Power of Active Directory in Windows Server 2003 Essay

In order to understand the concept of active directory first lets take a look at directory service. Directory Service is a service which stores information of using and managing different objects of network at a centralized point. Those objects include printing servers, file servers, printers; fax servers etc . The directory service stores all of the information regarding the resources and at the same time provides mechanism of easy access to the resources’ information for the users. Active directory is also a directory service in windows server 2003 which stores information about the netwrok resources and about the services that make this information available to the users. Now let’s look at the power and key features of active directory in windows server 2003:  ·Multiple selections of directory objects: We can change the common attributes of many users at the one time.  ·Drag-and-drop functionality: You just need to drag and drop the directory objects from one container to another in order to move them  ·Efficient search capabilities: The object oriented searching facility provides efficient search minimizing the traffic on the network.  ·Saved queries: The active directory queries can be saved, exported, reopened and refreshed, and the results of the attributed queries can also be exported.  ·Active Directory command-line tools: A number of command line tools are available to manage the active directory. Those tools are Ntdsutil, Dsget, Dsrm, Dsmod, Csvde, Dsadd, Dsquery, Dsmove and Ldifde.  · Domain functional levels :Active directory’s domain wide features in your network can be enable using domain functional levels.  ·Forest functional levels: The Active directory’s forest wide features in your network can also be now enabled using forest functional levels.  ·Secure All Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) traffic:   All Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) traffic is signed and encrypted by Active directory’s administrative tools, by default. It ensures that the data is not corrupted and that it is coming from the known source.  ·Active directory quota: With Active directory quota, the ownership of objects by a user, computer or group can be limited by assigning quotas.  ·New Group Policy settings: more than 200 group policy setting are included in windows server 2003‘s active directory.  ·New Resultant Set Of Policy (RSoP) Wizard is included which enables you to check the policies assigned to a specific user or computer.  ·Folder redirection is also made very easy.  ·Advanced options for software installation are available, which makes installation process easy and administration effective.  ·InetOrgPerson class has been added to enhance the security and it can be used in the same way as the user class is used.  ·Cross forest support is also provided.  ·The Software Restriction Policies that are included can identify unwanted or hostile soft wares and hence will not let them execute on the computer. But this requires that the system is either being run on Microsoft Windows XP Professional or on a family member of Windows Server 2003.  ·Domain controller renaming: The domain controllers, without demoting, can now be renamed with the active directory of windows server 2003.As well as the domain name can now also be renamed with this.  ·In the domain hierarchy, the domains can be moved from one location to another.  ·The two way transitivity can now be extended by creating forest trust.  ·The users’ access of one domain or forest can be allowed, disallowed or given selective access to another domain of forest.  ·Unnecessary objects of the schema can be deactivated  ·In order to link the auxiliary classes to the objects on dynamic bases, extra support is provided.  ·When the partial attribution set is extended , the resulted administrative actions take place; at that time the Tuning global catalog replication is available for preserving global catalog’s state of synchronization All in all the active directory of Windows server 2003 provides a lot of additional features which to facilitate the management, administration and usage of resources in the network. The security additions are also very remarkable and a lot of flexibility is given to the administrator to check and configure different parameters of the network. Other than this some work has also to improve the responsiveness of the network and to cater with the network traffic. Flexibility for moving objects and domains, and for renaming them is also made easy .And with the new policies introduced the access of a user from one domain of forest to another can also be a controlled effectively. Providing these all functionalities and flexibilities to the networks administrators and mangers make their tasks of access controls, security, managing of objects etc very easy. References Spealman, Jill, & Hudson, Kurt (2004). Windows Server 2003 Active Directory Infrastructure. Redmond ,Washington: Microsoft Press. Jones, Don (2003). Windows Server 2003 Weekend Crash course. NewYork: Wiley Publishing Inc..

Sociology Families

Soci 1002 Presentation Is this really true, are afro-Caribbean families dysfunctional. In addressing this point, I will examine the sociology theorist Michael Garfield smith. Smith believed that European family’s norms and values are important in one way or another to the assimilation process and plays a major role in the afro- Caribbean families. He argued that the plantation destroyed African culture and he saw the plantation as the basis on which the Caribbean family structure was formed.Smith had no doubt that the experience of previous generations on plantation has no doubt influenced the way in which subsequent generations were socialized, but he argues that over time families adjust to the present social conditions. European family norms was based mainly the nuclear family, but for afro-caribbean families there are several other types of families. These other types of afro- Caribbean families should be viewed as dysfunctional because it is not of what the European famil y norms consist of. The other types of afro-caribbean family structures are: The matrifocal family- The emergence and functioning of African slave  families was adverse to the objectives of the plantation. Family units of the slaves were very often  broken up  and males were often sold to other plantations far away while the mother and her child  were left to survive as a  unit. On the other hand, there are other factors, however, which contributed to matrifocality in the contemporary Caribbean. These include migration, imprisonment of males, crime, and male marginalization. On  the issue of male marginalization; the male on the plantation could not own property and had no family rights.Hence the marginalization of the male in the Afro-Caribbean family started on the plantation and was further influenced by the aforementioned factors in the  modern era. * The visiting union- This is a frequent occurrence in the Caribbean it is domestic unit of a woman and her children. Here the mother and her children live apart of the father but may be visited but may be visited by a mann which the mother shares a relationship with. * The common law unit- Similar to the nuclear family, however it is an ongoing bond that without legal marriage. Here the spouses are committed to each other sexually and raise children in a stable relationship.

Discussion question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 9

Discussion question - Essay Example Consequently, the American government suffered a reduction in the level of its exports alongside other effects like a state of consumer’s surplus. In addition, this resulted to high rate of unemployment among the unskilled and semi skilled personnel. With the many provisions availed through NAFTA, member countries have tried to gain comparative advantage with regard to import and export trade. For instance, the agricultural industries benefited following NAFTA provisions of 1989, which abolished tariffs put on agricultural produce traded between the Canada and the United States, with a few exceptions for items covered by tariff-rate quotas, which were removed by January 1, 1998. This free trade attracted Import-competing industries that concentrated in goods once produced by firms mentioned previously. On the other hand, the growth of companies demanding high skills resulted in what has been termed as off shore outsourcing. This program took in many immigrants and offshore out sourcing companies estimated to be more than a quarter of the entire American labor force. Opponents of this program express their discomfort insinuating that it has wreaked havoc in the lives of most Americans. We can simply say that Consumer and producer surplus felt today is a result of the loss of low-skilled manufacturing jobs and increase in high-skill industries jobs both of which affects the American nation. The employment effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement: recommendations and background studies. (1992). Washington, D.C. (1522 K St., N.W., Suite 300, Washington 20005): National Commission for Employment

Feminism in Angela Carters The Company Of Wolves Essay

Feminism in Angela Carters The Company Of Wolves - Essay Example Feminism in Angela Carter’s The Company Of Wolves The areas that are given most concentration include oppression through patriarchy politically, socially, economically, and psychiatry, in a patriarchal leadership setup the woman ids neglected and defined by her difference from male values and norms. The Westerns founded on a patriarchal civilization evident from the immemorial view of the Biblical as the beginning of transgression and death. Gender distinguishes males from females through the terms masculine and feminine respectively. All activity related to women comprising literary criticism and feminist hypothesis aim at making a revolution that would promote gender equality. Gender issues are irrevocably part of every life aspect of human lives. Feminism is a journey that started as early almost three centuries ago. It started in late 1700s and till now, feminist critics have been pressing on unfailing. This quest has majorly been driven by women and very few men if any. A lot has been vocalized by elite women and those in authority. The plea for equality has gone through three phases; First Wave Feminism from late 1700s to early 1900s which led to the formation of the National Universal suffrage around year 1920. Next there was the Second Wave Feminism from 1960s to 1970s there was improvement in employment was disparity reduced. Third is the current Third Wave Feminism which started in 1900s to present. This wave is fighting for gender equality together with other matters affecting humans e.g. racism and discrimination.

The Relationship Between Magnetism and Electricity by Bidisha Essay

The Relationship Between Magnetism and Electricity by Bidisha Mukherjee - Essay Example Similarly, a changing magnetic field produces and effects an electric current. However, if a static charge is placed in an electric field, or if the magnetic field is made static, one field would neither produce nor effect the other field. This phenomenon has been put to use in many devise which work on the principle of changing fields. The basic reason for the interplay of fields is that in an atom, a negative charge, the electron, is spinning around a positive core, the nucleus, producing a loop of electric field as a result of this motion. This electric field in turn produces a magnetic field. The article then proceeds to describe the concept of a field, and the scientists who have worked on this relationship between the two fields. It then lists several principles or characteristics of this interchange of fields. It focuses mainly on the need for movement of the particles if a field is to be induced by another field. It also states that both the poles of a magnet, the north and t he south pole, coexist, and there can be no existence of one without the other.

