Quantitative Methods for Business Essay

In January 2008, Northern Airlines merged with Southeast Airlines to create the fourth largest U.S. carrier. The new North-South Airline inherited both an aging fleet of Boeing 727-300 aircraft and Stephen Ruth. Stephen was a tough former secretary of the navy who stepped in as new president and chairman of the board. Stephen’s first concern in creating a financially solid company was maintenance costs. It was commonly surmised in the airline industry that maintenance costs rise with the age of the aircraft. He quickly noticed that historically there had been a significant difference in the reported B727-300 maintenance costs (from ATA Form 41’s) both in the airframe and engine areas between Northern Airlines and Southeast Airlines, with Southeast having the newer fleet. On February 12, 2008, Peg Jones, vice president for operation and maintenance, was called into Stephen’s office and asked to study the issue. Specifically, Stephen wanted to know whether the average fleet age was correlated to direct airframe maintenance costs, and whether there was a relationship between average fleet age and direct engine maintenance costs. Peg was to report back by February 26 with the answer, along with quantitative and graphical descriptions of the relationship. Peg’s first step was to have her staff construct the average age of Northern and Southeast B727-300 fleets, by quarter, since the introduction of that aircraft to service by each airline in late 1993 and early 1994. The average age of each fleet was calculated by first multiplying the total number of calendar days each aircraft had been in service at the pertinent point in time by the average daily utilization of the respective fleet to total fleet hours flown. The total fleet hours flown was then divided by the number of aircraft in service at that time, giving the age of the â€Å"average† aircraft in the fleet. The average utilization was found by taking the actual total fleet hours flown on September 30, 2007 form Northern and Southeast data, and dividing by the total days in service for all aircraft at that time. The average utilization for Southeast was 8.3 hours per day, and the average utilization for Northern was 8.7 hours per day. Because the available cost data were calculated for each yearly period ending at the end of the first quarter, average fleet age was calculated at the same points in time. The fleet data are shown in the following table. Airframe cost data and engine cost data are both shown paired with fleet average age in that table.

Baseball: Then and Now Essay

â€Å"The game of baseball has now become beyond question the leading feature of the outdoor sports of the United States†¦It is a game which is peculiarly suited to the American temperament and disposition:†¦ in short, the pastime suits the people, and the people suit the pastime†(Charles Peverelly, 1866). Although baseball is still America’s favorite pastime, the way it is played has changed greatly since it’s founding in the 1800’s. Baseball was originally created so there would be something the boys could do to keep busy during the summer months. Now, baseball has changed greatly because of technological and technique advancements, rule alterations, and the commercialization of the game. Since its origination in the mid 1800’s, baseball has undergone many changes and advancements in technology and technique. When it was first played, there was no such thing as a glove used to help catch the ball. The fielders would play bare-handed, making line drives automatic hits and ground balls even harder to handle. The bat has undergone many changes as well. Batters used to hit the ball with a bat that had a flat side. This was comparable to a cricket paddle except slightly longer and slimmer. Now, players of any age or level use bats that are cylinder shaped with a slightly wider section on the end. In the 1800’s, the general public was not as safety oriented as is today’s society. This is shown by the complete lack of helmets worn by players in the mid 1800’s. Now, helmets are required by rule to be worn by the batter when he is hitting. Helmets are made of a highly durable, shock absorbent outer shell with soft interior padding for comfort. Other advances were demonstrated by the change in pitching style and technique. The first pitchers threw two kinds of pitches: a high pitch and a low pitch. Then, they added outside and inside pitches. After that, change ups and fastballs were developed. Now, sliders, sinkers, curveballs, forkballs, screwballs, and knuckleballs are routine pitches. As a result of today’s pitchers like Pedro Martinez and Greg Maddux – who throw less hittable pitches – hitting techniques have been worked on, and players have become better hitters. For  example, the first great hitters such as Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle would not be able to compete with Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds – the best batters of today. The advancements in technology and style have completely changed the way baseball is played, as have the many changes that were made to the rulebook. Since its early beginning in the mid 1800’s through 1975, baseball has developed and modified many old rules into new rules that keep the game flowing. In 1889, a rule was introduced that if four balls were thrown during the span of one player’s at-bat, the player was allowed to â€Å"walk† to first base. This was an immense change from the old rule, which stated that if nine pitches total were thrown during the at-bat, the hitter would â€Å"walk† to first base. Also that year, the batter could be thrown only three strikes before he was called out. In 1969, a standard strike zone was added that included the area from the batter’s armpits to the top of his knees. These three rules eliminated the lengthy at bats that slowed down the game, standardized play, and made less room for controversial called strikes or balls. Not only were changes made in the playing rules, there were also many changes in the equipment rules. In 1889, the catcher was allowed to wear a padded leather mitt and a chest protector. This rule made being the catcher more bearable. By 1893, bat size and shape was enforced, and in 1975, the last change was made; the baseball could be covered with cowhide because of the shortage of horses. Because of the plethora of changes that were made to the rulebook, baseball today contrasts baseball in the 1800’s. The most explicit cause of the changes in baseball is the amount of commercialization that occurs today. The professional baseball players of today are shown on TV and in newspapers; their replica jerseys are sold at around $70 per item; and the players make an average of $600,000 per year. Compared to the absence of salary until the 1920’s, this is a major difference. In 1922, Babe Ruth made $50,000 in 1989, Kirby Puckett made $3,000,000 and in 2000, Alex Rodriguez made $27,000,000. Many players of today play for money, not for their love of the game like they used to. This shows that baseball is no longer a game, but a job. Another change is the publicity baseball receives. Stadiums today can hold as many as 62,409 people (Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia). The first ball parks did not even have a place for spectators to watch. Not only do professional stadiums attract viewers, but they attract salesmen and the media. For example, Hormel ® does not provide 7th inning stretch entertainment to show their support for baseball; they do it simply to advertise to a very large crowd for a very small price. Baseball today has grown rapidly into a target for cheap advertising and money-making. With the emphasis and importance of baseball on Americans’ lives today, it has rapidly grown into America’s favorite pastime. Through technological and technique advancements, rule alterations, and the commercialization of the game, baseball has changed greatly from the unorganized backyard game into America’s favorite pastime. â€Å"I think Little League Baseball is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house.† (Yogi Berra, 1954)

Working capital management and how it affects the liquidity and Dissertation

Working capital management and how it affects the liquidity and profitaility position of the hotel industry in the UK - Dissertation Example Research Questions 8 2.2. Research Objectives 8 3. Literature Review 9 3.1. Working Capital & its importance 9 3.2. Working capital management 13 3.3. Inventory management 16 3.4. Cash management 19 4. Research methodology 26 4.1. Research philosophy 26 4.2. Research approach and technique 28 4.3. Sources & collection of data 29 4.4. Ethics 32 4.5. Credibility & verification 33 4.6. Research limitations 34 4.7. Estimated costs 34 4.8. Time activity 35 5. Findings 36 6. Discussions 41 6.1. Working capital & its importance 41 6.2. Management & control of working capital 42 6.3. Working capital & its effects on liquidity and profitability of a firm 45 6.4. Relevance of & impact of working capital in the UK hotel industry 47 6.5. Analysis & discussion 54 7. Conclusion & Recommendation 58 8. Reflections 63 References 67 1. Introduction With the advent of globalization and major change in economy, various sectors have come into picture and have shown promising development all around. One o f them is definitely the hospitality sector. People flock in from various part of the world for various purposes and here comes the usefulness of the service sector. A country’s reputation also lies in the quality of hospitality which it may provide. The super powers in respect of world economy certainly have a cutting edge than others. UK is a favorite destination to citizens all round the globe. The culmination of people of various societies can be found over there, who are out to make their living. As a result the service industry in UK is on a boom. 4.2 percent of investment is made in the service sector (Economic contribution of UK hospitality industry, 2010). The London Olympics which is to be staged in 2012 will see numerous foot falls as people round the globe will be there to witness the gala event. The government has taken steps to renovate the industry and provide best of service. An addition of 1.2 billion pound will be there to the economy (2012 London Olympics F act). Economy earned by the hotel industry can be contributed to other growing or lesser growing sectors. It is quite evident that the hotel industry, especially those engaged in large scale are surely to be benefited, and can face high profitability. But amidst this, proper financial management of resource and a control on the working capital is also required to raise long term profitability. The profit gained over this period of time can be invested and manipulated well for future days. One of the important aspects in finance deals with Working Capital Management. The term Working capital deals with two broad divisions of the Balance Sheet, i.e. current asset and the current liabilities and the numeric difference between them. The current asset mainly comprises of cash, sundry debtors which are also known as Accounts receivable and bills receivable and inventories whereas the current liabilities deals with short term debt, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other debts. In lay man’s term working capital is one of the crucial requirements of a firm and is the fund which is required to meet up the day to days expenses. Working capital may vary from one organization to another based on their size and the amount of money that are engaged in current assets. Organizations employed with high fixed assets tend to possess a low working capital. Presence of an efficient working capital is of utmost importance to the firm and its assessment is also needed to be monitored in a correct manner. The overestimation or the under estimation both may lead to mishaps (Mathur, 2007) for the organization. Overestimation may hamper the return on investment by the accumulation of the inventories. Whereas the underestimation may curb the growth, as the organization will not move to venture into new projects due

