Module 3 DQ 1 and 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Module 3 DQ 1 and 2 - Assignment Example The representative member must have some elements of commonality uniting him with the population. There are several reasons why survey and cohort research designs are used. When the need to determine general trends, public perception and opinion towards the government, its policies, businesses, healthcare institutions or sector and the media arises, survey research designs comes in handy. The same can be used in both small-scale and large-scale levels of research studies. After determining the aim of the research design, the sample group is determined, in order to ensure accuracy. As a form of research design, surveys are flexible enough to be carried out either on a face-to-face basis, or via mail (Turlik, 2010). Conversely, cohort design can be used in both medical science and social science researches. This type of experimental design is very popular because, it factors statistical occurrences within a designated subgroup, and hence upholding the highest extent of accuracy possible. The results accrued are valid since the subgroup has similar characteristics that are pertinent to the problem being researched on. The cohort design is popular because of its flexible nature, its compatibility with both primary and secondary data and its affiliation with ethical standards. Internal validity has to do with: how well a research study has been carried out, in light of operational definitions and the research design used and the measuring of the variables; and the extent of confidentiality that is adduced when observing the effects brought about by independent variables, in lieu of extraneous variables. Again, internal validity covers accuracy of the results produced. If for instance sampling is done inchoately, results obtained may be inaccurate. Errors and biases can undermine the validity of a research study in several ways. First, the failure to do random sampling will automatically generate inaccurate results. For instance, if a designated sample

Learning and Teaching Styles Essay Example for Free

Learning and Teaching Styles Essay Wk. 2 Learning and Teaching Styles â€Å"In almost every actual well-designed study, Mr. Pashler and his colleagues write in their paper, ‘Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence,’ the pattern is similar: For a given lesson, one instructional technique turns out to be optimal for all groups of students, even though students with certain learning styles may not love that technique. † (2009) I wanted to start this paper with this quote since it did involve some sort of evidence that teaching in one style still works. Students can and do succeed and have received equal scores as their peers whose learning styles matched the teachers methods of teaching. I do believe however that students may not catch on as fast and lose interest easier when being taught material. This is why I would still use different methods of teaching versus just one. As a visual learner, I understand how difficult it can be to orally receive directions for an assignment or other activity. I thrive on written directions and learning materials that need to be read or are graphed. I often had to ask the teacher numerous times to repeat the directions because I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do. This put me behind and my grades occasionally suffered as a result. As a past teacher who worked in a school that believed in teaching using the multiple intelligences method, I found great joy in seeing my students succeed. As teachers, we were required to hand in our lesson plans weekly to the principal. Our lesson plans had to involve each of the intelligences. This was my first real job as a teacher and I did not completely understand why we were required to do this and not use our own personal methods. Looking back, I am so grateful that I learned and saw first hand the consequences of teaching using the multiple intelligences. I enjoyed seeing my student’s motivation rise as their type of learning was focused on for a particular lesson. When I go back to teaching, I will with no doubt in my mind, use this method again. It completely fits with my style of teaching most likely because it was my first real experience and works even for those students who have a completely different learning style than I do. In an ESL classroom, â€Å"dividing a lesson into phases† (Palmberg) to make sure I use each of the intelligences is ideal. I firmly believe that this method works no matter how different a student’s learning style is from the teacher. In a sample lesson for example, I would explain the topic (i. e. vocabulary words on food items) and give the students an overview of what they will need to do and what they are expected to learn. I would read them a story relating to food or going shopping. Next I would have them write down their own list of items that their families normally buy often for a real-life experience. The next phase is to divide the class into groups and share each other’s lists. They would also discuss what their ideal list and store layout would be like if they could buy any type of food that they wanted from their ideal grocery store. They would then move on to thinking about a song or songs that is about food. We would play that song the following day. For the students who feel comfortable, creating their own body expressions describing food would be next and sharing these movements with the rest of the class. This exercise could be turned into a fun lesson where the rest of the class would have to guess which food item is being emphasized (like charades). We would next come up with a class list of favorite food items. There would more than likely be some disagreement so I would divide them up in half asking them to have a debate based on reasonable food limits and favorites to come up with an ideal list. We would do the same thing for the ideal store layout. For the sake of repetition, each original group would compare with the class their original lists and new â€Å"reasonable† list and layout. I believe this lesson would take a few days but involves most if not all intelligences. Being a visual learner, I can benefit from the students who are different from me as much as they benefit from me and the lessons I teach them using the different intelligences. For example, as I try and improve my weaknesses in some forms of learning, I can benefit from the students who learn better in a completely different way (say kinesthetic). They will get much benefit from the part of the lesson that involves movement and I will get the same benefit seeing how they react and learn to this part of the lesson. To make things fun for the students (and me) those willing could come up with their own way of teaching each other about a certain topic. I would of course give them the general rules and guidelines and they would do the rest. I think each student could benefit from this because they would more than likely use their favorite way of learning to â€Å"teach† a lesson. For those who do not want to do this, they could also benefit from this since it is an exercise that is not ordinarily done and will hold interest longer. I am not a teacher and never have been one who forces students to do something that makes them feel uncomfortable (i. e. standing up and doing a charade). I think that this will do more harm than good. The student may back off and not participate or be eager to learn for fear that they may be picked on by their peers or even the teacher. I had this experience in middle school and know how it feels. I began to pull myself away from the class and especially the teacher. As a result, I did poorly in the class. For these types of students, a more gentle approach is necessary. The teacher may ask this type of student to write an explanation of what they would do or simply tell the teacher what they would do for an assignment. This is why I am such a believer of the multiple intelligences method. It involves all students and doesn’t single out particular ones. Everyone benefits and everyone learns based on their own learning strengths. Another less popular/obvious benefit of this teaching method is related to the impact that the students learning has on their own family and home life. I think that because a student is more eager to learn as a result of the multiple intelligences method, they will carry their positive attitude into their home life and be more compliant towards their family and of course themselves. As we all know, a student’s home life reflects their attitudes and success in school. References: chronicle. com/article/Matching-Teaching-Style-to/49497/ www. sube. com/ /integrating_learning_styles_and_skills_in_e www. tecweb. org/styles/gardner. html www. tefl. net/esl-lesson-plans/multiple-intelligences. htm Gardner, Howard. 1993. Multiple intelligences. The theory in practice. New York: Basic Books.

