International Adoption Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

International Adoption - Research Paper Example ts meet across lines of disparity involving not only in the biological factor, but also race, ethnicity, nationality, cultural heritage and socio economic class. Typically in international adoption, the adoptive parents usually belong to one of the richer countries of the world where they have a tendency to adopt children from a poor mother and belonging to less privileged ethnic and racial groups of poorer countries of the world. There are many countries that serve for the US couples who are planning to adopt (Bartholet, â€Å"International Adoption†). International adoption is a phenomenon of the last half century. The trend had begun after the First World War. The horrible outcome of the war led to predictable deaths and devastation. In most of the vanquished countries, the difficulty of parentless children had become evident to the world. Again Korean War also opened up an option for United States to adopt Korean child. Recently, dissolution of the U.S.S.R. and fall of the â€Å"Iron Curtain† have resulted in inclusion of the name of Russia, China and various new countries in that list. China’s one –child problem along with its overpopulation crisis resulted in the foreign adoption of thousands of baby girls (Bartholet, â€Å"International Adoption†). The two basic reasons namely the children in need of home and larger community issues make people in favor of the international adoption. Otherwise there is huge controversy regarding this subject. Again one who is in favor of international adoption defines it in context of the social science and child development expertise which refers that children placed in the international adoptive home grow up much better than those who brought upon the street or in institutional homes. In this regards, the opponents argued that children can be better served through remaining in the same community of their origin and become fortunate to enjoy ethnic and national heritage. Again the advocates of the international adoption

Management Accounting System Design in Manufacturing Departments Essay Example for Free

Management Accounting System Design in Manufacturing Departments Essay The model was tested by means of empirical data collected from a questionnaire addressed to 160 production managers. The response rate was 82. 5%. The ? ndings provide some support for the notion that organizations adapt their MAS design to the control requirements of the situation. Furthermore, the study o? ers some empirical support for the existence of suboptimal equi? nality. That is, in situations which lack of a single dominant imperative, several alternative, and functionally equivalent management control system (MCS) designs, may arise. O 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Introduction Since the mid-eighties, there has been a trend in manufacturing towards customization and novel approaches to organizing production, including JIT/TQM models of control (Schonberger, 1986; Womack, Jones, Roos, 1990). The pursuit of such strategies poses signi? cant challenges for the management since they typically imply intensi? ed interdependencies among functionally di? erentiated departments and new means of managing the work? ow (Bouwens Abernethy, 2000; Kalagnanam Lindsay, 1998). The multiple contingencies model stems from recognition that the demands placed on MAS design by multiple contingencies may con? ict (Fisher, 1995), i. e. , attempts to satisfy one demand may mean that other demands cannot be satis? ed. It is also explicitly assumed that the need for coordination and control can be met by several alternative, and equi? nal, management control system design strategies. The assumption is justi? ed by the long-held view that management control subsystems may not only complement each other but also substitute for each other (Fisher, 1995; Galbraith, 1973; Mintzberg, 1983). The remainder of the paper is structured as follows. The following two sections de? ne the constructs, develop the theoretical model, and conclude with a number of exploratory propositions. The process of data collection and data analysis is then detailed in the fourth section. The results of the study are presented and discussed in the ? fth and sixth sections, respectively. The last section contains concluding comments and some suggestions regarding future research. De? nition of constructs For a long time there has been an interest among scholars in documenting ? relationships between features of context in which the organization operates and its management control arrangements.

Literature review on learning styles

Literature review on learning styles Chapter 2 Literature review on learning styles 2.1 Background of learning styles Learning styles have received considerable attention in recent years. There are more than 20 style dimensions that have been identified so far. It has come out of the more general research on cognitive styles, particularly from the field of psychology. The earliest and frequently discussed dimension of learning styles is the concept of field dependence and field independence that is advocated by psychologist Herman Witkin. Recent researchers, such as Lardner (1989), Reid(1995), Nam Oxford (1998), Bailey Onwuegbuzie (2000), Malinsky (2001), Ehrman Leaver (2003), Decapua Wintergerst (2005), have contributed greatly to the development of learning style theories. Kolbs (1976) experiential learning theory is prevalent in educational settings, because his theory explains more about the teaching and learning process (Cited by Reid, 1995). Many researchers and instructors have adopted his theory and applied it into different educational areas. The most important thing is that he has proposed four learner types on the basis of his learning theories. And the four learner types are converger, diverger, assimilator, and accommodator. Claxton and Murrell (1987) use an onion metaphor to describe the multi-constructs of learning styles (Cited by Eliason, 1995). The multi-constructs of learning styles are compared as the layers of an onion. The core is composed of personality characteristics, then from insideto outside, the layers are sequentially information-processing the second layer, social interaction the third layer, and instructional layer the fourth and the outermost layer. The core is the mostm constant and stable part, but the successive layers around it can be slightly changed to some extent. Reid (1995) divides the learning-style researches into three major categories: cognitive learning styles, sensory learning styles, and personality styles. Cognitive learning styles, according to her introduction, include field-independent and field-dependent learning styles, analytic. and global learning styles, reflective and impulsive styles, and Kolbs Experiential Model. Sensory learning styles consist of perceptual learning styles and environmental learning styles. Personality learning styles are made up of Myers-Briggs Temperament styles, tolerance of ambiguity styles, right and left hemisphere styles. Riding Rayner (1998) just discuss and describe the two basic dimensions of cognitive styles, including wholist-analytic and verbal-imagery styles. The wholist-analytic style learners tend to organize information into wholes or parts, while verbal-imagery style learners are inclined to represent information during thinking verbally or in mental pictures. It is inevitable that diverse assessment instruments of learning styles exist. It is difficult to find a comprehensive assessment instrument because of the complex nature of learning styles. The majority of the assessment instruments are only to measure one or two dimensions of learning styles. For instance, OBriens (1990) Learning Channel Preference Checklist (LCPC) and Reids (1984) Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire (PLSP) are instruments just to measure perceptual learning styles, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) measures personality traits, such as extroversion-introversion, sensing-perception and the like, and Oxfords (1993) Style Analysis Survey (SAS) is relatively multi-dimensional and includes learning styles, such as perceptual learning styles, extroverted and introverted learning styles, concrete and sequential learning styles and so on. In this study, we mainly focus on perceptual learning style preference because it is one of the most obvious aspects of learning styles. Rossi-le (1989) refers to it as an individuals preferred mode for perceiving, organizing, and retaining information. Reids (1984) Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire (PLSP) is used in this study, because of her high reliability and validity for non-native speakers. It measures six types of perceptual learning styles, including visual, auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, individual, and group learning styles. Each of the learning styles possesses unique learning characteristics. Visual-style learners like to learn through eyes. For example, they prefer to obtain information through reading, computers, TV, a nd bulletin boards. Students of auditory learning styles rely heavily on listening or talking; they remember what you say. Tactile-style and kinesthetic-style learners like to learn through touching or moving and prefer to obtain information from audio tapes, lectures, class discussions, field trips, and role-plays. Individual-style learners learn best when they work alone, which contrasts strongly to group-style learners who learn effectively when work with other students or peers. It is evident that all learners have individual attributes relating to their own learning process and learn differently because of their biological and psychological differences. 2.2   Definitions of styles and learning styles The concept of style has existed in literature for approximately a century. It can be dated back to a description of personality in classical Greek literature about the ancient classification of temperament and physique created by Hippocrates (Riding Rayer, 1998). Styles are the words used to describe differences among people. They are the general, broad approaches a person uses to learn or to solve a problem. Brown (1994) defines it as consistent and rather enduring tendencies or preference within an individual. Generally speaking, styles are an individuals habitual patterns or preferred ways of doing something that remain consistent over a long period of time. Learning styles originate from the concept of style. There is a lack of concept agreement over the basic terminology. The term has been used in various and sometimes confusing ways in the literature, often interchangeably with the terms of cognitive styles, affective styles, or learning strategies. Cognitive styles and affective styles are only sub-constructs of learning styles and learning styles are more comprehensive. Cognitive styles are often referred to as an individuals preferred and habitual approach to organize and represent information. Its important dimensions are field-dependent and field independent, leveling and sharpening, holist and serialist, impulsive and reflective, and abstract and concrete etc. Affective styles are usually related to an individuals emotional states, including self-esteem, inhibition, risk-taking and anxiety and the like. Learning styles are constant and innate and difficult to be changed, whereas learning strategies can be learned and consciously applied in different learning situations. Learning strategies are specific procedures or techniques a person consciously uses in solving a problem or in working through an assignment. Literature on definitions of learning styles is also rich and diverse. Different researchers emphasize on different aspects of learning styles when rendering the definitions. Keefe (1979) defines learning styles as the cognitive, affective and physiological behaviors that serve as relatively stable indicators of how learners perceive, interact with, and respond to the learning environment (Cited by Eliss, 1994). Reid (1995) holds the view that learning styles are an individuals natural, habitual, and preferred way(s) of absorbing, processing, and retaining new information and skills. It is difficult to find an overall and comprehensive definition of learning styles, but similarities can be concluded from these definitions that the characteristics of consistency and perseverance are the core of all the learning style definitions. 2.3 Models of learning styles For researchers, it is difficult to propose a comprehensive learning model that encompasses all dimensions of learning styles. Thus the majority of learning style models focus on one or two aspects. In the following part, only two learning style models are introduced and elaborated because of their great popularity in research field. 2.3.1 The Dunn and Dunn learning-style model Compared with other learning-style approaches, the Dunn and Dunn learning-style model encompasses greater comprehensiveness and consistent effectiveness. According to Dunn and Dunn (1993), learning style is the way that students begin to concentrate on, process, internalize, and remember new and difficult academic information and is composed of both biological and developmental characteristics that make the identical instructional environments, methods, and resources effective for some learners and ineffective for others (Cited by Dunn and Griggs, 2000). In this model, the Dunns describe learning style as the ways to affect an individuals abilities to master new and difficult academic information or skills. 21 elements have been identified in this model and are classified into five categories of learning stimuli. (1) Environmental. The elements are sound, light, temperature, and design. Part of an individuals learning style depends on his or her preference regarding sound versus silence, bright versus soft lighting, warm versus cool temperatures, and formal versus informal seating. (2) Emotional. These elements are motivation, persistence, responsibility (conformity versus nonconformity), and preference for structure versus choice. (3) Sociological. These elements describe the group in which a student prefers to learn, such as whether to learn alone, with peers, or with either a collegial or authoritative adult, andlor in a variety of ways as opposed to patterns or routines. (4) Physiological. These elements include perceptual strengths like auditory, visual, tactual, and kinesthetic skills; time-of-day energy levels; intake (snacking while concentrating); and mobility needs. (5) Psychological. These elements describe the way in which a student processes information. For example, analytic students focus on facts or details in step-by-step fashion. Gradually the facts build up to an understanding. Conversely, global students need to understand how they are learning relating to them and their lives before they can begin to focus on facts. Also, analytic students respond to printed words and numbers, whereas global students respond better to illustrations and pictures (Searson, R., Dunn, R., 2001). In summary, Dunn and Griggs (2000) explain the theoretical base towards the Dunn and Dunn Learning-Style Model as follows: 1. Most individuals can learn. 2. Instructional environments, resources, and approaches respond to diverse learning-style strengths. 3. Everyone has strengths, but different people have very different strengths. 4. Individual instructional preference exists and can be measured reliably (Burke, Guastello et al.,1999/2000). 5. Given responsive environments, resources, and approaches, students attain statistically higher achievement- and attitude-test scores in congruent, rather than in incongruent, treatments ( Dunn Dunn, 1992, 1993; Dunn, Dunn, Perrin, 1994; Dunn, Griggs et al., 1995); they also behave better in style-responsive environments (Oberer, 1999). 6. Teachers can learn to use learning styles as a cornerstone of their instruction ( Dunn DeBello, 1999). 7. Students can learn to capitalize on their learning-style strengths when concentrating on new and difficult information (P. Roberts, 1999; Schiering, 1999). 2.3.2 Kolbs learning style model Kolbs learning style model has attracted considerable interest since the mid-1970s and has greatly contributed to the development of learning style theories. Kolb remarks that learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience (Cited by Riding Rayer, 1998). Learning style is described by Kolb (1976) as the individuals preferred method for assimilating information and makes learners actively involve in the learning process. Hauer, Straub and Wolf (2005) state that Kolbs theory of learning is based on Deweys emphasis on the need for learning in experience; on Kurt Lewins work which stresses the importance of a persons active learning; and John Piagets theory of intelligence which explains the interaction between the person and the environment.  According to Kolb, the learning model comprises two independent dimensions: perception and process. The first dimension involves concrete experiences and abstract conceptualization, and the second includes active experimentation and reflective observation. Perception reflects how individuals perceive information. For example, abstract learners comprehend information conceptually and analytically, whereas concrete learners learn most effectively through specific learning experiences. Processing describes how individuals process information. Active learners, for instance, learn primarily by manipulating the environment, while reflective individuals typically learn by introspection and internal reflection on the external world. The learning model of two dimensions can be further classified into the following four learner types: Converger (Common sense learner): these students perceive information abstractly and learn through active experimentation. They are best at finding practical uses for ideas and theories. They prefer activities, such as small-group discussions, classroom participation, and computer use. Their favorite question is How does this work?. Diverger (Innovative learner): these students learn better when they are able to perceive concretely and to process reflectively. They like to do things by themselves and have good imaginative abilities. They are interested in people and culture, and tend to be social learners. Brain-storming and lectures are their favorite activities. They usually bear the question Why do I need to learn this? in their minds. Assimilator (Analytic learner): these students learn more effectively when they are able to perceive abstractly and to process reflectively. They are good at putting the separate information into a logical organization and enjoy theoretical reading. They are more interested in facts and important things. They are more used to traditional classroom learning. Their favorite question is What do I need to learn?. Accommodator (Dynamic learner): these students learn more effectively when they are able to perceive concretely and to process actively. They are good at hands-on experience and like to connect their learning into the context of real world. They like activities of risk-taking, presentations, debates, and group discussions, but dislike authority figures. They always hold the question like What if?. The four learner types can be summarized briefly as below: accommodators are people who learn primarily from hands-on experience rather than from logical analysis; divergers are best at viewing concrete situations from many different points of view; assimilators are best at organizing information into a concise and logical form; convergers are best at finding practical use for ideas and theories.