MHealth applications. Mobile Health PowerPoint Presentation

MHealth applications. Mobile Health - PowerPoint Presentation Example Patients should have absolute assurance that, during the medical process they are safe and cannot contact any communicable malady that would worsen their state. This is regardless of any incidences, which might lead to the loss of former medical records. In most cases, this might prompt the medical staff to guess for alternatives (PR, 2011). Primarily, this act as a relief to those ailing while waiting for meticulous check ups, which ought not to be medically especially among the chronic patients. Since, this may worsen their state and result to irredeemable stages that might require extra, expensive involvement. Additionally, the medical experts ought to ensure that, there is adequate agreement with a one’s responsible people prior administering any medication. This ensures there are no conflicting issues that would yield to lawsuits if an adverse result erupts or a patient unknowingly abuses the drugs (Bluestein, 2012). Medical staff prior anything ought to establish adequate and reliable consultations with family constellations to those individuals who seem to have no reliable very close relations especially the destitute. 2. The future of mHealth(Mobile Health) Presently, mHealth has made remarkable advances that has prompted numerous studies contend its continued immense progress in the future (PR, 2011). This is via the progressing trend of technology that has boosted its existence by easing communication and accessibility of the necessary diverse ailments’ information by the patients.... This is via the progressing trend of technology that has boosted its existence by easing communication and accessibility of the necessary diverse ailments’ information by the patients. Current studies argue that, by 2015, 500 million people globally would have access to mHealth applications. However, this comparison to the global population and its pace exemplifies slow motion, but all these noticeable changes are not only affecting healthcare, but also interrelated sectors (Bluestein, 2012). This encompasses making the healthcare both reachable and affordable to people especially in the upcoming states. Since comparing to instituting new facilities, it is pricey than implementing the new technology, for illustration, smart phone or tablet. This is because mHealth entail a reliable controlling center where the personnel would be convening to harmonize their ideas and act as informational central unit. Judging from the current healthcare situation, numerous people prefer the mH ealth; owing to its unique, interactive interface (Bluestein, 2012). Patients are able to access their private and tailored services according to their needs coupled with high convenience. Hence, an indication that, mHealth will have a heightened trend in the future due to its acceptance, which numerous practitioners are predicting currently (PR, 2011). The continued application of mHealth it will be more reliable especially to the chronic aged people who contrary to the current state they will not be in need of going to the care centers. Since, those who are not much advanced in years and able to use the mHealth applications would be adequately reporting their wellbeing (PR, 2011). Additionally, they will be able to access adequate information regarding their condition and

Human elemant for project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Human elemant for project management - Essay Example From the very beginning open communication was encouraged and it led the team to work in excellent working environment. Due to such working environment and open communication, the members of my team started trusting each other and addressed each other by their first name. This let us establish and work on common goals and we put aside the personal goals when working in team. Each member of my team was highly involved and participated in the completion of work. They were motivated and did almost every task before they were asked to perform. This high commitment towards the team and work made the completion of task much easier than expected (Edmondson, 2003). Formation of a team is one of the most essential process to gather the most intellectual and talented members. As the academic theories anticipates that for a successful team formation it is essential to go through specially designed programs that last 12-24 months (Eppler & Sukowski, 2000). Availability of time was the major cons traint to form a perfect team but still I was able to form a team that was ready to work together towards the achievement of desired goals and objectives. As indicated by Lennox (2001) that an effective team could significantly change the direction of the organisation and to make this happen my team members trusted each other and motivated one another to keep moving forward till the completion of tasks. The second important process for effective team is its development (San Martin-Rodriguez, Beaulieu, D'Amour, & Ferrada-Videla, 2005). For the development of an effective team we adopted and followed Tuckman’s theory of team development (Mullins, 2008. My team experienced all five stages of team development i.e. forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning (Reilly & Jones, 2008). At the forming stage, team members introduced themselves to one another which led to the evaluation of common interest. This introduction also helped the members of the team to establish their preferences and dislikes towards others in the team. Since, each member of the team had unique skills and talents they distributed their roles according to the resources that each members had access to rather than by votes or any other formal process. Shortly after the determination of roles and responsibilities my team established common practices of behavior. This establishment of common practices helped the team to work together and helped the team members to eliminate all the discriminating factors that could affect the performance of my team. In order to communicate with one another, my team members selected English as the primary language as all the members of my team was aware of this language. The storming phase was the most difficult phase for my team as each member was trying to force their ideas and opinions. In order to resolve such intense discussion, I offered my team with a solution i.e. to hear what was being proposed by each team member and vote would decide regard ing the selection of idea. As a result of such decision, my team was able to work effectively but the disadvantage with such decision was that it took quite some time but in the end, the team was once again on the same platform. My team members appreciated each idea even though they had totally opposite ones but this allowed the members of my

Analysis of Stone Henge Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Analysis of Stone Henge - Essay Example The meanings behind the large circles of stone can only be guessed at. As has been noted, earlier grave sites were normally aligned with the winter solstice, allowing a shaft of sunlight to enter the chamber only on that day and that hour. However, once the circle was removed from such a close association with death, it is argued that the larger standing stones became aligned instead with sunrise at the summer solstice. While the stones of Stonehenge are aligned to various astronomical times (Souden, 1997), there are several indications that the circles may have served a deeper purpose than providing a necessary solar calendar for people who survived on cultivating the land. One theory holds that the circles are indeed aligned with the summer solstice as a means of reflecting the joining of the Earth Goddess, symbolized by the womb-like shape of the monument and the supine, glittering surface of the Altar Stone, with the Sky Father, symbolized by the open air structure and the entran ce of light. Others, such as Christopher Chippendale (1994) suggest that the alignment is more closely aligned with the midwinter sunset. About the only thing sure about Stonehenge is that its meaning was complex and immensely important to the generations of Neolithic farmers who lived in the area. With the origins of the structure lost to time, archaeological evidence remains the only means by which today’s culture might discover the people who built the structure.

Creative Writing Proposal Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Creative Writing Proposal - Assignment Example Tamara’s grandfather had tried to raise his voice against such fatally dangerous customs and, as a result of it, had been banished from the tribe. I will give background on how he makes it to England and raises Tamara’s father in accordance with the culture of his forefathers but omitting all harmful practices of that culture. Tamara is a typical western teenager with average looks and a few beautiful features, but she is a victim of an identity crises inflicted by the strong pull of two opposite forces; Tamara’s mother and Tamara’s grandfather whose character I shall explain later. I will trace Tamara’s development from a meek girl into a strong woman who decides to build her own identity in face of heavy opposition by her best friend, Agatha, and her mother. Mrs. Odua Brown and the eventual transition she inspires in their respective views. She travels along with Rajab, her lover, and Agatha to Kenya to work on a thesis she decides to write for he r university degree. This is an intentional choice by her as she wants to fulfill her grandfather’s desire of saving the unique culture of their ancestors from the damage some of the customs are inflicting upon it. I will write in some detail the interesting travel stories through Africa that these friends will experience and how they change some of their views and strengthen others. Then she travels back to Birmingham and highlights the plight of her people through a book she writes based on her thesis. Agatha initially tries her best to make Agatha believe that she should try and blend into her environment instead of looking for and showing her ancestor’s, according to her, obsolete way of life. Maasai shave their head in order to show a transition in their lives, and Tamara does the same to show her friends and family that this is who she is and wants to stay. This signifies the start of the transition in her life. Agatha’s character is a soft and understandi ng one, so she accompanies Tamara to Kenya where her views are changed. She is also a loyal friend who does not leave Tamara even when she falls into some serious trouble with the Maasai chief. Mrs. Brown is another such character who opposes Tamara’s choice of Maasai traditional religion and culture but comes around with time, although she is still not strongly satisfied even till the end. Rajab and Youssef are two Muslim brothers who fight a lot amongst themselves but their fights are not of a serious nature. They fight because Youssef keeps motivating Rajab to be a little closer to their religion Islam while Rajab is a free soul who came on earth merely to enjoy and marvel life. The brothers provide comic relief and their conversations provide different perspectives on the perception of religious identity in the west after 9/11. But there is another interesting twist to the story, both secretly love Tamara and have their own unique styles of showing their feelings. Rajab f inds an interesting opportunity to be with Tamara in accompanying her to Kenya but is not motivated by her cause, which is until he experiences the Maasai life firsthand. He helps Tamara significantly in giving awareness to the tribal people. Rajab’s character flourishes into the second strongest character after Tamara. The prejudices people still hold based on ethnicity are highlighted through the lack of help Tamara

Theories and Treatment Programs for Delinquent and Adult Offenders Research Paper

Theories and Treatment Programs for Delinquent and Adult Offenders - Research Paper Example Some treatment programs for delinquents and adult offenders may be used for both populations. Substance abuse treatments are used for both delinquents and adult offenders. According to substance treatments for both sides, the philosophy they work upon is that substance abuse is one of the major reasons why the majority of the youth and delinquents are taking part in organized crime gangs, in turn ending up with extensive criminal records. According to Nelson (2007), adult offenders take part in criminal activities as a result of their being jobless and a need to make a living, therefore, the majority end up stealing while others may have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the crime. Educational programs for individuals who may be addicted to drugs or other substances is highly recommended within the rehabilitation process. Rehabilitation is the ultimate goal of current treatment programs. During probation, the drug addicts undergo rehabilitation programs that enlighten them on the dangers of drug abuse, with a focus on transforming the individuals into responsible and productive human beings within society. At the end of many rehabilitation programs, research shows that many of these individuals turn out to be responsible individuals. Improving an individual’s ego is one treatment program for delinquent offenders. This treatment program works on the belief that if the ego of the youthful or delinquent offender is boosted by increasing self-esteem, then these individuals are able to engage as positive role models in society; they are able to have a new life that conforms to society’s values. Since the direction and focus is to instill behavioral change in the individuals this method is also used toward reforming the adult offenders, as well. The hope is that the offenders may be given an opportunity to advance in life by introducing them to

