To review the work you have completed in the course and to reflect on Essay

To review the work you have completed in the course and to reflect on what you have learned from it - Essay Example When I consider writing and understanding arguments within a paper, I realize that often papers do not just consist of an essay of thoughts. They also are not necessarily incorporated just of facts and research. The best thing I have learned about writing research papers is that sometimes when writing an argumentative paper, a person has the chance to research two sides of the subject and discuss the pros and cons of it throughout the paper. It allows for someone not to just look at one part of it, but to write a paper that is more informative when someone were to look at two sides of an issues. Some subjects are simply much broader. Through my desire to further obtain goals, it is necessary to continue the steps needed in order to achieve them. This class was part of the stepping stones that I have needed to take in regards to sounding like a more proficient writer and more intelligent person. Although sometimes I have ideas, it is hard to sometimes convey them in a written form. I have been able to better learn how to do that. In regards to some of the areas I think I have grown the most is in my selection of resources. Not only do I realize that I need two sides of a subject in order to tell the complete story behind a paper, I also know that research must be credible. What is always online is not always what should be believed. Some resources that are online are sometimes offered as scholar or peer-reviewed journal entries. Some organizations also offer helpful articles on their websites. When looking for true factual information, you cannot just go to some website and assume it is true. Wikipedia for example can give somewhat of a background about a topic but as far as its credibility, by its name you would think it was like an encyclopedia. Instead of it being an encyclopedia, it is a waste of time because it is not legitimate. I have learned other areas where to look for credible resources. Though

Reservation System Essay Example for Free

Reservation System Essay I. Introduction A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning or climate control. The cost and quality of hotels are usually indicative of the range and type of services available. As one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy of our time, the hotel industry alone is a multi-billion pesos and growing enterprise. It is exciting, never boring and offer unlimited opportunities. The hotel industry is diverse enough for people to work in different areas of interest and still be employed within the hotel industry. But the sad things, small hotels still using a manual reservation system and they don’t have a system that can minimize their jobs like a automated database system. Even the government staff houses like NEDA staff house have the budget but still using a manual system like log books. The main targets of this study are for the employees of NEDA STAFF HOUSE. This study aim to benefit the subject of our study, it will minimize their work and can have a security for their respective files. This study will also help the proponents to enhance their knowledge in programming such as Microsoft office application as well as teamwork throughout the study. Interaction and individual stimulation have always been linked to the technological availability of the time and place. With the transition to an information-based society, computers and transactions have evolved from manual transaction. One of the solutions or alternatives to the problems that a hotel is facing, a system was being developed which can edit, delete, filter, monitor and store and secured the records of the customers. The propose system will help the staff house to decrease the work of the building administrator because they will be using a less effort like this automated system for their reservation. II. Background of the study The NEDA staff house started in 1970 so there employees from far provinces around the Philippines have a stopover in manila in case they have an appointment. Instead of accommodating in an expensive hotel, the staff house can give the same services but has a very low rate of overnight stay. For only P80 per night the staff house has a comfortable rooms and facilities that the NEDA employees can use throughout their stay. By calling the Building Administrator 5 days before they will check in and verify the reservation 2 days before check in, they can have a peaceful overnight stay at the staff house. NEDA staff house accommodating over 13 regions of NEDA Government offices all over the Philippines. Before, the staff house has 20 staff from the main office of NEDA. They were residing at the staff house to have a temporary office. But nowadays new offices of NEDA established all over the metro manila like their main office at the Pasay city so the NEDA staff house needed only 4 employees (Building administrator, 2 Security Guards, 1 Janitor). As of now the NEDA staff house is still running and accepting accommodations from there other offices aroung the Philippines. III. Statement of the problem General problem. The main problem of this study is the inaccurate reservation of the customers/NEDA Employees. Specific Problems: The specific problems are the following: 1. Low in security for file storage 2. Time monitoring are consuming 3. Less data integrity 4. Difficulty in searching and retrieving files 5. Possible loss of records and retrieving files 6. Difficulty in finding the availability of rooms IV. Objective of the study General Objective. The study aims to solve the problem encountered and to change the manual reservation system. Using the proponent’s reservation system, it will lessen the work of the Building Administrator work. It will be organize to have an automated reservation system. Specific Objective. The specific objectives are as follows: 1. To increase the security between the management and staff. 2. To lessen time consume. 3. To highly integrate data. 4. To spend less time in searching and retrieving of files. 5. To create a back up of files in every successful transaction. 6. To become make easier to find the availability rooms. V. Significance of the study This study will show how important is the automated reservation system than a manual system. It will benefit the following: Management It will help the management a lot by organizing the files properly in a small storage like a computer than a storage that is not so well secure like a storage room. They will have a report data that is easy to manage. Building Administrator The Building Administrator will benefit a lot in this project because she can manage the files by not using too much effort using a manual system. The administrator can also create a backup if something turns out wrong on the system. She can also easily update the wrong information of the customers/government employee reservation info. Security Guards The Security guards will benefit to the project because they will not need the help of the Building Administrator in case that she’s not around. They can easily access the automated reservation system because they have the authority to use the system by entering their username passwords. Other Lodging businesses This study can also help other small lodging businesses such as motels, apartelle lodging, etc to their study about automated reservation system and made them realize how important the automated reservation system in their businesses. By this research, they will know the significance of this study to their business. Future researchers It will also benefit the future researcher or students in NCBA which is taking the course of BSIS. This project gives an idea on their research about reservation system. VI. Scope and Limitations This study is conducted to know the reason behind the proponents on how will their purposed systems will help the staff house management. The Proposed System is a Reservation System that is compatible in the NEDA staff house. Because they accommodating their employees from around the Philippines, they do not have a database system that records the reservation of the employees only a log book record. This study mainly focused on providing application using computerized system that enables businesses to track services and aims to provide accurate and reliable process on every transaction especially in reservation. This study is looked into a better impact of using technology  today on how it affects our daily lives especially for being the customer. With this studies it can help our beneficiaries to know the differences of using manual system to a computerized generation today, prioritize is to prove and to give them the right information. The limitation of the system has no inventory of item used of the customer/government employees that have a reservation in the staff house. The customer cannot process a reservation online because only the Building administrator and the security guard duty on that time can access the system so they can manage some confidential files.

My Dominant White Culture Essay example -- Cultural Identity Essays

In my culture, the environment is clean. We have clean houses, clean community spaces, and clean schools. We tend to avoid places that are dirty. The housing is generally sufficient for our needs, and we have compassion for those whose living spaces are not suitable for their lifestyle. Yet no person in my culture would offer their home or car to someone who needed it more. Appearance is extremely important in my culture. The people in my culture are expected to dress neat and clean. It doesn't have to be the latest style, but clean and neat is appropriate. Those who do dress in the latest style seem to command more respect from the others. Those who don't dress in accordance with these rules are not ostracized but pitied. Usually, the hair styles grow shorter with age. Most women are expected to wear make-up, the men are not. Women are expected to but not required to have large breasts, slim figures, small features (hands, feet, and noses), straight teeth, and a healthy tan. Men are usually required to have a flat stomach, bulging biceps, thick, full hair, straight teeth, and, of course, a healthy tan. Although many people of my culture do not fit these images, most try in one way or another to achieve these standards of appearance. Those who can achieve these standards are usually respected and revered. These people are often featured in the media and interviewed on how they accomplished this goal of appearance. Â   The language of my culture is English. Many speak other languages and are respected for taking the time to do so. This culture originated in Europe and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. There are many different cultures represented in my culture, but we are generally white an... ...ach day. Â   My school experiences were very diverse. Many of my friends came from cultures other than my own. Many students from differing cultures graduated with highest honors and received scholarships. They had to learn to work hard and to value knowledge just like I did. It is unfortunate that many of us had to conform to the mold set by the school in order to be successful though. Â   School reinforces the values dominant in society. If the society is dominated by one particular culture then every student must learn those values. Luckily, many cultures share values and ideas, but unfortunately, many do not. Conflict is the result of our diversity and society, including those who decide the curricula for schools must compromise. Too bad it usually doesn't happen, I would like to know more about my neighbors. Â   Â   My Dominant White Culture Essay example -- Cultural Identity Essays In my culture, the environment is clean. We have clean houses, clean community spaces, and clean schools. We tend to avoid places that are dirty. The housing is generally sufficient for our needs, and we have compassion for those whose living spaces are not suitable for their lifestyle. Yet no person in my culture would offer their home or car to someone who needed it more. Appearance is extremely important in my culture. The people in my culture are expected to dress neat and clean. It doesn't have to be the latest style, but clean and neat is appropriate. Those who do dress in the latest style seem to command more respect from the others. Those who don't dress in accordance with these rules are not ostracized but pitied. Usually, the hair styles grow shorter with age. Most women are expected to wear make-up, the men are not. Women are expected to but not required to have large breasts, slim figures, small features (hands, feet, and noses), straight teeth, and a healthy tan. Men are usually required to have a flat stomach, bulging biceps, thick, full hair, straight teeth, and, of course, a healthy tan. Although many people of my culture do not fit these images, most try in one way or another to achieve these standards of appearance. Those who can achieve these standards are usually respected and revered. These people are often featured in the media and interviewed on how they accomplished this goal of appearance. Â   The language of my culture is English. Many speak other languages and are respected for taking the time to do so. This culture originated in Europe and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean. There are many different cultures represented in my culture, but we are generally white an... ...ach day. Â   My school experiences were very diverse. Many of my friends came from cultures other than my own. Many students from differing cultures graduated with highest honors and received scholarships. They had to learn to work hard and to value knowledge just like I did. It is unfortunate that many of us had to conform to the mold set by the school in order to be successful though. Â   School reinforces the values dominant in society. If the society is dominated by one particular culture then every student must learn those values. Luckily, many cultures share values and ideas, but unfortunately, many do not. Conflict is the result of our diversity and society, including those who decide the curricula for schools must compromise. Too bad it usually doesn't happen, I would like to know more about my neighbors. Â   Â  

Formation and Organization of the Athalassic Salt Lakes of Australia :: Geology Research Papers

Formation and Organization of the Athalassic Salt Lakes of Australia Preface Upon my acceptance to the Biomes of Australia 2003 program – a biologically-oriented summer experience in the â€Å"Land Down Under† that, for the 6th consecutive year, has been organized by Dr. Warren Dolphin of Iowa State University – I was presented with the task of writing a research paper on an aspect of the Australian landscape. Anxious to apply my new knowledge of geomorphology and desiring to investigate an ecosystem from the holistic perspective of an environmental scientist, I settled upon investigating the formative elements of athalassic (inland) salt lakes and how they determine the ecological structure of salt lake playas. The research summarized in this report is an assimilation of fragmented literature on the subject and represents an attempt to integrate those pieces for better clarity. I believe that my travel companions, to whom I am obligated to present this information, shall derive a greater understanding of Australian salt lake systems f rom a broad examination of the subject than from an intensely focused analysis of but a single component. Although the information that I present is indeed broad in scope, the reader must realize that it falls short of comprehensiveness. The shear volume of literature prohibits designing anything other than a series of encyclopedias to encompass the full complexity of salt lake systems. It is my hope, rather, that this paper elicits the reader’s curiosity and prompts further reading on this fascinating area. The introduction draws a necessary overview of salt lakes in basic geographic and geologic terms. Part I examines the processes of basin and lake formation, first the physical mechanisms of creation and secondly the concentration of ions within the basin. Part II explores the effects of salinity and other chemical characteristics on lake fauna. Part III explains how climatic adjustments determine the composition of vegetation in and around salt lake basins. Together, these pieces should provide some insight to a central question of this paper: What physical and chemical characteristics of athalassic salt lakes, as determined by the regional climatic and hydrologic regime, determine local ecologies? Abstract The athalassic salt lakes of Australia arose during the continent’s shift to the present arid/semi-arid climate regime. Some, such as Lake Eyre are ephemeral and hold water only after infrequent and irregular rains; others flood intermittently or permanently contain water.

