Ethics of Consumption Essay

Once you have read the textbook chapter and the Reading, answer discussion questions 1, 3- 5 (ignore questions 2 and 6). Q1. Who is the â€Å"we† in the question â€Å"Why do we consume so much?† Is Juliet Schor correct that â€Å"there is increasingly little that we do which is not a consumption experience† And that we have become a culture of excessive consumption? Explain your answers. The â€Å"we† in the question â€Å"why do we consume so much?† is stands for the majority of Americans those whose basic needs are met, who have discretionary income, the large middle classes whose standard of living has risen so dramatically over this century. Juliet Schor is correct that â€Å"there is increasingly little that we do which is not a consumption experience†. For example, the average American home has increased by more than 50% since 1970s and the number of vehicles per person has increased. And we have become a culture of excessive consumption due to $20,000 outdoor grills, $17,000 birthday parties for teen girls FAO Schwartz, diamond studded bras at Victoria Secrets, professional appliances for people not home to cook, designer clothes for 6 year olds as well as $1000 bed sheets. Q3. Explain why Schor believes that â€Å"more leisured. Less consumerist lifestyles are structurally blocked†. Why can’t people simply choose to work less and enjoy more free time? Do you agree that working long hours encourages people to consume more? Schor believes that â€Å"more leisure, less consumerist lifestyles is structurally blocked† because we are undermining our quality of life, we fail to take enough leisure, and live excessively busy and stressful lives. People cannot simply choose to work less and enjoy more free time because the employers set work norms and schedules, and those are tied to jobs. A full-time worker is paid per person, not per hour, and the employers prefer to hire fewer people, as well as employees who work longer hours are more financially dependent on the firm. Also, the income that people earned determines the level of consumption. The more they earned, the more or luxury goods they are able to purchase. I do not agree that working long hours encourages people to consume more. I have some working experiences before. After working for the whole day, I felt very tired and I thought money does not come easily, so I would not buy as much as I earned. I would like to save it and buy wait until I think the price of the good I want to buy is acceptable and it is useful. Q4. Schor refers to the second structural feature that creates too much consumption as â€Å"the ecological bias†. What does she mean by this? Do you agree with her that it is serious? Schor means that people overuse of the ecological resources of the earth, which account for global warming, species extinction, ecosystem depletion, water shortages, deforestation and soil erosion. I absolutely agree with her that overuse of natural capital is serious because the rate of resource use, pollution, and ecological degradation exceeds earth’s absorptive and regenerative capacities. We are already beyond a sustainable relation with earth. If rest of the world lived like the Americans do, need an additional four planets to support this lifestyle. Q5. Explain why you agree or disagree with Schor’s contention that consumption has become a social competition. How has the old concept of â€Å"keeping up with the Joneses† changed? Do you agree that it is difficult for individuals to resist or drop out of the consumption competition? Explain why or why not. Yes, I agree with Schor’s contention that consumption has become a social competition because more and more people buy luxury goods to show off, which  it stand for recognition, esteem, status, and even envy it confers. Especially young teenagers, they like to keep up with their classmates or schoolmates. As a result, branded goods were carried by students is obviously around the school. The old concept of â€Å"keeping up with the Joneses† has changed because Americans’ consumer aspirations now has become more vertical, which is in terms of economic and social standing. Young Americans regarded Rockefeller or Bill Gates who makes $100,000 a year or more as an important aspirational target. They are more squint towards a decent or comfortable standard of living. I agree that it is difficult for individuals to resist or drop out the consumption competition. Since everyone is using the latest products, we have to elevate ourselves as well. If we refused to upgrade our belonging, we will fall behind the others, it may account for inconvenience in our life. For example, nowadays, some homework has to type it out or submit online, if we do not have a laptop at home, then it will be troublesome and inconvenience. Thus, individuals are getting more and more difficult to drop put the consumption competition.