Taming the Wild West Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Taming the Wild West - Essay Example The Indians mainly lived in the west, which was vast comprising of the Appalachian and all the way to the Pacific. Indians had claimed this land and used it mainly for hunting as their main economic activity (Filson p 21). The Germans and the Scotts-Irish settlers later arrived in Philadelphia in search of unclaimed lands and settled near Appalachian, which consisted part of the land claimed by the Indians. There was no conflict since the relationship between the settlers and the Indians was mutual in the sense that the Scotts-Irish traded with Indians and adopted some hunting styles. As time went by, the Trans-Appalachian developed to become a frontier of three empires, which comprised of the Iroquois Confederacy, French, and Indians. The British seemed to hardly be satisfied by this settlement and decided to start war with French troops in order to control French expansion in some key areas like Fort Duquesne (Filson p 22). Virginia on the other hand created an armed regiment of pr ovincial regulators in order to attack Braddock’s British regulators that raided Indian country. The Indians held their position that the land belonged to them and had the right to prevent any foreign settlements. The war saw the French prevailing finally but the Indian allies never stopped to claim their land and continued attacking British soldiers (Filson p 45). Comparison between Kit Carson and Daniel Boone Daniel Boone had initiated several hunting trips to Eastern Kentucky from 1768 and later decides to land his family in North Carolina through Cumberland Gap before becoming a military officer. He was an American militant officer during the American revolutionary war. Like Kit Carson, he was a frontier and a great fighter who helped the Americans fight against the British. At one time, he was parallel to the Indians fighting against the British but he later joined the Europeans to help in protecting their territories based in Virginia. Kit Carson was also an American fi ghter and a frontiersman (Abbott 31). He was an Indian fighter against the Europeans and their settlements in America. His territory became the West after he had left home at a tender age to become a mountain man as well as a trapper in the West. Both Carson and Boone were couriers and scouts aiding the Americans but Boone joined the British troops later to protect their territories. Boone fought in various battles including the Blue Licks Battle. He has remained legend of his lifetime and become famous in both Europe and America. He became a key subject of heroic tales as well as a major icon in fiction works.  

Community and Social Benefits Essay Example for Free

Community and Social Benefits Essay The investigation of the reasons by which volunteers involve themselves on specific organizations, and actually stay for a long period of time, or leave groups which they became a part of is the theme of this article. The researcher wanted to provide an explanation that will cover the queries on volunteerism including its effects on the lives of the volunteers, importance in our current society, and the overall impact of these activities in the modern American lives (Strigas, 2006). The general hypothesis of the study is depicted on the title which states that volunteers are offering their free time to specific associations because they believe that such activities will render community and social benefits. The testable and more specific hypothesis, on the other hand, states that volunteers for sport and recreation activities provide their services based on five major motivational factors which include the following: â€Å"social functions for leisure,† â€Å"material,† â€Å"egoistic,† â€Å"purposive factors,† and â€Å"external influences† (Strigas, 2006). In a more formal presentation, the null hypothesis of the study can be presented as ? 1 – ? 2 = 0 where ? 1 comprise the motivational factors of the volunteer that are based on personal needs and interests while ? 2 accounts for the factors that are influenced by social and personal development (Experiment Resources, 2010). In like manner, it can be said that the null hypothesis of the study represents the idea that no relationship exists between personal and societal-based reasons for volunteering. A thorough analysis of the article will reveal that the null hypothesis was actually rejected as shown by the enumeration of evidences that link personal interests of the volunteers and their desire to help the society as some of the factors on why they join various organizations. Furthermore, it was shown that volunteers join organizations because they want to gain self-fulfillment or because they want to win favors from others. The importance of rejecting the null hypothesis (Trochim, 2006) and believing in the original notion that volunteerism is influenced by both personal and societal reasons in order to allow the cohesion of community and society provides framework on the encouragement of volunteerism empowerment in our society today. Consequently, the study emphasizes the importance of testing the hypothesis in order to confirm or disprove the observations of the researcher. Reference Experiment Resources. (2010). The Null hypothesis. Retrieved 03 June 2010, from. http://www. experiment-resources. com Strigas, A. (2006). Research update: making the most of volunteers: a study shows volunteers are giving their time in exchange for community and social benefits. Parks and Recreation. Trochim, W. (2006). Hypotheses. Retrieved 03 June 2010, from http://www. socialresearchmethods. net

