time for interactive activities. Based on the controversy about PowerPoint and its usage, some studies have attempted to measure the impact of computer generated presentations on student performance. Overall, the results have been mixed. A Very few said that the PowerPoint presentations did not have an effect on the student performance, while others said that PowerPoint presentations enhances the student performance. Educational Technology The one of the oldest and most common forms of educational technology is chalkboard. Through chalkboard a current topic of discussion, points to be discussed, points to be noted, end result of the discussion, important issues to be remembered up to certain period of time, summaries of discussion and lines of reasoning. In olden days, the major medium of communication followed by professor to take lecture was chalk and blackboard (Frost Fukami, 1997). The use of pictures, tables, and charts on the chalkboard will add an advantage to the information publicly communicated. This way of delivering lecture is suppressed by the more expensive and sophiscated technologies such as the overhead projector, the video-tape player, the more interactive video-disc player, PowerPoint, computer for computer assisted learning and most interactive whiteboard (Ghrist et al, 2003). In colleges, nowadays several studies have emerged on the use of multimedia in classrooms. Professors are using these techn ologies in mixed and creative way to promote the most learning techniques for the students to satisfy their aims and needs (Thomas, 2009). Nowaczyk et al. (1988) observed that the student interest and awareness of relevancy of topics were enhanced by videos. The static media such as overhead projector contributed to better understanding of the material presented in that instance. Video (VHS or DVD) presentations were made the students to engage in business activities, news, stories, integrate theory, R D activities and new challenges in the workplace and all these activities provide higher value of entertainment than other technologies (Caudron, 1997; Salomon, 1984). In some cases, video presentations and watching videos on particular issue is interesting than other technologies (Fulk et al., 1995). Astleitner (2002) reported the studies concerned with critical thinking of teaching via web lectures. The informations in the audio recording lectures were greatly influenced than video recordings. Though, the difference between the two modalities in terms of retention was nil. During subjective evaluation, students showed better evaluations for audio recordings. Interactive whiteboard is the present educational technology makes the things easier for the teacher to include the presentation content in wider range such as images from the internet, graphs from the excel sheet, text from MS word. Apart from that, student and teacher annotations could be done on the objects. The one of the drawbacks of the Interactive whiteboards is cost. It is more expensive than conventional whiteboards, projector, and screen combination. Their surfaces can be damaged and quite often replacement is required. The negative perceptions of PowerPoint compared to other interactive presentation tool were reported by Wolfs (2007). In his comparison, the use of PowerPoint and electronic presentation tool were compared. Wolfs (2007) studied and compared the students interests in content and perception of pace over the course for 2nd years student. This was done by splitting the participants into two groups. The first group consists of 36 students and the duration was about 50 minutes lectures for each class. The instructor used PowerPoint to project the course content. The second group consists of same number of students and the classroom presenter was used. The classroom presenter is like PowerPoint slide presentation with more interactive features such as write on the digital screen with digital pen, connection can be performed between student and instructor, information can be shared between instructor and student system. Instructor has a laptop computer, whose monitor swivels, lays flat and a llows the user to write on the digital screen using digital pen (notepad). The PowerPoint in the laptop could able to utilize linking features. However, PowerPoint alone doesnt have these features. Hence the classroom presenter had greater impact on the survey results. To predict the difference between two methods, optional web-based post-class survey provided to the group. The advantage of classroom presenter is that it allows the instructor to interact with the device by digitally highlighting information and also have the features to write on the digital slide. Though, the difference in the result is not significant. However, out of 17%, 3% perceived attending lectures using classroom presenter to be more interesting. One of the speculations is that most of the students preferred the added interaction of classroom presenter. This may be cause for speculation of students interaction and instructor presence compared to effectiveness of any presentation tool (Cited in Kevin, 2008). Thomas, (2009), compared five teaching technologies approaches like Projector, PowerPoint, Video, the Internet, and Lecture. And the results are overlapping and merging together. Such as, video can be shown in PowerPoint and internet and PowerPoint slides through web. They also used projector screen as blackboard using black films. Hence, in natural teaching environment, it is difficult to segregate Lecture, Projector, PowerPoint, Video, or the Internet. However, it is believed that the cognitive abilities of the students can be used to focus these five teaching technologies individually. The separate general perceptions about use of each technology can also be provided (Thomas, 2009). In his study, integrated computer workstation used for lecture in all classrooms and the teaching materials were presented on the same large screen using projector, PowerPoint, Video (VHS or DVD), and the Internet. The PowerPoint slides were replaced with traditional overhead color transparencies for l ecture outlines and information. Students use internet effectively for business organization, to refer the links cited in the books, research journals, reports, papers, case studies etc. Apart from this, the current events, news and many other types of information are also accessed in the internet. Internet acts as a largest digital library tool for the instruction. The specific type of classroom presentation will not serve the students needs. Different technologies can be used for different learning objectives. Among all the education technologies, the Lecture and PowerPoint are less active and interesting and also boring than other different approaches. Still these the Lecture and PowerPoint technologies contribute to student performance. All technologies have their own characteristic strength and weakness. There is an urge to develop the practical impacts of these new available technologies on education and students (Thomas, 2009). USING TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM In some studies, it was mentioned that the PowerPoint presentation increases the students motivation and achievements in their lessons (Mantei 2000). In addition to that, most of the students mentioned that it helped them in taking notes and study for exam if instruction is provided in PowerPoint presentations (Noppe, 2007), and they prefer PowerPoint lectures to traditional lecture (Frey and Birnbaum, 2002). Researchers explored that the end-result of preparing PowerPoint presentations by the students are very limited. Gunel et al. (2006) compared the effectiveness of the students in writing summary report and preparing PowerPoint presentation about two units in physics lesson. In this particular case,It was observed that the students prepared the PowerPoint presentation scored significantly better than the students prepared summary report format. In another study, Marmienà © (2006) investigated the ability of the students in choosing the material and the content of PowerPoint pres entations on professional topics via the internet and also he investigated the students ability to prepare and deliver the presentation in front of the audience. As a result, it was mentioned and reported that preparing and delivering the material through PowerPoint presentation improved the students gaining skills in addition to listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. That is the use of such technologies is more time-efficient compared to traditional way of delivering the presentation i.e. using whiteboard or overhead transparency projector. Hence, more time can be given on interaction and instruction rather than using the traditional way (Mantei, 2000). Susskind (2005) taught two courses on Introduction to Psychology. In these courses, half of the courses, he taught with the help of PowerPoint and other half without PowerPoint presentations in a counterbalanced order across classes. Gradewise, there was no significant difference in student performance. However, the students performance has not increased in many courses that used multimedia presentations (Susskind Gurien, 1999; Szaba Hastings, 2000). In one of the studies, it was demonstrated that there was a decrease in student performance when the instructor switched from transparencies to PowerPoint (Bartlett, Cheng, Strough, 2000). Ahmed (1998) compared the two methods (overhead projector and PowerPoint) of information presentation. He observed very little difference in the performance on exams resulting from the use of these two methods. It was also indicated that that the difficulty of the lectures had a greater impact on the performance of the student than the use of PowerPoint itself. Szabo and Hastings (2000) presented three different lectures; first lecture with overhead transparencies; second lecture with PowerPoint; and third lecture with power point and handouts of the Power Point slides. All these lectures were tested for the same group of students in a physical education course. One week later, mock tests were conducted