Monday, September 30, 2019

Poor Communication in Workplace Essay

This project evaluates the problem of communication in organizations. It is based on my experience in Youth Health Partnership Organization. This organization works to improve health infrastructure in order to enhance health outcomes in communities. Communication is key to success of any organization. It determines whether an organization wills succeed in its mission or not. In spite of a lot of effort put to improve communication, some factors still affect and hinder effective communication. In Youth Health Partnership Organization, there existed differences between the effectiveness of employer’s message and what employees interpreted it. The management normally assume that that the way they communicate is received and interpreted well by employees. However, this is not always the case. RopeASW conducted a survey in 2009; where they found out that 55% of managers who responded to the survey assume they communicate well with workers. 65% of employees said that their seniors do not communicate well (Zaremba, 2010). In my study I found out that lack of credibility increases the communication gap between employers and employees. Many employees do not believe what they are told by management. This study shows that employees with longer tenure are less likely to belief their superiors than new employees. This proposal will focus on all causes of communication problem. It will also give recommendation in order to give good solutions to eliminate this problem. It contains a conclusion at the end. Statement of Problem             Communication is the most important and basic activity of a company. In organizations, communication is becoming more complex because of work activities and multi-cultural environment which is becoming complex at high rate. Availability of high transmission media also contribute to communication breakdown (Zaremba, 2010). Companies are required to focus more on communication so that they can effectively increase job satisfaction in work place. Lack of good communication leads to actions not completed. Management ends up being out of touch with the staff that it needs to motivate so that the company can operate at full potential. Poor communicate affects even the customer department making the company lose sales. It also makes organizations making poor decisions which affect the progress of the company. The company ends up losing workers and money. Many researchers have researched widely on communication issues. However, there has been few studies in this area. The need for this project is to explore the effects of poor communication, causes and solutions to the problem. The proposal is important to companies as it will help them put in place communication networks. These networks give different perspectives of employees. It will also assist companies boost the morale of employees as well as increasing job satisfaction. These benefits will be derived from this study. Management Plan             This section contains my qualification for carrying out project research. It also contains cost incurred. I already books and articles on communication, hence I used most of my time sifting through information, looking for key results. The only cost I incurred was in printing and copying articles. I obtained all sources of literature review from university library. My experience in Youth Health Partnership Organization helped me to assimilate proposed literature review. Literature Review             I started the project with the understanding that communication is the foundation of any organization. I discovered it is important to evaluate the solutions to communication problems. I reviewed relevant literature to support my study. I used literature related to communication; others expressed the effect of communication on job satisfaction of employees. I other literature showed the perception of both male and female in the organization. Finally, I included literature that dealt with ways of improving communication. Zaremba(2010) argues that there exist differences in the way male and female employees perceive communication behaviors of their seniors. According to Zaremba (2010) managers’ leadership style, conflict management skills contribute to effectiveness of communication. Research Methodology             In this research, different methods were used to collect information and data. Primary sources used were interviews and conversations. Journals were used as secondary sources. Variables             I used formal communication, informal communication and communication climate as my variables. The three variables were affected by various issues. Communication climate             This is the atmosphere that is created by people who use listening skills, verbal and non-verbal communication skills. It involves how communication takes place in an organization. The environment in which communication is taking place determines if communication will take place or not. Communication climate is affected by various factors and one of them is credibility (Klyuknanov, 2013). Credibility involves the qualification of the sources of information. It also involves the consistency with which knowledge is applied and the overall reliability. Credibility starts from the top level management and it trickles down to the middle level managers up to operational level. If workers believe that that their seniors lack credibility this contribute to poor and closed communication climate. The second factor that influences communication climate is trust. Trust is a firm reliance on the ability, integrity and character of a person. Whenever employees lack trust in their manager, communication is hindered. This is because lack of trust brings suspicion (Zaremba, 2010). Openness also affects communication climate. Openness is said to be a free expression of ones opinion and true feelings. It also refers to the ability to receive new ideas, relationships and new experiences. If people are not ready to express their ideas and opinions, then effective communication does not take place. Information cannot be shared where people fear retaliation or being betrayed (Rayundu, 2010).. Another factor the impacts on communication climate is existence of rumors. Poor communication is caused by exaggerated rumors and vindictive ones. At the same time, when rumors are innocuous, good communication climate is enhanced. Rule of assertiveness is the last factor. Enforcement of rules may or may not affect communication. Strict rules frustrate high performers. They also contribute to inflexibility. Formal communication             These are means of communication that are controlled by management. It involves sharing of ideas that support clear agendas where interaction of employees is structured. Formal communication can be in written or unwritten form. Written forms include newsletter, letter of congratulation, memos, and legal advisories. Non written forms include telephone calls, meetings, interviews and conferences. Problems arises when one caries communication outside the established channels. My research has revealed that if one tries to solve a problem in another person’s area, it leaves people in that areas feeling alienated and taken for granted. Informal communication             This is spontaneous and casual communication. It involves rumors, casual conversations and grapevines. Information is shared in socializing workers through conversation, text messages, telephone calls and electronic mails. Informal communication does not follow lines of authority. This can be misused to create an atmosphere of fear and suspicion (Rayundu, 2010). Recommendations Open communication climate             The management should establish supportive environment where workers can pass information to their seniors without fearing and being certain that the management will accept is the way it is without whether bad or good, favorable or unfavorable. They should also establish participative environment. This is an environment where employees feel that whatever they have to say counts. Best ideas and suggestions that improve productivity comes from workers in assembly line. Employees in customer care department are acquainted with a lot of information that can spell doom to marketing effort. Employees share information with management when they feel that they are treated as participants who are legitimate in the company. The management should focus in reducing complex reporting procedure, harsh regulatory policies, bureaucracy, and encumbering paper work because they discourage employees from participating actively. Actions should to be taken to encourage subordinates to participate actively. Managers, team leaders and supervisors must learn to listen to grievances, suggestions, complains and respond accordingly. Supervisors must be ready to open up to criticism that is brought by participation of employees and be ready to correct their behaviors and explain them. Management should ensure that supervisors and employees collaborate in order to have an open communication climate. Trusting Environment             Parties involved in sharing information must always tell the truth. This improves credibility of information communicated. Management should make sure they do not give contradicting information. For an organization to have good communication climate, it must ensure that information is true and the source can be trusted. This is because the belief in a person to be able to convey correct information is essential. Managers, team leaders and supervisors should lower their defenses in order to encourage sharing of information in an honest way such that truth is promoted. Appropriate action should be taken to follow communication intentions. Listening actively             During communication process, participants should offer full attention. One should turn and lean forward towards the other party. Eye contact should also be maintained during conversation. To enhance one’s ability, non verbal signals should be incorporated. One should let his colleague know he or she is listening by nodding his head, smiling and by making facial expressions. Arms should be kept folded and fists unclenched. During formal or informal communication, feedback should be given by paraphrasing the other person’s ideas. Having knowledge             Communication is always hindered whenever people of different cultures are involved in cross culture communication. It requires that one understands the potential problem and work on overcoming them. Whenever one is not successful, he should make necessary adjustments in order to succeed in the next period. When different languages are involved, misunderstanding increases due to translation. People need to bee aware that both verbal and non verbal communication has different meaning to different people. Cross cultural communication is hindered by verbal and non verbal communications because having different meaning. One should be forgiving and patient with others when a problem arises. A hostile, forceful and aggressive employer leads to poor communication. One ought to progress slowly rather than quickly whenever different cultures are involved without assume that you already know. When one is in a heated conflict, he or she should stop and think before he or she acts. Withdrawing gives a chance for one to reflect and think on the best course of action before acting. Having knowledge of cross cultural communication will help one to listen reflectively. One should also develop good behavior at the right place because what is considered as a good behavior may be a bad behavior in another culture. One can decide whether to stand when talking, look someone in the yes or not. Cultures have different ways of expressing emotions during communication. Sme people yell while others cry while angry. Others do not show any emotion. Overcoming these issues is only by being aware of the problem One should also give a summary of what the other person is saying. I also recommend asking appropriate and effective questions. This may involve simple things such as asking question in order to clarify ideas or points that are not clear. One should also remain open minded. Focusing on ones goals, questions and problems hinders one from listening, absorbing and understanding the other person. Interruptions should be kept at minimum and the speaker should be given enough time to finish whatever he is saying. Win-win approach             The management should use win-win approach in communication. When should concentrates on the needs and interest of speaker. One should not aim to gain victory or gain position over other people. In order to create good will among employees, win-win approach should be used because each person understands the needs of each other in this approach. In order to achieve this, employees should be encouraged to have self disclosure. They need to be encouraged to open up to their colleagues. They should be taught to appreciate and accept themselves first in order to be in a position to share information with other employees. This provides feedback to his or her colleagues on how their behaviors affect him or her. At the same time, supervisors should have empathy. They should try to understand and feel what others goes through. They should learn to respond to what is said, retain distance and objectivity, understand feelings of others in the message and also understand the content of the message. This will ultimately lead to win-n situation that boost communication. Conclusion             The focus of this proposal is to identify a problem in the work place and develop a solution to that issue. For this purpose, I identified poor communication as a major problem in workplace. I focused on three dimensions to communication. Communication climate can have a positive or negative effect on communication. It should be a supportive and participative climate. The second dimension is formal communication and the last one is informal communication. The recommendations I discussed in this proposal is for companies to maintain open communication climate, have a win-win approach to communication, create trusting environment. Participants should learn the skills of listening actively. This will not only improve communication but also increase job satisfaction. References Klyukanov, I. (2013). Digital humanities, scholarly communication and communication science. Modern communication studies, 2(1), 43-53. Rayudu, C. S. (2010). Communication (Rev. ed.). Mumbai [India: Himalaya Pub. House. Zaremba, A. J. (2010). Organizational communication (3rd ed.). New York: Oxford University Press. CarriÃÆ' ¨re, J., & Bourque, C. (2009). The effects of organizational communication on job satisfaction and organizational commitment in a land ambulance service and the mediating role of communication satisfaction. Career Development International, 14(1), 29-49. Ryabova, I. (2013). Communication components of management and organizational culture of the company. Modern communication studies, 2(2), 13-40. Book, I. (2009). Communication. Chicago: World Book, Inc.. Source document