Development of the Niger Delta

Development of the Niger Delta ROAD TRANSPORTATION AND THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE NIGER DELTA: A CASE STUDY OF WARRI METROPOLIS ATUBI, A. 0. AND ONOKALA, P.C. ABSTRACT Road transportation is essential in the life of any modern society, this is because it entails the movement of people, goods, and services from one place to the other. It is the main medium used to revitalize the social, economic and political structures. It is also observed that the system of mass production relies on an efficient transport system for its existence. The data used for the study were mainly from primary and secondary sources and from the analysis of the data, it was revealed that road transportation has contributed tremendously to the socio-economic development of Warri metropolis. The development of the road transport system in Warri metropolis should therefore be encouraged because it has been and will continue to be a reliable means of promoting the socio-economic development of Warri metropolis. INTRODUCTION Transportation is an important activity in the life of any modern society. It involves the movement of people, goods and services on land, water and air. It refers to the process whereby objects arc conveyed in space and involves the movement of these objects by a mechanism through an environmental medium. In commerce and industry, transportation is used to describe the broad range of activities concerned with the efficient movement of finished goods from the place of production to the consumer and source of supply to the beginning of production line. Spatial interaction is one of the most fundamental themes in human geography. It involves the movement of people, goods and services between various centres in space. In those countries where the basic road network is incomplete, it will usually be appropriate to adopt a relatively low level of geometric standards in order to release resources to provide more basic road links. This policy will generally do more to foster economic development than building a smaller number of road links to a higher standard (Transport and Road Research Laboratory, 1988). However, Brian and Rodney (1995) observed that the comparatively low level of economic activity in many of the less developed countries is often reflected in the modest scale of their transport systems. Transport is generally meant to promote development. Government is aware of this view hence they pay attention to the development of transport system in Nigeria (Atubi, 1995). Transport development in Nigeria, the Standard Research Institute aptly stated that the â€Å"Economic history of Nigeria is largely the story of the opening up of its vast areas to various forms of transport resulting in the economic growth which in turn stimulated the demand for transport.† Socio-economic development of Nigeria major cities are impeded by the absence of good road transportation. It can be said that the overall pace of national economic and social development has been retarded by the present system of inequitable allocation of road transport investment between the various urban centres and rural areas. In Onokerhoraye and Omuta (1994), Chapin (1976) argued that transportation is essentially a service, which enables people, firm and various entities to carry on activities at sites selected for this purpose. As being observed by scholars notably Olanrewaju (1977), transport facilities contribute an important component of infrastructural facilities necessary for development. Transport according to him is regarded as a catalyst for economic development especially in rural areas. Brown (1974), observed that the rise of motor transport in the last twenty-five years has had enormous effect. Mobility has increased and villages and towns have grown up beside roads. Also Alli (1975), observed that road network has to a great extent brought economic integration of the various states of West Africa through widespread international trade. Omiunu and Onokerhoraye (1995) argued that rapid development of mechanical road transport has been one of the outstanding events of this modem era arid has been a profound impact on the socio-economic life of a country. Waugh and Bushell (1991), asserted that better accessibility can bring many benefits which include less time spent travelling, cheap travel, a great choice of holiday destinations, more markets for industrial products and increased trade. Gakenheimer (1978), asserted that growing congestion in urban areas is providing an interdependent stimulus for a rethink of current transport policies. Hammer (1976), in Wilson (1984), concluded that â€Å"road transport has a considerable effect on our daily lives apart from ending some of them. The provision of transport is fundamental to all other forms of development. According to Akinbode (1975); in industry, the effects of transport have been two folds; firstly, through promoting specialization, a higher standard of living could be made. Secondly, the spread of information and ideas could be possible by an increasingly efficient transport system. Kruger and Russell (2001), pointed out that transport is indispensable for the functioning and development of economic activities for the production and distribution of goods and services as well as for trade. METHODOLOGY For the purpose of data collection in the study area, stratified sampling technique was used to divide the study area into three zones Okumagba zone, Ajamimogha zone and Ekurede Urhobo zone. Systematic sampling method was used to select some households, where there is more than one household in a house, random sampling method was used. The instrument used to elicit necessary information from the respondents include questionnaires, personal observations and oral interviews. However, only one hundred and fifty (150) persons were selected to represent the target population. This comprises of workers, traders, industrialists, passengers, owners of mechanical medium of road transport etc. In analyzing the data, the statistical tools used include the use of tables, percentages and statistical technique such as the correlation statistics. STUDY AREA Warri is the headquarters of the Warri South Local Government Area. It is located in the Western Niger Delta region of Delta State and lies approximately between longitude 5 °44’ and latitude 5 °30’ and 6 °15’ (see fig. 1). Its location in the Niger Delta area makes it a very low-lying town. The position of Wan-i is about 6 metres above the sea level on the average and no where does it rise above 8 metres. The Wan-i River borders the town on the south and eastern sides. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS The means of transportation in any modem society occupies an important place in the society. Road transportation has been of great importance in our daily lives, since emphasis is now placed on punctuality to work than ever before and its necessity for greater industrial and commercial output, which has impact on our daily socio-economic life. From the field observation, several means of road transportation were identified. These include private cars, commercial taxi cabs, pick up vans, buses, motorbikes, trucks, bicycles etc. These have helped to facilitate the movement of people, goods, industrial raw materials and output and services in the area. Table 1.0: Road Transportation Has contributed to Socio-economic Development of your area Source: Fieldwork, 2002. From table 1.0, it can be concluded that road transportation has contributed to the development of the area socially and economically. The result from the field survey shows that 123 respondents reacted positively to the question while only 27 respondents answered negatively. Also from the table above it can be concluded that road transportation has a lot of impact on the socio economic development process of Warri metropolis. The table 1.0 shows that 82% of the respondents believe positively that road transportation has impact on the socio-economic development of their various areas. While only 18% believed otherwise. Table 2.0: Road transport, industrial and commercial output Source: Fieldwork, 2002. From table 2.0 above, one can deduce that the road transportation network has contributed to the industrial and commercial output of the Warri metropolis. 76% of the respondents affirmed positive answer, this is to say that as a result of the condition of roads in the area industries and commercial output is low and not encouraged. Table 3.0: Most Preferred Public Road Transport Source: Fieldwork, 2002. The table 3.0 above, shows that a larger percentage of the respondents with 58% prefer to use motorbikes as their mode of public transport medium. According to them, the reasons are based on the fact that it is faster and convenient. They also said that it is an alternative to motorcars when there is hold up or traffic jam. Those that prefer to take motorcars are the remaining 48% of the respondents who based their argument on the fact that the drivers of motorcars are more careful than those of motorbikes. It is safer and reduces cost, more convenient and above all accident is minimized. Table 4.0: Road Transport and Employment Opportunities Source: Fieldwork, 2002. Table 4.0 above shows that the respondents have been able to affirm greatly that road transportation has created employment opportunities to a large number of the population. The employment opportunities enumerated include drivers, mechanics, vulcanizers, spare parts dealers, motorbikes, commercial drivers, car washers etc which have increased in recent times. It was also noted that where new roads are constructed, commercial activities tend to spring up. However, those who gave negative response to this argument based their argument on the fact that in their area, there are no seasoned roads or no road at all and so transport mechanisms cannot in any way create job opportunity for them. They however, agreed that road transportation has created job opportunities in diverse areas in the metropolis. Table 5.0: Nature of Roads in the Study Area Source: Fieldwork, 2002. Table 5.0 above, shows that 31.3% of the respondents indicated that the roads in the metropolis are good, 26% indicated that they are fairly good, 22.7% said they are bad and the remaining 20% indicated that the roads are very bad. However, from observation, it was observed that majority of the roads are very narrow, this may be because most of the roads have been built many years ago when the number of mechanisms in the metropolis was low and also when the developmental level of the metropolis was still at its initial stage. Then the density of the traffic was not envisaged to be as high as it is at present. Table 6.0: Condition of road transport mechanisms Source: Fieldwork, 2002. From table 6.0, it is shown that road mechanisms in the metropolis i.e. cars, motorbikes are in good condition. This is based on the fact that 65.3 percent of the respondents affirmed that they are in good condition. However, 34.7 percent of the respondents declared that the mechanisms are not in good condition. From observation however, it was observed that a greater number of vehicles in the metropolis that are in good condition are privately owned mechanisms. The commercial cars and lorries are mostly in bad shape. This is due to ill maintenance. It was also observed that the motorbikes are not in good shape. Mechanically, most of the motorbikes expel a lot of smoke or gases that are poisonous and harmful to the environment. Table 7.0: Correlation Results Product Moment Correlation RR2 Significance 1.Socio-economic Dev. Motorcar Transport 0.50 0.25 1.0** 2. Socio-economic Dev. Motorbike Transport 0.50 0.25 1.0 3.Accident occurrence Motorcar Transport 0.95 0.90 13.4** 4.Accident occurrence Motorbike Transport 0.95 0.90 13.4** **significant at 95% level. From the analysis of the data in table 7.0 above, it shows that the calculated value is 0.50 and the table value is 6.3 14 at 0.05 or 95% confidence. Therefore, based on this result it can be’ concluded that a continuous increase in the number of motorcars is not a determinant of the relative increase on the socio-economic development of Warri metropolis. Therefore, it is assumed that as the number of motorcars increases, there is a decline in the socioeconomic development of the study area. Conclusively, it can therefore be stated that motorcars and motorbikes which collectively form the mode of road transport in Warri metropolis has no significant relationship with the socioeconomic development of Warri metropolis. This is because an increase in the road mechanism rather than increasing the socioeconomic well being of the study area, causes problems such as traffic congestion, accidents, pollution, which in any way do not contribute to the socio-economic development of any area. POLICY IMPLICATION The government should provide good and all seasoned roads in the metropolis so that there can be easy flow of traffic. They should also include in the road construction plan a separate lane for motorbikes, in order to reduce the rate of accidents in the metropolis. The government should also provide market structures for squatters or traders along the roads in order to reduce congestion and the rate of accidents on the roads. The State and Local Governments should ensure that more roads are constructed in the metropolis to ease movement of socioeconomic activities in the area and also ensure that roads are well linked in order to reduce traffic hold up in the area. They should also try to dualise some of the major roads in the metropolis to ease the rate of traffic holdup in the study area. The government should also provide parking space for motor vehicles and large lorries, in order to reduce the number of vehicles, motorbikes and lorries that are parked along the roadside which constitute part of the road congestion in the metropolis. CONCLUSION The result of the study shows that road transportation has contributed tremendously to the socio-economic development of Warri metropolis. It has provided efficient means of mobility of the populace and the movement of goods and services in the area. It. has also created an enabling environment for both industrial and commercial activities in the metropolis. REFERENCES Atubi, A.O. (1995): The Effect of Road Network Characteristics on Traffic Flow in Lagos Mainland Local Government An unpublished B.Sc. Thesis. Department of Geography, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Akinbode, A. (1975): â€Å"The role of transportation in the development of Africa: Research Papers 1971-1975 Vol. 1, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. Alli, A. (1975): â€Å"Man in West Africa† A School Certificate Regional Geography: Ethiope Publishing Corporation, Benin City. Brian, T. and Rodney, T. (1995): â€Å"Rural Transport Problems, Policies and Plan†. Transport Systems, policy and planning: A Geographical Approach, Longman House, Burnt Mill, Harlow England, Pp. 23 1-260 Brown, E.D. (1974): â€Å"General Geography of West Africa† George Allen and Ulwin Ltd., London. Chapin, F.S. (1976): â€Å"Urban Land Use Planning† Chicago University of Illinois Press Gakenhenimer, R. (1978): â€Å"The Automobile and the Environment† An International Perspective, prepared by the organization for economic cooperation and development MIT Press Cambridge. Hammer, M. (1976): â€Å"Wheels Within Wheels† in Wilson, D. (1984): â€Å"The environmental crisis†. Heinemann Educational Book Ltd. London. Kruger, B. and Russell, B. (2001): â€Å"Transport and Socio-Economic Development† presented to the commission on sustainable development 9 session on transport and sustainable development in the E.C.E. region development research association conference, Calabar Nigeria. Pp. 3-7 Omiunu, F.G.I. and Onokerhoraye, A.G. (1995): â€Å"Transportation and the Nigerian space economy† The Benin Social Science Series for Africa University of Benin, Nigeria. Omuta, G.E.D. and Onokerhoraye, A.G. (1994): â€Å"Regional development and planning for Africa†. The Benin Social Science Series for Africa, University of Benin, Nigeria P. 104 Transport and Road Research Laboratory (1988): A guide to project appraisal. Road Note 5, London: Higso, Gratis from TRRL overseas unit. Waugh, D. and Bushell, T. (1991): â€Å"Key geography foundation† Stanley Thornes Publishers Limited London.

Philosophy Statement :: Education Teaching Teachers Classroom Essays

Philosophy Statement â€Å"Give a child a fish and he eats for a day. Teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime.† ~Author Unknown Teaching is not a profession but a life choice to change the world one child at a time. In a classroom there are four walls and within those four walls lies the opportunity to build strong foundations for tomorrow. I believe there are three aspects to teaching; touching the mind (mental), the heart (emotional), and the hands (physical). If you take a young child to the lake, a river, or even a stream and teach him to fish he learns techniques mentally, feels loved and wanted emotionally, and learns that he is growing physically. The same can be said for a classroom. Instruct a child’s mind, love a child’s heart, and hold a child’s hand and success is instantly recognizable. The three walk hand in hand toward a child’s overall development. The mind must be stimulated to learn. Children learn what they see, not what they are told. Although my objective is to teach on a high school level, I believe that the same is true with teens. Parents declare, â€Å"Do as I say not as I do,† but children replicate what they are exposed to on a daily basis. If a teacher is not excited about what she is teaching neither will the student be excited about what he/she is learning. Moods are contagious, make the atmosphere outrageous! It is my desire that students see my enthusiasm when teaching my content area and that excitement ignites a fire of passion for learning within the individual student and the classroom as a whole. Young people today have a strong desire to feel wanted. They want to fit in, they want to look cool, they want to be loved and fall in love, they simply want acceptance. It is my job as a mentor to nurture those basic needs of emotional development at the adolescent age. I vow never to ridicule a student for a wrong answer, never chastise a pupil in front of peers, and never embarrass a child for the sake of demonstrating my authority. Students need to have a sense of belonging and purpose within the classroom and the world outside, nurturing their heart and emotions is critical during these years.