Depression among Pregnant Adolescents: Literature Review

Depression among Pregnant Adolescents: Literature Review Review of Related Literature and Studies Depression among pregnant adolescents as well as the factors that contributes to the said condition is being discussed in this review of literature. The things that could help prevent or lessen depression and the use of The Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale is also introduced. According to G. Tzilos et al,(2012). Depression during pregnancy is related to the increase number of mortality and morbidity among teenage mothers and infants. However, the cases of Adolescent pregnancy declined over the past years because of the strict implementation of contraceptive use in the United States still the number of occurring depression related to teenage pregnancy is alarming to the society nowadays. Early pregnancy does not only a threat to the mother but as well as the baby because when a teenager gets pregnant, it is expected that she will face many complications during and after her pregnancy and these complications could lead to death of her baby and herself. Adolescent Pregnancy is always perceived by the society as a major problem and a great threat that will add up to societal problems. These perceptions could make pregnant adolescents feel that they are being judged negatively by the society and could lead to depression. Majority of them felt that they are alw ays seen as persons who don’t know how to take good care of the upcoming baby because they are not yet fully matured. Some even relate teenage mothers to Erik Erikson’s Theory to illustrate that they are struggling in fulfilling two roles that they should take part. Pregnant Adolescents are not seeking for medical attention because for them they are mistreated and they are scared for the criticisms that they will receive from the people around them. That is why most pregnant adolescents’ faces problems and complications during labor because of lack of prenatal check-ups. Also in the studies planned pregnancy is compared to the unplanned of course planned pregnancy commonly happens to persons who went under the sacrament of matrimony and they unlikely to face complications and depression during pregnancy because of the support of their family as well as the society and those unplanned pregnancies are most likely to feel the opposite. The highest number of depress ion during pregnancy in found in the ethnicity of Latinas and a history of alcohol consumption and abuse whether it may be physical or sexual is found to be a significant contributing factors that could lead to depression. Pregnancy at an early age was commonly associated to poverty and societal issues. According to A. Katz, (2011) Majority of them voiced out that life before pregnancy was difficult and early pregnancy in their family was common so there is a possibility that they will follow the things that they have grown upon. Social connectedness plays an important role most specially the pregnant adolescent’s family. Some of the articles pointed out that the mother of the pregnant adolescent should be giving her more attention and support since she had been on the same experience before. Also, nurses were said to play a very important role in helping pregnant adolescents to prevent developing depression since they are the ones who will interact longer with their patients . One of the article’s main topic suggests that childbearing or being pregnant was the main reason why pregnant teenagers are experiencing depression. They say that depression seems to be linked with pregnancy because previous studies focus only on small populations. So what they did was they conducted a study with a big population between pregnant teens and pregnant adults. The questionnaires are given out to measure the level of depression inside it are questions such as things that bother them, how they manage feelings of sadness and concentration problems. The results showed that teenage mothers have an increase in depression incidence than adult mothers. However, carrying a child inside her womb was not the cause. They found out that even before they got pregnant, their level of depression was greater than compared to their friends and remained high even after giving birth to the baby. The results pointed out poverty and an existing stressor can predict adolescent pregna ncy because of the psychological thinking that if they become pregnant their life would be easier and the focus will be now given to the newborn baby. They observed that when they got pregnant, the chance is they become responsible for taking care of the baby inside her and the study suggested that research nowadays should focus on how the teenage mom going to pursue her ambitions in life after giving birth to the baby. Lastly, the study suggests that married teen pregnant mothers will likely develop a positive outcome in terms of behavior and decrease the likelihood of developing depression then unmarried teenage mothers. One study pointed out the factors that may increase the likelihood of teenage pregnancy. One factor that the researchers pointed to have a great impact on the incidence of teenage pregnancy was the age they started to engage in sexual intercourse they found out if a girl engages in sexual activity before 15 years old she is more prone in becoming pregnant. They al so pointed out United States as the most developed country with the highest incidence of adolescent pregnancy and one of the factors that causes early pregnancy was the number of sexual partners that an individual has. They say that if a girl had 3 or more sexual partners’ chances of being pregnant are high and if their partner’s age is more than 3 years of their age. The level of anxiety of a teenage father was discussed. Although there were only few studies about teenage fathers they found out that teenage father who became father for the first time has a high anxiety level compared to those who have been to the same situation before. The Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale is a tool that is used by clinicians and researchers to identify adolescents who are at risk for developing depression. It is created by Dr. Stan Kutcher, various clinicians and researchers and it is acknowledged to be an effective tool in assessing depression among adolescents around the globe. There are three different scales of KADS a 6-item which is designed to be used in different institutions such as schools, other health care professionals and primary health care settings to screen patients who are at risk for developing depression as well as to evaluate young people who are always in distress and can be seen with symptoms of mental health problem. The 11-item KADS is usually used by health care providers and different clinical settings to treat adolescents who are experiencing depression. On the other hand, the 16-item KADS is exclusively designed for clinical research purposes only. KADS is a simple tool that understandable by an indiv idual who has a grade 6 reading level and ages 12 to 22 years old. Aside from being less complicated, the tool has been translated into many different languages for better understanding and it is free of charge. It has been recommended by many experts such as National Institute for Clinical Evaluation. In using the KADS the person should be instructed carefully by the health care provider, educator or any responsible person and should be clarified that the tool is for better understanding of the difficulties that the individual is facing. The last item of the scale is very sensitive to suicidal risk. Any individual who answered 1 or a little bit higher should be undergoing a further assessment for possible suicide. The KADS is free to use however it should not be copied or distributed without a written consent to Dr. Stan Kutcher. The people who created KADS appreciate receiving feedback on the said evaluation to determine whether KADS is still suitable or needs to be developed for better assessment. There are a lot of different studies regarding depressions among teenage pregnancy. Different methods were done to gather results and data. Participants are usually drawn to conduct different methods such as interviews and surveys. Different factors are studied to determine factors what depression can bring to pregnant adolescents. The most critical factor in health problems among adolescents are incidence and in labor and delivery. Complications that can be prevented by this studies. Young mothers should be educated in controlling depression because in can lead to different problems like diseases and suicidal tendencies. Different studies show that it occurs more in pre-developed countries. So comparative studies in the Philippines in specific rural and urban areas. Findings have shown that counseling and nursing interventions and services of preparing adolescents in motherhood. Teenage mothers shows higher rate of depression. One study shows that depression after likely to become d epressed after their babies were born than lower- or higher-resource adult mothers. Finding the root cause of depression of adolescents could help in a big way. Guiding 12-22 year old adolescents can prevent unwanted pregnancies and give them a reason to think this situation can affect them and their newborns. As researchers, information and statistics would be key in doing this comparative study in rural and urban areas. In Nigeria, the most important problem in health in adolescents especially in developing countries is from preterm labor and delivery. A teenage girl who is pregnant has a 40 % chance of women in Nigeria are 17.9 and 20.1 years and the incidence of abortion is about 25%. Millions of girls aged 15-19 have babies yearly but 10% of pregnancy due to the effect of early motherhood. Probably the cause of poverty in Africa. So the researchers assessed and explored the occurrence of complications in adult pregnancies and adolescents. The Philippines is a slightly developed country than Africa. Couples who have a lot of children is very common in both countries. Most of the started at the age 17-19 years. A study in Taiwan showed what risk factors and birth outcomes affect adolescent pregnancies. Fertility rates declined in Taiwan recently even thou birthrate in teenagers is highest in Asia. It remains a challenging issue for Taiwanese to control adolescent pregnancy. Ages 12-22 is critical year for an individual in exploring various curiosity that can affect negatively and positively. Smoking had significant higher rates of smoking during pregnancy for adolescent mothers but in drinking it was almost alike. These are causes that affect a mother dramatically and especially the baby upon birth. This could different deformities and even miscarriage. In tends to be worse especially in communities of the third world. Another study pointed out that in view of socio-cultural factors and good nutrition in early life for girls is essential. Programs that can guide them in different ways would be key to prevent early conception. In India, nearly one third of babies are low in birth weight. The main cause would be poverty which leads to under nutrition and diseases. Kumar et al. (2007) showed a high result of (26.1%) and stillbirths (4%) while Bhalerao et al. (1990) have reported a significantly higher proportion (8.6%) of spontaneous abortion in addition to premature labor (14%) in teenage pregnancy. It is said that better planning of appropriate measures to improve the situation. Studies show that individuals living in rural areas are undernourished throughout childhood and adolescence. About 36% women of reproductive age in India have low body mass index (BMI 2. Poor prepregnancy nutritional status of young rural girls is a result of nutritional as well as social factors and therefore, it is necessary to examine their interactive effect on reproductive health. According to ( Echa Kai,2008) who conducted a research on teenage pregnancy in Rajavith Hospital in India. Pregnancies occurring in adolescent girls have a higher risk than in adult females. Women ages According to the study (A.Katz,2011 and K Mccormick,2012) teenage pregnancy decreased because of the strict implementation of contraceptives in the United States. The US being a first world country, its resources are expandable and can be able to focus on different problems that country encounter. The United States was able to control teenage pregnancy because of health education by the use of contraceptives. Sex education is thought during high school to show teenagers the risk of unwanted pregnancy physically and mentally. The proper use of contraceptives is shown in order for them to be aware how unwanted pregnancies and diseases unsafe intercourse can affect an individual. As early as this age students are sexually aware. Pregnant adolescents are having difficulties in terms of playing 2 roles in life, being a mother and in the process being fully matured ( B.Tumage et al,2013 and J Magness 2012). Being a mother is big transitional change in a teenager. For her, able to care for the baby and herself would be a difficult task. At the adolescent age, an individual is starting to be mature enough in everyday responsibilities. Having a baby can affect an individual physically and mentally. At this young age, a drastic change can cause negative effects which can lead to depression. Guidance by family, counselors and health providers would be a key factor for them to be able adapt to this changes. Nurses play a vital role in preventing the development of depression by being approachable and providing assistance to them without any negative judgment (J.Magness, 2012). As health care providers. Nurses are aware how depression affects an individual. A nurse will be able to do interventions that will benefit the patient. Giving assistance without any judgment, for a nurse being a professional it is strictly not a personal matter but the goal is to provide care. The Patient-Trust relationship would be a vital key .Depression can lead to negative effect physically and mentally so it is necessary to prevent this. Unplanned pregnancy are most likely to develop depression (M. Phipps et al, 2012, K and Mccormick, 2012). An accidental pregnancy would be drastic change in lifestyle. Nowadays, people tend to hide if they are accidentally pregnant especially if they are young of age. For a person not be ready to bear child would be very difficult in the shift of living. It is common that both partners who did not planned for a baby tend to separate thus, the mother would suffer and she alone would give care and provide for the baby. This things could lead to depression that may lead various effects on the mother and the baby. Poverty was the main cause of teenage pregnancy and depression (G,Tzilos et al (2012), M Phipps,(2012) J Collingwood (2010). For an individual who is not educated, having a sexual relationship is some sort of pleasure without any consequences. Poverty, the most common problem of countries causes a negative effect in every aspect. Third world countries are usually the ones with the biggest population. Those not being able to afford contraceptive and the lack of health education causes unwanted pregnancy. An unwanted baby would cause depression. Gathering resources for the baby’s need would be a difficult task and would lead crimes and desperation. The baby would be most certainly affected by these by having inadequate care and nutrition.

mind vs machine :: essays research papers

In 1792 Mary Wollstonecraft in her work A Vindication of the Rights of Woman posed the question, "In what does man's pre-eminence over the brute creation consist?" She answers, "In reason and virtue by which mankind can attain a degree of knowledge." Today, no one would argue that man and woman are not intellectually equal, or that humans have a superior intellectual capacity over the brute creation, but what would they say about humankind versus the machine? We have always felt ourselves superior to animals by our ability to reason -- "to form conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises"(Random House Dictionary). Philosophers have argued for centuries about what defines reason, now on the dawn of the 21st century this age old question must be revisited. Since the ENIAC, the first mainframe, hummed to life in 1946, the chasm between humankind and machine has appeared to dwindle. Computers have insinuated themselves into the lives of millions of people, taking over the performance of mundane and repetitive tasks. With the constant improvement of computer technology, today's super-computers can outperform the combined brain power of thousands of humans. These machines are so powerful that they can store an essay sixteen billion times longer than this one in active memory. With the development of artificial intelligence software, computers can not only perform tasks at remarkable speed, but can "learn" to respond to situations based on various input. Can these machines ever procure "reason and virtue," or are they simply calculators on steroids? We have now reached the point where we must redefine what constitutes reason in the 21st century. On the intellectual battlefield, in February 1996, thirty-two chess pieces, represented the most recent challenge to the belief that thought is exclusive to humans. Kasparov, the world chess champion, faced off against one of IBM's finest supercomputers, Deep Blue. Chess, a game of logic and reason, would be a perfect test of a computer's ability to "think." In the Information Age battle of David vs. Goliath, the machine clearly had the advantage. Deep Blue is capable of playing out 50- 100 billion positions in the three minutes allotted per turn. Nonetheless, the silicon brain was no match for the cunning intellect of the human mind. Deep Blue lacked the ability to anticipate the moves that Kasparov would make. In preparation for the game, Kasparov adapted a strategy of play unique to the computer.

