Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 8

Culture - Essay Example Organisational culture is defined as those shared behaviour patterns that individuals demonstrate consistently within a firm as they undertake their respective roles (Mullins 2011: 88). For example, holding weekly staff meeting can be a culture that distinguishes organisation A from organisation B. Values, norms as well as traditions are also shared in companies that have identifiable cultures. It is worth noting that the strength or intensity of the culture may vary from one organisation to another. This paper will seek to address comprehensively the concept of organisational culture and determine some of the advantages strong organisational cultures bring to companies. The essay begins by tracing the development of organisational culture before embarking on evaluating the many benefits of strong cultures within the firm. A question that may perplex someone is how the culture is set and absorbed by members within the organisation. As a matter of fact, the deepest root off organisational culture is extended to the founders. It is the company’s vision and mission as well as the core values that they pioneer the organisation with that forms the foundation of the firm’s culture. Initially the founders identify some of the values that should be fundamental to the operations of the organisation they form. They then hire and recruit person (managers) who share the same values and perceptions with them. In cases where the founders do not find exactly people who do not have the same perception, they may convince and assimilate them into accepting their culture. Through their actions and the behaviour they exhibit, the pioneers indoctrinate the worker to accept their values and perceptions. For example, if the organisation is founded on strong Christian principles, the behaviours and expressions of the founders that portray Christian values will be transferred to and absorbed by the workers (Robbins & Judge

Retaining the HR Function Essay Example for Free

Retaining the HR Function Essay Introduction This report is to the executive directors and will be outlining the importance of retaining the HR function within the business. I will be explaining how HR activities support the organisations strategy and how HR professionals support line managers and their staff. HR is essential to the smooth running of the business. HR is there to ensure that the company do not have a high turnover of staff and that training is given to employee. HR is essential to help the company meet its targets, and ensuring that the company complies with legal requirements including Health Safety. How three HR activities support the organisations strategy Recruitment Recruitment is co-ordinated by the HR department and is a major factor on how your business recruits the right type of people to carry out the tasks required. HR will in this instance start from the beginning and advertise for the positions to be applied for, HR will also screen and interview the right type of candidates required and then Induct them once the candidate  is successful in getting the position. This is a time consuming job which the department that HR are recruiting for will not have time for and can spend their time concentrating on their departments. HR are responsible for sending out the necessary letters and paperwork to the candidates. Disciplinary’s / Grievances Disciplinary’s are usually completed due to a employee mis conduct or absence related. The HR team usually monitors all absences and would notify the line manager of any concerns. HR support the line managers by attending these disciplinary meetings and advise on the best course of action to be taken, HR are also responsible for ensuring the necessary paperwork is completed for the disciplinary to take place. Grievances are dealt with by the line managers also and again HR is responsible for ensuring that grievances are dealt with fairly and equally. Induction The HR department are responsible for inducting all new employees who enter into the business. Inductions are quite important in how the new employee fits into the business and responds with the demands and the business strategy. All new employees should be inducted with the practices, policies and procedures and the culture that the company operates in. This will allow the new employee to familiarise and settle into their role with how the business works, this should help keep the employee retention level quite low. The induction process done ‘effectively reflects the employer brand and the values the organisation is promoting. It is important, therefore, to ensure that the induction process reflects the values and culture of the organisation’ (CIPD, 2014) Three ways HR professionals support line managers and their staff Performance management The HR function here will provide you with the best way to maximise the potential of your employees. If you have underperforming employees HR will be able to help you get the maximum out of them. The process is performance management during this period the employee will go through a set of meetings to discuss their performance shortfalls. if after reviewing the  shortfalls the HR department are able to advise of the further necessary steps to take e.g. disciplinary, warnings etc. HR are there to support the managers carrying out the meetings and advising of the best way forward. Legal The HR function for the business in a legal matter would be to ensure that the organisation activities are complying with legislative requirements i.e. pay increase, working time regulations. HR would have to know the employment law to a degree in this way HR would act as an advisor for the company. We may also be making a decision on some occasions depending on the circumstances surrounding the issue or speak to the line managers on further training. more importantly HR are responsible for keeping records e.g. disciplinary, absences, training, as these good records can afford real protection for employers and managers who may need to defend their actions at a tribunal or In other courts (Martin and Whiting, 2013). If the company fails act accordingly to the legal requirements they could possibly face claims, and also the last instance close down the company Training HR is responsible for the training aspect of the business, if a department identifies the need for a training requirement they will notify the HR department. The HR departments responsibility would be to find how the training is going to be given out, i.e. external or internal If external training is required HR who have to find a company who deliver the training and find out the necessary information. This may include costs, venue, duration. HR would also draw up the relevant training contracts so that the company would not lose out financially if the employee was to leave once they had received the training. Conclusion To conclude the above points which I have mentioned, the HR department is an integral part of the organisation and is essential in meeting the business strategy. As you can see from the report without the HR department the business cannot function properly, by reducing the size of the HR department you may ultimately affect other parts of the business and the strategy as  whole. This may lead to an increase in employee retention and legal costs in the form of claims, tribunals etc. The examples of the parts of the business given above where HR is essential are a few and many more functions within the business need the HR department. The HR department are also their to support employee’s and for them to come and see and speak to someone in private and confidential nature this helps with employee relations. With the help of the HR department employees within the organisation are being given the necessary training. These employees who are given the opportunity of progress with the company are more devoted to meeting the business need and most of all the strategy. REFERENCES CIPD. (2014). What is an Induction. Available: http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/induction.aspx#link_2. Last accessed 04th December 2014. Martin, M. and Whiting, F.. (2013). Human Resource Practice. 6th ed.. CIPD.

History of the Lambada and Its Relationship With World Music

History of the Lambada and Its Relationship With World Music Lambada History is very interesting, because it is composed of many stories and it is quite difficult to hear one and the same story of Lambada. But doubtless remains the fact that the Lambada is one of the most famous and popular Latin dances, which are known and are dancing around the world. The word Lambada refers to the rhythm (a mixture of karimbo and merengue) and dance that combines elements of Forry (forrà ³), samba, merengue and maxixe (Brazilian dance of the nineteenth century), which had huge success in Europe. Lambada became the most popular dance in 1989 and early 1990s. This fiery dance which was born in Latin America, ruled the entire planet, and in Europe it sold over two million records with Lambada music. People were amazed with this music that reminded the rustle of palm trees, the lapping of the warm ocean, singing of birds. Thats why in the early 90s almost every day on American and European television was shown video of Lambada dancing by professional South American dancers. That was true musical performance video, which was kind of a dance school, and opened a whole world of Latin American culture. Europeans and Americans took Lambada with enthusiasm, they admired the fiery and the brightness of Hispanics, and soon Lambada was dancing in the whole E urope and America. The history of Lambada and its relationship with the world music The origins of Lambada dance came from karimbo at the time when Brazil was a Portuguese colony (1500-1822 gg.) in the northern part of the country there was a popular dance called karimbo, that was very sensual dance of man and woman. Over time the dance has changed, and changed the music: because of the proximity to the Caribbean region, the Caribbean music culture had a strong influence on Brazilian music (even today we can feel it if you listen to Caribbean radio station in the northern states of Brazil). This close relationship gave birth to some new rhythms Sirimbà ³ and Lari Lari; so karimbo dance eventually changed so much that gave birth to practically new one. After some time the local radio station Belà ©m (capital of Parà ¡) began to call this new kind of music percussion rhythm and the rhythms of Lambada (the word Lambada means a strong rhythmic beats of music). This last name Lambada became very popular and became associated with the new image of the old dance style . Later people again began to dance karimbo in pairs, and it was very much like merengue, but had a larger number of spinning. In the end, a mixture of metal and electronic music of the Caribbean once again changed the face of karimbo, and the music quickly spread throughout the northeastern region of Brazil (the most touristic places), only this new karimbo was already called Lambada. Lambada long traveled along the coast, and finally reached Bahia (the oldest of the Brazilian state), where it began to experience the effect of dance Forry (another old Brazilian style with the accented rhythm). Gradually, the timing of Lambada from a 4 / 4 changed to 2 / 2, so it can be confidently said that it was then Lambada completely lost its resemblance to the karimbo. Lambada was danced with bent legs, steps were made from side to side and never from front to back. In a fashion were tight skirts, and it happened so that they began to be associated with the Lambada, and Lambada with them. Even nowadays in some places (for example in Lambar in the nightclub of the city of Sao Paulo) we can steel meet the classic couples: a lady in a narrow skirt and a man in long trousers. (Kempley 1990) Together with the Trio-eletricos (great mobile platform in which musicians perform dancing and singing during the Carnival) Lambada began to spread along Bahia and settled in the town of Porto Seguro. During the first boom of Lambada in the south-eastern region of Brazil (the most economically developed) it refered to the rhythms that came from Bahia, and were assumed that all these rhythms live only in the summer and then die. While all acknowledged that the Lambada was a real rush of the summer, many early lambaterii (places where the Lambada was danced) wewre closed closed in winter when tourists left. However, Lambada did not die The story of Lambada spread to Europe says that one day in late summer, several French businessmen came to Brazil and bought the music rights to 300 songs in the style of Lambada. Then they returned to France and organized a group Kaoma, investing lot of money in its promotion. In that way the Lambada style became known throughout the world and reached even the Far East, where it has remained to this day. The world fever of Lambada was so strong that it even returned to Brazil, to the most economically developed south-eastern region, that has already forgotten it. The fact that today in Brazil there are thousands of schools of ballroom dancing, great competitions and tens of thousands of dancers is a merit of the French Kaoma and their international success. This second wave was called the Second Boom of Lambada and this event greatly influenced the world culture. First of all Lambada became an international phenomenon, when millions of young people again began to dance in pairs, and evoked a wave of interest to the Latin American culture. Having spread around the world, the dance has changed dramatically. Due to the fact that in Europe there was lack of good dancers of Lambada (for example for movies and shows), most professionals had to make changes to it: the Lambada was added with whirling and steppe-like elements from jive and East Coast swing, as well as some acrobatic movements. Many dancers have begun to mix Lambada with other musical styles, trying to create something new and unusual. As to the Lambada music, it was played on all radio stations, and some musicians (eg, Sidney Magal and Fafà ¡ de Belà ©m),trying to follow this new vawe, created new real hits on its basis. However, pretty soon people discovered that their interest to the Lambada was based solely on efforts to earn more money, and these musicians were quickly forgotten. After some time, many composers of Lambada seemed to be forgotten, these music and dance were losing their power, and millions of fans around the world were helpless before it. Another musicians have begun to mix Lambada with other musical styles, mix Lambada with Caribbean Soca, Merengue, Salsa and Zouk. Anyway, now Zouk is a child, a native son of our beloved old Lambada. Thus we can say that Lambada is a real rhythm of Latin America, which has a rich and bright national culture. History of success and spread of Lambada throughout the world shows that the culture of Latin America is very popular and interesting to people around the world. Latin American dances are always very popular, millions of people around the world love to dance them. Also, Latin American music attracts Europeans and Americans with its incendiary rhythms, unique power. Lambada became one of the most brilliant and incendiary dance, which danced the whole world, and despite the fact that its success is already lost, the era of Lambada opened the brightness of the culture in Latin America to the world and brought new sound and rythms to the world music industry.