Zara Marketing Plan

New collection Launch | Marketing Plan 22. 10. 2009 1 SITUATION ANALYSIS Zara Brand Wheel Fashionable clothes Varied assortment Trendy colors Feminine cuts Fashionable product lines for moderate costs Customer- ­? centered business Runway trends adapted for the streets Brand Essence Fashion- ­? oriented woman Trendy in every situaFon Feeling good about looking good Fashion - ­? friendly Feminine Hot and trendy High-Street Fashion The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research 5 Keys of the Zara Business Model Store Teams Customer Logis4csDesign/ Produc4on The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research 5 Keys of the Zara Business Model Customer â€Å"Main driving force behind the Zara brand. † Star%ng point for all Zara ac%vi%es Customer Lead role in: †¢? Store design †¢? Produc%on †¢? Logis%cs †¢? Team The Zara Brand In dustry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research s The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research 5 Keys of the Zara Business Model Store Store â€Å"Mee4ng oint between the customer and the Zara fashion o? er. † 1,520 stores collect informa%on regarding customer demands. New products introduced twice a week. Top loca%ons – 17 visits / year / customer Me%culously designed shop windows Maximum aJen%on to interior & exterior architechtual design Appropriate coordina%on of garments Excellent customer care The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research 5 Keys of the Zara Business Model Design & ProducFon â€Å"Inspira4on comes from the street, music, art †¦ but above all, the store. † Proximity of roduc%on facili%es Immediate reac%on to trends. Con%nuous work for all teams. Managers – teams – customer demand – forms, designs, fabrics, compliments Design/ Produc4on 1,186 suppliers, 200 desginers The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research 5 Keys of the Zara Business Model LogisFcs â€Å"Highly frequent and constant distribu4on permiKng the o? er to be constantly renewed. † 697 million garments distributed 5,000 employees at logis%cs centers Logis4cs Designed with maximum ?exibility. Customer oriented. 24h – receiving order to store elivery (Europe) Designed to absorb growth for next years. 18% annual discount rates. The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research 5 Keys of the Zara Business Model Teams â€Å"Teams with vast sales knowledge geared to towards the customer. † 8 9,112 professionals Customer oriented. Make the stores a pleasant environment. Apply corporate, social & environmental responsibility in day- ­? to- ­? day work. Teams The Zara Brand IndustryAnalysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Zara’s Performance 159 store openings in 2008 Brand Value: $ 8,609 M 1,530 stores 4 new countries in 2008 Sales â‚ ¬ 6,824 Million ZARA 73 countries The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research 14 The Industry High street fashion brand Industry trends Democra%za%on of luxury Inclusiveness Street trends Designer houses Key success factors Di? eren%a%on & individualism New fashion consumer The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development ConsumerAnalysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Customer Focused Product Development Saturated industry Need to increase brand value Responding to current industry trends Iden%f ying the need for the product in the market A full- ­? shaped body is a beau4ful body The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Customer Focused Product Development Market entry barriers Design challenges Saturated industry Need to increase brand value Responding to current industry trends Iden%fying the need for the product in the market Exis%ng customer eac%ons â€Å"Fat is not fashionable† Challenges Opportuni>es The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Consumer Analysis Today’s fashion consumer: More choice, more educated, more savvy & demanding â€Å"New breed of shoppers† Loyalty, variety, freshness The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Fashion Consumer Behavior Analysis Interest Gives pleasure & enjoyment Means of self- ­? expression Involvement Emo%ons Behavior The Zara Brand Industry Analysis ProductDevelopment Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Fashion Consumer Behavior Analysis Interest Hedonics Involvement Purchasing experience Fun, fantasy, social or emo%onal gra%? ca%on Emo%ons Behavior Impulse buying The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Fashion Consumer Behavior Analysis Interest Hedonics Involvement Importance: †¢? Consumers aJach meaning to their clothes †¢? Role of fashion in society Drivers: †¢? Individual mo%ves †¢? Projec%ng a desired self- ­? image Linked to personal values & needs: †¢?Express and communicate value †¢? Values guide consumer behavior †¢? Types of values: personal, economic, aesthe%c Emo%ons Behavior The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Fashion Consumer Behavior Analysi s Interest Hedonics Involvement Posi%ve vs. nega%ve †¢? Shorter decision %mes †¢? More impulse buying †¢? A feeling of being unconstrained †¢? Desire to reward oneself How to generate posi%ve emo%ons? †¢? Use the retail environment to posi%vely in? uence moods: †¢? suitable layouts, †¢? colors, †¢? e? ec%ve sales personnel, †¢? emo%onally pliking atmosphere Impulse buying Emo%ons Behavior The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Fashion Consumer Behavior Analysis Interest Hedonics Involvement Impulse buying †¢? Fashion oriented: strongly oriented to fashion involvement: providing sensory or experien%al cues of fashion products. †¢? Created by the symbolic interac4ons of the product & the consumer emo4onal experiences Emo%ons †¢? Need to understand impulse buying behavior for fashion products from an experien4al perspec4ve = guidance in developing strat egies BehaviorThe Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Plus Size Consumer Analysis 1 in 3 women are unhappy with the way clothes ?t them 14 happy 12 8 16 10 18 6 22 20 24 unhappy The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Plus Size Consumer Behavior AJribute Plus size product Psychosocial consequence Feel more a acFve Func%onal consequence Cut ?[ng the body shape Values Self- ­? esteem Self esteem: important moFvaFon driver for consumpFon Consumers tend to assign their own eanings to clothes. Clothing: over consumer behavior The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Market Analysis 120 Market Share 15% PeFte 60% 25% Plus Size Normal 100 80 60 40 20 0 76 100 Size 2006 2012 Segment growth: 40% increase by 2014. Only 5% of retail space is dedicated to the +size products T he Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Types of CompeFtors 1 2 3 4 Dedicated Ranges Extension of Size Ranges Designer Bou%ques E- ­? commerce The Zara Brand IndustryAnalysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research New Line PosiFoning High Fashion Zara Torrid H&M BouFques Low Price High Price M&S Charming Shoppers 1 2 Dedicated Ranges Extension of Size Ranges Designer Bou%ques E- ­? commerce Market & Consumer Research Junonia 3 4 Low Fashion The Zara Brand Industry Analysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Di? erenFaFon Brand awareness Brand loyalty New in this segments More experienced compe%tors Lack of e- ­? commerce Size & growth High fashion for modest prices Strengths Weaknesses The Zara Brand IndustryAnalysis Product Development Consumer Analysis Market Analysis Market & Consumer Research Zara vs. CompeFtors Zara 1,000 new styles / month 200 designers Higher cost of product development is more than adequately compensated by higher realized margins Strategy: reacFve, not predicFve CompeFtors 3- ­? 5 months: develop the ideas into physical samples Sales budgets & stock plans developed one year ahead of the targeted styles Few weeks / months to procure fabrics, have them approved by the retailer – produce a number of samples – put samples in producFon The Zara Brand Product development Industry Analysis