to the students. While there was no significant difference in grades between two tests on lectures delivered with PowerPoint, the grades from the two PowerPoint lectures were higher than the grades scored with the lecture provided with overhead transparencies. In 1995, Lowery (1999) taught Environment Science course through overhead transparencies. In 1996-1997, the same lecture was provided to the students with the help of Power Point. He found statistically significant differences on comparing the average test scores. The material taught in the year of 1996 and 1997 with the help of PowerPoint have higher average test scores than the course taught with overheads in the year of 1995. In the survey of Sazbo and Hasting (2000), 80% of the students felt that PowerPoint lectures were highly beneficial and that visual emphasis to recall the lecture material during the exam time. The presenters often highlight the main ideas and points with bullets. Based on this information, the audience members and students aware of the tips included in the presentation. In the latter stage, they may specially focus on the points presented in the slides and ignore the elaboration talk given by the speaker (Savoy, Proctor and Salvendy 2009). According to Savoy (2009), the use of PowerPoint, webcasts and podcasts have tremendously increased in university lectures to focus the students attendance and expose the student to the lecture material effectively. However, the easy way of preparation and distribution of information digitally does not always mapped to the enhanced student performance. In one of the interesting parallels with Susskind (2004), a traditional lecture format to a PowerPoint multimedia format has been compared. By doing this, they observed that students thought themselves to be equal and capable if they had learned from the format similar to the E-lectures in this study, as they were learned through traditional lectures. Paradoxically, these were not reflected their performance during exams. It also does not seem to be linked to the presence or absence of multimedia delivery. Using PowerPoint effectively Due to the presence of mixed results among the studies investigated relate to the beneficial effects of PowerPoint on performance, a new perspective fine-grained analysis is needed to assess the impact of delivery style on student performance (Susskind, 2005). All the above studies, did not investigate and concentrate the complexity of the presentations which is also one of the factor directly impacts the performance. For example, PowerPoint presentations can be written with simple text in single coloured screen. Presentations can also be made complex with tables, pictures, graphs, animation effects such as sound effects, visual effects, video clips. The effectiveness of PowerPoint and other multimedia presentations directly depends on the complexity of the presentation. However, several researchers have demonstrated that a few lectures include material which can reduce overall performance of PowerPoint presentations, such as irrelevant sounds (Moreno Mayer, 2000), clusters of text (Schraw, 1998), and irrelevant and unwanted pictures (Mayer, 2001, p. 113). According to Robert Kristi (2002), in the detailed PowerPoint presentations, the items which are relevant (e.g. most of the pictures), and not relevant (e.g. most of the sound effects) to the context were presented. The level of the performance is diminished because of the irrelevant items presented in the presentation. These irrelevant items detract the students concentration. It was also found that the graphics related to the context may be beneficial, and the graphics not related to the context not at all helpful in learning. Also, for a simple presentation, the graphics items are not necessary. But graphics items will be helpful for tedious, complex and difficult lectures. If the graphics items are desired, then the PowerPoint presentations should have the special features to accommodate them in an easy manner. It can be concluded, that the relevant items should only be given in the presentation. (Robert Kristi 2002) It is also worth to mention that some of the flexible features of PowerPoint such as colour, variation in font, image, dynamic model building, or multimedia capabilities bring the student attention close to the context. For digital lecturing, the student enthusiasm depends on the structured pattern of the PowerPoint presentation. Hence, the presenter or the instructor should follow a well-organised and structured pattern of the presentation. Susskind (2005) mentioned about the way of delivering the lecture styles that there is no difference on various styles of delivering the lecture. In his experiment; a mixed participant design and counterbalanced lecture format order were involved. This eliminated any confounding between delivery style and order. Apart from that, it reduced the potential cohort effects via within the subject comparisons. However, methodological issue regarding student assignment has not been carried out. Susskind observed that the students were not assigned random ly. The results of his experiments could be reflected the pre-existing conditions of academic ability, preparation and motivation. STUDENT PREFERANCE AND IMPACT IN COURES EVALUATION Besides evaluating the student performance based on the impact of computer-generated slides, several studies concentrated the perceptions of PowerPoint. For example, Daniels (1999) found that the three-quarters of the students in her analysis preferred PowerPoint presentation rather than chalkboard. Similarly Szabo and Hastings (2000) reported that 90% of the students thought that the PowerPoint lectures grabs more attention than the traditional lecture. Furthermore, 65% of the students in the study preferred PowerPoint and said that the PowerPoint lecture motivate the students to attend the class and 72 % of the students said that they prefer to see PowerPoint used in all courses. In the survey, there was an exception found in students of economics majors (612 students) at Radford University (Hashemzadeh and Wilson, 2007). In their study, students were asked to compare the course lecture provided with and without PowerPoint (not taught by the same professors). It was found that the majority of the students felt that they could able to understand lecture better because they felt more involvement and better interaction with the instructor in the sections taught with PowerPoint. The majority of students preferred courses taught with PowerPoint rather than courses taught without PowerPoint. Frey and Birnbaun (2002) found that the students preferred lectures using PowerPoint than those using chalkboard or whiteboard. They also perceived that the lecture is to be more structured and organized. In their study Students appreciated the advantages of PowerPoint, such as easy to read the slides, keeping the lecture on-track, enlivening the lecture by providing the combinations of pictures and more concise text. They also often criticised badly-prepared and poorly-presented lectures. In common, too much information provided on the single slide and slide was fully composed of similar words leading to boring rather than interesting. Students were less engaged for chalkboard or overhead transparencies techniques were used in delivering the lecture. (Frey and Birnbaun, 2002) Advantages The advantages of presenting lecture through PowerPoint presentations can be generalized as follows: Using the PowerPoint, the course content and the way of delivering the lecture could be framed properly (Nouri Shahid 2005). According to students, observing the lecture through PowerPoint presentations is quite interesting. Thus, giving lecture through PowerPoint presentations affect the students in positive way (Parks, 1999; Nouri Shahid, 2005; James, 2006; Atkins-Sayre et al 2006). In PowerPoint presentations, poor handwriting issues, decrease in visibility due to chalk, perennial issue of dirty blackboards (if blackboard were used for long time) were avoided. (Carlos, 2008) PowerPoint presentation enhances the students interest for attending the classes (James, 2006; Sugahara Boland, 2006 ). Through PowerPoint presentations, the learning capacity of the students is increased. (Harrison, 2006) According to Lowry (1999), after introducing the PowerPoint lecturer classes to first year environmental science course a remarkable improvement was observed in student performance and cognition. Because of PowerPoint presentations, time taken for the students in taking notes was reduced. Most of the students brought their PowerPoint slides printout to the classroom and annotate to them as required. (Carlos, 2008) Providing PowerPoint presentation classnotes to the students indicates a organised set of notes that allows students to transform into a detailed form without putting much effort on it. (Carlos, 2008) In some of the studies, it was found that supply of PowerPoint presentations along with student notes lead to achieve better performance and retention (Kiewra, 1985). It was also found that some studies show that segregating the notes from notes what students taken while observing can also lead to better retention (Aiken, 1975). Another big advantage of PowerPoint presentations is that the instructor can present a lot of material in single lecture such as giving concepts in problem solving, discussion, or review of articles in terms of class materials. Because of this students need not to dedicate more time in taking the elaborate class notes. (Carlos, 2008) Photos, videoclips and hyperlink for elaboarate discussion can be added in the PowerPoint presentation only.