Letter To The Editor About the Industrial Revolution :: essays research papers

To the Editor: Working conditions today are usually good and pretty safe, right? That’s what we know, is that all factories are safe, that all of the laws are followed, and that everything is great. Look at what you are wearing today, maybe a jacket mad in the U.S., a t-shirt made in Malaysia, jeans made in Mexico, and socks made in China. To stay competitive, large companies contract out to manufacturers all over the world to buy at the lowest possible costs. This often ends in horrible working conditions for factory workers who make our clothing, both in other countries, and right here in the United States. I thought that the working conditions were perfectly fine here in the U.S. until my eyes were opened by the articles that I read on the internet and in books. In the beginning of the Industrial Revolution had a considerable effect on the working conditions of workers. A large labor surplus led to very low wages, and intense competition lowered the profit boundaries of industrialists. Industries such as the cotton trade were especially hard for workers to endure long hours of labor. The workplace was very hot, and the steam engines contributed further to the heat. Workers were exposed to the moving parts of the machines while they worked. Children often had to move in between these dangerous machines while they worked because they were small enough to fit between the tightly packed machinery. This led to the kids being put in a great deal of danger, and the death rates were very high. Added to the dangers of the work was the length. It was common for workers to work 12 hours or more a day. Exhaustion made the worker sluggish, which made the workplace even more dangerous. In 1819, the Factory Act was passed to limit the hours worked by children to a maximum of 12 hours a day. Then in 1833 another Factory Act was passed that banned children under 9 from working in the textiles industry and 10-13 year olds limited to a 48-hour week. In 1844 yet another was passed that set a maximum of 12 hours work per day for women. Then in 1847, that decreased to 10 hours work per day for women and children. The Factory Act of 1850 increased the hours worked by women and children to 10 Â ½ hours a day, but they were not allowed to work before 6 am or after 6 pm.