Examining Of The Book Of Joshua Religion Essays

Examining Of The Book Of Joshua Religion Essays Examining Of The Book Of Joshua Religion Essay Examining Of The Book Of Joshua Religion Essay The Book of Joshua was likely written between 1400 and 1370 B.C. It begins after the decease of Moses. Joshua is called upon by God to take the Israelites across the Jordan River and to settle down in the Promised Land. God says that in any military run, the Israelites will win every bit long as they obey his Torahs. Subsequently, Josh send in two undercover agents into the metropolis of Jericho to look into the district. When the undercover agents are known of their presence in Jericho, a cocotte named Rahab tells them that the metropolis is afraid of the Israelites success. She seeks safety by seting her religion in God, and tells them that the metropolis is in a diminished status. After happening this out, Joshua makes the Israelites cross the river, which was led by priests transporting the Ark of the Covenant. As they enter the H2O, the H2O prohibitionists and allows the people to traverse on dry land. When they approach Jericho, Joshua encounters a cryptic adult male, who says that he commands Gods ground forces, but that he is impersonal to both sides. Joshua acknowledges the adult male, but pays no attending to his commitment. God tells Joshua that Joshua must take the Israelites around the metropolis for six yearss with the Ark, and that on the 7th twenty-four hours, they will process around the metropolis seven times and the walls will be broken down. Joshua rallies all of the Israelites and tells them to kill everyone except for Rahab. They besides will non plunder any spiritual points, but alternatively fire them as court to god. After this happens, Joshua becomes a major figure across the lands, but in their following struggle in the metropolis of Ai, God does non assist the Israelites win, and are defeated. Joshua asks why, and says that Achan stole spiritual points from Jericho. After Achan is stoned with his household beside him, the following effort against Ai is successful, and the Israelites celebrate by doing an communion table to God. While the Israelites had great success, the people of Gibeon were afraid of them and sent in some undercover agents of their ain, claiming to be travellers of the land. Joshua makes a treaty rapidly without any determination from God and subsequently discovers that they Gibeonites are indigens of the land to be conquered. So the Hebrewss do non assail the metropolis, but five other male monarchs that are local, assail the metropolis of Gibeon. The Israelites come to the assistance of Gibeon and destruct the five male monarch s ground forcess. Joshua helps the combat by commanding God to halt the Sun in the sky during the battle, God obeys and the Hebrewss are successful. This is the lone clip in history of all time told that God of all time obeys a human. The Israelites continue to suppress the lower and southern metropoliss of Canaan, killing all of the people of the lands as God asked. However, much of the land remains to be taken over, the people of Israel Begin to settle down in the land, spliting it among their ain 12 folks. After many old ages of peace for Israel, the deceasing Joshua makes a farewell dictum, and tells the Hebrewss to be strong and obey all of God s Torahs. They must non hold any graven images and non get married with any of the indigens of the lands. The people assure Joshua that they will obey, nevertheless Joshua reluctantly accepts the people s word and is worried that they will non listen to him, cognizing that the obeisance will be rather hard to maintain. Fictional characters in the Book of Joshua and their Importance Some of the cardinal characters in the Book of Joshua are Joshua himself, A Rahab, Achan, Eleazar, and Phinehas. Joshua, being the character of the book becomes the leader of the Israelite folks after the decease of Moses. His name was Hoshea, but Moses decided to name him by Joshua. Joshua was one of the 12 undercover agents that were sent by Moses to research the land of Canaan, and after Moses died, he was the leader that took the Israelites into Canaan to suppress the land. It s said that Joshua lived between 1450-1370 BC which was someplace in the late Bronze Age, and harmonizing to Joshua 24:29, he dies at the age of 110. Rahab Another one of the most of import characters in the Book of Joshua is a cocotte named Rahab. Rahab ran a little in that was built into the outside wall of the metropolis of Jericho. The metropolis itself really had 2 walls for the excess munitions. Rahab foremost is cited in the book when the two undercover agents sent by Joshua and the Israelites halt at Rahab s hostel and are be aftering to get away from the metropolis, since the male monarch of Jericho someway found out that the undercover agents were at the hostel and sent his work forces to travel catch them. Meanwhile, the Hebrewss are camped across the Jordan River, to the cognition of the male monarch and his people. The word spread throughout the metropolis that God was on the Israelites side. Rahab had heard that of this was certain that the metropolis would be defeated by the Israelites. Rehab hid the two undercover agents in the top of her hostel and told the male monarchs work forces when they arrived that the work forces had already left before dark. After the male monarchs work forces had left, the undercover agents came down and told Rahab that they would save her life when they conquered the metropolis. All she would hold to make is hang a ruddy cord outside her window so that all in her hostel would be spared. Something interesting that can be found out from reading the Book of Matthew is that in chapter one you find out that Rahab married a adult male called Salmon. He was the great-great gramps of King David ( who killed Goliath ) . 26 Generations subsequently, Mary, Jesus female parent, was married to Joseph, who came from David s lineage. However, when the reader finds this out, it means that Rahab is really Jesus grandma of many coevalss ago, a fact I personally find interesting. Achan Another of import character in Joshua is Achan. He is the Israelite who disobeyed God by taking spiritual ownerships in the conquering of Jericho, while God commanded that any ownerships would non be taken, or they will be burned in his Name. Archan was judged faster than the Israelites were in the 40 old ages of rolling the desert, looking for the Promised Land. The premise is since he knew that taking ownerships was against God s will, God was able to penalize him faster. Archan s noncompliance caused the Israelites first conflict against the metropolis of Ai to be unsuccessful. Thirty-six Israelites were killed, and they were inquiring why God had non helped them achieve triumph. Subsequently on Joshua finds out that Achan had taken spiritual belongings and wants Joshua and the Israelites to lapidate him and his household to decease. Disobedience itself is a wickedness and disobeying God is one of the worst things that one of his ain kids can make. Achan did non hold to be killed, since he could hold repented, but even when he was confronted by Joshua, he did non atone. Therefore, he was stoned to decease. Eleazar Eleazar was the Levite priest that took over the topographic point of his male parent, Aaron when he died. He created the plating of the communion table out of the fire pans of Korah s assembly and performed the rite of the ruddy heifer. He had the following of import character in the Book degree Fahrenheit Joshua, Phinehas. He assisted in the distribution of the land Canaan after the Israelites took over. When he died, he was buried at Gibeah, which had been allotted to his boy Phinehas in the hill state of Ephraim ( Joshua 24:33 ) . The high priesthood stayed in the Eleazar lineage until Eli became the new high priest. It was later put back into Eleazar s household when Zadok was cast out by Solomon. Phinehas Phinehas was the boy of the old high priest, Eleazar. He played a function when the folk of Reuben and Gad went out to take over the lands beyond the Jordan. They together build an communion table on the other side of the river. While the remainder of the Israelites wonder if it is a breakaway motion, they send Phinehas to look into in Joshua 22:9-34. The Israelites believed that the folks were interrupting the religion of the God of Israel. However the leaders of the kins explain, No! We did it for fright that some twenty-four hours your posterities might state to ours, What do you hold to make with the Lord, the God of Israel? A The Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you-you Reubenites and Gadites! You have no portion in the LORD. So your posterities might do ours to halt fearing the Lord. ( Joshua 22:24 ) . When Phinehas had head what Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh said, they were pleased and said that they acted dependably towards the Lord and that they rescued the Hebrewss from His manus. The Reubenites and the Gadites game the communion table the name of A Witness Between Us that the Lord is God. Book of Joshua and the New Testament The Book of Joshua besides made a fulfilment in Colossians in the New Testament. The Israelites had moved approximately in the wilderness 40 old ages until all the work forces who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had non obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would non see the land he had solemnly promised their ascendants to give us, a land fluxing with milk and honey.A A So he raised up their boies in their topographic point, and these were the 1s Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had non been circumcised on the way.A A And after the whole state had been circumcised, they remained where they were in cantonment until they were healed ( Joshua 5:5-8 ) . These poetries from the Old Testament in the Book of Joshua would shortly associate later to Colossians subsequently on in the New Testament by stating that For in Christ all the comprehensiveness of the Deity lives in bodily signifier, A and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the caput over every power and authority.A In him you were besides circumcised, in the seting off of the iniquitous nature, A non with a Circumcision done by the custodies of work forces but with the Circumcision done by Jesus ( Colossians 2:9-11 ) . By circumcising oneself each adult male that does it is fundamentally stating that they are giving themselves to the full to Christ. They are purging all wickednesss from them, and that it represents non merely a Circumcision from the custodies of adult male, but it is done with the Spirit of Christ besides. The work forces in the Old Testament who circumcised themselves were obeying the compact that God made with Joshua, and anyone who was circumcised was able to come in the Promised Land. Those who did nt, either were nt allowed in, or died. Verses 1-9 [ of Joshua 5 ] describe God s commandment that those who were born in the wilderness were to be circumcised when they came into the Promised Land. By so making, God rolled away the reproach of Egypt from them, intending that He cleansed them from the wickednesss of their former life.A Colossians 2:10-12 describes trusters as holding been circumcised in their Black Marias by Christ Himself, by whom we have put off the iniquitous nature of our former lives without Christ ( Book of Joshua ) . The Messages and Lessons of the Book of Joshua Some of the chief key points in the Book of Joshua are that: God is Faithful, His word is true, God is a Holy Judge, and even when God s workers die, His ain work supports on traveling. When I say that God is faithful, I mean that if person who worships Him is faithful to Him, God will be faithful back. Anyone who does what God asks of them will be rewarded and hold His favour. As proven in the Book of Joshua, you can see many illustrations of where God helps those that are faithful. Some illustrations are Rahab assisting the two undercover agents infiltrate and escape from Jericho. As a wages for assisting His workers, God and Joshua spare her and her household s life. At the same clip, Joshua is obeying God s word and is assisting him win all of the conflicts to take over the lands of Canaan. This is another illustration of fidelity to God, and the wagess he will give you for staying that manner. When I say that God s word is true, I mean that when God promises something as a wages for fidelity to Him, He will ever maintain His word. This applies to making things against God s word every bit good. As we saw earlier, Archan disobeyed God when he took spiritual ownerships from the metropolis of Jericho. This in bend caused God to be angry and to maintain to the trade that He made with Joshua. This led to the Israelites losing to the metropolis of Ai in the first conflict against them. It was so found out that Archan had stolen something from Jericho, and God and Joshua decided to hold him stoned to decease, along with his household. This shows that in good or bad, God will maintain to His word. Honoring the faithful, and penalizing the unfaithful to His word. When I say that God is a Holy Judge, I mean that He has the right to penalize evildoers and honor the faithful. He can do any determination He wants on a state of affairs, and the people that are faithful to Him will hold with whatever He says ; that is, if they are faithful to His word. God s judgement is ultimate and concluding and is ever the right determination, since God is higher than us. Finally, when I say that when God s workers die, His work keeps traveling on, it means that even when his retainers and Prophetss and priests pass on to Heaven, He will ever hold a replacing for them. Even if it is non clip for person to go through on, God will hold a program and a topographic point for him or her in Heaven. God will ever populate on in person else when a individual dies. Whether it be a household member or friend, He will ever be someplace in the universe, at all times. God s work is neer done and He will ever hold something new traveling on in everyone s lives. Everyone has a intent in this life and merely God Himself knows what is in shop for each individual. Decision The Book of Joshua is a all-around book, although comparatively short, it shows many sides of the Old Testament that are of import throughout the whole Bible itself. In my sentiment, The Book of Joshua is likely my favourite book that I have read so far out of the Old Testament. It shows the fidelity, award, and committedness that God gives to His people, and inspires me to listen and mind to His word. Overall, the narratives and lessons learned in the Book of Joshua are decidedly something for every human being that believes in God to populate by. These lessons are something that can maintain our relationship with God favourable, and if we all abide by what God has told us to make, and live the lives that he has presented before us, we know that we will finally be rewarded. All we have to make is merely have religion. Citations The Bible NIV Book of Joshua. A Bible Gateway. N.p. , n.d. Web. 3 Nov 2010. lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //www.biblegateway.com/ gt ; . The Book of Joshua. A Got Questions The Book of Joshua. N.p. , n.d. Web. 3 Nov 2010. lt ; hypertext transfer protocol: //www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Joshua.html gt ; .