Grief and Bereavement Essay -- essays research papers fc

Grief and Bereavement CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION â€Å"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.† Matthew 5:4 Crisis involved with loss of other human being is the intensive of all types of crises. This paper I will be talking mainly about grief through people loss, as it is something, which happens suddenly, and which can also lead into intense grief. In this paper I want to also talk about how we as a Christian and especially as a pastor will be able to cope with or help a person that is undergoing this grief situation. This is because many of the times when we see someone undergoing this kind of crisis of grief, we tend to ignore it or we try to take over the grief to ourselves. Worst of all this when we try to convince the person that is in this crisis that it is not there at all. Grieving is an overall response to a number of different kinds of problems. Grief is not something that people is bound to experience but something that has consistently occurred in the lives of many. A loss may not necessarily initiate an experience of grief. But if there is an attachment emotionally to that loss then there might be grief. Grief is a part of human life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   CHAPTER II TERMINOLOGY What is Grief? According to Webster’s Dictionary Grief is mentioned as intense emotional suffering caused by loss, misfortune, injury or evils of any kind, sorrow, and regret. Grief is considered to be a normal response to loss of any significant thing or person. Grief brings about a lack of meaning in the life of the person he, or she feels empty and sadness fills in. There are two kinds of grief and these are Normal grief and Morbid grief. Normal Grief It is seen as when individuals or family members who have been deeply affected by a death or anticipated death, who are able to openly grieve with each other and accept help from others as they experience the various stages of the grief process. Some of the symptoms seen in this kind of grief, empty feelings, sighing deeply, lack of appetite, overeating out of tension, unable to sleep. Sometimes there is a struggle with the way one feels about his or her relationship with the Lord. Some of them feel like God is has gone away from them. Most of them have trouble rejoicing in the Lord. Sometimes they over spiritualise the loss and hold back the question of God’s involvement in the loss. Morbid Gr... ... his way of normal living. Pastors needs to understand these three stages or phases of grief and should be able to help the griever with the knowledge of these. And along side all this we should be able to pray for the griever at all time, asking God to give him comfort. Most of all I would suggest that we should be able to Love and Care for the grieving person and help him to cope to a new way of life. BIBLIOGRAPHY Crick, Robert, D. Min., Grief, death, dying, and Bereavement: A general overview of the Dynamics of Grief: Helping People in Crisis, ed. Donald S. Aultman. Cleveland: Church of God School of Ministry, 2003. McMahan, Oliver, Scriptural Counselling, A God-centered Method. Cleveland: Pathway Press, 1995. Simpson, Carl Dr., Professor for European Theological Seminary, Lecture from Pastoral Counselling, 07. April 2005, Freundenstadt-Kniebis, Germany. Switzer, David K., The Minister as Crisis Counsellor, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1974. The New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984 Webster, Noah L.L.D, Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English Language. Cleveland: The World Publishing Company, 1966.