Holiday Decision Making Trends Essay

Introduction Consumer/client behavior is the analysis of the intellectual processes and perceived tendencies that are observed during the search, use and sale of an object, service and product. The need to study consumer tendencies and analysis of what is important and necessary for the zenith of the marketing tactic is very much needed. The client decision process is a sequence of stages of practices that a consumer/client undertakes when deciding to buy any object, product, software or service. Any client/consumer who takes a decision follows a five pronged approach to buying any product. This is the conventional decision process that is traditional. It is very important that the market representative study and master the decision process of consumers. There are various steps that are taken for deciding on the product. The marketer needs to be successfully sell the market by understand this process. There are five critical parts of the conventional decision process that are: Recognition of need, searching for information, Searching and testing the alternatives, Buying and Post evaluation of the process. The first stage is the recognition of need. When a client/consumer knows a special requirement that has not been addressed, that requirement will need to be met. There are two separate types of requirement identification system that clients/consumers usually apply. The first type of consumer is the one who decides to purchase a product only when the existing product does not live up to his or her expectations. There are aptly called the actual aspect clients. The second group of clients/consumers is the ones who need product out of want, not necessity. They are known as the desire aspect clients. This desire for them to have a –product actually fuels their decision making process. This type of consumer is very easy to convince during the marketing stage because there is an underlying desire that needs to be satisfied  (Hawkin et. al, 2003, pp. 71-99). Discussion Identification The second stage is the information search stage. In this stage, the client or consumer has seen a product that may possibly suit his or her needs. There are now two search modes that can apply here: the inside search and the outside search (Robinson, 2008, pp. 22-224). An Inside search refers to the process where a consumer/client remembers all the past experiences regarding that need which he or she is trying to address. These past experiences are the foundation on which the decision process will be based. An outside search refers to the case where the client/consumer uses the environment around him or her as a reference point for making the decision. This may be the case where the person does not have sufficient knowledge or experience in the problem that needs to be addressed. Many buying decisions are conducted using a combined inside and outside search option. It is common for a client/consumer to undertake extensive research in those products that are expensive or which provide a very sensitive or high risk service. There will obviously be less research for those products that are more affordable and feasible in the purpose they serve. The searching mechanism for buying cosmetic products would obviously be different compared to buying a house. In the alternatives evaluation stage, the client/consumer has made a small list of the objects or services that cater to his or her specific need. Now the person will take into consideration the alternatives that are available for meeting their needs. The parameters for alternatives usually include brand, cost, quality and durability. These alternatives are compared with the already selected list of products (Robinson, 2008, pp. 22-224). The products that are viable are termed as the Evoked group. The inept group is those set of products which did not effectively address the need of the consumer and was subsequently termed undesirable. The inert group of products is the brands that the consumer is indecisive about. This means that the products in this group may or may not be of particular interest to the client/consumer. Sequelae In the next stage the consumer finally buys the product. He or she does this after isolating the requirement, carrying out a search and trying out the different options. Consumers are usually found to carry out their purchase in three different ways: trail buy, repetitive buying and lifelong commitment buying (Michael, 2004, pp.234-237). The trail buying is the purchase which a consumer does in order to test runs the product. The second one is the repetitive purchase which is based on a consumer trusting a particular product and brand and thereby purchases it continuously. Lifelong commitment is the purchase a customer makes in spite of a price hike or perceived reduction in volume, as the consumer is now a lifelong patron of that particular product. The final stage is the post-sale stage where the person has now bought the product and is contemplating whether the product had effectively addressed the needs of the person or not. Where the product meets the requirements of the consumer, there is satisfaction. However in the case that the product does not meet the client’ need, there is internal frustration on the part of the client who is now wondering if the product is the fault or the decision skills of the client. Holiday decisions are based on various factors. After analysis of various households and families, it was clear that Holiday decisions followed a precise rudimentary process that was slightly different from conventional decisions. The first thing that was observed was that administrative needs are of utmost importance. The time, day and period of the holiday is all part of the administrative phase. The next step was that there is no cyclic process in deciding for a holiday (Robinson, 2008, pp. 22-224). The need for a holiday arises not as a matter of fact, but out of personal preferences, situational positions, level of commitment, level of responsibility, familiar commitments and other such parameters. The traditional decision is usually taken in a very routine fashion with a clearly defined sequence. This sequence consists of the recognition, search, evaluate, buy and reevaluate stages. This is what conventional decision making is all about. It follows a logical flow of ideas. The conventional decision is taken only if a need arises. It does not depend on any other factor, However Holidays are decided upon based not on a need but on a preference. This preference can be superficial or preventive in nature. It is not a necessity but a possibility. Therefore holidays spur out from a need to relax and unwind. There is no direct need that has to be  met. The holiday decision making process is always subjective in nature. It cannot be objectified (Hawkin et. al, 2003, pp. 71-99). Moreover, the knowledge search inside holiday judgments is found to be more internal or memory based, as compared to external or even stimulus primarily based. However, every piece of information collected just weren’t always used (Michael, 2004, pp.234-237). The holiday choice makers had been also found to be low details searchers. Info accumulated normally in a neo purposive method and they grow to be really important during the last days ahead of a reserving is made. You will find there’s shift observed from internal to outer source of details and from general for you to more certain information completely. Hence in holiday selection, information research information series is not a primary predictor involving actual choices but helps with strongly mentioning the choices of a consumer. Whereas, inside traditional client decision making the knowledge search is mainly internal concentrated (like past experience) for merchandise with safe and products which are less expensive, external (like person reference) with regard to products individuals involve high risk and are high-priced. The higher the consideration of your experience, the more reduced the outside search can be done. Information is considered essential and the info gathered turns into the power in the decision making of a consumer. The kind of transfer from common to specific data hunt just isn’t quite significant in traditional consumer judgments. In traditional consumer making decisions, the search commences as internal and then proceeds to external and then a combination of both (Michael, 2004, pp.234-237). It is also observed which unlike holiday decision making, conventional consumer decision making consumers are keen information individuals and conducts a thorough research before deciding on a particular item. And finally, inside traditional customer decision making, details collection powerful points the particular preferences of consumer, and in addition is a vital forecaster of the actual determination that the customer tends to take. When it came to your evaluation associated with alternatives in the event of holiday decision making, the study carried out brought to light which holiday selection was an ongoing circular process that began using the making of your decision (Robinson, 2008, pp. 22-224). Ideally, as one holiday ended, Christmas decision manufacturers involved themselves in making the following plan. It  absolutely was also noticed that the determination makers involved themselves to produce a number of plans at the same time. So does the examination of alternate options. As they continuously keep attaining information they have an inclination to keep changing their preference for choices. And each in the plans the holiday maker made comprised of various time capabilities, different formulas and different varieties of decision making processes (Lars, 1999, pp. 140-157). Another instance in the case highlighted the fact that vacation decision making had been mostly found to be adaptable and opportunistic. In these cases holiday decision producers, though got willingness to venture to a particular place for a holiday, we were holding found to be planning only when the opportunity struck. For this reason, adaptability along with opportunity were found to be both major criteria on what a holiday selection maker is discovered to analyzing and picking out the option of a holiday destination. Furthermore, these techniques were found to get aligned using situation and the type of judgments unit through which they were required. So even though evaluating the alternative, the alternative which is more favorable to evolve and to which there was a new prevailing opportunity was given far more importance than the usual on Elizabeth which wasn’t beneficial and for that there was no opportunity (Robinson, 2008, pp. 22-224). Altogether, it was found that although evaluating options and making decisions, adaptability and the decision making system to which a trip decision manufacturer belonged