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Letter of Application Essay

I would like to apply for the BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care course. There are many reasons why I think this would be beneficial to me, some personal and some career related. Personally, studying Health and Social would help me in my life to understand myself as well as better my relationships with peers, friends and family. By gaining a greater understanding of what is involved in the Health and Social Care sector I can improve my ability to work with or alongside others and respect and meet their needs, as well as my own. However the main reason is that I aspire to become an Occupational Therapist in the future and I’ve been passionate about this for many years. Having set my goals and looked into my university courses, I believe Health and Social would put me in good stead for my application for university and enable me to have a better knowledge and understanding prior to beginning an OT course in university. Through my own life I have developed a fairly large amount of knowledge on Health and Social Care. Throughout my school time I have been a part of the schools Peer Mentoring team, working with younger students to overcome difficulties. Incorporated into this was a whole host of different training sessions and it has also gained me a qualification through the organisations BulliesOut and ASDAN. I am very proud to have been given this opportunity, and this really helped me to decide that a job in the Health and Social Care sector would definitely suit me best. Now as a year 12 student I’m taking part in the schools Better Learning Partnership programme to help younger students with either their Numeracy or Literacy to allow them to reach their full  potential. Also, in my own life at home I’ve had experiences with Health and Social care workers such as therapists, nurses, social workers and more. This has allowed me to watch them in their work and gain first hand experi ences about how they work effectively, and also the things that I’ve found have been less effective. However, I have more experience with the Social Care side of things than the Health Care side, so I think this is a slight weakness and an area I would like to further my knowledge in whilst studying this course. Also, working with the elderly is something I’m yet to gain experience in, which this course will give me the opportunity to get. I feel my Communication skills are relatively good because I am a good listener, I can easily find information from texts or reports, I know how to use my verbal language and body language effectively and I am also good at communicating with adults and on a one-to-one basis. This course will enable me to practice and gain more confidence in myself, which is something that could hinder me in Health and Social Care. Also, I’m not as confident and successful in group communication or creating reports and references of my work, even though I do find that sometimes I can be a compulsive note taker. This course I hope will provide me with the skills and confidence to overcome and manage these problems and better my communication skills on the whole so I become equally good in all areas. When I am working with others, I definitely know how I can use my skills best and what would be a good job for me to do and the things that others would be able to do better. I also enjoy helping others in groups to develop their skills and build upon their strengths. This is because I find real satisfaction from helping others to grow and reach their full potential. I also feel I’m fairly good at evaluating group work and interactions with others to help me in the future. However, communicating with peers is definitely one of my weaknesses in this area as I am not a very confident person and often worry about how others will perceive me and also, if I detect or not an aspect of group communication that isn’t as effective as it could be, I’m very hesitant to point it out, again as a result of my lack of confidence. I hope that through the Work Experience I will gain on the Health and Social Care course that I will be able to build on my confidence and believe in myself more as I gain more knowledge and practical experience. Generally, I think my skills with technology are sufficient. I enjoy using both power point and  excel to support my work and I’m always fairly organised and have everything filed appropriately. I also have other skills in things such as music and swimming which I am proud of. However I’m not overly confident in using computerised technology to create reports or organise tasks, schedules and deadline, I prefer to work on paper than on computer. Through my assignments in this course I think I will be able to better my use of computers to organise myself as email systems are commonly used to set deadlines and tasks, and also they will force me to be organised with deadlines and be good with time management, as well as the course giving me opportunities to furth er my personal skills and interests. The biggest threat facing me with my technological skills is that I strongly prefer to work on paper and by hand than using computers! I find that I learn fairly well from observing the work of others in practice and I’m confident in using both computers and books to research and further my knowledge and understanding as well as to analyse data. The Work Experience on this course will enable me to further develop my research skills through observation and participation and my assignments will allow me to practice other skills such as referencing. However I find that I sometimes find it hard to concentrate and stay focused when conducting independent research, especially if I am struggling to find the information I need. I am quite proud of my personal hygiene and sense of how to dress and present myself appropriately. I am also always relatively organised in my work and keep to my deadlines which is a very important skill to have to avoid added stress and consequences. My assignments during the course will give me further opportunities to work on these skills and on any other weaknesses, such as struggling to understand terminology used in assignment briefs and rarely ask for help if I don’t understand the work I have to do. My biggest threat is probably that my personal life and difficulties can sometimes get in the way of my deadlines and ability to focus, however I rarely tell tutors about these things due to feeling embarrassed and the fear of being judged. I am fairly confident in my ability to work professionally and have a vague understanding of the Care Value Base, limitations and responsibilities through my Peer Mentoring work within school. Through the Health and Social Care course I will be able to deepen my knowledge and understanding of things such as the Care Value Base and legislations which will be key to successful work in the Health and  Social Care sector. However I always want to do the best and help as much as I physically can, so sticking to the limitations will be something I find hard to do and potentially upsetting. I have very strong personal values and beliefs which I will always use to guide me in my own life and in my work. They also support the way in which I work and treat other people. The course can help me learn about where my values and beliefs can be used in Health and Social Car. However I feel extremely strongly about certain things so I need to ensure I don’t go against the Care Value Base in my work because my values and beliefs may not quite fit. Also, I sometimes struggle to keep my opinions to myself if I take offence by something or I consider something wrong, so I need to work on this whilst I complete the Health and Social Care course. I know the difference between legislation, policies and codes of conduct. I am also aware that there are certain things that you can’t do related to Health and So cial Care if you are under the age of 18. Also, I’m very familiar with the Data Protection Act 1998 and also about the Health and Safety Act 1974. The course will give me the opportunity to get to grips with the Codes of Conduct in various settings through my Work Experience Placements and get a deeper understanding of legislations. My only worry is that Legislations and Codes of Conduct change for different work environments and I may struggle to know the differences without extended practise. I know what I am good at and what my limitations are. Attending a Mindfulness course has helped me to gain understanding of myself and my limitations. I have already had a fair amount of experience with managing responsibilities and I am aware of how important meeting them can be for success. The Health and Social Care course will allow me to grow as a person and further my understanding of my personal abilities and tackle any problems that I may face, such as mental health, emotional and social aspects that could cause me an issue. I do have some experience with informal care however I could definitely benefit from further experience in certain areas. In conclusion, I feel this course would be paramount for my success in Occupational Therapy. My main strengths are that I have a strong passion for helping other people and that I have had personal experiences with professionals from the Health and Social Care sector. I believe that my passion and determination to succeed will be what carries me through this course and allows me to achieve my full potential. However my main  weaknesses are lack of confidence and also that I always want to help people as best as I possibly can, but sometimes that may be further than policies, codes of practice and legislations allow.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Christian Thought + Hindu Tradition Research Paper

Christian Thought + Hindu Tradition - Research Paper Example The process of his conversion was not easy; he imbibed various religious philosophies and ultimately formed his own viewpoint about religion and theology. (Frend, 651-653; Ehrman, 80-81). 2. Donatism was a movement of the masses. It was formed by the union of a group of angry Carthaginian people and a set of uncompromising Numidian population. Donatus was the founder of the movement and he believed that as there was only one God, his Church was also one and it was characterized by purity. The movement gained considerable success and became a representative of the Christian and African religious ideals. North Africa under the Donatist movement gathered itself around its bishops and following the Cyprus and the Donatist ideals almost became a Christian society. (Frend, 653-656). 3. Tyconius’s Rules about exegesis significantly influenced the interpretation of the Scripture during his succeeding times. The philosophies of Bede and Beatus of Libana of the eighth century were both influenced by the ideals of Tyconius. Tyconius belonged to the Donatist Movement and his work exhibited the influence of the layman on the Christian Church’s theology. Maximian belonged to the family of Donatus. His philosophies represented a moderate standpoint inside the Church and were successful in gaining the support of about 100 bishops of Africa and Byzacena. (Frend, 657-658). 4. Augustine’s father, Patricius was of pagan origin, his mother Monica, belonged to Christianity. He was brought up on Christian ideals and his mother had a significant moral influence on his upbringing. His father stressed on his classical education and infused him with an ambition to have a public career. Augustine was tutored by Maximus of Badora. From Thagaste he moved to the school of Madaura situated on the northern part of Numidian high plains. In 371c he traveled to study at Carthage in Rome. In Carthage he pursued two philosophies: namely Manichaeism and another faith which advoc ated undivided wisdom through philosophy. Augustine returned to Thagaste in 375c. (Frend, 659-660). 5. The Manichaeist philosophy believed that Christianity combined reason and revelation in a truly spiritual process of worship. The Manichaeists advocated that it was not necessary to worship God at nay altar. Augustine was closely associated with this movement. His allies included Fortunatus, a byter of the press in Hippo, Cornelius an intellectual man, Alypius also a resident of Thagaste, Honoratus, and a pagan converted to Manicheism and Nebridios who followed Augustine through the movement to Platonist Christianity. Therefore the Manichaeists comprised a zestful intellectual society that valued Augustine for his good qualities. (Frend, 660-661). 6. Donatism was popular among the Christians in North Africa. The philosophy propagated theory of Christian martyrdom, which in the opinion of Augustine was no better than Paganism. Augustine searched for a synthesis between philosophy an d the ideals of Christianity. He was prepared to reject the Old Testament as the word of God and accept a dualistic interpretation of the Christian religion. On the other hand the Donatists were in favor of imposing a ritualistic philosophy on their followers, which in turn was not acceptable to Augustine. (Frend, 661-662). 7. According to the opinion of Pelagius the Bible should be followed without questioning. He further believed