The Roles of the Gods in Greek Myth

The Roles of the Gods in Greek Myth In Greek myth, there are many deities who specialize in different realms. According to Aeschylus’s Prometheus Bound and Homer’s Iliad, Greek gods do not only have power, but also have interactions with humans. Most of Greek deities make themselves or their intent known to humans through direct communication and indirect punishment. Zeus punishes Prometheus, the creator and protector of the mortals, for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to the human beings. Zeus, the king of the Gods, rules the world by his own laws.Although Prometheus is one of the most intelligent Titans and takes Zeus’s side in the Titanomachy, he cannot avoid being punished for the violation of Zeus’s will. After Zeus wins the war against the Titans, he plans to destroy humans completely and create another race (Aesch. Pro. 229-237). Since Prometheus opposes Zeus and shows excessive stubbornness and pride, Zeus demands that his servants, Stren gth and Violence, chain Prometheus to a mountain to show his power. Gods also communicate with human beings. For example, in Iliad, Athena comes down and tries to make peace between Agamemnon and Achilles.During the war between the Achaeans and Trojans, Achilles, one of the Achaean’s most important warriors, is angry with the commander Agamemnon for taking away his reward, Briseis, and stops fighting for the Achaeans. Athena hates the Trojans, so she talks with Achilles to convince him to stop fighting with Agamemnon and join the battle (Hom. Il. 1. 241-251). In addition, Athena gives the Achaean hero Diomedes incredible strength and the ability to see the gods so that Diomedes can be more powerful in the war (Hom. Il. 5. 1-3).She also encourages Diomedes and warns him not to challenge the gods except Aphrodite (Hom. Il. 5. 136-137). Although the Greek gods communicate with humans and help them in some ways, they are actually not morally upright. Most of time, they make decis ions based on their own interests. Almost all the Greek gods are involved in the outcome of Trojan War, which was originated from a quarrel between the goddesses Athena, Hera and Aphrodite. Zeus promises to help the Trojans not out of any profound moral consideration but rather because he owes Achilles’s mother Thetis a favor (Hom.Il. 1. 600-609). Hera and Athena passionately hate the Trojans, so they work together to help the Achaeans recover from their retreat. Hera even seduces Zeus so that she can help the Achaeans behind his back (Hom. Il. 14. 283-289). In addition, the River Xanthus is very angry when Achilles kills so many Trojans, whose corpses are choking him. But in the fight between Xanthus and Achilles, Poseidon, the god of sea, comes to help Achilles because he holds a grudge against the Trojans, who never paid him back for helping them build their city.Because of the Greek gods’ involvement in the Trojan War, it becomes quite chaotic. None of them are imp artial or fair to both sides of the war. They are very emotional and always try to fight against the people they hate. The same type of behavior occurs in Prometheus Bound. Zeus has no pity or concern for others. He sent eagles to attack Prometheus repeatedly (Aesch. Pro. 1022-1025). Still, he decides to free Prometheus finally because Prometheus agrees to offer him an oracle. Therefore, the Greek gods are selfish and do not obey a moral code at all.Zeus is not morally upright; however, as the king of the Olympian gods, he plays an important role in both divine and human interactions. The main theme of Homer’s Iliad is the wrath of Achilles. Though Achilles refuses to fight against the Trojans because of Agamemnon’s disrespect, he returns to the battle finally. This largely depends on Zeus, who is one of the moderators in this story. He agrees to punish the Achaeans when Achilles’s mother Thetis asks him to do so, which abates Achilles’s rage. In most par ts of the story, Zeus stays impartial and keeps other gods from intervening in the war.In addition, Zeus, as the symbol of authority and justice, never comes down onto the battlefield to interfere with the mortal conflicts, in contrast to the rest of the gods who fight for what they favor. For instance, Apollo and Artemis, who support the Trojans in the war, often give aid to the city of Troy. Zeus acts as a balance through the entire war. Since he is subordinate to Fates, he keeps the gods in order and prevents them from violating the Fates. Zeus allows some gods to go to the battlefield after Apollo joins the battle because he doesn’t want the Achaeans to win earlier than they are supposed to.Throughout the Trojan War, Zeus is the director who keeps the war move along the right track. He mostly remains neutral and plays a vital role in the divine and human interactions. The divine interactions between Zeus and other gods are related to human affairs. These connections can b e found in the relationship between king and subjects, male and female. All the Greek deities need to obey Zeus’s rules because he is the king of the gods, a powerful tyrant. However, Prometheus is an exception. He gives fire to mankind and is so stubborn that he refuses to make peace with Zeus (Aesch.Pro. 167-175). As a result, he is chained to a mountain, where other gods can see how humiliating he is. Agamemnon, the leader of the Achaean army is also selfish and arrogant, which is the same as Zeus. When one of his valuable warriors Achilles challenges his leadership, Agamemnon is so angry that he takes away Achilles’s reward (Hom. Il. 1. 378-382). So it is obvious that no matter in the Greek mythology or real world, the king always is endowed with power that he can control his territory and get whatever he wants.But there is a little different in the standing of male and female. Unlike ordinary women, the Greek female deities do have some power; for instance, Hera i s the goddess of marriage and women fertility; Aphrodite is the goddess of sexual attraction. While in mankind, Homer describes women as useless containers. Since they only consume food and do not produce, they are inferior and not able to speak their wills or make any decisions. In Iliad, Chryseis and Briseis, a pair of beautiful maidens is honored to Agamemnon and Achilles separately.When Chryseis’s father tries his best to get his daughter back, Agamemnon replaces Chryseis with Achilles’s lover Briseis. Chryseis and Briseis are treated as objects. Homer does not mention any of their words in the book because no one cares how they actually feel except their parents. Overall, the similarities between divine interactions and human affairs are that the kings are always powerful and the female is subservient to the male. Though Iliad is a story about ancient heroes, gods and goddesses, it does reflect the values and conditions of Greek society at that time.Iliad was writ ten around eighth century BC, the Archaic Period in Greek history. The main transition is the rise of polis and colonization in Greek society. In the book, all the gods are leaded by Zeus and obey his rules, which reflects that each polis has its own ruler who is not morally upright and tends to set up dictatorships, raise armies and attack other polies to expand his influence. Additionally, the human relationships are not well if we consider the relationship between Zeus and Hera. In the Trojan War, Hera absolutely backs up the Achaeans.So when Thetis asks Zeus to help the Trojans, he is hesitated; however, he finally agrees because he owes her (Hom. Il. 1. 619-635). Hera hears that and asks Zeus what’s his plan, but Zeus replies that she will be the first to know whatever is right for her (Hom. Il. 1. 644-660). So Hera is very angry and decides to seduce Zeus in order to help the Achaeans behind his back. From the myth, we can find that there is hardly any trust or promise between husband and wife. So it’s possible that husband and wife in real Greek family may cheat each other for different reasons.Furthermore, Zeus promises Thetis that he will give Achilles more glories, which reflects that honor can be one of the most important subjects during that time. People want glory so that they can be powerful in the society. In conclusion, the Greek gods always have power in different areas, but they still are not as powerful as Zeus who rules the world. They use different ways to show their power to the human beings, such as communication and punishment. However, these Greek gods including Zeus are not morally upright. They act on their own selfish purposes and sometimes cheat each other to get what they want.As the king of the gods, Zeus is crucial in the human and divine interactions. He can control the war and make those who challenge his authority like Prometheus to suffer. The depiction of the gods and divine interactions actually provides a re alistic view of human conditions. The rise of polis and colonization are the important themes in the Archaic Period. The king of the polis always has strong power and makes decisions based on his will. The warriors and leaders are usually male because women are considered to be useless and inferior, which is a little contrast to the Greek myth. The Roles of the Gods in Greek Myth The Roles of the Gods in Greek Myth In Greek myth, there are many deities who specialize in different realms. According to Aeschylus’s Prometheus Bound and Homer’s Iliad, Greek gods do not only have power, but also have interactions with humans. Most of Greek deities make themselves or their intent known to humans through direct communication and indirect punishment. Zeus punishes Prometheus, the creator and protector of the mortals, for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to the human beings. Zeus, the king of the Gods, rules the world by his own laws.Although Prometheus is one of the most intelligent Titans and takes Zeus’s side in the Titanomachy, he cannot avoid being punished for the violation of Zeus’s will. After Zeus wins the war against the Titans, he plans to destroy humans completely and create another race (Aesch. Pro. 229-237). Since Prometheus opposes Zeus and shows excessive stubbornness and pride, Zeus demands that his servants, Stren gth and Violence, chain Prometheus to a mountain to show his power. Gods also communicate with human beings. For example, in Iliad, Athena comes down and tries to make peace between Agamemnon and Achilles.During the war between the Achaeans and Trojans, Achilles, one of the Achaean’s most important warriors, is angry with the commander Agamemnon for taking away his reward, Briseis, and stops fighting for the Achaeans. Athena hates the Trojans, so she talks with Achilles to convince him to stop fighting with Agamemnon and join the battle (Hom. Il. 1. 241-251). In addition, Athena gives the Achaean hero Diomedes incredible strength and the ability to see the gods so that Diomedes can be more powerful in the war (Hom. Il. 5. 1-3).She also encourages Diomedes and warns him not to challenge the gods except Aphrodite (Hom. Il. 5. 136-137). Although the Greek gods communicate with humans and help them in some ways, they are actually not morally upright. Most of time, they make decis ions based on their own interests. Almost all the Greek gods are involved in the outcome of Trojan War, which was originated from a quarrel between the goddesses Athena, Hera and Aphrodite. Zeus promises to help the Trojans not out of any profound moral consideration but rather because he owes Achilles’s mother Thetis a favor (Hom.Il. 1. 600-609). Hera and Athena passionately hate the Trojans, so they work together to help the Achaeans recover from their retreat. Hera even seduces Zeus so that she can help the Achaeans behind his back (Hom. Il. 14. 283-289). In addition, the River Xanthus is very angry when Achilles kills so many Trojans, whose corpses are choking him. But in the fight between Xanthus and Achilles, Poseidon, the god of sea, comes to help Achilles because he holds a grudge against the Trojans, who never paid him back for helping them build their city.Because of the Greek gods’ involvement in the Trojan War, it becomes quite chaotic. None of them are imp artial or fair to both sides of the war. They are very emotional and always try to fight against the people they hate. The same type of behavior occurs in Prometheus Bound. Zeus has no pity or concern for others. He sent eagles to attack Prometheus repeatedly (Aesch. Pro. 1022-1025). Still, he decides to free Prometheus finally because Prometheus agrees to offer him an oracle. Therefore, the Greek gods are selfish and do not obey a moral code at all.Zeus is not morally upright; however, as the king of the Olympian gods, he plays an important role in both divine and human interactions. The main theme of Homer’s Iliad is the wrath of Achilles. Though Achilles refuses to fight against the Trojans because of Agamemnon’s disrespect, he returns to the battle finally. This largely depends on Zeus, who is one of the moderators in this story. He agrees to punish the Achaeans when Achilles’s mother Thetis asks him to do so, which abates Achilles’s rage. In most par ts of the story, Zeus stays impartial and keeps other gods from intervening in the war.In addition, Zeus, as the symbol of authority and justice, never comes down onto the battlefield to interfere with the mortal conflicts, in contrast to the rest of the gods who fight for what they favor. For instance, Apollo and Artemis, who support the Trojans in the war, often give aid to the city of Troy. Zeus acts as a balance through the entire war. Since he is subordinate to Fates, he keeps the gods in order and prevents them from violating the Fates. Zeus allows some gods to go to the battlefield after Apollo joins the battle because he doesn’t want the Achaeans to win earlier than they are supposed to.Throughout the Trojan War, Zeus is the director who keeps the war move along the right track. He mostly remains neutral and plays a vital role in the divine and human interactions. The divine interactions between Zeus and other gods are related to human affairs. These connections can b e found in the relationship between king and subjects, male and female. All the Greek deities need to obey Zeus’s rules because he is the king of the gods, a powerful tyrant. However, Prometheus is an exception. He gives fire to mankind and is so stubborn that he refuses to make peace with Zeus (Aesch.Pro. 167-175). As a result, he is chained to a mountain, where other gods can see how humiliating he is. Agamemnon, the leader of the Achaean army is also selfish and arrogant, which is the same as Zeus. When one of his valuable warriors Achilles challenges his leadership, Agamemnon is so angry that he takes away Achilles’s reward (Hom. Il. 1. 378-382). So it is obvious that no matter in the Greek mythology or real world, the king always is endowed with power that he can control his territory and get whatever he wants.But there is a little different in the standing of male and female. Unlike ordinary women, the Greek female deities do have some power; for instance, Hera i s the goddess of marriage and women fertility; Aphrodite is the goddess of sexual attraction. While in mankind, Homer describes women as useless containers. Since they only consume food and do not produce, they are inferior and not able to speak their wills or make any decisions. In Iliad, Chryseis and Briseis, a pair of beautiful maidens is honored to Agamemnon and Achilles separately.When Chryseis’s father tries his best to get his daughter back, Agamemnon replaces Chryseis with Achilles’s lover Briseis. Chryseis and Briseis are treated as objects. Homer does not mention any of their words in the book because no one cares how they actually feel except their parents. Overall, the similarities between divine interactions and human affairs are that the kings are always powerful and the female is subservient to the male. Though Iliad is a story about ancient heroes, gods and goddesses, it does reflect the values and conditions of Greek society at that time.Iliad was writ ten around eighth century BC, the Archaic Period in Greek history. The main transition is the rise of polis and colonization in Greek society. In the book, all the gods are leaded by Zeus and obey his rules, which reflects that each polis has its own ruler who is not morally upright and tends to set up dictatorships, raise armies and attack other polies to expand his influence. Additionally, the human relationships are not well if we consider the relationship between Zeus and Hera. In the Trojan War, Hera absolutely backs up the Achaeans.So when Thetis asks Zeus to help the Trojans, he is hesitated; however, he finally agrees because he owes her (Hom. Il. 1. 619-635). Hera hears that and asks Zeus what’s his plan, but Zeus replies that she will be the first to know whatever is right for her (Hom. Il. 1. 644-660). So Hera is very angry and decides to seduce Zeus in order to help the Achaeans behind his back. From the myth, we can find that there is hardly any trust or promise between husband and wife. So it’s possible that husband and wife in real Greek family may cheat each other for different reasons.Furthermore, Zeus promises Thetis that he will give Achilles more glories, which reflects that honor can be one of the most important subjects during that time. People want glory so that they can be powerful in the society. In conclusion, the Greek gods always have power in different areas, but they still are not as powerful as Zeus who rules the world. They use different ways to show their power to the human beings, such as communication and punishment. However, these Greek gods including Zeus are not morally upright. They act on their own selfish purposes and sometimes cheat each other to get what they want.As the king of the gods, Zeus is crucial in the human and divine interactions. He can control the war and make those who challenge his authority like Prometheus to suffer. The depiction of the gods and divine interactions actually provides a re alistic view of human conditions. The rise of polis and colonization are the important themes in the Archaic Period. The king of the polis always has strong power and makes decisions based on his will. The warriors and leaders are usually male because women are considered to be useless and inferior, which is a little contrast to the Greek myth.