Literature Review

Literature Review Henri Fayol is a prominent theorist in the realms of management and other related fields. He proposed a conceptual model widely applied in organizational and business management.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Literature Review Henri Fayol specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In his book of â€Å"Administration Industrielle et Generale,† Fayol described an array of management principles that have immensely contributed in the organizational management (Brunsson 2008, p. 35). Precisely, despite various criticisms that have been elicited from different theorists and scholars, Fayol models are still widely used. Established and well-performing businesses and organizations have attributed their effective performance and success to the Fayol principles. In his theory, Fayol outlined five basic functions inherent to management. The basic management functions described by Fayol in his theory include planning, organizing , and commanding. Additionally, Fayol identifies coordinating and controlling as other basic management principles. According to Fayol, outlined functions remain universal to all organizations. He stipulated that all managers have to carry out these described functions in every day working environment. In addition to these, Fayol outlined other fourteen overall management principles. Indicatively, the 14 principles provide normative guidance regarding the manner in which manager may implement the basic five managerial roles in an effective manner (Sapru 2008, p. 33).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There is great importance in outlining these basic principles identified by Fayol regarding managerial roles. Particularly, this examination is important during this era of globalization, which has led to a remarkable increase in organizational and business competitivene ss. Fayol describes the basic principles of management. Planning is one of the highlighted roles of management. As Fayol outlines, managers have to conduct basic planning roles. This is applicable for the future conditions. The development of strategic objectives is objectively important for proper organizational performance. This is particularly in order for organizations to secure the accomplishment for the future organizational objectives. Therefore, as Fayol indicates, it is important for all the managers and other organizational leaders to evaluate their potential for future achievements. Future contingencies likely to influence organizations and consequently transform their operational and strategic orientations are important. Consequently, these must be well planned for. Organizing is another critical management role as described by the Fayol’s theory (McLean 2011, p. 32). The organizational leaders have to organize its personnel in an effective way. The streamlining o f organizational activities and other work processes is important for effective performance.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Literature Review Henri Fayol specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Generally, as evidently described by Fayol, a well planned and organized organization leads to adequate and successful performance. Proper organization remains vital even during recruitment processes. For effective performance, the managers have to recruit the right personnel for specific duties. Securing the highly skilled and learned human resource is a vital organization role that must be conducted by the managers. Commanding is another critical management role proposed by the Fayol’s theory. Ideally, current organizations face stiff competition and high employee demand. In order to remain within the competitive organizational and business mainstream, the outlined Fayol’s theories remain largely applicable. Effect ive supervision and motivation of workers is crucial within organizations (Wren Bedeian 2009, p. 56). Evidently, most successful organizations have attributed motivation to their innovation and novelty. Effectively supervised and motivated workforces remains dedicated and compete constructively to accomplish outlined goals and delegated duties. Subordinates must be adequately supervised in their daily work processes. This should be accompanied with their motivation to achieve the organizational goals. Motivation enhances innovation as well as novelty. Adequate communication and feedback mechanisms are vital within an organization. These processes are basically oriented in the command system. They help in the articulation of company goals and policies to all members. This also includes the subordinate staff.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The commanding structure and system utilized by the managers must be in compliance with the inherent company policies. This is important to avoid the instances of confusion or conflict of interest emerging from different factions within the organization (Parker Ritson 2005, p. 188). As notable within the present day organizational management, there must be an outlined command system within all cadres. This management role outlined by Fayol is crucial because it supports the work processes within an organization. Another important management role is coordination. The organizational leaders and managers have to streamline the processes and procedures undertaken within the organization. Basically, the implication is that all the organizational units must be complementary and enriching to the work f one another. The last management role outlined by the Fayol’s principles is the act of control. Various managers must observe control in order to succeed in their respective organiza tional activities (McLean 2011, p. 33). Generally, the organization’s processes and operations must be controlled. This initiative ensures that these processes remain in accordance to the general organizational policies as well as strategic objectives. Various organizational control mechanisms have been presently adopted by various managers in organizations. For instance, monitoring and evaluation remain as critical component of the controlling function of management within all organizational processes. Fayol indicates that it is the obligation of all the relevant managers and leaders to note and report all the cases of deviations. Therefore, this management role requires a keen observation of the plans, objectives and basic missions. Developing corrective initiatives for these deviations include another critical undertaking within the controlling role of management. The application of Fayol’s principles in management practices still remains eminent. The Fayol’s principles are presently applied in various learning institutions to explain the basis of management and organizational administration (Wren 2001, p. 479). In addition, its practice within various successful corporations and organizations is eminent. Observably, these outlined five functions within the theory assume the normative as well as functional approach to management. There have been reiterations that this theory might not comprehensively cover the evident managerial intricacies that most managers are presently encountering in an alarming rate. The failure of these theories to outline or elucidate on how the leaders are supposed to impart motivation as well as innovative performance of their subordinates are important. Observably, although these outlined management roles might be widely applicable, they also have their inherent limitations (Wren 2001, p. 480). For instance, the principles might not comprehensively represent the overall intricacies that managers encounter dur ing their duties. This is, particularly, within the presently globalized and highly competitive organizational environment. However, it is vital to note that these outlined roles described by Fayol’s theory provide a general structure for the diverse functions. These functions are specifically for the managers. The present organizations are in pursuit of more strategic approaches to management and general organizational administration. It is evident that the increasing organizational competitiveness has also imparted significant pressure on employees’ engagement and welfares. Therefore, the available HR has become competitive to hire and maintain. For these reasons, organizations are more skewed towards the utilization of comprehensive approaches to management and practice. In this demand, the Fayol’s principles have increasingly become pertinent and applicable in both management practice and teaching (Wren Bedeian 2009, p. 43). However, due to more complicated management situations, most organizations also apply this principle in combination and synergy with other effective management theories. The interaction of the management with the other staff including the subordinate workers in an effective manner as stated by Fayol is a critical component in organizational success. This is because presently, the employees are regarded as the first fundamental stakeholders within all organizations. This is because they are the sole implementers of organizational policies and objectives. Therefore, their welfare has remained largely profitable and advantageous for organizational performance. Apart from these management roles described by Fayol, it is vital to discuss the basic 14 management principles. Fayol recognized the need for division of labor. He argued on the importance of dividing roles among personalities as well as teams. In the present day, division of labor is widely practiced. This is largely due to its advantages related to the effic iency within organizations. In his arguments, Fayol potentiated the importance of specialization (Sapru 2008, p. 54). The theory presents specialization as the most preferable method of utilizing the workforce within an organization. The proposition has been widely applicable in increasing the responsibility and accountability of individuals to basic roles. Fayol observed the close association between authority as well as responsibility. In his argument, Fayol indicates authority as the competency to provide directives and exact obedience from the followers or subordinates. On the other hand, responsibility entails the act of being accountable. According to Fayol, these two elements closely relate to each other. Any manager with authority has to exercise certain levels of responsibility (Wood Fields 2007, p. 269). The Fayol principles of management also indicate the importance of discipline. Indeed (even presently), it is notable that most successful organizations have to exercise a lot of discipline in order to attain good results. With the era of increasing organizational competiveness, discipline must be given a priority within all organizations. The entire workforce must have a collective focus and determination. Fayol also reiterated on the need for rational discipline of deviant workers within organizations. These concepts are widely applicable within most highly performing organizations presently. Unity in command as well as direction is other important management considerations as indicated by Fayol. There must be a properly defined and communicated protocol of receiving orders. Generally, employees are preferably ordered from one point to another by a specific manager (Parker Ritson 2005, p. 187). In addition, the whole corporation must move to a collective aim and in one direction. These observations help to keep the organization’s activities in the right track. Additionally, they have been applied to prevent the high cases of internal or ex ternal conflicts that have been presently incurred by organizations. The principles examine the conflict of personal and the general organizational interests. Generally, there is an indication that individual interest must never assume priority over other important general interests of the entire organization. The importance of consideration of underlying factors during the remuneration processes is eminent. According to Fayol, diverse factors like the life standards, presence skilled human resource as well as the business environment must be considered. Presently, the increasing life standards and globalization have affected employees’ welfares considerably. As a result, organizations endeavor to apply concerned directives under Fayol’s remuneration principles to enhance their employees’ welfare (Parker Ritson 2005, p. 189). Concurrently, the importance of centralization is discussed in the principles of Fayol. He referred to centralization as the process of l owering the significance of subordinate functions. He observed the importance of decentralization and the performance of the subordinate. Perhaps, this illustration explains the reason behind formation of various line manager units within present organizations. Fayol also noted the importance of scalar chain and its consequent observation within all organizations. In his principle, he denoted that the line or ground managers should be reporting to their immediate supervisors or bosses. This flow of protocol helps in enhancing the communication as well as feedback mechanisms within organizations. Equal treatment of all persons (employees) in an organization is critical. This sentiment has been outlined clearly within the Fayol’s concepts of management. Present organizations have drawn the necessary guiding policies on material use and handling. This directly indicates the critical observation of Fayol’s principles (Pryor Taneja 2010, p. 500). Fayol’s equity prin ciple of management has been widely applicable within present organizations to overt discriminations based on gender, age or race. Managements have presently endeavored to obtain and competitively retain the adequately performing human resources. This reiterates the Fayol’s principle regarding the stability of tenure of the human resource. Work initiative must be motivated by the management in order to enhance organizational performance. ESPIRIT DE CORPS is the last management principle eminent within the Fayol’s concept (Wood Fields 2007, p. 270). According to this principle, the management must motivate peace and inspire workers to stay in a state of good feeling. Generally, it is notable that the Fayol principles on management have been widely applied within present organizations. List of References Brunsson, K 2008, ‘Some Effects of Fayolism’, Int. Studies of Mgt. Org, vol. 38 no. 1, pp. 30-47. McLean, J 2011, ‘Fayol – standing the test of time’, Manager: British Journal of Administrative Management, vol. 74 no. 1, pp. 32-33. Parker, L Ritson, P 2005, ‘Revisiting Fayol: Anticipating Contemporary Management’, British Journal of Management, vol. 16 no. 1, pp. 175-194. Pryor, M Taneja, S 2010, ‘Henri Fayol, practitioner and theoretician revered and reviled’, Journal of Management History, vol. 16 no. 4, pp. 489 – 503. Sapru, R 2008, Administrative theories and management thought, PHI Learning, New Delhi. Wood, S Fields, D 2007, ‘Exploring the impact of shared leadership on management team member job outcomes’, Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 2 no. 3, pp. 251-272. Wren, D Bedeian, G 2009, The evolution of management thought, Wiley Publishing, Hoboken, NJ. Wren, D 2001, ‘Henri Fayol as strategist: a nineteenth century corporate turnaround’, Management Decision, vol. 39 no. 6, pp. 475 – 487.

