Friday, November 29, 2019

Ship of Theseus and Personal Identity

The Ship of Theseus will always be the same. This is due to some reasons. Correlation between identity and change in the world of idealistic field of metaphysics might appear easy but there are some complexities. Whenever an object transforms, it always changes in a certain way.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Ship of Theseus and Personal Identity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For instance, a child develops to something different implying that it transforms in terms of size and age. For reptiles such as snakes, they shed their skins. Both the child and the snake remain the same in one way or another. Therefore, properties of an object determine its shape. For illustrative purposes, an item A changes with regard to property B. This could only take place when an object A has property B but at later stage B does not have A. Regarding the Ship of Theseus, the ship changed a lot but it remained the same in terms of its properties. It is the same thing with human life. People change from childhood to mid-adulthood and further to old age. An individual remains the same irrespective of whether he or she is at childhood, mid-adulthood or old age. The Ship of Theseus could have changed in size and shape but it still had some characteristics that distinguished it from other ships. What happened to the ship was mere refurbishment. The ship could have changed completely if the owner decided to destroy it and use the materials to construct something different that does not look like a ship. The concept of recreation vs. destruction is applied explaining this case. The ship cannot be any different because it has all parts that the previous ship had. In case the changes are taken seriously, things would be different whenever we view them for the second time. This would mean that any slight change in properties of an object would affect its existence. Therefore, it is true that properties should be expla ined in terms of time. Indeed, they are indexed to time. A property is temporarily indexed meaning that it is subject to change. According to Leibniz, the ship is the same at all times (Browne 182). This is because ship A has properties that would be found in ship B. On the other hand, ship B has properties that could have been found in ship A. In this case, the common property is the mast. Ships A and B have indexes that are temporary. Irrespective of philosophical theories applied, the Ship of Theseus would always remain the same. Endurantist theory holds that an object will always be the same throughout its history. At each moment in history, the object exists with all its properties. Perdurantist theory on the other hand would claim that objects are four-dimensional entities, which comprises of a sequence of temporal parts (Graves 445). An object is likened to a movie.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OF F Learn More If someone recollected all boards that had been discarded and reassembled them by adding the original sail and mast then the person would still have the Ship of Theseus. Even the ship that had been sailing continuously is still the Ship of Theseus. The real meaning of the word ‘same’ depends on the context. For illustration, the original ship will be assigned letter X, the ship that had been sailing continuously would be labeled as Y while the assembled ship will be branded letter Z. In case the original ship was to be demanded by the original owner because of one reason or another, ship Z would be given to him or her. It would be illegal to give the owner ship Y. It is therefore true to argue that ships X, Y and Z are the same. Ship Y belongs to a different owner because the first owner did not take part in producing it. Materials used in making the second ship that is, Y, have the same features as those used in making both X and Z. Part or whole of Z is the same as X. In fact, the materials used to construct Z are the same as those used in manufacturing X. This does not mean that Y is different. For further illustration, materials used in making ship Y might be changed but the crew remains the same. The crew might as well be transferred to work in ships X and Z. The issue of ‘sameness’ is a matter of convention. There are some factors that people consider before declaring something to be the same with another. Two things might be declared the same based on one principle. For the Ship of Theseus, X was the same as Y because materials used in constructing them had the same characteristics. Equally, Y could be said to be the same as Z in terms of properties. Conversely, X and Z are said to be the same because materials from X were used in manufacturing Z. The three ships are also the same because the same crew can operate them. In conclusion, the problem of personal identity is related to change. An elderly person in his or her late 80s was the same person when he or she was in his or her early 20s. Works Cited Browne, Ray. Objects of Special Devotion: Fetishism in Popular Culture. New York, NY: Popular Press, 1982. Print.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Ship of Theseus and Personal Identity specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Graves, Robert. The Golden Fleece. London: Hutchinson, 1983. Print. This essay on Ship of Theseus and Personal Identity was written and submitted by user MarcusVanSciver to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Nucor Corporation Case Analysis Essays