Marketing analysis report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing analysis report - Essay Example Unlike other hedge fund strategies, Emerging market is marked geographically where investment is done in a market that has potential of growth. Even though it has been adopted by many investors, it has a couple of disadvantages. For instance, the cases of inflation or political instability may result to very poor returns to the investors. Another strategy that is close to emerging market is emerging market stock. This is different to the emerging market because its existence is through the emerging market mutual funds. For the past decade, emerging market mutual funds has lost investors to the emerging markets, for example, the pension funds by the institutional investors. The main reasons for the gained popularity of emerging markets are discussed below in the growth and benefits of emerging markets hedge funds. Despite the fact that of the world’s nations, emerging markets have a percentage of only twenty; emerging markets have still experienced remarkable growth. This is because 20% of the world’s nations constitute the 80% of the world population (Barclay Hedge, 2013 p. 1). Since emerging markets are defined by its nature of growth in terms of industrialization and business, the chances of increased returns to the investors is quite, therefore many investors are adopting this strategy. As mentioned earlier, the emerging markets as an investment strategy has gained popularity over emerging market mutual funds since it is not only tied to bonds but also permits investment on real estate among other investments. Due to this advantage, it has really gained popularity among many investors. For instance, in the beginning of the year 2008, it is clear that over nine billion dollars were spent in the new assets. In addition, the average returns received annually by many firms were above average by 25% (Alpha Calling, 2013 p. 1). Since emerging markets are characterized by unpredictability in terms of inflation or the

Conflicts between public interest and personal interest, which created Speech or Presentation

Conflicts between public interest and personal interest, which created by Human Rights Acts 1998 (Can the British Bill of Right handle the problem) - Speech or Presentation Example Article 8 of the conventions provides for respect for one’s private life, home and family life. The Article covers areas concerned with self-determination. The definition of private life is complicated and broad. The privacy entitles people to life without the intrusion as in the case of Terry v Persons Unknown (Rev 1) [2010] EWHC 119 (QB) (29 January 2010) (BAILII 2010). Contrary to Article 8, Article 10 provides for freedom of expression. One of the aspects of expression involves communication. Communication entitles citizens to express their ideas without limitations. However, communication may also be limited depending on the infringement of an individual’s privacy (BAILII, 2012). It, therefore, can be deciphered that the two aspects considered in the two articles breach confidence in their interpretation. Whereas Article 10 advocates democratic expression, Article 8 suppresses such fundamental entitlements. Article 10 demands transparency and openness, contrary to article 8 that advocates privacy. Upholding Article 8 requires prior consultation of individuals while exercising expression. Such incidence occurred between Mr. Max Mosley sought for an injunction to uphold Article 8 (Mosley v The United Kingdom [2011] 53 E.H.R.R 30). An inference of lack of proper ways of upholding Article 8 can be made from the case. Article 9 provides for an individual’s freedom to uphold a wide range of ideas and beliefs, based on religious ideologies. The article empowers citizens with autonomy regarding their actions and lifestyles (Equal Rights Trust 2014, p. 2). The issue of public interest involves anything that may interfere with other standards upheld in the society. The extent of manifestation of beliefs may be limited as in the case Eweida and Others v The United Kingdom; ECHR 15 January 2013 (BAILII, 2013). Usually, one’s autonomy conflicts with that of the mass. Personal interest concerns

Self-assessment Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Self-assessment - Term Paper Example Based on the big five personality assessment, the aspect of openness to experience and intellect had a score of 47% which was judged as typically uncreative. This needs improvement which will mainly be guided by getting involved in creative sessions, complex activities, though on a gradual process and more conventional aspects of the learning environment. This is important given the current global trends that require creativity for one to ail through in whatever career they choose. Conscientiousness was ranked at 64% which meant that I am able to organize myself and am reliable. However, there needs to be an improvement to attain self-discipline. Self-discipline in any working or social environment is important because it sets one apart from all the rest (Drucker, 2010). Reliability will come in handy too in other areas within the organization. Extraversion was ranked at 64% which meant that I relatively enjoy social gatherings. There needs to be some improvement in the area of being talkative and fun-loving. I am however more agreeable, at 74%, which indicates consideration for the feelings of others. This needs to be maintained and nurtured (Kelvin, 2011). I am also more relaxed during a crisis which was ranked under neuroticism and had a score of 27%. Such is an important attribute when in management or dealing with hostile people in social settings while in school, this is something that aids in creating bond with many people, hence a better lifestyle and a peaceful environment for all. The emotional intelligence quiz showed a high score on emotional intelligence. This implies that I am good at skills that have to deal with the interpretation and understanding of emotions and also when there is a need to act upon those skills. However, more work is required to maintain these since adeptness to react and deal with social and emotional conflicts is always an important attribute in real-life situations. Emotional intelligence is

Argumentive Evaluation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Argumentive Evaluation - Essay Example This paper will critically evaluate how the author built his argument, his tone, mood, purpose for his argument and describe his audience. Stoll (248) argues that giving glitzy gadgets to a child who cannot read or write in class is of no good. He claims that is more painful to direct little children to computer screens than making them read a few pages of a book. However, the author fails to understand that introducing a child to technology at an early age prepares him/her for the modern world that is driven by technology day by day. It is easier to introduce technology to children because they learn faster than adults; thus, teaching them how to use computers even if they can hardly read or write gives them a chance to learn other things such as games, which is more fun than forcing them to read a page in a book. The author Stoll (248) also argues that teaching machines drive students away from reading and writing and even prevent them from attaining scholarships. This is because c omputers take the ability of students to understand questions before writing answers; thus, they substitute the ability of students to reflect and think critically, which involves originality, concentration and intention. Nevertheless, the author is hasty in concluding that computers substitute the ability of students to think critically. Computers do not provide straight forward answers to all questions. This means that students who use computers are required to read and understand the content provided in the computer so that they can choose the best in order to make their own conclusions. Thus, a lot of understanding and critical thinking is required. Moreover, the students are likely to have more fun while searching for information in computers than spending painful hours in the library reading many books. Hence, technology makes learning fun and effortless. As stated by Stoll (248), technology encourages intellectual passivity. He argues that students are likely to focus more on having fun than learning. As a result, they develop inability to exercise patience, persistence, and attentiveness. However, the author fails to explain how students develop distaste for these inabilities by using technology to learn. On the contrary, students are able to exercise patient, attentiveness and persistence when using technology. This is because for them to understand what they are doing they need to be patient and pay attention to the instructions given by their teachers. Moreover, Stoll (248) argues that taking learning as fun cheapens the process of learning and the product. This means that by integrating fun into learning, teachers no longer focus on teaching but entertaining students, which results in poor quality of education. The students also focus more on having fun than learning and scholarships lose their meaning. However, this is not true. This is because if teachers would focus only on teaching, the students would likely to get bored with time. The truth is that everybody gets bored with routine and especially being in a classroom all day without any form of entertainment. If students get bored in class, they may not understand anything that the teacher says. For this reason, incorporating fun in the learning systems makes the learning process even more fun and the students develop more interest in learning; hence, the improving the

Instructional Communication Essay Example for Free

Instructional Communication Essay Instructional Communication Instructional Communication can be best explained as the transfer of information in a teaching environment. There are a lot of aspects that is associated with Instructional Communication. The contexts that are most relevant to my career are teacher to teacher communication, teacher to student communication, comprehension of information, and technology used in the setting. These four aspects make up my career as a public affairs instructor for the Department of Defense. Instructional communication is very important to the field of communication. Instructional communication is implemented everyday all around the world. It is implemented in schools and in job settings. This type of communication is how we relate information to new people on the job or students in a classroom. In order to determine the depth of comprehension we have to analyze formal and summative assessments of the students. During the course that I instruct, we also use technology to convey information as well as have the students to use technology to complete projects that are due during the course. Instructional communication has several different contexts located within it. I feel that the most important context would be teacher to student communication. It is extremely important as a teacher or an instructor to be able to convey the information to your audience and them be able to comprehend what you are talking about. It is also very important that students ask questions or talk about the material that is being covered to show understanding. According to Karaduz, (Karaduz, 2010) â€Å"An important part of instructional services involves giving messages to students about how they should learn and become involved in the learning process, giving those stimuli for reinforcement, identifying the gaps in their learning, and amending these gaps. An effective instructional process thus requires strong communication skills along every step. It is through language that a healthy communication is established, student interest is aroused, and ways of comprehending, practicing and retaining information are clarified. Karaduz said a lot in these few sentences. He talked about how important communication is between student and teachers. What good do teachers do when the students cannot understand the teacher’s message? Teacher and student communication is so important in any instructional setting. The next most important part of instructional communication is teacher to teacher communication. It is handy to have colleagues that you can ask questions or get advice about certain criteria. I have worked as a public affairs person for the last seven years. Of that seven years 2 ? of them has been in a combat area. In this intense atmosphere I have learned pretty much everything that I teach my students at the Defense Information School. A lot of times other instructors come to me for information on what should happen in a certain situation in a combat area. I think that teacher to teacher communication is extremely valuable and you should take a advantage of it. According to Lance (Lance, 2010), â€Å"when administrators value collaboration between teacher-librarians and classroom teachers and when teacher-librarians and their classroom colleagues report that it happens more frequently, students are more likely to master ICT standards and more likely to earn advanced scores on state reading and language arts tests. † This study linked collaboration between faculty and students scores. Lance showed that when faculty collaborated on instructional information and objectives the student’s scores went up on formal assessments. Another context of instructional communication is comprehension assessment. As an instructor I have to assess the students learning to see if they have learned the specific objectives to move on to the next part of the course. If students do not meet those objectives then they fail and are recycled to another program. I use different kinds of assessments to check the depth of their knowledge of the material. The students have written assignments, formal assessments, and a Field Training Exercise (FTX). The students also have time to redo any work that they have failed in order to receive a better grade. I provide feedback within two days of the after the due date of the assignment. I provide feedback and remedial for any student that is deemed in need or feels that they need the extra help. Since we try to communicate very well with the students our fail rate is between 2 to 4% each course. Technology is the last item that is very important to instructional communication. â€Å"Based on the immersive interface that underlies virtual worlds such as Second Life and World of Warcraft, virtual environments allow the enactment of complex situations with tacit clues, imulation of scientific instruments, virtual experimentation, simulated collaboration in a team, and adaptive responses to students’ choice—all captured and recorded in data streams (Clarke-Midura, 2010),† according to Jody Clarke-Midura and Chris Dede. In this century technology has advanced so much. We have social media sites, PowerPoint presentations, email, and other was to communicate in and out of t he classroom. I learned that when you do not have proper communication things tend to follow apart.