(Carlos, 2008) According to Young, 2004, it was proclaimed in one of the most public endorsements of PowerPoint that the students performance and learning experiences are enhanced by the use of multimedia. Students also mirrored this thought. Because the PowerPoint presentation enlighten a lecture with images, pictures that provide additional support to the key points and improved clarity to the texts compared to chalkboards (Young, 2004). And also, it is possible in PowerPoint presentation that the instructor can cover the previous class notes in a single slide to make the students to remember. (Carlos, 2008) Instructors indicated that PowerPoint can be used to update their lectures from time to time and believe that PowerPoint presentation is a valuable tool that help to organize the class notes. (Schwartz, 2005) Disadvantages The disadvantages of presenting lecture through PowerPoint presentations can be generalized as follows: One of the major disadvantages is that instructor has to spend more time in preparing the notes and relevant pictures from the World Wide Web and place the pictures, graphs or tables in the appropriate place. .(Kristi,2003) Most of the lecture presentation will be reused subsequently for next batch students with less time effort. This initial time taken for preparing the presentation by the faculty member is reasonably considered as major disadvantage.(Kristi,2003) From the study by Dudley (2006), it was observed that the electronic presentations were disliked. The main reasons were given; hard copies of the class notes were not given, through presentation lot of material could be covered, complicated pictures and diagram were provided, lectures were delivered very quickly. The additional material had to be added in the PowerPoint presentation notes to reinforce it. (Carlos, 2008) Using chalkboard or a whiteboard in the classroom allows more time in spending a single topic. This gives natural pauses and provides delays in the presentation and discussion before moving to next topic. (Carlos, 2008) Opposition of PowerPoint notes is that the structure of PowerPoint lecture commands a degree of linearity that may creates artificial misguiding hierarchies of informations provided in the lecture (Tuft, 2003), hierarchical organization of content is to be removed (Doumont, 2005), and discourages the chances to redirect or expand upon the delivered points (Schwartz, 2005). Besides adherence usage of pre-designed template, PowerPoint urge to use bullets, which convey the message in detrimental or effective way (Boehle, 2006, Tufte, 2003 Mayer, 2004).Edward Tufte (2003), claimed that the bullets lead to gross generalization, inaccurate logical and superficial reasoning and more often leads to indifferent conclusions. Hanft (2003) also supported that the PowerPoint presentation depress the discussion. Most of the students have positive opinions about the instructors in terms of PowerPoint presentation. Some of the students were complained that instructors used too much text and pictures and information in the slides and makes the slides to be clumsy manner, because of this the material in the slides were difficult to see (Doumont, 2005; Young, 2004). One student at Connecticut College said that her professor would write too long sentences or complete sentence in the PowerPoint slides, rather which she would then read. Because of that the information presented in the slides were become complicated and convoluted (Young, 2004). Further, some of the instructors

Saturday, October 26, 2019

A Critical Analysis of The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

A Critical Analysis of The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman 'The Yellow Wallpaper' written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a riveting story of a dejected woman locked away as if she were insane. Her passion is to write and by doing so we are able to follow her on a journey in which she is victimized by those closest to her. The significance of the story is tremendous as it delves into the underlying issues of 'a woman's place' and feminism in the 19th century. The story not only gave an insight into the public perception of mental illness but it later caused a famous psychiatrist, Silas Weir Mitchell to alter his treatment of neurasthema. As the story begins, the woman-whose name we never learn-tells of her depression and how it is dismissed by her husband and brother who are both medical practitioners. "You see, he does not believe I am sick! And what can one do?" We are able to see that the narrator has maintained the traditional patriarchal feelings, as many women and men did in 19th century, where women are discouraged from venturing out of their 'given sphere', due to the political makeup of the era. It becomes apparent that her mind was alluding to this point by the way she speaks about her husband, "John laughs at me, of course, but one expects that." The structure of this sentence highlights the male laughing and the woman acquiescing, showed by the short sentence and the full stop - silencing any of her thoughts and opinions. An example of the dominant submissive relationship between them. He treats her as if she was a child and he was the controlling, domineering, yet loving parent. "What is it, little girl?' h... ...d self-analysis, and was symptomatic of the degeneration rife in society. This illustrates the protagonists warped head state as although yellow is associated with negativity, she craves it. This is portrayed when the protagonist claims that everything outside is 'green instead of yellow'. Her mind is so twisted that she feels everything outside of her 'sphere' is evil. The ending of the story is open to a variety of different interpretations. She feels victorious for escaping from her husbands grasp however in reality she is now trapped within herself. We feel that she may commit suicide due to her frustration, however the situation was reversed, and I was given the impression that she may have tried to murder her husband, in an attempt to free herself. However what ultimately happens we are never able to learn.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Free College Admissions Essays: Computer Science :: College Admissions Essays

Computer Science    The computing industry as a whole becomes more prosperous, exciting and attractive as an employment prospect each day. It spans a wide range of modern applications, as does my interest in the subject. I see computing science as a gateway into new realms of computing, where the highly challenging and demanding work may reap rewards of an equivalent level.    My knowledge has grown over the past six years, outwith the areas of learning offered by school courses, and I see this course as an opportunity to gain new skills and broaden my knowledge further. My main interests are varied, including communications and the internet, system analysis and design, software development, processors and low level machine studies. I have recently developed an interest in data encryption, hence my active participation in the RSA RC64 Secret-Key challenge, the latest international de-encryption contest from the RSA laboratories of America.    In school, I have participated in two I.T. competitions with the Royal Bank of Scotland, the first of which provided a solution to Macintosh emulation on the Amiga platform, and this year, I am leading a team of five pupils to design a network solution and website for the new school here in Ullapool. I was also marketing director of a Young Enterprise team, gaining a credit pass in the exam, and producing a tourist brochure that has been a commercial success. I found that an invaluable learning experience due to the teamwork involved. I have also attended the Air Training Corps for two years, am currently a Senior cadet corporal and attained a credit pass in the recent exam..    My other hobbies are equally varied, including Palaeontology, Geology and Snowboarding. For seven years I have been involved in the treatment of casualties, and administration at the Highland Wildlife Hospital Trust, run primarily by my parents.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - The Many Faces of Evil :: Free Essay Writer

The Many Faces of Evil in To Kill A Mockingbird "Our greatest evils flow from ourselves" (Tripp 192). This statement, by Rousseau, epitomizes many points of evil that are discussed in Harper Lee's novel, To Kill A Mockingbird. In our world, we constantly come face to face with evil. Evil presents itself in many forms, including prejudice, alcoholism, drug abuse, irresponsibility, and violence against others. The most prevalent faces of evil in To Kill A Mockingbird are prejudice, alcoholism, and gossip. Dispersed throughout To Kill A Mockingbird are numerous illustrations of racism. Statements such as "Your father's no better than the niggers and trash he works for" (Lee 108) are common throughout the entire novel. The use of racist statements such as these seemed to bother many people who were then driven to ban Lee's book from their schools. If we look back to the times when the book was written, we can understand the use of the word "nigger." During the early twentieth century, the word "nigger" was used as commonly as many people today use the word "black." The general public either didn't realize or didn't care about how demeaning the word "nigger" was. Eventually, some African-Americans became so used to hearing it that they no longer paid any attention to it. Atticus Finch, Scout's father, however, had a different way of thinking. Although Atticus was Caucasian, he realized that the word "nigger" was wrong to say. He did not use that word and he instructed his ch ildren not to use that word either. This courtesy did not catch on. People continued to refer to African-Americans as "niggers" and called anyone who was kind to "niggers" a "nigger-lover." Scout realized this and, as she matured, she came to understand how wrong the use of the word "nigger" actually was. Jean Louise, Scout, was subjected to more evil than racism. Robert Ewell, a violent alcoholic, attempted to murder Scout and Jem in a drunken rage. Mr. Ewell appeared in many places throughout the book, and it was his daughter, Mayella Ewell, who pressed false charges against Tom Robinson for the offense of rape and battery. Almost every time Ewell was mentioned, he was portrayed as either violent or totally inebriated. He used the welfare checks that he received, not to purchase food for the family, but to buy booze for his personal consumption.