The Impact of Computers on Education :: Argumentative Persuasive Papers

The Impact of Computers on Education The introduction of computers in education has positively affected the school in terms of student achievement, administrative and teaching methods. Computers have significantly altered student achievement. The computers in schools today are equipped with educational software that greatly aids learning. From the first grade on, computers are a daily activity in students’ life. In the early grades, computer games are used to interest the young student to learn. In my tutoring experience at St. Mary’s Elementary School this year, I watched students play a variety of games. The games cover a wide range of subjects, and the learning is interpreted by the students as fun and is a great way to start off their schooling. A recent article, Using Computers to Create Constructivist Learning Environments: Impact on Pedagogy and Achievement, conducted a study of twenty-three high school physics classes and thirteen teachers. They were examined to determine the extent to which computers can altar pedagogy and student achievement. Results suggest computers can significantly alter both teaching methods and student achieveme nt. â€Å"Overall this study suggests computers can be used to help teachers create a more constructivist learning environment, albeitalthough challenging. Attempting to alter ones’ pedagogy and integrate technology into the classroom at the same time requires quite an effort on the teachers part, both philosophically and technically.† Computers have significantly impacted students’ capabilities for research. Expanding Access to Computers is an article that describes how local companies refurbish computers that are no longer needed for students who previously had no home computer. This took place in Stamford Connecticut and the program is called TechCycle. Computers provide the Internet, which is a key research tool and one of the best sources for any information imaginable. Before computers were introduced in schools, all or most of the research was done in a library, now even the library is run on the computer, which brings me to the administration benefi ts. If one were to look at Lake Superior State University, they can definitely notice how computers have positively impacted the operation of the school. In past years, if one wanted to find a book, they would have to search through the index catalogue manually. This was time consuming and a challenge to maintain by keeping index cards in their appropriate places.

War in Iraq: There Was Another Option Essay -- Politics Political

War in Iraq: There Was Another Option 1. As our brave men and women in uniform find themselves embroiled again in a conflict in the Middle East, debate surrounding the timeliness and necessity of this second Gulf conflict has ceased in most professional circles. However, before the current conflict began, controversy raged over when and how to best prosecute this situation. Many argued that the United States should have worked through the United Nations to pursue a resolution that had the consensus of the world behind it. That endeavor, however, was doomed to failure from the start. The United States sought to solve this dilemma using military force. France and Germany desired to diffuse it using anything but force. In order to properly evaluate all options in this case, one must ask themselves how immediate a threat did Saddam Hussein pose to the United States and what is the best way to counter that threat? In my estimation, Saddam Hussein poses no immediate threat to the United States. Thus, the US government had the time to cultivate a plan to remove him from power that was agreeable to all involved. 2. One must examine the fine points of each argument that the administration had proposed for the immediacy of war in order to best refute them. The first and often most repeated argument that Saddam Hussein posed a direct threat to the United States is that he possessed weapons of mass destruction. I am willing to concede that the Iraqi military possessed both chemical and biological agents. Saddam Hussein had stockpiles of them that were never accounted for after the first Gulf War. He has even used them on several occasions on Kurdish minorities in Northern Iraq. However, no proof was ever offered that he possessed nu... ...o.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ ap/20030411/ap_on_re_mi_ea/war_us_military_623> McDowell, Patrick. Crowd Kills 2 Clerics at Shiite Shrine . Middle East AP. April 11 th 2003. < http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ ap/20030411/ap_on_re_mi_ea/war_clerics_killed&cid=540&ncid=716> Mearsheimer, John J. and Stephen M. Walt. An Unnecessary War . Foreign Policy. January/February 2003. 45-48 Pollack, Kenneth M. The Threatening Storm: The Case for Invading Iraq . Random House Publishing. First Edition 2002. 64, 144 Rai, Milan. No Justification For War . Znet. March 6 2002. Community for Social Change. April 13 2003. Rice, Condoleezza. Campaign 2000: Promoting the National Interest . Foreign Affairs. January/February 2000. 86 Tenet, George. Letter to Congress . October 2002

Leaf Water Repellency

Cloud forests are characterized by photosynthetic capacity which may be increased by reduced water retention of the leaf. The reason is that carbon dioxide diffuse air faster than water. The article â€Å"Leaf Water Repellency as an Adaptation to Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Environment† by Curtis D. Holder examines lead water repellency in three ecosystems of Guatemala: a tropical dry forest, tropical montane cloud forest and temperate foothills-grassland zone. The author’s hypothesis that cloud forest zones are characterized by higher leaf water repellency failed to be proved as leaf water repellency appeared to be higher in tropical dry forests and temperate foothills- grassland zone. Water repellency is defined as adaptation on the surface of the leaf in habitants which are constantly subjected to daily precipitations during the period of active growth. Holder assumes that leaf water repellency is lower in open-meadow habitants than in dry forest habitants simply because dew formations are occurring faster. Moreover, water repellency of any leaf is driven, primarily, by physiological factors. In wet zones the plants are claimed to be selected due to their water shedding abilities as they have to able to defend their stomatal pores and to enhance photosynthesis abilities after fog interception. Decrease in water repellency may result in increased disease rates, although it doesn’t affect selective traits. Holder argues that it is natural selection that predetermined water repellency on leaf surface in cloud forest zones. Fog droplets negatively affect water repellency as they prevent gas exchange in plants. In such a way, photosynthetic carbon exchange is prevented by fog droplets as carbon dioxide diffuse air faster than water. Leaves with high water repellency minimize the leaf surface and promote the beading of water assisting gas exchange processes. In cloud forest zones, high leaf water repellency increase photosynthesis efficiency. Holder stresses that leaf water repellency â€Å"is measured by calculating the contact angle between a droplet of water and leaf surface†. (p.767) As it is mentioned above, the paper examines three distinct areas and central thesis is that high water repellency is inherent for plants in cloud forest zones as plants are more able to maximize photosynthesis and gas exchange process. Three areas were chosen to test leaf water repellency: Sierra de la Minas, Chiquimula and Colorado. Firstly, leaf water repellency was testified near Sierra de la Minas in lower cloud forest zone. This region is characterized by humid slopes on the windward side and, consequently, slopes on the leeward side. Strong northern winds are prevailing in that region. Night temperatures are about 5-15 degrees all year round. Also, Sierra de la Minas is characterized by variable precipitation – rainy season is observed from May till October. Fogs are more common in dry season, rather than in wet one. Secondly, leaf water repellency was examined in Chiquimula which is situated in 75 km from Sierra de la Minas. Leaves were tested on the leeward side of the region and were selected from dry forests. The precipitation rate is 1050 mm occurring from May till October. The temperature range is 22-26 degrees. Thirdly, water repellency was tested in leaves in Colorado, in particular, near the campus of the University of Colorado. Mainly, Colorado is temperate foothills-grassland zone. Selected species are dormant plants tested in the coldest months. Summing up, all species were chosen from the three distinct regions as they had managed to survive to maturity in their climatic conditions. Researches gathered only leaves which received equal amount of sun light and shade as it would allow more accurate examination. Leaves were dried with filter paper and than were fastened to a wood platform to view the horizontal profile of the leaf. The test aimed at identifying the differences between adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaf in terms of water repellency. Holder specifies that â€Å"in the experimental design using nested analysis of variance, species were nested within study sites, leaves were nested within species, and leaf surfaces were nested within leaves†. (p769) The results contradict the initial hypothesis and showed that as leaf water repellency appeared to be higher in tropical dry forests, not in cloud forest ecosystem. Species chosen from Sierra de la Minas region appeared to have the lowest water repellency, whereas species retrieved near the University of Colorado proved to have the highest water repellency. The leaf water repellency appeared to be significantly different in the three distinct regions. Sierra de la Minas’ species differed from those in Colorado and Chiquimula, and water repellency in Chiquimula differed from that in Sierra de la Minas and Colorado. It proves that leaves in different climatic zones can’t have similar water repellency as they have different levels of adaptations. Holder stresses that cloud forests are characterized by reduced capabilities to photosynthesis because of abaxial leaf wetness and constant cloud cover not letting the sun in. Therefore, leaves in this region should develop adaptation capabilities as it would allow maximizing photosynthesis processes in the most humid regions. In cloud forests the productivity of ecosystems is limited. The author concludes that, despite his expectancies, cloud forests aren’t characterized by high leaf water repellency and, therefore, leaves are less able to minimize the water content on their surfaces. As a result, photosynthesis is decreased.   Higher leaf water repellency in Chiquimula and Colorado is related to increased soil moisture and water balance in plants. High water repellency may increase fog precipitation and flow of steam leading to greater hydrological inputs. Summing up, leaf water repellency is plays crucial role in hydrological processes. References Holder, Curtis D. (2007). Leaf Water Repellency as an Adaptation to Tropical Montane Cloud Forest Environment. Biotropica, 39, 6, 767-770.      

