Self and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Self and Leadership - Essay Example First, I will present the results of a feedback survey I conducted with my family, friends, and business colleagues. I expect this to provide me with insight from those closest to me as I ask them to identify my strengths, weaknesses, and areas where I could improve. Then, I will assess the results of several standardized tests I took that will offer insight into my personality, intelligence, career strengths, etc. These more objective forms of self-analysis are instructive from a comparative perspective. My scores will include a comparison to classification levels that are recognized as having a significant impact on the workplace. Following that, I will include a section on personal information from my family and past that has bearing upon my skills and functionality within the workplace. This, most personal, area of assessment will include my own biographical information as well as those events in my family's history that impacted my personal development. Finally, I will perform a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat (SWOT) analysis on myself using a synthesis of all of the information I have gathered. I expect this methodology to be useful for providing a condensed presentation of all the data in the assessment and lead to specific goals for improving my leadership skills. My goal, during the course of this exercise, will be to explore my individual leadership capability and determine ways of making myself a better, more effective leader. During the course of the assessment, I expect to be able to communicate my personal and career goals, particularly as it relates to leadership within a business culture. I perceive myself as the type of individual who looks forward to continuously advancing and improving my skills and knowledge. I try to identify the strengths and weaknesses I may have to help me grow and become a better leader. This assessment exercise will help me achieve my ultimate goal of establishing my own successful business so that I can obtain security and independence. Section I: Feedback My initial foray into increasing my intrapersonal intelligence involves a series of interviews with a group of my family, friends, and business colleagues; asking them to comment on me. I must admit that doing this made me a little nervous. It is one thing to take a personality test or fill out an online questionnaire and have a computer rate your score. It is quite another thing entirely to conduct a face-to-face interview with people who are important to you while giving them the opportunity to speak candidly about you. We were advised to listen to the responses carefully, and try to say nothing at all; even if we did not hear what we expected or wanted to hear. As revealed in the assessment portion of this paper, I am a direct and focused person, which makes it hard for me to listen to something I don't want to hear. Ironically, one of the comments from an interviewee was that I needed to "listen to peoples' ideas even if they don't agree with [me]."1 The methodology for this part of the assessment was straightforward. I personally met with each interviewee and asked them three simple questions about

The War on television screens in American living rooms Essay Example for Free

The War on television screens in American living rooms Essay The War on television screens in American living rooms has made Americans far more anti-war than anything else. The full brutality of the combat will be there in close-up and in colour, and blood looks very red on the colour television screen. (A statement made by a BBC commentator in 1970 to members of the British armed forces). This statement suggests that television was an important reason why the United States lost the war in Vietnam. Is there sufficient evidence in sources D to L to support this interpretation? Use the sources and your own knowledge from your studies to explain your answer. The sources are not sufficient in themselves to support the interpretation but when put together with my own knowledge there is substantial evidence. The colour television made the images that were sent home more graphic and as the BBC commentator said, blood looks very red. We know that the U. S were unable to defeat Guerilla tactics and this was a major reason why the U. S lost the war in Vietnam. For example Source J shows how much the war changed the attitudes of many U. S civilians who have previously supported the war. Kent state was highly publicized and it showed how the war was destroying humanity. The scenes were widespread and they showed just what was going on. This shocked America into realizing what the effects of the war were on America. Source D is a North Vietnamese propaganda poster showing the problems that the Americans faced when trying to defeat Guerilla tactics. It shows the North Vietnamese hiding in the jungle and American soldiers searching for them. The V. C are waiting to ambush them. This source is fairly sufficient to support the statement because it shows the difficulties that the U. S suffered when trying to defeat Guerilla tactics. In the background we can see some trucks and this could be the Ho Chi Minh trail but we cannot be certain. The Ho Chi Minh trail was primarily a trail for North Vietnamese supplies to be moved into South Vietnam. Source E is a photograph of napalm victims. This picture was circulated around America during the war and just showed the extent of the chemical weapons that the U. S were using to try and win the war. It shows a young girl and a young boy running down the street after a napalm attack and the young girl has no clothes on due to the fact that napalm has burned through them and gone on her skin. Due to the fact that this particular picture was published everywhere it is probably one of the most important pictures ever captured to show the effects of the chemical weapons that the U. S were using and shows the impact the war was having on society. In the background we can see American soldiers with cameras. When this picture got home and was seen by American civilians they were disturbed by it. Many were unaware of the kind of attacks that were taking place and were shocked to see these kinds of pictures. The media that was sent home was an extremely significant part of turning the Americans against the war. Another reason was that soldiers were coming home either severely injured or with missing limbs. The distress that was caused to families who had to be told that their sons/daughters were dead was so upsetting that they started to go on anti-war campaigns. In each rank there was a camera man who was there to capture pictures and footage of the events as they happened. Source F is a description from soldiers talking about the difficulties of fighting guerillas. The source is written by an American journalist. He says how hard it is for soldiers to react when a mortar shell lands in the middle of the patrol. The soldiers dont know whether they should kill all the villages around them even though most have nothing to do with the war and want to stay away. This is an ironic situation for the soldiers to be faced with. The source is really telling you about the horrors of the war. This source cannot really be linked to the question as to whether colour television was an important reason why America lost the war. Source G is a source about a soldiers reaction to the My Lai massacre. Soldiers joined the war campaign because they thought they were doing something courageous for their country but were stunned when told to start firing upon unarmed civilians. Hundreds of civilians were killed just because they were Vietnamese. When the My Lai massacre reached the U.S it sent shockwaves through the US political establishment, the militarys chain of command, and an already divided American public. Camera footage was recorded and sent home and this was distressing for them. They realised what they had got themselves into and the scenes captured were made more horrific by the colour television. This is why we can say that the colour television was an important reason as to why the U. S lost the war in Vietnam. Source H is a British cartoon showing the costs of the Vietnam War. The train is aptly named; the U.S Economy and the workers in the carriages are chopping the carriages up and the pieces of wood have Great Society written on them. The cartoon is trying to show that President Johnson has destroyed society by going to Vietnam. Source K just shows that America wasnt the only country that was against the war. In April 1969 48% of Australians wanted their country to carry on fighting in the war but by October only 39% wanted them to. This just shows that the war was changing peoples opinions about what they thought was right. The colour television was not just in America and the scenes captured were just as horrific to the Australians as they were to Americans. The statistics show that there must have been some logical reason for the change in results and we have to consider that the colour television was one of them. I have studied all the sources and when added together with my own knowledge they are fairly reliable in saying that the colour television was an important reason why the U. S lost the war due to the fact that peoples opinions changed with time and we know that pictures look more graphic when in colour.

The Great Depression and Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal Essay

The Great Depression and Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal During the 1930's, America witnessed a breakdown of the Democratic and free enterprise system as the US fell into the worst depression in history. The economic depression that beset the United States and other countries was unique in its severity and its consequences. At the depth of the depression, in 1933, one American worker in every four was out of a job. The great industrial slump continued throughout the 1930's, shaking the foundations of Western capitalism. The New Deal describes the program of US president Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1939 of relief, recovery, and reform. These new policies aimed to solve the economic problems created by the depression of the 1930's. When Roosevelt was nominated, he said, "I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people." The New Deal included federal action of unprecedented scope to stimulate industrial recovery, assist victims of the Depression, guarantee minimum living standards, and prevent future economic crises. Many economic, political, and social factors lead up to the New Deal. Staggering statistics, like a 25% unemployment rate, and the fact that 20% of NYC school children were under weight and malnourished, made it clear immediate action was necessary. In the first two years, the New Deal was concerned mainly with relief, setting up shelters and soup kitchens to feed the millions of unemployed. However as time progressed, the focus shifted towards recovery. In order to accomplish this monumental task, several agencies were created. The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was the keystone of the early new deal program launched by Roosevelt. It was created... ... After the law was passed, wages began to rise as the economy turned to war production. Wages and prices continued to rise, and the original minimum wage ceased to be relevant. However, this new law still excluded millions of working people, as did social security. However, a severe recession led many people to turn against New Deal policies. In addition, World War II erupted in September 1939. Causing an enormous growth in the economy as war goods were once again in great demand. No major New Deal legislation was enacted after 1938. The Depression was a devastating event in America, and by regulating banks and the stock market the New Deal eliminated the dubious financial practices that had helped precipitate the Great Depression. However, Roosevelt's chief fiscal tool, deficit spending, proved to be ineffective in averting downturns in the economy.