The Reason of Marshall Plan

In June 5th, 1947, Marshall declared a famous speech in Harvard University. The idea of providing economic aid to the all Europe came on the scene. Between 1948 and the end of 1951, United States channeled $12. 3 billion aid to Western Europe including grants, loans and in-kind transfer. The effects of Marshall Plan are all-encompassing, for example, contributing to the cold war, helping the recovery of European economy and European integration. Someone called in question about its necessity, someone embraced it as the saver of the world.It is wondered what is the deep reason that pushed America to launch the plan. Though many scholars have written about this topic, this paper will call for reassessment of the existing literature based on recent findings, new methodologies. This essay will specifically argue that the main reasons of the launch of Marshall Plan are the threats of communism and the interweaving interest’s network of America and Europe. In the first part, it will display the urgency of 1947 European crisis. In the next part, it will focus on the threats from the communism and inferred with the Truman doctrine declared before.Next, it will analyze the short-term and long-term interests that America could gain from the plan. After the World War II, the Europe showed a sign of fast recovery at the beginning, and soon faced with increasingly worsening situation. Within several months after the war, through large scale reconstruction of the infrastructure, the industry recovered quickly. People were drowned in the prospect of peace and happiness of a fresh start. However, the limits on the raw material and lack of the energy supply constrained the recovery soon.Further worse, during the winter of 1947, because of the heavy snow, roads, bridges, rail links, and water ways were impassible, hindering the obtaining of raw material and transportation of the products. The thawing snows also flooded coal mines, making the production of steel fell backw ard significantly. The summer of same year, was called the hottest and driest since records began, and the drought reduced supplies of hydroelectric power. Disillusionment of hopes and desperation hung over people’s hearts. The European crisis of 1947 was more than the misfortune of natural disaster.The disappearance of Germany from the economy is a deeper reason beneath the desperation. During pre-war period, Germany was the main market of European economy. By 1939, the Germany held 38% of Greece exports and one third imports. During pre-war period, the German Ruhr area exported large amounts of coal to France used for the production of steel. Substitute for Germany, America became the main exporting country to Europe. However, another problem came, the dollar crisis. Most European countries imported large amounts of food, coal and raw materials from America, but they have nothing to sell back.France carried $2049 million of payment deficit for buying coal from America annua lly. The heavy national debts carried by the country brought about the inflation and eroded the confidence of currency. Marshall said in his radio speech: ‘the patient is sinking while the doctors deliberate. So I believe that action cannot await compromise through exhaustion. New issues arise daily. Whatever action is possible to meet these pressing problems must be taken without delay. ’ Marshall claimed that the severe of crisis of Europe and the disagreement between two blocks pushed Marshall or the America to make such choice.Though the plan was initially directed to both eastern and western European countries, it is argued that Marshall knew the refusal of Soviet Union in advance, because soviet had been always against any activity of Germany industry construction and stressed the importance of reparation. Hitchcock argued in his article that the primary trigger of the Marshall Plan was ‘the failure of American policy in occupied Germany’ and the ambi tion of the European recovery developed later. In addition to the economic crisis, the political situation was especially not going well for America.The initial hope for fast recovery was downgraded into the desperation of living. The situation of capitalism was between the beetle and the block . The failure of post-war government turned out to provide a good opportunity for communists. Especially students and working class valued the communism as the only party that could bring a totally different world, create a classless society. As Kenan wrote in his memoir, ‘the pall of fear hanging over Europe in 1947 was preparing the continent to fall, like a ripe fruit, into Stalin’s hands. ’America used the plan as an economic barrier to soviet expansion. As said in a CIA report in April, 1947, ‘The greatest danger to the security of united states is the possibility of economic collapse in western Europe and the consequence accession to power of communist element. ‘ Looking back the Europe in 1957, there are guessing that at best, the Europe would be in decades of poverty and struggle; at worst, Europe will collapse back into civil war, fascism and communism. Truman doctrine is released before the Marshall plan and closely related to the plan.In 1947, March, President Truman told the US congress ‘to help free peoples to maintain in their free institutions and their national integrity against aggressive movements that seek to impose upon them totalitarian regimes. This is no more than a frank recognition that totalitarian imposed on free peoples, by direct or indirect aggression, undermine the foundation of international peace and hence the security of the united states. ’ The Truman doctrine was declared as a proposal to provide economic and military aid to Greece and Turkey for fighting against local communists, or as he named, ‘totalitarianism’.Compared with Truman doctrine, Marshall Plan focused more on the economic aid and the recovery of Europe. However, there is still similar intention between these two plans. If the Truman doctrine is the explicit counterattack to the soviet expansion, the Marshall plan is the implicit one. The short-term interests of the plan, which were not so vital to America, however, were worth to mention. It has claimed by Americans that the primary intention of the plan is good-will for the recovery of Europe and soviet expansion urged them to establish the plan as soon as possible.However, there were also suspicions that the act of America was just self-serving and America was using Europe as an outlet for their goods. What is more, in some areas, the aid plan was not welcomed. It will be argued here that the short-term interests of the plan could be nearly negligible when compared with other reasons. The products were given for free from America and what American people can directly gain profits from is that all goods were distributed through American shi ps and were uploaded by the American dock man. The interweaving interests of America and Europe are prime reason behind the aunch of Marshall Plan. The sink of Europe or the sovietization of Europe did more than harm to America and like domino effects, it will threat the whole America’s safety. The primary concern for the plan is the safety and long-term development of the United States. Between the end of war and the announcement of the plan, there already were loan plans from America to Europe. As additional conditions of the loan, the United States demanded Britain to give up the exchange control and make British currency fully convertible. Similarly, America asked France to abandon the protectionism and allow freer imports and exports.Though these plans failed at last, the intention of America was obvious, contributing to freer international trade, more stable currency exchange and wider international cooperation. The Marshall plan is claimed different from all the previo us plans. First, the choice of whether to take it and how to use it is in the hands of Europe, and the role America played was just advisory. Second, the plan is a long-term strategic program, with the help of European recovery program. Third, the money attached to the plan is enormous, more than any previous United States oversea aid combined.If measured by GDP, the money cost 5% of American GDP, equal to 201 billion dollars in 2004. If measured with the value of dollars, the money is worth 100 billion dollars in 2004. Fourth, the plan is a larger European-scale plan, involved many countries into the plan simultaneously. Nevertheless, compared to the past plans, the declaration of the Marshall plan is another form or another positive trial of the same intention. Opinions of whether to declare the Marshall plan was initially divided within the United States.However, new dealers in most post-war administration favored the plan and viewed it as ‘an opportunity to reconstruct Eur ope in America’s image’. The program of ‘productivity mission’, funded by the Marshall plan, was to bring technical Europeans to learn the American way of economy and business. New dealers in America expected these managers and technicians could take the atmosphere of free trade and business cooperation back to Europe. Underlying the aim of Americanization of Europe, the pursuit of restoring long-term trade partner is more essential reason.A CIA director Allen Dulles said: ‘the plan supposes that we desire to help restore a Europe which can and will compete with us in the world markets and for that very reason will be able to buy substantial amounts of our products. ’ the establishment of closer ties for America with Europe could facilitate future business and political communication, and the decrease in distinction and gap could decrease the possibility of quarrel and war. In conclusion, the declining European economy led to the increasing at traction of communism.Faced with the sinking Europe and aggressive Soviet Union, the American government was pushed to launch the Marshall plan. Aligned with Truman doctrine, it is a diplomatic strategy of America to suppress the expansion of Soviet Union and maintain the common interests of Europe and America. Attached with the plan, there are also American blueprint for a prosperous international trade and cooperation within the western bloc without the interference from Soviet Union. The threats of communism are the main direct external factor that makes the plan available through the congress.The desire for a trade-free Europe and the presumably impossible negotiation with Soviet Union are the main reasons that make the plan come into being. The potential benefits of advancing America-Europe relationships and shaping a freer trade atmosphere are ambitious goals of the new dealers and the plan proves to have subtle but far-reaching influence on the integration of Europe. Word cou nt: 1879 Bibliography Calbraith John, 1998. ‘Interview with prof. J k. Galbraith, 28/11/95’ 12 November 2012 Debouzy Marianne . 