Adult Learning Theory

Adult Learning Theory Cedric A. Smith March 5, 2013 INFT 101 – B63 LUO Summary Adult learning theory focuses on educating adults in a style that best relates to the life and experiences. Adults and children learn in different ways. It has been found that children learn because they have to, while adults learn for reasons usually based on self motivated factors or androgogy (Holt, 2011). â€Å"Teaching that transforms: Facilitating life change through adult Bible teaching† by Richard A.Holt (2011), it is stated that it is necessary to bring both concepts of the Bible teaching and contemporary adult learning theories together for the most effectiveness. In the Holt article; it is shown that Biblical explanation and interpretation assist the adult learner in gaining knowledge. The choices one makes gives real world perspective and power can only be obtained by the Holy Spirit. The article discusses the styles in which adult learning makes a difference, whether androgogy, t ransformative learning or self-directed learning (Holt). Adult Learning Theory for the Twenty-First Century† discusses the goals of educators to better prepare themselves to better deal with adult learners. Over the last 15 years, learning theories have changed very aggressively (Merriam, 2008). As adults continue to develop human physiology changes, thus learning teaching styles have to change to keep up. It has been recognized that with time everything that adults experience is part of the learning process. It has been further recognized that educators have to increase their tool set to involve creative and artistic modes of teaching to reach a wider audience.Both articles cover the ever-changing dynamics of the human psyche and educational styles and requirements in dealing with adult learning. Educators have to continue to increase knowledge both for themselves as well as those whom they are educating. Where the styles of the teaching process in the Holt (2011) article dif fer from the Merriam (2008) article, they both recognize the changes in adult learners. It has been recognized over years and will continue for years to come that educators of adults will have to continue honing their skill sets to accommodate the learning styles of adults.Since adults learn differently from children it is important to include the learning styles necessary to maximize the efforts of educators. As adults learning styles change it will be necessary for those educating adults to change also. Reflection After reading both articles and realizing the application in my own life and learning style, I conclude that adults learn differently. There were moments of complete frustration as I was putting my thoughts together as I can tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist. I had the realization that time management and organizational skills are imperative when completing an assignment of any type.The Holt (2011) article caught my attention initially because of how I tend to study and read the Bible in particular. I am coming to understand more and more how I learn and further realize that the concepts of knowledge, choice and power are applicable in my own life. I am intrigued by the concept mentioned in the Holt article and will consider its application to my current Bible study methods. The Merriam (2008) article is interesting in the fact that I had no idea how challenging it is for educators to keep up with the learning curve that is necessary to continue teaching the increasing number of adult learners.Being out of the college environment for so long, I realize it is not as easy to just get things done with all of the demands of life as I know it. I can see how both articles and their teaching styles have a positive impact on dealing with adult learning. With all of the influences of culture, music, art, etc, it is imperative that educators find a way to keep up with the demands of educating the population of adults returning to increase their knowledg e to keep up with fast paced American culture. I now have a new respect for teachers on all levels. It is interesting that adult educator’s find is so necessary to effectively reach adults.It is increasingly more common for adults to return to school for a number of reasons, and are driven to succeed for just as many reasons. Thankfully educators realize the change necessary to comprehend the goals of those adults striving for successes related to educating themselves. References Holt, R. A. (2011). Teaching that transforms: Facilitating life change through adult Bible teaching. Christian Education Journal,  8(2), 450+ Merriam, S. B. (2008). Adult learning theory for the twenty-first century. New Directions For Adult And Continuing Education, Volume 2008, Issue 119, 93-98. DOI: 10. 1002/ace. 309 Adult Learning Theory Adult Learning Theory Cedric A. Smith March 5, 2013 INFT 101 – B63 LUO Summary Adult learning theory focuses on educating adults in a style that best relates to the life and experiences. Adults and children learn in different ways. It has been found that children learn because they have to, while adults learn for reasons usually based on self motivated factors or androgogy (Holt, 2011). â€Å"Teaching that transforms: Facilitating life change through adult Bible teaching† by Richard A.Holt (2011), it is stated that it is necessary to bring both concepts of the Bible teaching and contemporary adult learning theories together for the most effectiveness. In the Holt article; it is shown that Biblical explanation and interpretation assist the adult learner in gaining knowledge. The choices one makes gives real world perspective and power can only be obtained by the Holy Spirit. The article discusses the styles in which adult learning makes a difference, whether androgogy, t ransformative learning or self-directed learning (Holt). Adult Learning Theory for the Twenty-First Century† discusses the goals of educators to better prepare themselves to better deal with adult learners. Over the last 15 years, learning theories have changed very aggressively (Merriam, 2008). As adults continue to develop human physiology changes, thus learning teaching styles have to change to keep up. It has been recognized that with time everything that adults experience is part of the learning process. It has been further recognized that educators have to increase their tool set to involve creative and artistic modes of teaching to reach a wider audience.Both articles cover the ever-changing dynamics of the human psyche and educational styles and requirements in dealing with adult learning. Educators have to continue to increase knowledge both for themselves as well as those whom they are educating. Where the styles of the teaching process in the Holt (2011) article dif fer from the Merriam (2008) article, they both recognize the changes in adult learners. It has been recognized over years and will continue for years to come that educators of adults will have to continue honing their skill sets to accommodate the learning styles of adults.Since adults learn differently from children it is important to include the learning styles necessary to maximize the efforts of educators. As adults learning styles change it will be necessary for those educating adults to change also. Reflection After reading both articles and realizing the application in my own life and learning style, I conclude that adults learn differently. There were moments of complete frustration as I was putting my thoughts together as I can tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist. I had the realization that time management and organizational skills are imperative when completing an assignment of any type.The Holt (2011) article caught my attention initially because of how I tend to study and read the Bible in particular. I am coming to understand more and more how I learn and further realize that the concepts of knowledge, choice and power are applicable in my own life. I am intrigued by the concept mentioned in the Holt article and will consider its application to my current Bible study methods. The Merriam (2008) article is interesting in the fact that I had no idea how challenging it is for educators to keep up with the learning curve that is necessary to continue teaching the increasing number of adult learners.Being out of the college environment for so long, I realize it is not as easy to just get things done with all of the demands of life as I know it. I can see how both articles and their teaching styles have a positive impact on dealing with adult learning. With all of the influences of culture, music, art, etc, it is imperative that educators find a way to keep up with the demands of educating the population of adults returning to increase their knowledg e to keep up with fast paced American culture. I now have a new respect for teachers on all levels. It is interesting that adult educator’s find is so necessary to effectively reach adults.It is increasingly more common for adults to return to school for a number of reasons, and are driven to succeed for just as many reasons. Thankfully educators realize the change necessary to comprehend the goals of those adults striving for successes related to educating themselves. References Holt, R. A. (2011). Teaching that transforms: Facilitating life change through adult Bible teaching. Christian Education Journal,  8(2), 450+ Merriam, S. B. (2008). Adult learning theory for the twenty-first century. New Directions For Adult And Continuing Education, Volume 2008, Issue 119, 93-98. DOI: 10. 1002/ace. 309

MIS- Hersey Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

MIS- Hersey - Essay Example It appears that the company is sincere about living up to its mission statement – â€Å"Bringing sweet moments of Hershey happiness to the world every day†.1 Hershey made a decision to up date their hardware and software with a four-year plan. The company set goals which included standardizing the hardware and changing from mainframe to TCP/IP network. The company-reviewed information from Grocery Manufactures’ of America and this showed they were well behind on system updates, and expenditure on systems compared with similar companies in the industry. The upgrading proved to be a bittersweet lesson2 for the company and cost them considerably in sales and credibility over nearly a 12-month period. The food and beverage industry in the country works on low profit margins and high volumes due to extensive competition. As a whole, investment in modernization of IT systems is low. But the Y2K threat required them to make major changes in their systems, and hence the Hershey management decided to go in for a major overhaul instead of tuning and adjusting the current system consisting of mainframes to client server environment. Many distributors and retailers felt that the delivery system of the company could be better tuned in order to reduce inventory costs. At that time, orders for peak time demand (Halloween) needed to be placed several months in advance for timely delivery. Unless Hershey complied, there was a chance that retailers and distributors may switch over to other manufacturers. Moreover, rising competition and low margins required higher turnover and a better equipped IT infrastructure was the only solution open. Customer loyalty is not high in the industry and they will switch over to other brands if Hershey’s products became unavailable. It will also enable Hershey to tackle high seasonal demand. Due to peak demand during Halloween, Hershey