Negative Responses To Mathematics Education Essay

The intent of this study is to analyse the chief cause of mathematics panic in colleges and to offer solutions and give recommendations to the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statisticss at Curtin University. By reexamining professional literature, scholarly diaries, and accredited web sites a better apprehension of the causes and effects of mathematics anxiousness, this study will accomplish the intent by analysing and reasoning the anterior research and give solutions that aimed at these issues. In add-on, the nature of the mathematics in general will besides be considered and associate mathematics to professional life. The study will foremost travel into an overview of the issues in mathematics learning and larning before covering with the job of the math terror in colleges. A general overview of the nature and societal position of mathematics will be discussed, which will so take to a examination of what universities should make to assist to direct pupils ‘ attitude and apprehension of mathematics.1.2 Background and recent findingsBecause of its public-service corporation and importance, larning mathematics is described as a necessity for a individual ‘s full development in the twenty-first century ( Kogce et al. 2009, 291 ) . However, the popular image of mathematic as hard, abstract, non really practical, and mostly masculine, etc. Therefore, math terror appears in vary degree of schools. Mathematicss anxiousness is introduced foremost by Dreger and Aiken in 1957 and it is defined as â€Å" a sequence of cognitive, affectional, and behavioural responses to a perceived self-pride men ace which occurs as a response to state of affairss affecting mathematics † ( Birgin et al.2010, 1 ) . Mathematicss anxiousness is prevailing among the college pupils population ( Zakaria and Nordin, 2007, 27 ) . Harmonizing to Google-counting, mathematics anxiousness emerges in schools particularly â€Å" in college † has 26,000 happenings ( Brown 2008, 61-92 ) . In add-on, Birgin et Al. ( 2010, 1 ) have found that negative attitudes to mathematics or mathematics anxiousness is a barrier in larning mathematics and go toing callings which require mathematics. As a consequence of mathematics anxiousness, impacts like â€Å" turning away of mathematics, hurt, and intervention with conceptual thought and memory procedures † may even widen negatively in big life.2.0 Causes & A ; consequence of mathematics anxiousnessMathematicss anxiousness has been found that may be affected by many causes, including â€Å" mathematics, educational and curriculum-related issues, parental attitudes, values, and outlooks toward mathematics † ( Baloglu and Kocak 2006, 1325-1335 ) . Numerous researches have analyzed the causes of mathematics anxiousness and the consequences are different from each other. Zakaria and Nordin ( 2008, 27-30 ) have claimed that low mathematics accomplishment normally accompany the happening of mathematics anxiousness. A pupil may be defeat by his/her ain fright that consequence from changeless failure in mathematics and do him/her to believe that he/she can ne'er make good on it. Furthermore, it is besides suggested that the chief cause of mathematics anxiousness has been in learning methods because most mathematics courses â€Å" did non encouraged logical thinking and apprehension † . It is besides believed that attitude towards mathematics can be one of the grounds of math terror ( Kogce et al. 2009, 291 ) . The attitude or value can be affected by instructors or parents. In add-on, clip force per unit area in mathematics trial should besides be considered when refers to causes of math anxiousness. The force per unit area c reated by clip restriction is the combination of emphasis may take to uncertainness about how to make the undertaking and fright of failure ( Buxton 1990, 153 ) . Figure 1. Relationship between anxiousness and self-efficacy ( Beginning: Hoffman, B. 2010 ) As displayed above in Figure 1, the standardised tonss showed a regressive relationship between mathematics anxiousness and pupils ‘ self-efficacy in work outing simple mathematics jobs. It is clear that as anxiousness additions, self-efficacy falls which indicates a strong correlativity between these two points.2.1 Value and attitudeOne of the grounds for mathematics anxiousness is attitude towards mathematics. Students ‘ attitudes or values toward math normally come from instructors and parents. Some researches held by universities show that pupils perform better when making exercisings in mathematics categories without instructors than the pupils under instructors ‘ supervising. Additionally, Buxton ( 1990, 155 ) have argued that instructors should non curtail pupil ‘s thought by stating â€Å" this is non the manner that written in books † or maintain giving the right reply without taking the pupils to believe independently. Otherwise, pupils may ex perience deadening and confounding and their motive to seek mathematics jobs work outing chances may be decreased and conglomerate into fright and turning away. Parents ‘ outlooks every bit much as instructors ‘ may besides give pupils force per unit area in mathematics. Parents normally stand in a place to judge their kids and fail to decide the position with expressed statements. For illustration, some parents show disappointedly on face when kids understand easy in mathematics. Therefore, kids may experience even harder to get the better of the jobs due to take down assurance and this turns into dying and turning away.2.2 Lack of understandingHarmonizing to Zakaria and Nordin ( 2008, 27-30 ) , a deficiency of apprehension is one of the chief causes of mathematics anxiousness and â€Å" that understanding based acquisition is more effectual than drill and pattern † . For most pupils, the first clip when they are afraid of work outing math jobs is when they can non understand the constructs in categories. Therefore, their assurance of larning mathematics may worsen and they lose involvement to get the better of the jobs. Lower accomplishment consequences and a damaging attitude towards mathematics may ensue from this sort of self-perceptions, which can impact their position of larning mathematics ( Hoffman 2010, 276-283 ) .2.3 Time force per unit areaMany pupils suffer anxiousness when it refers to be giving a certain extent of clip to complete certain committedness ( Hoffman 2010, 276-283 ) . This can be one of the factors when discoursing about the causes of mathematics anxiousness. For illustration, pupils who familiarized to work outing jobs without clip restriction might experience dying if they are told to work out jobs rapidly. Furthermore, harmonizing to some surveies, the emotional responses of pupils become intense often when pupils work on math jobs over an extended period of clip ( Buxton 1990, 153 ) . In other words, it is claimed that the more clip pupils spend on work outing math jobs, the more anxiousness they suffer. Most pupils failed in their mathematics tests due to blowing excessively much clip by worrying about the clip limitation and can non finish all the inquiries. Harmonizing to Hoffman ( 2010, 276-283 ) , the Test Anxiety Inventory ( TAI ) and the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Anxiety Scale ( MAS ) were co-operating for the Problems Test of mathematics anxiousness. The pupils were required to react to all the points by giving adequate clip. The pupils finished all the inquiries within 30 proceedingss, although no clip bound was set. Harmonizing to this survey, it can be suggested that job work outing clip limitation can be one of the factors that consequences in mathematics anxiousness. However, Hoffman ( 2010, 276-23 ) suggests that â€Å" high dying persons may really hold faster problem-solving times † . Students may desire to complete the undertaking every bit shortly as possible when they are prompted feelings of dying or concern during the work outing mathematics jobs. This may ensue in faster completion of jobs, even though perchance at the loss of truth.3.0 Mathematics & A ; genderThere is a hypothesis assumes that adult females have more mathematics anxiousness than work forces due to less experience with mathematics. As a consequence, Hoffman ( 2010, 276-23 ) points out that female are less likely to seek chances to work out mathematical job and even mathematics callings, and tend to avoid occupations to make with computing machines and engineering that link to mathematics. However, many surveies failed to confirm considerable gender differences in math terror, even though legion surveies support the position that female have more math anxiousness t han male ( Baloglu and Kocak 2006, 1325-1335 ) .3.1 Gender StereotypeHarmonizing to Hoffman ( 2010, 276-83 ) , although ability may be the cause of public presentation differences, the pessimistic attitude to a high accomplishment shows females did non ‘try as difficult ‘ when work outing mathematics jobs. Some surveies suggest that more male than female enroll in the higher degree of classs in mathematics ( Meece, Wigfield, and Eccles 1990, 60-70 ) . Gender stereotype, one of the grounds why females are much passive in larning mathematics, seems to be the most persuasive 1. Gates ( 2001, 53 ) explains that gender stereotype that maleness associate with ground while muliebrity with alternate attacks is the cause of gender differences in mathematics anxiousness. This difference can impact their feelings in relation to mathematics job resolution. Harmonizing to Gates ‘ survey, ‘masculine ‘ topic such as mathematics and natural philosophies are seen as ‘difficult ‘ by female but ‘interesting ‘ by male. Therefore, female pupils may hold the terror of larning mathematics because they perceive it as being hard although they are interested in this topic. In contrast, Hembree ‘s meta-analysis claimed that the â€Å" negative behaviours associated with mathematics anxiousness † were more marked in males than females. In add-on, present research found that the influence of mathematics anxiousness on the accomplishments of males when work outing math jobs is stronger than females ( Hoffman 2010, 276-283 ) .4.0 Teaching mathematics in collegeâ€Å" Mathematicss anxiousness is prevailing among the college pupils population ( Zakaria and Nordin, 2007, 27 ) . † Harmonizing to Google-counting, college pupils have 26,000 happenings of math terror which is the highest among schooling. Zakaria and Nordin ( 2008, 27-30 ) further stated that the chief factor of mathematics anxiousness is learning methodological analysiss. For illustration, a study of Gabriella and Paul Rosenbaum Foundation called The Effect of Singapore Mathematics on Student Proficiency in a Massachusetts School District: A a Longitudinal Statistical Examination shows in figure 2 that after introduced the learning course of study of Singapore mathematics ( SM ) , the mathematics public presentation of pupils with Coded MCAS, who used to execute bad in this topic improved much better as overall. Furthermore, it is predicted that more than 50 % of the pupils are underprepared when they enrolled in mathematics classs in college ( Baloglu and Kocak 2006, 1325-1335 ) . Therefore, instructors in colleges should stand in a place of guiding and rectifying. Figure 2. Percentage of pupils with Coded MCAS, with and without SM ( Source: Goldman et al. 2009 )4.1 What universities offering presentlyTeachers presents make usage of learning AIDSs and resources such as artworks and theoretical accounts to assist pupils understand mathematical theories and rules ( Gates 2001, 53 ) . Resources are of import because they can supply an image or representation of the figure constructs and ease the apprehension of abstract nature of mathematics. It is argued that utilizing concrete resources in the procedure of larning mathematics can positively â€Å" increases pupils ‘ mathematics accomplishment and their attitudes towards mathematics † ( Kogce et al. 2009, 291 ) . However, the job is whether these resources truly assist apprehension. For case, resource like counters can be used to assist pupils number but the fact is a large figure of pupils can non make mental computation and they focus excessively much on the facets of mathematics of numbering. What ‘s more, another common state of affairs in university mathematics schoolrooms is that non all pupils feel easy to larn mathematics with the aid of the resources and AIDSs and some of them fail to link different facets of math even with the aid of legion graphs and diagrams. Consequently, Gates ( 2001, 125 ) have suggested that a bipartisan interactions between instructors and pupils should be strongly considered. Some pupils may accept the acquisition method given by instructors and ne'er think by their ain and see whether the present method is the best for them.4.2 Computer as instruction assistanceModern engineering today is used in most universities help instructors to learn pupils. Com puter should be one of the most utile technological tools in mathematics schoolrooms. Gates ( 2001, 167 ) have demonstrated that whether the usage of computing machine is effectual or non in mathematics is influenced by the categorization of functions of instructors and computing machines. Computers should be a instruction assistance by instructors and controlled by instructors. Computers used as learning assistance provide a figure of advantages to let go of pupils from some troubles during the acquisition of mathematics and cut down their mathematics anxiousness. For illustration, computing machine presents is used normally as an ‘electronic chalkboard ‘ for expounding and presentation. As a beginning of assorted information through cyberspace, instructors can seek considerable extend information to assist to better pupils understanding of cognition. Furthermore, Gates ( 2001, 168 ) has besides stated that in the signifier of exercisings and games, pupils can pattern mathematics accomplishments and better their coherency of different facets of this topic. In add-on, vivid images and presentation by the usage of computing machine resources may increase pupils ‘ involvement and cut down their terror of the troubles. A perfect illustration of computing machines assisting larning math is the Integrated Learning Systems ( ILS ) . This system n on merely sets exercisings but besides marks the work, evaluates and records advancement, and lead pupils to farther progress work ( Gates 2001, 169 ) .5.0 Mathematicss in our lifeMost people study mathematics until they lose involvement or until they find it excessively difficult for them. Low accomplishment or failure is one state of affairs that doing people reject larning a topic, and believe it ‘s non deserving to try.A However, mathematics is really of import to our life. Selby ( 1995 ) has explained how mathematics works in our day-to-day life individually for assorted facets. For illustration, numeration by manus or with a reckoner is necessary when people calculate weights or sums like money which appears in day-to-day life. Just like work outing mathematics jobs measure by measure, incorrect Numberss that show in one measure of a computation procedure would do all the remainder incorrect. Furthermore, when make fulling the revenue enhancement signifiers, people need to cipher with arithmetic followed the providing instructions measure by step.A Therefore, arithmetic as one portion of mathematics that taught in schools is utile and related to our life. Additionally, people may reason that facets like Algebra and geometry which may utilize with expressions and theories are non related to our life.A However, people should â€Å" understand expressions or calculation methods needed for loans, pensions and investings, A for store maintaining or purchasing and selling with markups or markdowns † Selby ( 1995 ) . What pupils learn in mathematics categories in schools is about understanding how the formulas work and being sensible. By cognizing these, it will offer people more options during gaining, funding or puting money. What ‘s more, statistics, farther subject in mathematics, is really popular nowadays.A A Statistics is utile in theA measuring or appraisal of Numberss and the mistake or fluctuation in the estimations. Such as in the state of affairs of ciphering informations forA productiveness or the monetary value of merchandises, statistics used to connote of import information from values like mean number.A Therefor e, as Gates ( 2001, 24 ) stated mathematics is a â€Å" powerful tool † in the universe that we live.6.0 DecisionIt is clear that the causes of mathematics anxiousness can be identified as, viz. , pupils ‘ values and attitude to mathematics which can be influenced by instructors, parents and even society ; pupils ‘ apprehension of mathematics constructs in categories ; and clip restriction in mathematics tests. There is a figure below helps to exemplify how anxiousness develops and affects pupils ‘ acquisition of mathematics. From chase to turning away, there may be a batch of grounds such as pupils find out they are non gifted at mathematics so they refuse to larn any longer, or female pupils may experience larning this topic is non appropriate for them due to gender stereotype. From assurance to anxiousness, unpleasant experience may be the chief cause. This experience may include deficiency of understanding consequence in failure in work outing jobs ; bla med by parents or instructors as low accomplishments or being compared with talented pupils ; clip restriction causes emphasis in test, etc. All theses causes above may take to failure in mathematics public presentation and turn back to even serious turning away and anxiousness. Figure 3. Math Anxiety Dynamics ( Source: Strawderman, W. 2004 ) In add-on, there is a strong correlativity between gender differences and math terror that males are more likely to go to advanced mathematics classs than females. It has been considered due to gender stereotypes except abilities. However, mathematics is used everyplace in our life and callings. From single measures and disbursals computation to revenue enhancement and funding, we need mathematics as a usher to populate a more choice life.7.0 RecommendationsAfter analysing the relevant issues in this study, assorted recommendations to the Head of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics have been developed due to extended research showing the impacts of mathematics anxiousness on college pupils. These recommendations are possible solutions to and assist pupils to be more confident in their ain ability to understand mathematics and to advance mathematics in the twenty-first century. The undermentioned suggestions can be undertaken to cut down mathematics anxiousness and increase p upils ‘ accomplishment: Teacher should develop an encouraging acquisition environment, free from tenseness and threatening of embarrassment or humiliation. This may cut down the pupils ‘ anxiousness about being judged by instructors while doing errors or neglecting to understand. Mathematicss instructor should show a caring attitude to their pupils to assist them get the better of mathematics panic. Test taking schemes should be given suitably might assist pupils to raise their accomplishment and cut down their anxiousness of mathematics trial. Students should set themselves under an test atmosphere when they making mathematics homework on a regular basis. Therefore, when they work outing jobs in tests, clip force per unit area will be reduced and pupils may experience more assurance. Activities in categories should include both independent and group work. Group work helps pupils to interchange their thoughts with pickets and reflecting their apprehension to instructors. Therefore, their jobs can be solved instantly or they may recognize that others have the same job as they do. Teaching AIDSs and resourced should be used efficaciously. Make a connexion of mathematics in schools and new engineerings. Small categories like tutorials should be increased alternatively of go forthing countless prep to pupils to complete after categories. Once pupils confused or make non understand during their perusal, they can non acquire solutions instantly and they may lose the motive to go on. Increasing hours of tutorials may work out this job efficaciously. Word count: 2944