Five Accounting Unethical Issues Essay

Unethical Methods are performed to manipulate the financial records of a bussiness firm. And following are the few methods: Legal : Misuse of law in case of compensation Statistics : Exaggerating revenue and profits to mislead/confuse Tax : Avoiding to pay actual tax Transperency : Trying to counterfeit/falsifying in case of investigation Exploitation : Misuing funds These issues arises due to competition between the bussiness firms to raise their numbers. Greed to have more money and violate the law. Opportunity makes thiefs when offered the bribery. Individuals who work for a giant corporate company, fails to think out of the box when considering rest of the world. Performing unethical behaviour and claimimg it as ignorance, which is not true. Transparent code of ethic which should be professinally implemented in the firm, and as well as among the employees. Maintaining healthy competition betwwen the firms. Publishing actual financial data. Responsible to pay tax. Awarding the apraisal and rewards for ethical behaviour. Legally there should be strict laws for unethical behaviour. Kimmel, P.D., Weygandt, J.J. & Kieso, D.E(4 Ed) Financial accounting: Tools for business decision making Rajeev, L.L. (2012). Ethical and Unethical Business Practices. Article of Buzzle, Business Ethics. Retrived from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ethical-and-unethical-business-practices.html Oseni, Abubakar Idris. (2012). Research Journal of Finance and Accounting ISSN 2222-2847 (Online) Vol 2. Retrived from http://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/RJFA/article/view/188

Ministering to Mormons

Reflecting on I Love Mormons: A New Way to Share Christ with Latter-day Saints Most people associate the Mormon faith with the church that is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, Mormonism has its roots in New York State, where Joseph Smith founded the Church of Latter-Day Saints during the nineteenth century, when he was allegedly visited by an angel that he called â€Å"Moroni.† The principles upon which he based this church underwent many changes as the founders of the faith traveled westward, so many that people might question whether it is the same faith or not.   It is not unusual, however, for a young faith to undergo many changes: it can be argued that Christianity experienced many of the same dynamics in it beginnings as it moved from its country and culture of origin and spread across the world.   David Rowe’s text suggest that individuals who would preach Christianity to Mormons should approach Mormonism as less of a cult and more of a culture and will less zeal than love, Section 1: Overview of Mormon Theology According to its founders, the Mormon faith is based on the teachings of the descendents of ancient holy men and the faithful who came to this continent even before the birth of Christ.   The original teachings of the church were supposed to have been translated from golden plates that the angel Moroni, which were given to Joseph Smith. Some of those early teachings have fallen into disuse or have changed completely. For example, while Smith might have included polygamy and believed in a priesthood open to only a chosen few, polygamy is now discouraged, if not openly condemned by the church and the priesthood has been open to men of all races (Rowe 2005).   Other tenets have been added or subtracted from the faith or have altered in some way as the Mormon faith seeks to solidify itself. While the Mormons consider themselves to be a Christian faith, a number of beliefs and practices set them apart from other Christian denominations.   Some of these beliefs and practices include: Baptism of the dead Eternal marriage, known as a â€Å"celestial marriage† performed in the temple The belief in four sacred texts: the Holy Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and The Book of Mormon, and Teaching that God, the Father and Jesus Christ, the son, are of separate earthly bodies (Rowe, 2005). The Mormon Church also places a lot of emphasis on the family and on gender roles.   The church emphasizes the woman’s role in staying home and caring for the children, while men typically take on leadership roles–although these things are not absolute.   In addition, church members are intended to follow the law of chastity and to abstain from certain food, drinks, and substances. Church members are expected to proselytize.   All male members of the church are expected to perform a mission, which begins at 19 years of age and lasts two years.   Although women are not forbidden from going on missions, the requirements for women are different in terms of serving during a mission.   Finally, the LDS Church tends to believe that the individual can receive revelations from God, particularly in personal matters.   There are many precepts of this complex faith that are not covered by this paper; however, the ones that are listed represent some of their more important beliefs. The Mormon faith does not have a single, monolithic form.   Rather, it is comprised of splinter groups.   Given the statement   in Rowe (2005) that Mormonism â€Å"may stand as an indictment to Protestants because they arose to compensate for some perceived failure in the Christian movement† that encouraged him to start â€Å"a single ‘true Church’ that he believed would unify all members and spell an end to denominational schism,† this fact is interesting and interesting one (pp. 18-19). In general, the term â€Å"Mormon† is most accurately applied to the individuals who followed Smith’s teachings and settled in Utah; however, the church elders prefer that it be known by the more accurate name of â€Å"Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints† (Rowe, 2005). Section 2: â€Å"Wisely and Gently† Kraft (1998) reminds the reader that God apparently wants people to be respectful of other cultures and that He gave such directions through the Holy Bible.   In 1 Corinthians 9:19-22, Kraft states, God’s purpose is indicated through Paul’s words about living like a Jew when among the Jews and living like a Gentile when among the Gentiles, and so being â€Å"all things to all men, that [he might] save some of them by whatever means are possible† (p. 384). Kraft discusses the various levels of culture, which is the manner in which people live their lives.   People are products of their culture, which determines the manner in which they view the world and the pressure for the individual to conform within that worldview is strong (Kraft, 1998).   In addition, Kraft reminds the reader that Jesus worked not by attacking people or their cultures, but by working with people within their cultures to effect change. Overall, Mormonism has a number of good principles behind it and yet its worshipers have been widely persecuted for their faith.  Ã‚   Today’s Mormons tend to be â€Å"thin-skinned, hypersensitive, and virtually expecting to be attacked† for their beliefs (Rowe, 2005, p. 49).   Whether or not the individual talking with a Mormon agrees with the positions of that person’s faith, Rowe states that they are deserving of respect. This position is particularly important, since Mormons typically have a certainty in the truth as preached by their prophet and the awareness of their nature as what Rowe (2005) calls â€Å"an exodus community† (pp. 48-49), both of which cause them to close the doors to communication more readily than individuals in other faiths.   Despite the apparent wisdom behind this statement of affairs, however, it appears to contradict the author’s assertion that Utah’s admittance to the Union ended the â€Å"us against them† mentality that existed between Mormons and the United States government at the time (p. 47). Section 3: Proselytizing Rowe (2005) constantly reminds the reader that the Mormons have their own culture.   For this reason, Christians are to treat them as they might adherents to Islamic, Hindu, or Buddhist cultures, as well as any other non-Christian cultures.   Rowe (2005) describes the Mormon Church as being â€Å"Christianesque† in that it is â€Å"linked to statements and images from the Bible† (p. 42).   However, some of the teachings are not Christian in nature, such as Joseph Smith’s vision of separate beings for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Because this teaching is so different from that held by other Christians, it is important to be prepared with gentle teachings about its error, as well as other errors held by the Mormon Church.   It is doubly important because the worldview of Mormonism is compulsive in its teachings, just as is the case in many Muslim cultures (Duin, 2006, p. 2).   Because it is not possible for Mormons to examine their faith for themselves, other Christians should be able to help them do so. According to Coleman (1993) Jesus was able to start with a small group of disciples because â€Å"it did not matter how small the group was to start with so long as they reproduced and taught their disciples to reproduce (p. 102).   It was a strategy that, as stated earlier, depended on assimilation to achieve results.   One thing to share, then, would be that Christ died for everyone on the Cross, not just for a significant few.   He accepted and cared for all faiths and races (Coleman, 1993). Rowe (2005) suggests trying to bring the two value systems into perspectives by working with the person being instructed to put the message of the Gospel into words according to each faith and then using that as a basis for discussion (p. 65).   Final, it would seem important to understand the Mormon teaching of two Beings known as God in the Mormon Church, and how it relates to or differs from the traditional Christian teaching of monotheism.   By understanding these differences and by being able to speak in a learned and intelligent manner to another individual from a Mormon perspective. References Coleman, R. E. (1993).   The master’s plan.   Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (3rd ed.), Ralph D. Winter and Stephen C. Hawthorne (eds.).   Pasadena, CA: William Carey. Duin, J. (2003).   The Washington Times.   New World Communications, Inc. Kraft, C. H. (1998). Culture, worldview, and contextualization. Rowe, D. (2005). I Love Mormons: A New Way to Share Christ with Latter-day Saints. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