Support children with additional needs in a Early years setting Essay

Support children with additional needs in a Early years setting - Essay Example In some cases, the persons use audio materials like an audio book to facilitate fast understanding of information. The main aspect chosen is derived from the symptoms of dyslexia. The major symptom analysed was learning difficulty. The underlying assumptions about the character, pervasiveness and materialization of the condition were considered (Reid, 2011). The manifestations characterizing dyslexia supported in the research in relation to reading and learning difficulties were as follows: the reading disability included categorical difficulties with reading speeds and understanding levels. The other aspect included spelling difficulties that further influences reading glibness and written expression. Dyslexia may occur in segregation or may overlap widely in persons with reading problem. The condition quite often exists in persons with abilities, talents and gifts that enable them thrive in many realms. The affected persons portray problems with attention and memory, which makes it difficult to develop intellectually (Reid, 2011). The most probable approach in dealing with the condition is early detection. People with the condition can be assisted, regardless of age (Shaywitz, 2008). The treatment of the condition is the responsibility of all teachers and support personnel in any academic institution. The patients deserve sufficient instruction and guidance in regular classrooms and through other involvement programs. Dyslexia patients require the love and understanding of the people around them in order to boost their self-worth (Reid, 2011). The children should not be alienated on the grounds of class performance because they are always very gifted in other areas beyond classroom. In the class, it is important to check if the child correctly writes down exactly what is required in the homework (Shaywitz, 2008). All academic work should be written down and not verbally, to help

Ibtisam Mahameed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ibtisam Mahameed - Essay Example She helps them enhance their confidence and then introduce them to peer groups of the three main religions – Christianity, Judaism, as well as Islam (Jerusalem Peacemakers 1). For a number of years, Mahameed has been offering advice to Jewish and Arab women concerning their status in the society. As a religious woman – Muslim, she has worked with religious Druze, Christian and Jewish women on promoting peace through learning about each other’s religions, as well as cultures, and spreading them to other religions. She is currently on the board members of Middleway, a group for promoting a peaceful, non-violence community, and she was instrumental in helping establish the Women’s Interfaith Encounter, a women’s program of the IEA – Interfaith Encounter Association (Jerusalem Peacemakers 1). As we can see, Ibtisam Mahameed is a very influential woman, one that can be contrasted to the likes of Mother Teresa and Wangari Mathai of Kenya due to her work. This paper will dwell on this prominent Arab woman who has gone against all odds to establish herself in a nation that disregards the female race. It will dwell on her background, works, influences and achievements. Background Ibtisam Mahameed is a member of the Arab-Palestinian minority in Israel, a group, which lost most of its terrain, assets, rights and freedom, in the Israel’s War of Independence, in 1948. ... She has eight siblings – three brothers and five sisters, and she and her husband, a house painter, have three children. She is currently in her early 50’s. She states that when she was growing up, extremely few girls in the Arab community had schooling rights, but her parents were incredibly supportive, and she managed to complete high school. Since then, she has studied educational administration and management. As a religious woman, particularly Muslim, Mahameed claims that she is obliged to wear traditional garments (Jerusalem Peacemakers 1). Unfortunately, the Israeli community around her associates every religious Muslim with potential terrorism and extremism. Her peace activist work needs her to travel a lot and alone (not with her family members) around Israel and throughout the work. Therefore, she is obliged to spend nights away from her family members, a matter that is very odd in the traditional Arab community (Jerusalem Peacemakers 1). In such a community, the woman is expected always to be at home fending for her family while the husband goes to work. This is why harsh rules are imposed on women and working in the Arab world. In the beginning, Mahameed says that some members of her family found it very hard to accept her association with Jews and Christians, as well as her work for Arab-Jewish co-existence (Global Oneness Project 1). The family members who found that odd even went to the extent of not talking to her, but now support her. She claims that her family pays a social price due to her activism. For instance, her daughter was the main candidate for a teaching job in Mahameed’s home town, but she was denied the opportunity as the village elders felt

BRIEFING REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE Coursework - 2

BRIEFING REPORT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN THE PREPARATION OF A NEW ENERGY BILL FOR THE UK - Coursework Example The only problem is that, this perspective of price reduction fails to reach the extreme end that is expected by most people [1]. After the substantial falling of the wholesale gas prices in the course of the year 2014 as well as the oil prices in the time frame of just 6 months, they logically desired for a bigger drop with regards to their energy prices. When various suppliers however announced of the subsequent price cuts, all of them were almost at the single digit reductions. The bill prices often take time to fall to more appropriate prices due to various outstanding reasons. First and for most, the natural gas’s cost does not essentially have any link to the oil prices. The other factor is that, the gas’s wholesale price is part and parcel of the bill’s segment. For instance, the gas that most individuals are using up-to-date was probably not bought at the current wholesale prices. This is to mean that constant variations tend to occur when it comes to this matter of energy bills.   The secretary of state should also bear in mind that there are various undertakings or make ups when it comes to the aspect of energy bills (either electricity or gas bills). According to the British Gas, Around 42% of an individual’s bill is determined by the energy’s wholesale prices [3]. This is the entire gas and electricity cost that is mutually bought by the British Gas on wholesale unit.   It is also worth to bear that while gas prices falls by almost a third of the total value, electricity has rarely fallen. The next chunk of the gas bill that is approximated to be at around 27% encompasses the total network costs. They are the wires and pipes that bring the electricity and gas home. They are usually owned by a number of distribution companies including the National Grid, which often charge people a substantial amount for their usage. The charged fee is usually overseen by a body known as Ofgem, which is taken as the ultimate regulatory unit, and has