Historical Cost Accounting: Criticisms and Alternatives

Historical Cost Accounting: Criticisms and Alternatives Introduction Accounting is a measurement and communication of financial information about economic activities to interested persons.  [1]  The primary role of accounting is to provide an effective measurement and reporting system which is also accounting information system for decision making. The corporate form of a large business has created separation of business ownership and control. Outsiders of an organization, usually, dont possess first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day running and condition of the business, which makes them dependant, to some extent, on accounting reports for information. Management is considered to be a company insider, who has access to the important information about a company that can affect its stock prices or might influence investors decisions. This creates conflict of interest as company insiders are in a position to exploit a professional or official capacity in some way for their personal or corporate benefit. International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) view that investors need information on risk and return; employees are interested in their stability and profitability; lenders are concerned with loans and interest to be paid when due; suppliers and other traders want to know whether owed amount will be paid or not; and customers are interested in continuance of the enterprise.  [2]  Information is needed by various users to be able to decide when to buy, hold or sell equity of investment; or to access the stewardship or accountability of management. Creditors and suppliers use information to assess security for the amount lent to the enterprise. However, not all users of information have interest or confidence in the information provided by the management. Due to separation of ownership and control; and managements ability of exploiting outsiders for their own benefits, many investors have no interest or confidence in analyzing a companys financial statements. Instead, they rely on market analysis by other specialists about the psychology of the market and its effect on share prices. This report is focused on the historical cost accounting adopted by most of the countries and why, even though has many problems associated with it, have governments accepted this system even with availability of alternative accounting systems. This report details the benefits and criticism of historical cost accounting along with alternatives to historical cost accounting and their criticisms. 2. Historical Cost Accounting The historical cost accounting values an asset for balance sheet purposes at the price paid for the asset at the time of its acquisition.  The historical cost accounting is the situation in which accountants record revenue, expenditure and asset acquisition and disposal at historical cost: that is, the actual amounts of money, or moneys worth, received or paid to complete the transaction.   Historical cost is based on actual transaction rather than forecasts. There are supporting records for all the figures provided in the financial statements. It is also relevant in making economic decisions, as past data transactions are needed for making future decisions. Another defense of historical cost is that historical cost has been used throughout history as financial statements which use historical cost are found to be useful. Profit is the excess of selling price over historical cost. Profit is a very well accepted concept of measure of performance. It is the difference between revenue and cost that determines on decision to continue a product line or division. Historical Cost Accounting is very much based on this concept of profit and loss. Others, in defense of Historical Cost Accounting argue that historical cost is less subject to manipulation of data than other forms of accounting such as Current Cost. The use of current cost or exit price opens the door to manipulation of these numbers. In other words, how are current costs to be determined and how can accountants determine which value is true and fair? More importantly accountants must guard the integrity of their data against internal modification. Criticisms of Historical Cost Accounting Overtime, criticisms of historical cost accounting have been raised by number of notable scholars, particularly in relation to its inability to provide useful information in times of rising prices.  [3]  Historical Cost Accounting record all assets at an original cost and continue to use these historic figures throughout the assets life, while time-value of money is completely ignored. Across time these criticisms appear to have been accepted to a certain degree by accounting regulators. In recent years various accounting standards have been released that require the application of fair values when measuring assets. For example AASB 116 gives financial statement preparers a choice between the cost model and the fair value model in measurement of property, plant, and equipment. Financial Instruments (AASB 139), investment properties (AASB 114), and biological assets (AASB141) are required to be valued at fair value as opposed to historical cost. Chambers in 1966 argued that the historical cost accounting information suffers from problems of irrelevance in times of rising prices. It is also questioned whether it is useful to be informed about something that cost a particular amount many years ago whereas its current value might be considerably different. It has been argued that there is a real problem of additivity.  [4]  The matter at issue is whether it is logical to added together assets acquired at different periods when those assets were acquired with amounts of different purchasing power. Alternatives to Historical Cost Accounting Current Cost Accounting Current Cost Accounting (CCA) attempts to provide more realistic book values by valuing assets at current market buying prices. It takes into account time-value of money and inflation. It is more complex than the traditional accounting, and it has created controversy about what adjustments are appropriate. Unlike Historical Cost Accounting, there is no need for inventory cost flow assumptions such as last-in-first-out and weighted average. The business profit in CCA shows how the entity has gained in financial terms the increase in cost of its resources, which is ignored by historical cost accounting. Differentiating operating profit from holding gains and losses has claimed to enhance the usefulness of information being provided by CCA. Holding gains are different from trading income as they are due to market-wide movements which are beyond the control of the management.  [5]  Therefore, CCA doesnt rewards managers for profits from holding gains and losses which isnt an actual profit and also gives useful information to investors. Supporters of CCA are convinced that it provides more useful information than conventional accounting but still they do not agree on all issues. There is one group who believe in the financial capital concept in which the holding gains is included in the profit and the other group is those who believe in the physical capital concept. Under physical capital concept, holding gains and losses are not included in the profit and are supported by the theory of optimal resource usage that uses current costs as a measure of input opportunity cost. Criticisms of Current Cost Accounting Measurement errors may have reduced the usefulness of current-cost and replacement-cost data. Replacement-cost valuations of plant and equipment often include the cost of technological advances and often these advances would reduce operating costs below the level reported by historical cost. As a result, when replacement-cost depreciation is substituted for historical-cost depreciation, the cost of doing business includes the high capital cost of the advanced technology as well as the high operating costs of the older technology in use, which creates measurement errors.  [6]   The supporters of Historical Cost Accounting criticize CCA because it violates the traditional revenue recognition principle by recognizing increases in the value of the assets, both current and non-current, before they are sold. This is irrelevant as changes in market price dont mean anything until the assets are sold. A non-current asset isnt more valuable to a business just because its current cost has increased. Another problem is the subjectivity of determining the amount of the increase in cost. There are some non-current assets that dont have a second-hand market because it was specifically built or made for that business only. So the basis of determining the current cost must be the new asset expected to replace the old one. CCA also involves a mathematical problem of additivity. This is because the figures generated from CCA arent of the same nature because it involves a variety of measurement models. Exit Price Accounting Exit Price Accounting (EPA) also known as Continuously Contemporary Accounting (CoCoA) has been proposed by researchers such as McNeal, Sterling, and especially Raymond Chambers. Its an accounting theory that prescribes that assets should be valued at exit prices and that financial statements should function to inform about an organizations capacity to adapt.  [7]  Chambers described the entitys capacity to adapt as the cash that could be obtained if the entity sold its assets. Chambers believed that economic survival of the entity depends on the amount of cash it can command and the balance sheet is crucial to these decisions. Chambers used the term current cash equivalents to refer to the amount that was expected to be generated through the orderly sale of assets. He believe that the information about current cash equivalent were fundamental to effective decision making. Chambers stated that the accounting rules used were so different in effect that comparison between companies was often quite misleading.  [8]  One of the main arguments for EPA is that it provides useful information to the users. They believe that EPA reports all profits and losses and values as determined in competitive markets and provides a true and fair financial statement that serves the purpose of the shareholders. Other arguments that support EPA is the additivity function. EPA values all elements in the balance sheet and income statement at their exit prices, which, therefore, provides one consistent rule that could be applied by all or any company. It involves references to real-world examples because untestable assertions arent made such as depreciation. Criticism of Exit Price Accounting According to Chambers model of CoCoA, if assets cant be sold separately, they are deemed to have absolutely no value for the purpose of determining organizations financial position. This is considered to be too extreme by many accounting practitioners and researchers. Assets such as goodwill and work-in-progress have no selling value therefore will be have no value at all in the financial statements. Other criticisms of CoCoA are that it doesnt consider the value in use. An asset that is held rather than sold out must be worth more to its owner than its exit price, otherwise, it would be sold. In case of specialized resources such as a blast furnace has positive value in use, but cannot be sold separately, for the purpose of CoCoA has no value.  [9]  Even though proponents of EPA argue for the additivity of exit prices, the concept of current cash equivalent doesnt recognize the possibility of selling assets as one package. Some assets sold as a package are worth more than when sold individually in the market. This concept has been ignored in the exit price accounting. CoCoA has also been criticized on the basis that exit prices are determined by the price that could be achieved in an orderly sale.  [10]  The sales might be at different times and wont necessarily reflect values at balance date. Therefore, the financial statements based on these values might not be useful for monitoring the companys management. Positive Accounting Theory and Efficient Markets Hypothesis Milton Friedman was the one who strongly supported and backed the positive theories in economics. He stated that the ultimate goal of a positive science is the development of a theory or hypothesis that yields valid and meaningful predictions about phenomena not yet observed. Watts and Zimmerman also stated that the objective of positive accounting theory is to explain and predict accounting practice which was consistent with the views of Friedman. The beginning of positive accounting theory is the Efficient Markets Hypothesis (EMH). The EMH is based on the assumption that capital markets react in an efficient and unbiased manner to publicly available information. The main strengths of Positive Accounting Theories over Normative Accounting Theories are the facts that hypothesis are framed in such a way that they are capable of falsification by empirical research. Also, these theories aim to provide an understanding of how the world works rather than stating how the world should work. Moreover, PAT tries to understand the relationship and connection between various accounting information, managers, firms, and markets; and also analyze these relationships within an economic framework. There are several assumptions made in development of positive accounting theory. The first is that the firm is a nexus of contracts. In relation to PAT, because there is a need to be efficient, the firm will want to minimize costs associated with contracts. Contract costs involve accounting variables as contracts can be stipulated in terms of accounting information such as net income, and financial ratios.  [11]  The firm will choose the accounting policies that best acknowledge the need for minimization of contract costs. PAT recognizes that changing circumstances require managers to have flexibility in choosing accounting policies which brings forward the problem of opportunistic behavior. This occurs when the actions of management are to better their own personal interests. The other assumption is that the managers are rational economic decision makers and will act to maximize their own profit and not the profit of the company. Under PAT, firms want to maximize their prospects for survival, so they organize themselves efficiently. Criticisms of Positive Accounting Theories One of the main criticisms of PAT is that it doesnt provide prescription for accounting and therefore doesnt provide any means of improving accounting practice.  [12]  This, therefore results in alienation of practicing accountants. It is argued that simply explain and predicting accounting practice is not enough. There is no guidance on what people should do, as there is a general absence of prescription. The other criticisms of PAT relate to the fundamental that all action is driven by a desire to maximize wealth. Many researchers find this statement very negative in nature. They believe that PAT promotes a morally bankrupt view of the world. The concept of positive theory is drawn from an obsolete philosophy of science and is in any case a misnomer, because the theories of empirical science make no positive statement of what is.  [13]  And also of course, Watts and Zimmerman do say, We do not contend that all issues are settled, but rather encourage others to pursue, correct, and extend our analysis. Conclusion Quite clearly the several limitations and flaws of the traditional historical costs method have been highlighted and picked upon from time to time. Still historical costs are the standard form of accounting due to its unique features and conventions that make it better than most available alternatives. Historical cost accounting has and is still been widely recognized and accepted by corporations across the world. There hasnt been any development of better alternatives to Historical Cost Accounting. The alternative accounting such as current cost accounting and exit price accounting carry more problems in them than historical cost accounting. For examples countries like Unites States and United Kingdom have tried to adopt current cost accounting system but later withdrew as there were many complexities in using current cost accounting. Even if accounting bodies simply pick an existing method to form the standard of accounting, it will definitely not be better than historical cost accounting. However, in my opinion, the current use of historical cost accounting by many firms have been a contributing factor in masking the true and fair value of their assets. As investors are the primary users of financial statements, priority must be given to the needs and wants of the shareholders. Empirical evidences show that investors want both measurements i.e. historical cost and current cost accounting.  [14]  I believe a process should be created where historical cost and current cost operate side-by-side, which will enhance relevance, reliability, and comparability. Rather than debating between different approaches, focus should be given to implement an accounting system which reports all assets and liabilities at their true value without eliminating the benefits of historical cost accounting.