Time Value of Money and Present Value Essays

Time Value of Money and Present Value Essays Time Value of Money and Present Value Paper Time Value of Money and Present Value Paper Date: 14/11/2012 52. Annuities: You are saving for the college education of your two children. They are two years apart in age; one will begin college 15 years from today and the other will begin 17 years from today. You estimate your children’s college expenses to be $23,000 per year per child, payable at the beginning of each school year. The annual interest rate is 5. 5 percent. How much money must you deposit in account each year to fund your children’s education? Your deposits begin one year from today. You will make your last deposit when your oldest child enters college. Assume four years of college Solution: Cost of 1 year at university = 23,000 N=4 I=5. 5% PMT=23,000 CPT PV = 80,618. 45 For the first child the PV = 80,618. 45/ (1. 055) ^14 = $38,097. 81 For the second child the PV = 80,618. 45/ (1. 055) ^16 = $34,229. 07 Therefore the total cost today of your children’s college expense will be the addition of the 2 = $72,326. 88 This is the present value of my annual savings, which are an annuity, so to get the amount I am supposed to save each year would be: PV=72,326. 88 N=15 I=5. 5 CPT PMT = 7,205. 6 57. Calculating Annuity Values: Bilbo Baggins wants to save money to meet three objectives. First, he would like to be able to retire 30 years from now with retirement income of $25,000 per month for 20 years, with the first payment received 30 years and 1 month from now. Second, he would like to purchase a cabin in Rivendell in 10 years at an estimated cost of $350,000. Third, after he passes on at the end of the 20 years of withdrawals, he would like to leave an inheritance of $750,000 to his nephew Frodo. He can afford to save $2,100 per month for the next 10 years. If he can earn an 11 percent EAR before he retires and an 8 percent EAR after he retires, how much will he have to save each month in years 11 through 30? Solution: First we get the FV of the 2,100 savings over 10 years Bilbo Baggins can afford to save $2,100 dollars per month for the next 10 years therefore at 10 years he would have saved: PMT = 2,100 I = 10. 48 / 12 = 0. 873 N = 10 x 12 = 120 CPT FV = $442,201. 15 So after 10 years he would be able to purchase his yacht at the price of $350,000, and he would be left with a balance of $92,201. 15 This $92,201. 15 will be our current PV at year 10. At year 30, the year when Bilbo retires, the $92,201. 15 would become 92,201. 15*(1. 11) ^20 = $620,283. 23 Second we have to find out how much the inheritance of 750,000 would be at year 30: 750,000/1. 8^20= $160,911. 16 Third In order for him to be able to withdraw a sum of 25,000 per month for the next 20 years after his retirement, we should now calculate this annuity’s present value: N= 20 x 12 = 240 I= 7. 72 / 12 = 0. 643 PMT= 25,000 CPT PV = $3,052,135. 26 Adding up the PV’s of the $750,000 and the annuity, we will get $3,213,046. 32 We will subtract the future value at year 30 of the $92,201. 15 ($620,283. 23) which we saved at year 10 from $3,213,046. 32 to get $2,592,763. 09 We are now left with an annuity that pays $2,592,763. 09 at year 30, and a time period of 20 years (yr11-30) To calculate the yearly PMT, we have FV= $2,592,763. 09 I= 10. 48 / 12 = 0. 873 N= 20 x 12 = 240 CPT PMT = 3,207. 33 Therefore the monthly PMT Bilbo would have to save each month through years 11-30 would be = $3,207. 33 34. Valuing bonds: Mallory Corporation has two different bonds, currently outstanding. Bond M has a face value of $20,000 and matures in twenty years. The bond makes no payments for the first six years, then pays $1,200 every 6 months over the subsequent eight years, and finally pays $1,500 every 6 months over the last years. Bond N also has a face value of $20,000 and a maturity of 20 years; it makes n coupon payments over the life of the bond. If the required return on both these bonds is 10% compounded semiannually, what is the current price of bond M? Of bond N? Solution: The price of a bond is equal to PV of expected future cash flows Bond M: Face value 20,000 Present value of 20,000 = 20,000/ (1. 05) ^40 = $2,840. 91 First we need to get the present value of the annuity for the 1,500 semiannual PMTs at year 14 Present Value of Annuity = $13,295 $13,295 becomes $3,391 at year 0 We then get the annuity of the 1,200 semiannual PMTs at year 6, and then at Present Value $13,005 at year 6 with a PV of $7,242 at year 0 The sum of the 3 PV’s gives us the value of the bond ,841 + 3,391 + 7,242 = $13,474 Bond N Face value 20,000 Present value of 20,000 = 20,000/ (1. 05) ^40 = $2,840. 91 38. Non-constant growth: Storico Co. just paid a dividend of aud 3. 5 per share. The company will increase its dividend by 20% next year, and will then reduce its dividend growth rate by 5% per year, until it reaches the industry average o f 5% industry average growth, after which the company will keep a constant growth rate forever. If the required return on Storico stock is 13%, what will a share of stock sell for today? Solution  : D0 = $3. 5 D1= 3. 5*1. 2= $4. 2 D2= 4. 2*1. 15= $4. 3 D3=4. 83*1. 1= $5. 31 D4=5. 31*1. 05= $5. 58 Since the first 4 periods are different we get the PV of each one alone, then as of the 4th year we get the perpetuity of the rest, and sum them up to get the final NPV We now get the PV of each Dividend PV D1 = 4. 2/ (1. 13) = $3. 72 PV D2 = 4. 83/ (1. 13) ^2 = $3. 78 PV D3 = 5. 31/ (1. 13) ^3 = $3. 68 So the PVs of D1+D2+D3 = $11. 18 NPV of perpetuity at constant growth = 5. 58(0. 08) / (1. 13) ^3 = 69. 75 / (1. 13) ^3 = $48. 34 NPV perpetuity + NPV dividends = NPV price of stock today 48. 34 + 11. 18 = $59. 52

Key Features of the Cosmological Argument Essays

Key Features of the Cosmological Argument Essays Key Features of the Cosmological Argument Paper Key Features of the Cosmological Argument Paper Examine the key ideas of the cosmological argument. The cosmological argument seeks to prove the existence of God on the basis that the universe has not always been in existence and so for it to be created, an external cause was necessary; this outside agent is viewed as God. It creates a posteriori knowledge which provides inductive explanations and makes conclusions on ideas based on actual experiences. It is a non-propositional argument so it cannot be proven but can be argued by offering experience as support. Although the cosmological argument was expressed by Aquinas it was originally introduced and influenced by Aristotle. Aristotle stated ‘the series must start with something since nothing can come from nothing’. This suggests that Aristotle believed that the creation of universe is dependent on a supreme, ultimate primary mover, and is therefore an ‘unmoved mover’. Overall it is the vital cause of the creation of the universe, and is identified in Christianity as God. Aristotle persuaded this using the idea of planet motion which he highlighted as the cause of the change of seasons. For this transformation to happen, it required an ‘unmoved mover’ who would be capable of upholding order of the universe during the alterations. Aquinas used this concept as the labour of God. Thomas Aquinas developed Aristotle’s ideas and offered the ‘Five Ways’ which have the aim to prove the existence of God. Three of the five form the cosmological argument. The first way is motion, the second is cause and the third is necessity and contingency. Aquinas proposed the way of motion through the idea that in the world some things are in motion and whatever is moved is moved by another. He argued that it is impossible for something to be both mover and moved. Motion is therefore a change of state and is not just movement in time and space from one place to another. But motion requires an explanation since nothing can be in both potentiality and actuality in the same respect. Something is needed to bring about the change, therefore proving God as the initiator of change and motions in all things. The second way; cause originates from the nature of efficient cause. Aquinas stated ‘.. t is necessary to admit to a first efficient cause, to which everyone gives the name of God. ’ Aquinas rejects infinite regression but insists that without a first cause there could be no subsequent causes and therefore without a first cause, there would be nothing at all. Therefore, it is necessary to admit to a first efficient cause given the name God. Aquinas argues the third way of necessity and contingency through the view that beings or items in the universe are capable of existing and not existing. The presence of each thing can only be explained by reference to factors which themselves depend on. The factors require reasoning in the form of a necessary being who is dependant on nothing but itself. This being is identified as God. Aquinas argues that the very nature of items in the universe demands that God exists necessarily and not contingently. Aquinas third way supports the cosmological argument as items are dependent on their creator therefore something must be independent in order for things to be created therefore this something is seen as God.

Case Studies Of Companies Supply Chain Management

Case Studies Of Companies Supply Chain Management Dell was incorporated in 1994 by Michael Dell while he was a student at University of Texas, Austin. From its very first initiatives, direct selling model was adopted. In the beginning PC’s were sold over the phone and they were customized according to customers’ specifications. Dell returned to its direct selling model after using the retail channel from 1990 to 1994. In mid 1990’s, the company grew rapidly, thus becoming number one PC seller in the US and number two worldwide in 1999. Dell’s success continued over the following years, but it was not able to avoid the crisis in PC industry in the new millennium. Dell’s growth rate fell, resulting in the fall of its stock price. However, over the time, Dell managed to remain a highly successful company, and its growth rate continued to outperform the industry as a whole. Dell’s strategic choices and ways of realizing those choices have played an effective role in story Dell’s success. The supply chain management of the company is the key element in its successful business model. The core element of the company’s business model is its direct sales model, referred as ‘direct mode’, with the build to order strategy. In this work we have a look at an organisation with its sheer strategy and competitive view of the future created a giant in the industry. It has developed a business model which has a very little requirement of controlling variables, but with few efficient and critical models it has created an industry leader. It shows how Dell Inc has changed the dynamics of the industry and how it has helped in evolved with the industry. It is an $80 billion company which is created in just in time frame of 23 years. The strategy was to bypass the dealers in the field of personal computers and sell directly to the consumers. What will urge customers to buy online? The answer to these is to make the product build to order and provide them customiza tion. This business model gave Dell some great cost advantage over it peers. This strategy has given Dell- Information about the customer we can just buy and collaborate as per our requirement. This view gave them flexibility and coupled with the excellent supply chain that they created- they became what they are. In this model there are fewer things which can go wrong because there are only fewer things which can go wrong. There is no drag effect of 50000 people working with you.