Diminish, Decline, and Dwindle

Diminish, Decline, and Dwindle Diminish, Decline, and Dwindle Diminish, Decline, and Dwindle By Maeve Maddox A reader asks, Can you please post an article on the correct usage of the words diminish, decline, and dwindle?  I believe diminish is used with uncountable nouns such as the light diminishes, decline is used with abstract and uncountable nouns such as â€Å"decline in quality† or â€Å"decline in performance,† and dwindle is used only with countable nouns such as â€Å"the population of tigers has dwindled.† This question, so intellectual and logic-seeking, made me aware in striking fashion how differently speakers approach language. Were I debating which of the three verbs to use- diminish, decline, or dwindle- I would weigh their distinctive emotive qualities, never giving a thought to whether they refer to countable or non-countable nouns. As it happens, all three of these verbs may be used with countable or uncountable nouns when the intended meaning is â€Å"to lessen† or â€Å"to become smaller.† Deciding which to choose depends upon context and the connotation wanted. Diminish descends from a Latin verb meaning â€Å"to cut small. Ancient Latin had the verb diminuere, â€Å"to break into small pieces, and diminuere, â€Å"to make smaller, to reduce in size.† Decline derives from Latin declinare, â€Å"to turn or bend away or aside from the straight course.† Dwindle derives from dwine, an archaic English verb meaning, â€Å"to waste or pine away.† That all three are used interchangeably in modern English is illustrated by the following examples from the Web: As populations age and revenues diminish, government and private pension funds around the world are facing insolvency. Nevada and Strip gaming revenues decline in February Chicago food fest struggles as revenues dwindle Diminish conveys a lessening of the strength or quality of something. Its most common use is with uncountable nouns: Are we getting more stupid? Researchers claim our intelligence is diminishing as we no longer need it to survive Researchers have some new insights into how power  diminishes  a persons capacity for  empathy. Our smartphones supply endless possibilities for entertainment, but a new study shows they can diminish the quality of users time away from work or school. Decline connotes a gradual diminishing, like something moving down a slope. We had watched our children decline, fall into drug and alcohol abuse, fail to perform at school, lose jobs, abandon relationships, become unable to function in the family or society, and we hadn’t known why.   Agriculture is  declining day by day. The six monthshad been for me a sorrowful waiting game of watching [my mother] decline and wondering which day would be her last. Dwindle suggests a gradual diminution into nothingness or something close to it. A novel’s plot might dwindle to a disappointing close. A dying battery causes a flashlight’s illumination to dwindle. The liquid in the â€Å"Drink Me† vial causes Alice to dwindle in size. An excellent photographic visualization of dwindling is what the Wicked Witch of the West does when Dorothy throws water on her in The Wizard of Oz. A quotation that I associate with the word dwindle is the line that concludes Millamant’s monologue to her fiancà © Mirabell in Congreve’s Way of the World. After listing the freedoms she enjoyed as an unmarried woman as conditions (articles) that he must agree to if he wants her to go through with the marriage, she concludes with this statement: These articles subscribed, if I continue to endure you a little longer, I may by degrees dwindle into a wife. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Arrive To vs. Arrive At41 Words That Are Better Than GoodTrooper or Trouper?

Demonstrative Communication Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Demonstrative Communication Paper - Essay Example Oral communication encompasses oral or written communication while nonverbal communication encompasses utilization of facial expressions, gestures, eye contact or gesticulations. Written method of communication occurs through utilization of emails, statements and articles among others (Barnlund, 2010). Demonstrative Communication Demonstrative communication encompasses nonverbal and unrecorded communication. This communication also includes transferring and receiving wordless messages. Demonstrative communication is usually utilized to emphasize oral communication, although this communication can stand on its own and transfer information on its own. Many individuals usually utilize facial expressions as a method of nonverbal communication. Demonstrative communication strengthens oral communication. For instance, the way an individual dresses, greets people or whether or not they possess a friendly behavior depicts the character of the person. Dressing impeccably, a firm grasp, friend ly greetings, wearing a smile all depict the character of the person in a job interview. Utilization of demonstrative communication is crucial for an individual in an attempt to emphasize his or her oral communication. Meeting an individual for the first time one can elucidate what character of the other person is by observing his or her nonverbal communication. ... Demonstrative communication permits personal expression. The way an individual presents himself or herself depicts their character and personality to the external world. Demonstrative communication is a technique that depicts communication that occurs without an individual knowing. The manager of a company wears a powerful suit to portray his or her authority. This could also depict his or her capacity as a leader. There are numerous things that portray the nature of a person. Varied individuals utilize these signs or things to show the world his or her character. These signs comprise hairstyles, dressing, body marks, gestures, emblems among others. All these symbols portray demonstrative communication (Sutton, 2011). Demonstrative communication is affirmative in varied ways. However, this communication can easily misguide or misinform someone. Demonstrative communication can also be inaccurate. Utilization of signals, appearances, and facial expressions portray divergent meanings to different individuals. When an individual meets a new person for the first time, it extremely easy to misjudge this new person particularly through using the demonstrative communication he or she portrays. Demonstrative communication is devoid of the intricacy that oral communication presents. An individual cannot narrate the incidents of his or her life without utilizing words, or literally showing photos because this would leave some portions of the story untold. Demonstrative communication requires paying attention and responding. It is probable to learn a lot about another individual by utilization of their demeanor than from their words. In many instances, people listen using their eyes as a substitute for their ears (Sutton, 2011).

Researched Personal Argument on pro-hunting Essay

Researched Personal Argument on pro-hunting - Essay Example Their argument with regard to this controversial activity of hunting is that a legal solution will ensure that people will no longer rely on hunting for a living. This will have been as a result of it being made impossible to continue hunting under animal protection by legal intervention. Thus, forbidding hunting using legal channels, as is being seen from the point of view of the urban onlookers, is seen to shed light to a brighter future of the wild animals. This is, especially, for those animals which have been hunting targets for the human beings. There exists, also, another perception which is from a slightly different point of view from the previously mentioned one above. This is the one in which the legal intervention is seen as the beginning of a journey towards a complex system of causal activities which will indefinitely continue with the seeking of wild animals’ liberation from the oppression by human being hunters. These activities referred to in this former statem ent are such those that will probably ensure that the human being activities within the environment affect it in a positive ways. First in the list of these activities according to Harvey is the replacement ways of modern agriculture which are unkind and damaging the environment with better ones (Par. 21). Harvey also suggests the employment of an entirely new form of land management (par. 21). Activities which would also bring harmony between those residing in the town and the rest of the population in the other parts of the country are also part of the causal activities which would unfold once the legal employment of protecting wildlife from human being hunters is established. However, this perspective of resolving the issue between hunters, the hunted and the environment has elicited varied criticism. Being also inclined to the opinion of the critics of Harvey’s argument, I tend not to support the establishment of

Hilton Hotel Corporations Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hilton Hotel Corporations Strategies - Essay Example Hilton Hotel lays a major focus on the local growth in the lodging sector through expansion of operations into casinos and holiday ownership. In the year 2000, the hotel acquired Promus Hotel Company adding the statistical summation of their properties to 1700. The hotel as a brand management corporation devotes to offering excellent care of its guests accounting for more than 100 million room nights in America yearly. The corporation carters to the needs of both the customers and the owners accounting for approximately billions of dollars of real estate investments in its brands. The corporation earns more profits through other people’s monetary input into the corporation. The corporation has information technology (OnQ) intertwined with its brands. The company’s approximate cost of OnQ is 93 million dollars,40 dollars accounting for application development. The remaining portion of the 93 million estimate accounts for hardware and infrastructure realization. In 2007, the corporation registered 102 dollars growth through investment in OnQ. Maintenance of the OnQ infrastructure accounted for 60 million dollars annually. The corporation earned 750 million dollars through the cross-selling of the branded products. The corporation strives to satisfy the goal of each of its diversified brands. Through the Customer Really Matter (CRM) initiative, the corporation incorporates technology to enhance its relationship with the customers. The company established CRM in 2002, and it has ensured that its employees offer excellent and high-quality service to their clients. The high-quality service in terms of hospitality offered by the hotel employees ensures that it is sort after by a broader extension of clients. In the estimation of CRM’s performance involves calculations as an ROI for the most corporations’ project. An ROI value of the venture is the product of the total number of calls, increase conversion ratio and net revenue per call deducted by OnQ.  

Small and medium sized enterprises and the risks they face in an Essay

Small and medium sized enterprises and the risks they face in an international environment - Essay Example The study of international businesses and internationalization has been traditionally focused on the analysis of large corporations. Despite the growing importance of small and medium businesses, they often remain beyond the scope of scholarly studies. Apart from the fact that small and medium enterprises play a crucial role in the rapid advancement of economies, the prevailing majority of today’s international and multinational corporations have once been small and medium domestic enterprises. These are just some of the many reasons why the place of small and medium businesses in international trade should not be disregarded. More important is the question of risks faced by SMEs as they enter international trade. Recent advancements in technologies and transportation facilitate the subsequent integration of small and medium business forms into international trade communities. Therefore, SMEs should be aware of and be prepared to face international trade risks. Small and medium enterprises: Why so neglected? Small and medium enterprises are generally considered to create a strong foundation for the rapid advancement of economies. It is not surprising that so many developing countries provide SMEs with greater flexibility and freedom from taxation and administration burdens, to speed up their development and contribution to nations’ economic development. However, the current state of research often leaves small and medium-sized enterprises beyond the scope of analysis.... Yet, it should be remembered that â€Å"many MNEs developed from large, mature, domestic firms, and they commanded attention because they wielded significant economic power, especially after World War II† (Chandler 1986; Dunning 1981; Oviatt & McDougall 1994, p.45). Moreover, recent changes in the technological environment and transportation make it easier for domestic small and medium firms to expand to an international level. The growing number of consumers in international business makes international trade extremely attractive for domestic businesses, especially small and medium ones. Today, any small or medium businessman with a sufficient amount of capital can successfully conduct business anywhere in the world or travel to any part of the world, looking for international business opportunities (Oviatt & McDougall 1994). That small and medium enterprises find it easier to capture international business opportunities means the topic of their internationalization is becomi ng more urgent. Scholars in organization science are becoming more attentive to the issues of internationalization and international trade challenges affecting domestic SMEs. However, again, the most common issues considered in today’s research include the effects of public policies on SMEs, the nature and characteristics of entrepreneurial activities across countries, and comparing international and domestic enterprises (Oviatt, & McDougall 1994; Ohe et al. 1991). In light of these issues, a close look at the risks faced by domestic SMEs going into international trade is required. This report will help small and medium businesses going into the international trade

Technology trends Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Technology trends - Essay Example on news channels is immense and in order to retain their customer base, the need for adoption of suitable methods with the help of latest technologies is becoming the need of the hour. There has been found a noticeable change in the preferences of the customers as far as their choice of a particular medium of news delivery is concerned. To strive in today’s competitive world, it has become a challenge for the leading newspapers to make the news available to it customers as early as possible before its competitors grab the attention of the target audiences. To generate profits, some newspapers have adopted a scheme by which they make some news available for free and some content is marked as ‘premium content’ which can be accessed on payment of a considerable amount of fees. This strategy helps in building demand for the news within the audiences. Internet journalism has become the order of the day with audiences more interested in gaining information about different happenings across the world through leading newspaper websites rather than the printed newspaper(Group M., et.al., 2005). Web technologies have enabled these companies to gain feedback on the different news articles published on its websites. This helps the newspapers to understand whether any improvement has to be brought in the content or not. E-books have become a popular medium of gaining thorough in-depth knowledge about any topic which needs clarity. Topics can vary from something very theoretical to something very practical like the use of technologies in shaping the businesses of today’s organisations. E-books help audiences to surf easily through a wide range of books which might not be possible in reality. Audiences prefer e-books as they can have access to a wide range of subjects, story books, fiction books and technology related books without purchasing them physically. Many websites like e-snips and Amazon.com offers a wide range of free e-books to be accessed by its audiences