Friday, September 27, 2019

Two Recent Merger and Acquisition Cases Research Paper

Two Recent Merger and Acquisition Cases - Research Paper Example Verizon shareholders were the winners in the deal in that the new wireless unit was expected to have an annual income of 21.8 billion as operations income, a major boost to Verizon wireless coffers. The implication would be that Verizon wireless would have huge capital for investment in its wireless network infrastructure to take over competition wars to new levels. The deal was particularly of much importance to Vodafone shareholders as the company was not in a position to control operations and dividends in the U.S market. As such, the deal liberated Vodafone to focus more on reinventing and improving its operations in the European market where they have total control of their operations. Concentrating on the European market would improve the value of the company to its shareholders. In other words, the company made efforts to concentrate in smaller market segment hence improved performance and obtaining a competitive edge. The move to sell Vodafone U.S to Verizon was a response to the dwindling fortunes in the European market, which was badly affected by the debt crises. As such the buyout would leave Vodafone in improved financial status for boosting its network in the European market, which would be a win to Vodafone shareholders after several years of misfortune. The lucrativeness of the deal was evident by the fact that Verizon had agreed to sell its 23% stake in Vodafone Italy back to Vodafone at a cost of $3.5 billion. The amount is a fraction of what Verizon churned out for Vodafone US. On the other hand, the deal was a major boost to Verizon shares in the market. Verizon was expecting at least 10% gain per share since the buyout, a major surprise in the U.S communication market. However, the deal was not without a cost to Verizon. The company faced a major downgrade risk from S & P due to its high debt, with its credit rating being downgraded by one level and risking sinking deeper towards

Thursday, September 26, 2019

An application of Electromagnetics Theory (see directions) Research Paper - 1

An application of Electromagnetics Theory (see directions) - Research Paper Example In the overview of the EMF applications, the main aim of this paper is to analyze the manner in which the electromagnetic theory has been applied and some of the benefits and disadvantages of its use. The analysis will also focus on its application for instance in the case of the low 3d frequency electromagnetic modeling of the human eye with elemental boundaries that are applicable to the (CK) conductive keratoplasty (Lindebaum 298). The surgical technique (CK) Conductive keratoplas is an example of an application that utilizes the electromagnetic theory. It entails a process where the cornea is penetrated by the use of a thin electrode that sends radio-frequency pulse energy to the environs surrounding the tissues in the eye. The heat energy from the electromagnetic is then dispelled into the tissues, which not only tighten thermally but also shrink the lamellae collagen. This process allows the doctors to cure common eye diseases like astigmatism and far-sightedness and correct the cornea’s shape (Itin 3361). A much more technical description of the CK process would include; it being understood from the perspective that biological tissue all have different permatives and conductives and due to this aspect the exposure of biological tissues to low intensity systems and high voltages should be preferably don in such electrical fields. Therefore, low frequency electromagnetic field calculations require boundary element method (BEM) and macroscopic Maxwell equations in their applications, which will later be used to solve the electric problem in the eye (Wolpe 388). Combination of discontinuous and continuous collocations nodes can be used where there are possible potentials that will have to be attached and assigned to the nodes continuously and the discontinuous nodes can be attached and assigned to the electric fields. Through this, there

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Communication In Multidisciplinary Health Teams Essay

Communication In Multidisciplinary Health Teams - Essay Example Their historic experience has made nursing and midwifery the unifying catalysts in health teams. Their sustaining nodal core has been their humane 'caring'. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a shortage of more than 4 million doctors, nurses, midwives, worldwide (1600 medical schools; 6000 nursing schools; 375 public health schools). Inadequate remuneration adds to the loss of trained health-care personnel, to emigration (a recent analysis of nearly 400 emigr nurses in London found that as many as two thirds of them were recruited from Cameroon by agencies to work in Britain). An additional 2% of the nursing workforce is lost to retirement, each year. The existing local health resources, left, have to confront the growing burden of high-priority services required to meet the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs)(2) established by WHO: To confront this world challenge with the existing shortage of nurses, the World Health Organisation has proposed the development of multidisciplinary teamwork at country level (3). This strategy multiplies existing health workforce in a synergy to surpass the sum of each individual. However, teamwork requires the leadership of nurses and midwifery to integrate and coordinate collaborative partnership, enhancing information exchange, as advanced technology creates medical specialisation and sub-specialisation. Shann DEFINITION Shannon-Weiner had described linear communication process as the flow of INFORMATION (message) between an INPUT (emissary), and an OUTPUT (receptor), through a modelling CHANNEL. Now-a-days, the INPUT runs the INFORMATION through the 'black box' (channel with an unknown inner mechanism, that gives an unpredictable OUTPUT), in system analogy. This exchange of a heterogeneous, concurrently running process distributes message transactions with unreliable execution. Non-linearity must be harnessed by clear inter-process workflow mechanisms to avoid entropy (the natural tendency towards disorganization and chaos). To better understand communication in multidisciplinary teams, we must first delve into the deeper meaning implied in each of these words, for a comprehensive analysis: "Teams" differs from "groups", because they unite people in a common purpose; whereas "groups" are encounter, meeting spaces where feelings, experience or ideas are shared and exchanged, without a fixed agenda. The original word, "team" comes from the Greek, meaning two horses or oxen, together, driving a plough. Multidisciplinary is a term coined recently to describe the multiple specialities (functional disciplines) that interact in a common job. Unlike interdisciplinary, which describes the interaction within the team, multidisciplinary teams work together towards a common objective. Multidisciplinary is external networking; interdisciplinary is internal interaction. Communication which comes from the latin "comunicare" stems for 'common'. It is interactive information that binds a "common" network. If, however, it is broken down into the prefix: cum- with and munio/munire- defense, historic origins from the need for defense to make for survival. Information has become the bonding link that fortifies a common front of understanding and protects against

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Diagnosing A Refractive Error Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Diagnosing A Refractive Error - Essay Example Being myopic, you would be able to see better at near, while objects become progressively blurrier with distance. "Hyperopia, the hyperopic eye is deficient in refractive power. The rays from infinity are not refracted enough; thus the point of focus is behind the retina. The eye lacks plus power." (Handbook of Refraction, George E. Garcia, M.D., Pg 23) This is caused either by the cornea being too flatly curved, the axial length of the eye being too short, or a combination of both. 'Astigmatism is a condition in which rays of light are not refracted equally in all meridians. For the purpose of classification, an astigmatic eye is assumed to have two principle meridians that are usually at right angles to each other. (Handbook of Refraction, George E. Garcia, M.D., Pg 35) Astigmatism is caused by the abnormal shape of the eye. Like a football, distorted in shape, being flatter along one meridian and steeper along the other. The clarity of vision would be affected at all distances. If your astigmatism is oriented vertically, there will be selective blurring of vertical lines. "Presbyopia is a normal condition associated with age. ... "Hyperopia, the hyperopic eye is deficient in refractive power. The rays from infinity are not refracted enough; thus the point of focus is behind the retina. The eye lacks plus power." (Handbook of Refraction, George E. Garcia, M.D., Pg 23) This is caused either by the cornea being too flatly curved, the axial length of the eye being too short, or a combination of both. If you were Hyperopic, you would see both distance and near blurred. But the distance is clearer compared to the near objects. 'Astigmatism is a condition in which rays of light are not refracted equally in all meridians. For the purpose of classification, an astigmatic eye is assumed to have two principle meridians that are usually at right angles to each other. (Handbook of Refraction, George E. Garcia, M.D., Pg 35) Astigmatism is caused by the abnormal shape of the eye. Like a football, distorted in shape, being flatter along one meridian and steeper along the other. The clarity of vision would be affected at all distances. If your astigmatism is oriented vertically, there will be selective blurring of vertical lines. "Presbyopia is a normal condition associated with age. Accommodation available falls short of the demand made upon it for the usual reading range. It is due to a physiological decrease in the amplitude of accommodation. Its appearance varies with the individual, particularly his or her occupation and refractive error." (Handbook of Refraction, George E. Garcia, M.D., Pg 78) 2. PROCESS OF REFRACTION The overall process of refraction can be divided into three parts. Part one is called the "starting point." The refractionist collects basic information about the visual conditions of the patient. This includes a technique called static retinoscopy. This determines the refractive