influenced for you to situations and decision making unit to which they will belong. If this came to examination, preferences ended up more presented to experience dependent techniques as compared to pre-planned ones. Several holiday makers didn’t make use of any effectively defined techniques while producing their selections. Needs and desires have been directly connected to ch oice options because they are evoked at the same time. Finally, they like simple determination rules even though they are not correct. Alongside, tourists decision strategies were seen as factors like constrained amount of control, selective processing, qualitative reasoning, feature based neo compensatory regulations and a don’t have for the analysis of each option (Hawkin et. al, 2003, pp. 71-99). In comparison to this, in the classic consumer making decisions model the individual evaluates goods based on brand names and criteria. Unlike in holiday judgments, in conventional  consumer judgments consumers adhere to a method whereby initially, the evoked set will be generated depending on the list of makes from which that they plan to help make their selection following which in turn criteria will be used to evaluate each and every brand separately. Based on the standing of criteria, a final product choice is made (Michael, 2004, pp.234-237). Evaluation of options is not a continuing process and it’s also done only when a particular method is recognized to be catering to a specific need/problem identified. Hence traditional client decision making is not in any manner not adaptable neither opportunistic rather their completely need/desire driven. Also before planned choices were the one that was given a lot more importance if this came to analysis. Strategies are generally clearly produced based on ranking of top features of a particular merchandise of a brand name. In standard consumer decision making, evaluation regarding alternatives is characterized by the information of the brand, info gathered as well as the preference associated with criteria evaluated for each and every brand/product of the evoked set (Robinson, 2008, pp. 22-224). When inspecting the purchase point of the getaway decision making, it absolutely was found that the final decision making was developed by consumers in the last minutes. This was generally done to reduce the risk involved, expectancy, availability, loyalty along with personality. It is also found in the case that the purchase of the holiday decision making is conducted instantaneously based on momentary feelings and inner thoughts. Emotional aspects in fact ended up identified to be a major issue based on that this holiday choices were made. Buying is also completed instantly as the holiday determination makers tend to be consumers whose choices are produced suddenly for sudden satisfaction. This shows the fact that successful choice mode is more related than classic information processing mode throughout Holiday judgments model that will in itself is really a highly experiential product or service. Most of the vacation decision manufacturers tend to be optimistic and idealistic inside the starting nevertheless they become practical only with time and ultimate purchase is manufactured only the final moment. The reason for this craze of move was recognized to be the aim intervention as well as subjective perception of contextual factors (Michael, 2004, pp.234-237). Even so contextual factors like occupation, family, and scenario are 1st considered  just before contextual inhibitors like period, money as well as budget. The sense of mental dissonance can be thoroughly noticed in situation of holiday decision making. Due to this experience of mental dissonance that is a post purchase concern it was seen that the informants concerned themselves within gathering details during after the holiday expertise altogether. Your informants in many cases were found to be encountering cognitive dissonance which usually continuously strived to reduce (Lars, 1999, pp. 140-157). Conclusions In the traditional judgments model, type of feel-learn-do is witnessed to be essential whereas the feel-learn-do and feel-do-learn series appear more essential in the holiday decision making. Up against the holiday selection, in traditional consumer making decisions the consumer plans sequentially before making purchasing (Schiffman, 2008, pp. 71-99). They locate a need, carry out information lookup, evaluate your options and make a decision to purchase the chosen merchandise. Unlike in vacation decision making, within traditional customer decision making an effective are seen to be positive, idealistic and sensible right from the need recognition period till this particular stage involving purchase. Furthermore, in case of classic consumer judgments, the article purchase mental dissonance experienced by a person was found to become directly proportional for the risk as well as value associated with the product (Michael, 2004, pp.234-237). Based on the comparative research made it could be evidently described that holiday decision making techniques evidently differs from the traditional customer decision making. From the comfort of the beginning period of will need recognition until the stage regarding post-purchase evaluation phase the differences are evident along with noticeable. Getaway decision making is especially based on opportunities, adaptability and also emotions to some very large magnitude. Unlike conventional consumer making decisions holiday judgments is found to be blend of many procedures (Lars, 1999, pp. 140-157). Hence totally holiday making decisions, is recognized to be a rational process and holiday selection processes and considered to be very important as they may be vital throughout achieving greater order objectives. References Peter Robinson. (2008). Holiday decision making: the family perspective. Available: http://www.insights.org.uk/articleitem.aspx?title=Holiday+Decision+Making:+The+Family+Perspective. pp. 22-24 Michael Richarme. (2004). Consumer Decision Making Models, Strategies and Theories. Available: http://www.decisionanalyst.com/publ_art/decisionmaking.dai. pp. 234-237 Lars Perner PhD . (1999). Consumer Behaviour: Psychology Of Marketing. Available: http://www.consumerpsychologist.com/. pp.140-157 Hawkins, Delbert, Best, Roger, Coney, Kenneth (2003). Consumer Behaviour: Building Marketing Strategy. London: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. pp. 71-99. Leon G.Schiffman, Leslie Lazar Kanuk, Havard Hansen (2008). Consumer Behaviour. England: Pearson Education Limited. pp. 75-91.

Response Paper of Meditation Four, Five, and Six Essay

Descartes talked about the true and the false, and how we make mistakes in Meditation Four. Descartes believed that error as such is not something real that depends upon God, but rather is merely a defect. And thus there is no need to account for my errors by positing a faculty given to me by God for this purpose(546). He thought that the reason why we make mistakes is that the faculty of judging the truth, which we got from God, is not infinite(546). When Descartes focused more closely on more closely on himself and inquired into the nature of his errors, he noted that errors depend on the simultaneous concurrence of two causes: intellect and will(547). He didn’t believe that God ought to have given us a greater faculty of knowing than he did(547). So we cannot make no mistakes like God. Then Descartes raised a question that can he complain that the will or free choice he have received from God is insufficiently ample or perfect(547). After using paragraphs talking about it, Descartes perceived that the power of willing is not the cause of his errors, for it is most ample as well as perfect in its kind(548). This idea is similar to Augustine’s ides in On Free Choice of the Will. Then he thought if he held off from making a judgment when he do not perceive what is true with sufficient clarity and distinctness, it is cleat that he was acting properly and not committing an error(548). In the end, he said he would indeed attain it if only he paid enough attention to all the things that he perfectly understand, and separate them off from the rest, which he apprehended more confusedly and more obscurely(549). Descartes talked about the essence of material things and prove that God exists again. Descartes said that it is obvious that whatever is true is something, and he have already demonstrated at some length that all that he know clearly is true(550). Then he thought that it is obvious to anyone who pays close attention that existence can no more be separated from God’s essence than its having three angles equal to two right angles can be separated from the essence of a triangle(551). So existent belongs to the essence of God. Descartes can no more think of God as not existing than he can think of mountain without a valley(550). Actually, I do really agree with Descartes’ prove process, even if I do not agree with some of his conclusion. I think the way he prove things is rational and logical. He thought we should raise some ideas which he has no doubt about it. Then he use them to prove things. It just like what Euclid did in Elements. Raise some Axioms first, then use them to prove all others and build the whole system. Elements presents them in a single, logically coherent framework, making it easy to use and easy to reference(3). But the key point to get a true conclusion and build a logical system is to find the correct Axioms or foundations. I have to say that Axioms or foundations changes because of the religion and the development of science. For example, the Axioms of the theory of relativity are different from the classical physics’ Axioms because human know more about the nature. Descartes thought that necessary existence belongs to the essence of God in Meditation Five, and take it as a foundation. But there must be someone does not think so. He thought that because of his brief. But someone may not believe in God. I think Axioms or foundations might be various depends on individual difference and timed difference. But I think if you can raise your own Axioms or foundations build a logical system and make sense, it well be good for sure. We cannot get the truth straightly, it just like we climb up cockle stairs. And all Axioms and foundations and knowledge systems which are built by different foundations does contribute to achieving the truth. Without the old foundations and the system built by them, we cannot have new recognizing and raise new foundations to build new system and approach the truth. Works Cited Descartes. â€Å"Meditations on First Philosophy. † Classics of Western Philosophy. Cahn, Steven M. 8th Edition. Cambridge, IN: Hackett Pub, 2012. 47-79. Print. â€Å"Euclid. † Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. , 10 June 2013. Web. 7 July 2013.