Financial Management – Meaning, Objectives and Functions

Meaning of Financial Management Financial Management means planning, organizing, directing and controlling the financial activities such as procurement and utilization of funds of the enterprise. It means applying general management principles to financial resources of the enterprise. Scope/Elements Investment decisions includes investment in fixed assets (called as capital budgeting). Investment in current assets are also a part of investment decisions called as working capital decisions.Financial decisions – They relate to the raising of finance from various resources which will depend upon decision on type of source, period of financing, cost of financing and the returns thereby. Dividend decision – The finance manager has to take decision with regards to the net profit distribution. Net profits are generally divided into two: Dividend for shareholders- Dividend and the rate of it has to be decided. Retained profits- Amount of retained profits has to be finalized whi ch will depend upon expansion and diversification plans of the enterprise.Objectives of Financial Management The financial management is generally concerned with procurement, allocation and control of financial resources of a concern. The objectives can be- To ensure regular and adequate supply of funds to the concern. To ensure adequate returns to the shareholders which will depend upon the earning capacity, market price of the share, expectations of the shareholders. To ensure optimum funds utilization. Once the funds are procured, they should be utilized in maximum possible way at least cost. To ensure safety on investment, i. , funds should be invested in safe ventures so that adequate rate of return can be achieved. To plan a sound capital structure-There should be sound and fair composition of capital so that a balance is maintained between debt and equity capital. Functions of Financial Management Estimation of capital requirements: A finance manager has to make estimation wi th regards to capital requirements of the company. This will depend upon expected costs and profits and future programmes and policies of a concern. Estimations have to be made in an adequate manner which increases earning capacity of enterprise.Determination of capital composition: Once the estimation have been made, the capital structure have to be decided. This involves short- term and long- term debt equity analysis. This will depend upon the proportion of equity capital a company is possessing and additional funds which have to be raised from outside parties. Choice of sources of funds: For additional funds to be procured, a company has many choices like- Issue of shares and debentures Loans to be taken from banks and financial institutions Public deposits to be drawn like in form of bonds.Choice of factor will depend on relative merits and demerits of each source and period of financing. Investment of funds: The finance manager has to decide to allocate funds into profitable v entures so that there is safety on investment and regular returns is possible. Disposal of surplus: The net profits decision have to be made by the finance manager. This can be done in two ways: Dividend declaration – It includes identifying the rate of dividends and other benefits like bonus. Retained profits – The volume has to be decided which will depend upon expansional, innovational, diversification plans of the company.Management of cash: Finance manager has to make decisions with regards to cash management. Cash is required for many purposes like payment of wages and salaries, payment of electricity and water bills, payment to creditors, meeting current liabilities, maintainance of enough stock, purchase of raw materials, etc. Financial controls: The finance manager has not only to plan, procure and utilize the funds but he also has to exercise control over finances. This can be done through many techniques like ratio analysis, financial forecasting, cost and p rofit control, etc

My Parents Money essays

My Parents Money essays Towards the end of my high school education I had decided I wanted to go to college to become a Veterinarian, and specialize in Equine Sciences. Every detail was planned out; which college I would attend, my housing, a part-time job, and how much it was all going to cost. Both my parents and I were very excited, but there was just one problem. How was I going to pay for my education? I filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Even though my parents were divorced and I was living with my Mother, I was required to put both of their incomes on the application because my Father paid child support. I was seen as being dependant on both incomes. Due to the amount of my parents annual incomes, I was denied any financial aid. The report I received from the Federal Financial Aid Office stated that my parents were expected to pay for my education. Because of the divorce, the incomes were now divided between two homes and my parents were unable to help me with my financial needs for college. I investigated other options such as scholarships, jobs, and work programs. Every option came to a dead end, there just were not any resources available for such a privileged person, or so that is what I was being told. I understood my parents being unable to help me, I even understood how I could be seen as being privileged, but I could not understand how a country that preaches that the education of our youth is the future of our society, was telling me that I would not be getting any assistance. I think it is ridiculous that the Federal Government has decided, based solely upon income, which parents will be expected to contribute to the education of their children. It is after all the parents money, and they too have worked very hard to be where they want to be. Why should parents have to forfeit their lifestyle to put their children through college? At the age of eighteen, children are ...