Monday, September 23, 2019

The Energy Problem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Energy Problem - Essay Example "We think that the recent run-up in gasoline prices has significantly increased the likelihood that we will see another gas crisis in the near future. This is regardless of whether there is a true shortage, or if it's just panic buying that takes hold. Don't be surprised to see gasoline rationing being put in place as soon as this occurs, whether it is imposed by the retailers, or by the government. Don't be surprised to see long lines at the pumps, a la 1972." (The Coming Gasoline Crisis). This paper will deal with the gasoline crisis and it will compare the cost of production of Gasoline to Ethanol in order to suggest a solution to this problem. The conclusion will sum up the major points of the paper. "In 2003, the U.S. Department of Agriculture surveyed 21 dry-mill ethanol plants to estimate their 2002 production costs, including both variable (feedstock and plant operation) and capital expenses. These plants produced about 550 million gallons of ethanol in 2002. Net feedstock costs for the surveyed plants ranged from 39 to 68 cents per gallon in 2002. For cash operating expenses, the average energy expenditure was 17.29 cents per gallon. Labor costs ranged from 3 to 11 cents per gallon, maintenance costs from 1 to 7 cents, and administrative costs from 1 to 18 cents. For capital expenditures, new plant construction costs from $1.05 to $3.00 per gallon of ethanol." (Ethanol). There has been a significant rise in the production of Ethanol over the years, the facts speak for themselves and it is found that only 200 million gallons were produced in the year 1980, on the other hand the year 2004 saw a high increase in this figure, it was found that 200 million of Ethanol was produced during the year, the same also gave rise to the no of Ethanol plants. Way back in 1980s Ethanol was only produced as a fuel meant to extend the supply of gasoline. "In 2004, more than 80 percent of the ethanol produced was used in State oxygen-mandated markets and in a winter-oxygenated program. The rest was used to enhance the octane rating in gasoline throughout the United States. Ethanol production has also been boosted by improved technologies for growing corn, a major input; corn yields increased an average of 40 percent per acre from 1979-81 to 2002-04." (Ethanol). When the operational cost of Ethanol is taken into account, it basically involves two factors, namely capital costs and variable costs. Some of the components which come under variable costs include electricity, water etc. This is called variable cost because it never remains constant, the price keeps varying. As far as the largest operating expenses are concerned, it was found that in the year 2002 on an average 17.29 cents per gallon of ethanol was produced, which is way too high. In the Capital costs segment it was found that "For new plants, construction costs ranged from $1.05 to $3.00 per gallon of ethanol. The average cost of building new plants is lower than in the past, possibly due to designs that exploit economies of scale. Of the 21 plants responding to the survey, 16 increased their capacity in 2002 by a combined 253 million gallons per year. Average investment to expand

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Comparing and Contrasting Two Images Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Comparing and Contrasting Two Images - Essay Example illions of Americans out of work and created the justification for more government intervention in business and society that continues today through the financial stimulus package. Photographs of desperate people during this terrible period in American business history abound but one of the most famous is that by Dorothea Lange which captured the sheer desperation of a mother who was worrying how to feed all her seven children (although only three were shown in that iconic photograph with the youngest still an infant). It is an unforgettable sad portrait. On the other hand, this photograph will be contrasted with a picture of another mother in a formal (official) historical portrait by an extremely talented female painter by the name of Elisabeth-Louise Vigee-Le Brun who struck up a healthy friendship with her painting subject. It is a curious twist of history that the mother portrayed in this painting happened to be the queen of France named Marie Antoinette who was of Austrian origin but was married off to the French dauphin (heir apparent to the royal throne) at that time to cement the relations between the two countries of France and Austria. The French people soon soured of Marie Antoinette and killed her through the guillotine. These two photographs show how life can be unfair at times which in turn validates the old idiomatic expression of â€Å"thats the way the cookie crumbles.† Discussion – the first photograph is entitled â€Å"Destitute Pea Pickers in California† and it was taken by Dorothea Lange in Nipomo, California at around February or March of 1936. This was around the time when the depression was at its peak (the vicious cycle was at its worst time) and this photograph, alternatively called as â€Å"Migrant Mother† (Lange, 1936) by photograph enthusiasts, is considered as the most iconic of the Depression era. It captured the sheer sense of hopelessness, anxiety, and desperation which many Americans felt at that time but this one photograph

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Plato and Aristotle Essay Example for Free

Plato and Aristotle Essay Plato and Aristotle both have been very influential as the ancient Greek philosophers. Aristotle was a student of Plato and there are many similarities between these intellectual giants of the ancient world but there are also many things that distinguish them from each other. Aristotle was far more empirical-minded than Plato. First, Platos philosophy relegated the material, physical world to a sort of metaphysical second class. His contention was that the abstract truths of the mind-mathematical truths, moral and normative truths about ideals-are what really matter in life and in philosophy, and that the empirical world around us consists of merely poor copies of these ideals. By contrast, Aristotle did as much or more work in what we would today call science (physics, biology, etc. ) as in what remains a part of philosophy. While Aristotle certainly did important work in ethics and related areas, he concentrated as much or more on examining the material world. Plato can be read at times as being quite disparaging of science. This is not true of Aristotle. Second, the difference in the approaches and values of these two philosophers resulted in very different political philosophies. Platos political philosophy, which can be found principally in the Republic. For him, the just state is one ruled by ascetic philosophers who have been raised from birth not to value material reward or exclusive human connections, even with their own kin. They are the ideal of wise, objective, fair-minded, ultra-rational beings. In contrast to Platos utopian political philosophy, Aristotles political philosophy, which can be found principally in the Politics, has a large component of descriptive political science. When he does argue for certain political schemes, they tend to be incremental improvements on existing systems. Like his teacher Plato, Aristotles philosophy aims at the universal. Aristotle, however, finds the universal in particular things, which he calls the essence of things, while Plato finds that the universal exists apart from particular things. Aristotle makes philosophy coextensive with reasoning, which he also would describe as science. Note, however, that his use of the term science carries a different meaning than that covered by the term scientific method. For Aristotle, all science is practical, poetical or theoretical. By practical science, he means ethics and politics; by poetical science, he means the study of poetry and the other fine arts; by theoretical science, he means physics, mathematics and metaphysics. In general, Plato is the more extravagant thinker, the thinking outside the box type who was equal parts brilliant and bizarre in his ideas. Aristotle is more the cool, logical, dry, systematic thinker whose works tend to read like encyclopedias.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Soft Systems Methodology Analysis Construction Essay