A pot of oil

A pot of oil IntroductionOil this dark thing is one of the world's most valuable sources of energy. It is called "black gold". This essay will discuss the importance of oil to the national economy and world economy. This text will show an in-depth description about how the oil influences the economy. The emphasis in the text is understands the supply and demand theory to explain this questions appropriately. Oils are extremely useful for our daily activities, but extracting and using oils has a damaging effect on the environment and also if we are not careful, oil will soon become rare and very expensive. In this essay, it also will talk about environmental and ethical aspects of use of oil. Besides, the substitutions of oils are important to human.BackgroundOil plays an important part in our lives. Many million of years ago, oil comes from the remains if tiny water plants and animals.English: Supply and demand market curvesWhen there organisms die, they settle in the land and are slowly buried b y mud and sand. After million of years, the oil was formed (Mercer, 2003: 14). As we know, oil is one if the world's most valuable resources and our most necessary source of energy. The oil processed into petrol, diesel and other important things. Without the oil, millions of trucks, planes, cars, power station, furnaces heating systems and so on will stop work. Human life will back to remote antiquity. The oil also is a raw material for plastics, paint and countless other products (Parker, 2002:5). It plays an important part in our lives. It dominates our modern world. However, the oil is fossil fuels and it is not renewable. We consume them fast but they are not being replaced. If we keep using oil at today's rates, the oil may run out in perhaps less than...

The poor girl Essay Example

The poor girl Essay Example The poor girl Paper The poor girl Paper Then I realised my own mum saw her just two weeks ago and she was also responsible for her death and could have helped her. The thing that bothered me was that she didnt even really even care that much; she was that kind of cold hearted person. Anyway it turned out while working at the committee that she was prejudiced against her case and did not help her. Mum hardly cared, I was quite shaken and upset and that was before I heard that she was pregnant; and thats not all mum knew it! Mum also shared her views with other people in the committee so that there was no one there to help the poor girl. I still cant forget the words: go look for the farther of the child it is his responsibility. It was so terrible I was trying to get over something and then another thing started! I would never look at my mum the same way as I used to; I knew that she was cold hearted but not to that extent. There was more to it though, she said that she werent responsible and said that the girl told us that the father was the one mainly in charge and that she would not marry him because he was a young, silly, wild and drank too much. For a moment I was a little bit more relieved knowing that it wasnt all her fault as I previously did. Daisy was also surprisingly enough to me getting money from her but not excepting it because it was stolen! I was quite contented; she would rather live penniless then have stolen money. Mum then said that the father was a drunken, young idler thats all the more reason why she could not escape and rounded it off by saying if the death is anyones fault it is his. I felt that everything was going wrong for the whole family and then thought of Eric and later realised that he was the one, he was in charge; it just suddenly sprung into my mind. I was so distressed and then tried to tell mum what I had just realised. It was so awful trying to tell mum who it was especially after all the stuff she had been saying, she found it really hard to believe but then accepted it. Later on Eric came in all pale and distressed, he understood what we all found out about him and we all just looked at him with our inquiring stares. It was quite a sad moment we were angry with him, shocked and in a way I felt a little bit sorry for him. The inspector started to ask Eric some questions. After mum heard what Eric had to say she acknowledged the fact that all of it was true. She was about to break down so I had to take her out of the room. But later she just came back in curious to know what was going on. Apparently we were told by dad that Eric had admitted he was responsible and had stolen money from the office, fifty pounds! He said that he was meant to pay it back but I was not sure whether to believe him or not. A lot more dreadful things would happen later, it turned out that there was a big argument between mum and Eric I was feeling scared and wanted it to stop Eric was blaming everything on mum. He was saying the most horrid things like mum killed her and mum killed her own grand child; Erics son. The whole thing just came to an end with the words of the inspector: stop he said in such a compelling way that everybody did. Finally it came to an end he said he has found everything he needed to know and said that each and everyone of you were in charge of helping the girl die and not only that but he told us never to forget it and rounded it of by saying that my mum had the power to stop this from happening and she didnt. I think it was a kind of way to say that she was responsible mostly. To make us never forget this he tells each of us how badly we treated the girl it was really distressing. He then spoke out his final words which were very strong, powerful and deep and said there are many people still out there just like Eva Smith. He then walked out and slammed the door and that was it he had gone. I was still quietly crying thinking over and over again why did this happen? Then Eric and dad just started of worrying about the money stolen and it looked like they tried to pretend that nothing happened. No one learned anything from their mistakes.  I then started to think of the actual inspector; was he who we though he was? I didnt really think it mattered but I was just interested to find out. My dad said though that was really important to see if he was but I disagreed. I felt he was just not trying to face the facts. At the end of the day it doesnt matter if he was a police inspector or not the point is that he made us confess what we did wrong. Then we all started to talk about the police inspector; how strange he was. And then Gerald walked in I told him that we all got in trouble and then we all continued talking about how strange he was until Gerald comes up with something. We all waited for him to say it and stared at him. He said slowly that he wasnt a police inspector he sounded quite sure. There was even more evidence, he said he met a police sergeant and asked him if he knew an inspector Goole. Gerald described the chap to him and the sergeant said that he swore there was no one of that name or like him on the force. My dad then rang the chief constable to once more make sure, there was no inspector by the name of Goole. Everybody was a bit happier but I still thought in the end we all were responsible for a young girls death. I supported Eric at this time he said what I thought and what the rest dont understand that the girl is still dead and they are pretending that she isnt.  After a while of constant arguing Gerald comes up with something. He thought that the there was no real Eva Smith who changed her name to Daisy Renton and committed suicide. All he thought was that he was taking about different girls and that the photos were shown individually because of that reason. I was a bit less sad but I still could not forget the fact that all of us said what actually happened. Then Gerald phoned the infirmary to make sure there was no girl who committed suicide in the infirmary, as we waited patiently it was not true there was no dead girl there. I and Eric was still upset because we still did wrong things and we were aware of the consequences- at the end of the day we still harmed people and it was something that could have been real. I could still remember the inspector, his eyes how he glanced upon me, his voice, how he made me feel, his presence, all of it frightened me still. Everyone was happy again, smiling, triumphing and Gerald trying to propose to me again by saying its all over! But obviously I thought it was too soon and had to think about it. Everyone was laughing thinking that it was stupid and being amused until all the cheerfulness from everyone got interrupted by the ringing, the ringing of the phone. Dad picked the phone up; everyone was waiting anxiously due to all the events that took place. There was a deadly silence, I got scared. Dad put the phone down to say the fateful news. It was the police, a girl died in the infirmary after swallowing some disinfectant and a police inspector is on his way. That guilty conscience started to get bigger but the atmosphere was not only surrounded with that but also confusion and terror. My heart started to race up again, I was worried, I panicked and was confused. I thought of the situation again trying to make sense it just startled me even more. How did the so called inspector no about Eva!!?!

The Normal Pathways How Glycogen Made and Broke Down Essay

The Normal Pathways How Glycogen Made and Broke Down - Essay Example Glycogen synthesis which is also known as glycogenesis involves the addition of glucose molecules onto glycogen for the storage purposes. The process takes place in the liver, from where the activation is done by insulin, the hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels, in instances of high glucose levels. The process is a two-step process involving various enzymes that play significant roles in catalyzing the process. The first step in glycogen synthesis is the process involving phosphorylation of glucose to form glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). The process is a phosphorylation process and is acted upon by an enzyme named hexokinase or glucokinase. This involves the addition of a phosphate molecule onto the glucose on the sixth carbon atom resulting into the formation of Glucose-6-Phospahete (Hers, 1970). From the action of Phosphoglucomutase enzyme on Glucose-6-Phospahte, an intermediary of glucose-1, 6-bisphosphate is formed, but this is usually temporary, after which it is late r converted to glucose-1-phosphate. The phosphoglucomutase enzyme involved in the above reaction, acts to transfer the phosphate group to and from the alpha 1 carbon to the alpha 6 carbon glucose molecule respectively. The formed glucose-1-phosphate then undergoes certain chain of intermediate reactions that change it to Uridyl Diphosphate-glucose complex (UDP-glucose complex). This happens in the presence of Uridyl Triphosphate, in which one molecule of phosphate is released to form pyrophosphate. The process resulting into the formation of the UDP-glucose complex usually occurs as a result of the action of Uridyl Transferase which in certain cases is called UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. At this point, through the activation by insulin, glycogen synthase gets grip of the glucose molecule from the complex and attaches it to glycogen, the form in which it is stored (Halse, 2000). In the glycogen synthase catalyzed reaction, the carbon number 1 of Uridyl Diphosphate-glucose complex a ttaches to the carbon number 4 of the non-reducing end of the glycogen chain, from where the glucose molecule from the Uridyl Diphosphate-glucose complex to attach it to the glycogen chain. This process is considered to be genetically stable as during the reaction, the Uridyl triphosphate is converted to Uridyl Diphosphate, thereby releasing energy in the form of UTP (Hers, 1970). The whole process is considered reversible as in instances, in which the body’s glucose levels go down, the body is able to initiate the breakdown of glycogen molecules to form glucose through the process of glycogen metabolism. Glycogen metabolism and synthesis are considered to be regulatory processes in the body for creation of a balance in the body’s blood glucose levels (Newgard, 1989). After intake of meals heavy in glucose, the blood glucose levels rise, a stimulating factor to glycogen synthesis in the liver. This would then result into the conversion of the glucose molecules to glyco gen molecules which are then stored for future use. The reverse is also true in instances in which blood glucose levels go down. The body is again able to activate the breakdown of glycogen to form glucose. Regulation and control of glycogen synthesis is an almost similar to the aspects discussed above, only that in this perspective, in-depth analysis is established. Three hormones play a substantive role in ensuring that control and balances are