Forensic soils examination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Forensic soils examination - Essay Example A separate squad has been set up in US federal investigating agencies for this aspect of forensic research which play a vital role in leading to the culprit as he not immune from my commiting a blunder while carrying out his crime. In real-life crimes, colour is one way that forensic scientists analyse soil from a crime scene or suspect. They can also check mineral composition, the density of the soil and its pollen content. The evidential value of soil stands on large variation in its characteristics.Soil has extreme complexity not only in components such as minerals, oxides, organic matter, micro organisms and their materials butalso physical nature such as particle sizes and densities. Considering the granite rock alone, for instance, there are an almost unlimited number of kinds. They are easily recognized according to difference of color, mineralogy, texture and a lot of other characteristics. Diversity of soil is the results of many kind of formations process on diverse kind of parent materials, which strongly depends on topography, climate, course of years, botanical and microbiological functions, conditions of watering, and even human activities.

Strategic Management and Strategic Planning Essay

Strategic Management and Strategic Planning - Essay Example The aim of the paper is to analyze and evaluate how the Gillette Company responded to just such a set of circumstances and introduce change management into practice. The Gillette Company is a leading division of Proctor and Gambler specialized in personal care and household products. In this company, creative management consists of new ideas, new directions, new methods, and new modes of operation (Gillette Home Page 2008). Innovative management is much the same as the second element of creative and innovative activities--better results. Innovative management is involved with those innovation processes that implement creative ideas and move successfully in new directions. "The concepts "planned change" and "managed change" refer to changes that are deliberately shaped by the organization members (managers, consultants, groups). What distinguishes between the two concepts is the type of people they refer to (Hage, 1999). "Planned change" usually refers to how experts, outside or inside the organization, can help the organization cope with difficulties, and to plan and implement desired changes" (Levy and Merry 1986, p. 3). The Gillette Company op erates in turbulent environment marked by increased competition. The need for change is caused by new economic and social conditions, technological improvements and innovations implemented by direct competitors of Gillette. In order to remain competitive, Gillette has to respond to market changes and meet demands and expectations of diverse customers. The aim of change process is to restructure the company and introduce technological innovations and IT into everyday practice. These changes will cover organizational structure, climate, morale and culture (Mclagan 2002; Gillette Home Page. 2008). Strategic Planning Defined Strategic planning has many definitions. It basically answers the question of what will be done. Strategic planning is a leadership instrument and a process. It begins with establishing organizational aims and purposes, followed by formulation of ways and means to achieve those purposes, and provides direction for implementation of operational or tactical planning (Senior 2001). Strategic planning is a process for setting future direction, a means to reduce risk, and a vehicle for training managers. It is also a process for making strategic decisions, a way to develop consensus among top managers, and a means to develop a written long-range plan. Another definition of strategic planning is "that element of a manager's job and of the organization's function that deals with the contrivance of change, rather than the simple reaction to it" (Senior 2001, p. 54). Strategic planning involves those choices related to overall organizational purpose, oriented towards the future. Strategic pla nning/thinking entails operational (tactical) planning--the planning of those actions to be taken to put strategies into effect. This type of planning answers the question of how to get the job done. It often consists of specific objectives accompanied by short narrative action plans (Gillette Home Page 2008). Strategic management may have two diametrically opposed definitions. One is that it is the overall encompassing effort for total management of an