Fish Cheeks vs. Its Hard Enough Being Me

Fish Cheeks vs. Its Hard Enough Being Me In the new wave of globalization, movement across borders has become the norm. Most importantly, children often find themselves in unfamiliar territories when their parents relocate to other countries. In such situations, they experience cultural identity confusion as they try to redefine their identity amidst conflicting cultures. However, while redefining identity may attract challenges for adults, it is quite daunting for children and youths; since they are already struggling with developmental identity crisis.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"Fish Cheeks† vs. â€Å"It’s Hard Enough Being Me† specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More On the same note, Amy Tan â€Å"Fish Cheeks† and Anna Raya â€Å"It’s Hard Enough Being Me† essays explore the subject of cultural identity struggle from the perspective of young people, who find themselves at cultural cross-roads in foreign soils . Against this milieu, this essay will provide a critical analysis of the two essays in an attempt to bring out the similarities and differences therein. To begin with, Raya finds herself in New York in pursuit of a university degree at the Columbia University. While here, she undergoes an array of conflicting experiences as she tries to redefine her identity amidst numerous occasions of misidentification. Although Raya has always identified herself with her Mexican and some Puerto Rican roots, she is thrown into identity confusion when her peers regard her as a â€Å"Latina† (Raya 1010). Due to this label, peers expect her to have a grasp of Spanish language, know how to dance salsa, and be knowledgeable about Mexican history. However, Raya confesses that she knew none of those things (Raya 1010). Correspondingly, in ‘’Fish Cheeks† Tan exposes the struggle she endured while growing up in America as a Chinese teenager. Tan was always embarrassed about her background, and to some extent she perceived her traditional family as primitive (Raya 102). During teenage, individuals are always struggling with identity issues. Consequently, these two stories clearly depict that for young people, redefining identities in multicultural surroundings can be quite strenuous. On the same note, isolation and loneliness themes are constantly featured in these two stories. When circumstances compel Raya and Tan to grow up alongside white American culture, the feelings of isolation becomes inevitable. Raya (1010) confesses that her peers expected her to exhibit some aura of â€Å"Latin-ness’’. Similarly, Tan avoids interacting with her peers because she is embarrassed of her Chinese roots. As a result, she avoided situations that could compel her to reveal her ‘tainted’ culture. (Tan 102). Although Tan’s embarrassment can be attributed to teenage-hood issues; she clearly confesses that she wished she had ‘a slim American nose’ that would enable her to be regarded as a Native American (Tan 102). Noticeably, the two authors do not mention about their interaction with people outside their respective culture. Obviously, this insinuates that identity crisis is coupled with feeling of loneliness.Advertising Looking for essay on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Furthermore, isolation as a result of cultural identity disparities is clearly accentuated in â€Å"It’s Hard Enough Being Me.† The above title indicates that cultural identity is a complex phenomenon that is often challenging to most people. However, it becomes even harder when one is forced to coexist with individuals who portray little or no element of cultural empathy. Raya feels isolated because her peers associate her with a culture she knows little about. Interestingly though, after a long struggle with cultural identity confus ion, Raya and Tan successfully reconciles with their rich heritage. Eventually, Raya realizes that trying to conform to the American culture only brought pain, loneliness and unhappiness to her life. Therefore in order to eliminate feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness, she decides to pass herself off as a woman with a rich heritage rather than trying to imitate American culture (Raya1011). Contrastingly, the protagonists in these two stories portray some element of diversity. Although Ray is caught up between cultural identity dilemmas, she is not embarrassed with her past. As a matter of fact, she is angered because her peers do not seem to understand the difference between her Mexican/ Puerto Rican and Latina background. Her only concern is that she is associated with a culture she knows little about. Contrastingly, Tan perceives her Chinese background as embarrassing. She is embarrassed about the way her family celebrates Christmas. Most importantly, when her parents invite a w hite family for Christmas dinner, she is angered because she assumes that they would definitely find their Chinese meals and mannerism disgusting (Tan 103). She confesses that she wished to ‘disappear’ rather than undergo those ‘embarrassing’ moments, when minister’s family would interact with their â€Å"shabby† culture (Tan 103). The above analysis depicts that unlike Raya, Tan wished to be regarded as an American instead of being associated with Chinese roots, which she perceived as embarrassing and primitive. In a nutshell, Raya’s and Tan’s essays depict numerous similarities than differences. Inspired by the concept of cultural identity, the two authors explored themes of isolation and loneliness from a young person’s perspective. Raya’s cultural confusion arises when peer pressure compels her to behave like a Latin native while in real sense she is of Mexican/ Puerto Rican origin. However, while Tan is seeming ly embarrassed by her Chinese background, Raya is proud of her roots. Raya, Anna Lisa. â€Å"It’s Hard enough Being Me.† Literature and Composition. Ed. Sylvan Barnett et al. 6th ed. New York: Longman, 2003. 1010-1011. Print.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"Fish Cheeks† vs. â€Å"It’s Hard Enough Being Me† specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Tan, Amy. â€Å"Fish Cheeks.†. Amy Tan: a literary companion. Ed. Mary Ellen Snodgrass. London: McFarland, 2004. 102-103. Print.

Book Design EVERYTHING You Need to Know

Book Design EVERYTHING You Need to Know Book Design: EVERYTHING You Need to Know Think book design is just about creating the perfect book cover? Think again. Just as a well-written novel relies on so many various story elements coming together just so, book design takes the various elements of a book - the words, pages, cover, spine, ink, everything - and turns it into a beautiful, cohesive unit that calls to readers and invites them in. A book needs to stand out for all the right reasons, which is why it’s important that whoever is designing the book understands what the market expects.This is not intended to intimidate you! No matter what your level of publishing experience is, this guide to book design is for you! We will cover all the different areas of this subject, starting with†¦ What are your biggest #bookdesign questions? Find answers here! Designing your book’s interiorDo you have any lingering questions about book design? Which aspects seem most challenging? Leave any questions or thoughts in the comments below, and we will continue updating this post with as answers!

Elisha Grays Telephone Invention Patent Caveat

Elisha Grays Telephone Invention Patent Caveat Elisha Gray was an American inventor who contested the invention of the telephone with Alexander Graham Bell. Elisha Gray invented a version of the telephone in his laboratory in Highland Park, Illinois. Background - Elisha Gray 1835-1901 Elisha Gray was a Quaker from rural Ohio who grew up on a farm. He studied electricity at Oberlin College. In 1867, Gray received his first patent for an improved telegraph relay. During his lifetime, Elisha Gray was granted over seventy patents for his inventions, including many important innovations in electricity. In 1872, Gray founded the Western Electric Manufacturing Company, the great-grandparent of todays Lucent Technologies. Patent Wars - Elisha Gray Vs Alexander Graham Bell On February 14, 1876, Alexander Graham Bells telephone patent application entitled Improvement in Telegraphy was filed at the USPTO by Bells attorney Marcellus Bailey.  Elisha Grays attorney filed a caveat for a telephone just a few hours later entitled Transmitting Vocal Sounds Telegraphically. Alexander Graham Bell was the fifth entry of that day, while Elisha Gray was 39th. Therefore, the U.S. Patent Office awarded Bell with the first patent for a telephone, US Patent 174,465 rather than honor Grays caveat. On September 12, 1878  lengthy patent litigation involving the Bell Telephone Company against Western Union Telegraph Company and Elisha Gray began. What Is a Patent Caveat? A patent caveat was a type of preliminary application for a patent that gave an inventor an additional 90 days grace to file a regular patent application. The caveat would prevent anyone else that filed an application on the same or similar invention from having their application processed for 90 days while the caveat holder was given an opportunity to file a full patent application first. Caveats are no longer issued. Elisha Grays Patent Caveat Filed on February 14, 1876 To all whom it may concern: Be it known that I, Elisha Gray, of Chicago, in the County of Cook, and  State of Illinois, have invented a new art of transmitting vocal sounds telegraphically, of which the following is a specification. It is the object of my invention to transmit the tones of the human voice through a telegraphic circuit and reproduce them at the receiving end of the  line so that actual conversations can be carried on by persons at long distances apart. I have invented and patented methods of transmitting musical impressions or sounds  telegraphically, and my present invention is based  on  a modification of the principle of said invention, which is set forth and described in letters patent of the  United  States, granted to me July 27th, 1875, respectively numbered 166,095, and 166,096, and also in an application for letters patent of the United States, filed by me, February 23d, 1875. To attain the objects of my invention, I devised an instrument capable of vibrating responsively to all tones of the human voice, and by which they are rendered audible. In the accompanying  drawings  I have shown an apparatus embodying my improvements in the best way now known to me, but I contemplate various other applications, and also changes in the details of construction of the apparatus, some of which would  obviously suggest themselves to a skillful electrician, or a person in the science of acoustics, in seeing this application. Figure 1 represents a vertical central section through the transmitting instrument; Figure 2, a similar section through the receiver; and Figure 3, a diagram representing the whole apparatus.   My present belief is, that the most effective method of providing an apparatus capable of responding to the various tones of the human voice, is a tympanum, drum or diaphragm, stretched across one end of the chamber, carrying an apparatus for producing fluctuations in the potential of the electric current, and consequently varying in its power. In the drawings, the person transmitting sounds is shown as talking into a box, or chamber, A, across the outer end of which is stretched a diaphragm, a, of some thin substance, such as parchment or gold-beaters skin, capable of responding to all the vibrations of the human voice, whether simple or complex. Attached to this diaphragm is a light metal rod, A, or other suitable conductor of electricity, which extends into a vessel B, made of glass or other insulating material, having its lower end  closed by a plug, which may be of metal, or through which passes a conductor b, forming part of the circuit. This vessel is filled with some liquid possessing high resistance, such, for instance, as water, so that the vibrations of the plunger or rod A, which does not quite touch the conductor b, will cause variations in resistance, and, consequently, in the potential of the current passing through the rod A. Owing to this construction, the resistance varies constantly in response to the vibrations of the diaphragm, which, although irregular, not only in their amplitude, but in rapidity, are nevertheless transmitted, and can, consequently, be transmitted through a single rod, which could not be done with a positive make and break of the circuit employed, or where contact points are used. I contemplate, however, the use of a series of  diaphragm  in a common vocalizing chamber, each diaphragm carrying and independent  rod, and responding to a vibration of different rapidity and intensity, in which case contact points mounted on other diaphragms may be employed. The vibrations thus imparted are transmitted through an electric circuit to the receiving station, in which circuit is included an  electromagnet  of ordinary construction, acting upon a diaphragm to which is attached a piece of soft iron, and which  diaphragm  is stretched across a receiving vocalizing chamber c, somewhat similar to the corresponding vocalizing chamber A. The diaphragm at the receiving end of the line is this thrown into vibration corresponding with those at the transmitting end, and audible sounds or words are produced. The obvious practical application of my improvement will be to enable persons at a distance to converse with each other through a telegraphic circuit, just as they do now in each others presence, or through a speaking tube. I claim as my invention the art of transmitting vocal sounds or conversations telegraphically through an electric circuit. Elisha Gray WitnessesWilliam J. PeytonWm D. Baldwin