Principal components and Changes to peasant and tribal life Assignment

Principal components and Changes to peasant and tribal life - Assignment Example After the establishment of the economic policies and the new reform, the Ottoman decided to turn their interest back to the provinces in the Arab countries. They began using large farmsteads in the form of profitable private holdings. Also, they gave out land in the form of grants to the migrants population and the colonists. Other areas that were used for sheep and goats were turned into farms. The kind of authority that existed before was cut completely without leverage. From the perspective of the peasantry, the expectations of the nature of the behavior of the urban notables and the rural shaykhs had to relate to the authority that they had. Later the forces that exist in the global market and the increase in the administrative centralization cause an adverse impact on the lifestyle of the peasants. Also, also the change in the previous relationship that between the peasantry and the traditional elites cause changes in the understanding of the Muslims on their religious identity with relation to the Islamic practice gradual formalization. The notables’ authority large developed to become the mediators between the peasantry and the formal Islamic institutions. A large number of the proletariat did not have a direct interaction or access to the facilities, and this caused a vague understanding of what constituted the Islamic behavior. In the middle nineteenth century, an increase in the interest in the authority of both the rural shaykhs and the urban notables became tied to the state of the European economy.

American Indian Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

American Indian - Research Paper Example The American Indians lived in solitude for many years until the coming of the Europeans, who later discovered America, making things less peaceful. Indians experienced forceful eviction from their land leading to war and a lot of bloodshed. The Indians had different views of the Europeans and knew they would use different techniques to attack them, including use of military force (Nichols 3). There are Indians who supported the white men, while others refused completely to surrender even when they were subjected to harsh conditions. The Indian Revolution Act, implemented in 1830, made several tribes migrate to the Western side of the country. With the revolt against the British and formation of US, the idea of civilization was conceived, and the American Indians were prepared for assimilation into United States citizens. It was integral to have a manifested destiny, as that would favour the nationalist movements that were present. Family Structure of the American Indians The family s tructure of the Indians was formed in such a way that it had to be obscure that an extended family existed. An extended family that lived together in one house were enumerated as subfamily members, and all the members were related to the holder of the house. An extended family that resided in several homesteads ensured they were at a close proximity to one another. However, the families were recognised as a single entity with independent households. Both the parents and grandparents resided in a dwelling place that was mobile, and they ensured they were near the children or grandchildren. The cultural conceptions of the Indians recognised an Indian grandmother as the aunt of a child as well as the grandaunt. Extended families were responsible for the formation of kinship networks, formed based on clan memberships and not necessarily by birth, marriage or adoption. Traditional Native families retained their Indian ways and had no influence from the urban ways of life (Lamanna and Rie dman 67). The Indian families relate more to people outside immediate family in a supportive way, and this is evident in the Sioux Families; where family involvement begins in the early stages of life as parents get selected for new born babies. The families strengths are seen in the helping systems present in the community at large, and they have spiritual courage that they obtain from their religion. The Indian families also have respect for one another and this is a basis they use for their later learning. American Indian Culture American Indians enjoyed freedom and contentment in their land, before corruption and other vices brought conflicts to the community (Porter 93). American Indian culture gave rise to many familiar symbols that depict struggle and triumphs, making many modern life aspects adopt them. Tepee and Peace Pipe are some of the symbols the natives used in their culture, as a tapestry of the American Native life. Everything from plants, animals, housing, to climat e conditions defined the Indian culture, with their animals being referred to as spirits; despite the fact that they hunted and killed them. The Indians’ clothes were made of animal skins, and the meat was greatly revered thus it never went to waste. There was a belief that spirits lived, and were present among all the Indian tribes. American Indians participated in agricultural

Make up a title Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Make up a title - Essay Example By the wars end, Mexico lost almost half of its territory, the current American Southwest from Texas to California, and the United States emerged as a continental power. Austin was anxious to justify the contract, and bring a good number of families. As many unmarried persons, as well as young men, came to the colony. Austin also suggested the primary concern of them being in pairs, making an individual the head of a particular family.Thus, the two would obtain a family head right, and the family members will increase. The arrangement leads a fortunate result to all concerned. Early 1823, Austin returned to his colony. Then Austin stopped to ascertain the powers held by general captain of the northeastern internal provinces. In addition, to have it defined and structured in the form of Spanish, and Austin was declared to have full administrative powers to administer justice in the colony. Austin made defensive war against the Indians and commanded the militia with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Moreover, Austin was clothed with executive, legislative and judicial powers. In addition, Austin was required to give a report to the states governor, and responsible to the captain-general of the

Law of Intellectual Property Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Law of Intellectual Property - Essay Example The First step is to carry out a search in the Trade Marks Registry data base at http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tmtext or European database at http://tmview.europa.eu/tmview/welcome.html for possible prior conflicting uses of Desir or similar words already registered. The search results are furnished in the annexure 1. Among the 37 items revealed in the search results were also â€Å"Desir† and similar sounding â€Å"Desire â€Å" and â€Å"Dezir† though under different classes. Out of 45 classes of items, perfume was not found. Class 1 was Chemicals. On further search for perfume, results showed that â€Å"perfume† fell under the Nice class 3. And the similar sounding â€Å"desire† has been registered in class Nice 3. The word â€Å"desir† has been registered under Nice class 30 which is for â€Å"foodstuffs†. The question is whether â€Å"desir† is registrable under the above circumstances. There are as many as five sections in the Trade Ma rks Act 1994 under which a trade mark can be refused to be registered. Relevant section for the present purpose is section 5 which states as follows. Section 5 (1) prohibits registration of a trade mark if an identical trade mark has been already registered as goods or service. Section 5 (2) (a) prohibits registration of a trade mark if a similar trade mark has been already registered. ... Section 5 (4) prohibits registration of a trade mark if it could not be registered by any rule of law such as â€Å"law of passing off†. The last section 6 however provides for registration of an already registered trade mark if the proprietor of the earlier trade mark gives his consent to the registration (Legislation.gov.uk, 1994, p. 11). In view of the above provisions, trade mark in the name of â€Å"Desir† may be refused since the name already falls under food stuffs. A similar or identical trademark can be refused as it would cause confusion and the public are likely to mistake it for food stuff. A perfume being mistaken for foodstuff could result in disastrous consequences. Even if the owner of the existing trade mark consents, the registry may in public interest ask the applicant to make changes in the word â€Å"desir† in order to avoid possible future complications. If at all, the applicant gets the approval of the name, olfactory description of the per fume needs to be clarified. The description sought to be registered is â€Å"spice with a touch of citrus lemon†. In this connection, the case law Eden SARL v Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market ( Trade Marks and Designs ) (OHIM) (2005) says that it can be an absolute ground for refusal if olfactory description cannot be represented graphically as per article 7 (1) (a) of Regulation (EC) No 40/94. The article states that a trade mark if not visually perceivable should at least be capable of being graphically represented by way of clear, precise, easily accessible, intelligible, ,durable, and self contained images, line, and characters. The olfactory description â€Å"smell of ripe straw berries† of the applicant in the above case not has been

Silver and gold Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Silver and gold - Research Paper Example This paper seeks to analyze the historical background of silver and gold, their ancient and modern uses, the manufacturing process, the impact the materials have on the environment, their cultural significance, and future innovations on the usage of the metals. Silver History of Silver The first major silver mines were discovered in Anatolia, which is the modern day Turkey, in 3000 BC. In the 1st Century AD, Spain became a key silver producer due to Roman discoveries. In early 1500s huge silver deposits were found in Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico which enriched the Spanish empire for a period of 300 years. In the period 1500 to 1875 about 1.5 billion ounces of silver were mined in Mexico with a large percentage mined in the 1700s. In the 1700s, silver became the backbone of Spanish Empire and 1 billion ounces was mined in the Veta Madre in Mexico. 1857 saw the state of Nevada adopting Silver mining as a major industry when Comstock Lode was found in Nevada. Nevada became to be known as t he silver state because of the silver mining. From 1857 to 1877, Comstock produced gold and silver of an approximate value of 400 million US dollars which could have been worth about 500 Billion US dollars in the modern days. There was a 50 percent increase in the global yield of Silver between 1900 and 1920. This amounted to about 190 million troy ounces per year and discoveries were made in other countries such as the United States and Canada. From 1921 to present improved techniques has led to separation of Silver from Zinc, copper and lead. This has led to an increase in production of Silver and its usage. Silver was among the first metals known to man. The other metal is gold. The ancient population valued Silver because of its white color, brilliant luster, non-corrodibility nature and it was relatively easy to work with. Today, silver still stands out as one of the most valued metals because of the above properties but several other characteristics have changed the trend of s ilver usage from being merely monetary and decorative metal to being predominantly an industrial metal. Usage of Silver Silver is a soft, malleable and the most ductile among the metals. These properties have led to it being fabricated into personal adornment items and decorative items of various types. Hence, chain necklaces, neck rings, silver bracelets, and other jewelry items were developed as from ancient times. In the later days, silver was used to make decorative things such as handles for swords and daggers and later when approaching the modern times it was fashioned into eating utensils and various tableware items. The industrial usage of silver arose in the 19th and 20th centuries. The following section illustrates the chronological account for the usage of silver. In the 1820s, silver and silver salts became major component for the development of photography. Since the late 1830s, silver has been used in the manufacture of silver-mercury amalgams that are used for restori ng teeth. In the third millennium BC the Egyptians made mirrors of polished silver while â€Å"silvering† of mirrors with metals such as mercury, tin and lead was adopted in Europe before Renaissance period. In 1835, Justus von Liebig invented the process of large scale production of silvered glass through a chemical reduction of silver nitrate compound. In 1840, the process for electroplating of silver was granted a patent and it was the first patent to be granted for electroplating any metal. Alessandro Volta used silver and zinc for making