Nucor Corporation Case Analysis Essays Nucor Corporation Case Analysis Paper Nucor Corporation Case Analysis Paper To: Dan DiMicco From: McKensie Booth Subject: Strategic Management Date: 11/9/2010 Nucor Corporation Memo Response: Per your request I have analyzed Nucor Corporation and the steel industry. After performing both strategic and financial analysis I offer my recommendations. Executive Summary: Nucor Corporation was the most profitable steel producer in North America in both 2005 and 2006. It is regarded as a low-cost steel producer in the United States, and one of the most efficient and technologically innovative steel producers in the world. Nucor is known for its aggressive pursuit of innovation and technical excellence, rigorous quality systems, strong emphasis on employee relations and workforce productivity, cost conscious corporate culture, and ability to achieve low costs per ton produced (C-194). Offering a streamlined organizational structure, Nucor uses its ability to achieve incentive-based compensation systems that rewards goal-orientated individuals for their performance. Over the years Nucor has expanded progressively into the manufacturer of a wider and wider range of steel products, which has gotten it to be able to offer steel users one of the broadest product lineups in the industry. In this industry steel products are considered commodities, and most steel plants turn out products with comparable quality to other companies. This makes one producer’s reinforcing bar essentially the same as another producer’s reinforcing bar, which in turn makes a particular grade of sheet steel made at one plant almost identical to the same grade of sheet steel made from another plant (C-195). Because of this, steel producers are forced to be price-competitive with the market price of each individual steel product being driven by demand-supply conditions for that product. After considering all of these aspects of Nucor, and the steel industry I will be discussing the strength of the competitive forces, the key success factors for this industry, and the pros and cons of Nucor’s competitive strategy. A SWOT analysis will further help me analyze the situation so then I can look at how attractive Nucor’s value chain is compared to the value chains of the other integrated steel mills. I’ll conclude with strategic issues I believe that Nucor’s management needs to address, and recommend the actions I think will be necessary to enhance Nucor’s position and future performance to compete effectively against low-cost foreign steel imports into the U. S. Competitive Analysis: 5 Forces Model Intensity of Rivalry among Competitors: Fierce Global competition in the steel industry faces Nucor and the wide range of competitors that make up the industry. Just in the domestic market alone there are more than twenty competitors that range on a larger to smaller scale. This intense competition amongst the competitors causes a recurring effect within the industry. Each competitor is trying to out bid the others for a contract, which allows for price wars among the market. This goes to prove that the industry is not based on differentiated products, but rather price competition. In the end, the company with the lowest fixed costs will survive and be the most profitable. Nucor’s use of both base pay and incentive pay makes it more guaranteed that output is relative to pay, which therefore decreases the fixed costs. The use of different business models is also a good indicator of the competition. Nucor uses a decentralized structure with control at the local factory level. This allows for focused decision making, and a more efficient use of profits. Threat of new entrants: Weak The entry into any industry depends directly on the associated costs. Because of globalization growing at a rapid pace, the merging of many competitors to form larger companies have made the barriers to entry increase. Economies of scale and capital requirements seem to be the greatest barriers in the steel industry. Larger quantity orders of raw materials are usually discounted. Higher production volumes directly discount the associated costs. Product differentiation is also a major barrier to entry. Steel is not sold on its overall difference, but more commonly on price. Many manufacturers utilize the same technologies and processes. Price wars are seen to minimize fixed costs, which mean there are few switching costs from one manufacturer to another. There is very little brand loyalty in this industry, especially when it does not appeal to consumer loyalty or brand image. Entrants must find ways to compete based on lower costs. Access to raw materials can also be a barrier. A lot of the time materials must be bought in large quantities. There is no cost advantage associated with small material purchases, and that can directly increase the overall manufacturing costs. This can make competition challenging in a market where margins are already very small. Government policy is not a huge threat of entry on the domestic level, but at the international level the barriers become much larger. Well established relationships by larger steel manufacturers with government allows for easy establishment of contracts in a foreign territory. Since most steel manufacturers must be globally competitive to maintain profits government policy is a threatening entry barrier. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Strong The supply of raw materials can have a positive or negative effect on a cost strategy. Most of the steel used in domestic manufacturing in the United States is imported. On a larger scale there are relatively few suppliers who can meet the constant demands from a steel company. Because of this it is really common for joint ventures to be established between suppliers and manufacturers. This can help decrease the costs of supplies. The biggest threat is when large suppliers try and enter the market through the elimination of a third party manufacturer. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Strong Buyers seem to be the greatest threat. Price competition arises from buyers have low switching costs and low product differentiation. Due to these factors, buyers have the power to negotiate the deal down as far as they want. Many buyers purchase in large quantities which creates economies of scale. Ultimately, the goal for a buyer is to get the best product at the most efficient cost. The goal of a seller is to gain the most financial return for the least cost. Since the market is filled with many suppliers, and if you take into account the different goals of a buyer and a seller you would conclude that the steel industry is a buyers market. Threat of product substitutes: Weak There are few substitutes for the use of steel. The largest alternative to steel would be the use of another material. Alternatives increase market presence at times of economic downturn and times of increase in steel material cost. The goal is to maintain low costs and market share during times of economic fluctuation. Plastics or Wood could be two substitutes, but neither have the same durability that steel has. Assessment: Although it may not seem like the steel industry is an attractive market due to its maturity, and even though that may be true on a small scale, I think advances in globalization for the steel industry has made it become very attractive for those that are willing to compete on a much larger scale. Key Success Factors: Ability to achieve scale economies (important to achieving low production costs) High labor productivity/low-cost product design and engineering Breadth of product line and product selection National and global distribution capabilities Overall low costs (not just in manufacturing) Assessment: It’s vital for companies in the steel industry to achieve economies of scale so that they can have low production costs. The steel itself needs to be low cost, and the labor must be productive to produce at an efficient level. The breadth of your product line can put you above the other companies and help you stand out. The ability to compete at a global level is also very important when measuring success in this industry when it may be hard to differentiate your product from others. Nucor’s Competitive Strategy: Pros and Cons Starting in 2000, Nucor started on a four-part growth strategy that involved: new acquisitions, new plant construction, continued plant upgrades and cost reduction efforts, and joint ventures. Strategic Acquisitions: Pros: strengthen customer base, geographic coverage, and lineup of product offerings. Cons: economic downturns did not make the market conditions favorable. New Plant Construction: Pros: continue to be a technology leader allowing it to be first-to-market with new steelmaking technologies, and the process of Castrip which is one of Nucor’s recent success stories. Cons: Castrip was hard to make ready for commercialization taking many years for testing and processing refinement. Low-Cost Production: Pros: capital investments to improve plant efficiencies and keep production costs low. Cons: I don’t see any cons with this strategy. Global Growth via Joint Ventures: Pros: bigger growth globally that allowed it to counteract the global warming happening. Cons: does not currently have any plans to build and operate its own steel mills outside of the United States, other than its plant in Trinidad. Competitive Analysis: SWOT Strengths: Strong market position Increased production capacity Strong technological focus Positive Company Morale Low Cost Production Weaknesses: Geographical concentration Mature industry Opportunities: Joint ventures Acquisitions Threats: Repetitive nature of the industry Consolidation in the global steel industry Increasing raw material costs Assessment: I believe that Nucor Corporation has many different competencies that allow it to a hold a strong position in the steel industry. Globalization is going to be a major threat and there will soon be a strong push towards technological integration and advances. The United States steel industry is very mature so Nucor will have to look internationally for profits and more growth. A joint venture will be a good opportunity for Nucor to consider so that it can accomplish this international growth. Overall, I also think that price is everything in the steel industry, especially in a time of mass globalization. Value Chain Analysis: Primary Activities: Supply Chain Management: Nucor has established a raw materials strategy so that it can control directly and indirectly through joint ventures with various partners. This helps maintain minimum levels of raw materials in inventory, but also ensures that those raw materials are present in the supplier’s inventory, allowing for inventory costs to be associated with the supplier’s balance sheet as opposed to Nucor’s balance sheet. Operations: Nucor has 49 facilities in 17 states, and was the largest recycler of scrap steel in North America. This involves less production steps, far less capital investment, and considerably less labor time. Nucor is decentralized with control at the factory level over operational decisions and processes. Because globalization and international growth are huge factors for success, this strategy should be replaced by a corporate centered approach. Distribution: On time delivery is crucial for both Nucor and the steel industry. In 2005-06, freight costs for deliveries were less than 10% of revenues, and by Nucor developing its plant sites with the expectation of having several customer companies located nearby saved them shipping costs as well. Sales and Marketing: Nucor’s status as a low-cost provider resulted in numerous customers’ entering 6-12 month contracts to purchase steel mill products. The steel industry doesn’t need to advertise, but by Nucor maintaining a good reputation it has been able to attract customers who provide the company with loyalty. Service: Quality is built into service in the steel industry. Quality control is very important to maintain the durability and exact specifications of the manufactured product. Nucor has employees both internally and externally to manage their quality control which will keep their service high, and customer’s loyalty. Support Activities: Product RD, Technology, and Systems Development: Nucor is known for developing new product technologies. They have had many advances in the steel manufacturing process, and increasing efficiency of production. A strong technological orientation enables the company to reduce its operating costs to compete effectively in this market. Human Resources Management: Management is obligated to manage Nucor in such a way that employees will have opportunity to earn according to their productivity. Employees should be able to feel confident that if they do their jobs properly, they will still have their job tomorrow. Nucor stands for their employees to be treated fairly, and gives their employees opportunities to appeal if they do not feel as though they are not being treated the way they should. General Administration: Nucor has a simple, streamlined organizational structure to allow employees to innovate and make quick decisions. There are group managers, department managers, supervisors, and the hourly employees. Group managers and plant managers report to one of the four executive vice presidents at corporate headquarters. The staff is pretty small with only 66 people in 2006, but the philosophy is that the corporate headquarters should consist of a small group of executives who will guide the decentralized operation where liberal authority was the managers in the field responsibility. Assessment: I believe that Nucor’s value chain is very attractive in comparison to its competitors in the steel industry. Nucor’s value chain involves fewer production steps, and less capital investment, with considerably less labor than the value chains of companies with integrated steel mills with give it a competitive advantage. Internally the way Nucor operates is attractive for employees knowing that they will get treated fairly, and paid appropriately. Strategic Issues/Recommendations: Areas of Concern: Lack of Global Growth Joint Ventures/Acquisitions hindering company culture Unfavorable conditions in International Growth Lack of corporate involvement Recommendations: Steel manufacturing is an old business, but is currently facing changes associated with new technologies and the rise of globalization. I recommend that Nucor takes part in this new trend of global growth in the near future. Part of its strategic plan was to do this via joint ventures, but does not have any plans so far to build and operate its own steel mills outside of the United States. I think it would be very crucial for Nucor to do this so that it can compete at a higher level than its competitors. Nucor is doing a good job of keeping up with the latest technologies, and being first-to-market with some of its own technological advances that will help the company keep its competitive advantage and remain one of the most profitable steel producers in North America. Another recommendation I’d like to make is for Nucor to incorporate more involvement from its corporate headquarters. If Nucor does start taking actions to have a more global presence, then it will need to make sure that all of its operations stay on the same page, therefore needing a bigger corporate presence.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Favorite television show ( Beverly Hills 90210) Essay