Political philosophy Essay

Among the many substantial contributions to the field of modern philosophy made by John Rawls, there is one particular aspect of his most memorable work that has been a subject of notable controversy among feminists and other critics of gender-based injustices. Rawls is widely regarded as having revolutionized the modern field of political philosophy by â€Å"breaking the intuitionism-utilitarianism deadlock† (Kymlicka, 2002, p. 55). However, according to critics like Susan Moller Okin, while Rawls has accounted for most institutions of society when elaborating his theory of justice, his categorization of family as a basic institution has led to an exclusion of those not qualifying as a â€Å"head of household† from the original position, creating the potential for significant gender-based injustices within his theory. This discrepancy has been extended by other critics including Eva Kittay, who demonstrates Rawls’ lack of attention to the issue of dependency. Throughout the course of this essay, we will examine these criticisms and others in determining the susceptibility to gender-based injustices present in John Rawls’ theory and principles of justice. An outstanding explanation and brief overview of certain key aspects of a philosophical perspective advocated by Rawls comes from Samuel Sheffler (2001, p. 20), stating: In summary, then, Rawls agrees with utilitarianism about the desirability of providing a systematic account of justice that reduces the scope for intuitionistic balancing and offers a clear and constructive solution to the priority problem; about the need to subordinate common? sense precepts of justice to a higher criterion; and about the holistic character of distributive justice. Rawls’ views may be regarded as revolutionary in that he was among the first to present a systematic alternative to utilitarianism that would account for intuitions that might be held as a necessity, and one of the first to attempt developing a systematic political theory to structure our different intuitions. Because of this, Rawls’ work has become a philosophical standard that has served as a basis for comparison of justice theory throughout recent generations (Kymlicka, 2002, p.54). It is for this reason that the theory of justice presented by Rawls has apparently drawn so much criticism. While containing a number of uncertainties, particularly pertaining to gender-based injustices and dependency, the intellectual contributions of Rawls have been invaluable to the development of the field of political philosophy, in general. Issues of justice pertaining to gender in Rawls’ theory would, upon reading most of his work, appear to be favorable toward equality for all classes of citizens. For example (Rawls, 1971, p.11): My aim is to present a conception of justice which generalizes and carries to a higher level of abstraction the familiar theory of the social contract as found, say, in Locke, Rousseau, and Kant. The issue to be examined is whether or not Rawls’ social contract theory applies a superior standard of justice to all members and classes within a given society. In A Theory of Justice, Rawls explains that â€Å"laws and institutions no matter how efficient and well-arranged must be reformed or abolished if they are unjust† (1971, p. 3). He devises a method, a thought experiment, to evaluate the conditions that might exist under a â€Å"veil of ignorance† where â€Å"parties do not know their conceptions of the good or their special psychological propensities† (p. 11). These circumstances are what define the original position, as defined by Rawls, who then develops his theory on two principles that he believes would be agreed upon by those parties in the original position. The first principle suggests that â€Å"each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for others†. The second principle states: â€Å"social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both (a) reasonably expected to be to everyone’s advantage, and (b) attached to positions and offices open to all† (p. 53). It is the ambiguity of the phrases â€Å"to everyone’s advantage† and â€Å"open to all† that has received the most scrutiny from feminists and other critics of gender based inadequacies in Rawls’ theory of justice. A feminism advocate and noteworthy critic of Rawls has been Susan Moller Okin, who has said, â€Å"[a]n ambiguity runs throughout John Rawls’ A Theory of Justice, continually noticeable to anyone reading it from a feminist perspective† (Okin, 1987, p. 44). While Okin concedes that Rawls’ â€Å"liberal principles can lead us to challenge fundamentally the gender system of our society†, she goes on to say that â€Å"this challenge is barely hinted at, much less developed†, referring to the evident lack of material presented by Rawls that might clarify, among other things, the outcome of wives and other women who are regarded as subordinates in the social institution of family. Okin criticises the predominantly-masculine terms of references used by Rawls to describe any individuals or persons mentioned in his theory, suggesting that the equal inclusion of women may not have been a foremost concern when Rawls developed the foundations for these principles of justice (p. 45). While it remains true, in A Theory of Justice, that Rawls uses masculine terms most frequently, it is unclear whether or not he does so in order to more effectively communicate his ideas to a contemporary philosophical audience, in which these predominantly masculine terms of references had been applied, almost exclusively, for generations. Okin’s next concern is with regard to Rawls’ assumption that family is a just institution. Based on the most relevant context in A Theory of Justice, pertaining to family as the first school of moral development, Rawls inadequately asserts that â€Å"family institutions are just† (Rawls cited by Okin, 1987, p. 48). Since it is Rawls’ intent and burden to demonstrate that both principles of justice as fairness are hypothetically agreeable between individuals in the original position, Okin makes a valid point with the following statement (p.49): †¦ [S]ince those in the original position are the heads or representatives of families, they are not in a position to determine questions of justice within families. This argument is sustained and further clarified by Kittay (1997, p. 229): If parties to the OP already have a determined social position relative to the family, they will not choose the principles of justice in ignorance of their social position. And in the framework of Rawlsian constructivism, only principles that we choose in ignorance of our social position will issue in fair principles with respect to the basic institutions. Since Rawls does want to say that the family is a basic institution, and since justice should then pertain to the family, the parties cannot be heads of households. With this in mind, it would appear Okin is correct when outlining this apparent flaw in the â€Å"veil of ignorance† envisioned by Rawls. Despite noting that Rawls does, on at least two occasions, seem to acknowledge that women may be equally likely to be regarded as a â€Å"head of family† or to be included in the original position, Okin challenges the ongoing assumptions present throughout Part II of A Theory of Justice and contends again that Rawls’ consistent employment of supposedly male terms of reference â€Å"has the effect of banishing a large sphere of human life — and a particularly large sphere of most women’s lives — from the scope of the theory† (Okin, 1987, p.50). Rawls discusses the issue of wealth distribution in A Theory of Justice and, in accordance with his frequent omission of wives and many other women from the original position, does not account for certain factors that may influence a woman’s success in the paid labor force. Okin states that, in all contemporary societies, â€Å"a much larger proportion of women’s than men’s labor is unpaid, and is often not acknowledged to be labor† (1987, p. 50). While this condition may not necessarily prevail under Rawls’ theory of justice, at least not when women are represented as a â€Å"head of household†, for any discussion of justice within the family, these issues would have to be carefully considered. An interesting example of a woman’s role in the public sphere, or lack thereof, in Rawls’ arguments aimed to support his theory of justice is that of a military draft. Despite his statement that there should be â€Å"no avoidable class bias in selecting those who are called for duty† (Rawls cited by Okin, 1987, p.50), Rawls had failed to include any mention of the exemption of women from this aspect of equal citizenship and civil duty (Okin, 1987, p. 50). Such exclusions are in stark contrast to the notion of â€Å"equality of opportunity† in a Rawlsian society as depicted by Kymlicka (p. 58): Why does the ideology of equal opportunity seem fair to many people in our society? Because it ensures that people’s fate is determined by their choices, rather than their circumstances. If I am pursuing some personal ambition in a society that has equality of opportunity, then my success or failure will be determined by my performance, not by my race or class or sex. Equality of opportunity is one of the challenges faced by Rawls when developing his theory of justice. As part of an adequate conception of social cooperation, political justice must account for dependency concerns. Rawls admits to the mostly unsupported assumption â€Å"that everyone has physical needs and psychological capacities within some normal range† (Rawls cited by Kittay, 1997, p.225). This is, of course, mostly untrue as a large percentage of the population will consist of people who are seriously ill, children, and elderly. Not only is dependency a factor for these individuals; it also applies to the caretakers whose overall functioning capacity in society would be reduced by their obligation to care for those who are in need of constant attention. Kittay outlines some of the reasons dependency concerns are relevant to social cooperation and political justice (1997, p.232): [F]irst, because they are rational and reasonable considerations in choosing a conception of justice; second, because a society that does not care for its dependents or that cares for them only by unfairly exploiting the labor of those who do the caring cannot be said to be well-ordered [†¦ ]; and, third, because when we reorient our political insights to see the centrality of human relationships to our happiness and well-being, we recognize dependency needs as basic motivations for creating a social order. The argument that issues related to dependency should be an important foundation for any theory of justice has been well-supported by Kittay and other critics. According to Kittay (p. 239), if we all â€Å"took turns being dependent and dependency workers, we would repay the debt, incurred during periods of dependency, of benefits-received-without-burdens-assumed†. Of course, such a circumstance does not reasonably exist and, therefore, the burdens and responsibilities of the dependency worker are drastically different than those of a fully-functioning citizen. The worker will simply not have the resources to maintain â€Å"an equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties† as allocated by Rawls’ first principle of justice (Rawls, 1971, p. 53). In conclusion, Okin’s claim that Rawls’ theory of justice fails to address gender-based injustice both within the family and the public sphere is sustained with legitimate arguments and reasonable inquiry. Rawls’ theory of justice, at its current stage, does not appear to apply equally to all classes of citizens, namely women. The parties in the original position would have an inadequate â€Å"veil of ignorance† if their association to family was known, preventing an impartial assignment of ‘principles’. Kittay’s extension of the argument pertaining to gender-based injustices to dependency relations carries the significance of Rawls’ discrepancies even further when demonstrating the full extent by which dependency workers, which are predominantly female, are further constricted by Rawls’ failure to account for existing inequalities pertaining to dependency and dependency work. In essence, the lack of sufficient acknowledgement of gender-based injustice on behalf of Rawls may very well be the greatest weakness of his theory. With the passage of time, however, new developments in the field of political philosophy may give rise to a system that will account for these important variables. REFERENCES Kymlicka, Will. (2002), Contemporary Political Philosophy. Oxford University Press, New York. Okin, Susan Moller. (1987), â€Å"Justice and gender†. Philosophy and Public Affairs, 16: Kittay, Eva Feder. (1997), â€Å"Human dependency and Rawlsian Equality† in Feminists Rethink the Self, Meyers, Diana Tietjens Rawls, John. (1971), A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press. Sheffler, Samuel. (2001), ‘Rawls and Utilitarianism’, Boundaries and Allegiances: Problems of Justice and Responsibility in Liberal Thought. Oxford University Press, New York.