Make up a title Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Make up a title - Essay Example By the wars end, Mexico lost almost half of its territory, the current American Southwest from Texas to California, and the United States emerged as a continental power. Austin was anxious to justify the contract, and bring a good number of families. As many unmarried persons, as well as young men, came to the colony. Austin also suggested the primary concern of them being in pairs, making an individual the head of a particular family.Thus, the two would obtain a family head right, and the family members will increase. The arrangement leads a fortunate result to all concerned. Early 1823, Austin returned to his colony. Then Austin stopped to ascertain the powers held by general captain of the northeastern internal provinces. In addition, to have it defined and structured in the form of Spanish, and Austin was declared to have full administrative powers to administer justice in the colony. Austin made defensive war against the Indians and commanded the militia with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Moreover, Austin was clothed with executive, legislative and judicial powers. In addition, Austin was required to give a report to the states governor, and responsible to the captain-general of the

Silver and gold Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Silver and gold - Research Paper Example This paper seeks to analyze the historical background of silver and gold, their ancient and modern uses, the manufacturing process, the impact the materials have on the environment, their cultural significance, and future innovations on the usage of the metals. Silver History of Silver The first major silver mines were discovered in Anatolia, which is the modern day Turkey, in 3000 BC. In the 1st Century AD, Spain became a key silver producer due to Roman discoveries. In early 1500s huge silver deposits were found in Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico which enriched the Spanish empire for a period of 300 years. In the period 1500 to 1875 about 1.5 billion ounces of silver were mined in Mexico with a large percentage mined in the 1700s. In the 1700s, silver became the backbone of Spanish Empire and 1 billion ounces was mined in the Veta Madre in Mexico. 1857 saw the state of Nevada adopting Silver mining as a major industry when Comstock Lode was found in Nevada. Nevada became to be known as t he silver state because of the silver mining. From 1857 to 1877, Comstock produced gold and silver of an approximate value of 400 million US dollars which could have been worth about 500 Billion US dollars in the modern days. There was a 50 percent increase in the global yield of Silver between 1900 and 1920. This amounted to about 190 million troy ounces per year and discoveries were made in other countries such as the United States and Canada. From 1921 to present improved techniques has led to separation of Silver from Zinc, copper and lead. This has led to an increase in production of Silver and its usage. Silver was among the first metals known to man. The other metal is gold. The ancient population valued Silver because of its white color, brilliant luster, non-corrodibility nature and it was relatively easy to work with. Today, silver still stands out as one of the most valued metals because of the above properties but several other characteristics have changed the trend of s ilver usage from being merely monetary and decorative metal to being predominantly an industrial metal. Usage of Silver Silver is a soft, malleable and the most ductile among the metals. These properties have led to it being fabricated into personal adornment items and decorative items of various types. Hence, chain necklaces, neck rings, silver bracelets, and other jewelry items were developed as from ancient times. In the later days, silver was used to make decorative things such as handles for swords and daggers and later when approaching the modern times it was fashioned into eating utensils and various tableware items. The industrial usage of silver arose in the 19th and 20th centuries. The following section illustrates the chronological account for the usage of silver. In the 1820s, silver and silver salts became major component for the development of photography. Since the late 1830s, silver has been used in the manufacture of silver-mercury amalgams that are used for restori ng teeth. In the third millennium BC the Egyptians made mirrors of polished silver while â€Å"silvering† of mirrors with metals such as mercury, tin and lead was adopted in Europe before Renaissance period. In 1835, Justus von Liebig invented the process of large scale production of silvered glass through a chemical reduction of silver nitrate compound. In 1840, the process for electroplating of silver was granted a patent and it was the first patent to be granted for electroplating any metal. Alessandro Volta used silver and zinc for making

The Killing Fields In Cambodia Essay Example for Free

The Killing Fields In Cambodia Essay Introduction: The killing fields mark a tragic time in history; over two million (2,000,000) reported killed while hundreds of thousands of people displaced.   The architect of this massacre is Pol Pot who led the communist guerilla group in 1975 and took over the Khmer Rouge (Etcheson 32).   Many of the deaths that occurred during this time were because of the executions that were mandated on anyone who opposed the rule of Pol Pot. While many were executed, a large number also died because of the starvation that became rampant during this period.    Reports show that almost every Cambodian family lost at least a single relative during this holocaust (Etcheson 32).   This short discourse will attempt to shed more light upon this event by discussing the events that led up to this holocaust as well as identifying several of the factors that may have led to its occurrence. Pol Pot   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In order to arrive at a better understanding of the situation, it is important to first take a brief look at the life of the leader who led the Khmer Rouge during this time and initiated what was perhaps one of the most tragic events in human history.   Pol Pot was born on May 19, 1925 as Saloth Sar in Kompong Thom province (Kiernan 162).   The son of a prosperous farmer that had connections to the royal family, Pol Pot was able to win a government scholarship to study radio electronics in Paris (Kiernan 163).   It is during this time that he becomes exposed to the teachings of Marx and soon develops a passion for revolutionary socialism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In his quest for more enlightenment in the teachings of Marx, he soon finds himself in the company of other young Cambodians who were studying Paris, such as Ieng Sary, Khieu Samphan, Khieu Ponnary and Song Sen (Kiernan 164).   They soon after formed what was known as the â€Å"Paris Student Group† and eventually became the leaders of the Khmer Rouge (Kiernan 164).   It was with the help of these young students that Pol Pot was able to gain the influence that he did and eventually orchestrate the Killing Fields. In 1953, Pol Pot had his scholarship revoked and was forced to return to Cambodia where he worked for the Kampuchean People’s Revolutionary Party (KPRP) (Kiernan 162).   This Cambodian Communist Party was the first step in the plan of Pol Pot.   He then used the connections from this party to find work as a teacher where he taught history and geography at a private school in Cambodia (Kiernan 162). The most radical step, however, was when Pol Pot visited China where the â€Å"Cultural Revolution† of Chairman Mao had just been launched.   He was taken by the radical change that was occurring in China during this time and thus the seeds for this recreation of Cambodia were planted (Kiernan 262).   The continuous revolution concept that Chairman Mao introduces in China is something that deeply inspires Pol Pot and soon after that begins his mission of taking over Cambodia.   Hidden in the northeast portion of Cambodia, Pol Pot lives with a hill tribe and realizes that this simple life is the realization of all of the communist ideals that he espouses.   Not long after, the Khmer Rouge establishes the Revolutionary Army of Kampuchea (Kiernan 262). Unknown to most, the growth of the Khmer Rouge and the influence that Pol Pot possessed was because of the intervention and support that the United States provided at that time (Chandler 301).   In an attempt to attack the Vietnamese communist sanctuaries, former President Richard Nixon and former security adviser, Henry Kissinger, authorized secret and illegal bombing raids on all communist sanctuaries within Cambodia (Chandler 301). The damage that resulted and the failure of the United States in the Vietnam War served to increase the support that the people had for the Khmer Rouge (Chandler 301).   This enabled the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot to win the civil war that was ensuing in Cambodia and eventually take over control of Phnom Penh thus beginning the tragedy that will be known forever as the â€Å"Killing Fields.† The Killing Fields:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was on April 17, 1975 that Phnom Penh finally fell to the Khmer Rouge group who were led by Pol Pot.   Not long after, the residents of the city were forced into the countryside and into concentration camps and labor camps (Becker 365).   During the next three years, eight months and twenty days of Pol Pot’s rule, Cambodia endured what was perhaps the its darkest moment in history.   It has been estimated that over thirty percent (30%) of the population of Cambodia died from starvation, execution or torture during this period (Becker 365).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Year Zero,† as Pol Pot called the day when the Khmer Rouge succeeded in capturing Phnom Penh on April 17, 1975, was the event that led to the death of nearly two million (2,000,000) people (Becker 362).   The ruthless program that Pol Pot initiated to â€Å"purify† the Cambodian society of any vestiges of western capitalism, western philosophy, and western influences was all part of his grand design for the country.   He desired to create an entirely new Cambodia that was isolated from the rest of the world, much like China was, and totally self-sufficient, similar to the Maoist agrarian states (Becker 365).   He enforced this policy by killing anyone who opposed his plans.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first part of the plan included the expulsion of foreigners and the closing down of any foreign embassies on Cambodian territory.   The local currency was abolished and any other capitalist symbols were purged (Etcheson 32).   This included the closure of public markets, public and private schools, newspapers, religious practices and even the prohibition on owning any private property.   The extremism that marked this reign was never more evident than in the policy of Pol Pot to execute all the members of the previous Lon Nol government, public servants, police, teachers, ethnic Vietnamese, Christian and Muslim clergy, and other members of the middle-class and educated sectors of society (Etcheson 32).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Once this plan was set into place, Pol Pot soon sent the entire population of the country into labor camps.   These citizens were stripped of all of their private belongings and sent to what resembled communes where they were forced to do agricultural labor.   This led to the so called â€Å"Killing Fields† because of the fact that a number of the people died there due to the very primitive living conditions that were provided (Chandler 211).   Families were separated and even the Buddhist monks living in the area were forced to work in these fields.   This led to a collapse of society as even children were forced to spy upon adults including their parents.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The situation was so severe that almost all the offenses that were committed during this time were punishable by death.   There was no leniency in the enforcement of the policies of Pol Pot.   Of the millions of people who were displaced (over Seven Million estimated), over one and a half million (1.5 million) to three million (3 million) people were either worked or starved to death (Etcheson 32).   This does not include those who died of disease or executed for the commission of crimes that the Pol Pot regime would not tolerate. The crimes that were punishable under this regime included the death penalty for those who were found to be not working hard enough, those who complained about the primitive living conditions, those who were caught collecting or stealing food for their own personal consumption, those who were found wearing any form of jewelry, those who engaged in any form of sexual relations, those who grieved over the death of their relatives or friends and finally those who expressed any religious sentiments (Becker 387).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There was no judicial process that existed during this time as Pol Pot abolished any of the vestiges of Western influence including the courts of law.   This meant that justice was to be served solely by the Khmer Rouge (Chandler 211).   All decisions with regard to political and even minor crimes would be initiated by a warning that was sent by the Angkar, which was the government of Cambodia during this time. Those who were unlucky enough to receive two (2) warning were sent for â€Å"re-education,† which meant certain death (Chandler 211).   Similar to the secret police in other communist regimes, the suspects were â€Å"encouraged† to confess to the crimes that they were blamed for under the pretense that if they confessed the Angkar would be lenient and â€Å"wipe the slate clean.†Ã‚   All those who were found to have any connections with foreigners were arrested and promptly executed (Chandler 211).   The most common targets were the ethnic Vietnamese, ethnic Thai the Christians and the Buddhists. Conclusion:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As the events show, the cause of the genocide in the killing fields was primarily borne from the leadership of Pol Pot.   The â€Å"radical† change that Pol Pot envisioned for Cambodia and the intolerant leadership that he possessed led to the deaths of nearly two million (2,000,000) people.   It has been argued that the Killing Fields were actually a result of many different historical factors such as the loss of the Americans during the Vietnam War which rallied support around the Khmer Rouge and the aid that the Americans initially lent to the Khmer Rouge. Whatever theories may lie surrounding this event, however, does not alter the fact that this is one of the saddest and darkest moments of human history.   The loss of all these lives and the destruction of the lives of many other families who lost their loved ones and everything that they had in this event is something that the world should not soon forget.   It takes a million people to create a civilization that will last for centuries but it only takes one person to destroy all of that. Works Cited: Becker, Elizabeth (1998) When The War Was Over: Cambodia And The Khmer Rouge Revolution, Revised Edition PublicAffairs; 1st PublicAffairs ed edition (November 9, 1998) Chandler, David (1993) The Tragedy of Cambodian History: Politics, War, and Revolution since 1945. Yale University Press (September 10, 1993) ISBN-13: 978-0300057522 Chandler, David (2000) Voices from S-21: Terror and History in Pol Pots Secret Prison University of California Press; 1 edition (January 7, 2000) Etcheson, Craig (2005). After the Killing Fields: Lessons from the Cambodia Genocide. Westport: Praeger, 2005. xii + 256 pp. Notes, selected bibliography, ISBN 978-0-275-98513-4. Kiernan, Ben (2004) How Pol Pot Came to Power: Colonialism, Nationalism, and Communism in Cambodia, 1930-1975; Second Edition Yale University Press; 2 edition (August 11, 2004)