Favorite television show ( Beverly Hills 90210) - Essay Example However, they were balanced with fun, friendship, family affection, and group bonding. The main characters were the Walsh twins Brenda and Brandon, Kelly, Dylan, Steve, David, and Andrea. It all started when Brenda and Brandon’s family transferred from Minneapolis to California. From there, it was an exciting roller coaster ride in the lives of these rich teenagers. What I liked best was the love triangle between Brenda, Kelly, and Dylan. Brenda was played by Shannen Doherty while Kelly was played by Jennie Garth. Both girls had different but charming personalities. Dylan was played by Luke Perry who seemed to be a typical guy who can get into a flirtatious fling with a blonde like Kelly while he was still in a relationship with Brenda. This seemed to have highlighted how teenagers tend to get too serious with boy-girl relationships at times and end up getting deeply hurt. From here, I learned that physical attraction is less important compared with establishing a relationship with the opposite that is based on friendship and mature love. On the other hand, Beverly Hills 90210 also presented the experimentation that is typical of individuals in this developmental stage. The characters tried smoking, drinking, heavy petting, drugs and other wild adventures. In one episode that showed their prom night the girls Kelly, Donna, and Brenda sipped too much punch. Donna, the values-oriented adolescent in the group, got really drunk after the event. In the meantime, when Brenda returned from her trip to Paris she started to indulge in smoking. Dylan, the typical cool guy, battled with his drinking sprees. After 10 seasons, Beverly Hills 90210 ended but the memories will always be a significant part of the teenage years of those who watched the show. Meanwhile, the commercials on television that were shown during the air time of Beverly Hills 90210 focused on

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Kant's ethical theory applied on cases of violence Essay

Kant's ethical theory applied on cases of violence - Essay Example Indicating that an act that has been adopted across the world is ethical. Secondly, it advocates for the protection of the human dignity; people should not just be used, humanity should be treated as an end and not in any way as the means. Finally, it advocates for an act that exemplifies fairness from all directions, that is, a person’s act should be conscious of both the actor and the one being affected by the actions. In this proposition by Kant, reciprocity of actions is very important (Wike & Showler, 2010). In this essay, I will put into perspective the application of this theory in incidences of violence that entails both self-defense and proactive violence. According to the Kantian theory, morality is not based exclusively on reasoning but also the moral worth of a given action. Engaging in act of violence can be considered moral when the reason behind the engagement can be validated. Though it is important for an individual to apply their reasoning before they act, it is of essence that they are weigh whether the act can be universalized (Wood, 2012). For example, when a thief that has been terrorizing people and poses a threat to the community to the society, the moral worth of such an action can be established. According to Kant’s predispositions, the moral status of humans is based on their rationality; this means humans have the capacity to distinguish what is moral and what is not, hence some sort of universalizability. Therefore, it is possible to point to a moral action based on the extent to which we are able to apply our reasoning. However, despite the human rationality predicting the moral position taken, the basis of the judgment made is not clearly defined. Kant’s argument that reasoning also plays a pivotal role in the determination of the morality has a strong basis since humans not only acts on impulses but also on reasoning (Sullivan, 1989). Therefore, engagement in violent activities is an interplay of the two