Soft Systems Methodology Analysis Construction Essay This essay investigates Soft Systems Methodology, which is a way of dealing with problem situations in which there is a high social, political and human activity component. SSM varies from other methodologies as it does not deal with the HARD problems that are more technically oriented but instead it deals with SOFT problems. Organizations are making large investments in construction projects. Many factors affect the successful achievement of projects, and to be considered successful, project objectives and specifications must be achieved on time and on budget, also projects should meet Stakeholders expectations and realize measurable benefits. But construction projects are often difficult to estimate and manage; some projects are cancelled or reduced in scope because of overruns in cost and or time, or failure to produce expected benefits. That what makes risk management for construction projects a challenging task. FIGURE 1 SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY: Soft System Methodology is the brainwave of  Professor Peter Checkland. The methodology was devised as a result of consultancy work (Platt, 1995).  Hutchings (2006) explains this development as an approach which can be accessed in the situation where Hard System Methodologies are fruitless. He writes,   When confronted with complex real world problems which cannot be defined solely in the scientific terms, Checkland was forced to abandon the classic system engineering thinking which could not describe fully the situation he faces. This led to a fundamental reappraisal of the classics hard approach and the subsequent development of the Soft Methodology. Hence, SSM is classified as a generic methodology (Wilson, 1992) which should be adapted to any given situation. It deals with fuzzy problem situations situations where people are viewed not as passive objects, but as active subjects, where objectives are unclear or where multiple objectives may exist (Rosenhead, 1989). This is explained as human activity system (HAS)   a collection of activities, in which people are purposefully engaged, and the relationships between the activities (Platt, 1995).  Hence SSM is a qualitative technique that can be used for applying System Thinking to non-systematic situations. It follows its progression in seven stages as laid down by Checkland in seven stage model which  is considered by most people to be  the  SSM (Platt, 1995). The seven stages are incorporated into two parts: the real world and systems thinking, as illustrated  in Figure 2. The diagram is divided into two halves. The upper half (Stages 1, 2, 5, 6, 7) are activities th at take place in the real world that is they are based on the knowledge and experience of the participant of how things are to them (Beckford 1998) and therefore should involve people in the problem situation. The bottom half (Stages 3,4,4a,4b) are systems thinking activities which are carried out in the language of systems and may or may not involve people in the problem situation, depending on the circumstances of study  (Johnson, 1999).   FIGURE 2: LEARNING CYCLE OF SSM Effective Risk Management: Project risk management consists of two stages: Risk Assessment, and Risk Control. Risk Assessment is an iterative process; it can take place at any stage and during any time of the project lifecycle, though the sooner the better. Risk Control cannot be effective without a previous risk assessment. TYPES OF RISKS IN CONSTRUCTION: Risk in the design (Flanagan, Norman):   The design risk includes:   Errors in the drawing and design by the architects, structural engineer,   Risk of finishing the drawing in the agreed time, Risk due to number of revisions made in the drawings,  Risk due to the mistake in estimation and costing. Risk arising by the contractor:   Risk occurring due to the in experience of the contractor in doing the kind of project, Risk occurring due to the lack of coordination with the sub contractors and the suppliers which results in delay of the work, Risk due to the manpower mismanagement and also due to the issues regarding claims, disputes, Risk due to the delay in payment of bill to the contractor by the client. Risk arising by the client:   Risk due to not giving insufficient information on the clients needs to the contractor,  Risk due to delay in making important decision, Risk due to the wrong selection of procurement route to construction of the building,  Risk of delay due to changes in the architectural drawing and the design calculations,. Risk arising in the site:   Risk due to improper soil investigation in the site which results in problems like water logging, Risk due to problem with the transportation facility to the site which delays in the delivery of the materials to the site. Other miscellaneous risks: Risk in delay of the project due to the delay in the approval from the local authorities, Risk due to some political interferences,  Risk due to the problems raised by the neighbourhood property owners,  Risk due to the existence of previous building in the site. FIGURE 4: RISK IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT The Role of Each Stake Holder Involved: The stake holders involved in the Risk management study (Lambeck, Eschemuller) are: Risk Manager:   He is the head of the risk management study. He initiates the meeting with the client and submits the risk management report to the client. The risk manager will prepare a risk management evaluation report to submit to the client. Architect:   Architect works on the design of the building based on the requirements given by the client.   He is responsible for the design and he has to make sure that the design is proper and the risk of changes in the drawing is minimal. Structural Engineer:   The structural Engineer proves the structural design of the project. He is responsible for the structural stability and the safety of the building. He can change the architect drawing if there is no structural feasibility in the design. Project Manager:   The Project Manager is the main representative from the client side who is responsible for the whole construction work. He calculates the time limit to finish the project and also looks in to the quality considerations. He coordinates the construction team and make sure that the potential of risk is minimum. Quantity Surveyor: The quantity Surveyor is a main part and works on the cost aspect of the project. He will be responsible for selecting and delivering different materials for the construction. The estimates proposed by the QS will be very competitive. Client: The client is the owner of the project. The client will be providing his requirements to the project team. There fore his satisfaction with each of the proposals is very important. Service Engineer:   The service engineer is responsible for the risk involved in the service provided in the building such as electrical, plumbing, air conditioning etc. The Information Client will need to provide to the Workshop Participants before Each Study:   The client provides the requirements he expects from the study to the stake Holders such as Architect, Structural Engineer and Quantity Surveyor etc. the information client has to provide are: The aim and the objective of the project: Quality expectations: Quality is an important factor and has to be considered for the project. All the materials used for the project should be of high quality and proper checking has to be done by the project manager. Allocated budget: The budget allotted for the project has to be clearly defined. This will help in calculating the coast control techniques. The whole life cycle cost of the project and the cost certainties also has to be evaluated. There fore a detailed risk management study has to be carried out during the pre defining stage. Time limit: The time limit to complete the project has to be finalised and should be finished in the calculated time since it adversely affect the project budget. There fore the time required for the design and the execution of the project has to be calculated. The list of machineries going to be installed in the project: It is needed to fix the electrical connection. The risk manager should be provided with the plans of future expansion if there is any. Site Details: The site consideration such as the size and shape of the site and the area in which the site is situated has to meet the project objective. Hard and Soft Systems: Hard systems thinking are goal-directed as the particular study begins with the definition of the desirable goal to be achieved. It is essentially concerned with the question of how to achieve a predetermined aim. Soft is concerned with defining the options for improvement thus addressing the what to do question. It is also committed to the examination of human activity, which is the other soft part of the equation, in hard systems thinking a goal is assumed. The overall purpose of the methods used by the analyst is to modify the system in some way so that this goal is achieved in the most efficient manner. Whereas hard systems thinking is concerned with the how of the problem, in soft systems thinking, the objectives of the systems are assumed to be more complex than a simple goal that can be achieved and measured. Every system can be said to have a set of purposes or missions rather than goals. Understanding of soft systems can be achieved through debate with the actors in the sys tems. Emphasis is placed on the what as well as the how of the system. Conclusion: To deliver successful construction projects that meet the three deliverables (budget, time, and customer satisfaction), project managers should spend time assessing and managing risk, and allocating contingency and management reserves, so that any risk that arises will be mitigated, following risk assessment and planning. Without maintaining a contingency reserve, the project manager is forced to go back for additional time or dollars for every risk as it becomes a problem. Also to attain successful projects, the project managers have to follow a soft system methodology to ensure that the project starts with a chance of achievement.   BIBLIOGRAPHY: Michael. F. Dallas (2006)-   Value and Risk Management- A guide to best practise N.J. Smith, Managing risks in construction projects Beckford, J. (1998),  Quality: A Critical Introduction,  Oxford: Routledge Hutchings, J. (2006),  A Soft System Framework for the Conservation Management of Material Cultural Heritage  in Alan, D. (2008) Managerial Problem Solving,  Newport:  University  of  WALES Johnson, A. (1999),  Using Soft Systems Methodology in the Analysis of Public Involvement in EIA Platt, A. and Warwick, S. (1995),  Review of Soft System Methodologies, Journal: Industrial Management Data Systems, Vol 95, No. 4, Page 19-21 Checkland, P. (1981),  Systems Thinking, Systems Practice, Wiley:  Chichester Reason, P. and Bradbury, H. (2001)  Handbook of Action Research: Participative Inquiry and Practice,  London: Sage  Ã‚   Rosenhead, J. (1989),  Rational Analysis of a Problematic World, Wiley:  Chichester Wilson, B. (1992),  Systems: Concepts, Methodologies and Applications, Wiley,  Chichester, Roger Flanagan, George Norman: Risk management and construction By Richard Lambeck, John Eschemuller: Urban Construction Project Management Introduction: 1 Soft System Methodology: 1 Effective Risk Management: 3 Types Of Risks In Construction: 4 The Role of Each Stake Holder Involved: 5 Hard and Soft Systems: 7 Conclusion: 8

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Economic Inequality between Countries Essay -- income disparity, loren

Inequality can be traced as far back as possible. It can also be described as disparity. This disparity can be in terms of income, wealth, class etc. Economic inequality can be described as the disparity between income of individuals or household within and outside a country. When â€Å"income inequality† is mentioned, most people think about it in a within the country context, but in a world that is becoming more integrated, economic inequality between countries is becoming more relevant. In a world where other people’s income and wealth affect our perception of life, one might ask the question, â€Å"is economic inequality the biggest issue of our time†. The history of economic inequalities between countries can be traced back to the 18th century and has taken different forms since then, especially, in the 19th century till date. Firstly, the Lorenzo curve. This is a model use for measuring inequality. It was developed by Max Lorenz in 1905. The Lorenz curve is usually in a form of graph on which the cumulative proportion of income is plotted against the cumulative proportion of population on the in which their axes ranges from [zero (0) to one (1)] or [0% to 100%]. The Gini index, another method of measuring inequality is derived from the Lorenz curve. The Lorenz curve is shown in the graphical illustration (figure 1) below. The first calculation of inequality across world citizens were done in the early 1980s (Berry, Bourguignon and Morrisson, 1983; Grosh and Nafziger, 1986). This is because in order to calculate global inequality, one needs to have data on (within country) national income distributions for most of the countries i n the world, or at least for most of the populous and rich countries. But it is only from the early to m... ...ries. Points explained under this topic include the history, current information, trends and its future directions and with these points explained above, one might still ask, â€Å"is economic inequality the biggest issue of our time?† and if so, how can we solve this?. â€Æ' References (n.d.). (2014). Global Risks 2014. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GlobalRisks_Report_2014.pdf Milanovic, B. (2006a). Global Income Inequality: What It Is And Why It Matters. DESA. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/esa/desa/papers/2006/wp26_2006.pdf Milanovic, B. (2011b). Global income inequality: the past two centuries and implications for 21st century. Retrieved from http://www.ub.edu/histeco/pdf/milanovic.pdf Milanovic, B. (2012c). Global Income Inequality by the Numbers: in History and Now. The World Bank. doi:10.1596/1813-9450-6259

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Caribbean Slavery Essay -- Caribbean History Slave Essays

Caribbean Slavery Starting in the seventeenth century, the European colonization of the Caribbean changed drastically as exploration gave way to exploitation. As the great wealth that the Caribbean held became more evident to the European colonizers, a rush of profit hunters stormed the area and flooded it with slavery. The massive introduction of slavery as the major form of labor organization in the Caribbean changed social organization radically. The plantation system thrived and expanded through the following years (centuries), and the Caribbean became the focus of American slave centers, "The planters of the Caribbean bought about sixty percent of all the slaves sold to the Americas between 1701 and 1810 (Knight, p112)." Franklin W. Knight approximates that five million African slaves were brought to the Caribbean throughout the slave trading years. The resulting success of the Caribbean sugar economy harvested (no pun intended) even more slavery, and the Caribbean became an almost exclusively tw o-group society divided by blacks and whites. Those who did not fall into the well-defined groups –free blacks, maroons, buccaneers, and others- were forced to live isolated from normal society. Arnold Sio addresses the interesting "in-between group" of free blacks in these societies in his article entitled "Marginality and Free Coloured Identity in Caribbean Slave Society". Sio delves into the identity search that the free blacks felt in such situations, and he defines their position simply, "The people of colour were marginal to Caribbean society: neither black nor white, neither African nor European, and neither slave nor free." The assertion that the author makes that these "freedmen" were not free is fundamental in understa... ...at the blacks enjoyed as a result of this participation, a type of psychological empowerment was attained by blacks that was not experienced by blacks on the other islands of the Caribbean. A certain kind of "re-humanizing" takes place with the endowment of responsibility in which the implications go far beyond employment. Through the terrible years of Caribbean slavery, horrific crimes against personal rights were violated over and again. In a genocide of sorts, Africans were taken from their homes, and sold into a system which worked them to their deaths. Blacks in the Caribbean who avoided this horrible situation, few though they were, struggled to establish themselves as successful alternative societies due to their few resources. The varying backgrounds of these people made communication difficult, and made the forming of a unified society almost impossible.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

President Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal Essay examples -- Franklin