Comparison of Different Asian Capital Markets

Comparison of Different Asian Capital Markets Capital market is like an investment funds such as bonds, equities and mortgages are traded in the market. Then, capital market can be defined as a market of securities or equities or debt, where a company as well as government can raise a long-term fund. The market of money is provided longer than a year. If it is the raising of short term funds, then it will be taking place on other markets that is money market. In this assignment, we are given the title of Asian Market Capital. There are many countries of Asian, so we have chosen few countries to further details on it. There countries include Japan, Indonesia as well as Hong Kong. Among the countries, we have gone further deeper on the country from Japan about their background as well as history. We would further search for the information on the market capital happen in Japan. Moreover, we going to compare the different investor will be having in market capital field. In addition, we will be discussing the advantages and disadvantages of going initial public offering for a firm. The example and details of cases will be further explained in this assignment. Background In this assignment, we will be discussing about the Asians capital market. Among the countries, we choose to go in deep about the capital market in Japan. In Japan, the Japanese venture capital funds managers always to select either direct managerial monitoring or portfolio diversification to manage their firms investment risks (Gorman and Sahlam, 1989). However, in recent years of 2004, JVCs have used a mix of different strategies, including direct managerial monitoring. This change in industry practice provides an opportunity to test the applicability of agency theory in the JVC industry. There will be some background history about market capital happened in Japan in the past years. The graph above shown that the increase of land in Japan has affected the stock price. The price of the land goes to the peak in the year of 1991. However, the peak area for the stocks price is in the year between 1989 and 1990. Moreover, the both prices started to fell when the year of 2000, and it is affected to both prices of land as well as stocks. This shown that the total loan outstanding and real estate loans outstanding held by all Japanese banks in year 1980 to 2000. From the year 1980 to 1990, the both total of loans and real estate loans increased substantially. When the total loans levelled off in year 1990, the real estate loans is continued to increase until the year 1998. Furthermore, there were a happened that Japan faced problem in the year of 1998 that bank failure resulted from excessive real estate lending. For example, the company of Nippon Credit Bank, there were only 25% real estate loan comprised up of the total loans, and it was failed in 1998.( Kentaro Iwatsubo, 2005) Literature Review There are many countries in Asian, and in this assignment we have choose few countries as comparison. That is Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Vietnam about their countrys capital market. JAPAN The business firms from Japan have relationships with commercial main banks. The main banks may hold the equity interests in their credit clients in turn, including investment banks. We study the impact of the relationships between firms, main banks as well as investment banks in Japans initial public offering (IPO) underwriting market. By issuing firms can choose whether to engage an investment bank that is related, by virtue of sharing the same main bank, or to engage a non-related investment bank. There are one of the literature concerns on the effects of banking relationships on access to credit and the cost of raising capital. First, the banking relationships and access to credit according to Stiglitz and Weiss (1981) observe that market frictions related information asymmetry can restrict the flow of the capital to investments. However, Petersen and Rajan (1994) hypothesize that by producing information about firms and using the information in their decisions can be partially solving the problem of market friction to the creditors. There are small effect on the cost of credit if ties with creditors, but the available of credits financing is more for firms with ties. Secondly, there are the concerns about commercial bank integration into investment banking. Based on Rajan (1992) models the borrowers choice between informed bank debt and arms length public debt as an aspect of the firms effort to offset the benefits of the related lenders ongoing monitoring against the lenders bargaining power. If banking relationships yield information advantages, then integration of commercial banking and investment banking may enhance a lenders bargaining power. In addition, a lender that is integrated is faced with a conflict of interest, in that the proceeds of capital market financing may be used inappropriately to extinguish risky bank debt. Thirdly, the concern about choice of organizational structure. It is given the tension between information cost savings and conflict of interest, the structure of banking organizations can be expected to reflect efforts to realize information cost savings while lessen the conflicts. From Kroszner and Rajan (1997), he use pre-Glass-Steagall data to investigate that how integration affects issue of quality and pricing. They have concluded that market pressures induced commercial bank to address conflicts by choosing levels of integration into investment banking thats is separately incorporated affiliates versus integrated investment banking departments. Indonesia According to Fisman, (2001), the valuable resources for many firms are political connections, however, the connections impact firms strategies and their long-run financial performance are only a handful of studies that document (Faccio, 2002; Johnson and Mitton, 2003). The study shows that the consequences of political ties are a particular interest because these ties are often inconsistent with other value-creating business strategies. By taking the benefit at face value, it is difficult to understand why only a minority of companies access foreign capital markets. Domestic opportunities significantly reduce the net benefits of foreign securities for some firms are a core idea. For instance, the firm with political ties often receive low price loan from state-owned banks (Faccio, 2002; Wiwattanakantang et al., 2006), so they do not need to tap into foreign capital markets. It is also possible that global financing imposes extra costs on closely connected firms because the decision t o cross-list shares on foreign exchanges often forces firms to adapt to the regulations that govern these markets (Coffee, 2002; Reese and Weisbach, 2002; Siegel, 2005). If only minority of shareholders are better protected abroad, then the foreign securities issue will becoming expensive for controlling owners accustomed to exploiting domestic investors. Equally, the international business press and foreign analysts will only pay attention on the firms with foreign securities (Baker et al., 2002; Lang et al., 2003). However, the political favours that often dubious legality is difficult to be reconciled by the high levels of public scrutiny. Hong Kong Steen, P. Carey (2006) said that the relationship between hot issues markets and under pricing is well documented in IPO literature. Hot issues markets are characterized by a large number of offerings, concentration of new issues in particular industries, preponderance of smaller issues, frequent over subscription and abnormally high initial returns, Ibbotson and Jaffe (1975). Steen, P. Carey (2006) wrote that Hong Kong IPO market given the size and importance of Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). That is Hong Kong Stock Exchange Market play an important role in the economy in Hong Kong. We can see Hong Kong economy by viewing it stock exchange market; by this we can also know the capital of the country. Several market conditions have been considered in the context of examining initial under pricing within the papers that have been written. Dawson and Hiraki (1985) in their research of the Hong Kong IPO market between 1979 and 1984 note that under pricing appeared to be superior during growing markets than declining markets. Steen. P. Carey (2006) state that their study predates the unification of the four Hong Kong stock exchanges in April 1986 into one central exchange (HKSE). McGuinness (1992), find out that the Hong Kong IPO market from year 1980 to 1986 that reports under pricing was completely linked with the state of market giving support to the sugge stion of Beatty and Ritter (1986) that under pricing increases during the raising market period and decreases during the diminishing markets. In the stage of under assessment, Asian financial markets suffered one of the most severe and protected reversals of the post war period. Steen, P. Carey (2006). The collision of market situation on IPO under pricing was likely moderated in Hong Kong by the fundamental stability and formation of financial system. Miller (1998 p.277) said that Hong Kong was able to avoid devaluation because it has a monetary and foreign exchange system that is fundamentally different from that of the rest of Southeast Asia. Hong Kong has a exchange board but no central bank, and as Miller show that the resident of Hong Kong have the confidence in the exchange board. An additional resource of potency is that the financial stability and transparency of Hong Kong companies had extensively privileged interest coverage and return on equity than those in other Asian countries. Jaggi (1997) also found out that the performance and strength of Hong Kong companies is consistent because the company used the comp any information to monitor it. In year 1997 there is a financial crisis occurred in Hong Kong when Hong Kong is beyond dispute. Chowdry and Goyal (2000) propose that the characteristic to define a country that experiences financial crisis will face a huge falling in its traded equity prices. In general, research investigating the impact of market condition on IPO underpricing has a well defined event which is recognized with the conversion from hot to cold. Steen, P. Carey (2006), found out that the year 1997 provides a unique measurement challenge as two significant events affected Hong Kong in that year; the 27 October stock market correction and the political return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule on June 30. When the Hong Kong is tender to Chinese, this historical event has a huge impact on Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The political handover was an exclusive event and many people celebrate for it, it was connected with a period of hesitation and was followed soon after by the October 27 stock market correction. This uncertainty happens because the investor is unsure about the post handover economic and monetary performance of Hong Kong. Sub theory In capital market, there will be variety of investors for a company or firms who are wanted to expand their business. Moreover, there are some of the firms who need the investors not because to expand their business, but also to support their businesses start up. Angel Investor Individual investors who buy equity in small private firms are called angel investors. Mostly, the first round of outside private equity financing is often obtained from angels. These investors included friends or acquaintances of the entrepreneur. The business receives a sizeable equity share for their funds because their capital investment is often large relative to the amount of capital already in place at the firm. Thus, these investors may have substantial influence in the business decisions of the firm. Besides that, angels may also bring expertise to firm that the entrepreneur lacks. There is a difficulty on finding angels since it is a function how well a firm connected the entrepreneur is in the local community. Venture Capital Firms Venture capital is a limited partnership specializes in raising money to invest in the private equity of young firms. Moreover, venture capitalist is defined as a person or investment firms that makes venture investment. Besides that, they are also expected to bring managerial and technical expertise and capital to their investment. Furthermore, venture capital is fascinated to the fresh company with the limited operating history which is too small to raise capital to the public market. This is because they are yet to reach the levels that are able to secure a bank loan as well as debt offering. The differentiation between Angel Investor and Venture Capital There are different between angel investor and venture capital. Angel investors are always the provider of risk capital to the small or private firms. In addition, the providers are not from the intermediary of other company, but they are wealth people. Moreover, angels are always as the second round of financing start-up goes through, before the firm looks for venture capital partnership, but it is after they has exhausted of all their family and friends money. On the other hand, venture capital is the investors who invest their capital to a firm as part of the companys partners. So, the company will be the part of the partnership, and they are allowed to vote and make decision. Then, angels investors are only waiting for the return earns from company to them, and they are never go learn deeper to the company. Furthermore, they are not vote or make decision as part of the firm they had invested. However, the venture investors will be planning and finding the way on how much their in vestment will earn them the amount of returns. Initial Public Offering (IPO) IPO  is an acronym for Initial  Public Offering. An IPO is the first sale of shares in a company to the public. When IPO occurs, a company will be listed in Bursa Malaysia, and shares will begin to trade immediately. The IPO market goes in cycles depending upon the appetite of investors for new issues. Often the share price will increase quickly after an IPO, so purchasing shares at the IPO price may be a coveted  investment  opportunity. When management says it plans to take a company public, it means that an eventual IPO is planned. A successful IPO can raise  a large amount of capital for the newly  public company  and create substantial wealth for insiders who owned shares prior to the IPO. The differences between public and private is that public company can offer its stock to the public in huge amount, while private company is restricted to only friends and family members. Going public is important for those company which want to raise their capital. There are some pro and cons for going public. The Advantages of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) The public offering increased the company stock and value this is so call increased in capitalization of the business. The stock can be used for various activities for instance: currency for mergers and acquisitions, as stock option to help maintain key personnel, they may also sell their shares in the open market. The company will have the better access to the stock markets for future capital inflow. In general terms, the companys valuation and debt to equity ratio will perk up after going public. Company is able to receive much better terms from lenders. The company which going public is easier to promote compare to the company that are private. We can view the achievement of the public company in Bursa Malaysia and thus it had a higher recognition than private company. This benefit raises the public relation images and identifies the stability of a public company. IPO can provide the company with a chance to implement share options schemes for its workforce. This scheme is competent to enhance employee morale, maintain the loyalty of staff to company, and catch the attention of first rate employees. In long term, this can raise the employees productivity and increase the profitability of a company. The Disadvantages of an Initial Public Offering (IPO) For a company which going public need higher reporting requirements, it means further obligations and reporting requirements as public companies have to fulfill the range of regulatory necessities and meet accepted standards of corporate governance. For example, listed companies need an auditor to audit their account and report the financial statement and publish the annual report in the Bursa Malaysia. As the annual report is going to publish in the Bursa Malaysia annually, the company is said to be losing it privacy. The company needs to disclose the report honestly to the public. They cannot hide any details regarding stock option plans, details of lease agreements, gross profit, net income and its borrowing. The others disadvantages is when a company go public, they have to offer the shares to the public or in other word which means that the business owners will have to share it ownership with other investor, and shareholders can affect the company operations; they can voice out their opinion and decisions. Conclusion As a conclusion, each country has different experience about the economic growth and the capital markets. Every country applies different style, for Hong Kong they do not have central bank and for Japan they have many commercial banks that they call as main bank. The capital market of the country can be view by the venture capital in the market or the listed company in the stock exchange market. The listed company in the stock exchange market show that the investment of the public to the achievement of the capital market in the country. It reveals how much wealth the country has and how good was the economics of the country.

Is College Worth the Money? Essay -- Essays Papers

Is College Worth the Money? Imagine telling a student who just graduated from college that you have wasted four years of hard, stressful and even worse, expensive work. Unfortunately, in this cynical society today, the world isn’t just full of competitors, but it’s full of greedy money-grabbing businesses. The worst businesses aren’t manufacturing or electric companies, but colleges and universities. In Caroline Bird’s essay â€Å"College is a Waste of Time and Money,† she examines how college has been viewed for so long as the best place to send high school grads no matter whether they actually want to go or not. She adds that students don’t realize how much college costs and are wasting their parents time and money, which is especially a horrible thing to waste. Now that the economy is better since September 11th and states have been stabilizing their budget debts, it doesn’t make sense that tuition prices higher than ever for college students. When people think of college, they often think of their education like they had when they were in high school and grammar school. But colleges and universities aren’t schools. They’re all businesses. College isn’t paid for through taxes or government funded. It comes from our pockets. But other countries like Australia, England, Ireland and Germany run their colleges and universities just like a high school. Every person goes to the same college and it’s paid for through their government taxes. A college education is no longer an option, but it’s vital. The competition of getting a decent job is increasing and it’s almost impossible to find a high paying job without a bachelor's degree, which means more money goes to the already rich universities. It’s going to take a long tim... ...college or have dropped out of college who are doing better than people who have their master’s degree. We all know the story of Bill Gates and how he dropped out of Harvard to create Microsoft, one of the richest companies in the world. Of course Bill Gates was too smart for college, but there are a few other names who are doing better than adults with college degrees. Woody Allen was expelled from New York University and City College of New York. Steven Jobs, owner of Apple computers, left Reed College in Portland, Oregon, after only one semester and David Geffen, the founder of Geffen Records, flunked out of University of Texas and Brooklyn College in New York. College does have its good and bad, but the tuition money needs to decrease in both public and private schools. College should be the best time of everybody’s life, but money shouldn’t be a distraction.