Small and medium sized enterprises and the risks they face in an Essay

Small and medium sized enterprises and the risks they face in an international environment - Essay Example The study of international businesses and internationalization has been traditionally focused on the analysis of large corporations. Despite the growing importance of small and medium businesses, they often remain beyond the scope of scholarly studies. Apart from the fact that small and medium enterprises play a crucial role in the rapid advancement of economies, the prevailing majority of today’s international and multinational corporations have once been small and medium domestic enterprises. These are just some of the many reasons why the place of small and medium businesses in international trade should not be disregarded. More important is the question of risks faced by SMEs as they enter international trade. Recent advancements in technologies and transportation facilitate the subsequent integration of small and medium business forms into international trade communities. Therefore, SMEs should be aware of and be prepared to face international trade risks. Small and medium enterprises: Why so neglected? Small and medium enterprises are generally considered to create a strong foundation for the rapid advancement of economies. It is not surprising that so many developing countries provide SMEs with greater flexibility and freedom from taxation and administration burdens, to speed up their development and contribution to nations’ economic development. However, the current state of research often leaves small and medium-sized enterprises beyond the scope of analysis.... Yet, it should be remembered that â€Å"many MNEs developed from large, mature, domestic firms, and they commanded attention because they wielded significant economic power, especially after World War II† (Chandler 1986; Dunning 1981; Oviatt & McDougall 1994, p.45). Moreover, recent changes in the technological environment and transportation make it easier for domestic small and medium firms to expand to an international level. The growing number of consumers in international business makes international trade extremely attractive for domestic businesses, especially small and medium ones. Today, any small or medium businessman with a sufficient amount of capital can successfully conduct business anywhere in the world or travel to any part of the world, looking for international business opportunities (Oviatt & McDougall 1994). That small and medium enterprises find it easier to capture international business opportunities means the topic of their internationalization is becomi ng more urgent. Scholars in organization science are becoming more attentive to the issues of internationalization and international trade challenges affecting domestic SMEs. However, again, the most common issues considered in today’s research include the effects of public policies on SMEs, the nature and characteristics of entrepreneurial activities across countries, and comparing international and domestic enterprises (Oviatt, & McDougall 1994; Ohe et al. 1991). In light of these issues, a close look at the risks faced by domestic SMEs going into international trade is required. This report will help small and medium businesses going into the international trade

The Integration of Culture in Organizational Innovation Context Research Paper

The Integration of Culture in Organizational Innovation Context - Research Paper Example Schein (2010) found it difficult to derive a definition of culture due to conceptual and semantic confusions while the scholar also argued that it is not possible to define different social groups under the roof of universally accepted definition of culture. In such context, Alvesson and Sveningsson (2008) suggested that the focus should be on defining culture within organization rather than understanding the culture of social groups sharing similar kind of traditions, rituals, history and customs. Brooks (2009) also tried to define the organizational culture in terms of norms, behavior of members and knowledge sharing, yet, such definition is far from capturing full dimensions of culture. To clear out confusions regarding definition and characteristics of organizational culture, the research paper will use Schein’s (2010) idea for organizational culture. According to Schein (2010), organizational culture has dimensions like behavioral regularities, group dynamics, espoused va lues, ideological principles, unwritten rules of the organization, communication between members, special competencies displayed by group members, shared cognitive frames between members, the way team members celebrate within organization, emotional and aesthetic response etc. Now, the fact is that it is very difficult to integrate all the mentioned elements within same organizational context but there is no doubt that these factors play vital role in shaping the organizational culture. Schein (2010) also identified three levels of culture such as, Artifacts, Espoused Beliefs & Value and Underlying Assumptions. Artifacts- structure of the organization and business process can help the firm to define its culture. For example, W.L. Gore & Associates which is known for its lattice organizational structure and business process fostering innovation and creativity (Gore, 2013). Espoused Beliefs & Value- strategies of the organization and vision statement can be termed as the brickwork beh ind culture.  Ã‚  

Cognitive- behavioural approaches to counselling Essay Example for Free

Cognitive- behavioural approaches to counselling Essay This essay is written to compare the counselling relationship in person-centred and cognitive-behavioural counselling by outlining both the theory and practice of the counselling relationship. This will be done by outlining the theory of the counselling relationships and the theory in practice. Both person-centred and cognitive-behavioural counselling are widely recognised, successful treatments. There are however many significant differences between the two. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is based on scientific study taking two therapies, cognitive therapy and behavioural therapy, and combining the two. Behavioural therapy is based on the fact that people can learn behaviours through classical conditioning, which was first recorded by Ivan Pavlov at the end of the nineteenth century, and operant conditioning (Skinner, 1953. ) Therapists believed what the behavioural therapists were helping their clients to do, such as encouraging self- assertion and self-understanding to help develop new approaches to dealing with life, incorporate a wide range of cognitive processes including decision-making and problem-solving. Beck (1976) founded cognitive-behavioural therapy after becoming disillusioned by psychoanalytic methods. (McLeod J. 008) Person-centred counselling is a non-scientific therapy developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s. It is a humanistic approach where it is believed that the client needs to feel valued and understood for them to be able to develop a self-awareness so they are able to deal with any difficult situation they feel they are in, giving them the power to change their own lives. Person-centred therapy is non-direct approach where the therapist and client develop an equal friendship to develop trust between the two, creating a safe therapeutic environment which enables the client to figure out what makes them the way they are. When the client begins to trust their feelings and become emotionally confident they can begin to find the answers to their own problems within themselves. For this to happen a core conditions model is in place. Without these conditions this type of therapy would not be effective (Rogers, C. 1957. ) Therapist-Client Psychological Contact- A relationship which two people have impact on each other and the therapist needs to be engaged by the client. Client incongruence, or Vulnerability- The client needs to be in a state of incongruence, feel that their real self is not how they would ideally like be. The client is also vulnerable to anxiousness which means they will be motivated stay in the relationship. (McLeod, J. 2008) Therapist Congruence or Genuineness- The therapist needs to be congruent within the therapeutic relationship- needs to be genuine in dealing with the client and use their own experience to enable the relationship. Unconditional Positive Regard- The therapist needs to have unconditional positive regard for the client. Acceptance, empathy and genuineness without judgement, is needed for the client to feel a higher sense of self-regard so they can realise that their self-worth was distorted by others. The therapist needs to accept the client for who they are now, not what they could become. Empathetic understanding- accurate empathy on behalf of the therapist can help the client believe that the therapist has unconditional love for them. Client Perception- If the therapist communicates to the client their unconditional regard and empathetic understanding to at least a minimal degree this is effective. In contrast cognitive-behavioural therapy is a direct approach where clients are taught how to think and behave in ways in which enables them to obtain their goals. They are not told what it is they want, but instead how to achieve the goals they may have this develops a student (client) and teacher (therapist) relationship. In order for this to be successful, intervention techniques are used to ensure that the goals agreed with the client is met. (Haaga and Davison1986, Meichenbaum 1986) These include; Systematic desensitization- a relaxation technique is taught to help the client to overcome anxiety to enable them to extinguish their phobias. Once this has been learnt the client must use this to enable them to overcome these by using a fear hierarchy. Homework assignments- practicing techniques learnt in therapy between sessions. Experimenting with different self- statements in everyday situations. Thought stopping- instead of letting anxious thought take over the client learns to use something to interrupt these thoughts such as flicking a rubber band on their wrist. Challenging irrational beliefs- the therapist tries to identify the clients’ irrational beliefs that are causing issues in their life and challenges it so that the client develops a less extreme way they view the problem. Reframing the issues getting the client to perceive a certain emotion as something different. An example of this is perceiving fear as excitement. In vivo exposure- going into highly fearful situations with the therapist whilst they are talking through cognitive-behavioural techniques to help you deal with the situation. Scaling feelings- placing present feeling of anxiety and rating them on a scale off 0-100 is an example of this. Rehearsing different self-statements in role-play in therapy sessions. Assertiveness or social skills training. Although a therapeutic relationship is important in both practices, cognitive -behavioural therapists believe this is not sufficient enough alone to help clients work through their problems, and while many therapists have different styles the main cognitive behavioural therapy programme have an outlined structure in place. (Kuehnel and Liberman 1986; Freeman and Simon 1989,) which is the main focus. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy is more client action orientated to produce a change in the way they think which then will lead to a change in the way the client will behave. However in Person-centred therapy a therapeutic process is put in place as a series of stages. These stages help promote a therapeutic change in the client or a â€Å"process of greater openness to experience† (McLeod, J. 2008. ) (Rogers, C. 1951) considered the management of therapeutic growth as including the awareness of the clients of any experiences they have been denied. They stop seeing the world in a generalised view and begin to see it differently. This enables them to rely on their personal experience to create their own set of values. These personal developments lead to a â€Å"reorganization of self† (Rogers, C. 1951) and is vital to develop new behaviours. In conclusion although both approaches to counselling realise that a counselling relationship is important, person-centred therapists believe that the counselling experience and effectiveness of the therapy is determined solely on that of the relationship. Cognitive-behavioural therapists find, through past experiments other techniques, such as systematic desensitization and behavioural self-control, are equally important to the success of the therapy.