Project monitoring nd control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Project monitoring nd control - Essay Example Project control t the senior mngement level consists of evluting nd responding to forml Project Sttus Reports prepred by the project tem. These reports detil the overll progress of the project with specil ttention pid to production delys or budget overruns tht might jeoprdize contrctul greements. The reports ssist senior mngement in determining when expenditures on prticulr project re no longer profitble nd should be terminted. Depending on the level of mngement control, sttus reports my prompt senior mngers to provide dditionl funding, direction, or clrifiction to the project tem. In contrst, project control t the opertionl level is driven by need to determine how successful the tem hs been in chieving specific plnned objectives nd by need to ssist in the coordintion of complex nd interrelted ctions. The project tem monitors the progress of ech ctivity, tking corrective ction when ctivities re shown to be delyed or drifting (Spinner, 1992). Knutson nd Bitz (1991) list five stges of the opertionl project control process: Time, cost, nd performnce form the bsis for the operting chrcteristics of project. These fctors help to determine the bsis for project control. Project control is the process of reducing the devition between ctul performnce nd plnned performnce. Mesurements re tken on ech of the three project constrints of time, performnce, nd cost. Cost Control. Cost Control. Tking the process one step further, cost control reports compre scheduled expenditures to ctul expenditures. The purpose of these reports, which re usully prepred by finncil plnners, is to identify or predict possible cost overruns. If cost overrun is likely, request for dditionl funds should be forwrded to senior mngement s soon s possible. If dditionl funding cn not be obtined quickly, nd the overrun is beyond the project's finncil tolernce, no further finncil commitments should be mde pending complete project cost nlysis. lthough this lck of finncil commitment my seem somewht hrsh, it is the best course of ction since it prevents the project from going bnkrupt, which would mke completion impossible (Spinner, 1992). There re certin techniques tht cn ssist mngers in controlling nd monitoring the project. To mny mngers, the costs ssocited with project my be considered more importnt thn the schedule; t minimum, senior mngement will require timely cost sttus reports. During the plnning stge, this will tke the form of developing project cost estimtes for inclusion in the initil project budget. Once the project hs begun, this informtion my be forwrded s prt of cost schedule or cost control reports. If the tem is considering ccelerting or "crshing" the project, the tem my develop cost minimizing reports (Spinner, 1992). Cost control hs received extensive coverge in the literture. Numerous ccounting nd reporting systems hve been developed over the yers for project cost monitoring nd control. Some of the strtegies suitble for controlling project cost include: Reducing lbor costs Using competitive

HOW DO YOU RECRUIT THE RIGHT PEOPLE Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HOW DO YOU RECRUIT THE RIGHT PEOPLE - Assignment Example The best method is perceived to focus upon the star performer in the particular job in the company to be able to use them as a model which will make easy to recruit the right person for the right job. Therefore, often this technique is used by making the top performer as a model in getting the right candidate. For making the right job description the top performers are observed along the work they carry out. The performers have different attributes and it is easy to locate the attributes that is required for the job and it helps in finding the right candidate. It is advisable to use this technique instead of wish list technique. This technique might consume more time but it will find the right person for the job (Johnson, n.d.). If an individual does not know who the top performers of a company are, they should plan for networking through speaking with local chambers of commerce and business professionals who will help in creating the right model for delivering a good job description and find the right person for the right position (Johnson, n.d.). The article is good enough in generating an enhanced knowledge in the terms of recruitment of right person for the right kind of job profile and provides information in how to develop the job description and in looking the attributes that are required for the job. There should be a match between the attributes of the candidate and the attributes that are required for the job. The article has depicted various ways in developing the job description for hiring the right kind of person for the job which one has studied in the text books and many other sources. The top performer observation in development of job description is definitely a good technique. There are certain similarities that have been experienced in the practical applications and that are written in the text books. For a person who is new in this field of recruitment, it is good if they follow this technique so that they can avoid mistakes. Even

Paper about Finance Debt, Derivative, and speculation on financial Essay

Paper about Finance Debt, Derivative, and speculation on financial instruments - Essay Example Debt financing is a tool employed by firms to raise capital and expenditure funds through sale of bonds, notes or bills to investors who may be institutions or individuals. The buyers are promised repayment of the principal plus interest on their investment and as such are creditors to the selling firms. The term ‘debt financing’ may carry some negative look but this tool of financing is really helpful in raising starting business to run operations. Even firms with very healthy balance sheets resort to raising working capital through debts. It is also known as leverage in financial terms. When used well debt financing may help firms take advantage of lower interest rates from financial institutions and as such obtain cheap capital. The firm has therefore obtained capital readily, is repaying at lower interest rates and the repayment is spread over a period of time. If carefully employed debt financing is a sure way to obtain capital and maintain ownership. After the obtaining funds from the lender the only obligation is to repay back with interest. The borrower has the advantage as they invest the funds in their business without any interference. Firms also enjoy the benefits of tax deductions on the borrowed funds as well as the interest hence if carefully invested debt financing is a cheap source of capital. However debt financing may come with negative effects if misused; the borrower is obligate to repay regardless of the macro-economic environment hence it can result in to bankruptcy and legal suits. The borrowed funds also have to be repaid with interest and it affects a company’s credit score. Another financial tool in the world of business involves financial derivatives. This instrument of finance is associated with an indicator of finance or a commodity and through these certain financial risks

Global Economic Environment and Marketing Essay

Global Economic Environment and Marketing - Essay Example This has lowered the cost of production for the company which in turn has provided them cost leadership. This also allows the company to maintain its environmental standards (The Times Newspaper, 2009). The key economic factors are: Firstly, the use of renewable raw materials and smarter use of them along with a dedicated relationship with suppliers have contributed to the company’s performance. Secondly, the economies of scale enjoyed by the company in terms of huge production scales. This has further lowered production costs. Thirdly, it has strategically placed its sourcing materials close to the supply chain to reduce costs. This factor further reduces the cost of handling by the company and contributes to its profit. Lastly, the use of innovative technologies has increased the profits of the company over the years. This paper aims to understand the impact on the marketing strategies of IKEA on account of globalization and the impact on the changing customer behaviour. Pot ential economic impact on marketing strategies IKEA initially operated with ten stores at the time it had opened. The increasing integration of the world economies on account of globalization has made IKEA operate a large number of stores to present day. The number of stores has raised to 345 in 42 countries in 2013 (IKEA Group, 2013b). IKEA has expanded its business across the continents of US, Asia along with the countries of Europe. The business environment it had to face in the different countries was different. For example, when it entered China, it faced a unique problem at hand by following its low pricing strategy. The Chinese customers were confused with the low prices of products, while the local companies began to copy the design. In China, the company chose to enter in a joint venture and customize its products to meet the aspirations of the clients (Chu, Girdhar and Sood, 2013). Porter’s five forces can be applied to understand the marketing strategy of the firm. Firstly, the competition from other firms becomes an important factor. IKEA has created a highly competitive market for its business. Secondly, the threat of new entrants can pose a problem to a firm. This threat is relatively less for IKEA because of high levels of market saturation and high capital investments. Thirdly, the bargaining power of suppliers is one of the forces. In case IKEA, all the suppliers strive to maintain a good relationship with the firm. IKEA has maintained strategic relationship with the suppliers, but reduced their bargaining power. The threat from substitute products is another component in Porter’s five forces. This threat is again weak in relation to IKEA because of its large scale. The bargaining power of the buyers is also less due to the large scale of operation of IKEA. This section concentrates on some of these forces in shaping IKEA’s choice (Luxinnovation G.I.E., 2008). Competitive advantage The factor which has contributed signific antly to become the greatest competitive advantage for the company is cost leadership. This has mainly owes to the self-sufficiency of the company. The company strives to provide for the home furnishings that are contemporary in sense of style, robust in quality and offers it at reasonably fair prices. IKEA does not depend on the third party manufacturers instead the employees of the company design the low cost furniture which can be readily assembled by the customers

Responsibility Audit Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Responsibility Audit Report - Essay Example Moreover, Greggs employ over 20,000 numbers of employees ranging from its retail outlets, savoury production units and the entire supply chain management networks that are located in different regions in the UK and other global destinations (Greggs plc, 2012). According to the past financial performance of Greggs, the organisation can be apparently observed to attain considerable growth in terms of gaining better financial results from its different bakery and savoury foods production units. Moreover, the company gained better business reputation for its exceptional roles emphasising serving towards the environment and the customers as well (1Greggs plc, 2013). With regard to the current business portfolio of the organisation, this essay aims to critically examine the business practices of Greggs regarding its contribution made towards the environment, demonstrating responsible corporate behaviour. Additionally, the essay would also analyse the ethical practices that perform by the o rganisation along with its other responsible acts that enabled it to accomplish superior competitive position. In this regard, the essay also tends to suggest effective business practices ensuring enhancing the efficiency of the responsible acts that perform by the organisation and most vitally refurbishing its leading position in delivering environmental and customer based practices in the respective business industry. 2. Examining the Business Practices of Greggs 2.1 Environmental Business Practices of Greggs In relation to the present business performance of Greggs, the organisation has been recognised to operate huge number of bakery and savoury production units across different parts of the UK. Currently, Greggs tends to manufacture its range of bakery items and savoury products through its well-developed production units and delivers quality based products through its wide supplying networks. In this similar context, the organisation also ensures its existence within different locations such as high streets, commercial and business places, universities and other local shopping parades across different locations of the UK (Greggs plc, 2012). It is worth mentioning that Greggs tends to comply with strong environment protection policies and regulations while practicing its wide bakery production and delivery related operations. In relation to the business practices of Greggs, it can be affirmed that the formulation of several strong along with effective environment protection policies might lessen unfavourable impacts that are imposed upon the environment. Although the organisation is viewed to impose considerable impact on the environment through its wide range of production and supply operations, it also tends to perform a responsible role in terms of encouraging wellbeing of each community across the UK (1Greggs plc, 2013). With respect to the recent environmental related practices of Greggs, the formulation of effective environment protection strategies have significantly empowered the organisation to minimise its potential impacts on the environment. In this regard, the organisation has also been observed to maintain its effective operational control and management in terms of using natural resources and protecting them from any sort of hazard. The various initiatives of the organisation