1998. ‘ interview with Madame Marianne Debouzy’ 11 November 2012 Eichengreen B. et al. , â€Å"The Marshall Plan: Economic Effects and Implications for Eastern Europe and the Former USSR†, in Economic Policy, 7, (1992) pp. 13-75 online available from [18th October 2012] Ellwood, David W. â€Å"The Impact of the Marshall Plan,† History 74 (October 1989) pp. 427–36. Hitchcock, W.I, ’The Marshall Plan and the creation of the West’ in The Cambridge History of the Cold War, 1 (2010) pp. 154-174. Hogan Michael J. The Marshall Plan America, Britain, and the Reconstruction of Western Europe, 1947-1952 (New York: 1987) Judit, T. , ‘The rehabilitation of Europe’ in Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 (New York, 2006) pp. 63-99. Milward, A. S. (1989) â€Å"Was the Marshall Plan Necessary ? † In Diplomatic History, pp. 231–252. Online available from [25th October 2012]Parrish S. D. â€Å"The turn toward confrontation: the soviet reaction to the Marshall plan, 1947† in cold war international history project working papers series ,9 (1994) ——————————————– [ 1 ]. Barry Eichengreen, et al. , â€Å" The Marshall plan: economic effects and implications for Eastern Europe and the former USSR†, in Economic Policy, 7:14 (1992), pp. 16-18 [ 2 ]. Quoted inWilliam Hitchcock, ‘The Marshall Plan and the creation of the West’, in The Cambridge History of the Cold War, 1:8 (2010),p. 156 [ 3 ]. Ibid. , p. 157 [ 4 ]. Ibid. , p. 155 [ 5 ].Tony Judt, â€Å"The rehabilitation of Europe†, in Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 (New York,2006), p. 91. [ 6 ]. Ibid. , p. 95. [ 7 ]. Quoted inWilliam Hitchcock, ‘The Marshall Plan and the creation of the West’, in The Cambridge History of the Cold War, 1:8 (2010),p. 156. [ 8 ]. Calbraith John, 1998. ‘Interview with prof. J k. Galbraith, 28/11/95’ 12 November 2012 [ 9 ]. Debouzy Marianne . 1998. ‘ interview with Madame Marianne Debouzy’ 11 November 2012 [ 10 ]. Tony Judt, â€Å"The rehabilitation of Europe† , p. 91. [ 11 ]. Ibid. , p. 93. [ 12 ]. Quoted in Tony Judt, ‘The rehabilitation of Europe’, p. 94.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Analyse the UK shower industry, value proposition of Quartz-Aqualisa’s revolutionary shower, marketing strategies employed by Aqualisa

This document analyses the UK shower industry, value proposition of Quartz-Aqualisa's revolutionary shower, marketing strategies employed by Aqualisa and suggests ways to make them more effective. The UK Shower Market – Product Offers and the Customer Behaviour The current market size of all different kinds of showers offered in UK was more than 1.8 million units valuing more than à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½5 Billion.1 Only 60% of the bathrooms in UK had a shower whereas all bathrooms had a bathtub. Prevalent problems in plumbing systems and showers The plumbing in UK was predominantly of the Victorian era. These systems were gravity fed which resulted in non uniform pressure and flow resulting in temperature fluctuations. The flow rates were around 3-4 litres per minute against the standard flow rates of 18 litres per minute in the USA. Also the showers broke down frequently and were difficult to repair as the seals used to get jammed and needed replacement. The replacement of the broken/worn down showers accounted for nearly 50% market.2 The users were having poor knowledge about the showers, available brands and options. These problems influenced the UK shower market and therefore shaped the consumer behaviour and the products available in the market. Market Segments The shower market can be broadly segmented in two categories – User and Non-Users. Refer Appendix Exhibit 1. USERS Premium users looked for style, performance, service and life. Standard users looked for performance, life and service of the shower. Value users looked for price, convenience and models that did not require major excavation and modifications in their bathrooms. NON-USERS Plumbers: Plumbers interacted through variety of ways with the end users- directly or indirectly. They maintained strong relationships with the manufacturers of the showers. They played a key role in the sale of the showers.3 Developers : They were the property developers in the UK. They preferred reliable showers which could work under multiple settings. They were price sensitive. They had direct contacts with the manufacturers or depended on the independent plumbers. DIY: These are large retail outlets which targeted customers who are primarily looking for ease of installation and inexpensive models. There were substantial sales taking place through this channel.4 Different Models and the Product Offers Based on the problems that existed, the market segmentation and the factors influencing decision making, three main types of showers were available in the market – Electric Showers, Mixer Showers and the Power Showers. They were targeted at different market segments under different brand names by manufactures. Quartz Value Proposition There will be two Value Propositions Statements5 based on the market segmentation – one for Users and the other one for Non Users. Refer Appendix Exhibit 3 It is considered that the Quartz Showers will be chosen over the competitive Mixer and the Power Showers. This is because of- Superior Design: Quartz range was designed to overcome the limitations of the Mixer and Power Showers, therefore in long term they will replace them completely. Current market share:6 Aqualisa has only 20 % and 16.7% of the current market share in the mixer showers and the power showers category. It is ranked 2nd and 5th respectively in these two categories. These two sectors offer the maximum growth potential and possibility of capturing new market share. Total costs:7 The initial cost of the Quartz showers are higher than both the Mixer Shower and the Power Showers, however installation of Mixer Showers require additional expenditure. It needs 2 man-days of the plumber which costs atleast 640à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ (considering à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½40 per hour and 8 hours per day). Additionally, the plumbers charge the cost of excavation- labour and materials extra. Therefore the total costs of ownership of Quartz Standard showers turn out to be cheaper. Multiple Brand Strategy: Gainsborough, Aqualisa and ShowerMax Based on the market segmentation shown above, Aqualisa uses three different brands to position and serve its target markets optimally. The use of different brands is a positioning policy so that Aqualisa can determine its Marketing Mix8 for each target market segment in order to occupy a clear, distinctive and attractive position in the minds of the consumers relative to the competing brands and products.9 It is made clear from the figure below that the three different brands (shown by different colours) have three different products, price range, promotional channels and distribution channels. The Marketing Framework10 – Positioning Strategy and 4Ps Quartz : Mainstream or Niche Aqualisa spent nearly à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½5.8 Million over a period of 3 years to develop Quartz. This is close to 10% of the total revenue generated by the firm in the year 2000.11 Additional modules could be built upon the existing Quartz installations to provide sophisticated features with customised benefits e.g. horizontal Body Jet. The heavy expense, scalable plug-ins and the lower total costs of ownership suggest that Quartz was designed to be a mainstream product. Quartz – Why are they not selling? The sales of Quartz are not picking up for number of reasons: 1. Rogers Five Factors12 determine the rate of acceptance of an innovation in a market place. These Five Factors are relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability. Quartz scored low on the compatibility because the plumbers who were selling and influencing the buying decisions of the consumers, were vary of use of electronics in the showers. Also, Aqualisa was not effectively offering trials/demonstrations to its users (except through showrooms) and plumbers in its marketing strategy and therefore loosing sales. Whenever, the plumber or the consumer was getting a demonstration it was resulting in a sale. 2. Associated Cost Savings: The lower total costs of ownerships were not clearly communicated to the plumbers and the end users to mitigate reluctance due to the higher initial price of Quartz. 3. Plumber mindset and long adoption times: No explicit efforts were taken to educate the plumbers. They were only communicated verbally about the additional benefits of the Quartz, however no workshops or trainings were carried out to overcome the reluctance of the plumbers. 4. Lack of clarity in the sales team and conflicting brands resulting in lower sales. The sales team lacked clarity on which product it had to promote- Quartz or the mainstream products-Aquavalve and Aquastream. Infact, Rawlinson and the national sales manager Tim Pestell had different views on Quartz' mainstream or niche nature. This resulted in lower push from sales team. 5. Only 10% of their time was devoted by Sales team on new prospects. This meant that they were limiting themselves to a smaller group of potential buyers. 6. Awareness: There were little actions taken to spread the benefits and the wow factor of the Quartz shower to the end consumers apart from a weekly advertisement in The Mail. What should Rawlinson do? To increase sales, it is necessary to understand the Decision Making Process (DMP)13 of the target market segments. The DMP of the users and the plumbers are different. For DIY and Developers, we would need to establish a separate strategy. Mapping the DMP Plumbers Users – Premium, Standard Unaware Unaware Awareness Awareness Reluctance Demonstration Trial Knowledge of benefits Purchase Purchase Positive Attitude/Reference Repeat Based on the DMP, our Marketing and Communications Strategy should be to increase awareness and trial/demonstrations. Further, the strategy should be based on the 6Ms model14 to consider all the aspects and maximize the output. 6Ms Model 1. Market: We have not targeting the user-value segment since it is not suitable for Quartz. 2. Mission: To achieve a sale of at least 100 units per day in the next 3-4 months to bring Quartz in the mainstream segment. The maximum time available till another competitor catches up with the innovation is estimated to be 2 years. 3. Message: The message has to be different for the Plumbers and the Users. The different messages will be the statement of benefits that are spelled out in the Value Proposition of Quartz. Refer Appendix Exhibit 2. 4. Media: 4.1 Advertising: Full fledged advertisement campaign have high costs15. Therefore advertisement expenditure will be limited. However, a new and cost effective media can be the back of the Shower Gel Bottles. This way Aqualisa will be able to reach the users and even the non-user market very effectively. A small pilot test can be carried out immediately to determine its possible impact and its cost. Internet advertisement is also an effective and a cheaper way to reach the end users. The Pay per click concept will help keep the advertising costs down. 4.2 Sales Team: A change in the marketing structure of Aqualisa is needed so that greater focus can be given on each channel. The suggested marketing structure is shown in Appendix Exhibit 4. 