Roland barthes and his semiotic theory

Roland barthes and his semiotic theory Abstract Roland Barthes (1915 – 1980) is one of the most recognised names in the field of Semiotics. His Semiotic Theory has been the inspiration behind many aspiring students and teachers alike. His rise to fame coincided with the release of his 1957 book Mythologies, which was a collection of essays he had authored. The public was so fascinated by his ideas that his opinion was often sort in the public arena. Signs range from speech, body language and symbols to paintings, music and Morse code. Barthes Semiotic Theory broke down the process of reading signs and focused on their interpretation by different cultures or societies. According to Barthes, signs had both a signifier, being the physical form of the sign as we perceive it through our senses and the signified, or meaning that is interpreted. Barthes also believed that every ideological sign is either a Denotative sign system or a Connotative sign system. A Denotative sign, which is a strictly descriptive system, is the result of the signifier image and the signified concept combining. A Connotative sign is one that has lost its historical meaning. This could be due to a number of things including: changes in culture or terminology, an event, or even just evolution. Semiotic Theory is an ‘Interpretive theory that can be applied to most aspects of everyday life although most people would not realise it. Introduction Purpose The purpose of this report is to gain insight into the world of Roland Barthes in terms of a brief timeline of his life. Also of particular focus will be to gain a basic outline and understanding of his Semiotic Theory. This will include the key issues involved in the theory, along with its application in everyday life and an evaluation of the theory. A few of my own views on this theory will also be included. Scope This report will focus on the basic concepts of Barthes Semiotic Theory. It will only look into the most basic concepts as going into great detail would involve a much more involved and lengthy research process given its complexity. An attempt to gain an understanding of the theory will be sort in order to assess it relevance in todays society. Limitations In the process of researching this topic it quickly became apparent that it would be difficult to gain a clear and concise understanding of it. The availability of ‘easy to read information sources seemed few and far between, with the majority of available material worded in a nature that was at times impossible to decipher. It was also found that many of Barthes work is not freely available, access to it was more than once accompanied with a monetary contribution of some sort. Research Methods A number of different research methods were used in the acquirement of information for this report, all with varying success. The primary source was the internet because of its easily accessible pool of information. Using this method it was possible to gain immediate information on most topics, although it did occasionally have its limitations. The use of books was also another primary information source. Finding books that were easy to read was difficult but a number of them were of great aid. Periodicals were also used to acquire information although the available articles were of little use due to the nature of the language and terminology used. Structure of the Report This report will first outline the life and times of Roland Barthes including his upbringing and education. It will then go on to outline his Semiotic Theory and describe some of its most basic concepts. This will flow on into how the theory can be applied to everyday life as well as an evaluation. Literature Review Book Reference One Hall, S. (2007). This Means This, This Means That. A Users Guide to Semiotics. London: Laurence King Publishing Ltd. Summary Although this book uses fairly basic language to describe the concepts it is trying to portray, it does not ‘water down the text so much as to make you feel stupid. Given that semiotics can be quite a difficult subject to explain, this book does a decent job of explaining a number of different concepts with graphical examples. The graphical examples it supplies helps to give a greater understanding of the idea/s that is being put across, and gives readers the opportunity to first interpret what they are viewing from their own perspective, before reading the explanation describing the theory behind the graphic, or sign. This interaction gets the reader involved in a lot of creative thinking which is a great way to re-enforce the points and concepts being laid out by the text. Given its graphical nature, this book will also be extremely useful for presentation purposes. Accuracy and Validity The author of this book, Sean Hall, is the Leader in Contextual Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. Although not a ‘big name in semiotics, his previous studies, academic status, and proven track record in research goes a long way to proving the accuracy and validity of his work. The extensive bibliography provided in this book shows that he has sourced many areas for his research and consulted many different individuals. Semiotics is a subject that has no body of knowledge to fall back on. For this reason it is difficult to determine whether or not any information is accurate as everything about semiotics is subjective and open to scrutiny. Book Reference Two Cobley, P., Jansz, L. (2004). Introducing Semiotics. (2nd ed.). Singapore: Tien Wah Press Ltd. Summary I found this book to be rather difficult to follow due to the nature of the layout. It is set out in almost a comic style, or storyboard type approach, which can be a little difficult to follow at times. This is also not helped by the absence of a contents page, forcing the investigation of particular ‘ideas to be located through the index at the back of the book, or else recalling exactly where in the book that it was originally read. It is difficult to determine exactly what information will be useful from this book. Some information, such as that about particular theorists, will be somewhat helpful; however, many of the other concepts covered may not be of any use due to the difficulty of finding it again – and the comic book type nature. One topic, which is covered at the beginning of the book, is a pre-history of semiotics. This information is extremely helpful as information of this nature has been difficult to locate. As previously stated, this book opens up with a brief history and a little about the very first researchers in the area of semiotics. It then goes on to outline how some of the earlier historical figures contributed to the early understanding and significance of signs. This is followed by an attempt to give an understanding of the concepts involved with semiotics and also includes reference to some of the more recent researchers of this field, including Roland Barthes. Accuracy and Validity Dr Paul Cobley, the man responsible for the text in this book, is a Senior Lecturer in Communication at London Guildhall University. He has authored as number of books in the area of Semiotics as well as Communication Theory, and his record in these areas is exceptional. I have found that a lot of his work has been used as reference by many of the other information sources I have used. This shows that his work is highly regarded by many in the field, and that the accuracy and validity of his work is widely recognised. Library Database Reference One Petrilli,S.(2008). On Communication: Contributions to the Human Sciences and to Humanism from Semiotics Understood as Semioethics.The American Journal of Semiotics,24(4),193-236.Retrieved August 7, 2009 from Research Library. (Document ID:1608836621). Summary This article was extremely difficult to decipher and not very helpful. For this reason I find it particularly challenging to review it as it made little to no sense to me. This article was chosen more out of necessity than anything else as finding useful database articles proofed to be difficult. Accuracy and Validity Susan Petrilli teaches Semiotics and Philosophy of Language at the Department of Linguistic Practices and Text Analysis at Bari University, Italy. Her list of studies and publications is extensive, as is her work in the translation of research done by Charles Morris and Thomas A. Sebeok from English to Italian. There is little doubt that information sourced from Susan Petrilli is viable, it is just a shame that in this case it was of little use as it was not valid. Library Database Reference Two Petrilli,S.(2008). The Relation with Morris in Rossi-Landis and Sebeoks Approach to Signs1.The American Journal of Semiotics,24(4),89-121.Retrieved August 7, 2009 from Research Library. (Document ID:1608836581). Summary This article authored by Susan Petrilli and featured in The American Journal of Semiotics, outlines the work done by Ferruccio Rossi-Landi and Thomas Sebeok, which in turn was based on the work of Charles Morris. Charles Morris (1901 – 1979), is quite a controversial character in the world of Semiotics. Some credit him with the recognition of Semiotics as a science field, and others accuse him of copying the work of another theorist, Charles Peirce. Either way, the work he did or didnt do was influential in the works of other theorists. It gave new direction and recognition to semiotics and helped pave the way for future study and research. Both Ferruccio Rossi-Landi and Thomas Sebeok have helped to advance the science of semiotics but it is important to highlight that the work they have done was in most cases an extension of Morriss research. This article highlights that fact and expands on it in much greater detail. Whether or not this article will directly influence my studies is debatable, it does however, give a greater understanding about the evolution of semiotics and how it came to be recognised. Accuracy and Validity Susan Petrilli teaches Semiotics and Philosophy of Language at the Department of Linguistic Practices and Text Analysis at Bari University, Italy. Her list of studies and publications is extensive, as is her work in the translation of research done by Charles Morris and Thomas A. Sebeok from English to Italian. Web Article Reference One Barthes, R (1957). Mythologies: The World of Wrestling. Retrieved 1 September, 2009 from http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/irvinem/theory/Barthes-Mythologies-Wrestling-1957.pdf Summary Having access to an actual essay by Roland Barthes proved to be a great help in the research process. This essay picked apart a wrestling event by applying his theories to it. It was an excellent way to explain certain aspects of the theory. This ranged from the physical appearance of the competitors and their general mannerisms, to the cultural or public interpretation of what was unfolding before them. It explained the theatrical side of wrestling and how it is catered to the needs of its audience. Everybody at the event knows what is going on because of the different signs expresses by the ‘actors. Accuracy and Validity Given that this report is based on Roland Barthes theory, the accuracy and validity of the information needs little clarification. Everything in this report is based on his ideas and concepts so the accuracy needs not be questioned. Web Article Reference Two Wikipedia.(2009). Roland Barthes. Retrieved July 22, 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Barthes Summary This article on Roland Barthes was a great starting point in the research process. Without being too technical it gave a nice brief outline about Roland Barthes including a little about his works and theory. Accuracy and Validity Not always an accurate source of information, I was initially reluctant to take any information from Wikipedia at face value. However, this did slowly change as my research went on and verification of the content was discovered. The great thing about Wikipedia is that it has its own references meaning that it paves the way for more in depth research. Findings Roland Barthes Roland Barthes is considered to be one of the biggest names in Semiotics and much of his work has been the primary inspiration and information source for many aspiring students, as well as teachers, in the field of Semiotics. Born in Cherbough, France, on the 12th of November 1915, Roland Barthes had what he called â€Å"Not an unhappy youth†. Less than a year after his birth his father was killed in a naval accident forcing his mother to move with him to Bayonne. Here he spent the early part of his childhood before moving again in 1924, this time to Paris. It was in Paris that he attended school at Lycà ©e Louis-le-Grand and Lycà ©e Montaigne, both being well renowned secondary schools in France. In 1934 he contracted Tuberculosis and spent a number of years in Sanatoriums. Although this often meant he was unable to undertake his doctorate studies, it did give him the time to pursue other interests, the most dominant being reading, â€Å"What else did you ha ve to do except read?