The Nature of Rebellion in Antigone Play Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Nature of Rebellion in Antigone Play - Essay Example Apparently, religion appears as a strong theme in the play since the main character is committed to rebellious actions since the beginning of the play to the end. All through the play, Antigone evidently appeared to be intimidating the status quo. She uses the divine law to defend her actions, however, her faith lies in the position of discerning power of individual conscience. Antigone says, â€Å"I dared. It was not God’s proclamation. That final Justice that rules the world below makes no such laws†. Here Antigone is using divine laws as to defend her actions and not acknowledging any of the state laws. She is expressing believe on her individual conscience by even sacrificing her life to the principles greater than human law. The events after the death of Polyneices also expressed how individual principles were against the law. Ismene had revealed very crucial information and Antigone feels it was not important to be mentioned. With the death of the brother, girls were taken away into the house and Antigone feels that it was wrong. Creon believes that men were made to be tough and strong, girls are married and take women†™s places in homes. These are laws that do not exist anywhere in divine or state but rather they are crafted from individual context and may rebel the demands of the state laws. All along the play, Antigone was rebellious to Creon ideas. Antigone chooses to abide by God’s laws rather than those of the state and that makes Antigone’s actions to be disputable. She believes that the decision to follow her individual conscience was the right decision she made. However, the most interesting thing is that although she rebels the state, her decisions respected the gods.

Global Economic Environment and Marketing Essay

Global Economic Environment and Marketing - Essay Example This has lowered the cost of production for the company which in turn has provided them cost leadership. This also allows the company to maintain its environmental standards (The Times Newspaper, 2009). The key economic factors are: Firstly, the use of renewable raw materials and smarter use of them along with a dedicated relationship with suppliers have contributed to the company’s performance. Secondly, the economies of scale enjoyed by the company in terms of huge production scales. This has further lowered production costs. Thirdly, it has strategically placed its sourcing materials close to the supply chain to reduce costs. This factor further reduces the cost of handling by the company and contributes to its profit. Lastly, the use of innovative technologies has increased the profits of the company over the years. This paper aims to understand the impact on the marketing strategies of IKEA on account of globalization and the impact on the changing customer behaviour. Pot ential economic impact on marketing strategies IKEA initially operated with ten stores at the time it had opened. The increasing integration of the world economies on account of globalization has made IKEA operate a large number of stores to present day. The number of stores has raised to 345 in 42 countries in 2013 (IKEA Group, 2013b). IKEA has expanded its business across the continents of US, Asia along with the countries of Europe. The business environment it had to face in the different countries was different. For example, when it entered China, it faced a unique problem at hand by following its low pricing strategy. The Chinese customers were confused with the low prices of products, while the local companies began to copy the design. In China, the company chose to enter in a joint venture and customize its products to meet the aspirations of the clients (Chu, Girdhar and Sood, 2013). Porter’s five forces can be applied to understand the marketing strategy of the firm. Firstly, the competition from other firms becomes an important factor. IKEA has created a highly competitive market for its business. Secondly, the threat of new entrants can pose a problem to a firm. This threat is relatively less for IKEA because of high levels of market saturation and high capital investments. Thirdly, the bargaining power of suppliers is one of the forces. In case IKEA, all the suppliers strive to maintain a good relationship with the firm. IKEA has maintained strategic relationship with the suppliers, but reduced their bargaining power. The threat from substitute products is another component in Porter’s five forces. This threat is again weak in relation to IKEA because of its large scale. The bargaining power of the buyers is also less due to the large scale of operation of IKEA. This section concentrates on some of these forces in shaping IKEA’s choice (Luxinnovation G.I.E., 2008). Competitive advantage The factor which has contributed signific antly to become the greatest competitive advantage for the company is cost leadership. This has mainly owes to the self-sufficiency of the company. The company strives to provide for the home furnishings that are contemporary in sense of style, robust in quality and offers it at reasonably fair prices. IKEA does not depend on the third party manufacturers instead the employees of the company design the low cost furniture which can be readily assembled by the customers

The Nature of Rebellion in Antigone Play Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Nature of Rebellion in Antigone Play - Essay Example Apparently, religion appears as a strong theme in the play since the main character is committed to rebellious actions since the beginning of the play to the end. All through the play, Antigone evidently appeared to be intimidating the status quo. She uses the divine law to defend her actions, however, her faith lies in the position of discerning power of individual conscience. Antigone says, â€Å"I dared. It was not God’s proclamation. That final Justice that rules the world below makes no such laws†. Here Antigone is using divine laws as to defend her actions and not acknowledging any of the state laws. She is expressing believe on her individual conscience by even sacrificing her life to the principles greater than human law. The events after the death of Polyneices also expressed how individual principles were against the law. Ismene had revealed very crucial information and Antigone feels it was not important to be mentioned. With the death of the brother, girls were taken away into the house and Antigone feels that it was wrong. Creon believes that men were made to be tough and strong, girls are married and take women†™s places in homes. These are laws that do not exist anywhere in divine or state but rather they are crafted from individual context and may rebel the demands of the state laws. All along the play, Antigone was rebellious to Creon ideas. Antigone chooses to abide by God’s laws rather than those of the state and that makes Antigone’s actions to be disputable. She believes that the decision to follow her individual conscience was the right decision she made. However, the most interesting thing is that although she rebels the state, her decisions respected the gods.

Sample Persuasive Message Essay Example for Free

Sample Persuasive Message Essay Most people have ventured onto the world wide web. Some enter the online world to check email from family members far away. Other people enjoy the web to watch videos on YouTube of babies doing the weirdest thing. Some log online for social media websites that let them know what their friends, family and celebrities are doing that day. Most people who have ventured online have shopped on electronic retail sites like Amazon or Overstock. Electronic retailing has become a big part of who we are today. There are many sites that allow you to shop for everyday items, groceries, or furniture like Amazon, Overstock, Alice, or Newegg. You also have big box stores that have followed suit with e-commerce as they allow customers to purchase products online that can be shipped to their home or a local store. As new and existing retailers grow retailers are forced to stay competitive, retain current customers, find new customers, and keep fighting to be the best e-commerce retailer out there. According to Turban, King, McKay, Marshall, Lee and Viehland (2008) â€Å"one of the keys to building effective customer relationships is an understanding of customer behavior online† (p. 157). So for businesses to be active and competitive online they need to understand the general online behaviors of the customer to stay in business. In this paper I will be discussing three behaviors natural to e-tailing that assist e-commerce companies understand customer behaviors online. I will be discussing the type of communication used when each behavior occurs and explain how each type of communication enables e-commerce. Analyzing each behavior using the communication process will also be discussed ensuring to include descriptions of the purpose, sender, receiver, message, environment, technology, noise, and feedback in the communication process. Lastly, I will explore a sample persuasive message designed for a virtual audience. Behaviors in E-tailing I see myself as a savvy online customer. I have shopped for products for my home, family, and friends. I have shopped for services like insurance, dog sitting, or home maintenance. The internet has a vast number of websites that help me pick and choose the products and services that work best for me and the general population. When shopping online customers are looking at the type of product or service (is it safe, recommended, green, easy to use, etc. ), how can they go about purchasing the product or service, and the reason customers choose one company over the other. Finding the Right Product or Service If you are shopping online you probably have a clear idea of what kind of product or service you are looking for. If a customer is looking for a camera that is user friendly, can take pictures during important moments in their life, can take pictures in a flash, and is pocket sized they can essentially look on numerous websites. Best Buy, Target, Amazon, Newegg, the options are endless. With all the options finding the right camera could be difficult. Turban et al. (2008) explains that the product search is influenced by independent variables (p. 158-159). Independent variables include personal characteristics and environmental variables. When searching for the right camera your personal characteristics – age, gender, education, lifestyle, values, personality, etc. – weigh in on finding the right camera. Environmental variables like a customer’s social influence and culture help to narrow down which camera the customer would likely purchase (Turban et al. , 2008, p. 158-159). Who a customer is and who they socialize with is not the only thing that influences them in purchasing a camera. In order for customers to know a little about a camera the manufacturer or retailer needs to be able to get the camera out there and communicate to the customers of the perks of the camera. Like regular retailers, e-tailers use internet based advertisements on their website as well as sponsorship websites (i. e. Yahoo, Google, Bing) to advertise the product. When using sponsorship websites e-tailers are driving sales by driving customers toward that specific camera. As e-tailers advertise the camera they are using the communication process. The customer – or the sender – initiates the start of the communication process as he or she searches online for right camera. The customer finds an ad online (message) that matches their WINs (Wants, Interests, and Needs) of the product. The advertisement helps to â€Å"comprises the target audience of a message transmitted by the sender† (p. 10) which according to Roebuck (2006) stands as the receiver in the communication process. The advertisement links the customer with the e-tailer which allows the e-tailer to provider further information and reviews for the camera. Purchasing product or service Once you find the right camera you go into the purchasing behavior. Turban et al. (2008) states â€Å"the two most-cited reasons for not making purchases are shipping charges (51 percent) and the difficulty in judging the quality of the product (44 percent) (p. 59). If the customer finds the perfect camera and it is available at Sony. com for $299 with a $19. 95 shipping charge and BestBuy. com for $307 with free shipping the customer would most times go through BestBuy. com because of the cost savings. Quality of a product is important. E-tailers who offer a â€Å"chat now† option that allows customers to ask experts questions on the quality and durability is a positive step towards purchase. E-tailers who have reviews of the product also assist customers in understanding the general consensus of the product. Customers also weigh in on how secure the online payment is prior to purchasing a product. Customers are weary about unsecure online payments due to the coming age of hacking and identity theft. Having a certificate of security online gives the customer added security to make the purchase. The â€Å"Chat Now† option and a valid certificate showing a secure site for payment are forms of communication in the purchasing process. During this e-tailing behavior the e-tailer becomes the sender as it provides the customer (receiver) with how to purchase the product and general customer service. By providing superior medium in customer service the e-tailer and customer build a relationship that heads toward loyalty. Company â€Å"The internet customer is very hard to predict and is different from the normal customer† (Prasad amp; Aryasri, 2009, p. 73) because of this the e-tailer’s online store must appeal to the buyer and find ways to encourage the customer to purchase the product with them instead of a similar product elsewhere. When the e-tailer paved the path towards customer loyalty during the purchase process they opened the door to complete e-loyalty. Turban et al. 2008) advised that â€Å"customer acquisition and retention is a critical success factor in e-tailing† (p. 167). Providing a customer with loyalty programs, promotional emails, and discounts allows the customer to feel valued. Retaining customer information (name, address, credit card information) also assists in building customer loyalty as it makes for easier check out. Using the communication process, the sender is the e-tailer. The e-tailer can email or mail information regarding loyalty programs, promotional emails, and discounts to the customer who is the receiver. Providing such information makes the customer feel valued and willing to return to the e-tail website. Sample Persuasive Messages A persuasive message helps to influence people in making a certain decision or action. Using the same camera sample we used in e-tailing behaviors we could create a persuasive camera message that helps to influence people to want to purchase the camera. Finding the right persuasive message for a camera boils down to understanding a customer’s WINs. Wants. Interests. Needs. The customer wants to purchase a camera that is user friendly because they do not use the camera for anything but recreation. The customer is interested in a camera that can take pictures during important moments in their life like graduations, 1st birthdays, and family functions. The customer needs a camera that can take pictures in a flash and is pocket sized so they can take it out in a whim and put it back without fuss. Using this customer’s WINs a persuasive message aimed for the virtual audience can easily be made: Aim amp; snap precision for all of your unforgettable moments. A message does not have to be long with so much information. Instead, it can be short but still reach the audiences WINs. Using persuasive messages allows e-tailers to acquire new business and persuade current customers in upgrading their current equipment. Conclusion E-tailers have to understand each customer to ensure that traffic goes in and out of their virtual store. Understanding the product and service search of a consumer, understanding what affects the customer’s purchasing decision, and creating a loyal customer base helps strengthen those traffic numbers. Using the communication process I was able to define how each behavior occurs and what type of communication was used to address each behavior. Creating a persuasive message that was short but covered the customer’s WINs demonstrated how a simple message can generate e-commerce.