Fire investigation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Fire investigation - Essay Example Basic research indicates that preventing ignition fire control process and the separation of individuals from the harmful effects of fire by means of distance, time or shielding forms the three basic directions to ensure life safety, (CUNNY, 2009). Time as a factor in fire situation leads to the building up of smoke and heat thereby creating a hazardous environment and its effect may not be concretely predicted owing to multiple environmental and human variables, (Coleman, 1997). Three sets of conditions define time related effects on a fire situation inclusive of; toxic conditions, elevated environmental temperatures and current or pre-existing psycho-physiological attributes of the premises occupants. It is also imperative to note that the time interval between fire discovery and preventive action by the occupants is critical to the resulting effects. Evacuation of occupants and/or Fire extinguishment and confinement forms are fundamental actions that follow fire detection, (Coleman, 1997). The cause and outcome of a fire is greatly impacted by individual characteristics of those involved as people tend to react differently to similar emergency situations. People’s reaction during fires is affected by individual actions and therefore individual threat perception. Age forms a fundamental individual characteristic that adequately affect reaction to individual conditions as for example, the elderly or very young individuals may be less able to cope with the effects of fire, (CUNNY, 2009). Therefore, comparative to their counterparts of middle ages who are of normal physique, the fatality rate of these two age groups remains grater during fires, (USFA, 2009). Respiratory capacity of individuals may also affect the rate of fatalities in cases of fire hazards. Since majority of fires result into smoke inhalation, individuals with poor respiratory capacity may be unable to

The need for an organisation's HR function Essay

The need for an organisation's HR function - Essay Example call for vibrant policies and practices on the part of the management team so as to facilitate the organizations to react swiftly and productively to such dynamic external environments. The strategic human resource management facilitates its organizational teams to deliver highly competitive and standardized performance under intricate business conditions that strives to convert challenges into opportunities by transforming anarchy into systematic strategies and strategy into productive action. Strategic human resource management has achieved immense significance and generated critical awareness in recent years amongst theorists and researchers, most remarkably in the fields of human resource management, organizational behavior and industrial relations. Apparently, heightened assimilation of human resource management and corporate strategies has placed a significant claim upon contemporary strategic human resource management in terms of management as well as the academic literature, and hence it is commonly recognized that the strategic employment and administration of human resources can pave way for accomplishment and stability of the firms. Certain authors and researchers have further claimed that that an organizations human resources help shape the foundation of its competitive advantage1. Thus, with this background, it can be safely established, that the need for an organizations HR function to be strategic in nature is in co-operation, and not in conflict, with its n eed to respond to the external environment. â€Å"Strategic Human Resource Management is the linking of human resource management with strategic goals and objectives in order to improve business performance and develop organizational cultures that foster innovation and flexibility† Strategic human resource management has been defined as the development of organizational culture that cultivates modernization and elasticity with the assistance of establishment of an association between human

Constitutional Rights Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Constitutional Rights - Research Paper Example These inherent rights have never been more happily expressed than in the declaration of independence, that new evangel of liberty to the people: "We hold these truths to be self-evident" -- that is, so plain that their truth is recognized upon their mere statement -- "that all men are endowed" -- not by edicts of emperors, or decrees of Parliament, or acts of Congress, but "by their Creator with certain inalienable rights" -- that is, rights which cannot be bartered away, or given away, or taken away, except in punishment of crime -- "and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and to secure these" -- not grant them, but secure them -- "governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." (Butchers Union v. Crescent City Co., 1884) The reader should study that passage carefully and read it several times. Slowly read it out loud, listening carefully to the words. What is the difference between ordinary rights and so-called â€Å"Constitutional Rights†? There is no difference, except that those rights enumerated and guaranteed in the US Constitution get more attention. Breathing is not a Constitutionally protected activity, yet the Declaration of Independence clearly claimed a â€Å"right to life† exists. The Supreme Court has repeatedly claimed to have found a right to privacy, yet we find no such concept enumerated in the articles or amendments of the Constitution. In the US the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of what your rights are. Pay careful attention to what they have to say. There are many rights, but the issue is focusing on rights that are generally acknowledged to both exist and be â€Å"fundamental† rights. Not knowing one’s rights, one cannot protest when they are violated and lacking a timely objection the courts consider the matter to be waived. We shall discuss in the following report a few critical rights that anyone, post arrest and post conviction,

Source evaluation Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Source evaluation - Annotated Bibliography Example For instance, the institutions of learning in the United States are also known to provide some very generous scholarships to deserving individuals from poor countries; consequently, they receive many applications every year since individuals recognize that they might be given an opportunity to make their lives better. Even though, many have been associated with the urge of studying abroad, there are some cases approving that studying abroad is definitely a wrong option. In essence, answering this research question will help in discerning the associated negative impacts. Studying abroad can offer a lot of benefits to the students and the development of the society, but on the other side, it also have some drawbacks and disadvantages , over all studying abroad turned out to a good investment, but at the mean time people should realized that the profit exists paralleling risk. While looking up for relevant sources to back up the research, there are many credible articles that talk about the research question. This makes the completion of the project tedious since there is need to carry out evaluation of each source before picking up the most suitable for the study. Schemo discusses the gifts that are likely to befall students going abroad. Essentially, this source will help in answering the research question about why many students are attracted to the notion of travelling abroad for their studies. Schemo asserts that one of the benefits that students acquire from studying abroad is that they get a chance to pursue their education in an environment that is not limited by either geography or economic circumstances because they are able to work within an environment that is completely new and full of opportunities. Moreover, studying abroad makes it possible for students to develop the necessary skills at an international level that allows them

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Predictive factors of complications following elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) - Essay Example The aorta is the primary vessel carrying fresh blood to vital organs and any functional or structural defect can lead to a high risk situation. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a serious disorder which results in the permanent dilatation of the terminal portion of the abdominal aorta which is prone to rupture and a major cause of death in the developed countries encountered in recent years (Vorp, 2006). Aneurysm develops due to the degeneration of the aortic wall which results in the increased pressure of blood on the vessel wall and can result in its mechanical disruption and internal haemorrhage. Mostly such aneurysms are encountered in aging males but incidences in females have also occurred. The usual symptoms are abdominal and back pain as well as tenderness on palpation (Davis & Taylor, 2007). In case of rupture, the prognosis is usually grave with little chances of recovery after open surgery, as usually at such advanced ages comorbidities are the complicating factors. Regul ar monitoring and scanning in persons predisposed to such a condition is therefore absolutely essential and a surgical intervention can be undertaken before the rupture actually occurs. The usual approach employed for a long time was open surgery, but a new technique of endoluminal repair developed by Volodos and Parodi in 1991 subsequently named as endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) revolutionized the treatment as a more successful and less invasive procedure (Davis & Taylor, 2007). The technique has received encouraging response from surgeons in different locations and is steadily being refined by making it less invasive through the use of newer innovations of technology as well as trying for a percutaneous access to the aorta. Elective surgery is indicated based on the prediction of an impending rupture when risk parameters such as the size and growth rate of the aneurysm are evaluated. When the aortic diameter increases to an extent > 5.5 cm in males or the

Constitutional Rights Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Constitutional Rights - Research Paper Example These inherent rights have never been more happily expressed than in the declaration of independence, that new evangel of liberty to the people: "We hold these truths to be self-evident" -- that is, so plain that their truth is recognized upon their mere statement -- "that all men are endowed" -- not by edicts of emperors, or decrees of Parliament, or acts of Congress, but "by their Creator with certain inalienable rights" -- that is, rights which cannot be bartered away, or given away, or taken away, except in punishment of crime -- "and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and to secure these" -- not grant them, but secure them -- "governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." (Butchers Union v. Crescent City Co., 1884) The reader should study that passage carefully and read it several times. Slowly read it out loud, listening carefully to the words. What is the difference between ordinary rights and so-called â€Å"Constitutional Rights†? There is no difference, except that those rights enumerated and guaranteed in the US Constitution get more attention. Breathing is not a Constitutionally protected activity, yet the Declaration of Independence clearly claimed a â€Å"right to life† exists. The Supreme Court has repeatedly claimed to have found a right to privacy, yet we find no such concept enumerated in the articles or amendments of the Constitution. In the US the Supreme Court is the final arbiter of what your rights are. Pay careful attention to what they have to say. There are many rights, but the issue is focusing on rights that are generally acknowledged to both exist and be â€Å"fundamental† rights. Not knowing one’s rights, one cannot protest when they are violated and lacking a timely objection the courts consider the matter to be waived. We shall discuss in the following report a few critical rights that anyone, post arrest and post conviction,

Predictive factors of complications following elective endovascular Essay

Predictive factors of complications following elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) - Essay Example The aorta is the primary vessel carrying fresh blood to vital organs and any functional or structural defect can lead to a high risk situation. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a serious disorder which results in the permanent dilatation of the terminal portion of the abdominal aorta which is prone to rupture and a major cause of death in the developed countries encountered in recent years (Vorp, 2006). Aneurysm develops due to the degeneration of the aortic wall which results in the increased pressure of blood on the vessel wall and can result in its mechanical disruption and internal haemorrhage. Mostly such aneurysms are encountered in aging males but incidences in females have also occurred. The usual symptoms are abdominal and back pain as well as tenderness on palpation (Davis & Taylor, 2007). In case of rupture, the prognosis is usually grave with little chances of recovery after open surgery, as usually at such advanced ages comorbidities are the complicating factors. Regul ar monitoring and scanning in persons predisposed to such a condition is therefore absolutely essential and a surgical intervention can be undertaken before the rupture actually occurs. The usual approach employed for a long time was open surgery, but a new technique of endoluminal repair developed by Volodos and Parodi in 1991 subsequently named as endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) revolutionized the treatment as a more successful and less invasive procedure (Davis & Taylor, 2007). The technique has received encouraging response from surgeons in different locations and is steadily being refined by making it less invasive through the use of newer innovations of technology as well as trying for a percutaneous access to the aorta. Elective surgery is indicated based on the prediction of an impending rupture when risk parameters such as the size and growth rate of the aneurysm are evaluated. When the aortic diameter increases to an extent > 5.5 cm in males or the