Monday, November 18, 2019

Any piece of Art work that is done by georgia o'keeffe Essay

Any piece of Art work that is done by georgia o'keeffe - Essay Example 2. Formal Qualities The Cliff Chimneys, a 36 ? 30 inches painting 3. Subject She was highly motivated and inspired by the stark, but extensively colored yellow and red hills and cliffs occupying the Ghost Ranch area. Additionally, she liked the jagged cliff formations that occupied the land near the Abiquiu village, and this prompted her to purchase a house in Ghost Ranch (â€Å"O’Keeffe's O'Keeffes: The Artist's Collection†). The Abiquiu village being surrounded by the Navajo hills and cedar trees, Georgia enjoyed walking around Ghost Ranch. The experience of the hills, cliffs and environment in general that she encountered in Ghost ranch that motivated her to paint The Cliff Chimneys. B. Price (Inc. why?) The Cliff Chimneys painting is currently being sold at $ 279 by Reproduction Gallery. However, the rice is bound to increase if the customers wish to enlarge it and make a bigger size of the original painting. The increase in price is accountable since producing a bi gger size of the original painting requires additional oil and canvas as well as frame (â€Å"O’Keeffe's O'Keeffes: The Artist's Collection†) C. Placement (Where is it?) The Cliff Chimneys is currently being displayed at Milwaukee Art Museum. This is after it was presented by Georgia O’Keeffe Foundation and Gift of Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation. D. Cultural context O’Keeffe was inspired by the events and discoveries that she encountered in the South and West regions of the Taos regions to make the painting. She was highly motivated and inspired by the stark, but extensively colored yellow and red hills and cliffs occupying the Ghost Ranch area. Additionally, she liked the jagged cliff formations that occupied the land near the Abiquiu village, and this prompted her to purchase a house in Ghost Ranch (â€Å"O’Keeffe's O'Keeffes: The Artist's Collection†). The Abiquiu village being surrounded by the Navajo hills and cedar trees, Georgia enjoy ed walking around Ghost Ranch. The experience of the hills, cliffs and environment in general that she encountered in Ghost ranch that motivated her to paint The Cliff Chimneys I. The Artist (Name) Georgia Totto O’Keeffe A. Background Georgia Totto O’Keeffe was born on 15th November, 1887, in a ranch house near Sun Prairie, Winconsin. Her father, Francis Calyxtus O'Keeffe was of Irish descent while her mother Ida (Totto) O'Keeffe was of Hungarian descent. It is from her maternal grandfather, George Totto that Georgia O’Keeffe got her name. She was the second born in her family of seven children, as well as the first daughter. B. Education and Influences She started her schooling in Town Hall School, Sun Prairie. It is during her early days in school that Georgia O’Keeffe began to gain interests in art (â€Å"O’Keeffe's O'Keeffes: The Artist's Collection†). This is attributed to the fact that by age ten she had already made up her mind of bec oming an artist; thus, together with her younger sister they started receiving art instructions from Sara Mann, a local water-colorist. O’Keeffe attended Sacred Heart Academy, Madison High School, and later Catham Episcopal Institute for her high school education. She later pursued artistic training at the School of Art Institute based in Chicago and the Art Students League based in New York. It is while studying at Arts Students League that she won a scholarship to attend an outdoor summer school located in Lake George. C. Intention Georgia’

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Varieties Of English Accents Tyneside English English Language Essay

Varieties Of English Accents Tyneside English English Language Essay Tyneside English, otherwise known as Geordie, is one of the most distinctive and unique accents of the United Kingdom. This essay focuses on the phonology, lexis and grammar of this particular dialect, and the historical, social and geographical factors which have influenced its distinctive features. Phonologically, the features analysed are TH-fronting, glottalisation and centring diphthongs, grammatically I have looked at second person pronouns and double modals and the final feature I have analysed is a lexical feature, the term netty. Several academic sources have been used in this essay and thus a brief evaluation of the reliability of them have been discussed. Firstly, looking at the phonology of Tyneside English, a striking feature is TH-fronting, which historically, is a merger that occurs in several dialects, including Cockney and Liberian English. The labiodental fricatives /f/ and /v/ are merged with the Early Modern English dental fricatives /ÃŽÂ ¸/ and /ÃÆ' °/, for instance the adjective three is pronounced as the adjective free. A geographical factor which may have influenced TH-fronting in Newcastle is a pattern of wave or contagion diffusion (Beal 2010:81). TH-fronting is an established feature of London speech and the feature is spreading westwards and northwards from London and thus is only just beginning to be adopted in Newcastle. As Kerswill claims, TH-fronting is adopted later the further North you go (Beal 2010:81). A social factor which may have influenced the spread of TH-fronting to areas like Newcastle from London is the popularity of the media, which have made people less oblivious than previous generations of a large range of accent features. Current evidence suggests individuals and communities imitate people when they meet them and thus adopt new forms of pronunciation, which appear to be extremely stigmatised features (BBC Voices). In addition, prejudice and stereotyping may be another social factor, as labiodental variants have traditionally been socially stigmatised and therefore tend to be avoided by middle-class speakers (Schneider 2004:192). Another phonological feature of Tyneside English is that of glottalisation, for instance the voiced alveolar plosive /p/ is accompanied by a glottal stop /ʆ/ in between vowels. An example of this is /hà ¦ÃƒÅ Ã¢â‚¬ pi:/, as opposed to the Standard English /hà ¦pi/. Beal (2010) states a geographical factor which may have influenced this: the diffusion of Estuary English from London to urban areas much further North, such as Newcastle. However, an alternative view concerning the origin of glottalisation is that it was first observed in the west of Scotland as early as 1860 and didnt occur in London until the beginning of the twentieth century (Pà ©rez-Guerra 2007:39). A social factor which may have influenced the distribution of glottalisation is the fact that Estuary English has been described as an accent of prestige (Anonymous 2006:2) as it is associated with Standard English. The imposed norm hypothesis states the standard variety has come to be regarded as superior due to social pressures (Long 2002:14), therefore arguably Estuary English has spread because it is perceived as desirable. Historically, the feature seems to have diffused to urban centres outside the south-east within the last 30-40 years (Kerswill 2003:11). In addition, Beal suggests another geographical factor which may have affected the distribution of glottalisation: diffusion of the urban hierarchal type whereby the variant starts in larger cities and then spreads out into the smaller towns (Beal 2010:80). In terms such as gate, which is categorised as a face vowel in John Wells Lexical Sets (1982), speakers of the Geordie accent use the centring diphthongs /IÉâ„ ¢/ or /eÉâ„ ¢/, rather than the Standard English /eI/. Watt and Milroy (1999) discovered only older, working class males used the diphthong /IÉâ„ ¢/, whereas younger Tynesiders used the monophthong /e:/ (Watson 2006:56). Watt and Milroy suggest a social factor which may have influenced this: younger Tynesiders are signalling that they dont wish to identify with their old-fashioned fathers, but still wish to be identified as Northerners (Beal 2010:19). A historical factor which may have affected this is the influence of Middle English. The diphthongs [ɆºÃƒâ€°Ã‚ ª] and [É ªÃƒâ€°Ã¢â€ž ¢] were a result of syllable lengthening, as the monophthong /i:/, derived from the Middle English /Ɇº/, was lengthened. A morphosyntactic feature of Tyneside English is the distinction between the singular and plural second person pronouns. In Standard English, no distinction is made, as you can refer to one person or a group of people. On the contrary, speakers of Tyneside English use you in the singular tense and youse in the plural tense. This is often perceived as bad grammar by speakers of Standard English. However Katie Wales (2006), suggests a social factor which influences the distinction is many dialect speakers have felt the loss of a singular-plural distinction in Standard English to be a disadvantage and so have initiated more plurals (Wales 1996:19). This is a valid argument, as the loss of the distinction does appear to be more problematic (Beal 2010:40), as no distinction can sometimes be troublesome, as it is not always clear to whom one is referring to. A historical factor which influenced the distinction is possibly the influence from the large influx of Irish people to Tyneside betw een 1850-1900. Geographically, Kortmann (2008) describes the term youse as Northern (Beal 2010:40). According to Standard English, only one modal verb can appear in each verb phrase as they lack an infinitive and therefore the phrase he might could do it is ungrammatical. However, in Tyneside English, this does not apply, as long as the second modal verb is can or could and thus the previous construction is perfectly acceptable. Forms such as he might could do it are not only quite common, but also serve specific pragmatic purposes (Fisiak 1997:1514). Montgomery and Nagle (1993) suggest a historical factor which may have influenced double modals could be the American and British varieties developing in tandem from some incipient grammatical structure in seventeenth century Scots, as the earliest recorded instances of todays double modals are in Scotland and Southern American English. (Fisiak 1997:1514). Sometimes, the meaning of double modals is different in Tyneside English than in Standard English. For example, the Standard English phrase The lift cant be working can also mean Th e lift mustnt be working in Tyneside English, meaning misunderstandings are almost guaranteed (Keuchler 2007:19). Moving on to lexical features, a common term used in Tyneside lexis is netty, meaning an outside toilet (British Library). A historical factor which may have influenced this is the influence of loanwords, although this is uncertain. It is highly probable that the term comes from a Modern Romanic Italian form of the word gabinetti, meaning toilet. However, John Trotter Brockett (1829), connects the Geordie word netty to the Modern English adjective needy. On the BBC Voices website, Yaron Matras points out that many local dialects in Northumbria have incorporated words of Romani origin into the local slang. Similarly, the British Library website suggests a geographical factor which influences the distribution of the term, claiming There has been a Roma presence for centuries in the Borders area and so it is not surprising this has influenced speech in the North East. Whilst producing this essay, the most helpful and reliable source available was the British Library Sounds Familiar? website. With several audio clips provided to investigate the Geordie Dialect and a case-study specifically on Geordie, the website gives an in-depth study on Tyneside English. Not only does the website allow the user to listen to voice recordings, it also gives the Standard English equivalent and a detailed explanation of the feature. On the contrary, a website which was less useful, was the BBC Voices website. Although the author of the website is the BBC which is an academic institution, the website used anecdotal evidence to support its claims. Furthermore, the information on the Geordie accent was limited and specialist terminology isnt used. Another website looked at was the Sounds Comparisons website. On one hand, this was a reliable source, as it had a whole section dedicated to Tyneside English and allows the user to listen to every vowel and consonant in the Geordie dialect. In contrast, there was no linguistic explanation to compliment the sound recordings, which meant it wasnt helpful when analysing the historical, geographical and social aspects of the variables. Finally, another source included in my research was the British Library Archival Sound Recordings website, which was the least reliable of the four. Despite the fact it allows the user to listen to local people speaking the Geordie dialect, the only explanation given is the topic of conversation, rather than a linguistic analysis. Overall, with the exception of the British Library Sounds Familiar? website, academic books were more informative and reliable, in particular Joan Beals An Introduction to Regional Englishes (2010). In conclusion, the Geordie accent has been described as a proud badge of cultural identity, as invasions of the North-East meant Newcastle was linguistically isolated from other developments in Northumbria. Moreover, the River Tweed is a significant Northern barrier against the influence of the Scots, meaning Newcastle has resisted centralising tendencies (British Library Sounds Familiar?) of Edinburgh. Tyneside English appears to have resisted dialect levelling which leads to a loss of distinctiveness in dialects (Beal 2010:2) as there are significant differences (British Library Sounds Familiar?) between Geordie and other local dialects such as Pitmatic.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Criticism of Religious Hypocrites in Molieres Tartuffe Essay -- Tartu