Wal Mart Company Overview Essay -- essays research papers

â€Å"Basic History Overview† Wal-Mart's history is one of innovation, leadership and success. It started with a single store in Rogers, Arkansas in 1962 and has grown to what is now the world's largest - and arguably, the most emulated - retailer. Some researchers refer to Wal-Mart as the industry trendsetter. Today, this retailing pioneer has annual revenues of over $100 billion, 3,000 stores and more than 750,000 employees worldwide. Wal-Mart operates each store, from the products it stocks, to the front-end equipment that helps speed checkout, with the same philosophy: provide everyday low prices and superior customer service. Lower prices also eliminate the expense of frequent sales promotions and sales are more predictable. Wal-Mart has invested heavily in its unique cross-docking inventory system. Cross docking has enabled Wal-Mart to achieve economies of scale which reduce its costs of sales. With this system, goods are continuously delivered to stores within 48 hours and often without having to inventory them. This allows Wal-Mart to replenish the shelves 4 times faster than its competition. Wal-Mart’s ability to replenish theirs shelves four times faster than its competition is just another advantage they have over competition. Wal-Mart leverages its buying power through purchasing in bulks and distributing the goods on it’s own. Wal-Mart guarantees everyday low prices and considers them the one stop shop. Case Overview   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The case study starts off with quotes from Wal-Mart executives with their thoughts of how employees/consumers should feel about the arguably most innovative retailer. â€Å"Wal-Mart employees who do not think globally are working for the wrong company.† â€Å"Wal-Mart must think and act as if it’s a global company. Otherwise, it cannot grow enough in the United States to maintain its stock price. It needs to be in South America. It needs to be in Asia. It needs to be in Europe.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Wal-Mart has taken their mind and cash over the last 20 years to become the world’s largest retailer. Wal-Mart had a base of 2,200 stores in the 80’s, closing out of the 90’s with a bang of 3,600 stores and $4.4 billion in net income. Spurred by NAFTA, Wal-Mart took advantage foreseeing potential growth in the foreign markets. Currently they have stories in the following countries: Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada... ...nment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of Wal-Mart’s main competitors would be Franklin, which is currently struggling at this time. (I better get my Wal-Mart set up quick.) Many of the Australian retailers such as Aldi, Tesco, and Ahold, who previously relied on specials, would be forced to reduce their daily prices to compete with Wal-Mart’s everyday low price strategy. Low-Prices are the foundation of Wal-Mart’s ideas and strategy and could surely beat out Australia’s smaller end retailers. Another are in which Wal-Mart would prosper is with tourists,. Wal-Mart is well known and trusted , and in high tourism cities such as Sydney, travelers would be more likely to shop at a place they know and trust. Its inevitable that while on vacation for example, people forget to pack or run out of necessities such as toothpaste, shampoo, and deodorant, etc. Why not go to Wal-Mart and get all these things and pick up the few extra goodies you didn’t realize you needed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I thinks Wal-Mart’s normal marketing strategies are traditional marketing strategies, ideal for the Australian culture. Australians expect the quality they need at the prices they can afford.

Rock And Roll Essay -- essays research papers

â€Å"America. betaking herself to formative action(as it is about time for more solid achievement, and less windy promise), must , for her purpose, cease to recognize a theory of character grown of feudal aristocracies, or form’d by merely literary standards, or from any ultramarine, full-dress formulas of culture. polish, caste, &c., enough, and must sternly promulgate her new standard, yet old enough, and accepting the old, the perennial elements, and combining them into groups, unities, appropriate to the modern, the democratic, the west, and to the practical occasions and needs of our own cities, and of the agricultural regions.†1 Walt Whitman wrote this poem back in 1855. A hundred years before rock and roll was invented, people like Walt Whitman could sense that a change needed to happen in America. In the 1880’s, the Robber Barons had a dramatic impact on America. Some of them, such as Andrew Carnegie showed that people could rise from rags to riches. The 1920’s were called the Roaring 20’s, partly because people were carefree and willing to have fun. Jazz became the dominant form of music. Finally along comes the 1950’s. America has gotten out of WW2 and is now ready for a new evolution. People are feeling how they did back in the 20’s; carefree and willing to do anything for fun. On March 5, 1951, a rhythm-and-blues band, Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats, recorded â€Å"Rocket 88†, a frenetic, toe-tapping tribute to a customized car.2 This was the birth of Rock and Roll. The music didn’t catch on until 1955 though, when Bill Haley produced â€Å"Rock Around the Clock†. The song soared up the pop charts, and became the first rock and roll song to ever-hit number 1. From the music of Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, to Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, no other style of music has so greatly impacted the lifestyle of the American people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Elvis Presley was the most recognized and the most influential rock and roll artist that ever lived. In 1956, Elvis made his way into the national spotlight with his single â€Å"Heartbreak Hotel†. He set in stone the image and sound of rock and roll that would endure as long as the music lived.3 With the swivel of his hips, the slur of his voice, and the curl of his lip, he evoked the force and feeling of youth and sex and the rebellion that would become the image of rock and roll. He also stamped ... ...sten to rap, sca, hip hop, etc., but our parents hate it. They are doing the same thing to us that their parents did to them in the 50’s. Even today, we are advancing. Dress styles that were banned 20 years ago are standard today. Music has influenced our lives from the very start. It is who we are. Rock and roll is a symbol of America. It is a national pastime. If it were not for Elvis Presely or Buddy Holly or Jerry Lee Lewis or any of the rock and roll artists of the 50’s, our grandparents and parents may not have realized the need for change and we would probably still be listening to jazz and opera all the time. A quote by Gilbert Ostrander tells how the younger generation of America always finds something new to latch onto. When they get bored with that, they move on to something else. â€Å"The younger generation is at all times simultaneously appearing on the field and moving off the field and trying to stay on the field while turning into something else. N o sooner have the rules of the game been officially explained by the younger generation, than another game is discovered to be in progress on the same field under different rules by a somewhat different younger generation.†19