Disraelis second ministry Essay Example for Free

Disraelis second ministry Essay Disraelis second ministry deserves the title a great reforming ministry Discuss how far you agree with this view in relation to Gladstone first Ministry. A great reforming ministry is a government which manages to radically alter the political and social scene, aiming to deal with the most pressing problems and creating a long term legacy whereby later ministries aim to protect and improve what has been achieved instead of trying to alter radically. This is why it becomes clear that Gladstone ministry and not Disraelis should be considered a great reforming ministry. The aims of both ministries were radically different. Gladstones aims for his ministry when he came into power in 1867 were to try and create a more efficient and meritocratic society which removed privileges and advocated individualistic self-reliance. This ideology of beliefs were formed due to Gladstone long held religious beliefs which drove him and in the liberal ideas of equality of opportunity, tolerance and individualism he saw the best system to try and create a society based on Christian morals. Throughout all his legislation Gladstone aimed for the fair and just decision explaining his desire to try and pacify Ireland. This is in contrast to Disraelis aims as Prime Minister from 1874. Disraeli had managed to finally get the conservatives elected after being out of power for over ten years, and he achieved this through radically modernising the Conservative party which was represented in his Tamworth manifesto speech where he proclaimed the aims of the Conservative party were to protect institutions and traditions, strengthen the empire and alleviate the condition of the people. However Disraeli never had a clear agenda of reforms before he came into power instead his main aims were ensuring the continuation of power for the Conservative power, this meant Disraeli aimed not to disrupt his key support base of the middle and upper class and focused on reducing taxes. Additionally although due to his promise of alleviating the condition of the people he was forced to create social legislation to ensure minimal government intervention he aimed to make the acts permissive weaken their impact and focussed on areas which were non-controversial and where mild reforms could be implemented. This contrast reflects the differing impacts the two ministries wanted to achieve. Gladstones ministries reforms had a substantial impact. The 1870 education act with the setting up of board schools to complement the existing structure of voluntary religious schools reflect Gladstones desire to try and create equality of opportunity and to encourage individual self-reliance. This reform became the very foundations of the mixed school system which is present today, reflecting the long term impact this reform had. Additionally Gladstone introduced key reforms to remove privilege and create a more efficient government and army with the 1871 civil service reforms which meant entry to the civil service could only be achieved through examination and the army reforms that were carried out between 1870-1872 whereby the act of purchase was abolished and instead officer class could only be achieved through merit and amount of time privates would have to spend in the army was reduced to encourage higher uptake. This reflects the impact Gladstone was trying to achieve he didnt shy away from attacking key sectors of power within society because he believed it was morally right and fair to remove privilege from the upper classes. This was particularity important for a working class which aimed to be free individuals who wanted the vote and an equal footing. Whilst Disraelis legislation although Important was hampered due to Disraelis desire to minimise the impact of reform and to only focus on non-controversial areas. The 1875 Artisans dwelling act is a clear example of weak legislation, the act meant that councils could compel owners of slums to sell their property and allow the council to knock-down the slums and then sell the land to private building firms. However the legislation was permissive so the council didnt have to ensure slums were removed and it required councils to give compensation to the landowners and so by the end of Disraelis term the act had only been used in 10 councils m aking its impact very mild. Whilst other acts such as the 1875 Agriculture holdings act show Disraeli is unable to make truly effective legislation because he wishes to protect the power base of the upper class. The act should of ensured that tenants that improve their land receive compensation but Disraeli made the act permissive and stated that if there was a condition in contract which stated the landowner didnt have to pay compensation then the landowner didnt have too. Due to this again the impact of the legislation was minor. Other legislation shows Disraelis opportunistic nature and aim to keep power such as the 1875 conspiracy and protection of property act which reformed a piece of Gladstonian legislation which banned peaceful picketing this act allowed peaceful picketing which Disraeli hoped would give the Conservative support from the trade unions, to try and weaken the threat from the Liberal party. Even when Disraeli produced legislation which was aimed at alleviating the condition of the people such as the 1874 Factory Act which meant that by law women and children werent allowed to be made to work more than nine and half hours in a day but deliberately avoided the majority of the working population which was male and although the legislation had the impact of forcing factories to close earlier which effected male working hours as well it wasnt the intention. Overall examining the legislation shows the difference in impact the two different ministries legislation had with Gladstone causing a huge impact whilst Disraelis showing only a very minor effect focusing on refining Gladstone previous legislation or reforming on very specific small issues to try and gain support. However both ministries were flawed though, for all Gladstone large and influential reforms he was voted out in 1874 and although Disraeli aimed not to lose any support he also was voted out in 1880. The reason why Gladstone was voted out were that his legislation was so wide ranging it impact on nearly every sector of society and as such Gladstone also lost his wide spectrum of support. The upper classes disliking his aims of efficiency feeling that they were breaking the traditional power structure of society against their favour. The middle and working classes were effected by Gladstones controversial legislation which was highly unpopular at the time such as the Licensing Act of 1872 and the 1871 Criminal Amendment Act. Both of these act reflects sometimes Gladstone misjudgement on what was beneficial for the people and how to create a fairer society. Also Gladstone failed in one of his key aims which was to pacify Ireland but he was the one of the few politicians who was truly trying to find a workable solution instead of coercion. Whilst Disraeli was voted out not because he had made a massive impact but because he was Prime Minister whilst the economy entered recession, this meant that his mild measure had even less impact and his expensive imperialistic aims were highly controversial. So due to the recession Disraeli failed to alleviate the condition of the people and his other aims meant his government appeared to stall resulting in his popularity dropping. Overall although his legislation was occasionally flawed the overall improvement and effect that Gladstones ministry had on the country reflect a great reforming ministry. Gladstones Liberal beliefs in meritocratic and individual society have become corner stones of British society reflecting the ministries long term impact and legislation such as the licensing act although unpopular at the time has only been amended never removed by later governments as they see the positive impacts of the restriction of alcohol. This reflected against Disraelis achievement of mildly modify Gladstones legislation and avoiding awkward decision domestically or trying to alter the status quo shows that his ministry cannot be considered a great reforming ministry. As such I disagree with the view that Disraelis government was a great reforming government instead arguing that it was his predecessor Gladstone that was clearly the great reforming ministry.