On October 24, 1929, a day historically known as â€Å"Black Thursday†, the United States stock market crashed due to investors in the market starting to â€Å"sell off their shares, which resulted in a decline in stock prices.† (Dau-Schmidt, pg 60) This economic downturn in the market gave birth to financial ambivalence in the country, increasing unemployment, as well as other consequences on the landscape of international economics. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt took over as president in the year of 1933, â€Å"The country was in its depth of the Great Depression.† (Neal, 2010) Roosevelt’s New Deal consisted of implementing relief programs such as the Work Progress Administration and the Civil Works Administration, which aimed at revitalizing the U.S. labor market. However, these programs were short-lived due to insufficient funding. Although these programs were effective, their short life span only sought temporary remedy. The on again off again pattern of these programs existence caused a cyclical trend in the increase and decrease of unemployment. â€Å"John M. Keynes born on June 5, 1883 was one of the most influential economists of the Twentieth Century.† (Pettinger, pg 1) Keynes argued that the doctrine of the New Deal was a slow remedial procedure to restoring the economy. Although, Roosevelt’s efforts helped reduce unemployment in spurts, it was ultimately an ineffective plan because according to Keynes, to restore the economy during the Great Depression, there had to of been deep government spending and increased high taxes. When President Roosevelt took office, he had to fulfill his ideas he had proposed to the citizens while campaigning for presidency. One of his ideas and that he fulfilled, was the Works Progress Administrati... ...n Kantor. "The Dynamics Of Relief Spending And The Private Urban Labor Market During The New Deal." Journal Of Economic History 70.1 (2010): 195-220. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 Mar. 2013. Powell, Jim. "The Unemployment President." Cato Institute. The Washington Times N.p., 4 Aug. 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2013. Pettinger, Tejvan. "Biography of John M Keynes", Oxford, www.biographyonline.net 3 Feb. 2013 Rauchway, Eric. "Learning From the New Deal's Mistakes." The American Prospect. The American Prospect, 19 Dec. 2008. Web. 02 Apr. 2013 Winkler, Allan M. "The New Deal: Accomplishments and Failures." Speech. Testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Oxford,Ohio. 31 Mar. 2009. Web. 2 Apr. 2013. Winkler, Allan M., and Robert M. Collins. Keynesian Economics. The Web Chronology Project, n.d. Web. 04 Apr. 2013.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Competitive advantages

Competitive Advantages Competitive advantage exist when an organization acquires or develops a combination of attributes that allows it to outstrip Its rivals. These properties can Include access to natural resources, such as Inexpensive power or high grade ores, or skilled personnel human resources and admission to highly developed. Competitive advantage can occur using new technologies such as robotics and information technology can provide, whether increase the percentage of the merchandise itself, as an advantage to the fashioning of the product, or as a competitive aid in the equines process.Tests is the market leader in the grocery retail market. Tests have reached this status by base on their competitive advantage to compete on grounds of pricing and distribution schemes. Tests also sustains and maintain its competitive advantage through product portfolio expansion and strategic competitive pricing to get and hold its status. The best reasons for the great competitive advantag e of Tests can be found from the way it reacted to the increase of the internet.The patient and dynamic approach enabled them to build and construct a sound long-term volts of hat the Internet meant for the core client of the company and to what kinds of actions that would take from the Tests. As a consequence of the early launch, when the expectations towards the Internet based commercial enterprises began to develop, Tests already been evolving the online help for a twosome of years. Tests is a purely online grocery retailer Scads 10 year Journey has been a noteworthy good story, as it has been able to exist in the very competitive online grocery market.It stays to be determined whether the Coda way with only warehouses becomes the sustainable or the good way to operate in the online grocery market. But, Tests and its competitions are well matched to make a motion to that model should the enough demand pick up. After that happens, they are well equipped by using the stores for bot h the rapidly growing click & collect and home delivery. Teaches foresight and clarity around the selected vision has rendered It almost 50% market share In a swiftly growing the market.Carefully emerging competitors or evaluate established In the crestless Industry to Identify their strong suits. Look at their weaknesses and opportunities creates for a new society to make a footing in the securities industry by addressing those gaps. It also evaluate companies that have create a leadership spot in other market places for lessons and ideas on how competitive advantages can effectively be built up. Review what is known about the competitive landscape to understand reason in the outside environment that may be a source by the competitive advantage.Then, the name of the competitive advantages for these companies have developed as well as the business strategies they have put into place for capitalize on them. With the continuous innovation and improvement companies are capable to suppl y customized products to Increase the number of clients. At the same time, clients are getting the benefit of the competitive marketplace environment, The exertion to provide best possible services to customers enables a company to make It In the rolled competition. At the same times, that company reaches an edge over its contenders and can glean the benefits (I. . The current business environment the companies with maximum number of customers and market share will have a competitive edge over others. For this company are striving to offer the best retailing services and ease the process of shopping. Competitive advantages that companies receive from online ordering services include: . Increased market share: more and more customers find it easy to buy online. A user friendly web site and app will attract more people. 2. Companies can get the â€Å"economies of scale† advantage.By this way companies are capable to provide discounted prices on products with attractive promotio n schemes. 3. Client Database: One of the best advantages that supermarkets can get from online ordering services is to maintain a customer database. This database keeps the track of customers' purchases, their picks and shopping trends. Companies using market intelligence can apply this data in several ways in order to provide best revises to their clients. Analysis Existing Competitor And Global Strategies Tests introduced the latest superstore concept in Britain.After a few years from the appearance superstore became very famous for its full range of products at competitive cost. After that, Tests introduced its first gas station, which had the lowest price for petrol but was adjacent to Tests superstore. Tests overtook from Ginsburg and became a I-J largest supermarket. Entering foreign markets in the beginning half of the ass were built primarily by buying existing stores or Joining the domestic retail leader. In year 1997 expansion in Asia market began from acquiring 13 shops from the CAP Group in Thailand and formed Tests Lotus.In 1999 market was reached by Joining with Samsung entrance to the South Korea. After that, loyalty card was introduced by Tests, branded ‘Club card', in year 1995. This card was given discount to customer but what is more important is this card gave an opportunity or chance to keep a hand on a pulse of customers need and to collect all data for future planning. New goals were set for expansion of the foreign market and developing of a non-food products. Every little helps† is the main advertising slogan appeared from Deco's.This advertisements in print and on television mainly include of product shots or an appropriate image against a white ground, and also include a price or appropriate text, for example â€Å"Tests Value†. On video, voiceless are provided by recognizable actors and sponsors, such as James Newsiest, Jane. Next, Deco's famous loyalty card. Club card still can be identified as the most successf ul strategy that makes for a huge role in financial profitability upkeep for Tests. Brand Tests can increase and hold its customer base because of its fixed tendency to attics client demands, customizing service to maintain lower prices.Masses tend to fill more of their needs in one topographic point and in shorter time, it indicates a requirement for large chains to extend their services into new markets as banking, Fairly traded products as tea, deep brown and cocoa are viable, and such merchandise is nowadays widely available on the majority of big chains. In 2005 Tests had the biggest range of fair-trade products in the I-J, it was represented by 91 fair-trade product line. However, distinguishing with the overall context of the 0,000 product lines it looks rather tiny (0. 2%) achievement by supporting third-world countries.In addition, there are prove that supermarkets exploiting customer goods will by overcharging for fair trade merchandise. â€Å"The supermarkets know that p eople do not work for the most inexpensive product when buying fair trade because they believe the surplus money is helping someone in the training world. † John McCabe. In international expansion Tests took to attention difference in preferences between different countries. It also very big attention was devoted to customers' needs usually t was implement in the product line. For example in the Czech Republic, Tests most focus on providing Czech products in retail stores.But in China, the locals opted to buy live fish, meat and other famous products such as instant noodles, unlike in European nations. Similarly in Thailand, the customers spent a vast balance of their salary or income for fresh foods. To adapt to the shopping habits of the Thai customers, Tests build a new market hall with is an area contiguous to the main store, where in 14 local vendors sold a range of meat, fresh fruits, veggies and other local food. This arena was planned to supply the Thai customers with traditional and local ambiance.On 1997, Tests announced the purchase of the retail branch of Associated British Foods, which consisted of the Crazy Prices chains in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as associated businesses for IEEE Meg. This acquisition made it both a major presence in the bigger presence in Northern Ireland than Sunburst's and a Republic of Ireland. Deco's non-food marked faced a biggest competition level in KGB from such giants like Marks&Spenser and USDA. In the beginning of the entrance to the Hungarian market main competition was presented by little family-run stores, which served immediate needs to customers.The strategy against it was introduced more than 1000 its own label products at 20% cheaper price compare with branded ones. Deco's international expansion strategy in Asia was primarily represented as Joint ventures with the domestic partner firms like Charger Backhand in Thailand and Samsung Group in South Korea due to sensitivity of domestic market for foreigners and a bit more complicated than the rest of the others. In these mergers local personnel have an assured quantitative domination in low and middle management posts. It also formulates not big acquisitions an important part of its expansion strategy.In 2005, Tests announced that it was selling its operations in Taiwan in Careful and purchasing Carouser's stores in the Slovakia and Czech Republic. This both companies said that they were concentrate on their efforts in rural areas where they experienced good market positions. In 2007 Tests decided to run its online operations head office in Switzerland because of tax reasons. This can allows it to sell CDC, DVD's and electronic games through its website. This chance or opportunity was decide by the government in June 2008.Tests has done a devotion to corporate social obligation, by contributing about 1. 87% of its pre-tax earnings to schools scheme†, offer the computers in return for hospitals and schools getting vouchers from people who shopping at Tests. Until year 2004, Meme of equipment belonged to these establishments. The schema has been also implemented in Poland. â€Å"BIT – Tests Computers for Schools† started during the 2005/2006 association football season the company now sponsors the Tests Cup. The cup now runs a boy's competition at Under 13 year old and two girl's cups at Under 14 year old and Under 16 year old.Over 40,000 boys alone Joining the 2007/2008 competitions. Tests was accused by the I-J Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for being a part of a price cartel among the top five I-J supermarkets such as Safely, Morrison, Tests, USDA, and Kingsbury. The investigation started in 2007 and in the same year USDA, Kingsbury and Safely adjudged them mistake of working against consumer or customer interest by covering of 5000 farmers support in recovering after the foot-and-mouth disease. On the other hand, Tests were maintain after deny any activity in th is cartel.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Life is Beautiful: A Summary