Free Essays on Macbeth’s Responsibility

The disaster in Macbeth mainly revolves around one person, Macbeth. Although other outside conflicts influenced Macbeth to start his killing spree, most of the killings are committed by Macbeth. The witches and Lady Macbeth were the ones who helped pushed him along his self-destruction path, but ultimately Macbeth decided to carry out the evil deed of murdering Duncan by himself. Macbeth’s meeting with the three witches is what first incites the disaster when they tell him that he is to be the Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Macbeth is surprised by this news and wants to hear more. Macbeth writing to his wife about his encounter with the witches also proved to be a mistake because she became ambitious about Macbeth becoming king and she becoming queen. Macbeth had outside influences involved in the death of Duncan, but the other deaths in the play are caused only by Macbeth. Macbeth was also responsible for the deaths of Duncan’s guards when he said â€Å"O, yet I do repent me of my fury, That I did kill them.† (A2, S3, 100-101) He had no reason for killing them but his rage enabled him to be irrational. When Macbeth became suspicious about Banquo knowing that he had killed Duncan, Macbeth ordered him and his son Fleance to be killed. Banquo was killed and Fleance escaped, which upheld the witch’s prophesy that Banquo’s future would not be happy and that his offspring would be kings. Macbeth showed his true evil when he ordered Banquo and his son to be killed. It showed that he had the ambition to act in a way that would protect his lust for power by retaining the throne of Scotland. When Macduff fled to England, Macbeth ordered that Lady Macduff and her children be killed. He shows no mercy in ordering so, he says: â€Å"Seize upon Fife, His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.† (A4, S2, 151-152) Macbeth is the one responsible for the disaster in Macbeth. Lady Macbeth’s... Free Essays on Macbeth’s Responsibility Free Essays on Macbeth’s Responsibility The disaster in Macbeth mainly revolves around one person, Macbeth. Although other outside conflicts influenced Macbeth to start his killing spree, most of the killings are committed by Macbeth. The witches and Lady Macbeth were the ones who helped pushed him along his self-destruction path, but ultimately Macbeth decided to carry out the evil deed of murdering Duncan by himself. Macbeth’s meeting with the three witches is what first incites the disaster when they tell him that he is to be the Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Macbeth is surprised by this news and wants to hear more. Macbeth writing to his wife about his encounter with the witches also proved to be a mistake because she became ambitious about Macbeth becoming king and she becoming queen. Macbeth had outside influences involved in the death of Duncan, but the other deaths in the play are caused only by Macbeth. Macbeth was also responsible for the deaths of Duncan’s guards when he said â€Å"O, yet I do repent me of my fury, That I did kill them.† (A2, S3, 100-101) He had no reason for killing them but his rage enabled him to be irrational. When Macbeth became suspicious about Banquo knowing that he had killed Duncan, Macbeth ordered him and his son Fleance to be killed. Banquo was killed and Fleance escaped, which upheld the witch’s prophesy that Banquo’s future would not be happy and that his offspring would be kings. Macbeth showed his true evil when he ordered Banquo and his son to be killed. It showed that he had the ambition to act in a way that would protect his lust for power by retaining the throne of Scotland. When Macduff fled to England, Macbeth ordered that Lady Macduff and her children be killed. He shows no mercy in ordering so, he says: â€Å"Seize upon Fife, His wife, his babes, and all unfortunate souls that trace him in his line.† (A4, S2, 151-152) Macbeth is the one responsible for the disaster in Macbeth. Lady Macbeth’s...

Roman Gladiators vs. the Gladiator Movie

Roman Gladiators vs. the Gladiator Movie In May 2000,  Gladiator  opened in movie theaters. Maximus Decimus Meridius (Russell Crowe) is a successful general from the Battle of the Danube under Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris). Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), son of Marcus Aurelius, condemns Meridius to probable death by sending him into the gladiatorial arena. Commodus isnt merely sending to an uncertain death the general he perceives as a threat to his throne. The new emperor himself enters the arena to ensure Meridius permanent  end. If the plot seems a bit far-fetched, its not- at least in the most obvious way, because Commodus and probably another half dozen emperors did indeed set foot in the arena. Emperor Gladiators The adulation of the crowds has to be among the most compelling reasons to become a gladiator. At first, gladiators were slaves, criminals condemned to death, and war prisoners. In time, free men volunteered to become gladiators. Brooklyn Colleges Roger Dunkle says it has been estimated that by the end of the Republic, half the gladiators were volunteers. There were even women gladiators. That Emperor Septimius Severus banned female gladiators suggests that by the beginning of the third century A.D., there was a sizable number of such Amazons. Two of the mad emperors, Caligula and Commodus, appeared as gladiators in the arena. Seven other emperors who werent demented, including Titus and Hadrian, either trained as gladiators or fought in the arena. The Gladiator Was Honored but Unrespectable Anyone who became a gladiator was, by definition, infamis (whence: infamy), not respectable, and beneath the law. Barbara F. McManus says gladiators had to swear an oath (sacramentum gladiatorium): â€Å"I will endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killed by the sword.†Ã‚  This consigned the gladiator to possible death, but also conferred honor, much like that of a soldier. Not only was there honor for a gladiator, but there were adoring crowds, and, sometimes there was wealth (victors were paid with a laurel, monetary payment, and donations from the crowd) and a life of leisure. Some gladiators may have fought no more than two or three times a year and may have won their freedom within very few years. Because of the financial incentive, free men and even aristocrats who, having squandered their inheritance had no other comfortable means of support, would voluntarily become gladiators. At the end of his service, a freed gladiator (as a token, he received a rudis), could teach other gladiators or a he could become a freelance bodyguard. The plot is familiar: In todays movies, the ex-boxer, having survived dozens of bloody KOs with only a few disfigurements, becomes a manager or trainer at a boxing school. Some popular sports figures become sportscasters. occasionally, they become television or movie personalities or even politicians. Political Gladiator Fights An editor is a person who gives something forth into the public, like a public game. In the Republic, the Editores were politicians who, wishing to curry public favor, would put on fights between gladiators and animal shows. Today, municipalities build stadiums with tax dollars, a burden shared rather than being shouldered by a benefactor. The person with the status of the editor may be the owner of the sports team. Onto the floor of the amphitheater sand was poured to absorb blood. The word for sand in Latin is harena, from which our word arena comes. Sources depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/gladiatr/gladiatr.htm, Roger Dunkle on Gladiators www.ualberta.ca/~csmackay/CLASS_378/Gladiators.html, Blood Sport

Questions 1 and 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Questions 1 and 2 - Essay Example This includes to the society, government, world, and the  community  (Peter, 1997: p.112). The foremost purpose of the development of a business is not to  attest  to these responsibilities but is the  responsibility  to itself; making profits. Other aspects of the market and non market components also  have  effect  on the  business  and are also in turn affected by the business. Issues such as the population, government regulations, environmental  conservation  and social health  responsibility  are in  effect  of this. NGOs are entities created by individuals or groups within the  society  to deal with  certain  issues in the  society  through advocating, lobbying, electoral support,  judicial  action  and coalition building. In order to deal with such issues, they may even sometimes  conform  to public and  private  politics. This is for the  business  to  correct  its issues and consumers to  attain  their r ights. Such NGOs act as watch dogs for the external components of business such as the environment and people. Through such ways as discussed above they are able to  ascertain  for the fulfillment of the responsibilities that the business has. In the conduction of this, it also acts as a check on the governments effects on the business environment that in turn affect the people. This is through actions such as  harsh  regulations and taxes. ... This includes such aspects as discussed above on environmental, societal, regulatory and employee  consideration. This has culminated the  advent  of altruistic behavior in organizations fearing tainting their image, lobbyism against them and law suits. It can so be concluded that, NGOs do play a particularly crucial role in ensuring adherence to responsibilities by corporations and organizations  thus  positive behavioral actions (Keck, 1998: p.56). 2. Regulation of HRM activities of MNCs via the introduction of Minimum Labor Standards into international agreements on free trade Multinational corporations are currently extremely emerged in the economies of the world. This has brought about the development of super powers, and this  superiority  over other  nation’s economies has its adverse effects. Issues such as  employment  creation, improved living conditions, and industrialization are some of the benefits of such international trade. On the other hand , there are adverse effects such as the  killing  of local industries, social dumping, tax evasions and illegalities within the corporations that may occur (Tarrow, 2005: p.86). As a result of these various effects, it is of the suggestion that the human resource management activities of multinational corporations should be checked through the  introduction  of minimum labor standards into the  international  free trade agreements. Through the  application  of such minimum labor standards, some of the multinational corporations that consider themselves with key investors in the  foreign  economies kept at bay. As, such they lack the opportunity to  threaten  such economies with the rights