In a Street Car Named Desire Essay Example for Free

In a Street Car Named Desire Essay In a Streetcar Named Desire there is a conflict between Illusion and reality, Blanche Dubois arrives in New Orleans with the impression of a patronising, wealthy school teacher who has no time for those who she believes to be below her class as we see in her rudeness to Eunice at the very beginning. As the play progresses we see that Blanche is merely projecting a persona which hides both her past and the inevitably grim future that awaits her. On the other side we have Blanche’s brother-in-law Stanley who acts in opposition of the illusion which Blanche has created and takes it upon himself to expose Blanche for what she really is. Blanche like all human beings is not infallible in her illusion as her own body and actions betray her at times reveal that the true Blanche Dubois lies just beneath the surface, for example her nerves show her reliance on alcohol. Blanche throughout the entire play portrays a character which is not truly her own, from the beginning she appears to believe herself above everyone she meets, especially her own sister Stella as we see in Blanche’s disappointment at Stella’s home. Despite this from the very beginning it’s obvious that Blanche is prone to hiding the true image of herself, physical and mental â€Å"Turn that over light off! Turn that off! I won’t be looked at in this merciless glare. † Blanche’s aversion to be seen clearly in the light is evident throughout the entire play and symbolises her need to impair people’s view of her true self. Blanche gives the impression of being superior incessantly through showing her culture and telling false stories like that of Shep Huntleigh. Williams establishes the extreme difference between illusion and reality with Blanche’s conversation with Stella on how the ceremony of the funeral does nothing to illustrate the truth of death â€Å"Funerals are quiet with pretty flowers. And, oh, what gorgeous boxes they pack them away in! Unless you were there at the bed when they cried out, ‘Hold me! ’ you’d never suspect there was a struggle for breath and breathing. † This illustrates human need to hide reality, with a beautiful ceremony we hide the harsh reality of death, dressing up our mortality and ignoring the reality of the pain and anguish which accompanies death. Just like Blanche trying to look as attractive and collected as possible in order to disguise the true reason behind her arrival at her sister Stella’s apartment. The character of Stanley, Blanche’s brother-in-law is constantly referred to as a primitive, instinctive male with Tennessee’s constant use of animal imagery while describing him and lowering him to an almost sub human level as we see in Blanche’s description of him â€Å"He acts like an animal, has an animal’s habits! Eats like one, moves like one, talks like one! † This explains Stanley’s decision to take the role of exposer, he is a male protecting his home from an intruder who threatens the dominance which he has established over it. When Blanche first arrives she annoys Stanley as he assumes the role of the head of the household, Blanche’s education and condescending manner are a challenge to his hold over Stella â€Å"Tennessee Williams writes that the most pressing moral problem of man in the twentieth century is to avoid extinction. † Stanley instinctively knows Blanche is hiding her past and her persona is all a facade, it is when his control of the household is challenged that he decides to expose the reality behind the illusion of Blanche Dubois. Stanley exposes Blanche to Stella after discovering her misdeeds in a town called Laurel where she had been a sexual deviant, having relations with many men. Blanche had to move to this town because she was fired from her job as a schoolteacher for having a sexual relationship with a seventeen year old. Blanche constantly wears white and her name actually means white, the colour that represents innocence and purity but Stanley begins revealing her past by saying, â€Å"Sister Blanche is no Lily. It is easy to judge Blanche, condemning her for her falsity but Blanche created this character to hide her past so she could have a future. Blanche was married to a man named Gray but found him with another man and the guilt forced him into suicide. This caused Blanche to seek fulfilment in the arms of strange men, Blanche married young and once an adult she then proceeded to lose â€Å"her husband, her inheritance, her home, her employment and nearly all her family. Blanche’s transition child to adult is traumatic and the harsh reality of the world is thrust upon her through death and meaningless relations with men which is why she maintains the illusion of childhood, that of the pure and innocent southern girl who needs to be courted â€Å"You didn’t know Blanche as a girl: Nobody, nobody was as tender and trusting as she was. But people like you abused her, and forced her to change. † It was the harsh reality of the world which made Blanche create the false persona we see in the Kowalski home. Blanche sense’s that her only hope for salvation is to attract a partner and she targets Mitch (Stanley’s friend) as a possible candidate for this role. Mitch is a sincere character as we see by his awkwardness and openness especially when explaining his fear of loneliness once his mother passes to his friends at the poker game. Even though Mitch appears to be the most honest character, Blanche is so insecure that â€Å"she assumes that she must pretend to be the innocent romantic in order to attract men, she hides her past, her age and her sexual appetites. This is in vain however as Stanley tells Mitch the truth of Blanche’s past therefore revealing that Blanche isn’t the innocent girl he had hoped she was to replace his mother as the main woman in his life. Blanche not only uses illusion but is also an example of the illusion of the typical southern lady. Due to her upbringing in the south Blanche has unfair expectations placed on her from an early age , which she reverts back to after her tragic marriage ends, taking the role of the pure, innocent girl. This reflects a situation that Williams saw first-hand as he â€Å"watched his sister struggle to become the kind of southern belle that his mother expected, he knew how cruel this definition of roles could be. † Blanche has created this false personality based on the perfect southern women she failed to become. Stella is put in a situation where she must choose between illusion and reality. Blanche tells Stella of Stanley’s rape however Stella shortly after giving birth doesn’t believe her and instead chooses Stanley over her own sister. We cannot totally fault Stella for forsaking her sister, it is a decision made with the future in mind for her and her baby â€Å"When Stella chooses him (Stanley) over Blanche we understand she is choosing survival of the species rather than the dream of a dead past† Stanley is the provider for her family and she must remain with him. Adhering to his animal instincts Stanley has defeated Blanche and remains the king of his household by exposing her past, therefore chasing away her only remaining suitor Mitch and finally by the brutal act of rape, â€Å"having been raped by the man of the house in which she sought refuge, her mind unhinges. At the time of production it was believed that Stanley should be punished for his crime and that the poetic character of Blanche should not have such a bleak end, but like the play, Williams is more concerned with portraying a realistic ending rather than creating an ending more digestible for the audience, â€Å"We know that Williams unc ensored ending was more realistic. †