† He also started to do a little writing and cofounded the magazine Thà ©Ãƒ ¢tre populaire. There was one positive to come out of his ill health – it kept him out of military service during World War II. Barthes went on to study at the Historic University of Paris, or Sorbonne, where he received a degree in Classical literature, as well as in grammar and philology. This was followed by various teaching positions including appointments in France, Romania and Egypt. He had made an intentional avoidance of major degree awarding universities throughout his career which lead to these ‘unusual posts. In 1957, Barthes had a book called Mythologies released. In this publication Barthes used the concepts of semiotics to analyse myths and signs in contemporary culture. The release of this book coincided with the rapid rise of fame for Barthes. The ideas and concepts within the book seemed to strike a chord with scholars and the general public. This pop ularity lead to material from the book being referred to in newspapers, films, shows, and exhibitions. Auto manufacturer Renault found his work so compelling that they temporarily hired him as an advertising consultant. During the early 1960s, Barthes spent much of his time exploring the fields of semiology and structuralism. This was accompanied by various faculty positions around France and a continuation in the production of his more full length studies. During his career, Roland Barthes published more essays than substantial studies. He often presented his views in a concise, subjective way that differed from the theoretical approach used by the majority of scholars. It was this approach that not only made him a standout in various fields but also a somewhat controversial character. Many other academics and theorists had a love hate relationship with him. Roland Barthes died on the 25th of March 1980 from injuries succumbed from being hit by a van a month earlier. Outline Of Roland Barthes Semiotic Theory Among other fields studied by Roland Barthes, his Semiotic Theory is one of the most famous and well renowned. Although he changed his mind about the way signs work more than once over his career, most practitioners follow the concepts of his original theory. Semiotics, or Semiology as it is often referred to, is concerned with anything that can stand for something else. It is the study of sign processes, meaning what signs signify and how, what signs are communicating, as well as how meaning is constructed and understood. In short it is the study of everything to do with signs. Although arguably not a recognised field until the work of Charles Morris, Semiotics can be applied to almost every aspect of life because it is an interpretation of everything around us. Signs are not only the visual aspect that we all immediately think of but also extends to include areas such as gestures or body language, music, clothes, poetry, paintings, Morse code, food, and graffiti. These are all cons idered to be signs that fall into the category of Semiotics because they can all mean something other than the obvious. For example, an apple can mean healthy and a crown can mean king. These meaning are however, very dependent on the context in which they are referred too. Spots on your chest need to be deciphered in a medical context and road signs will be judged in a transport context. According to Barthes theory, every ideological sign is either a Denotative sign system or a Connotative sign system. A Denotative sign, which is a strictly descriptive system, is the result of the signifier image and the signified concept combining. In other words the apple is the signifier and healthy is the signified. A Connotative sign is one that has lost its historical meaning. This could be due to a number of things including: changes in culture or terminology, an event, or even just evolution. It is important to note that Barthes description of a sign as the correlation between the signifier and the signified came directly from the Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure. The best way to describe the difference between the signifier and signified may be to refer to Barthes essay ‘The World of Wrestling which was published in his 1957 book Mythologies. In this essay he describes the image portrayed by the wrestlers and the resulting portrayal by the fans resulting from the wrestlers image. As Barthes (1957) states: As soon as the adversaries are in the ring, the public is overwhelmed with the obviousness of the roles. As in the theatre, each physical type expresses to excess the part which has been assigned to the contestant. Thauvin, a fifty-year-old with an obese and sagging body The nausea voluntarily provoked by Thauvin shows therefore a very extended use of signs: not only is ugliness used here in order to signify baseness, but in addition ugliness is wholly gathered into a particularly repulsive quality of matter I know from the start that all of Thauvins actions, his treacheries, cruelties and acts of cowardice, will not fail to measure up to the first image of ignobility he gave me; I can trust him to carry out intelligently and to the last detail all the gestures of a kind of amorphous baseness, and thus fill to the brim the image of the most repugnant bastard there is: the bastard-octopus (p.2). This description of the wrestler Thauvin contains a number of signifiers. His physical image: â€Å"fifty-year-old with an obese and sagging body† accompanied by his general mannerisms, are all signifiers. The immediate impression gained by these signifiers lead us to the signified â€Å" all of Thauvins actions, his treacheries, cruelties and acts of cowardice, will not fail to measure up to the first image of ignobility he gave me†. The impression we gain of ugliness and evil by way of the signifier and signified form an image of a villain – which is the sign. This example of a Denotative Sign System is easily dissected because of its theatrical nature. The ability to clearly define the signifier and signified, and therefore the sign, is not always so easily achieved. Application of Theory Semiotic Theory can be applied to many aspects of everyday life and includes activities carried out by most people. Signs have become a part of everyday living and are everywhere. In many societies they are essential, for without them there would be chaos. A simple task such as driving from A to B could become a real nightmare without knowing where you are going, what the road rules are, or how fast your car is travelling. The application of signs in society gives us rules and order. But signs are not always so clearly displayed, read, or interpreted. A married couple can tell each others sad state of mind whereas anyone else may not realise that anything is wrong or out of place. A farmer can tell a sick animal from a healthy one, others will see absolutely no difference. A systems analyst will interpret the clients needs better than a programmer (in most cases). More often than not experience in reading or interpreting a sign is essential in gaining meaning to it and a better understanding of what it is trying to get across. If signs were always clearly interpreted, the number of system projects failing wouldnt be so great; a clear thorough understanding of what is needed would be more easily obtained. Evaluation of Theory Semiotic Theory seems to be based on a mainly Interpretive Approach but does include a small number of Scientific or Objective Approach qualities. The process of deciphering a sign involves many interpretive aspects. While a particular symbol may mean something in one culture, it may mean something different in another. It is how that culture interprets that symbol which determines its meaning. An example can be taken from ‘The World of Wrestling essay by Barthes, â€Å"As soon as the adversaries are in the ring, the public is overwhelmed with the obviousness of the roles.† (p.2). That particular culture (public) has a clear interpretation of what they think the wrestlers are portraying. This is clarified further on in the essay: â€Å"It has already been noted that in America wrestling represents a sort of mythological fight between Good and Evil (of a quasi-political nature, the bad wrestler always being supposed to be a Red [Communist]).† ( Barthes, 1957, p.3). This tells us clearly that it is the American publics interpretation of events which gives the desired meaning or effect. The same ‘show being played out in another culture will likely have very different results. This clearly shows an example of ‘Clarification of Values. Over the course of his career, Barthes reviewed his theory and even changed his mind about certain aspects. This ‘evolution as it has been referred to, shows that it was very much under scrutiny and social reform. Given that it in no way could be ‘scientifically tested, many other scholars or likewise had their own opinion on Semiotic Theory – some for and other against. Either way, it was all very much how it was interpreted. Conclusion Summary of Points Roland Barthes (1915 – 1980) is one of the most recognised names in the field of Semiotics. His Semiotic Theory has been the inspiration behind many aspiring students and teachers alike. His rise to fame coincided with the release of his 1957 book Mythologies, which was a collection of essays he had authored. The public was so fascinated by his ideas that his opinion was often sort in the public arena. Signs range from speech, body language and symbols to paintings, music and Morse code. Barthes Semiotic Theory broke down the process of reading signs and focused on their interpretation by different cultures or societies. According to Barthes, signs had both a signifier, being the physical form of the sign as we perceive it through our senses and the signified, or meaning that is interpreted. Barthes also believed that every ideological sign is either a Denotative sign system or a Connotative sign system. A Denotative sign, which is a strictly descriptive system, is the result of the signifier image and the signified concept combining. A Connotative sign is one that has lost its historical meaning. This could be due to a number of things including: changes in culture or terminology, an event, or even just evolution. Semiotic Theory is an ‘Interpretive theory that can be applied to most aspects of everyday life although most people would not realise it. A Critique of the Theory Roland Barthes often caused controversy because of his often non-scholarly point of view, and the subjective nature of his essays. Barthes 1963 study ‘Sur Racine was one such series of works that caused such controversy. Another ‘Racine scholar name Raymond Picard, took particular exception to this work and criticised Barthes approach in some of his work. In turn, Barthes responded by writing an essay which implied that criticism should become a ‘science. Generally such criticism of Barthes work was rare, and his approach often had fellow scholars intrigued. It is my opinion that this theory is an over-analysis of what should be a simple act of reading a sign. Constantly analysing every aspect of life would easily become very painstaking and I can imagine some ‘enjoyment of life would be lost due to this. The concept of the signifier and signified forming the sign seems relatively simple in theory and if left at that would be. The constant in-depth analysis of even the simplest of tasks seems to be rather pedantic and unnecessary – hence the reason I am not a Semiotic Theorist. Glossary Of Terms Amorphous – Having no definite form. Baseness – Despicable, Untrustworthy, Treacherous. Connotative – In Semiotics connotation arises when the denotative relationship between a signifier and its signified is inadequate to serve the needs of the community. Connotative Sign System – A mythic sign that has lost its historical referent; form without substance. Denotative In semiotics, denotation is the surface or literal meaning encoded to a signifier. Denotative Sign System A descriptive sign without ideological content. Ideology – Knowledge presented as common sense or natural, especially when its social construction is ignored or suppressed. Ignobility – Not noble in quality, character or purpose. Myth – The connotative meaning that signs carry wherever they go; myth makes what is cultural seem natural. Philology the study of literature and of disciplines relevant to literature or to language as used in literature. Sanatorium – an institution for treating chronic diseases, typically tuberculosis. Sign – The inseparable combination of the signifier and the signified. Signified – The meaning we associate with the sign. The idea or thing that that the Signifier represents. Signifier – The physical form of the sign as we perceive it through our senses; an image, object or word being referred too. References / Bibliography Amazon.com. (2009). Universe of the Mind: A Semiotic Theory of Culture. Retrieved July 22, 2009 from http://www.amazon.com/Universe-Mind-Semiotic-Theory-Culture/dp/025321405X Australia Donna. (2009). Susan Petrilli. Retrieved August 7, 2009 from http://www.australiadonna.on.net/english/prof/petrilli.htm Barthes, R (1957). Mythologies: The World of Wrestling. Retrieved 1 September, 2009 from http://www9.georgetown.edu/faculty/irvinem/theory/Barthes-Mythologies-Wrestling-1957.pdf Chandler, D. (2002). Semiotics: The Basics. Great Britain: Routledge. Chandler, D. (2005). Semiotics for Beginners. Retrieved July 22, 2009 from http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Documents/S4B/sem01.html Cobley, P., Jansz, L. (2004). Introducing Semiotics. (2nd ed.). Singapore: Tien Wah Press Ltd. Goldsmiths, University of London. (2008). Hall, Sean. Retrieved August 10, 2009 from http://www.gold.ac.uk/design/staff/hall/ Griffin, E. (2009). A First Look at Communication Theory. (7th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Hall, S. (2007). This Means This, This Means That. A Users Guide to Semiotics. London: Laurence King Publishing Ltd. Halton, E. (1992). Charles Morris A Brief Outline of His Philosophy with relations to semiotics, pragmatics, and linguistics. Retrieved August 7, 2009 from http://www.nd.edu/~ehalton/Morrisbio.htm Liukkonen, P. (2008). Roland Barthes (1915 – 1980). Retrieved September 1, 2009 from http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/rbarthes.htm London Metropolitan University. (2009). Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design. Staff Research: Media and Communication. Retrieved August 10, 2009 from http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/jcamd/research/staff-research/mc/paul-cobley.cfm No Author. (1992). Websters Dictionary. (1992 ed.) United States of America: Leisure Entertainment Service Co Inc. Petrilli,S.(2008). On Communication: Contributions to the Human Sciences and to Humanism from Semiotics Understood as Semioethics.The American Journal of Semiotics,24(4),193-236.Retrieved August 7, 2009 from Research Library. (Document ID:1608836621). Petrilli,S.(2008). The Relation with Morris in Rossi-Landis and Sebeoks Approach to Signs1.The American Journal of Semiotics,24(4),89-121.Retrieved August 7, 2009 from Research Library. (Document ID:1608836581). The Stewardship. (n.d.). Semiotic Theory. Retrieved July 22, 2009 from http://the-stewardship.org/research/semiotics.htm Wikipedia.(2009). Roland Barthes. Retrieved July 22, 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Barthes Wikipedia.(2009). Semiotics. Retrieved July 22, 2009 from (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiotics Wikipedia.(2009). Semiotic Information Theory. Retrieved July 22, 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiotic_information_theory