How Decisions in Customer Service will Impact the Level of Sales and Essay

How Decisions in Customer Service will Impact the Level of Sales and the Ultimate Profitability of the Organization - Essay Example A lot of companies have invested significant resources in into developing the quality of customer service in their companies in order to increase customer satisfaction and increase the level of customers who become loyal to the company. Gilbert and Veloutsou (2006) acknowledge that indeed customers are the key to long term business success, profitability and growth. In response to a business environment that is increasingly competitive, a growing number of companies are increasingly using their customer service personnel to build long term relationships with clients, with different organizations adopting IT based strategies in order to better manage their customer relationships. The benefits of a satisfied customer are recognized widely in marketing as well as management literature (Sui-Hua Yu, 2007; Palic, Maricic, & Kovac, 2011). Indeed various research have linked a positive relationship between high quality customer service, o customer loyalty in terms of repeated purchases, cros s buying behavior and reduce price sensitiveness of the consumers (Ibrahim & Najjar, 2008; Oliver, 1997; Bloemer & Odekerken-Schroder, 2002; Yu, Shean-Yuh, & Yu-Yi, 2011). ... Problem Statement Most organizations have to deal with the issues of high quality customer service and the impact that such services have on corporate profitability in their course of business. This research considers the relation between these two specifically analyzing the impact that customer service decisions have on company sales and hence profitability. Company sales and profitability are in this case impacted by high customer loyalty due to their satisfaction with the quality of services that they receive. Over the past two decades there has been an increase in customer focused strategies towards increasing company growth. Notably in the new economics of customer service orientation, customers are the central concern of the management of any of any organization. In this sense, the management focuses on factors that drive profitability within the service paradigm ranging from training and development of customer service, compensation that is linked to performance, investment in customer service management systems, and investment in frontline employees (Heskett, Jones, Loveman, Sasser, Jr, & Schlesinger, 2008). There has been a wide array of research that has been carried out on the connection between customer service, customer loyalty and the impact that these have on profitability within an organization. While a lot of study have focused on fast consumer moving goods or the financial products or service (Bloemer & Odekerken-Schroder, 2002; Yu, Shean-Yuh, Yu-Yi, 2011; Sui-Hua Yu, 2007; Palic, Maricic, & Kovac, 2011), none has looked into the mass merchandising sector. This paper focuses on this sector by analyzing consumer shopping behavior and customer service in Beira Mar Mall, which houses a wide array of stores

Music Censorship Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Music Censorship - Research Paper Example By the end of the 1950’s, the new generations had already begun expressing their new perceptions on the issues of sex, drugs and violence thereby bringing the need for censorship in music. The issues of sex and drugs no longer became secret but were openly talked about thereby making censorship in music vital. The musicians in America can save their communities’ morals and their money if the country had an efficient legal system that included stringent laws against censoring music by discarding racial motivations in their music. The legislation of anti-racist laws by the government may also play an important role in helping to curb the matter. For example, with the onset of rhythm and blues music that is greatly associated with black musicians, the issues of sex and drug use became more openly spoken about. The majority of the white population reportedly perceived this music as being responsible for the drug’s use and violence found among the black youths. In reg ards to these accusations and trends, many songs by various black artists have been banned and termed as controversial, and they should, therefore, discard these lyrics. This is because such content will prevent the young people from leading ethical lives while at the same time affecting them negatively in their growth. With the song the ’pill’ by Lynn Loretta in the year 1975, many radio stations banned this music though it led to the growing popularity of contraception among the youth and an increase in unsafe sexual practices within their community.... blues music that is greatly associated with black musicians, the issues of sex and drug use became more openly spoken about (Johnson & Cloonan, 2009). The majority of the white population reportedly perceived this music as being responsible for the drug’s use and violence found among the black youths. In regards to these accusations and trends, many songs by various black artists have been banned and termed as controversial, and they should therefore discard these lyrics (Nuzum, 2001). Musicians should avoid producing music that will instill fear among their young listeners. This is because such content will prevent the young people from leading ethical lives while at the same time affecting them negatively in their growth. For instance, with the song the ’pill’ by Lynn Loretta in the year 1975, many radio stations banned this music though it led to the growing popularity of contraception among the youth and an increase in unsafe sexual practices within their com munity. These activities in turn lead to unwanted pregnancies and life threatening diseases which become very expensive to their guardians and the system as a whole (Burns, 2004). The issues of speech freedom are protected through the first amendment made on the American constitution. The censorship of music within the United States has brought forth suppression in public communication and speeches made by several individuals or groups. The freedoms awarded to the American society regarding their speeches have also brought controversies and contests. For example, during the cold war era numerous anti-communist sentiments were allowed and hate speeches as long as the speaker did not incite other people to indulge in illegal activities, which raised controversy (Johnson & Cloonan, 2009). The first amendment

Audience profile Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Audience profile - Assignment Example The potential customer for the company has been divided into two groups, one group is males and females aged between 19 to 35 years who are single or live together with a partner (no children); the other group is young families with children, where the parents are aged between 25 to 40 years. On the basis of the findings, the following table has been created to illustrate the products and its market more clearly. Product Product Depth SKU Target Market Organic Smoothies Blackberry and Blueberry Cranberry and Red Currant Wild Strawberry and Red Cherries 750 ml cartons 200 ml plastic bottles Males and females aged 19-35, who are single or live together with a partner (no children). Young families with children, where the parents are aged 25-40 Brief Analysis The age group (19-35 years) have always been the potential target customers for fast food products. Similarly, marketers of ice-cream products such as Smoothies, target this age group. Reports also reveal that ice-cream and its rel ated products are witnessing high sales figures (Mintel, 2012). This category of product is mostly consumed by the age group 19-35 years. Those who are single or live together with their partners are likely to spend more time with their friends. They also visit restaurants or fast food outlets more than any other age group. In addition, the survey revealed that most of the respondents of this age group have a positive attitude towards the product. One of the major reasons of a positive attitude of this group towards the product is the absence of health concerns. Smoothies are products which have high calorie count and hence there are health concerns associated with this product. A large number of people belonging to this age group hardly have any concerns about health. On the other hand, a substantial number of people from the age group 25-40 years are health conscious and try to consume only those fast foods which have lesser number of calories. Apart from that people of the age gr oup 25-40 years are mostly married and thus their lifestyle is different and remains busy with their work. Hence, from the analysis it is absolutely clear that the age group of 19-35 years is more prospective than the age group 25-40 years. Therefore, it is recommended to the company that they should target people who are of the age group 19-35 years, single or live together with partners and do not have any children. Now, in this context, The Berry Powerful Smoothie Company is advised to use Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) to reach out to the customers. Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) is an approach which aims at achieving the marketing campaign objectives, by the use of well-coordinated promotional methods, which are intended to emphasize the brand’s core message. IMC approach also helps companies to reduce the overall promotional cost. The chosen target group of the company is males and females aged 19-35 (between 19 to 35 years), who are single or live t ogether with a partner (no children). Now, in-depth analysis of the chosen customer group will be carried out in the next section. On the basis of the findings from the detailed customer analysis, the IMC strategy will be recommended to the company. Audience Analysis Performa for the Audience Profile Your name: Name of the Student Registration no: - Registration Number of the Student Your chosen audience: - Males and females aged 19-35 who are single or live together with a partner and have no children. Circle one: - Individuals / Couples

Financial Analysis for Managers Research Paper

Financial Analysis for Managers - Research Paper Example c. Which project is most attractive to a firm that can raise an unlimited amount of funds to pay for its investment projects Which project is most attractive to a firm that is limited in the funds it can raise c) Project B would be the choice for a firm with no hassle in arranging funds. The reason being that though the project has a lower Profitability index and even a lower NPV but its consistent cash flows could be attractive for big investors. Such investors are called Mutually Exclusive. How ever when the funds are limited, then Project A would be the choice as the Profitability Index and NPV are both favorable and this shows the best method to use the funds efficiently. Kinky Copies may buy a high-volume copier. The machine costs $100,000 and will be depreciated straight-line over 5 years to a salvage value of $20,000. Kinky anticipates that the machine actually can be sold in 5 years for $30,000. The machine will save $20,000 a year in labor costs but will require an increase in working capital, mainly paper supplies, of $10,000. The firm's marginal tax rate is 35 percent, and the discount rate is 8 percent. Should kinky buy the machine .. = $ 12.17 Thus from the calculations it is evident that Project A has a higher NPV. b) Profitability Index Formula = Present value of the cash flows/ initial investment. Profitability Index for Project A = (18.182 + 16.528 + 15.026)/36 = 1.38 Profitability Index for Project B = (22.7275 + 20.66 + 18.7825)/50 = 1.24 Hence the Profitability Index for Project A is higher. c) Project B would be the choice for a firm with no hassle in arranging funds. The reason being that though the project has a lower Profitability index and even a lower NPV but its consistent cash flows could be attractive for big investors. Such investors are called Mutually Exclusive. How ever when the funds are limited, then Project A would be the choice as the Profitability Index and NPV are both favorable and this shows the best method to use the funds efficiently. Q.23. Project Evaluation. Kinky Copies may buy a high-volume copier. The machine costs $100,000 and will be depreciated straight-line over 5 years to a salvage value of $20,000. Kinky anticipates that the machine actually can be sold in 5 years for $30,000. The machine will save $20,000 a year in labor costs but will require an increase in working capital, mainly paper supplies, of $10,000. The firm's marginal tax rate is 35 percent, and the discount rate is 8 percent. Should kinky buy the machine Ans. 23 In this Project evaluation, we will go step by step to analyze the acceptance of this machine by the firm. First we will take in consideration all the costs of this project. 1) The Depreciation cost. Depreciation (Straight Line) formula = Total cost - salvage value/number of years to be used. Depreciation for the copier = 100,000 - 20,000/5 = 16,000 Thus the total