Globalisation: Threats and Benefits for SMEs

Globalisation: Threats and Benefits for SMEs INTRODUCTION Globalisation has become a hot discussion issue for both academicians as well as the corporate world. This is because of the effects globalisation has on Small medium enterprise as well as the benefits they offer to the SMEs and national economies as a whole. Globalisation is a major driver that has an impact on nearly every business due to internationalization of markets. Technological progress in distribution and other logistics enables every business to buy and sell at a global scale. Small Medium Enterprises contributes to over 50% of the national GDP and provides over 60% of the total employment in most of the developed high income countries. Small and Medium Entrepreneurs play a major role in creating economic growth in every country through job creation (UNCTAD) .Despite small businesses being engines that drive economic growth in most economies, smaller firms in developing countries are greatly disadvantage in terms of growth and profitability due to globalisation. 1.0 What is Globalisation? Globalisation refers to the shift towards a more integrated and independent world economy (Hill 2003) .Globalisation has two main dimensions thus Globalisation of markets and Globalisation of production. 1.1 Globalisation of markets refers to the merging of separate national markets into one global market which is aimed at reducing cross boarder barriers making it easy to sell and buy international (Hill 2003). However cavugil et al -defines Globalisation of markets as a gradual integration and growing interdependence of national economies. It is also aimed at standardizing products worldwide and a means of converging customer preferences. Its therefore important to note that this is a gradual process which started as far back as 1830 has been done in phases. The integration has resulted in the formation of regional bloc e.g. the European Union, SADC in southern Africa, COMESA just to mention a few. Integration is where two or more countries in the same geographical area make an alliance with a view of reducing barriers to trade and invest to grow their economies. This implies that the lowering of trade barriers enables firms to view the world as one global market rather than a singl e market. 1.2 Globalisation of production is the sourcing of goods and services from countries around the globe to take advantage of national differences in the cost and quality factors of production. China is a good example of emerging markets with low labor costs. With globalistaion, this has seen most firms moving their production centers to china to reduce costs and this has enhanced their economies of scale. By doing this, firms aim to gain competitive advantage as globalisation has resulted in increased competition in the global market. Globalisation productions not limited to giants like Boeing but smaller firms are getting into the act as they aim to lower costs and increase their profit margins. Why GLOBALISATION-There are many reasons why nations globalise. 2.1 Nations globalise to reduce barriers of trade and investment .This means that the absence of barriers has enabled firms to have access to the total market resulting into a wider selection of choice of goods for customers. On the other hand globalisation has resulted into the formation of regional blocks where governments get into agreements so as to eliminate the hindrances to trade freely among the member countries This has not only reduced barriers of trade but also have enhanced the bilateral relationships between member countries. Globalisation is one way of liberalizing markets meaning its one way of opening up markets with minimal government indulgence. Its believed that globalisation creates opportunities to advance in technology and this has resulted in creating efficiency for firms and has brought about innovation which enables firms compete favorably. The other reason why nations globalise is that its easy to integrate world financial markets. As the world is merging business transactions are becoming more simplified e.g. the sourcing of funds from foreign firms have been made easy. However, globalisation has its own benefits and threats especially to small firms 3.0 Benefits of globalisation to smaller firms-.Globalisation has its own pros and cons however its important to note that it has been quite beneficial to smaller firms in various ways. Globalisation has created opportunities for smaller firms to make alliances (merge) with other small firms enabling them access expertise from other countries and creating synergies to achieve competitive advantage. Smaller firms have also benefited greatly from technology mostly brought by globalisation of markets. Communication has become easy as it i possible to transact with different countries within a short period of time. More knowledge about production methods, management techniques, and economic policies are easily accessible at very low costs which is a valuable resource especially for developing countries. Globalisation has resulted in increased investment in business even for small firms due to easy sourcing of funds globally and supports small firms get from other supranational authorities Globalisation has opened doors for small businesses to export their products .Some statistic show that 90% of exporters are small businesses this has helped infant firms have wider market for their products and services. It has also created an opportunity for Small firms to compete on an international scale 4.0 Threats of Globalisation to SMEs Critics of globalisation argue that although there are benefits associated with globalisation, its also apparent that Smaller Medium Enterprises are threatened by globalisation in different ways: With the opening of boarders which has seen a number of MNEs in most countries offering lower prices, small firms are forced to sell their goods and services at lower costs as it is the only way they can compete and this has a negative effect on their profitability. Its has also increased spending for research and development in market entry as it takes a much higher proportion of total spending smaller firms than in larger businesses. Opening up of boarders has resulted in mass migration. This entails that countries loses some of its best talented and skilled people which in turn could mean reduced pool of Human resource SMEs can choose from. Globalisation has also brought about stiff competition from Multi National Entrepreneurs investing in various countries. With globalisation most governments especially in developing countries have policies benefiting MNEs and disadvantaging smaller firms in their quest to attract foreign direct investment. It is because of these threats that governments and supranational authorities have to come in and protect the smaller firms from being swept away. 5.0 What are supranational authorities? These are international governing bodies empowered to regulate international trade and investment .Their main objective is to save collective interest of member states. 5.1 Roles of Supranational Authorities-Supranational authorities play key roles in integration of market as they are aimed at solving common economic problems facing different countries including smaller firms. Examples of these authorities which play major role in protecting smaller firms include; World trade organisation, World Bank, International Monetary fund, African Bank for Reconstruction and development (ABRD) etc, these authorities work hand in hand with governments from various countries to see how poverty can be reduced and creation of jobs enhanced. This includes protecting smaller firms from effects of globalisation and ensuring that they are not swept away by the presence of multi national enterprises since they are the drivers of most economies today. 5.1.1 IMF: The international monetary funds main objective is to raise living standards of its member countries by ensuring that countries can sustain themselves without much dependency on donor funding. Its aimed at fostering global monetary cooperation and secure financial stability by stabilizing exchange rates. If the exchange rates are stabilized its easy for the nation to attract foreign direct investment. International Monetary Funds also facilitates international trade and promotes high employment and sustainability of economic growth with the ultimate goal of reducing poverty. This means that IMF encourages member countries to adopt sound economic policies to promote entrepreneurs in member states especially developing countries so as to help them grow their economies. Once these economies have grown it will mean they become self reliant and employment created for the citizens and IMF would have achieved its goal. 5.1.2 World Bank: The World Banks mission is to fight poverty and improving the living standard of people in developing countries www.worldbank.org. To achieve this, the bank provides low interest loans to different organisations to help funding various projects. Not only to organisations but the bank also offer grants to governments to run various projects in different ministries. World Bank provides advice on implementation of various policies that benefits the different economies. It also offers technical advice to both low and medium income countries on how economies can be improved thereby reducing poverty. The World Bank partners with governments to come up with projects as a way of promoting growth in the economies which leads to job creation .The other reason is to empower smaller firms so that they can explore the opportunities arising from globalisation. The World Bank has other major wings thus the International Bank for Reconstruction and development (IBRD) and the international development association which work primarily with governments to support private businesses in developing countries. Besides the above two wings discussed there is also the international development bank which offers advice on how to access IDB financed contracts 5.1.3 World trade organisation: World trade deals with rules of trade between nations to avoid exploiting one another .World trade ensure that there is fair trade between the trading nations and that trade should not benefit one nation at the expense of the other. The main goal is to help producers of goods and services conduct their business in a fair and transparent manner. This includes Multi national enterprises and smaller firms alike 6.0 Role of Government in protecting small firms Although reasons for economic stagnation vary, several factors point out that many developing countries have economic policies that destroy wealth rather than creating wealth. Its for this reason that Government should come up with policies protecting smaller firms from exploitation as they contribute greatly to the growth of the economy. However this task should not be left alone to supranational authorities but it calls for efforts of various governments to work hand in hand with these authorities to achieve the main goal. In as much as globalisation has benefited most economies of various nations globalisation still poses challenges to many businesses especially infant firms in developing countries. Government therefore should ensure that these infant firms are protected from threats and or exploitation brought about globalisation of markets and production .Its also important to highlight that government needs concerted efforts from all stakeholders thus the private sector to come aboard in helping small and medium firms thrive through stiff competitions. Government can support smaller firms through the implementation of policies in support of smaller firms in form of financial and technical assistance so as to prevent small business from being swept away by todays global economy. This can be through offering tax incentives which can be in form of tax rebates. Government can support smaller firms by injecting capital into these small firms. For example in Zambia there is a government project called the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (C.E.E.C) aimed at encouraging youths and Zambian small entrepreneurs to become entrepreneurs and grow their businesses. It provides loans to small entrepreneurs so that they can grow their businesses and compete effectively. Entrepreneurs are asked to come up with project proposals which are then submitted to C.E.E.C for evaluation. After the evaluation process then they are advised as to weather the project is viable of not and are advised accordingly .if they are sound a loan is given to them after submission of the relevant documents. Government can introduce market linkage through global trade centers to buyers abroad this will help ensure that there is always ready market for small firms products .In most instances small firms may have the product but no market for them at they end up selling their product cheaply without making profits to reinvest .Trade centers on the other hand will do the research on behalf of the entrepreneurs and advises them on how to add quality to their product to meet the international standards and all the logistics should be put in place. In Zambia, the government through the ZDA offers a service of market sourcing for emerging SMEs. Development of good road network system is another way government can come to support these firms. This is because most small firms find it hard to transport their product to market places due to poor roads .This is most applicable in developing countries like Zambia where small firms especially those dealing with agricultural products have problems transporting their produces to major markets where there are better offers hence they end up selling these products cheaply Government can also work hand in hand with local banks and help reduce interest and lending rates so as to enable small firms have access to loans to finance their business this will ensure growth to this infant firms. Government can also come up with policies where small entrepreneurs especially in the agricultural sector sell direct to the Food Reserve Agency (F.R.A) at a profitable price. This will deter buyers seeking to exploit them with lower prices. Smaller firms fail to compete effectively due to lack of planning. Most of them fail to come up with comprehensive business proposal plans as a result they have no direction on how to compete. This is where governments co-operating partners can come in to help by running workshops so as to give them direction. The Government Republic of Zambia offer such training through a government wing called Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). For firms in the exporting business government can offer incentives in form of invoice discount or warehouse receipts this will encourage more smaller firms to venture into exporting which is a way of expanding their market and is less risky and cheaper that foreign direct investment. Government should also introduce price sealing to deter multi national Enterprises from exploiting market for infant firms seeking to use the cost leadership strategy as a means of entering the foreign market. This will ensures there is protection of the home grown products as there is a floor limiting price factor Governments from the same regional blocks can introduce one stop boarder post where small entrepreneurs are allowed to cross over with goods and with no tax on certain goods. In the SADC region for example ,Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe have signed this agreement although its not as effective as it should be If all these measures are put in place and necessary policies are implemented by the government and its stakeholders then smaller firms will survive from globalisation threats and will eventually be translated into economic growth and increased gross domestic product ratio. CONCLUSION In conclusion, as globalisation has progressed the living conditions have improved significantly in almost all the countries. However the strongest gains have been particularly on high income countries (developed countries) and only a few in developing countries. This is because low income countries have not been able to integrate with global economies quickly as the developed countries partly because of the policies implemented in various nations and other factors beyond their control. Every country should seek to reduce poverty thus encouraging entrepreneurship by strengthening their financial muscle so that they can withstand stiff competition amid globalisation. This is the only way to ensure that smaller firms have access to benefits of globalisation and reduced threats. Finally for as long as Small Medium Enterprises lack financial support, with poor infrastructure and lack of government assistance and support ,small firms will continue being threatened by globalisation and eventually will be swept away. This will have an adverse impact on the economy as small firms are the back bone of the strong economies. RECOMMENDATION The Government of the Republic of Zambia must increase the allocation to the wings responsible for youth and entrepreneur project e.g. the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission and should be encouraged to lend to women groups and have the collateral to borrow from banks as most of this government wing offer too little to small firms and cannot borrow from high interest Banks due to lack of collaterals. Policies that protect local manufacturers should be strengthened by developing country governments. This is because currently the laws and regulations on this angle are too weak as a result investors source raw materials from their country of origin and not from local suppliers. There is also great need for governments to enhance education, training and research and development to promote productivity among small firms through its cooperating partners. This could be an opportunity for small businesses to acquire right skills in dynamic economies. Other policies should include structural reforms to encourage domestic competition. If local firms can compete domestically it helps improve product and service standard thereby preparing them to compete internationally. Developing countries should lobby from rich countries to relax restrictions for developing countries to export into European and western markets. This can be done through bodies like SADC, COMESA and A.U. There is a better chance of being heard if they speak with one strong voice. Supranational authorities should introduce parallel lending specifically for small firms so that funds are not diverted. They should also channel funds for capacity building which helps instill know how to infant firms so that they can compete effectively. Supranational authorities should work hand in hand with Non governmental organisation by funding various projects e.g. when it comes to running workshops. They should also lower interest rates to small firms to enable them access loans with minimal interests. APPENDICES chart1a chart2b

Censorship in A Day No Pigs Would Die Essay -- essays research papers

Censorship in A Day No Pigs Would Die   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Robert Newton Peck was born in the late 1930’s in Vermont. Haven Peck, his father was a â€Å"quiet and gentle man whose work was killing pigs.† (dedication of novel). Peck grew up on a farm and worked as a lumberjack, in a paper mill, and in a slaughterhouse before he wrote his first book. He was first inspired to write by his first through sixth grade teacher, Miss Kelly, a well-loved lady who filled Peck with dreams about what he could do, if he wanted to. Peck was also inspired by an incident at a cocktail party. â€Å" I watched people ram goose liver into their maws and then announce how opposed they were to violence.† Peck went on to serve in World War II for two years, and afterwards, graduated from Rollins College and went to study at Cornell University.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Furthermore, Peck grew up during the aftermath of the great depression, WWI, and WWII, when times were tough and kids had to grow up quickly. Robert also grew up with a father who slaughtered animals for a living, and at times seemed cold and cruel. The Pecks grew up in a small town where the main industry was butchering animals.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The novel, A Day No Pigs Would Die, is mostly about Peck, with a little bit of fiction. The book starts of with Robert Peck being made fun of because of the way that he dresses, and Robert imagined that the bully would â€Å"bleed like a stuck pig.† He then tried to save a fleei...