In the movie â€Å"Life is Beautiful†, Guido, the Jewish- Italian, is the protagonist of the film. The whole movie spirals around him at all times. In the second part of the movie, Guido and his son were obliged to board the death train that packed likes sardines towards the concentration camp. Guido clearly knew that once they had disembarked from the train, there will be hardly any chance for them to return to where they belonged. Since Guido and his son, Giosue, stepped onto the train, not only they journeyed into the concentration camp they also voyaged into mountains of white lies which lied deep in the wonderful fantasies.In my opinion, I think that Guido made a right decision in lying to his son that the Holocaust events were a just a game. There are many reasons that Guido was right about in concealing the truth over his son’s eyes. One of which is because his son, Giosue, did not have to be exposed to the unfair reality at such young age. The exposure to the cr uel reality would only tarnish his childhood. It will be a heavy encumbrance for Giosue to live through his childhood under the scornful and mocking eyes of the so-called superior Italians knowing that just due to the fact that he is a Jewish people.Like any other parents, Guido was no different in protecting his son from the ruthless and unwanted veracity. It is obvious in the movie that Guido made no effort in showing his love for Giosue while in the concentration camp. From hiding the truth about the Holocaust events to sharing his hard-earned portion of food with his son, Giosue was showered bountifully with paternal loves. Guido kept telling Giosue that they were in a game, a real-life competition which the winner would be rewarded a real tank. Guido managed to keep Giosue in awes because he knew that tank was Giosue’s favourite toy.By creating wonderful fantasies over the hopeless situation, Guido swallowed down every moment of bitterness in exchange of his son’s ecstasy of becoming the winner of the â€Å"game†. This way of concealment revealed that Guido loved his son very much. Even in a harsh and hapless condition, Guido still managed to flash his smile to reassure his son that they were the top contender to earn the reward. Obviously, he never wanted a single bit of cruelty and unfairness to corrupt Giosue’s childhood.In other word, he wanted Giosue to be like other hildren, relishing his childhood with bundles of toys and stacks of joyfulness. Indeed, Guido had to mask the truth for the sake of Giosue’s future. By telling Giosue that the Holocaust events were just a game, Guido gave Giosue the might to survive through the inhuman treatments in the concentration camp. In the meantime, thinking deeply, Guido also instilled discipline and perseverance into Giosue’s little mind. By creating rules for the â€Å"competition†, Guido was actually training Giosue to be disciplined and meticulous in order to w in the â€Å"first prize†.Guido made titanic sacrifices behind all of his lies about the concentration camps. Even with the gun pointing at him from behind, his cheeky antic –marching comforted and lightened up Giosue. Till the end, his walls of white lies and machinations shielded his son from the cruel reality. Guido died with his wondrous fiction without having to fret over the future of Giosue as his life and the lessons he had learned were very real. Is that right for Guido to tell his son that the Holocaust events were just merely a game? I certainly think that Guido was respectable and undoubtedly right in plotting his moves.He moulded his seamless imagination and full-heart-content love into amazing fantasies to shelter his son and protect his son’s future. It is what all great parents will do. In the movie, Guido used his vast imagination to make the best out of the wicked fate of him and his family. Guido was a downright optimistic and creative person. He made good use of the situation and events to show his imagination which often leads into bursts of laughter. Guido created fictitious world for those around him, especially his wife, Dora and his son, Giosue. He always referred Dora as â€Å"princess† and claimed to be a prince himself.When Guido mounted on a horse to rescue Dora, he was in fact entertaining the fantasy of the knight rescuing the damsel in distress. Nevertheless, he was literally saving her from her surroundings and actually was whisking her away on a horse. Although they both knew the truth, they were willing to entertain the fantasy and play the game. In this way, Guido formed a way for him to cope with reality and impregnated it with beauty and wild fantasy. Guido also cultivated several coincidences so that he could appear to have controlled fate and performed trick.He was not delighting in fraud or deception, he actually enjoyed creating another world of wonders for someone else. This accentuates the idea that a person’s perception is essential and fundamental to his manipulations and hence he affects how they handle the rest of the world. Guido’s perfect life was brought to a halt when he and his family were forced to board the one-way train, however his creativity and imagination were never cease to exist. Guido’s imagination not only aided him in winning Dora’s hands over her fiance as well as shielded his son, Giosue from the spears of discriminatory treatments.When Guido told Giosue that everything in the concentration camp was just a game, he was creating a fiction, in other words –lies, to keep Giosue’s spirits up. Although his fiction seemed exaggerated, he aimed to protect his son from the wicked reality. At end of the film, Giosue had survived the concentration camp with perseverance and courage. Eventually, Giosue claimed his first prize, a ride on the real tank. In the movie â€Å"Life is Beautiful†, fantasy is truly believed can become reality.