Self-imposed Estrangement in Pauls Case Essay -- Willa Cather

Self-imposed Estrangement in "Paul's Case," by Willa Cather Many times, we try to separate ourselves from the world around us; we distance ourselves from society that gives us life. What is worse, we are voluntarily subjected to the lonesomeness which precedes wallowing in our own self pity. "Paul's Case," in which the theme of the fatal progression of deliberate seclusion presents the major conflict, centers around a young man, in his alienation, suppressing his need for attention and satisfying himself through his own world established through his seclusion. The author, Willa Cather, renders this main theme by her insinuations of the character, by the point of view she chooses to illuminate Paul"'"s characteristics, and by key symbols that contribute to the overall work. The character presented by Cather through Paul, withdraws himself from his environment creating the base for the theme of his progressively intensifying need for distinct separation. The reasons Paul acts the way he does seems two fold. First, the sequence of events could be caused by psychological damage or some mental condition, possibly stemming from his mothers death, which was only alluded to in the story. Paul was a teenager who displayed certain signs of a mental illness. According to The Medical Advisor#, Paul suffers from many of similar symptoms of a narcissist. Although the personality disorder was not diagnosed until 1977, and was not perfected until 1987 and expanded upon in 1994, Cather"'"s character of 1904 embodies many of the symptoms listed. Of those Paul qualifies for are: highly developed sense of self importance, preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, belief that he or she is special, feeling he has the envy of peers... ...in a connection with his mother. This bond further alienates him with the world by association with the departed; his mother is separated by death, thus by professing to the world his connection with his mother brings him one step further from sanity. As he comes to realize that the mere emotional connection with his mother is not enough to isolate him, the flower becomes submersed into a sea of white as it is buried in the snow, and Paul achieves his ultimate escape and suicide creates the desired connection with his mother. Willa Cather, carefully weaving together a deep character to which understanding is complex, an interesting and enlightening twist on the point of view, and multi-dimensional use of symbolic motifs that describe the character"'"s personality and dreams, has created a universal theme of the grave progression of self-imposed estrangement.

Cramming: Time and Long Term Memory

Universal Vice: Cramming â€Å"Whoops! It's the night before the big exam, and you haven't done a lick of studying all semester. Looking back on it, you know that you should have been hitting the books all those nights you were watching television, but there's nothing you can do about it now. Don't throw in the towel yet, though–it's time to get cramming. † How often do you do this? Most common among high school and college-aged students, cramming is often used as a means of memorizing and the practice of working intensively to absorb large volumes of informational material in short amounts of time.It is a widely-used study skill performed in preparation of an examination or other performance-based assessment. Best stated by H. E. Gorst in his book, The Curse of Education, â€Å"as long as education is synonymous with cramming on an organized plan, it will continue to produce mediocrity. † Students are often forced to cram after improper time utilization or in ef forts to understand information shortly before being tested. Improper time management is usually the cause for last-minute cramming sessions, and many study techniques have been developed to help students succeed in lieu of cramming.Generally considered as a negative study technique, cramming is becoming more and more common among students at the secondary and post-secondary level, not mentioning those who are as young as five years old. Pressure to perform well in the classroom and to engage in extracurricular activities in addition to other responsibilities often results in this kind of study habit, cramming. According to W. G. Sommer, â€Å"students in a university system often adapt to the time-constraints that are placed upon them in college, and often use cramming to perform well on tests†.In his article, Procrastination and Cramming: How Adept Students Ace the System, he states, â€Å"Many students outwardly adapt to this system, however, engage in an intense and priv ate ritual that comprises five aspects: calculated procrastination, preparatory anxiety, climactic cramming, nick-of-time deadline-making, and a secret, if often uncelebrated, victory. These adept students often find it difficult to admit others into their efficient program of academic survival. † Students have crammed for decades. What most of us don’t know is how many use this study strategy.The lit review in the article references a collection of studies that puts the percentage somewhere between 25 and 50. In this research sample, 45 percent were on the agree side of a scale that measured the extent of cramming. These are some of the very pragmatic questions explored empirically by the researchers: How widespread is cramming among students? Do students think cramming is an effective study strategy? Does cramming work, as in how does it affect course grades? And the really bottom line questions: How effective is cramming in the long run?What’s the impact on le arning and retention? Czarina Isabel F. de Leon, a freshman college student of University of the Philippines – Diliman states, â€Å"I believe that many students cram all the time. Maybe, this is due to lack of knowledge with regards to time management and discipline. But honestly speaking, I can say that cramming helps me in some way. I don’t know if it’s just me who feels that cramming stimulates my brain cells more. It seems like I am able to formulate more ideas and to absorb more information whenever I cram for some of my school works and tests.In spite of this, I don’t think that cramming has affected my grades that much because there are so many factors that can influence class marks. If I were to choose from cramming and not cramming, I would definitely choose the latter. This is because I know for a fact that if I wouldn’t cram, I’m sure that my work is clearly done and not just scrapped from somewhere. I do believe that cramming p roduces risky works, in such a way that a person who crams is not sure whether he did his job well or not. Perhaps the question that most needs addressing is this one: How come some exams can be mastered so successfully by students who’ve prepared by cramming? You might think it’s just a problem with multiple-choice exams. Not so. In this study and others, the amount of cramming students reported was not a function of exam type. Are teachers testing too much recall on their exams? It might be interesting to go through an exam and see how many questions can be answered with material you could memorize but not understand at all or well.Cramming is often discouraged by educators because the hurried coverage of material tends to result in poor long-term retention of material. In a 2007 study conducted by University of South Florida psychologist Doug Rohrer, it was determined that last minute studying reduces retention of material and may hinder the learning process in the long term. There is a biological reason for this. The problem is that cramming information places it into our brains in short term storage. This is where you put everyday information that is not really worth remembering.In order to learn we have to transfer information into long term memory. Once there, you can retrieve it far easier over a longer period of time. All information are processed in the brain and stored in short term memory. The problem is that these information sort of overloads the brain and are not kept for very long. Can you remember every single event that happened to you in a given day? Think of the literal thousands of bits of information you are exposed to every day. It's not necessary to remember it all, so the brain dumps it after a time.Can you remember what you had for breakfast the day before yesterday? What shirt you wore? How much lunch cost? How many steps there are in preparing for exams? No. What makes you think you will remember some factoid from clas s that you never heard of before? Sure you may remember it for a day or two, but that's it. Only when you make an effort to remember something repeatedly do you transfer that information into the other kind of memory, long term memory. Cramming fails because you’re relying on short term memory.In spite of these facts, cramming will always be an option for those who need to accomplish a large amount of task in a short period of time. Like any other vices, cramming can be very addictive and may supply us what we need for now, but we may not benefit from it for a long period of time. Since it is continuously done by most of us nowadays, not only by students but also by some adults as well, avoiding it will be very difficult for all of us. It’s like a universal vice that most of us used to live with and it can be applicable for everyone.Cramming is a vice that will forever be present in this world – it may be lessened but will never be eradicated, especially for stu dents like me. â€Å"While cramming probably won't get you an â€Å"A,† it can definitely save you from an â€Å"F. † So suck it up and get ready for a long, hard night. And vow to be a better student from now on. † Works Cited: â€Å"Cramming (education) -. † Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . Pangilinan, Candy. â€Å"Candidly  » Cramming and homecoming. † PEP. ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz | Home. 2 Dec. 2007. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . â€Å"How to Cram for a Test – wikiHow. † WikiHow – The How-to Manual That You Can Edit. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . Weimer, Maryellen. â€Å"Key Questions about Cramming  «. † Teaching Professor. 02 Dec. 2008. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . â€Å"Cramming – Definition of cramming at YourDictionary. com. † Dictionary Definitions, Sentence Examples, Synonyms and More. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . â€Å"Cram – Definition of cram verb (LEARN) from Cambr idge Dictionary Online: Free English Dictionary and Thesaurus. Cambridge Dictionary Online: Free English Dictionary and Thesaurus – Cambridge University Press – Cambridge Dictionaries Online – Cambridge University Press. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . Handy, Edna Wells. â€Å"Why Students Fail. † Autoredirect to main site. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . â€Å"The dangers of cramming for exams. † PSU BMB. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . Weinberg, Tamar. â€Å"How to Cram for Exams – How To – Lifehacker. † Lifehacker, tips and downloads for getting things done. 02 Mar. 2008. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . de Leon, Czarina Isabel . Personal Interview. 14 October 2009.