Themes used in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Essays -- Literary Anal

The theme of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is entertainment. This is proven thought the play through use of comedy, drama, romance, and conflict. This style brought people of all ages, mindsets, and social classes to see the play since it used the mixture instead of just a single genre of entertainment. The result was Romeo and Juliet being very entertaining, profitable, and generally succeeding in its purpose. The use of comedy was usually through sexual puns and double entendre like â€Å" ’Tis true, and therefore women, being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall. Therefore I will push Montague’s men from the wall and thrust his maids to the wall† (1.1.15-18) and â€Å"My naked weapon is out. Quarrel, I will back thee.†(1.1.33-34).These sexual puns almost always solved the problems with traditional comedy not being funny to all social classes nor mindsets. The other type of comedy in the play was more traditional like the panicked start of the fight at the beginning â€Å"Do you bite your thumb at us, sir? I do bite my thumb sir. Do you bite your thumb at us, sir? [Aside to Gregory] Is the law of our side if I say â€Å"Ay†? [Aside to Sampson] no. No, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you, sir, but I bite my thumb sir.†(1.1.44-52). This comedy also broke the wall between the social classes and mindsets since scenes like this were funny to almost everyone. Both types of comedy usually were funny to almost everyone since they did not depend on certain situations which only a select few would usually experience. Thus this made the play even better at its purpose of entertainment. The use of drama throughout the play is most prevalent in the last few acts but is also shown thought the rest of the play. When Romeo is... ... Montagues and Capulets. For example the first combat is caused by that hatred alone "My naked weapon is out. Quarrel, I will back thee. How? Turn thy back and run? Fear me not. No, marry. I fear thee! Let us take the law of our sides; let them begin. I will frown as I pass by, and let them take it as they list. Nay, as they dare. I will bite my thumb at them, which is disgrace to them if they bear it." (1.1.33-43). The actual combat was presented quickly after this in this fashion "Draw if you be men. - Gregory, remember thy washing blow. They fight. Part fools! [Drawing his sword.] Put up your swords. You know not what you do."(1.1.63-65). These elements were all combined in Romeo and Juliet and put to use to make an interesting plot for the purpose of entertainment.This was a sucess as shown by how long this has been an interesting play to watch and listen to.

Freshman

This can cause stress and anxiety for some people. Stress often leads to eating more and eating foods that are not as healthy. Also, if students have a hard time adjusting to college life, they may find themselves being unhappy, which could lead to drinking more and eventually gaining weight. Sometimes adjusting is extremely sad and upsetting for college freshman, which often leads to emotional eating. Exercise habits can become worse In college because students are busy and do not always have the time to worry about staying in shape.They can find themselves at class all day, studying all night, and having time to eat, but not workout. Much fewer people are student athletes in college than in high school. In high school, the teams are easier to make because it is much less competitive and more about having fun. In college, sports are intense and only a small amount of people participate in them. Therefore, these high school athletes are not getting as much exercise In college because most of them are not participating In a sport anymore, which can result In weight gain.Another cause for the freshman fifteen is the food being available at all times. College students do not have a specific time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The dining halls are open and filled with food all day. Some students cannot handle this and end up eating much more than they should, just because it is there and it is available to them, which they are not used to. Although there are people who will still eat healthy and restrain from overeating, several people do not have that will power and will eat every time they pass by a addling hall.The causes of gaining the Irishman fifteen are common at all colleges and universities, and students need to start eating healthier, working out more, and being conscious of their health. It is clear that the freshman fifteen is a real thing. The problems that cause this weight gain can happen at any school and that is why it is so common. Although not everyone who puts on weight in college puts on exactly fifteen pounds, it is still concerning. College students, of all people, should try to stay healthy. They are developing bad habits that could last for the rest of their lives.

Disadvantages of video games Essay

Video games have been available to consumers for the last 30 years. They are a unique form of entertainment, because they encourage players to become a part of the game’s script. Today’s sophisticated video games require players to pay constant attention to the game, rather than passively watching a movie. This has both positive and negative impacts on players. Several studies have been published that explore these impacts on today’s children. Sections: What impact does playing video games have on children or adolescents? Tips on managing your child’s media consumption. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) References What impact does playing video games have on children or adolescents? The most widely used â€Å"positive† impact video games are said to have on children is that they may improve a player’s manual dexterity and computer literacy. Ever-improving technology also provides players with better graphics that give a more â€Å"realistic† virtual playing experience. This quality makes the video game industry a powerful force in many adolescent lives. However, numerous studies show that video games, especially ones with violent content, make teens more aggressive. Part of the increase in aggressive behavior is linked to the amount of time children are allowed to play video games. In one study by Walsh (2000), a majority of teens admitted that their parents do not impose a time limit on the number of hours they are allowed to play video games. The study also showed that most parents are unaware of the content or the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating (see below) of the video games their children play. In another study conducted by Gentile, Lynch, Linder & Walsh (2004, p.6) â€Å"adolescent girls played video games for an average of 5 hours a week, whereas boys averaged 13 hours a week†. The authors also stated that teens who play violent video games for extended periods of time: Tend to be more aggressive Are more prone to confrontation with their teachers May engage in fights with their peers See a decline in school achievements. (Gentile et al, 2004). The interactive quality of video games differs from passively viewing television or movies because it allows players to become active participants in the game’s script. Players benefit from engaging in acts of violence and are then able to move to the game’s next level. Gentile & Anderson (2003) state that playing video games may increase aggressive behavior because violent acts are continually repeated throughout the video game. This method of repetition has long been considered an effective teaching method in reinforcing learning patterns. Video games also encourage players to identify with and role play their favorite characters. This is referred to as a â€Å"first-person† video game (Anderson & Dill, 2000, p. 788) because players are able to make decisions affecting the actions of the character they are imitating. After a limited amount of time playing a violent video game, a player can â€Å"automatically prime aggressive thoughts† (Bushman & Anderson, 2002, p. 1680). The researchers concluded that players who had prior experience playing violent video games responded with an increased level of aggression when they encountered confrontation (Bushman & Anderson, 2002). In a Joint Statement (2000) before the Congressional Public Health Summit, a number of American medical associations — the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, American Academy of Family Physicians and American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry — caution parents about violence in the media and its negative effect on children. Their report states that exposure to violent media can elevate aggressive feelings and thoughts, especially in children. These effects on aggressive behavior can be long-term. Although fewer studies have been conducted on interactive video games, evidence suggests that playing violent video games may have a more dramatic influence on the behavior of children and adolescents (Joint Statement, 2000). Back to top Tips on managing your child’s media consumption Because of the popularity of video games, completely eliminating them from your child’s life might be difficult. But you can decrease the negative impact that they have on your child. Here are a few tips: Know the rating of the video games your child plays (see below). Do not install video game equipment in your child’s bedroom. Set limits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games. Monitor all of your child’s media consumption — video games, television, movies and Internet. Supervise your child’s Internet use — there are now many â€Å"video games† available for playing online. Take the time to discuss with your children the games they are playing or other media they are watching. Ask your children how they feel about what they observe in these video games, television programs or movies. This is an opportunity to share your feelings and grow closer with your child. Share with other parents information about certain games or ideas for helping each other in parenting. Back to top The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) The ESRB is a self-regulatory body established in 1994 by the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA). The major video game manufacturers created this board after concerned groups applied pressure over the content of video games. Similar to the movie industry’s rating system, all major game companies now submit their new products for rating to specially trained raters at the ESRB. The ESRB rates over 1,000 games per year. The ESRB looks at a number of factors when rating games. In particular, it considers the amount of violence, sex, controversial language and substance abuse found in a game. Based on its developed guidelines, the ESRB then gives an age recommendation and content descriptor to each game submitted. The following are the rating symbols currently in use, according to the ESRB Web site. Early Childhood (EC): Content should be suitable for children 3 years and older and contain no objectionable material. Everyone (E): Content suitable for persons ages 6 and older. The game may contain minimal violence and some â€Å"comic mischief. † Teen (T): Content suitable for persons ages 13 and older. Content is more violent than (E) rating and contains mild or strong language, and/or suggestive themes. Mature (M): Content suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Content definitely has more mature sexual themes, intense violence and stronger language. Adults Only (AO): Content suitable only for adults and may contain graphic sex and/or violence. Adult Only products are not intended for persons under the age of 18. Rating Pending (RP): Game has been submitted to the ESRB and is awaiting a final rating. The ESRB Web site has more details about this rating system, as well as the â€Å"content descriptors† that are used in conjunction with the ratings on game packaging. The site is also useful for parents who want to search for the rating of a particular game. Back to top References Bushman, B. & Anderson, C. (2002). Violent Video Games and Hostile Expectations: A Test of the General Aggression Model. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28, 1679-1686. Gentile, D. A. & Anderson, C. A. (2003). Violent video games: The newest media violence hazard. In D. A. Gentile (Ed. ), Media violence and children. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishing. Gentile, D. A. , Lynch, P. , Linder, J. & Walsh, D. (2004). The effects of violent video game habits on adolescent hostility, aggressive behaviors, and school performance. Journal of Adolescence, 27, 5-22. Joint Statement on the Impact of Entertainment Violence on Children: Congressional Public Health Summit. (July 26, 2000. ) Available: http://www. aap. org/advocacy/ releases/jstmtevc. htm. Walsh, D. (2000). Interactive violence and children: Testimony submitted to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, United States Senate. (March 21, 2000.). Back to top Source: http://www. pamf. org/preteen/parents/videogames. html By Andrea Norcia, college student writer Reviewed by the Web Content Committee of PAMF Additional articles: Violent Video Games and Aggressive Behaviors, By Andrea Norcia, college student writer Join the conversation: Website Feedback Site Map  © 2012 Palo Alto Medical Foundation. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U. S. Patent. & Trademark office. 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