Who Killed the Electric Car Analysis

IN 1996, ELECTRIC CARS BEGAN TO APPEAR ON ROADS ALL OVER CALIFORNIA. THEY WERE QUIET AND FAST, PRODUCED NO EXHAUST AND RAN WITHOUT GASOLINE. TEN YEARS LATER, THESE CARS WERE DESTROYED. TEACHER’S GUIDE â€Å"A QUIETLY SHOCKING INDICTMENT OF OUR GAS-GUZZLING AUTO COMPANIES AND THE PETRO-POLITICIANS WHO LOVE THEM. † –KAREN DURBIN, ELLE MAGAZINE SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL 2006 †¢ TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL 2006 WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? NOTE TO THE TEACHER Who Killed the Electric Car? is a powerful tool pertinent to many academic disciplines and adaptable to a variety of abilities, learning styles, and classroom goals.This rich, self-contained film requires little or no additional research on the part of the instructor or the class, but can be used as the foundation for independent student research. The film divides neatly into two nearly equal and independent segments that can be shown on successive days or at different points in a unit. Both segments offer excellent discussion opportunities. The classroom experience of students taking courses on environmental science or offerings that include a unit on air quality or environmental concerns would be enriched by viewing Who Killed the Electric Car?.Courses that encourage interest in engineering and practical math applications would also benefit. The ethical and civic questions that the film explores offer a natural connection for teachers working in the area of civics, government, ethics, and business ethics. In many of these courses the film could be treated as a case study. The ethical questions raised are nearly unlimited and a large variety of higher-level-thinking activities can be developed from the film. Included in this packet are discussion prompts, class activities, and research suggestions. 1 FILM SUMMARY included, the General Motors electric vehicle is eatured. As this segment concludes, the success of the industry’s legal strategy is symbolized by a celebrity-studded funeral for the electric car. This segment is filled with factual analysis that examines conflicting claims about emissions, practicality, costs of various fuels, and consumer demand. Who Killed the Electric Car? is presented as a whodone-it mystery. Staying true to this genre, the film opens with necessary background information, describes the crime committed, answering all of the what, where, and when questions, and then in the style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle gathers the suspects for lose scrutiny, coming to a conclusion on the guilt or innocence of each. The second half of Who Killed the Electric Car? is Sherlock Holmes at his best. The seven suspects identified in the first half of the film are scrutinized. One by one, consumers, batteries, oil companies, auto manufacturers, the U. S. government, the California Air Resources Board, and the newest villain, the hydrogen car, pass under the bare bulb in the inspector’s interrogation room in an attempt to answer the question asked in the film’s title: Who Killed the Electric Car? At the end of each segment the featured suspect is judged as guilty or innocent.Opening with a bit of automotive history that establishes the electric car as a competitive alternative to the internal combustion engine, Who Killed the Electric Car? takes the viewer back to the beginning of the twentieth century and the dawn of the automotive age. A straightforward explanation of why gasoline beats out electricity as the fuel of choice and how the internal combustion engine wins dominance concludes the broad overview. The film then moves to the recent past with the introduction of the California Air Resources Board and their 1990 decision to require that ten percent of all ars sold in California by each car manufacturer be zero-emission vehicles by the year 2003. The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde response of automotive companies is revealed; production and marketing of zero-emission cars is detailed, a period during which the legal and political teams of the same manufacturers work to defeat the law that gave birth to modern electric vehicles. While several manufacturers are The film ends on a positive note, recognizing a grassroots movement that envisions cleaner air and energy independence. In a John Kennedy-style appeal, the film claims that those who solve our energy onundrum will be those that â€Å"change the world. † 2 SELECTED SCENES FOR CLASSROOM REVIEW 1:19 19:40 Two million new cars are sold in Television advertisement for G. M. ’s California each year. electric car. 2:55 21:21 Cheap oil supports the combustion Introduce Dr. Alan Lloyd of C. A. R. B. engine over the electric car. 3:35 22:10 Air quality in California: Manufacturer’s lawsuit to â€Å"Black cloud of death. † overturn emissions standards. 4:32 22:30 Each gallon of gasoline burned yields President Bush endorsing hydrogen 19 pounds of carbon dioxide. technology in the State of the Union. 4:55 22:43 Introduce S.Davi d Freeman. Hydrogen Hummer and the hydrogen highway. 7:40 23:20 Creating demand for electric cars. C. A. R. B. hearing on the emissions standards. 8:50 25:30 C. A. R. B. and California’s C. A. R. B. vote to kill the standards. zero-emission policy. 12:40 26:15 Cost to run an electric car equals Manufacturers start to collect gasoline when gas is 60 cents per gallon. the electric cars. 14:10 27:35 Californians Against Utility â€Å"Save the electric car† campaign, Company Abuse including the mock funeral. 16:10 29:30 G. M. claims to have built electric cars Last EV1 collected. according to demand. 19:10 31:20Marketing; How far, how fast, EV1s in a G. M. lot. how much? 3 33:20 50:36 G. M. spokesperson explains the Suspect: Car Manufacturers fate of the collected EV1s. 35:30 56:20 PBS at the car crusher. Suspect: Government 36:58 1:03:57 S. David Freeman, â€Å"We’re up against Suspect: C. A. R. B. most of the money in the world. † 37:15 1:07:02 Vigil for th e EV1s. Suspect: Hydrogen Fuel Cell 38:40 1:11:08 Would you buy one of these electric President Bush at a hydrogen cars? Display check for 1. 9 million filling station. dollars offered to G. M. 39:20 1:15:05 â€Å"Who controls the future? Last cars moved. He who has the biggest club. 1:18:52 39:34 1 Scene from Naked Gun 2 /2: Automotive Museum The Smell of Fear. 40:25 1:20:30 List of suspects. Verdicts. 40:58 1:22:32 Suspect: Consumers â€Å"The fight about the electric car was quite simply a fight about the future. † 43:20 1:23:58 Suspect: Batteries Introduce James Woolsey and Plug In America. 1:27:19 46:38 â€Å"The one group of people that steps Suspect: Oil Companies up to take it on is the group that will change the world. † 4 DISCUSSION PROMPTS These prompts can be used for full-class discussion, small group conversations, or adapted for use as writing assignments of varying length and detail. What compromises related to cars and transportation are you willing t o make to preserve and improve air quality? Brainstorm possibilities and then discuss each one, focusing on the average consumer. †¢ What one assertion in the film do you disagree with? Why? †¢ What one assertion in the film troubles you the most? Why? †¢ In your own words, explain why the car manufacturers collected and destroyed the electric vehicles. †¢ Did government serve the people in the case of electric cars? Why? †¢ Does government have the right to tell companies what to manufacture? Why? †¢ How important an issue is our nation’s dependence on oil?Explain. †¢ Do you agree that those who solve the energy question will change the world? Explain. †¢ Should the world oil supply be divided evenly according to population, given to those able to pay the highest price, or reserved for developing nations? Explain your opinion. †¢ Is it acceptable for a nation to use oil as a weapon? Why/why not? †¢ Would you characterize each of the following as a good citizen or a bad citizen? Why? -The oil companies -The automobile companies -U. S. consumers -Scientists researching hydrogen fuel -The citizens trying to save the electric car †¢ Is energy a national security issue?Why/how? Explain. †¢ How is the use of hydrogen as a fuel related to the reemergence of nuclear power? †¢ Does drilling for more oil in the pristine wilderness make sense? Why/why not? †¢ Given the information provided in the film, do you believe electric cars are a reasonable alternative to combustion engines? Why/why not? †¢ Given the information provided in the film, do you believe you will be able to buy a hydrogen-powered car in the next 10 years? 20 years? Ever? Why/why not? 5 MOCK COURT Choose defense and prosecution teams for each of the seven defendants identified in the film.Have the teams prepare for a mock trial using the information in the film and if desired, additional research. Stage a trial with a jury that has not seen the film. Roles: Judge: Acts as presiding officer maintaining order, resolving conflicts, and charging the jury. Prosecution team: Presents evidence against the named defendant using witnesses, charts, graphs, and physical evidence. The team would also cross-examine defense witnesses. The prosecution’s job is to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the guilt of the defendant. Defense team: Presents evidence that rebuts the prosecution’s view and may suggest alternative perpetrators.The defense may use witnesses, charts, graphs, and physical evidence. The team would also cross-examine prosecution witnesses. The defense’s job is to create reasonable doubt as to the guilt of the defendant. This activity can be used as an alternative assessment of student knowledge while also building critical thinking and oral presentation skills. 6 COMMON GOOD Open the activity by reading the paragraph below. Allow for a few minutes of general comment on the concept of the â€Å"common good† and the claim by then G. M. president Charles E. Wilson: What’s good for the country is good for General Motors and vice versa.The preamble to the United States Constitution opens with the words: â€Å"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. † These words imply a common interest that is shared by citizens and government, a concept often referred to as the â€Å"common good. † In 1953, the then president of General Motors, Charles E.Wilson, was nominated by President Dwight Eisenhower to serve as his Secretary of Defense. During Wilson’s confirmation hearings, senators were concerned that he would have difficulty making a decision that could hurt General Motors, a major defense contractor, even if the decision was in the best interest of the United States. When asked this question, Wilson assured senators that he could make such a decision but that he could not imagine such a situation, â€Å"because for years I thought what was good for the country was good for General Motors and vice versa. † Student instructionWho Killed the Electric Car? implies that the â€Å"common good† is not being served by the decision to abandon electric vehicles and embrace hydrogen technology. Write your own definition of the â€Å"common good. † Make groups of 3 to 5 and share these definitions. Try to agree on a group definition. Evaluate General Motors’ decision to kill the electric car program in light of your group’s definition. Be ready to report your findings to the class. Do Mr. Wilson’s thoughts from 1953 reflect the General Motors Corporation that is presented in the film? If the Senate c alled the current president of G.M. to explain the death of the electric car, imagine what he might say that would be quoted more than 50 years later. 7 HIDDEN AGENDA Teacher introduction As a class, brainstorm about the term â€Å"hidden agenda. † When you get all the ideas on the board, make groups of 3 to 5. In groups, have the class discuss the ideas on the board and then write a definition of â€Å"hidden agenda† that the group can agree on. As a class, share these definitions and create one working definition for the whole class. Have students return to their groups and discuss what â€Å"hidden agenda(s)† the following may have had.To make a claim, the group must have at least one piece of solid evidence from the film. Each group should decide which three of their claims are the strongest and prepare to present them to the class. Present and discuss: Automobile companies: Hidden agenda: _____________________________________________________________________ ________________ Evidence: Oil companies: Hidden agenda: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Evidence: Filmmakers: Hidden agenda: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Evidence:Car companies: Hidden agenda: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Evidence: Federal government: Hidden agenda: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Evidence: Fans of the electric car: Hidden agenda: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Evidence: C. A. R. B. : Hidden agenda: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Evidence: 8 WHAT IS THE ROLE OF BUSINESS? What is the role of business in a democratic/capitalist society?The complex interaction between business, government, and consumers is presented as a case study in Who Kil led the Electric Car?. After viewing the film, clarify your own attitude toward the role of business, before any discussion, by using the prompts that follow. Prioritize the entire list from 1, most important, to 10, least important, and then write just a sentence or two that explains each ranking. Using your results, make groups that include individuals with different attitudes. While you discuss the movie, analyze how different views of business influence opinions about the film. ______ The role of business is to make a profit. _____ The role of business is to make a good product. ______ The role of business is to serve the consumer. ______ The role of business is to support government. ______ The role of business is to educate government. ______ The role of business is to educate consumers. ______ The role of business is to improve life. ______ The role of business is to protect the environment. ______ The role of business is to provide consumers with choice. ______ The role of b usiness is to invent solutions to society’s problems. 9 WHAT IS THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT? What is the role of government in a democratic/capitalist society?The complex interaction between business, government, and citizens is presented as a case study in Who Killed the Electric Car?. After viewing the film, clarify your own attitude toward the role of government, before any discussion, by using the prompts that follow. Prioritize the entire list from 1, most important, to 10, least important, and then write just a sentence or two that explains each ranking. Using your results, make groups that include individuals with different attitudes. While you discuss the movie, analyze how different views of government influence opinions about the film. ______The role of government is to defend the nation. ______ The role of government is to create a just society. ______ The role of government is to protect the consumer. ______ The role of government is to protect business. ______ The rol e of government is to regulate business. ______ The role of government is to educate consumers. ______ The role of government is to improve life for all citizens. ______ The role of government is to protect the environment. ______ The role of government is to provide consumers with choice. ______ The role of government is to invent solutions to society’s problems. 10 MAKING THE CASEIn the second half of Who Killed the Electric Car? , each of the suspects in this mystery is held up to scrutiny. Acting as an unbiased detective, develop a list of the evidence offered for guilt and the evidence that indicates innocence. In groups or as a class, use these evidence lists as the basis for a debate that leads to a vote on each suspect. The suspect___________________________________________________ Evidence to convict Evidence to acquit 11 BRIAN DANIELS teaches history and ethics at Hudson High School, Hudson, Massachusetts. He is the school facilitator for the democratic school initi ative atHudson High and an active member of the school’s First Amendment Schools team. He has been teaching for thirty years and holds bachelor’s degrees in history and psychology from Boston College and a master’s degree in critical and creative thinking from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. He will become the Curriculum Director for English and Social Studies grades 6-12 in the Hudson school district in the summer of 2006. He has been published several times in the Boston Globe and has an article slated for publication in October of 2006 in the National Social StudiesSupervisors Association magazine. A SONY PICTURES CLASSICS RELEASE ELECTRIC ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS A DEAN DEVLIN/PLINYMINOR PRODUCTION A FILM BY CHRIS PAINE â€Å"WHO KILLED THE ELECTRIC CAR? † NARRATED BY MARTIN SHEEN EDITED BY MICHAEL KOVALENKO CHRIS A. PETERSON DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY THADDEUS WADLEIGH ORIGINAL MUSIC BY MICHAEL BROOK CONSULTING PRODUCER ALEX GIBNEY EXECUTIVE PR ODUCERS DEAN DEVLIN TAVIN MARIN TITUS RICHARD D. TITUS PRODUCED BY JESSIE DEETER WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY CHRIS PAINE FOR BRIEF MILD LANGUAGE. WWW. WHOKILLEDTHEELECTRICCARMOVIE. COM WWW. SONYCLASSICS. COM