Briefly comment on the communication research report Essay Example for Free

Briefly comment on the communication research report Essay With rapid advancement of new communication technologies, people currently can freely and actively express their own opinions in the new media. For example, the Internet has dramatically changed the ways in which some individuals receive news and information, this is very big different from the traditional forms of communication. However, there are some correlation links between traditional mass communication ways and modern new technology ways(Kotcher,1992;Rubin, 1994). Roberts M, Wanta, W and Dzwo, T (2002) examined one aspect of the Internet: electronic bulletin boards (EBBs). The objective of this study is to investigate if traditional news media sources have an agenda-setting impact on the discussions taking place on the EBBs. In other words, the purpose of the study is to examine the agenda-setting process and the role it may play on the Internet. The reports dominant methodology is quantitative. As we know, it is a critical issue that appropriate methodology should be taken depending on different research topic. Quantitative approach and qualitative approach have their respective advantages and disadvantages (Fowler, 1993). Quantitative research, through surveys, gathers data about peoples knowledge, opinions, attitudes and behavior. Quantitative research approach is used to generate new knowledge for evidence-based practice. Attention will be given to the advantages and disadvantages of Quantitative research designs for large group research, the principles of reliability and validity, the value of descriptive and inferential statistics and the importance of ethical research conduct. For the topic, it belongs to sociology category, so I think the researchers have used appropriate research approach (quantitative research approach) even though the approach has some disadvantages. This is because quantitative research approach for this topic has the following advantages: Large members of people can be studies; the method is relatively quick and relatively cheap; the results are reliable, and representative of a much wider population than that directly investigated, the personal influence of the research on the results is slight and the data can easily be expressed in statistical form. This enables comparisons to be made between different groups and populations. For this study, the researchers use Internet, its main advantages are low/moderate cost to design; low cost to send; quick to analyse data; easy for respondent to complete and can attach brochures, images, etc. However, Every survey methodology has its weaknesses, and online surveys are no exception. Not sure who is answering the survey. Like mail studies, it is difficult to insure the desired person actually answers the survey. Not representative of the population. The Internet population has a slight bias towards younger, more computer literate users, though this is changing all the time and becoming more representative of the population. Long surveys are more difficult. The personalities of todays online users makes it difficult to coerce respondents into completing long surveys. Not a mainstream research methodology, yet. With more experience and comparative analyses of online surveys versus mail and telephone results, online surveys should reach the same level of acceptance as other methodologies. For this research, the researchers use EBBs which has the above weaknesses too. For the researchs method, the researchers use five steps (Roberts, 2002, P456-458): The first step imperative examines whether traditional news media sources have an agenda-setting impact on the discussions taking place on the EBBs. They ask Do individuals take issue information gained from news media and pass information about this issue online to other electronic bulletin board users? The second step is selecting the sample. The third step deals with defining categories, time frames, coding units, and context units. The fourth step is content analysis and the final and fifth step of content analysis process is to analyze and interpret the data. The five steps are typical research method that is used by many researchers (McMillan, 2000) and they are very similar with the quantities analysis approach (the Scientific Method) which includes seven steps: Defining the problem; Developing a Model; Acquiring Input Data; Developing a Solution; Testing the Solution; Analyzing the Results and Implementing the Results (Render, 1982). The researchers use an ARIMA model cross-correlational test showed EBB discussions of three issuesimmigration, health care, and taxes-correlated with news media coverage, with time lags varying from 1 day to 7 days. In my opinion, the method is appropriate method for the topic. This investigation looks for a more powerful effect than previous agenda-setting researchers. Because of the Internets dynamic characteristic of transmitting information from senders to receivers, researchers currently assume that our traditional theories of mass communication can directly apply to online communication (Wimmer, 1994). The researches have an accurate research questions or hypothesis that are: how will the new online communication forms affect the agenda-setting process? Can we assume that the transfer of salience still follows the original hypothesis? How does the condensed and compressed environment of online communication affect what we know about time frame effects? All these questions are explored in their study. By quantitative research, the researchers concluded: The results demonstrate the usefulness of examining the rule the Internet plays in the agenda-setting process. Media coverage apparently can provide individuals with information to use in their Internet discussions. As the Internet continues to become an important source of information, it also will become an important area for mass communication researchers. (Roberts, 2002, P464). The report also recommended future research should link other mass communication theoretical approaches with Internet usage. Despite the research has some definite problems; online research has many more advantages than disadvantages. When surveying populations, which mimic the demographics of online users, online research can be a primary means of information collection. With other populations, online research can be effective as a supplement to more traditional survey approaches or as a quick impression of your customers (much like qualitative approaches are used). For outlook, as the Internet continues to grow in popularity, investigations of the content of information being sent online similarly will increase in importance. The study takes an important step in linking the Internet to a mainstream mass communication theory. References Kotcher, R. L. (1992). The technological revolution has transformed crisis communication. Public Relations Quarterly, 37(3), 19-21. Rubin, R. , P. Palmgreen, and H. Sypher (1994 eds. ), Communication Research Measures: A Sourcebook, New York: Guilford. Roberts, et al (2002), Agenda setting and issue salience online. Communication Research, Vol. 29 No. 4, August 452-465. Fowler, Floyd J. , Jr (1993). Survey Research Methods, 2nd ed. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications. McMillan, S. J. (2000). The microscope and the moving target: The challenge of applying content analysis to the World Wide Web. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 77, 80-98. Render, B and Stair, R. M (1982). Quantitative Analysis for Management ( The Second Edition). New York: Library of congress Cataloging in Publication Data. Wimmer, R. D. and J. R. Dominick (1994), Mass Media Research: An Introduction, 4th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