4.3 Channel Management & Sales Promotion: This is based on giving incentives and forming stronger commercial relationships with the channel partners to push16 the Quartz through different channels available. Plumbers: > Launch Event: Organise a launch cum training event for one full day where plumbers from different locations can be brought together and explained about the product. This should include a hands on training program so that they realise the ease and get rid of any misconceptions. This can be repeated if required. > Plumber Loyalty Program & Commissions: Plumbers association with Aqualisa can be made official. Plumbers can be given commission for every sale of Quartz. This will immediately get their attention and help eliminate any doubts. While advertising Quartz directly to the users, their names can appear as the list of authorised plumbers to fit/sell Quartz in the specific territory. In return, a small fee can be charged to them for their official partnership. > References: Aqualisa can use references from respected plumbers to endorse the credibility of Quartz. > Going beyond the existing associated plumbers: To look and expand beyond the already known plumbers. Trade Shops: > Videos showing the entire installation process in a step wise manner and the associated cost savings to plumbers. > Early discounts: In-order to keep their commitment towards Quartz, certain Early Discounts schemes may be offered. > Training the Trade Shop staff to sell on Associated Cost Savings for the plumbers. The trade shop staff should be able to explain Quartz' benefits and how it is different from the earlier failed showers which used electronics. > Expand to other Trade Shops: Increase coverage to newer trade shops and territories. Showrooms & Distributors: > Expand to untapped Showrooms & Distributors in new geographies without conflicting the existing ones. > Early discounts 4.4 Integrated Marketing: Aqualisa's direct communication with end user should not result in direct business. The sales to the end users must be routed through authorised channels of showrooms and plumbers. Also the retail pricing for the plumbers and the showrooms will have to be same and fixed to avoid under-cutting. The idea is to create customer awareness and to use the Pull Strategy through either of the two channels. This will keep the current relationship with the channel partners intact. 5. Money: The entire Marketing communication and promotion strategy has been designed such that the initial cash outflow is less. Refer Appendix Exhibit 5 6. Measurement: It is extremely important to monitor closely how sales are picking up after taking all the initiatives. The restructuring of the marketing department suggested will help. Daily reports with key facts and figures will be made available to the Rawlinson who can then take suitable actions. Stripped down version for the Developers & DIY Aqualisa should develop a stripped down version of the Quartz for the DIY and Developers market(brand it under their existing Gainsborough & ShowerMax brands). Branding it under a different name will keep their Aqualisa brand intact. The fact that Quartz will become a platform on for subsequent hi-end solutions, it is recommended to concentrate on higher volumes than margins initially. Conclusion Close monitoring and implementations of the suggested schemes will help Aqualisa increase sales of Quartz to achieve its mainstream status. Appendix Exhibit 1 : Market Segment Exhibit 2: Various shower categories, Aqualisa's Offerings and the Channels used by them. Exhibit 3: Value Proposition of Quartz. Exhibit 4 : New Sales & Marketing Department Structure. Exhibit 5 : Marketing Communication and Promotion Expenditure. Exhibit 1: Market Segment UK Shower Market Segment Exhibit 3: Value Proposition of Quartz Value Proposition Statement17 for USERS Premium and Standard category Users who need bathroom showers will buy Quartz Standard Shower and Quartz Pumped Shower because it delivers water at good and stable pressures and temperatures, it is easy to use, it does not break down and has stunning looks. They will choose this over the Mixer and the Power Showers of other players such as Mira, Masco, Ideal Standard and Triton because we can uniquely offer remotely located water mixing mechanism that is electronically controlled and superior design from our focus on innovation, state art of testing facilities and engineering development team. Value Proposition Statement for NON USERS Plumbers who sell and influence buying decisions of bathroom showers will buy and recommend Quartz Standard Shower and Quartz Pumped Shower because it is easy to install, can be installed four times faster, does not need any excavation, offer a 5 year parts warranty, does not go wrong and need a second free visit. They will choose this over the Mixer and the Power Showers of other players such as Mira, Masco, Ideal Standard and Triton because we can uniquely offer remotely located water mixing mechanism that is electronically controlled and superior design from our focus on innovation, state art of testing facilities and engineering development team. Exhibit 4 : New Sales & Marketing Department Structure. Exhibit 5 : Marketing Communication and Promotion Expenditure. Less focus is given on advertisement and more focus is given on the push strategies. This way the maximum proportion of the marketing promotion expenditure occurs after the actual sales occur. Marketing Communications Media Expenditure type – Before / After Sale 1. Advertising on Shower Gels Before 2. Advertising on Internet (pay per click) Before the sale, but charged only on click not for placements 3. Advertising in Newspapers Before 4. Sales Restructuring – Extra Mktg. executives Before, however they will be used for closer monitoring of the implementation schemes and to push other products also. 5. Channels – Plumbers Commission After Plumber Loyalty Program Before Launch Event Before Trade Shops Early Discounts After Trade shops – staff training costs Before Showrooms – Early Discounts After Only in cases of Launch event and training programs there can be a substantial outflow earlier, however this is absolutely necessary to increase awareness in the Plumbers.

Is our Generation More Stressed than the Previous Ones?

Nowadays, stress is becoming a common problem. Our younger generation thinks that modern life is generally much more stressful than in the past. However, others say that the amount of stress people have today is overstated as older generations coped with more pressure, but they never thought about such a phenomenon as â€Å"stress†. This contradiction makes many people compare the negative aspects of stress to society today and in the past.On the one hand, the previous generations experienced great stress because of poor living conditions, food shortage and numerous wars, which were taking away millions of people’s lives. Moreover, they did not have such helpful technologies, which make the life of a modern person easier. Besides, without an advanced medical system many people died of simple illnesses and diseases because there were no necessary medicines and vaccines. That is why life expectancy in the past was much lower than it is now.On the other hand, because of th e increasing pace of life nowadays people are always in a chronic rush, which causes various mental and physical health problems, such as backache, depression, fatigue, headaches, high blood pressure, and insomnia. What is more, almost everybody in our modern society is trying to achieve high standard of living, therefore, people have to spend long hour at work. As a result, they feel overworked and burn out, and hardly have time to relax and escape from everyday routine, which leads them to losing their balance between work and personal life.Furthermore, there is no doubt that several decades ago, the environment was much better than today with fresh water, air and food, whereas today we face air, water and noise pollution, which of course contribute to the symptoms of stress. In addition, nowadays, the majority of people lives in big and overcrowded cities and suffer from such common city problems as standstill traffic congestions, unemployment, high crime rate and high cost of li ving.The unemployment rate is constantly increasing; hence, the number of job-seeker is growing, which leads to the increasing competitiveness in job opportunities. In my opinion, each generation suffers from stress; the difference is in the attitude to it. To my mind, today time is more compressed than ever and because of the speedy pace of life and everyday overload, people feel exhausted as human beings are not designed for a prolonged, high-speed activity.However, we have to admit that in a certain sense our ancestors had their own reasons of stress, which should not be underestimated. To sum up, stress has been felt by all generations in their lives. It is really hard to compare either modern generation, or the previous one is under more stress that the other one, because each generation has its own problems. People would better concentrate on reducing the number of stress and try to make future living conditions more favorable.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Catcher in the Rye - chapter analysis essays

Catcher in the Rye - chapter analysis essays English Journal The Catcher in the Rye In the two opening chapters we are introduced to Holden Caulfield and his life at Pencey High. This is all about to end due to his failure in 4/5 subjects. My initial reaction to Holdens personality was that he had a very negative view on many things happening in his life, for example the football game he was watching and the teacher Mr. Spencer. Holden also introduces his view on phonies. I find Holden to be a very depressing character that doesnt really care about life or school, this is seen when he fails an essay. However when talking with Mr. Spencer we see another side to Holdens personality when he attempts to console the teacher by saying it is him not the teaching that caused him to fail. I find it hard to grasp the actual storyline, as Holden seems to talk about many various subjects. In this chapter, I learn more about Holdens personality. He is quick to judge people, impulsive, contradictive, cynical and quite random. Holden introduces Robert Ackley, who he says is a phony moron and then describes Ward Strandler his roommate as a secret slob. I think this is a very negative way to view the people around him. Holden seems to be quick to judge people and appears quite childish for making such a fuss and taking everything so negatively. Although Holden despises Stradlater he agrees to write an English composition paper for him. I think this relates to chapter 2 when he talked with Mr. Spencer because yet again Holden is helping someone he doesnt like. This showed me that although quick to judge people, he does have some concern for others. In this chapter Jane Gallagher, and old friend to Holden, is also mentioned. I found the reaction from Holden strange because he couldnt decide whether or not to go meet and greet her. I would have expected him to gone to see his friend to at...

Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy Introduction The concept of bureaucracy stems from the administrative organization of different groups of people in an organization. Many governmental and non-governmental institutions have used bureaucracy to carry out their functions. Nowadays, many people see bureaucracies as inefficient, but history has proved that the concept can effectively instill compatibility in organizational functions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Bureaucracy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper analyzes the concept of bureaucracy through the works of two authors – Weber and Ritzer. In detail, this paper analyzes the essential characteristics of bureaucratic organizations, according to Weber, and the application of Weber’s concept in Ritzer’s Mcdonalization concept. This paper also compares the concept of bureaucracy to the works of two more authors, Kafka and Melville. Their works suffice to understand disco ntents with bureaucracy, as noted by Weber and Ritzer. Lastly, according to the philosophies of Weber and Freud, this paper describes the psychosocial forces that uphold bureaucratic organizations. Characteristics of Bureaucratic Organizations According to Weber Weber said that bureaucratic organizations should be hierarchical, managed by organizational rules, organized by functional specialty, have an unfocused or in-focused vision, purposely impersonal, and demonstrate employment by technical qualification. Indeed, Weber acknowledges that a centralized planning structure controls bureaucratic organizations, through the control of lower levels of administration by higher levels of administration. While explaining the concept of management by rule, Weber said that, lower authorities should respect decisions made by higher authorities. Similarly, according to Weber, bureaucratic organizations should treat all employees and customers equally (according to the concept of purposely impe rsonal). Lastly, Weber says that bureaucratic organizations should demonstrate that technical qualifications outline the overarching principle behind employee recruitments. McDonalization according to Ritzer Ritzer introduced the concept of McDonalization to show the similarity of bureaucratic organizations with fast food restaurants. Some observers say that Macdonalization is similar to the concept of rationalization, where traditional thoughts transition into rational modes of thoughts.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is also a key concept in the philosophy of scientific management. To the critics of McDdonalization, this philosophy is undesirable because it â€Å"kills† humanity. In other words, the concept of bureaucracy emphasizes more on efficiency at the expense of human attributes. This principle is one among five other principles proposed by Rit zer to outline the concept of Mcdonalization. Indeed, Ritzer says there are five main principles of the concept of Mcdonalization and they include efficiency, calculability, predictability, control, and culture. The concept of bureaucracy, as proposed by Weber, is similar to Mcdonalization because bureaucracy focuses on quantity as opposed to quality. For example, while focusing on the concept of efficiency (as outlined in Mcdonalization) in a restaurant context; we can see that the concept of McDonalization aims to make hungry people â€Å"full†, within the shortest time, and not their experiences while eating. This process aims at improving efficiency within the organization and increasing a company’s profit margin (quantity over quality). The Mcdonalization concept also emphasizes on quantifiable aspects of a product, as opposed to the aesthetic aspects of a product. For instance, in fast food restaurants, Mcdonalization implies the preference of â€Å"sales† over â€Å"taste†. Furthermore, in such bureaucratic organizations, managers would assess workers, based on how fast they work, not the quality of their work. Stated differently, bureaucracy pays little regard to the quality of work and the welfare of the workers. Instead, it proposes a mechanical perspective of workers as a factor of production, as opposed to human beings. This is the main reason bureaucracy outlines the work of employees as routine, repetitive and predictable. Generally, Ritzer borrows Weber’s concept of bureaucracy by saying, bureaucracies dehumanize organizations, the same way fast food restaurants do (Mcdonalization). With such concepts in play, a rational thought that generates through a narrow scope of understanding can lead to irrational and undesirable outcomes.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Bureaucracy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Therefore, Ritzer says that the concep t of bureaucracy and Mcdonalization are similar because they both dehumanize organizations and their employees. In other words, Mcdonalization and bureaucracies do not treat people as human beings, but rather, as sources of money. Discontents with Bureaucracy, According to Kafka and Melville In a narrative depicting the life of Gregor (an office worker), Kafka and Melville, introduce an interesting understanding of the discontents of bureaucracy, as proposed by Weber. Gregor lost his job when a disastrous misfortune happened in his life. Through Gregor’s misfortune, Kafka and Melville highlight the struggles of the workplace. For example, for relying on Gregor as the breadwinner, his family and friends experienced significant difficulties in sustaining their lives when Gregor lost his job. Gregor’s misfortune highlights the discontent of bureaucracy because Gregor replaced his life with his work. He spent most of his time in the office, away from his family. Certainly, the pathos witnessed through Kafka and Melville’s story depicts the tragedy of a man who devoted most of his time to work, such that, when he lost his job, he felt like he lost his life. This tragedy represents Ritzer’s story when he said that bureaucracy dehumanizes the society. Indeed, even through Gregor’s story, bureaucracy surfaces as a replacement for human lives, and instead of seeing employees as people, bureaucracy sees them as factors of production. Employees therefore â€Å"lose their lives† by conforming to bureaucratic principles and fail to enjoy the essence of humanity. Psychosocial Forces That Bind Bureaucratic Organizations Together The psychosocial forces that bind bureaucratic organizations center on the forces that keep different groups together in the workplace. However, different groups in the workplace need to be cohesive and work for a specific purpose, as proposed by bureaucratic principles. Through this understanding, it is cruc ial to introduce the concept of libidinal ties, which uphold group cohesion. Similarly, through the group cohesion, an organization’s vision and objective may easily suffice. In this analysis, it is easy to question why group ties exist, and why they exist for the intended period.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To answer this question, Feud says that authority and legitimacy of the leader is the main binding factor. Bureaucracies therefore strengthen these organizational ties by prompting employees to accept a higher authority as the legitimate binding factor in an organization. The above example contrasts with other groups that do not have a leader, or a center of authority. Freud provides an example in the article titled, Two Artificial Groups: the Church and the Army, where he says that an external authority, and not necessarily an authority within the organization, holds certain groups together. For example, external forces hold churches together. In fact, occasionally, an unseen force (say, God) may prevent the disintegration of such groups. Bureaucratic organizations however differ from such groups because an internal force of authority, say managers, holds them together. The legitimacy of authority (as wielded by an individual) is therefore a critical psychosocial factor that binds bureaucratic organizations together, and upholds employee unity. The absence of this legitimacy may cause disunity in the organization because people may fall victim to the absence of a binding authority. Bureaucracy affirms the importance of a point of power (authority) as the main source of legitimacy of an organization’s activity. Therefore, often, people in bureaucratic organizations find solace at this point of authority as their unifying factor. The legitimization of this force is the main psychosocial force that binds bureaucratic organizations together. Conclusion After weighing the findings of this paper, bureaucracy stands out as an important organizational tool. However, limitations that center on the technical application and mechanization of labor characterize its application. This attribute manifests through the Mcdonalization concept, which highlights how bureaucracy tramples humanistic factors for the benefit of efficiency, calculability, predictability, contr ol, and culture. These factors drive the concept of Mcdonalization. Kafka and Melville also share the same views because they narrate how bureaucracy substitutes human lives for work. To both authors, bureaucracy presents an inhuman understanding of employees, and the role they play in the workplace. Nonetheless, after evaluating the operations of bureaucratic organizations, and the philosophies as proposed by Weber and Ritzer, we see that psychosocial forces uphold bureaucratic organizations. Weber and Freud acknowledge the role played by legitimization and libitidal ties as the main psychosocial forces that uphold bureaucracy in the workplace. Through these forces, bureaucracies are able to coordinate the work of different employees, thereby establishing group cohesion in the workplace. The legitimization of a central point of power (that controls these groups) outlines the main forces surrounding the work of such groups. Broadly, Weber, Ritzer and Feud highlight the main strength s and weaknesses of bureaucracies, plus the implications of these weaknesses in an organization.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Racism