Howard Becker and the term moral entrepreneur

Howard Becker and the term moral entrepreneur Howard Becker is hailed as the founder of modern labeling theory. He also developed the term moral entrepreneur to describe persons in power who campaign to have certain deviant behavior outlawed (Becker, 1963). He claims that many laws are established for such purposes, and that behavior that is defined as criminal is dynamic and changes throughout time. Therefore, the actual criminal behavior is irrelevant to the theory. What really matters is which outlaws are arrested and processed by the criminal justice system (Becker, 1963). As a result of the belief that personal and societal factors do not contribute to motivations for criminal behavior there has been little study of the criminal him/herself and the aforesaid factors. As one might expect, this aspect of Labeling Theory is still being debated. There is one exception to this belief, however most labeling theorists claim that the system is biased toward the lower class, which constitutes the overwhelming majority of arrests and convictions within the American criminal justice system (Wellford, 1975).   This Labeling Theory, found in  Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance  (1963), is perhaps his most important and influential contribution to sociology. Influenced by Cooleys  looking-glass self, Meads theories on the internalization of the self, and Lemerts  social constructionism, Becker explains that deviance is based on the reactions and responses of others to an individuals acts. The label of deviant is applied to an individual when others observe their behavior and react to it by labeling that person as deviant. No particular act is inherently deviant until a group with socially powerful statuses or positions label it as such (Becker, 1963). This theoretical approach to deviance has influenced criminology, gender, sexuality and identity research.   This work became the manifesto of the labeling theory movement among sociologists. In his opening, Becker writes: social groups create deviance by making rules whose infraction creates deviance, and by applying those roles to particular people and labeling them as outsiders. From this point of view, deviance is  not  a quality of the act the person commits, but rather a consequence of the application by other of rules and sanctions to an offender. The deviant is one to whom that label has been successfully applied; deviant behavior is behavior that people so label.[8] While society uses the stigmatic label to justify its condemnation, the deviant actor uses it to justify his actions. He wrote: To put a complex argument in a few words: instead of the deviant motives leading to the deviant behavior, it is the other way around, the deviant behavior in time produces the deviant motivation.[9] INFLUENCES Beckers theory evolved during a period of social and political power struggle that was amplified within the world of the college campus (Pfohl 1994). Liberal political movements were embraced by many of the college students and faculty in America (Pfohl 1994). Howard Becker harnessed this liberal influence and adjusted Lemerts labeling theory and its symbolic interaction theoretical background. The labeling theory outlined in Outsiders is recognized as the prevailing social reaction approach by Lemert as well as most other sociologists (www.sonoma.edu ). Beckers approach has its roots in the symbolic interaction foundation of Cooley and Mead, and the labeling influences of Tannenbaum and Lemert.  Ã‚   Charles Cooleys  Human Nature and the Social Order  (1902) examines the personal perception of oneself through studies of children and their imaginary friends. Cooley develops the theoretical concept of the looking glass self, a type of imaginary sociability (Cooley 1902). People imagine the view of themselves through the eyes of others in their social circles and form judgements of themselves based on these imaginary observations (Cooley 1902). The main idea of the looking glass self is that people define themselves according to societys perception of them (www.d.umn.edu  ). Cooleys ideas, coupled with the works of Mead, are very important to labeling theory and its approach to a persons acceptance of labels as attached by society. George Meads theory is less concerned with the micro-level focus on the deviant and more concerned with the macro-level process of separating the conventional and the condemned (Pfohl 1994). In  Mind, Self, and Society  (1934), Mead describes the perception of self as formed within the context of social process (Wright 1984). The self is the product of the minds perception of social symbols and interactions (www.d.umn.edu  ). The self exists in objective reality and is then internalized into the conscious (Wright 1984). The idea of shifting the focus away from the individual deviant and looking at how social structure affects the separation of those persons considered unconventional has a great influence on how Becker approaches labeling theory. Social Pathology  (1951) outlines Edwin Lemerts approach to what many consider the original version of labeling theory. Lemert, unhappy with theories that take the concept of deviance for granted, focuses on the social construction of deviance (Lemert 1951). Lemert (1951) describes deviance as the product societys reaction to an act and the affixing of a deviant label on the actor.  Social Pathology  details the concepts of primary and secondary deviance. According to Lemert (1951), primary deviance is the initial incidence of an act causing an authority figure to label the actor deviant. This initial labeling of a deviant act will remain primary as long as the actor can rationalize or deal with the process as a function of a socially acceptable role (Lemert 1951). If the labeled deviant reacts to this process by accepting the deviant label, and further entrenches his/herself in deviant behavior, this is referred to as secondary deviance (Lemert 1951). Lemert considers the caus es of primary deviance as fluid, and only important to researchers concerned with specific social problems at a certain time. In the years following  Social Pathology, Lemert argues for the decriminalization of victimless crimes, advocates pre-trial diversion programs, and has backed away labeling determinism (Wright 1984). BECKERS LABELLING THEORY Howard Beckers approach to the labeling of deviance, as described in  Outsiders: Studies in the Sociology of Deviance  (1963), views deviance as the creation of social groups and not the quality of some act or behavior. Becker (1963) criticizes other theories of deviance for accepting the existence of deviance and by doing so, accept the values of the majority within the social group. According to Becker (1963), studying the act of the individual is unimportant because deviance is simply rule breaking behavior that is labeled deviant by persons in positions of power. The rule breaking behavior is constant, the labeling of the behavior varies (Becker 1963). Becker (1963) describes rules as the reflection of certain social norms held by the majority of a society, whether formal or informal. Enforced rules, the focus of Beckers (1963) approach, are applied differentially and usually facilitate certain favorable consequences for those who apply the label. In short, members of the rul e-making society may label rule breaking behavior deviant depending on the degree of reaction over time (Becker 1963). Becker (1963) views those people that are likely to engage in rule breaking behavior as essentially different than members of the rule-making or rule-abiding society. Those persons who are prone to rule-breaking behavior see themselves as morally at odds with those members of the rule-abiding society (Becker 1963). Becker (1963) uses the term outsider to describe a labeled rule-breaker or deviant that accepts the label attached to them and view themselves as different from mainstream society. Deviants may consider themselves more outside than others similarly labeled (Becker 1963). Deviant outsiders might view those rule making or abiding members of society as being the outsiders of their social group (Becker 1963). The final step in the creation of a career delinquent involves the movement of a rule breaker into a deviant subculture (Becker 1963). The affiliation of the labeled deviant with an organized provides the person with moral support and a self-justifying rationale (Becker 1963). Becker (1963) describes how those involved in an organized crime may learn new forms of deviance through differential association. Becker (1963) also focuses on those in positions of power and authority that make and enforce the rules. Rules are created by a moral entrepreneur, a person that takes the initiative to crusade for a rule that would right a society evil (Becker 1963). The moral entrepreneurs motive may be to elevate the social status of those members of society below him/her (Becker 1963). The success of the crusade may lead to the entrepreneur to become a professional rule creator (Becker 1963). Becker (1963) states that the success of each moral crusade brings along with it a new group of outsiders, and a new responsibility of an enforcement agency. According to Becker (1963), the enforcement of societys rules is an enterprising act. The enforcement of a rule occurs when those that want a rule enforced, usually to some sort of gain to their personal interests, bring the rule infraction to the attention of the public (Becker 1963). The rule infraction, brought to the attention of those in positions of authority, is dealt with punitively by the entrepreneur (Becker 1963). The enforcement of the rule may involve the mediation of conflicts between many different interest groups by those in positions of power (Becker 1963). The enforcers themselves may have a moral crusade to stop crime, but most engage in the process strictly as a part of their occupation (Becker 1963). Rule enforcers use the process of formal enforcement to satisfy two major interests, the justification of their occupation and the winning of respect from the people he/she patrols (Becker 1963). The enforcer is armed with a great deal of discretion and may use his/h er power to label an innocent person in order to gain respect (Becker 1963). The misuse of labeling powers by enforcers may create a deviant out of a person who otherwise would not be prone to rule breaking behavior (Becker 1963). Beckers work pays particular attention to the way society reacts to people with criminal labels. He proposes that this label becomes a persons master status, meaning that this is a constant label, affecting and over-riding how others will view them. The status people use to identify and classify a person will always be that of a criminal. Any other statuses a person occupies are no longer heeded. A person could be a parent,  employee, spouse, etc., but the first and major status that will come to mind to other people and themselves is that of the criminal (Becker, 1963).   