International accounting standard IAS Essay

We say Impairment has taken place when an asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. Carrying amount is the amount at which an asset is recognized in the balance sheet after deducting accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment loss. And recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell (sometimes called net selling price) & its value in use. Also the fair value is the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset in a bargained trasction between knowledgeable; willing party’s . on the other hand value in use is the discounted present of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of an asset and from its disposal at the end of its useful life. Impairment of goodwill involves two steps: 1) Screening step 2) Computation step Impairment is calculated at a reporting unit level. Impairment is calculated when the carrying Amount of the goodwill for a reporting unit exceeds its implied fair value. A reporting unit is an operating segment, or one level below an operating segment. The Goodwill for one reporting unit may be impaired, while the goodwill for other reporting units may or may not be impaired Calculation of goodwill for impairment involves two major steps: Step 1: Identify impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount including goodwill. Assign assets acquired and liabilities assumed to the various reporting units. Assign goodwill to the reporting units. Determine the fair values of the reporting units and of the assets and liabilities of those reporting units. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, there is potential goodwill impairment. The impairment is assumed to be due to the reporting unit’ goodwill since any impairment in the other assets of the reporting unit will already have been determined and adjusted for.. If the fair value of a reporting unit is more than its carrying amount, there is no impairment goodwill and Step 2 can be avoided. But where the result is vice versa step two can not be avoided a since goodwill impairment as taken place. Step 2: measuring the value for both tangible and intangible assets (impairment of goodwill) Step 2 is more complex than step1 because it requires that the fair market values of each of the identified tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of a reporting unit be estimated first before calculation takes place Value of Reporting Unit = Value of Identified Assets + Value of Goodwill = (Value of Reporting Unit- Value of Liabilities) = (Value of Identified Assets-Value of Liabilities) + Value of Goodwill = Fair Market Value of Equity = Fair Market Value of Net Assets + Fair Market Value of Implied Goodwill Summary and Conclusions Financial Accounting Standard 142 requires that goodwill emerging from acquisitions be tested to determine whether it has impaired or not because FAS 142 requires firms to effectively undertake a market test to see if Goodwill has been impaired. This test is completed in two steps as mentioned above. Reference: 1. International accounting standard IAS 36 2. Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 142.

Psychology Journal Essay

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jaime, a nine-year-old kid living nearby is the youngest son of a couple namely Cel and Eugene. He has 4 siblings who are of a large age gap with him, somewhat around 7, to be exact. The boy is fond of racing cars, playing basketball, â€Å"hide and seek† and interactive games with his neighbors and cousins living near their compound. Since his siblings are from different levels, that three of them are already in college, he finds company with other young boys in town like for Aldrin and Benedict. His parents try to understand him since they could not provide the boy with the things he needed like for material things and also the time.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Looking at the situation of the young boy, it can be said that, reading and analyzing his family background, he needs some attention from the parents and he finds it in the presence of his friends and playmates. For some other kids who are lacking for attention, they might bully other children or might really someone who seeks attention badly by acting strange or hitting others. But the kid is just hyperactive on play time and he pays attention on his class, studies well on weekends before going to sleep and do household chores like washing the dishes when his sisters are not at home. Therefore the kid is a normal kid, without having attention deficit disorders and some bullying attitudes that might be evident for young people who do not receive adequate time and attention.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The parents are lucky though to have inculcated good breeding with their son who in turn realizes at his young age the essence of behaving properly outside the house.   Having a lot of different friend from different families, the boy might be affected for some point, that he can adapt their attitudes. But it never came to a point that the family had some trouble with Jaime. Like most of the children who have problems for concentration, I think it would not cost the family much for treatments and sessions with a psychiatrist who treats ADHD and the like for kids at Jaime’s age. From the article of Richard R. Matt, the discipline and behavior of a child is of great importance with a kid to become efficient in their education or studies. In Jaime’s case, it is not a problem hence; he is part of the honor roll in his batch. References Richard R. Matte and Jon A. Bolaski. ADHD in the Classroom, Part 1: Strategies for  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Behavior Management. Retrieved December 5, 2007 from  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/child_behavior/cfadhd01.html

LBSMK 2004 SERVICES MARKETING personal evaluation project (PEP) Literature review

LBSMK 2004 SERVICES MARKETING personal evaluation project (PEP) - Literature review Example Yet, the causes of such dissatisfaction are varied and extensive. The concept of â€Å"satisfaction gaps† emerged from marketing research, which is the difference between customer expectations and their corresponding experience. This paper will attempt to propose a solution to such gap in a marketing-related problem of a service establishment. 2.0. Critical Analysis of the Issue and Literature Review 2.1. The Problem For the purpose of anonymity and confidentiality dictated by research ethics, the business establishment which will be discussed in this paper will be called simply as Company X (Bryman and Bell 2007). Company X is a technology service company whose specialisation is laptop, desktop and cellular phone repair. It was established in 2000 and is located in Eastern-Central Britain. The establishment showed good performance in its first three years of operation. This was mainly the reason why Company X was sub-contracted by a Northern European mobile phone company in 2 004 to serve its clientele in the geographic area covered by Company X, for repair and replacement of parts, if necessary. Subcontracting with the mobile phone company lifted the spirits of both management and technicians. The technicians performed well and helped generate both revenue and more patrons for Company X. Mobile phones which were already off-guarantee period were still being brought by former customers mainly because of their prompt service and technical know-how. Things went well for Company X that its sub-contracting functions with the mobile company was renewed for three-consecutive years. In 2008, a laptop and desktop manufacturer based in the North America commissioned Company X as one of its official service centres. Management was ecstatic. Its 10 best technicians were offered training packages to further hone their skills while the remaining 22 technicians were left to attend to the service needs of their growing clientele. Management promised that the rest of th e technicians will also attend training in two batches after the 10 have returned to resume their tasks. While the company operated for only 12 hours each day, technicians worked in three eight-hour shifts, or seven technicians per shift. When job orders increased to levels where the technicians can no longer put-up with the deadlines they set for completion of the service requests, management opted for overtime with pay instead of hiring new technicians. The rationale volunteered by management is that hiring new technicians will not ensure that deadlines will be met since they would not be sure if the applicants can deliver up to management expectations by simply looking at their resumes. With an additional sub-contracting project and fewer technicians to work on repair orders, problems started to surface. To date, absenteeism became rampant. Patrons are starting to be dissatisfied with the service jobs they requested. Technicians who used to be accommodating and interacted with cu stomers with a smile have turned grumpy. Customers have aired their complaints with customer service. The mobile company had threatened not to renew their contract if the customer service issues will not be addressed. In the operation manager’s latest quarterly report, revenue for the last month dropped by 40% of the previous six

Sufism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Sufism - Essay Example Sufism shows the influence of other major religions such as Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism (Isfahan Web site). While the underlying precept of Sufism is renunciation of the worldly life and a repudiation of conflict and strife, history shows that Sufism often transcended its’ spiritual mandate to function as a political or even a military power. The emphasis of Sufism is on Unity with God: Tawhid, through an allegorical interpretation of the Qur’an. The orthodox conformity to the religious laws of the Shari’ah is but an external guide to repudiate the worldly life. The crucial step is the achievement of an inner, personal experience of the Divine, in which the self becomes one with God. This can be achieved by tariqa, or mediation, and dhikr, or remembrance of God. Sufism encourages self-denial and ascetism and centers round the love of God: mahabbah, through the subjugation of the ego, or nafs (Univ. of Calgary Web site). Sufism includes many orders or mystical brotherhoods: Tariqas, organized on a structure developed by Al-Ghazali (1058-1111), who is credited with bringing Sufism firmly within the ambit of orthodox Islam theology, making it a more popular, inclusive movement. Each order is headed by a spiritual leader, or Shaykh, and follows a distinctive path. The disciples, faqirs or mudirs, live communally. Their mystical practices include chanting of divine phrases, breath control, communal chanting and ecstatic dancing (the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey). The main Sufi brotherhoods are the Qadiriya, Chistiya, Shadhilya, Naqshbandiya, Ni’matallahiya and Meleviye, although many others, each with its’ own emphasis regarding practice and observances, are found in various parts of the world (Godlas, Sufism). In what may be viewed as a contradiction in terms, Sufism has been associated with movements of political and historical significance over the ages. The Safavid Empire in Persia, one

JPMorgan Chase Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

JPMorgan Chase - Assignment Example Any erroneous trades that are discovered are consistently and promptly resolved using a transparent process that applies objective standards. The fourth point is regulating stub quotes and market making obligations. They require all market makers to maintain stub quotes that are bona fide and consider maintaining two-sided stub quotes that do not have to be executed in severe market conditions. They are particularly considering banning all stub notes use. A valid contract is an agreement, legally enforceable, between two or more parties. The parties do not necessarily have to be people must be independent entities. Contracts between consumers and banks must be valid because large amounts of money are usually involved and all care must be taken to ensure that there are no misunderstandings in the contract terms. The parties must be aware of what the contract promises and what it does not promise. There are four elements to a valid contract; competent parties; legal purpose; offer and acceptance; and consideration. Intentional tort actions are activities carried out with the intentional of violating civil rights. The intentional tort can occasionally be transferred when the targeted party is not the party eventually wronged. Any party that injuries party A while intent on injuring party B is liable to party A whom they injured. The tort is negated if the parties involved synonymously consented to the action occurrence, though this is limited to normal consequences such that any consequences outside the normal spectrum could still invite liability.