Racism Racial prejudice has started since a very long time ago and unfortunately it still exists in today's society. People shouldn't be judge because of their skin colour but instead for what they did. In this article, it says that African Canadian drivers are being stopped at much higher rates than other races. If black people get arrested for something they did and white people do the same thing but get away with I think that it's extremely unfair and it is an injustice to these people who are getting arrested.Even though our skin colour may be different, our feelings are still the same. Black people and white people should receive the same treatment and decisions towards these people should not be based on their ethnic background. All these differences about colour are only skin deep and people should try and see what's on the inside of those people. I don't think that anyone likes be victim of racial prejudice and I don't understand why some people keep doing it to others.'RACISM/THERE IS MORE TO LEARN' Dominic JacquesHowever, in some cases aggravation is only created by the mental thought. Change is a particular device that people cannot handle at all times. People are more comfortable around the recognizable and they find it hard to adapt to a culture that they are not familiar being with. Since 1987, Chinese have been settling in Vancouver, as the suburb of Richmond went from one in twenty to one in three of its residents being Chinese, in two decades. This rapid change was not acceptable for many people who moved out for that very reason so they can live in a "white town" again (Rupet 1996,13-15). On the other hand, one does not have to be a racist to increase the racism around them. For example, silence does not necessarily mean it can prevent... Racism Racism Racism Racism could be a persons belief that one race is better than the rest. Racism comes from ancient times but todays people arent as open about it. Some people are racist against the color of someones skin or even their religious beliefs. American History X is a movie that can make racist people take a look at themselves and how they view other people and other ethnic groups. The movie starts off with an apparent message that is racism against African American people. Derrik becomes a young so called Nazi skinhead when his father is killed by an African American drug dealer while putting out a fire. Derrik encourages his little brother to follow the same beliefs that he does. Thus, this essay seeks to explore racial identity threat and how it has affected integration in the American society from historic times to date. In the film, American History X,Derrik gets arrested for killing two African American boys for trying to take his truck. While in prison Derrik joins the white crew for protection, he then sees that they still do business with other races so he gets offended. The main leader of the gang gets mad and decides to teach Derrik a lesson and orders the other white brothers to rape him in the shower. Derrik is then paired up to work detail with an African American guy who begins to let Derrik see another perspective on different races because Derrik is no longer protected from the white gang. He can only become a target for all other gangs in prison but his new found friend secretly protects him until he is released. The Neo Nazis in the movie represent a gang of white skin heads who scorn and hold rage against African Americans and other minority groups; something that has threatened harmonious co-existence of races in the American society for long. Derrik tells Danny what happened to him in prison and this seems to change the way Danny thinks and he agrees to change. Danny says, I hate anyone that isn't white Protestant They're a burden to the advancement of the white race. Some of them are all right, I guess... Danny is very selective and has a very negative reaction towards the blacks as influenced by Derek. He thinks that the white race should be recognized as the race that matters. For Danny, racism and anger becomes poison to him. It eats him from the inside. He thinks that hating an individual is a weapon that harms the person who hinders their progress. However, hatred through racism is like a curved blade. The racial harm that they both do, takes a very huge turn on his life. Racism has caused detrimental effects on characters like Danny when he goes to school on one occasion. This takes place after he visits the washroom where an African American student shoots him several times in the chest instantly killing him. This hate has reached great levels of murder. The African American kills Danny because of his race. At some point, Bob Sweeney tells Derrik, There was a moment, when I used to blame everything and everyone for all the pain and suffering and vile things that happened to me, that I saw happen to my people. Used to blame everybody. Blamed white people, blamed society, blamed God. I didn't get no answers 'cause I was asking the wrong questions. You have to ask the right questions. This shows how people regard themselves better than others. They always think that their race is superior and that other races are merely a source of trouble. Well, Amy Tan, on the other hand, describes what is seen as an American child staying with foreign parents which is highly comparable to an American child staying with English speaking parents. This is well described in Mother Tongue. Amy has all along lived the rest of her life with her mother who speaks English that is influenced by Chinese language. Racism still remains to be their challenge. People can easily look down upon them because they cannot speak good English. She explores the neglect she faced from the English teachers, but finally succeeded and ended up being a writer. This is an indication of how racism has affected her because she cannot speak English well at first. Amy is not at ease with her mother speaking English in the public. Amy shows how people can be despised if they are found limited in speaking English. They feel that their race is inferior. She refers to her mothers English as broken language. Failure to understand English well within the American society for immigrants can lock many doors of success and deny them many things owing to their race. The English speaking races are presented as superior than those struggling to make a sentence in English. Creating a good image is very important in getting what a person wants. Speaking good English was one of the ways for an immigrant to succeed in the American society (Mukherjee 126-129). Amys mother chose to let her speak over the phone on her behalf, especially when it involved serious matters. This is more in particular at a time when her mother wanted to speak to a stockbroker from the New York City. Amy says, When I was fifteen, she used to have me call people on the phone to pretend I was she (78). Amy Tan is a daughter of one of the immigrants into California from China in the end of 1940s. Though she knew Chinese, it was not enough to propel her to success in the United States. She ponders on the subject of learning English, as it takes a center stage and connects well with her success. She uses her book, Mother Tongue, to explore on this issue that has troubled many immigrants in the United States. Many arrive without having a good mastery of the language, but it has proven to be difficult living in America with such a condition (Mukherjee 126-129). Amy did not only want her mother to be despised in the public, but she helped her a lot in getting what she wanted from people across the American society. Although Amy stresses on the language that a family speaks and how it relates to shaping the childs language, the importance of speaking good English in the American society is very much evident. They are making every effort to move away from their race as it is hampering thei r endeavors in the American society. Conclusion American History X is a great example of a racist person seeing the different view of races after being turned away from his own kind. There is always going to be racism around the world. It would be nice if people could see the error of their ways just like Derrik. People are also racist because all nationalities are stereotyped an example is being Jewish people. Jewish people are believed to be cheap, African American and Hispanics are believed to be criminals and living off welfare whereas Italians are all believed to have mob connections, so if we cant get people to stop stereotyping they wont stop being racist. People have a formed opinion concerning a particular race and they treat people based on these stereotypes as seen in the American History X film. Amy Tan shows the same characteristics. As implied in her book, Mother Tongue, the failure to learn English would amount to despise and limited opportunities for the immigrants. This is a subject that has been debated upon concerning American being a place where cultures melt away occasioned by the fear of racism and its ravages. Amy shies away from her Chinese origin and language so that she can comfortably live within the American society with her mother. Apparently, it is true of America today. It appears as though it is a requirement for immigrants to learn English and somehow adopt American culture if they are to experience success in their new homeland, in the United States. Otherwise, the immigrants are bound to racism and will consequently hamper their efforts in the American society.