Criticism of Religious Hypocrites in Tartuffe      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moliere rocked the 17th century French world with his comedy "Tartuffe" in 1664. Although, religious factions kept the play banned from theatres from 1664-1669, "Tartuffe" emerged from the controversy as one of the all-time great comedies. Tartuffe is a convincing religious hypocrite. He is a parasite who is sucking Orgon, the rich trusting father, for all he is worth. Orgon does not realize that Tartuffe is a phony, and caters to his every whim. For instance, he reneges on his promise to let his daughter Mariane, marry Valere. Instead he demands that she wed Tartuffe, whom she despises. He also banishes his own son, Damis, from his house for speaking out against Tartuffe and all of his son's inheritance is promised to Tartuffe.    Tartuffe is nothing more than a traveling confidence man who veils his true wickedness with a mask of piety. Orgon and his mother Madame Pernelle are completely taken in by this charade. On the other hand, Cleante, Elmire, and Dorine see Tartuffe for the fake that he really is. Cleante is Orgon's wise brother who speaks elegantly about Tartuffe's hypocrisy. Through Cleante, Moliere most plainly reveals his theme.    Spare me your warnings, Brother; I have no fear Of speaking out, for you and Heaven to hear, Against affected zeal and pious knavery. There's true and false in piety, as in bravery, And just as those whose courage shines the most In battle, are least inclined to boast, So those whose hearts are truly pure and lowly Don't make a flashy show of being holy (Meyer 1466).    In speeches such as these, Moliere wanted to get across the fact that it was false piety he was condemni... ...rtuffe" historically it becomes clear the courage it took for Moliere to perform this play, knowing that he would be ostracized by the church for the rest of his life. At Moliere's death, Bishop Bossuet said, "God is showing his anger against Moliere" (Bishop X). However, by using the historical viewpoint, we can see that Moliere actually died a hero, knowing that he had always fought for what he believed.       Works Cited Bishop, Morris. Eight Plays By Moliere. New York: The Modern Library, 1957. Fernandez, Ramon. Moliere: The Man Seen Through the Plays. New York: Hill and Wang, 1958. Gassner, John. Comedies of Moliere. New York: The Book League of America, 1946. Meyer, Michael. The Bedford Introduction to Literature. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martin's Press, 1989. Walker, Hallam. Moliere. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1990.    Criticism of Religious Hypocrites in Moliere's Tartuffe Essay -- Tartu Criticism of Religious Hypocrites in Tartuffe      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moliere rocked the 17th century French world with his comedy "Tartuffe" in 1664. Although, religious factions kept the play banned from theatres from 1664-1669, "Tartuffe" emerged from the controversy as one of the all-time great comedies. Tartuffe is a convincing religious hypocrite. He is a parasite who is sucking Orgon, the rich trusting father, for all he is worth. Orgon does not realize that Tartuffe is a phony, and caters to his every whim. For instance, he reneges on his promise to let his daughter Mariane, marry Valere. Instead he demands that she wed Tartuffe, whom she despises. He also banishes his own son, Damis, from his house for speaking out against Tartuffe and all of his son's inheritance is promised to Tartuffe.    Tartuffe is nothing more than a traveling confidence man who veils his true wickedness with a mask of piety. Orgon and his mother Madame Pernelle are completely taken in by this charade. On the other hand, Cleante, Elmire, and Dorine see Tartuffe for the fake that he really is. Cleante is Orgon's wise brother who speaks elegantly about Tartuffe's hypocrisy. Through Cleante, Moliere most plainly reveals his theme.    Spare me your warnings, Brother; I have no fear Of speaking out, for you and Heaven to hear, Against affected zeal and pious knavery. There's true and false in piety, as in bravery, And just as those whose courage shines the most In battle, are least inclined to boast, So those whose hearts are truly pure and lowly Don't make a flashy show of being holy (Meyer 1466).    In speeches such as these, Moliere wanted to get across the fact that it was false piety he was condemni... ...rtuffe" historically it becomes clear the courage it took for Moliere to perform this play, knowing that he would be ostracized by the church for the rest of his life. At Moliere's death, Bishop Bossuet said, "God is showing his anger against Moliere" (Bishop X). However, by using the historical viewpoint, we can see that Moliere actually died a hero, knowing that he had always fought for what he believed.       Works Cited Bishop, Morris. Eight Plays By Moliere. New York: The Modern Library, 1957. Fernandez, Ramon. Moliere: The Man Seen Through the Plays. New York: Hill and Wang, 1958. Gassner, John. Comedies of Moliere. New York: The Book League of America, 1946. Meyer, Michael. The Bedford Introduction to Literature. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martin's Press, 1989. Walker, Hallam. Moliere. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1990.   