Review of Origin of Brunists

Whenever something tragic happens, human beings look for a shelter to take since this is the way of taking away the pain. In addition to this pain, if their lives are dull and bitter, they will feel the need for something brightining to refresh their lives just like it happens in the novel, Origin of the Brunists by Robert Coover. In this novel, a coal mine disaster occurs in which ninentyseven miners pass away and only one miner called Giovanni Bruno succeeds to survive. After his being rescued, he uses phrases such as Mount of Redemption and claims that he had seen Virgin Mary while he had been trapped in the mine. Because of his visions, he becomes a leader of a religious cult named as Brunists and he is viewed as a prophet by some townpeople. As their lives are dull and bitter, they are in need of something to illuminate lives, which is the religious cult named as Brunists. In this novel, the origins of this religious cult and how its popularity are increased take place. The novel begins with Brunists’ pilgramage to Mount of Redemption and their preparation for the End of the World on the weekend of April. What they expect of End of the World is not obvious but might be The Final Judgement . For the preparation to pilgramage, members of the cult are to wear tunics and â€Å"only white garments under the tunics† (Coover 15) of theirs. In the first chapter, events and impressions described are witnessed by the characters, Hiram and Emma Clegg, and there is indefineteness about some events such as Marcella Bruno’s death. Since by miracle, Giovanni Bruno is sole survivor of the mine disaster and has visions of Virgin Mary, he is chosen for cult leadership by the townspeople who need new religious experiences. After Giovanni overcomes poisoning, his phrases such as Mount of Redemption are heard by townpeople. Besides this, there is a rumour among people that a white bird is seen in the mine before the catastrophe. Because of all these, Mrs Eleanor Norton who is a high school teacher asks Giovanni whether â€Å"he is the One who is to come† and he acknowledges this. According to his sister, Marcella Bruno, Giovanni may have been possessed by a divine spirit while trapped in the mine. Therefore, he is chosen as a leader of Brunists cult. One of the characters who needs something illuminating in her life and has an influence over creation of the cult, Brunists is Eleanor Norton who is a high-school teacher. She has been fired from several workplaces and also loses her job at West Condon High School since she cannot give up inducing some of her students consisting of mostly boys to join in religious activities. Therefore, she and her husband, Wylie are compelled to leave many towns that they live in as people in the towns do not approve her interference with young male students. It can be said that Eleanor Nortons’ spiritiual longings take important place in the formation of the cult. After Giovanni’s acknowledging that he is â€Å"the one to come† , the cult starts to form around him. Eleanor practices automatic writing in which she communicates with a spirit, Domiron who gives her secret messages and prophecies. Therefore, she is a dominant member of the group. Since the daily lives of the miners and the merchants in the town are tedious and hard, they believe in anything that offers to make their lives special. As their lives depend on chatting with each other, watching basketball games, submitting to the mine for economic survival, it is not surprising that Brunist movement which offers specialness will have followers. Owing to media, Brunists cult gains popularity and its popularity becomes nationwide. This movement in West Condon attract media’s attention since it is little wonder that any movement waiting for the end of the world is covered by national newspapers and televisions. The person who first reveals actions of Brunists and sells these to national newspapers is the local journalist, Tiger Miller, who is the owner of town newspaper. In order to get the story of Brunists, he joins in the cult without believing it. While succeeding learning the story of them, he also falls in love with Marcella Bruno. Therefore, he tries to rescue her from the cult but cannot be successful since she is killed by a car while awaiting the end of the world with the group. Miller publishes so many things about Brunists that people in the town are split into its supporters and nonsupporters. Many West Condoners are embrassed by the actions of Brunists when they read the news about them on the newspapers. As a result, a group of people forms a group named Common Sense Committee trying to put an end to this cult. As a consequence, Origin of the Brunists by Robert Coover generally tells the story of a religious cult which is formed after Giovanni Bruno, only survivor of the mine disaster, achieves keep alive. Bruno’s visions, a white bird seen in the mine before the catastrophe, dull and hard lives of the townspeople who need something new in their lives are led them to form a eligious group. This novel shows how people believe in something which a person makes up. Without questioning, they even consider someone as a prophet and wait for the end of the world though they do not know when the world ends. When they gather on the Mount of Redemption, they even beat and kick the journalist, Tiger Miller since their story becomes even international because of him. At the e nd of novel, the end of the world does not come and they cannot accomplish killing Tiger Miller.

How does Steinbeck present the theme of loneliness in ‘Of Mice and Men’? Essay

‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck, is set in mid-1930s America during the depression. This depression came as a shock to America after the 1920s ‘boom-time’. The inspiration that Steinbeck drew upon is the troublesome times people were living through at that time. However, the characters in the novel are lucky in that they are working on a prosperous farm, despite millions actually being out of work at the time. In this essay, I will attempt to bring out key points referring to loneliness and how it affects the characters in the story. The novel is set in a place called Soledad, which incidentally means loneliness. The two central characters in the novel are George Milton and Lennie Small. The first chapter helps us get to know the characters well. George and Lennie are two workers who move from ranch to ranch in search of work and good pay. We know early on that they are currently between jobs, and are hitching lifts to their next job. They had to move on from the last ranch because of Lennie having touched a girl’s dress, so they are on the run. George is quick-witted and intelligent. He is also very cautious â€Å"Lennie. You gonna be sick like you was last night.†. George is ‘small and quick, dark of face,’ also with ‘restless eyes’ this again stresses the point that he is cautious and weary of other people. Lennie however is very childlike – â€Å"Look, George. Look what I done.† – Like a small child, Lennie is trying to impress George. One point emphasised frequently through the book is, despite his terror of violence, he is a man of great physical strength and is often compared to an animal – â€Å"He stood crying, his fist lost in Lennie’s paw.† In many ways, George and Lennie are the two halves of a single person, one of them is strong while the other is weak. The two refer to both George – strong mind, physically weak – and Lennie – physically strong, but mentally weak. Lennie is George’s ‘shadow’, he does as he is told by George – whether in his best interests or not – â€Å"You tol’ me to, George,† he said miserably.’ George and Lennie care for each other as if they were family. George plays the parent figure in Lennie’s life, he has taken on the responsibility for Lennie partly out of pity, partly out of affection, and partly for companionship. They actually need and depend upon one another – â€Å"you got me and I got you† – as Lennie keeps saying. They share a dream to own a patch of land and it is this that keeps them going in the bad times. Other men may also have had this dream, but perhaps don’t have as m uch faith in it as George and Lennie do. Candy is near to the end of his useful life on the farm and knows he has little to look forward to. Candy’s only companion is his dog, we are told Candy has raised him since he was a pup. When the dog is killed by Carlson, Candy is silent almost as if his soul was in the dog, so when the dog is destroyed, Candy is too. He is offered a new pup by Slim, but this is no consolation as he has lost a lifelong friend. Candy is easily hurt by Carlson’s willingness to ‘murder’ his pet â€Å"Le’s get it over with,† Despite his emotional turmoil early in the book, Candy is saved from insanity by George and Lennie. He is let into their dream and he is just as enthusiastic about it as Lennie! â€Å"How much they want for a place like that?† The loss of his dog is not the first he has had to deal with. ‘He scratched the stump of his wrist nervously. â€Å"I got hurt four years ago,† This shows he has only one hand, and has had to come to terms with the loss of something perhaps more important than a pet. Crooks is a ‘special case’. He is a literate black cripple who tends horses on the ranch. This makes him one of the loners in the novel. Because he is black, he has a room of his own – but with manure right outside the window, he is not living in luxury. His significant possessions are his books. Whereas the ranch hands generally read magazines, he has the time – and the intelligence – to read proper books. Literature, after all, educates us, allows us to enter into other worlds, and fills our time profitably. He says, â€Å"A guy sets alone out here at night, maybe readin’ books or thinkin'† The books actually show that Crooks is not inferior. If anything, they show that he has a superior intelligence. However, Crooks indicates the books also reflect his loneliness – he would like someone to talk to. So they also show how he is different and apart from the other workers on the ranch. He has long been the victim of oppressive violence and prejudice, this in itself leaves him separate from the rest of the group. Despite the persecutions, the other characters seem to secretly admire him â€Å"Jesus, how that nigger can pitch shoes.† Then Slim replies â€Å"He’s plently good,† although they never complement him when he is around. Crooks does have rights, but many of them are abused and no-one does anything to enforce them. Crooks has trouble fitting in and making friends because of restrictions imposed on him by the boss – he is only allowed in the bunkhouse at Christmas. Crooks’ character is bored with life and only wishes to be equal with white people, like he seemed to be as a child, and he only now realises why his father despised his white friends as a child. Crooks is isolated from the other ranch hands because he is different. He copes with it by keeping a distance between himself and the other hands but he is drawn into the dream of working on George and Lennie’s farm. When Lennie is with him when the others are in town Crooks is talking about his views on companionship. Crooks tries to talk to Lennie about the loneliness he is feeling caused by being black, but Lennie is too busy thinking about George to listen to him. So Crooks ends up teasing him about George not coming back. Curley’s wife is seen as a possession – something belonging to Curley – rather than a person in her own right. She is just described as a tart, but little more is known about her. It could be because of this that she enjoys teasing Lennie and the others on the ranch; she knows Curley does not approve and it is a way of getting her own sense of being an individual back. She wants to be noticed as a person, her shattered dream of being a movie star is shared with Lennie as they grow a short friendship. She is described as a â€Å"temptress†, â€Å"piece of jail-bait† and a â€Å"tart†. She is portrayed as an evil character, although it is also emphasised that this is no fault of her own. She is blamed by Candy for the end of his own dreams, even though she was also a victim – after Lennie unintentionally killed her. Being lonely she turned to Lennie for companionship, but his love of petting soft things ends in her demise. Lennie and Curley’s Wife are, with the exception of Crooks, the most lonely and misunderstood characters in the book. In chapter five, they meet in the barn after Lennie has accidentally killed his puppy. Curley’s Wife approaches him, but he knows he should not be talking to her, after all George said she was a bad person, â€Å"Well, I ain’t supposed to talk to you or nothing.†. He reveals the dead puppy, and she begins her slow process of seduction, by consoling him – telling him it was not his fault. Then she tells him about her dreams, her life story and how she was cheated out of a movie star career by her â€Å"ol’ lady†. It changes from seduction to a friendship â€Å"because she had confided in him, she moved closer to Lennie and sat beside him† – so now there is a one way trust between the two, Curley’s Wife already having confided in Lennie, but he is still worried about what George might think – a nd the possibility of George not letting him tend the rabbits. But Lennie tells her he likes soft things, and she allows him to stroke her hair. She has fallen into a trap, and it seems she will suffer the same fate as the other creatures Lennie has petted. She does. Eventually killed by her own loneliness, she dies violently at the same strong hands as the mice, the dog and Curley’s hand. Candy then stumbles upon the body, he knows it was Lennie and realises the trio’s dream is finished. He gets George who knows he must reach Lennie before Curley and the other ranch-hands, so he can help Lennie escape the violence that would ensue if he didn’t catch him in time. An alternate way of life is sought by the characters, motivated by their loneliness, this is one of the reasons they drift from ranch-to-ranch, they are continually searching. They do this, often without knowing what they are really looking for. Characters are also lonely because of something within themselves, something that almost seems to make their loneliness inevitable. Different characters seek comfort in different things – for Candy it is his dog; for George and Lennie it is each other; for Crooks it is his pride and skill at things like pitching horseshoes. For them, it is an unending journey moving from place to place, the same jobs, the same routines, different people. Sadly, they never stay in one place long enough to make friends or settle down. Many dream of getting a ranch of their own, but it will never happen as long as they take their pay every month and go into town and waste all they have earned on one night of recreation.