Audience profile Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Audience profile - Assignment Example The potential customer for the company has been divided into two groups, one group is males and females aged between 19 to 35 years who are single or live together with a partner (no children); the other group is young families with children, where the parents are aged between 25 to 40 years. On the basis of the findings, the following table has been created to illustrate the products and its market more clearly. Product Product Depth SKU Target Market Organic Smoothies Blackberry and Blueberry Cranberry and Red Currant Wild Strawberry and Red Cherries 750 ml cartons 200 ml plastic bottles Males and females aged 19-35, who are single or live together with a partner (no children). Young families with children, where the parents are aged 25-40 Brief Analysis The age group (19-35 years) have always been the potential target customers for fast food products. Similarly, marketers of ice-cream products such as Smoothies, target this age group. Reports also reveal that ice-cream and its rel ated products are witnessing high sales figures (Mintel, 2012). This category of product is mostly consumed by the age group 19-35 years. Those who are single or live together with their partners are likely to spend more time with their friends. They also visit restaurants or fast food outlets more than any other age group. In addition, the survey revealed that most of the respondents of this age group have a positive attitude towards the product. One of the major reasons of a positive attitude of this group towards the product is the absence of health concerns. Smoothies are products which have high calorie count and hence there are health concerns associated with this product. A large number of people belonging to this age group hardly have any concerns about health. On the other hand, a substantial number of people from the age group 25-40 years are health conscious and try to consume only those fast foods which have lesser number of calories. Apart from that people of the age gr oup 25-40 years are mostly married and thus their lifestyle is different and remains busy with their work. Hence, from the analysis it is absolutely clear that the age group of 19-35 years is more prospective than the age group 25-40 years. Therefore, it is recommended to the company that they should target people who are of the age group 19-35 years, single or live together with partners and do not have any children. Now, in this context, The Berry Powerful Smoothie Company is advised to use Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) to reach out to the customers. Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) is an approach which aims at achieving the marketing campaign objectives, by the use of well-coordinated promotional methods, which are intended to emphasize the brand’s core message. IMC approach also helps companies to reduce the overall promotional cost. The chosen target group of the company is males and females aged 19-35 (between 19 to 35 years), who are single or live t ogether with a partner (no children). Now, in-depth analysis of the chosen customer group will be carried out in the next section. On the basis of the findings from the detailed customer analysis, the IMC strategy will be recommended to the company. Audience Analysis Performa for the Audience Profile Your name: Name of the Student Registration no: - Registration Number of the Student Your chosen audience: - Males and females aged 19-35 who are single or live together with a partner and have no children. Circle one: - Individuals / Couples

Sports Tour Business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Sports Tour Business - Research Paper Example The skiing business is highly seasonal in nature. The actual ski season lasts from mid-December through to April if it is short. It lasts from the weekend before Christmas day to the end of March. In terms of pricing various factors are put into consideration such as: - This is the period between September and January. January is the back to school period, which ushers the start of the peak ski holiday booking period. September is the start of operator's main marketing programs. This is between February and April. Many operators discount to fill the later shoulder season dates of March and into April. Easter falling in April helps to extend the ski season, while Easter falling in March tends to shorten the ski season although Easter dates in March will tend to sell better because of the perception of better show in March than in April. This is the period between May and August. It sees a trickle of bookings with operators offering special deals and bookings in centers to get as many early bookings as possible. This period will also be used to focus on the supply side of business as well as finalizing marketing campaigns. However, this is not an ideal situation in terms of operations and finance and to supplement revenues in the otherwise quieter summer season. (d) Late Booking Phenomenon This is booking made three weeks or less in advance of the departure date. The internet has been the driver of this through the advent of a multitude of late booking sites, as well as snow report sites that publish real time snapshots of ski slopes through web cams and up to the minute reports on snow conditions. In determining the revenue to be generated from skiing, the following assumptions are made: - There is always an increment of 5% in the price of ski package holiday over the next three years. The current price being 677. The growth in the number of ski package holidays in the next three years (other factors held constant) is 3%. The current number being 3,500. Source: industry analysis Therefore: 2007 2008 2009 Price 677 711 746 Growth 5% Number of Packages 3,400 3,502 3,607 Growth 3% Revenue 2,301,800 2,489,922 2,690,867 Cash Flow Payment delay is typically 30 days to suppliers (airlines and accommodation agencies). Ski tour operators take a booking deposit of approximately 35 - 150 per person. The remainder is payable in full prior to departure/commencement of the holiday which is ideally10 weeks before departure but in practice holiday balance can be chased up until the ticketing period, which generally three to four weeks before the departure date. Late bookers can also be subject to cover the administrative expenses of getting tickets to the airport for collection by the customer the day of departure Management and cash implications The figures show a growth in price and demand of 5% and 3% respectively. To maintain this price and demand growth, management has to undertake certain issues such as: - Provide online bookings - This will smoothen booking exercises for customers who are busy Low cost airlines serving ski

Joseph Conrad’s The Heart of Darkness Essay Example for Free

Joseph Conrad’s The Heart of Darkness Essay Joseph Conrad’s The Heart of Darkness has foreshadowing that adds a lot of suspense throughout the book. Conrad used foreshadowing through minor details that are not clearly stated and are to be interpreted as the book continues. The setting of the bookon a small sailing craft on a river as night fallsand Marlows comparison, by implication, of the dark heart of Africa (the Belgian Congo) and the barbarian darkness on the northern fringes of the Roman Empire, both are examples of irony and foreshadowing. In the beginning Marlow is remembering what it may have been like to be a young Roman conqueror exploring through the jungle. He would have had to deal with â€Å"†¦cold, fog, tempests, disease, exile, and death† Marlow mentions how the soldier would have had a â€Å"fascination of the abomination† . Later in the book this same fascination overcame Kurtz after his long time in the Congo, â€Å"he hates sometimes the idea of being taken away† . Even when Marlow finds Kurtz, he can’t â€Å"break the spell – the heavy mute spell of the wilderness – that seemed to draw him to its pitiless breast by the awakening of forgotten and brutal instincts† When Marlow begins to share his story about an earlier sea voyage, he shares with his fellow mates a story about how one of their captains was killed because of a fight that arose over two black hens. Fresleven, one of the men in the fight, began to beat a native because of his desire for the hen. The native’s son broke up the fight and â€Å"made a tentative jab with a spear at the white man – and of course it went quite easy between the shoulder blades† . Marlow then takes Fresleven’s job as captain of the ship, stepping into his shoes. Later on in the book when Marlow’s ship is under a light attack, his helmsman was speared through the ribs, causing him to die. Blood filled Marlow’s shoes, and he threw them overboard. This is an example of foreshadowing, because Marlow fills Fresleven’s shoes without realizing the full extent of the job. It also an example of irony, because when Fresleven, a nice white man is killed, nobody was shaken, yet when the savage was speared Marlow was full of regret. Another example of irony is that Africa is constantly being described as a dark and gloomy place in the novel, but the Europeans are the ones that actually have the dark hearts. The Africans only get violent because they want to keep their culture alive, and the Europeans are willing to throw that away as long as they earn a profit. The only reason the Europeans wanted to invade Africa was for commercial benefits, and that is dark Another example of foreshadowing is the two women knitting black wool outside the office Marlow visited before he went on his journey. The color black often appears to Marlow when he is headed for trouble.. The women were sitting outside, drawing in unsuspecting youth ready for adventure, yet unaware of the danger ahead. Later in the book when Marlow is following Kurtz into the dark, dangerous forest, he reflects that â€Å"the knitting old women with the cat obtruded herself upon my memory as a most improper person to be sitting at the other end of such an affair† . Conrad used irony and foreshadowing by describing the different scenes in a very dark tone that when looking back at them after certain events happen in the book show the way that specific narration such ,as the lady’s knitting black wool, links to the events following it.