Monday, November 11, 2019

PSTD And The Effects It Causes

The psychological wounds of war present a situation where individuals are often mimes forgotten, unaddressed, and underrepresented-especially those who are suffering from the postgraduates stress syndrome, they are also struggling with the transition back to normal life and work. Literature Review: EST. Defined. Examining the impact of military trauma on a veteran's life remains in an infant stage with respect to knowing all that must garnered (Stutter, 1995). Accountability, sustainability, and treatment are far from being complete.Not only do diagnostic and treatment paradigms need to be made available to those veterans who suffer from PITS, but a support system must be identified and structured to as well. Family and friends have to learn that they must be proactive in their understanding and support of the military veteran who have been diagnosed with PITS disorder. Notwithstanding the fact that people who have been in military combat and suffer from PITS, there has been reported a direct relationship between the disorder and negative physical health as well such as non-specific EACH abnormalities and theoretically defects and infarction's. Jackson's, 2004). Although not extensively researched there are indications that PITS is related to some gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal dysfunctions as well. However, the psychological factors resulting from PITS has been researched more extensively and several treatments modalities have been used. These treatment methods include, but not limited to, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodrama therapy, group therapy, spectrographically therapy, as well as several experimental approaches utilizing seniority and Asian approaches. Dietrich, et al, 2000). Regardless of the treatment program employed to treat people with PITS all must concentrate of the protective factors surrounding the veteran, namely, the individual his or herself, the family, and friends or peers. As stated in Chapter 1 of Comers book entitled Fundame ntals of Abnormal Psychology (2005), the road to better mental health for individuals suffering from any abnormal disorder rests with the community-based interventions and short-term therapy.With respect to the PITS veteran what is at stake is to increase self-esteem, self-efficacy and those skills needed to cope with stress brought about by PITS via therapeutic intervention that is community related (support) and short-term goal oriented. The therapies generally used, according to Comer (Chapter 5) are usually multi-modal to include a combination of medication, psychotherapy, ND cognitive-behavioral intervention. As said earlier some Asian and sensory-motor therapies are used as well.In order to accomplish this goal the individual must attempt to reestablish bonds of trust with family members, increase communication abilities, and begin to strengthen ties with peers and friends in pro-social activities and those involving the re-establishment trust and intimacy. Without a great dea l of attention given to these protective features the risk factors for continued or strengthening of EST. is greatly increased. Those risk factors include, but are not limited to, continued excessive and realistic fears, social isolationism, family conflict, avoiding coping style, and interpersonal discord.Whether or not an untreated stress disorder can and will lead to a more debilitating disorder such as schizophrenia (Chapter 12) has not been researched to the point wherein definite conclusions can be drawn. As such those individuals who have been diagnosed as PITS patients, but not treated, with respect to military combat service need to be re-evaluated to determine the possibility of having a much more serious disorder. As PITS is a relatively new diagnostic category for theAmerican Psychiatric Association, and for all those involved the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder, a great deal more investigative research must be conducted to determine its long-term effects on the individual, on society, and even on the country political and economic balance. What is the alarming fact that knowing EST. does indeed exist the research annals are void of cited programs used to prevent PITS in military, or any other high risk occupation. It is one thing to diagnose and treat a disorder, yet another to install preventative measures to deal with situations that can lead to PITS.In edition, a literature review failed to locate any supportive materials as to how the government will deal with those returned military service people who will capitulate, involuntarily to PITS. What is desperately needed is a before and after military service program that focuses on strategies to assist military personnel to adjust to a new environment (I. E. Combat) as well as to re-adjust to a returning home environment. Such programs would have the crux of their efforts facilitative and proactive approaches that assist the person with a range of personal and relationship issues.In addi tion for those military response re-locating to foreign bases should be involved in multicultural professional workshops and culturally sensitive caregivers should contact these workshops and preventative treatment programs. This is especially true for those people who are now serving in Iraq and other combat active regions. From involvement in Vietnam some 30 years ago our society has fallen short in supporting those who risk their lives for our nation's well-being.Attempting to shed light on a disorder that has political, psychological, and sociological components is not an easy task. Isolating each area is arduous hen attempting to look at only one Of the aforementioned variables with reference to PITS in veterans-male and female alike. There is even research to suggest that PITS is a very real veteran disorder, all efforts should ensure to treat not only those who have served their country but plan and implement strategic initiatives on a preventative basis.For those individuals serving in Iraq the need for mental health support before entering the combat theater and while in combat is a move we cannot afford not to take. A war that has touted to be over in a few months has now dragged on for overall years and longer. As a result the cultural sensitivity initiatives before and after entering a foreign country must somehow be integrated into the war theater on a preemptive move. In other words, plan now or pay later.These EST. veterans also have to learn how to live back in society and handle work day to day. With only about half of veterans suffering from PITS seeking treatment (Tangential & Jaycee, n. D. ), transitioning back to everyday life can be difficult for returning soldiers in a variety of ways, including the workforce. There are a multitude of conditions that can arise from PITS that make rotational employment more difficult for a veteran suffering from PITS.Researchers name some of the issues as memory loss, lack of concentration, stress (which can incorporate or be separate from panic attacks, flashbacks and emotional extremes), and inability to work well with supervisors or coworkers, and sensitivity to sounds and lights that can result in physical distress such as headaches (Babble 2012). All of these present challenges for employers, but can be managed as veterans look to adjust to a more traditional civilian life and work on managing their PITS symptoms with treatment.Memory loss is one of the main effects associated with PITS. Perhaps one of the key problems with this as it relates to traditional employment is that PITS does not only impact long-term memory, but can have an effect on a patient's day-to-day life. Researchers have found that memory loss' â€Å"effects on daily functioning and treatment are of primary concern†¦ And reduce the resources available to PITS patients when coping with life's demands† (Samuelsson, 2011, p. 351 ). This can impact employees from the moment they are hired throughout t he duration of their employment.Veterans suffering from PITS may struggle with training, as numbering what they have just learned may prove difficult, and may also have trouble in meetings, remembering tasks and assignments, and how to use