Beckers  Outsiders  (1963) uses two cases to illustrate his approach to labeling theory. Becker (1963) analyzes the history of marijuana laws in the United States and how individuals progress into the recreational use of the drug. Becker (1963) chooses to analyze marijuana because the progression of use can be observed. The first time user of marijuana finds the experience as somewhat unpleasant, but as the user imitates peers he/she learns to perceive the effects of marijuana as enjoyable (Becker 1963). Becker (1963) identifies three stages of marijuana use: the beginner, the occasional user, and the regular user. The three self-explanatory categories of marijuana users can be manipulated through the use of social controls (Becker 1963). Control of the marijuana supply has both positive and negative effects (Becker 1963). A diminished supply of marijuana may lead to a decreased use of the drug among some people, but it may also drive a user to associate with an organized group of deviants to obtain marijuana (Becker 1963). Becker (1963) believes that while control of marijuana supply is an important social control, it does not deter use. The best way to deter a user is to control his/her individual moral view of marijuana use. A marihuana user is labelled to be deviant as it contravenes the rules and norms of the society. Becker researched on marihuana users and used it in supporting his  labelling theory  . Becker notes that this deviant behaviour is based on the given kind of behaviour as an end product of a sequence of social experiences during which the person acquires a comprehension of the meaning of the behaviour, the perceptions and judgements of objects and situations, all of which makes the activity possible and desirable. An individual will only be able to use marihuana for pleasure if he goes through a process of learning to conceive of it as an object where he is able to recognise the effects and connect them with drug use; to inhale in a way that produce real upshot; and learning to enjoy the sensation he comprehends. Once the ability to achieve enjoyment is acquired, he will continue to use it. (continuing usage of the marihuana is the secondary deviant) Considerations of morality and ap propriateness, occasioned by the rejoinder of society, may hamper and impede use, but use persists to be a possibility in terms of the notion of the drug. The act will only be impossible when the ability to achieve the enjoyment is vanished, through a revolutionize of users conception of the drug occasioned by certain kind of experience with it. Becker (1963) uses a participant observation study of the lives of Chicago dance musicians to illustrate the social life of a deviant subculture. Although dance musicians as a group are law-abiding, their unconventional lifestyles lead them to feel as outsiders (Becker 1963). Becker (1963) describes how being a dance musician involves a change in attitudes and opinions in order to conform to the subculture. The culture of the dance musician is rich in its own language and gestures (Becker 1963). Many of the dance musicians live a conventional family life during the day and change into their role as musician at night (Becker 1963). Another aspect of labelling theory in which Becker outlines as problematic, is the concept of morality. He questions a situation where the researchers sympathies should lie. He contemplates on whether one should side with the underdog or simply judge criminal behaviour as inherently wrong? He stresses the sociological difficulty of this decision. He claims that the researcher, whether taking either side, will be accused of taking a one-sided and distorted view, but how is it possible to see the situation from both sides simultaneously (Becker, 1963)? Despite many contributions, the evaluation of labelling theorists is normally considered with an excessive amount of criticism. Becker concludes  Outsiders  (1963) by emphasizing the need for empirical research of his approach to labeling theory. Social scientists produced a vast amount of literature in response to Beckers request. Much of the research involving labeling theory directly reflects Beckers approach, while others use Becker (1963) as a foundation for theory development. APPLICATION Gideon Fishman tests Beckers labeling theory by studying a sample of midwestern juvenile delinquents (Friday and Stewart 1977). Fishmans research design measures negative self-perception and whether this self-perception affects future delinquency (Friday and Stewart 1977). The results of Fishmans study show that secondary deviance is not universal and individuals react to deviant labels in different ways (Friday and Stewart 1977). A popular application of Beckers labeling theory (1963) is in the area of mental health. Thomas Scheff embraces Beckers approach to labeling and describes how people are labeled mentally ill in order to explain certain rule-breaking behavior that society cant categorize (Holstein 1993;  www.sscf.ucsb.edu  ). Scheff is not concerned with occasional acts of deviance, rather it is the residual or episodic deviance that often falls under the label of mental illness (Wright 1984; Pfohl 1994). People labeled as mentally ill adopt the behaviors of the stereotypical mental patient as portrayed through the mass media (Wright 1984). Scheff argues that those who express the stereotypical behavior of the mentally ill are rewarded by enterprising psychology professionals (Wright 1984; Pfohl 1994). According to Scheff, everybody expresses the popular symptoms of mental illness at some point in their life and labels are attached to those without power (Wright 1984). Scheff provides empirical ev idence in the form of several studies of the process of mental hospital commitment (Holstein 1993; Pfohl 1994; Wright 1983;  www.sscf.ucsb.edu  ). Many social scientists challenge Scheffs arguments on theoretical and empirical grounds. James A. Holstein (1993) attacks Scheffs approach for focusing on the deviant and not the moral entrepreneurs that attach the labels. Florence Ridlon (1988) criticizes Scheffs work for being deterministic and argues for a less causal model to explain mental afflictions such as alcoholism. Walter Gove (1980), an adamant critic of Scheff, believes that Scheff should not dismiss the influence of psychopathological variables on mental illness. Gove (1980) also criticizes Scheffs empirical methodology and operations. Edwin Schur modifies Beckers labeling theory in  Labeling Deviant Behavior  (1971) by shifting some of the focus to the individual deviant. Schur (1971) also theorizes that as persons labeled deviant gain power and organize, they progress in social definition from an uprising, social movement, and civil war to the formation of a mainstream political party. Schur argues in  Labeling Women Deviant  (1983) that women in America are automatically labeled deviant by the male-dominated society. Women accept the deviant label as their master status and limit their life chances (Schur 1983). CRITICISMS Beckers theory of labeling, while maintaining a great deal of popularity today, does encounter several criticisms (Pfohl 1994;  www.mpcc.cc.ne.us  ; Ridlon 1988). Many sociologists view labeling theory as untestable and, by definition, not a true theory (Ridlon 1988). Becker (1963) acknowledges that his labeling theory is a theoretical approach, not a true theory, and that sociologists should attempt to establish empirical tests for his approach. Another major criticism of labeling theory is its failure to explain primary deviance (www.mpcc.cc.ne.us  ). Both Lemert (1951) and Becker (1963) believe that primary deviance is influenced by many different and changing variables and the research of primary deviance causes is futile. Pfohl (1994) details the criticism of many sociologists that labeling theory is causal or deterministic. Becker (1963) qualifies his approach to social reaction theory by stating that some groups of rule-breakers may be able to choose alternative courses of action. Beckers immensely popular views were also subjected to a barrage of criticism, most of it blaming him for neglecting the influence of other biological, genetic effects and personal responsibility. In a later 1973 edition of his work, he answered his critics. He wrote that while sociologists, while dedicated to studying society, are often careful not to look too closely. Instead, he wrote: I prefer to think of what we study as  collective action.  People act, as Mead and Blumer have made clearest,  together. They do what they do with an eye on what others have done, are doing now, and may do in the future. One tries to fit his own line of action into the actions of others, just as each of them likewise adjusts his own developing actions to what he sees and expects others to do.[10] Francis Cullen reported in 1984 that Becker was probably too generous with his critics. After 20 years, his views, far from being supplanted, have been corrected and absorbed into an expanded structuring perspective.[11] From a logical standpoint there are flaws within the main points of labeling theory. Initially the theory states that no acts are inherently criminal (Wellford, 1975). Meaning that acts are only criminal when society has deemed them as such. The implications of this being that criminal law is dynamic and ever-changing, differing from society to society. But if this is true then why are certain acts illegal within the majority of the civilized world? Murder, rape, arson, armed robbery. All these are considered crimes in any society or country one could care to name.   Also the theory claims that for a criminal to be successfully labeled an audience must be present to provide a reaction to the crimes committed. Does this mean that if a murder is committed where the killer has successfully avoided anyones suspicion that the act is then not criminal and the killer will not think of him/herself as such? Its probable that the murderers socialization and/or value system could initialize self-labeling, but the theory clearly states the labeling must come from a 3rd party (Hagan, 1973).   For the sake of argument, if self labeling is possible and a person has obtained a self-initialized criminal master status/label, how do they react to it? Do they become criminals or try to rationalize as stated by Foster, Dinitz, and Reckless (Foster Dinitz Reckless, 1972)?   Beckers  labelling theory  has also drawn to a considerable criticism. One of such is that his  labelling theory  failed to answer the etiological question about  primary deviance, for example: What causes deviance?  Jack Gibbs  pointed out that the theory failed to provide ample answers to three etiological questions: Why does the prevalence of a particular act vary from one population to the next? Why do some persons commit the act while others do not? Why is the act in question considered deviant and criminal in some societies but not in others? This clearly shows that  labelling theory  is mere humanistic-antideterministic or voluntaristic hypothesis only . Then again, recent activists of the theory beginning to shift the  labelling theory  into a more scientific, deterministic one, and this approach is apparent in empirical studies of the  secondary deviance. Instead of describing the process of interaction between labellers and the labelled that leads to   secondary deviance, these revisionists defined, operationalised or measure labelling as a causal variable of secondary deviation.   CONCLUSION Social scientists disagree on the future of labeling theory. Pfohl (1994) recognizes labeling theory as very influential in todays studies of deviance. Some social scientists view labeling theory as declining in importance due to lack of empirical support and a conservative political climate (www.mpcc.cc.ne.us  ). Becker (1963) believes the future of labeling theory lies in the widespread empirical study of deviance and kinds of deviance. Beckers analysis gives us a dynamic account of how a person can be funneled into a deviant career by labeling processes. This is also a compellingly humanistic theory of deviance. We can identify and sympathize with the deviant who has been the victim of labeling processes, even to the extent of realizing that it could happen to any of us. In this and many other respects, Beckers micro-relativistic approach to deviance theory contrasts markedly with normative theories that emphasize in a detached, objective way the fundamental differences between deviants and nondeviants. If Becker makes us understand the  human  implications of reactions to deviance, then he has accomplished one of his major theoretical goals. In attempting to evaluate the contribution of the labelling theorists to the study of the sociology of deviance, it can be said that it depends on how the theory is viewed. If the theory is considered as a theory, with all the achievements and obligations that go with the title, then its flaws are many. Yet if, as Backer suggests, we attempt to consider the theory as it were intended, that is, as a mere way of looking at deviance, then the contribution can be said to be weighty, as it opened up a whole new study of the individual after he has committed an act of deviance. At this point it must be mentioned that labelling theorists do not merely consider the after-effects of the deviant act, as it is sometimes suggested. Becker, for example, considers the individual and how he begins to smoke marijuana. As Schur sums up, labelling theory is not a revolutionary new approach to the analysis of social problems but rather a recording or emphasis of such analysis, a reordering that may hel p us to view deviance and control in a realistic, comprehensive, and sociologically meaningful light. As such, one can conclude that labelling theory continues in its usefulness, as long as deviant behaviour continues to exist.