Punctuality

Every person in this world has morals and ethics that are differ from other. If people do not respect their morals and ethics, then obviously they do not respect their selves. For instance, respecting the time or punctuality is surely included in the personal ethics. It is important for each person to be punctual because it is conveys the personal ethics and increases the trusts of others. Academically, not being punctual will cause the student to miss information, failing classes and lose respect.The most significant effect of not being punctual is the student will miss classes, and that’s will cause the students to miss information. This information could range from pop quizzes to homeworks due dates. Furthermore, if the students permanently come late to the classes or misses it, they would not know about the homeworks due date or any information about it. Additionally, the students who are not punctual have a bigger chance of having lower grades on pop quizzes. Consequently , not respecting time will absolutely determine the total grade.Also, if the student has an assigned presentation to do and he/she are not punctual, he/she will fail to present what is assigned for them. Ultimately, the few minutes the students miss means more grades to lose. Secondly, the consequences of losing grades are apparently failing the classes. As a result, the student will have a lower GPA and will be dismissed from the university. The only thing that each student does not want to have is a low GPA, and that is why they study hard and put more effort on it.As a consequence, the A student is always punctual and will never miss any class. Because of having a lower GPA and not respecting punctuality, the student will be dismissed from the university. Surely no student wants to be dismissed from the university but punctuality is one of the unbreakable rules of the university. Accordingly, the student will face a hard time getting accepted from other universities, which most p robably will reject the admission request because of not respecting punctuality.One of the main effects of not being punctual, that the student will lose instructors, classmates and family respect. Firstly, the student who does not respect the class time and always comes late will lose the respect of the instructor. As a result, the instructors won’t be helpful to these students when it comes to the grades. Furthermore, the classmates will lose faith and trust on those who are not punctual. Because of their habits they can’t be trusted especially when it comes to studying and doing a group projects.Also, after being dismissed from the university and basically losing all the opportunities of having a good life, the family will not respect the unpunctual student and will treats them as a child. Because they spent so much money and time, and they are rewarded by being unpunctual. Finally, Punctuality is substantial and it must be respected from all the people. It is a mir ror for people’s ethics and countries culture. Personally, I would not go to the class rather than going late. Each student has to be punctual when it comes to class attendance, because it is one of the keys of academic success. Punctuality Every person in this world has morals and ethics that are differ from other. If people do not respect their morals and ethics, then obviously they do not respect their selves. For instance, respecting the time or punctuality is surely included in the personal ethics. It is important for each person to be punctual because it is conveys the personal ethics and increases the trusts of others. Academically, not being punctual will cause the student to miss information, failing classes and lose respect.The most significant effect of not being punctual is the student will miss classes, and that’s will cause the students to miss information. This information could range from pop quizzes to homeworks due dates. Furthermore, if the students permanently come late to the classes or misses it, they would not know about the homeworks due date or any information about it. Additionally, the students who are not punctual have a bigger chance of having lower grades on pop quizzes. Consequently , not respecting time will absolutely determine the total grade.Also, if the student has an assigned presentation to do and he/she are not punctual, he/she will fail to present what is assigned for them. Ultimately, the few minutes the students miss means more grades to lose. Secondly, the consequences of losing grades are apparently failing the classes. As a result, the student will have a lower GPA and will be dismissed from the university. The only thing that each student does not want to have is a low GPA, and that is why they study hard and put more effort on it.As a consequence, the A student is always punctual and will never miss any class. Because of having a lower GPA and not respecting punctuality, the student will be dismissed from the university. Surely no student wants to be dismissed from the university but punctuality is one of the unbreakable rules of the university. Accordingly, the student will face a hard time getting accepted from other universities, which most p robably will reject the admission request because of not respecting punctuality.One of the main effects of not being punctual, that the student will lose instructors, classmates and family respect. Firstly, the student who does not respect the class time and always comes late will lose the respect of the instructor. As a result, the instructors won’t be helpful to these students when it comes to the grades. Furthermore, the classmates will lose faith and trust on those who are not punctual. Because of their habits they can’t be trusted especially when it comes to studying and doing a group projects.Also, after being dismissed from the university and basically losing all the opportunities of having a good life, the family will not respect the unpunctual student and will treats them as a child. Because they spent so much money and time, and they are rewarded by being unpunctual. Finally, Punctuality is substantial and it must be respected from all the people. It is a mir ror for people’s ethics and countries culture. Personally, I would not go to the class rather than going late. Each student has to be punctual when it comes to class attendance, because it is one of the keys of academic success.

MGT 302 MOD 2 CA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

MGT 302 MOD 2 CA - Essay Example Based on the various explanations that the author has provided for each of these successful women, one common aspect among all of these ladies is that each of them uses either one of the five forms of power as explained by French and Raven (Changing Minds). Here in order to effectively compare each of these successful ladies, the paper will detail their style and method adopted individually. This will provide a complete overview of each of their styles and will also provide a clear comparison of the styles adopted by each of them. Individual Analysis: Here each individual will be analysed individually. This will help give a clear idea of the style used by the individual and will help gain a clearer difference among all the ladies. Sharon Patrick clearly uses the Coercive power as her mode of gaining real power in her work place. This she uses to gain the power and to also gain an upper hand when compared to her male counterparts. Sharon has shown the strength and confidence that she has and has used this power to her benefit (Muoio). Linda Chavez-Thompson as well uses her coercive power to deal with her work place. Considering her role this is an ideal power to use to keep in complete control in the work place. It is however essential to note here that her style is apt for her job. Linda Chavez-Thompson however does have a mixed role of coercive as well as expert power. She shows here expertise and used this to move up to the current position. Jessica Bibliowicz on the other hand, unlike the other ladies uses the reward power as her tool to gain the real power within the company (Brooks). This she believes is the best method to get the work done and is her secret to success. Janice Gjertsen uses a combination of the legitimate and referent power. Her ideas are clear and unlike the others she focuses on being herself to best extent and to keep up the characteristics of a true women rather than trying to be someone else all together. Katherine D'Urso unlike all t he above mentioned ladies focuses on the legitimate power. She is clear with her goals and does not believe in asking for help, but in doing things in the right manner from the beginning (Muoio). She follows rules and ensures that all the work in line with law. Michelle Bernard is a person who uses legitimate and referent power. She has had her goals and an aim set down firm and is clear in her mind of what she aims at achieving. Her style of leadership is more transactional in nature. Harriet Rubin follows the style of referent power. This proves to be effective as she works in an industry which is led by men. She clearly adopts a transformational style for herself and tries to blend herself to the market as that is the only sure shot manner of being a part of the industry and gaining a strong position in the company (Muoio). Kathryn Gould is among the few who follows a different approach at the work place. She has adopted a charismatic leadership. She uses her natural charisma to reach out to the people and to get work completed. Her style of leadership is clearly very different from the rest. Sara Levinson has shown a very different form of leadership. She uses a participative leadership style and is focused on developing a strong team with the involvement of all. For instance here in this case of what type of leadership she uses, she consulted here team (Mullins). This is clearly a participative leadership style. Kathy Kane-Zweber uses a coercive form of leadership for her work