equipment they are unfamiliar with. There are suggestions for employers on how to make such complications easier on the workers, including budgeting for more training, writing minutes from or tape recording meetings, posting written directions for complicated equipment and providing the employee with a task list that can be checked off.Much like memory loss, a lack of concentration can be extremely challenging for both an employer and the worker. A study out of Yale University found people who buffer from PITS tend to forget instructions even after hearing them multiple times, and typically are forgetful about where they have placed their possessions (Brenner, 2000). This can interfere with workplace tasks, especially in busy offices with potentia l distractions. To help combat the effects of lack of concentration for veterans with PITS, America's Heroes at Work, a division of the U. S.Department of Labor, suggests employers should aim to reduce as many possible distractions near the employee, by allowing sound machines or music, changing the lighting or creating a private workspace to keep the individual on task. While memory loss and lack of concentration are relatively similar in terms of their effects on veterans with PITS, there are several other symptoms that may be more difficult to help manage as an employer. Patients tend to suffer from stress as a result of p T SD, which can include flashbacks to the traumatic event or events that triggered the disorder.Researchers argue that six major factors can help veterans overcome, or at the very least manage, stress associated with the effects of PITS: practicing altruism, having a positive outlook, maintaining an active coping lifestyle, getting exercise, seeking support fro m friends and Emily, and being flexible in responses to negative situations (Hoagland, Cooper, Southwest, & Charley, 2007). Veterans suffering from PITS-induced stress may struggle as unforeseen daily problems arise on the job and could have a difficult time as new responsibilities are added.Stress could also play a role in absenteeism (Huge, Territorial, Castro, Messes & Engel, 2007) as veterans with PITS are not immune to experiencing triggers with their symptoms outside of their work environ meet that could have a secondary impact on work. Stress can also contribute to another common symptom of P T SD: recurring panic attacks. An employee may worry that these episodes will reflect negatively on them in the workplace; therefore, an employer would be best served by having a plan in place for handling this situation should it arise to help with the comfort of the veteran and other coworkers.Additionally, a respectful and solid relationship between an employee and a supervisor is oft en critical for a productive workplace, which can sometimes be affected by a veteran suffering from PITS. Not only is the veteran likely not used to the traditional structure of a work environment as compared to the ranks of the military, but other symptoms of P T SD can trigger a negative action in a potentially frustrated employee.For example, an employee suffering from PITS-induced memory loss who cannot perform a basic task that was explained to him or her earlier in the day may become overwhelmed or upset, and could lash out at or blame the supervisor, or having a generally negative reaction that could interfere with workplace morale and working relationships. Bosses are encouraged to make the transition easier on the worker by providing as much information in writing to serve as a reference as possible, and give positive reinforcement to the employee. Similarly, conflicts an arise between coworkers and veterans that may not occur between civilian employees.It is critical to un derstand what is causing the tension: it is coming from stress, memory loss, lack Of concentration or another possible symptom of PITS? Coworkers should all receive some form of training on disable ¶y' awareness to help them make the best decisions in a potentially uncomfortable situation. Employers can also help diffuse tension before it begins by accommodating the veteran's needs as best as possible, whether that be with a private workspace, allowing for music to be played during the day, or initiating techniques for managing stress. Finally, another key workplace concern for veterans with PITS is hypersensitivity.This is defined as being anxious around large crowds and unknown areas, startling easily, and being sensitive to lights and sound. These symptoms can trigger physical reactions in soldiers, from headaches and migraines to more severe responses like panic attacks. In the workplace, this can present problems for a veteran because there is a certain lack of control over t hings like lighting and noises. An employer can provide alternative lighting for a worker who may be sensitive to bright office lights, and can also help with private accommodations when possible.Coworkers should be sensitive to a veteran who may be prone to being startled when interrupted. Transitioning from life in a war zone to life in the civilian United States is likely difficult for all of the more-than two million men and women who have served overseas, but it can be made increasingly hard when adding PITS symptoms to the mix. With at least 20 percent of veterans reporting symptoms, it is paramount for employers to be aware of how to help manage a soldier's medical concerns in the workplace. Veterans with this disorder will add unique issues to a work environment likely not seen as frequently in civilian employees.Worries about transitioning well into an every-day job may even have the effect Of enhancing some PITS symptoms for certain veterans, depending on how they are affe cted by the disorder. Therefore, both veterans and employers should be responsible for having candid discussions regarding the patient's experiences with the disorder, and how the work environment is likely to impact symptoms, in order to give both the company and the veteran the best chance to succeed as the soldier embarks on a new life as a civilian in the United States. The impacts of war have proven their significance to our service men and women.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

women and AIDS essays

women and AIDS essays Understanding the Issues of Women and HIV/AIDS Colgate University, Hamilton NY 13346 Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had emerged as a major health problem for women in the United States. Family physicians can play an important role in the detection and care of HIV-infected women. The epidemiology and natural history of HIV infection in women were reviewed. HIV infection is now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young women in the United States, particularly women of racial and ethnic minorities. Most cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in women occur as a result of injection-drug use or heterosexual transmission. Based on limited information, women and men appear to have similar AIDS-defining conditions. Gynecological problems are common n HIV-infected women. Pregnancy does not seem to be affected by early HIV infection, but women with advanced disease might be at increased risk for obstetric complications. More women need to be included in natural history studies and clinical drug trials. Early awareness o f HIV infection and better access to health care services are required to improve the treatment and survival of HIV-infected women. KEYWORDS: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Pregnancy, Zidovudine (AZT), Vaginal Candidasis, Transmission Methods of HIV/AIDS, Perinatal Transmission, Women and HIV "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has been declared the public health threat of the century " (1 cited in 2). The US Surgeon General has designated it as the nations number one health priority (2). AIDS is a disease that affects the immune system. The term immunodeficiency refers to the inability of the immune system to function properly, thus making the individual susceptible to a variety of infections not typically found in a healthy immune system (3). A syndrome is a group of symptoms or illnes...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Business Personal Statement What Why How