Differentiating between apperceptive agnosia and associative agnosia

Differentiating between apperceptive agnosia and associative agnosia Ans. According to Campbell, DeJong and Haerer, agnosia refers to the loss or impairment to know or recognize the meaning or import of a sensory stimulus, even though it has been perceived (Campbell et al., 2005, p.91). Numerous types of agnosia has been reported till now, like finger agnosia, visuospatial agnosia, optic agnosia , apperceptive and associative agnosia to name a few. The following essay discusses the last two forms. Apperceptive and associative agnosia was originally distinguished by Lissauer in Andrewes in 2001. Apperceptive agnosia is identified as failure in perception of vision despite intact visual sensation, put forward by Lissauer It is reported that these patients are unable to identify because their perception of objects in impaired in this form of agnosia (Andrewes, 2001). However, in associative agnosia perception remains unaltered but the patient is fails to recognize what the object is (Andrewes, 2001). Associative agnosia can be rightly defined as normal percept stripped of meaning (Teuber, 1968 as cited in Andrewes, 2001, p.50) The two terms, apperceptive and associative agnosia is used in two different ways (Farah, 1990 as cited in Andrewes, 2001) The first way is to do with rare neuropsychological syndromes and closely relating to Lissauers description of agnosia (Andrewes, 2001). The second way of using the terms is much broader and includes numerous neuropsychological signs (Andrewes, 2001). Hence, it can be said, a patient may be described as showing some signs of apperceptive agnosia without actually having all the features of the clinical syndrome (Farah 1990 as cited in Andrewes, 2001, p.50). This can be better understood from the following example. Signs of apperceptive agnosia may coexist with problems in recognizing pictures from atypical views or when it is surrounded by shadows (Warrington Taylor as cited in Andrewes, 2001) in a single patient. Some of the patients may also find it difficult to correctly recognize figures which is in midst of confusing and distracting shapes (Andrewes, 2001). When signs of apperceptive agnosia exist alone in an individual then he is able to recognize the object and corresponds it with its use. For instance, if a patient sees a bucket not only he will recognize it but when it is kept in its usual /normal orientation tell its use as well (Andrewes, 2001).It is often seen that patients showing signs of apperceptive agnosia have an unaffected conceptual knowledge but knowledge of common objects in unusual orientation deters (Andrewes, 2001). Hence, it can be said that top down information about the structural features of the objects are impoverished (Andrewes, 2001, p. 50). Such patients havin g signs of apperceptive agnosia are commonly referred to as apperceptive perceptive disorders. Apperceptive agnosics have better acuity, colour and brightness differentiation skills from the other visual capabilities although their shape perception is markedly impaired (Farah Feinberg, 1997). In fact, they have very good local perception of local visual properties, it is only when they are asked to extract a structure from an image they fail (Farah Feinberg, 1997). Associative agnosics have far better visual perception than apperceptive agnosics (Farah Feinberg, 1997). For example, they are able to recognize an object from its feel or spoken definition, thus implying that the general knowledge of the object is still at place (Farah Feinberg, 1997). It should be noted that associative agnosics fail to recognize an object (by sight) when kept alone (Farah Feinberg, 1997) thus indicating towards that this is not just a naming deficit but failure to recognize an object by nonverbal means (Farah Feinberg, 1997). Associative agnosia varies from person to person. For instance, some associative agnosics may suffer from face recognition, object recognition and printed word recognition problems, face recognition is being the most common and printed word recognition being rare (Farah Feinberg, 1997). The scans (MRI and CAT) of brains of apperceptive and associative agnosics have helped in understanding the localisation of lesion in this disorder (Kemp et al., 2004). Jankowiak Albert (1994) have put forward that in apperceptive agnosia lesions are found to be localized in the posterior cerebral hemisphere including occipital, parietal and posterior temporal regions bilaterally. Unilateral lesion is also found in this agnosia however, the possibility of it is very scarce (Kemp et al., 2004). Furthermore, poisoning by carbon monoxide is a very common cause of apperceptive agnosia (Adler, 1950; Benson Greenberg, 1969; Champion Latto, 1985; Mendez, 1988; Sparr et al., 1991 as cited in Kemp et al., 2004), it is reported that carbon monoxide poisoning results in spread of large number of small lesions known salt and pepper lesions resulting in scotomas all across the visual field (Champion Latto, 1985 as cited in Kemp et al., 2004). It is believed that since apperceptive agnosia res ults from bilateral lesions, its occurrence is much rare. However, it is opined by Jankowiak Albert (1994) that due to the paucity of accurate PET scans and imaging studies confirming the localisation of lesions no concrete conclusion can be drawn at this stage (Kemp et al., 2004). Associative agnosia is an outcome of bilateral posterior lesions (Jankowiak Albert, 1994 as cited in Kemp et al., 2004). The lesions occur in the region of posterior cerebral artery whose function is to supply of blood to visual cortex and temporal lobe (Jankowiak Albert, 1994 as cited in Kemp et al., 2004). It is suggested that lesion size is a decisive factor here, as large lesions will lead to perceptual deficits; additionally, considering the symptoms it is also said that the lesions in associative agnosia might cause damage to the perceptual pathway which links visual information with stored visual memory in posterior hemisphere of either side (Jankowiak Albert, 1994 as cited in Kemp et al., 2004 ). Moreover, occurrence of associative agnosia is more than apperceptive agnosia (Kemp et al., 2004). A very useful and a practical method through which we can distinguish apperceptive and associative agnosia can be testing them on the basis of their ability to copy drawings (Kemp et al, 2004). Rey figure copying test can come very handy here. Apperceptive agnosics are unable to copy a drawing due to their impaired perception of a picture, associative agnosics on the other hand can successfully copy a drawing although they are unable to recognize what the object is (Kemp et al., 2004). However, Lissauer gave his distinction between apperceptive and associative agnosia hundred years before but it is found to closely relate to the David Marrs distinction of the two forms of agnosia given in 1982 (Kemp et al., 2004). According to Marr, apperceptive agnosia is failure to form a three dimensional picture or a representation of a object whereas in associative agnosia an individual achieves a three dimensional picture but fails to connect it to the stored knowledge of the object perceived (Kemp et al.,2004).

The Strange Career of Jim Crow Essay example -- Civil Rights Movement

The Strange Career of Jim Crow C. Vann Woodward’s book, The Strange Career of Jim Crow, has been hailed as a book which shaped our views of the history of the Civil Rights Movement and of the American South. Martin Luther King, Jr. described the book as â€Å"the historical Bible of the civil rights movement.† The argument presented in The Strange Career of Jim Crow is that the Jim Crow laws were relatively new introductions to the South that occurred towards the turn of the century rather than immediately after the end of Reconstruction after the Civil War. Woodward examines personal accounts, opinions, and editorials from the eras as well as the laws in place at the times. He examines the political history behind the emergence of the Jim Crow laws. The Strange Career of Jim Crow gives a new insight into the history of the American South and the Civil Rights Movement. C. Vann Woodward’s The Strange Career of Jim Crow looks into the emergence of the Jim Crow laws beginning with the Reconstruction era and following through the Civil Rights Movement. Woodward contends that Jim Crow laws were not a part of the Reconstruction or the following years, and that most Jim Crow laws were in place in the North at that particular time. In the South, immediately after the end of slavery, most white southerners, especially the upper classes, were used to the presence and proximity of African Americans. House slaves were often treated well, almost like part of the family, or a favored pet, and many upper-class southern children were raised with the help of a ‘mammy’ or black nursery- maid. The races often mixed in the demi- monde, and the cohabitation of white men and black women were far from uncommon, and some areas even had spe... ...howing the true race relations throughout the south during that period. Jim Crow laws might not have been in effect and might have been though unnecessary by a portion of southerners, but it would be interesting to find out how many African Americans were lynched during the period before Jim Crow laws became prominent for ‘offenses’ which would later be illegal under Jim Crow. Just as Woodward quoted President Eisenhower as saying â€Å"you cannot change people’s hearts merely by law†(163), so the lack of Jim Crow legislation does not necessarily mean that some southerners wanted it and lived as though it existed. Works Cited: Woodward, C. V. The Strange Career of Jim Crow. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002. Works Consulted: C. Vann Woodward. 31 Oct. 2004. Wikipedia. 1 Nov. 2004 .

RE: Letter to the editor Essay

In reply to your letter, I would like to inform you, that the policy regarding the removal of Aboriginal children was not as you stated. As soon as a child was born, they were considered a ward of the state because of their Aboriginality. The policy of Assimilation was established in 1911 for the removal of children from their community to extinguish their culture. This is also known as Genocide, but was not seen that way until the policy was removed in the mid 1960s. Bessy Flower was born in 1943, and taken from her home at 19 months. She was a product of the Assimilation policy. Bessy was removed just the same as most of the other children, pulled obscenely from her mothers arms. She was placed to live in the Annesfield native institution for the next 14 years of her life. Just the same as most of the other Aboriginal children in the homes, she was no longer allowed to make any contact with her family and was subjected to ongoing physical, mental and sexual abuse, malnutrition and humiliation. In some of the institutions the standards of living were degrading just so that the children could have an education and become ‘absorbed’ into the white community, some say it was as if they had been tried to be turned a ‘different shade of white’. The half-caste children were taken under a legislation, which gave guardianship to the protectors in their state of origin. The people that looked after the children once they were removed, once called ‘protectors’, took up the role of paternalism. This gave the parents no right to appeal to the court of law, and the children had no choice in what they did or where they went. After 1940 the children were removed under the general child welfare legislation, but still the way the children were extracted was much the same  as before. Only very gradually did the ritual of separating half-caste children from their homes meet with the general non-Aboriginal practices concerning child abuse and neglect. This came as late as the 1970s, when already tens of thousands of children had been removed. The reason the children were removed was always thought to be for their own benefit, to protect them from themselves, as well as to ‘breed-out’ the Aboriginal race as it was thought that they were less-superior to white people. Some people remember; â€Å"†We were told that our mother was an alcoholic and that she was a prostitute and she didn’t care about us. They used to warn us that when we got older we’d have to watch it because we’d turn into sluts and alcoholics, so we had to be very careful. If you were white you didn’t have that dirtiness in you †¦ It was in our breed, in us to be like that.†Ã¢â‚¬  Although now, there is thought to be not one Aboriginal family that has not been scared by the removal of a child, sibling, niece or nephew. Somewhere between one in three and one in ten children were removed. One in ten is a big number of people to be subjected to the abuse endured, but one in three is preposterous. Some of these children were taken at birth, some at two years of age, some in their childhood years. When the children were removed, they were given a chance at an education that they would never have gotten otherwise. Not all of the children had a horrible up-bringing; some were placed into homes and treated with respect from their foster families. â€Å"†We were all happy together, us kids. We had two very wonderful old ladies that looked after us. It [Colebrook, South Australia] wasn’t like an institution really. It was just a big happy family. Y’know they gave us good teaching, they encouraged us to be no different to anybody else.†Ã¢â‚¬  These children have called themselves the ‘Stolen Generation’. Although all  the State governments in Australia have apologized for the injustice that went on, the Federal Governments still refuse the Aborigines right to an apology or compensation. Bibliography: http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:NldOa-78ca0J:www.ondix.com/pdf/docs/studies_research_college_1071167943.pdf+bessy+flower+1943+assimilation&hl=en&gl=au&ct=clnk&cd=2 Told a story that helped with the insight to the cruelty of what really went on in some people’s lives as an affect of assimilation. http://www.tim-richardson.net/misc/stolen_generation.html Explains clearly the Assimilation policy, and the legislations surrounding it. http://www.hreoc.gov.au/bth/additional_resources/bth_guide/children_experiences.htm Gave some quotes form people that were removed who grew up with good lives, and bad. Documentary watched with Mrs. Hooks class can’t remember what it was called, but it had people explaining just how much they suffered, even when they had a good life to find out what really happened and where their family might have been for the past 70 years. More informative than internet sites because they were proper interviews.