The Macroeconomic Concept Of The Multiplier Economics Essay

The Macroeconomic Concept Of The Multiplier Economics Essay Currently, Chinas economic is growing rapidly. Living standard of the people has improved and urban rural income has substantially improved. The balance of the household shaving is increasing year by year and china has maintained a high saving rate. The marginal propensity of consume trend to drop, which is extremely unfavorable for the future development of the country economy and it will directly affect the growth rate of GDP. So, all this will become fetters in the process of the development of the economic. In this paper, I will evaluate the extent to which a thorough understanding of the macroeconomic concept of the multiplier would help government to manage their own macro economy. Macroeconomic Macroeconomists study aggregated indicators such as GDP, unemployment rates, and price indices to understand how the whole economy functions. (Burda Wyplose,2005) Macroeconomists develop models that explain the relationship between factors such as national income, output, consumption, unemployment, inflation, savings, investment, international trade and international finance. In contrast, microeconomics is primarily focused on the actions of individual agents, such as firms and consumers, and how their behavior determines prices and quantities in specific markets. (Sloman, 2006) While macroeconomics is a broad field of study, there are two areas of research that are emblematic of the discipline: the attempt to understand the causes and consequences of short-run fluctuations (Griffiths Wall, 2008) in national income (the business cycle), and the attempt to understand the determinants of long-run economic growth (increases in national income). 3. Macroeconomic Multiplier theory Macro-economic multiplier theory is based on marginal propensity to consume by the British economist J.M. Keynes, which explains the relationship of multiples theory between investment and income. The Keynesian multiplier theory is an extension of the field in the international balance of payments, in terms of constant exchange rates and price. It analyzes that income adjustment play a role in the international balance of payments. Its basic content is that investment change brings the impact to the total national income greater than the investment itself, such as a change is often a multiple of the investment changes. (Sloman Wride, 2006). As economic sectors are interrelated, so an investment in a particular sector will not only increase the income of this sector, but also cause a chain reaction in the various sectors in the national economy, thereby increasing investment and income of other sectors, increase of multiplier the national income exponentially. In fact, the multiplier formula simply gives the multiplier as the inverse of the marginal propensity to withdraw (mpw): K=1/mpw. (Sloman, 2006:464). (Show below figure1-3) Figure 1: The multiplier: a shift in injections (Source: Sloman Wride 2006:488) Multiplier  ¼Ã‚  à ¢- ³Y/à ¢- ³J  ¼Ã‚ Ãƒ ¢- ³Y/à ¢- ³W  ¼Ã‚  (c ¼Ã‚ a)/(b ¼Ã‚ c) Figure 2: The multiplier: a shift in withdrawals (Source: Sloman Wride 2006:488) Multiplier  ¼Ã‚ Ãƒ ¢- ³Y/à ¢- ³W  ¼Ã‚  (c ¼Ã‚ a)/(a ¼Ã‚ b) Figure 3: The multiplier: a shift in the expenditure function (Source: Sloman Wride 2006:489) Multiplier  ¼Ã‚  à ¢- ³Y/à ¢- ³J  ¼Ã‚  (c ¼Ã‚ a)/(b ¼Ã‚ a) 4. The current macroeconomic situation in China Presently, China is facing the most severe situation since the Asian financial crisis, which is the most difficult time of the economic development since the new century. In terms of the entitative economy, China is the one of the country in this round of financial crisis which is affected hardly. The industrial sector, energy and raw material sectors and the real estate sector have large impact in this financial crisis.  ¼Ã‹â€ China country review, 2008 ¼Ã¢â‚¬ °. From the fourth season in 2008, Chinas economic development problems start to show their impact as a result Industrial production and exports are declined, unemployment increased. From judgments of the countrys economic situation, the Government fully recognized the seriousness of the economy and from the macroeconomics of the multiplier made the measures to following: 4.1. Augment the multiplier to achieve increase in national income In the short term, we can be augmenting the multiplier to achieve increase in national income i.e. raise the marginal propensity to consume and reduce the marginal propensity to save. At present, Chinas savings continue to increase and reached about 15 trillion Yuan, so there is a large potential of consumption. In this situation, the government application of the macroeconomics of the multiplier stimulates consumption. (Wilkinson, 2005:477) .Such as: Reduce the bank deposit interest rates and the collection of interest on income tax; energetically develop tourism, improving holiday economy; improve the minimum subsistence level, increase laid-off workers and retirees personnel subsidies; Appropriately reduce tax on consumption of the general goods, at the same time assess high tax on consumption goods of special. For example, economic crisis havent just affected the issue of workers to return home, but also opportunities of employment. Survey show that from 2002 to 2007, there was an average increase of 5.6% in the migrant workers in the first half, but last year the amount of this growth was only 1.6%, about 4 % poorer than usual.(China Develop Institute 2008) By using multiplier theory, if you make a simple projection, (Wilkinson, 2005:144). i.e. 4 percentages is equivalent to 5.4 million people, these people should be roughly equivalent to the group of migrant workers who should have working out but lost the opportunities in the economic crisis situation. If we add the unemployed people to return home early in this year, this group of people (accounting for 15% of migrant workers) are about 25 million migrant workers who lost their jobs or jobs opportunities due to economic crisis. 4.2. Augment investment to achieve increase in the national income In the long term, the marginal propensity to consume in a steady state, then the multiplier is fixed, so we need to increase investment and improve the national income. (Voyles, 2009) In China, the government makes a lot of policy and adjust fiscal policy and monetary policy, adopted a proactive fiscal policy and appropriately loose monetary policy. There are production, consumption, investment, exports in various field, etc. Now, the state has invested 4 trillion Yuan (China Develop Institute, 2009) in railroad this year and next year, which will stimulate domestic demand. By 4 trillion Yuan package of investment programs, the central government invested 540 billion in this year. But there are 160 billion investments in the original budget this year, so after adjusting for new investments in the State this year was only 380 billion. If the multiplier effect is 1:3, then the central government can bring up more than 1 billion investments. Therefore ¼Ã…’Government expending is an important source by way of investment, which play an important role in the direction of investment and optimization the investment structure. 4.3. Export expansion to achieve increase in the national income China is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges since joined WTO, we must seized the opportunity and integrate with the international economy, improve the structure of export products and increase the proportion of high value-added exports, improve terms of trade, through external trade bring out the rapid development of the national economy to increase national income. In recent years, the contribution of export in Chinese economics growth rate is around 20% (China Develop Institute, 2009), and now we have to compensate the sharp decline in exports by investment and consumption demand. By using multiplier theory, If the export growth rate is measured by the level of 10%, then the investment growth rate reach to 10% and 2 trillion Yuan of domestic investment and demand-pull may be achieved in the same year. In general, to maintain a GDP growth rate of 8%; if exports rate this year is 6%, it is very difficult to reach 8%, if it rely on 2 trillion domestic investment and demand-pull; if the exports this year have zero-growth, it is absolutely impossible if they rely on 2 trillion domestic investment and demand-pull to achieve 8%. 5. Drawbacks of the Multiplier theory 5.1. Ignores the time lags In the Keynesian multiplier theory, investment, consumption, national income etc all of them are liquidity and change over time. The number of the increase can only be compared with the different periods of the same length. The increase in the periods of different length cannot be explained by using this theory. The Multiplier theory ignore the time lags discuss the flow of change that it is meaningless. (Sloman, 2006:475) For example, in last year, Chinas export was increased to 17%, where textile products have negative growth rate. Relatively, mechanical and electrical products had grown with a high growth rate. But now, it has begun to enter in the difficult term. Last year, Chinas export of electromechanical products maintained a positive growth, as order form have a longer period for machinery and electronic products and as a impact of the time lags shrinking foreign order forms were fewer and start to increase on lay-off of the mechanical and electrical products manufacturing. 5.2. Ignore the difference of the capital flows and capital stocks The multiplier can only exist in stock of the flow, such as money, loans, stock and so on. The multiplier can not exist in the capital flows (McAleese 2004:471), such as investment, consumption, demand, income, etc. and it cannot be extended to the flow of money. For example, recently, China Eastern Airlines exposed that the gas has a loss of 6.8 billion Yuan and CITIC Pacific has lost 200 million Yuan. (China Develop Institute, 2009). The amount lost by companies is huge, due to the misleading by Multiplier theory. According to estimate, so far Chinas financial institutions and enterprises has been loss of approximately 2 trillion Yuan in the overseas investment .Therefore, we can not focus only on the production and GDP growth. 6. Conclusion Keyness multiplier theory is an important component of the system macro-economic theory. But multiplier theory has some drawback, as it ignores the distinction between capital flows and capital stock, ignores the factor of the time lags and led to wrong conclusions. In this situation, where saving are high and consumption is less, application of the Keyness multiplier theory manage the country own macroeconomic. Firstly, through improving the social security system and consummate pension, unemployed, market of the medical insurance and the building of housing accumulation fund. Secondly, Growth accelerated from the current investment in China, demand has increased. Implementation of a positive fiscal policy and increased investment is necessary. The government needs to extend the consumption. Finally, In terms of the export tax rebate rate not high, the government can be used promptly refund in full rebate solution to bring part of the cash flow difficult problem for lag of the export tax rebate. In terms of the export credit, the government makes to encourage measures and to expand exports. Meanwhile, the active use of WTO preferential policies for developing countries to expand exports, optimize the export product mix, improved condition of th e trade.