Business Personal Statement What Why How Business Personal Statement: What? Why? How? In this article, we are going to give you a step-by-step guide on all of the essential tips that you need to complete your business personal statement. What is a Business Personal Statement? It is very competitive to try and secure a space in a high-quality business studies course. Your business personal statement is one of the ways in which you can demonstrate your potential above and beyond your grades. An engaging and insightful business personal statement can be a way of standing out from the rest of the candidates who are competing for the available places on the course that you wish to study. Why Do You Need a Business Personal Statement? A business personal statement is designed to give some sense of who you are as a person. For many courses, it is an essential part of the application and candidate assessment process. How to Complete a Business Personal Statement? The key thing with a business personal statement is to be authentic, to be yourself, and to convey that in a professional way that connects with the people who are assessing your application. There are four main points that you should mention in your business personal statement. These are as follows: Why are you interested in studying this course? For example, you may say something like â€Å"I have had a lifelong interest in economics†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"I am fascinated by the operation of the stock market†¦Ã¢â‚¬  How do your previous studies qualify you for this course? For example, you may say something like â€Å"My previous studies of international politics have shown me the interrelation between politics and economics†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"My outstanding grades in my junior business studies qualification have given me an excellent basis to continue to challenge myself academically†¦Ã¢â‚¬  What life experience do you have that qualifies you for this course? For example, you may say something like â€Å"Having dealt with my family’s small business, I have a sound understanding of microeconomics†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"I’ve been an active participant in stock market simulations to help me build my understanding of real-time trading patterns†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Why have you chosen this specific course? You may say something like: â€Å"Having compared all of the available options, I believe this course will give me the skills and knowledge I need†¦Ã¢â‚¬  or â€Å"The outstanding reputation of this course will be a tremendous asset to my CV†¦Ã¢â‚¬  It is important that you do not copy anyone else’s business personal statement. It is okay to look at some examples to see how best to structure what you are writing, but your business personal statement has to be about you, it has to reflect your experiences, and what you believe. The business personal statement has to be about you, but do not hesitate to seek assistance and feedback. Share your business personal statement with your friends, family, and professional network. Ask for feedback, ask whether it accurately reflects who you are, ask for any suggestions on how to improve it and make it more impactful. With a strong business personal statement, you will be well-placed to secure the business course to which you aspire.

Monday, November 4, 2019

The Significance and Symbolism of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing Research Paper

The Significance and Symbolism of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing - Research Paper Example The emperors Ming and Qing used to worship the god of heaven during their reigns and prayed for a good harvest. The temples are 273 hectares area wise and it is marked as the world’s largest architectural compound. The temples were a symbolic source for prayer and homage to heaven but today these buildings are left as parks which are visited by tourists and added to the world’s heritage list. Features of the Temple of Heaven: The Temple of Heaven has a 5 km outer wall which covers its area of 273 hectares. The inner and outer temples are divided by a wall. The buildings in the Inner Temple are based on north-south axis which includes the Circular Mound Altar and the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests. The buildings of the Outer Temple include pine woods and cypresses. The whole design of the building is symbolic. The Inner Temple is square from the south and semi-circular from the north. This pattern represents an ancient belief saying that the Heaven is round and the Ea rth is square2. The wall of the heaven was higher than that of the earth showing that heaven outshines the earth. The areas of the altars are simple and are not intricate or complex like other royal or sacred buildings. The altars give the setting of the sky to show its vastness and the magnificence of heaven. The circular and square theme is recurring throughout the buildings. The roof tiles are dark blue which represents the heaven, and brings heaven and earth together at one place. The building also represents the odd numbers as symbols which were related to the sun or considered heavenly. Number nine was considered as the strongest number and so the altars and the terrace were built with slabs of stone and rings which were the multiples of nine. The balustrades and steps were also multiples of nine. The top terrace has a stone in the center which is known as Tianxinshi, the Center of Heaven Stone. It reflects the impact of speeches which were delivered from that point. The templ es are designed with distinctive solidity, compactness and elegance. Moreover, the buildings are decorated admirably which leads the temple to hold a unique sort of beauty amongst the sacred buildings of the country as well as the architectural legacy of the world3. Similar architectural places: The current state of the Temple of Heaven is that it serves as a park which exists in the surrounding of the buildings. These parks are very popular for exercising and the place is considered as a masterpiece in the architectural world. The graphics and the landscape of the building simply depict the evolution and significance of one of the greatest civilizations in the world. The building today stands as an influence on architecture for many Far East civilizations. The authenticity dynasties that ruled China for over two thousand years were symbols of the layout and design of this temple. A similar architectural building can be the Great Mosque of Kairouan which is located in Tunisia. The m osque is still active and was built in the 670 AD. The mosque has been the center of the sacred buildings as well as the unique Islamic art. It is a masterpiece and it dominates prestige in spiritual and architectural manner. Just as the Temple of Heaven, this mosque has been one of the unique buildings with an architectural and decorative element correlated. Methodology: The Temple of Heaven was built to create a relationship with the heaven. The emperors had

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Total Quality Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Total Quality Management - Essay Example TQM has been designed for companies that are operating in various disciplines and for this reason, each company has different uses and implementation technique of TQM. However, there are organizations that fail to implement TQM at an operational level. Some of the reasons for the failure are as follows:Â   Rigid Organizational CultureOne of the key reasons for failure of TQM is that the implementation of this process requires patience and agility and it requires flexibility in organizational culture. Organizations are required to change their paradigm from a functional to customer focus approach. Organizations that are unable to cope up with this approach can face detrimental consequences because implementation of TQM is not easy and it requires mobility to changing customer needs and business trends. Not every organization can cope up to such changes and this is certainly one of the reasons of failed implementation of TQM.Resistance to ChangeIf a company wants to implement TQM, it should first communicate to its employees the importance of TQM. Every single employee, from the lowest to the highest hierarchical level, should be accepting and willing to adopt this organizational change (Donaldson & Munir, 2013). However, such changes are not successful at times because some employees do not want to come out of their comfort zone and resist to any sort of change. Employees fail to understand the importance of this activity and do not understand that this will improve the productivity and profitability of the company.