Business Research Ethics Essay

The accounting world is changing constantly and so are the rules that are being set up to protect companies and their assets. There are codes of conduct that accounting offices and their personnel must adhere to and when they are not followed, there can be an ethical challenges that you have to deal with. Users of accounting information perform different types of creative accounting. Some of these practices are ethical and legal and other are not. It is important for a company to set up procedures that check and double check everyone in the accounting department from the clerks to the Controller. There is never a time in any business that someone is allowed to do things without having someone else check on their work. When there is no follow up or checks set in place is when the company finds themselves in trouble. As accountants, we are required to make sure that the work that we produce is accurate, credible and true information. This information is used to help investors and banks to make a good business decision in regard to their credit and investment opportunities. Many times, an accountant will get â€Å"creative† with the numbers to assure just that outcome. The numbers are inflated to show a better financial picture and this will help the company get more money and have the bank invest more in their future. Sometimes, this can go on for a long time without anyone knowing it is all false. Other times, companies get caught. May I remind you of Enron? Over the years stockholders and investors have lost large amounts of money due to false reporting or â€Å"creative† accounting. It is for this reason that the need for restrictions on those practices and find a solution to this problem became necessary. A company that I worked for in the past had to eventually file for bankruptcy because the Executive Board was unaware of what the Controller was doing. Many of us were aware of the incorrect numbers and were not sure how to handle it because we could not really prove that the numbers that he was  reporting were actually wrong. There are procedures in effect that prevent accountants from doing this, but not all companies follow them. This is why auditors are used with many companies. Auditors are there to make sure that all numbers and documents are proven to be correct and that there is no creative accounting or inflated numbers when looking at financial statements. Auditors can also be a deterrent for theft. If there is never a check and balance with an accountant in a company, there can be a greater chance of theft. I know of a company that I worked for suffered a loss of over $50,000 because the Controller was not required to get a second signature on checks under $5,000, so he issued himself eleven checks in the amount of $4,000. He would take the check and record that the check went to a vendor or supplier. When the bank statement was sent to our office, he would do the bank reconciliation, so no one saw the actual cancelled check because he destroyed it. Had there been an auditor that would be checking his work, this never would have continued to happen, they would have found it after the first check. It is important accountants to maintain integrity and avoid questionable situations. There are many things that can be seen as inappropriate. Many times over the years, I have been offered tickets to baseball games, dinners, gift baskets, etc. to use a particular company as a major supplier or to use a certain bank. I never thought much of accepting a gift basket, but I was told by an auditor for our firm that can be misunderstood and never to do that. This is a small scale, many companies have been known to get government contracts or big jobs because of making certain promises. Research has proven to our executives and investors that the only way to make sure that there is no inappropriate behavior by having internal and external auditors to examine the books on a regular basis. Knowing that there are audits completed on a random basis and knowing that those audits are being audited by external companies prevents mishaps, theft and misappropriation of funds. Having a clear set of policies and procedures in place and also having a clear plan of action for employees that do not follow these procedures is a sure way to insure that your company is protected. GAAP (generally accepted accounting practices) defines what is and is not permissible, but it is not infallible. GAAP can be manipulated and subject to interpretation and accountants can commit fraud any time. Eventually, we have to count on good accounting  procedures, our auditors and most importantly, employee ethics and morals to keep everything and everyone in line. REFERENCES Al Momani, M. A., & Obeidat, M. I. (2013). The effect of auditors’ ethics on their detection of creative accounting practices: A field study. International Journal of Business and Management, 8(13), 118-136. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1418426106?accountid=458 Leung, E. C. (2004). Accounting ethics. Business and Society, 43(2), 226-226+. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/199387513?accountid=458

Religion and Morality Essay

In this paper I will discuss the relationship between religion and morality. I will first address the question asked by those with religion, how are atheists moral? Then I will examine morality and its relativity to culture. Next I will explore whether those without a religion are actually more moral than those with a religion. And finally, I will discuss any possible objections to my claims. This argument is in no way saying that those that believe in God are unmoral but that those who don’t believe in God, are just as capable of being moral. Being atheist means that you choose to believe that God, or a god, does not exist. You have no faith or religion, you don’t go to church every Sunday morning, or pray every night before you go to bed. Therefore the belief is that you’re condemned to spend the rest of eternity in hell. So just because a person doesn’t believe in a God, does that make them a bad person? A common question of those with religion is, where do atheists get their moral compass from? Atheists aren’t taught by any type of ultimate superior that they can’t lie, cheat, steal, rape, or murder. So how do they know not to do it? The underlying message I interpret from this is: religion is what keeps everybody in the world moral. That the only thing stopping you from murdering someone is reading a Bible (Marcotti, 2011). Just because you don’t have a bible does it mean that you want to go around blowing up buildings and terrorizing grocery stores. It’s safe to assume that most people want to do good in the world. There is the occasional serial killer every once in a while but, the bulk of the world’s population is promoting good that exists in all forms because everybody has a different idea of whats right from wrong. Some people make incredible scientific discoveries to better mankind, that’s considered good. Others might go to countries and help those less fortunate, also good. One might reply that these are just acts of morality. And that they still don’t define a moral person. But if you think about it, nobody’s born with a perfect moral compass. Nobody is born with morals. Not even those that are born into a religion. In our society, when we’re young and we tell a white lie, we learn the consequences. Some are told by their parents, who are told by the Bible, that it is wrong. Others learn that when you deceive people, it can have many effects. Through experience and questioning, do children acquire their sense of right and wrong. Which accompanies them throughout the rest of their lives. In Louise M. Antony’s Philosophers Without Gods, she says that, â€Å"All that is lost, if there is no God, is a divine enforcer. In a world without God, there is no guarantee that the virtuous will ever be rewarded, nor that the vicious will ever be punished. We must do what is right simply because it is right,† (Antony, 2007, pg. 51). Let’s look at morality and religion from a cultural standpoint. â€Å"When used in a descriptive sense [morality] refers to codes of conduct that are actually put forward and accepted by some society, group, or individual,† (Gert, 2012). If you think about it, there are over seven billion people spread out over seven continents in our world. The majority of those people have a religion and believe in a God. But, what about the people that aren’t even exposed to the idea of a God? Let’s say a rural, very secluded tribe in the habitable regions of northeast Asia. Just because they don’t have a religion, would that make them bad people? If they lead a simple life and didn’t steal, lie, commit adultery, or murder, why should they be branded as unmoral for something they have no control over. An excellent insight into Chinese culture and religion is portrayed in the book, The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. Even though this example is a fictional story, it’s based off of a real culture and the religious views of that culture in the late nineteenth century. The protagonist Wang Lung practices a religion with the Earth. When his crop is well and thriving he pays homage to the Earth God and when his crop is poor he resents the Earth God. At a point in the book, Wang Lung kills his newborn daughter because of her sex. During a time of famine, he steals gold coins from a wealthy family. And after he encounters money and prosperity, he spends his time in a tea house with a concubine instead of with his dying wife (Sparknotes Editors, 2012). But, in this story the main character does feel guilt for the things that he did. Knowing that it wasn’t right, and that it didn’t feel right to kill his newborn child, Wang Lung still did it and the act was perfectly acceptable according to their culture. When he stole the gold from the wealthy, he knew morally that it was wrong but, his family needed the money therefore his motivation was to provide for them. And when he purchased a concubine, Wang Lung was complying with the cultural norm of wealthy Chinese men. Whereas in our culture, and its predominant religion, the idea of adultery and lust is considered unmoral. It is even arguable that those without a religion are more genuinely moral. For example, the Christian religion. The whole belief is that you don’t sin and therefore are rewarded with eternal bliss. If you do sin then you will be forever damned. The motivation for all the good that they are guided to do is to have a better afterlife, selfish isn’t it? Well one who has no religion, has no belief in the afterlife. All the actions and choices that they make in this physical life are all they have. They live for today instead of living for tomorrow, metaphorically. When you do the right thing, like not lie, cheat, steal, then your life will reflect upon that. If you rape someone then our judicial system will lock you up in a concrete cell for a few decades and then you just wasted half of the only life you have. From this you could say that an Atheist has more to lose by not being moral. For this argument, well known atheists, Ricky Gervais said, â€Å"Forgiveness is probably the greatest virtue there is. But that’s exactly what it is - ­ a virtue. Not just a Christian virtue. No one owns being good. I’m good. I just don’t believe I’ll be rewarded for it in heaven. My reward is here and now. It’s knowing that I try to do the right thing. That I lived a good life,† (Gervais, 2010). A possible objection brought upon by these claims would be simply that God made morality and it’s not something we acquire. And for those that have faith in God, in all honesty why should they believe any differently? Their faith is what allows them to believe without having any need for reason, and that is extremely commendable. Many people aren’t capable of providing that much trust in the existence of a supernatural being. In this case, there are two sides to the story and it really does come down to which side you are on. Those that have a religion would say that their morality has come from the teachings of that religion. But, they wouldn’t know any otherwise. Even if they came to religion later in life, the bible provides written, physical guidance. An atheist would have a clean palette, not influenced by any ideas or direction. So the question of their morality is perfectly understandable. Its like saying if I had a candy bar, how could somebody else conjure that candy bar and experience the same sensation of it. In this paper, I explored a few concepts that argue the relationship between religion and morality. First by arguing where morality comes from, I said that it is something that we acquire through society. Next I said that morality is related to the religions amidst a culture. Last, I put forward that those without a religion are actually more moral than those with a religion. I Finished by providing objections and a point of view for those with a religion. The examples from literature that were used supported the claims made in the paragraphs. With these arguments, I believe that the relationship between religion and morality was effectively exposed. That it is not necessary for one to have a religion and be moral. References Antony, L. (2007). Philosophers Without Gods’ . Oxford University Press Gert, Bernard, â€Å"The Definition of Morality†, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed. ), URL = . Gervais, Ricky (2010) â€Å"Ricky Gervais: Why I’m an Atheist† The Wall Street Journal [Online] Available at: http://blogs. wsj. com/speakeasy/2010/12/19/a-holiday-message-from-ricky-gervais-why-im-an-atheist/ Marcotte, Amanda (2011) â€Å"10 Myths Many Religious People Hold About Atheists, Debunked† AlterNet [Online] Available at: http://www. alternet. org/story/152395/10_myths_many_religious_people_hold_about_atheists,_debunked SparkNotes Editors. (2003). SparkNote on The Good Earth. Retrieved October 25, 2012, from http://www. sparknotes. com/lit/goodearth/Ã'Ž