Platos Republic: The Virtues :: essays research papers

Plato's Republic: THe Virtues I. The Virtues In Robin Waterfield's translation of The Republic,Socrates attempts to give a definition of justice. At the end of Book II he began a detailed description of the construction of a good city. The good city is a relation to the human soul, and its four virtues. In the following paper I will discuss the virtues, what they are and where they are found. Also discussed will be the foundation, arrangement, and the interconnectedness with each one. Next discussed would be the 3 "H's" and the understanding Aristotle has on the role of happiness in the moral life. Lastly, I will discuss the experience that I had that related to Leonitus. The four virtues used by Plato are prudence, courage, temperance, and justice. Plato relates the virtues to a community, which is made up of the rulers, army, and workers. Now the base line is the workers, and they do not try to blend with the army as the army doesn't blend with the rulers. When all of these do their own job, the community becomes one. The first virtue to be discussed is prudence. Prudence, also known as wisdom, is found in the rulers. "The people who have it are those rulers†¦" (428d) In order to have wisdom one must be resourceful, in which he/she has obtained knowledge. Plato says, "†¦ resourcefulness is obviously a kind of knowledge†¦ it's not ignorance which makes people resourceful; it's knowledge." (428b) The second virtue is courage, which is found in the military section of the community. Courage is not the virtue of standing in front of a tank and say it will not hurt me, that is stupidity. Courage is the ability to apply what you have been taught: what is to be feared and what is not to be feared. Plato relates retention to courage, "I'm saying courage is a sort of retention†¦the retention of notion." (429c) The ability for one to retain what one has learned is courage. "Ability to retain under all circumstances a true and lawful notion about what is feared and what is not to be feared is what I'm calling courage." (430b) The next virtue temperance, is found in the workers of Plato's community. Temperance, also known as self-discipline, is needed by the workers, so that they do not desire to be in the ruler's position. It is seen that each position has its own importance in the community, and for the community to function correctly each one must agree on their position in life. Plato relates, "†¦ in this community†¦ the rulers and their subjects agree on

Independent Media and the Internet Essay -- Newspapers Journals News P

Independent Media and the Internet Independent Media has long existed across the globe. As the voice of dissent it is often repressed by governments and corporations that look the hide the truth. Indy Media began as print newspapers that often faced high production cost and difficult means of expanding beyond local circulation. They did not have the established means and financial backing that major news corporations had. Indy newspapers were often hard to obtain, quite expensive, and unable to cover all major topics due to resources. Journals such as The Nation and The Progressive managed to obtain nationwide circulation, but were often unknown outside of politically left leaning groups. Sources such as The Nation actually began as a way to promote leftist ideals and views. Most mainstream media was fairly well balanced due to government restrictions on ownership and responsibility. The population of the United States was receiving fairly unbiased information. Then came the Clinton Administration and the decision to deregulate the Broadcast Industry. Almost all major media outlets were swallowed up by a few large corporations. In several years following the deregulation the whole industry would be controlled by seven enormous corporate conglomerates. They would come to favor profits over journalistic integrity. As advocates of big business the unspoken policy has been that the news should also be portrayed with conservative slants. In 1995 only 7.5% of quotes on television programming were from progressives (Myths). At approximately the same time that media was being engulfed in corporatism came the internet boom. The first organization to really take initiative with this new medium was th... ...85684604&dyn=8!xrn_7_0_A85684604?sw_aep=viva_jmu>. â€Å"Zimbabwe: Journalist describes his "illegal" detention.† BBC Monitoring International Reports. 6 February 2002. 1 April 2003 <http://web1.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/268/613/35524752w1/purl=rc1_ITOF_0_A85327330&dyn=8!xrn_13_0_A85327330?sw_aep=viva_jmu>. â€Å"Zimbabwe journalist Mark Chavunduka, 1965-2002.† Ed. Bill Krueger. Winter 2002. Nieman Reports, Harvard University. 2 April 2003. 3 April 2003 <http://web1.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/268/613/35524752w1/purl=rc1_ITOF_0_A97175093&dyn=8!xrn_1_0_A97175093?sw_aep=viva_jmu>. â€Å"Zimbabwe: Some 500 opposition supporters reportedly detained, tortured.† BBC Monitoring International Reports. 11 April 2003. <http://web1.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/268/613/35524752w1/purl=rc1_ITOF_0_A99943264&dyn=6!xrn_24_0_A99943264?sw_aep=viva_jmu>.