Write summery about what these websites are about Annotated Bibliography

Write summery about what these websites are about - Annotated Bibliography Example and Northern Development Canada that was first called Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is discriminating in fairly providing funds for children of aboriginal reserves. They also claim that the children are also being denied to welfare benefits of reserves. . It is not only about the indigenous children who are suffering at the hands of government but there are other issues like water crisis and more than 582 indigenous women murdered and missing but no action has been taken so far by the Canadian government. That’s why, the society has sued against the INAC for showing this acute prejudice. The plea has been filed to Canadian Human rights commission alleging that the federal government has differentiated between the children of first nations and those originally from Canada on racial basis. Â  The society and INAC worked for several years to eliminate inequality but all efforts by society went to vain as the federal government did not show any response to efforts done so far but failed badly to develop solutions to redress inequalities among children on racial basis. Canadian Human Rights Commission found in 1977, is an autonomous government body that deals with the Canadian Human Rights Act. The Canadian commission has the right to investigate complaints filed on racial and discriminatory basis under federal jurisdiction and also has jurisprudence to hear the cases filed in favour of children on reserves of first nations. The society has also filed another plea to the commission in 2010, accusing that the Aboriginal and INAC are not only prejudiced against the children of first nations but they have racist attitudes against the FNCFC society too as they excluded the society’s executive director, Cindy Blackstock from the meetings aimed at development of first nations. The society has accused that the handling of society’s members by INAC has been ridiculous so far and was based on retaliation. The commission later on directed the case to the

Understanding Business and Management Research Methods Assignment - 1

Understanding Business and Management Research Methods - Assignment Example The research conducted shows that accounting education does not fill the needs of practice (workplace). The workplace aims to fill the clients’ demands (Catanach 2009). Elizabeth Smith confirmed the research (2009). In addition, the American Accounting Association research indicated there was a gap between practice and education (Hopwood 2010). The variance between what the practice needs and what the education sector (universities, colleges and other learning institutions) offers is widening through the years. The article states that the schism between the education sector and the practice of accountancy profession emerged during the 1900s. The schism continues to widen until the present generation. In fact, many stakeholders insist that most of the accounting lessons taught in the classroom environment are irrelevant to what the practice sector needs. From the 1940s to the 1960s, the demand for university educated accountant increased significantly. In response to the demand of the workplace, the universities granted a 400 percent accounting degree increase. The academic community increased in terms of faculty members and accounting graduates (MacDonald & Richardson 2011). The academe focuses on ensuring graduates are equipped with the basic management and accounting technologies (Gediehn 2009). The teachers are required to explain the importance of the income statement for decision making activities (Schwartz 2008). Simulated case studies will reduce the gap between education and retail marketing environment practice (Humphrey 2007). In terms of the accounting profession, the article first article correctly discloses the widening gap between what the universities offer and what the workplace needs, a metamorphosis. The metamorphosis of the business and accounting schools from simple learning institutions to become social science training spheres. The integration of the social science concepts into the accounting education program is of the

Delta Airlines Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Delta Airlines - Research Paper Example Generally a fluctuating exchange rate exists between dollar and euro which implies that one euro is not always equals to one dollar. Hence Delta Air Lines in order to finance its day to day operations has to exchange the euro for the dollars. The airline can be at a disadvantageous or in an advantageous position depending upon the current market situation. This leads to distortion in the earnings of the airlines as the currency exchange affects the revenue of the company. If euro is high as compared to dollars then while Delta Airline is converting its earning, which is from euro to dollar then the company will be able to benefit from this situation. Like for instance if 1 Euro = $ 1.20, then for every euro the company will get more dollar than what it had got if the situation is just reverse. Therefore, cost incurred in monetary terms by the company is of less or more value than company’s income recognized in monetary terms depending on the market condition. The airline compa ny engages in currency hedging in order to mitigate currency risk. Currency hedging signifies protecting against the fluctuations in the exchange rates by locking in a particular exchange rate or a series of exchange rates (Vasigh, Fleming & Mackay, 2010; Papaioannou, 2006)). Delta Air Line participates actively in the Fuel hedging program in order to manage the fuel price risk. This program helps in reducing financial impact that occurs due to change in the price of jet fuel. Different commodity and contract types are used in this fuel hedging program. The economic efficiency of the hedge portfolio is evaluated on a regular basis with the financial targets of the company. According to the prevailing market condition the hedge portfolios are rebalanced,... This paper stresses that there are a number of facilities that are provided by the airport where the airline operates. The airport looks for increasing their total income from commercial sources that creates both concession fees and rents. The rental income arises primarily by renting and leasing the space either directly or indirectly to the airport users like the handling agents, freight forwarders and airlines. On the other hand, concession fees are payment made by the service providers to the airport authority. Delta Air Lines that is operating in various countries also pays rent to the airport authority for using their space. The rent that the airline pays depends upon the area occupied by the company and the number of facilities operating in the airport. This essay makes a conclusion that the international operations of the company are subjected to competition from both foreign and domestic carriers. In such a scenario, the airline in order to operate profitably has entered into alliance with foreign carriers in which they have implemented code sharing and marketing agreement that in turn will increase the ability to sell international transportation and go beyond the traditional gateway cities like Asia and Europe. At the same time the other airlines that have entered into alliance has also benefitted from the alliance by entering into US market. Apart from this, the company is also heavily dependent upon technology for their day to day operations.

International Affairs College Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

International Affairs College - Article Example But they require some limitation for serving period after the completion of program. An extensively details form is required to be filled in by the applicant with supporting original documents. These things are sent to the committee that examines the form look for the merit of the candidate and offer him or her scholarship if they find it appropriate (Full Bright, 2005). "To establish an institute for international public policy. This institute shall conduct a program to significantly increase the numbers of African Americans and other under represented minorities in the international service (Higher Education Act, 2003)". But this grant is not directed towards the students rather they are given to the institutes and then students can contact those institutes for the scholar ships programs. So with an extensive search for the grants available to International relations program students, it is seen that the scholarships are more offered to the institutions than to the individuals perhaps due to the reason that International Relations has not been accepted as a field of study that can help develop nation and take it to higher places in literal meanings. The bush School aims ate delivering the students with the... "The end of the Cold War, the acceleration of globalization, and aggressive worldwide terrorism all indicate the momentous changes that have expanded and transformed national and international public service opportunities (Bush School, 2005)". The description of program at Bush School is as follows: The program is spread on a span of 21 months. It comprises of a total of 48 credit hours. Six courses that are required to be taken up by all students are offered with electives courses as per their will of specialization. They also require each student to go through concentration modules which are temporary associations with International economic development, defense policy and military affairs, regional studies and many others. The fee to follow this program is about 13800 dollars per year (two semester's fee + other expenses). So it makes a total of 26000 dollars for two years of program. The program nicely includes subjects which gives student the insight of world as political nations as well as economies. Subjects such as fundamentals of global economy and Quantitative Methods in Public Management are help for students to see the world in economic terms while courses like international politics and theories helps student to see the political game theory that is being played by nations of the world. b) City College of City University of New York They expect students to begin their program with theories of international relations. This prepares student to know the basic know how of the technical jargon which has to be used in the later semester of the program. A very unique requirement by the university is that students are required to take up and complete all the Core courses before they

Twentieth Century Drama Essay Example for Free

Twentieth Century Drama Essay The inspector is interrogating the Birlings and Gerald Croft. He is trying to get the truth out of them without letting on that he already knows everything. I think that some of the characters have changed for instance Sheila; she knows that the inspector already knows that Mrs Birling turned Eva away when she came for help. Sheilas realisation of what the inspector is doing is quite clear when Mrs Birling is denying the fact that Eric is the father of Evas unborn baby, and Sheila says stop it mother, stop it, as Sheila already knows that the inspector knows this. Some of the most dramatic moments in the play are Sheilas obvious understanding of Mrs Birling ignorance that it was Erics baby. Sheila was horrified the Evas unborn baby was dead. Whereas Mrs Birling doesnt really care. Another dramatic point in the play is when Eric returns and the curtain falls, this causes great tension within the audience again. I believe that J. B Priestleys purpose in writing the play may be because of social injustice, he obviously had a strong belief in treating people equally and to be careful of how you treat them and he is trying to get this across to the audience. He expresses his feelings in this scene through the characters especially with Mrs Birling. It is obvious that Mrs Birling is not ashamed of what she has done, but the inspector is trying to make her aware of this. I also believe that J. B Priestley uses the inspector as a mouthpiece, the inspector is trying to communicate the same message as J. B Priestley is to the audience. I think that at that at the end of Act 2 when the curtain falls the audience would feel anxious about what is going to happen next. Priestley must be successful if the audience experiences this tension. This scene is a crucial part of the play because before now we didnt know that Eric was the father of Evas unborn baby and that Mrs Birling knew Eva Smith, but near the end this is all revealed. At the end of the play the inspector makes a speech that finally changed Eric and Sheila, it altered their perspective in ways such as, to treat people with respect and treat them fairly. This could be reflected in the audience, as the Birling family were of a high class and the majority of the play who came to see this play was also of the same standard so they could relate to the plays events. The audience may think that they have done something terrible in the past like the Birlings had done and might think more carefully next time. I think that J. B Priestley has been completely successful with this play as a piece of theatre because of the above reasons.