Hombres Necios by Sor Juana Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Hombres Necios by Sor Juana - Essay Example However, Sor Juana argues that these faults are caused by men themselves. This is seen in the first stanza of the poem where she argues that men wrongly accuse women forgetting that they are the ones to blame for the emergent faults. During the writing of the poem in the seventeenth century, gender equality was a main issue though it was hardly spoken about. Nonetheless, the poem gives a reflection of the scenario during this period while simultaneously condemning men’s actions against women. For example, the poem uses a relationship approach to show the inequality and atrocities committed to women. In every step of the relationship from courtship to the course of the relationship, men always strive to win and do not take responsibility for any fault at all but rather blame women. Generally, although Sor Juana argues for women, she does use the term ‘we’ in the entire poem. Additionally, the poem is arguably easy to understand owing to the short stanzas, four lines each, and the recurrence of the message. Although Sor Juana was from Mexico, the poem gives a reflection of the general societal setting in Latin America. During this period women’s voice and contributions to the society were limited with only two opportunities as either housewives or nuns. Although nuns enjoyed some privileges such as learning, they were still held back by the limitations imposed on women. As such, Sor Juana’s poem critiquing men was a bold move from a woman making her one of the first pioneers of feminism. Considering the odds against women, it is only logical to ask what motivated her. Did other women approve of her ways? More importantly, did her efforts bear any fruits? Additionally, the poem is relatable to the modern society where issues revolving around gender equality are still imminent. Gender inequality is not only an issue in Latin America but rather a global

Wal-Mart's German Misadventure - case study Term Paper

Wal-Mart's German Misadventure - case study - Term Paper Example Indeed, proper global marketing if implemented correctly has the  ability  to guide a company to the next level. Different  strategies  are employed based on each specific region where  the company is operating (Ocampo, 1). For example, McDonald's varies its operation and attitude towards business based on their restaurants’ location. The company identifies the popular items within a given country and then focuses on marketing the same. Global marketing is particularly important for business organizations that provide products as well as services possessing a universal demand. McDonald’s success story can be well illustrated through the presentation of some simple statistical evidences: in fact, â€Å"McDonald’s is now the â€Å"leading global food service retailer† with 33,000 local restaurants and serving almost 68 million people in119 countries each day (Introduction to McDonald’s)†. ... The following report illustrates the case of Wal-Mart, the world’s biggest retail chain that struggled to concrete its feet in Germany, incurring huge loss and experiencing successive obliteration from the German market. Overview and Background of the case company- Wal-Mart Stores, INC is an American public stock company, which is into a business that runs a chain of warehouse stores and discount departments worldwide. Sam Walton founded it in 1962 and since then, the company hasn’t stopped growing, increasing its stores number from 24 in 1967 to 276 in 1980. Nowadays, the company operates in 4400 stores in the US only and has expanded its activities internationally. The company integrated the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) in 1972. Moreover, Wal-Mart has all over 8500 stores in the entire world under 55 different names such as in Mexico where it operates as Walmax, in Britain it operates as Asda likewise Seiyu in Japan and as Best price in India. It has been successful in implementing their concept globally, ranking among the top retailers in the various countries they operate in. In act, after it has started its globalization plans in the 90s, Wal-Mart became by 2003 the largest retailer in Mexico, Canada, Argentina and Puerto Rico. The organization was started as a single store, which soon became the largest retail shop of the world. Thanks to its prolific success, the organization is called the â€Å"TREND SETTER† in retail chain shops by some researchers. Furthermore, Wal-Mart operates each store from the product, which they have in stocks. Wal-Mart has a philosophy of providing lowest price everyday or EDLP and superior customer support. This company uses its unique cross-docking inventory system, which reduces the

Research paper for Final exam Organ transplantation in Canada

For Final exam Organ transplantation in Canada - Research Paper Example In as much as most of the patients are normally expected to wait for a substantial period before undergoing the medical procedures, the world has extensive research and technological advancements in the field of medicine to thank. This is because both have worked towards minimizing organ rejection and at the same time increasing the set of organs that can be transplanted. The World Health Organization has often reaffirmed its position on organ transplant, which demands that organ trade should not be practiced, and that a clear guideline should be followed in case it has to be executed. Whereas nations such as Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom have been at the forefront of ensuring flawless parameters are followed while carrying out organ transplants, states such as Iran have repeatedly violated such provisions (Sanavi et al 184-187). This essay aims to provide more insight on organ transplant, taking particular interest in how the procedure is carried out in Canada and Iran. Health Canada is the organization tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the process of blood and organ transplantation in Canada. The establishment, with the input of other stakeholders in the health sector normally prepares a waiting list, which contains the names of patients in need of organ replacement. Once a suitable donor is found, Health Canada, through its branches informs the patient on the waiting list, before carrying out the procedure within a stipulated duration. According to data from Health Canada, well over 2124 organs were transplanted in Canada in the year 2012, a figure that has stayed practically the same from the year 2006, while currently about 4500 individuals are waiting for organ replacements in Canada (Health Canada). On a rather sad note, the organization reports that about 256 patients died during the same year while waiting for ideal donors to be found. Unlike in nations like Iran where organ trade is rampant, Health

Economics Incresing supermarkets chain profits by adopting different Essay

Economics Incresing supermarkets chain profits by adopting different pricing strategies in different markets - Essay Example This type of marketing strategy involves the introduction of market segmentation by the company, when the segments are introduced then the company is able to price different prices on the goods they sell in the market, higher income earners are charged higher prices while the low income earners example students pay less. Through price discrimination chain supply supermarkets are able to achieve higher profits from the same market. Premium pricing is another pricing strategy that is aimed at attracting high status conscious customers, a good is introduced in the market and its price is set at a higher level than other goods, the objective of these pricing strategy is to meet the needs of some consumers who believe that the high prices are a sign of quality, they believe that the high price on the product is as a result of high production costs which are incurred to make the product the best, for these reason they will buy the product at the high price. These customers also believe that purchasing such a product will be a symbol of self worth. Therefore the customer will buy the highly priced product because they are worth it. Penetration pricing is a pricing strategy aimed at increasing the quantity sold by a chain supply supermarket, this strategy involves lowering the prices of a product whose demand is highly elastic, this means that when the price is lowered then the demand for the product will highly increase. However this pricing strategy is applied when the price decrease will result into a high decline in costs as the sales volume increases. For this reason therefore the chain supply supermarket will reduce the price of a certain product leading to high decline in costs and therefore high levels of profits. Price skimming: Price skimming involves charging high prices on a product but then gradually lowering the prices over time, this strategy is mostly used by a chain supply company in order to recover sunk costs, the firm captures its customers surplus and hence high profits are attained in the process, however over time after the firm has gained it will lower prices gradually to the market price level. Promotional pricing: Promotional pricing involves giving a price cut on certain products for a short period of time, this is a strategy aimed at increasing the demand for a product and also attracting customers to take advantage of these offers, this strategy involves promotional discounts which aid in giving the chain supply supermarkets competitive advantage and increasing consumers turnout into their supermarkets and therefore increasing sales on the product and also other products. Price discounting: This is a strategy that is mostly used by chain supply supermarkets where they offer trade discounts, seasonal discounts and quantity discount, it is commonly used to attract more customers into the supermarket and also as a way to increase demand for its product through quantity discounts, this way the firm is able to maximise its profits by increasing its market area. Price lining: Price lining is a marketing strategy used by chain supply supermarkets and it involves product lining which aid in price lining, product lining involve offering products in the market that are related, a product line will may either have products of different sizes, types,

Conversations about Modern Art Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Conversations about Modern Art - Assignment Example The paper "Conversations about Modern Art" analyzes modern art, poetry and also "Starry night", the painting of Vincent van Gogh. The use of spiral lines in his painting also depicts a slow cool night in the small town. The orange illuminating color of the moon creates a picture of peace. The white colors of the stars also surround the little town creating a peaceful horizon. The swirling wave motion and curling nature of the moon also creates a cool horizon as can be seen in the painting. The slow motion movement of the trees surrounding the houses in the town also proves a peaceful environment. On the, stands a massive dark structure resembling a tall tree. Gogh brings this image out of seclusion from the rest of the town and shows stability in the town. Gogh in the painting represents a peaceful emotion. This is by use of stars and the fact that people are missing in the streets or in the town. By use of spiral and curly lines in his painting, various contrasts in colors also crea te a good balance of peace in the representation. The painting represents a good aspect of modernism. The age of the painting depicts an age where artists created modern artistic work moving away from neoclassicism. The picture of well-organized houses in a small town represents modernity. The church represented in the drawing at the centre of the houses also shows a modern way of life. The houses also show new forms of buildings a real difference from the ancient kind of buildings in that age.