Free and Fair Election

Free and Fair Election The electoral system have to be fair and just and to ensure this, free and fair election will be held when the Parliament is dissolved or finish it’s sitting duration of 5 years. A free and fair election must be in orderly manner and it must not have Coup d’etat. Coup d’etat is meant by a sudden decisive exercise of force in politics . It is an alteration of an existing government by a small group that tend to create riots and chaos. The current Malaysia government believe that Bersih 2. 0 and 3. 0 is an attempted coup d’etat to topple the government – an allegation made by the Prime Minister himself.But the 8 demands from Bersih 2. 0 have no bias standing against any of the governmental parties in Malaysia. Basically they just wanted a clean and fair election, which is the fundamental element in the electoral system. Malaysia practices the simple plurality system which is also known as ‘first-past-the-post system. The h allmark of this system is that constituencies are single-member constituencies and a candidate with the largest vote wins the electoral district even if it does not constitute an absolute majority of the electors.Article 116 and 117 constitute that representatives at State and Federal level are divided into constituencies in accordance with the provisions contained in the Thirteenth Schedule. This system is following the Westminster post system which is also followed by UK and India. The MP who won the election does not usually equal to the majority of votes. They won the election by simple majority but not the entire popularity of the voters. The fundamental built on this system is that each voter is entitled to only one vote. Constituencies are approximately equal in population size so that it carries the same value.All constituencies are single-member constituencies so that there are as many electoral districts as there are seats in the elected chamber. Only one ballot is held an d the candidate obtaining the most votes is declared elected. Candidate with the largest vote wins. The advantages of the simple plurality system are that it produces a clear winner; it provides political stability; reduce the number of political parties represented in Parliament; enables stability in government and ensures easy passage of legislation through Parliament. Furthermore, it avours large groups and coalition and eliminates small parties, making it an easy tunnel for the legislation making to pass through. There is no perfection in everything, so does the political electoral system. One of the defects of first-past-the-post system is that it produces parliaments that are elected but not representative. Democratic legitimate is in doubt because the ascendancy of government population is usually below 50%. Voters who voted for unsuccessful candidates receive no representation in Parliament. In 1982, 60. 5% of the votes gave to the Barisan 85. 7% of the constituencies. In 20 04, 63. % of the ballots translated to 90. 41 seats in the Dewan Rakyat. These flaws can be minimized with the system of proportional representation where the parliamentary seats are given to the parties in proportion to the number of votes obtained by them. In single transferable vote system, a candidate is elected only if he obtains the quota of the vote cast. It is a multi-member constituency but each voter has only one vote and he is required to mark out his preference for different candidates. In the list system,each party is allowed to put up a list of candidates equal to the number of seats to be filled.The voter gives his vote to the whole list en bloc. There must have an honest and competent administration to run the election so that the election will be fair. The Election Commission must be fair. Article 114(2) of FC written that in appointing members of the Election Commission the YDPA shall have regard to the importance of securing an Election Commission which enjoys pub lic confidence. This implies that public confidence is essential and to gain the public trust, independent and fair Election Commission is a must.In Article 114(4)(b) and (c) also clearly stated that the YDPA shall by order remove from office any member of the Election Commission if such member engages in any paid office or employment outside the duties of his office or is a member of either House of Parliament or of the Legislative Assembly of a State. By staying away from the executive and legislative branch, it prevents the Election Commission from choosing side or bias towards any of the party in the election. Even their remuneration comes from consolidated fund as stated in Article 114(5) of Federal Constitution.This proves that the Election Commission is neutral from the government. Their duties are to conduct election, keep the election roll clean and constitutes boundary as listed. Mobilising organisations like political parties aided our country to envisage democracy. Non-p olitical associations and organisations like firms, industries, trade unions and religious organisations help to create and mobilize public opinion. This indicates that developed system of a political party is essential to ensure fair and free election. In Malaysia political parties are allowed but they must apply for registration under Societies Act.Nearly 34 political parties are registered with the Registrar of Societies. The ruling Barisan National is the world’s most enduring political coalition. Starting out as the Alliance since 1955, today it has 14 parties, 9 which won federal parliamentary seats. There are 20 registered opposition parties, 4 of which gained parliamentary representation. To achieve a free and fair election, candidates must apply the general rules of fair play. Equal chances should be given to each participating parties to conduct their election campaign.Election campaign could be conducted through media and spreading their propaganda. Shifting voters illegally, creating â€Å"phantom† voters, granting illegal immigrants citizenship and the right to vote, buying votes, handing out cash aid to vulnerable groups, and intimidating voters are crimes of election and must not be conducted in any way. The use of propaganda is limited in some countries by forbidding use of opinion polls, newspaper advertisement and house to house campaigns. Giving of free transport, food and bribes to the electorate is forbidden.But government after government gets around the law by promising or delivering â€Å"development aid† just before the election (Prof. Shad Saleem Faruqi, 2008). In Malaysia, under the Elections (Conduct of Elections) Regulations 1959-82, the period for election campaign has been progressively shortened from the period of 147 days to a minimum of 11 days. The conduct of the campaign is supposed to be fair and equal to each participating parties. But the Government’s ban on political processions on the alleged ground of security make the certain parties unable to reach the electorate and to mobilise public opinion.The short campaign period limits out the other parties to reach out to the electorate. The ownership and control of the mainstream print and electronic media by the Government or groups affiliated with the ruling coalition like TV3, Bernama and Berita Harian gives the Government an unfair advantage over its opponents. These issues need to be addressed and redressed. The right to speech, assembly and association are the essential pillars of a democratic set-up; to reach the goal of free and fair election. Speech, assembly and association are restrained considerably in Malaysia.Though Article 10(1) enshrines these freedoms, Articles 10(2), 10(4), 149 and 150 permit the Parliament to impose restrictions on the exercise of these freedoms on 14 constitutionally permissible grounds. A plethora of laws has been enacted under the authority of the Constitution to ensure that electoral z eal does not compromise race relations, national security and public order. As in during ordinary or election campaign, processions, public rallies and assemblies are not allowed except with a police permit under the Police Act. The recent case of Bersih 2. rally was an assembly that was not permitted by the Police Act, although their organization was legal and permitted. The root to achieve fair and free election results is through the votes. Malaysia uses the â€Å"One vote, one value† which is based on one cardinal principle- that constituencies should be approximately equal in population size so as to give reality to the principle of one person, one vote, one value. This principle is an offshoot of the rule of equality before the law. The weightage of the votes are differ based on geographical areas, basically categorized into rural and urban area.The Baker v Carr rules gives parliaments a primarily urban bias. For this reason many countries including Malaysia allow rural constituencies to be smaller in population size than urban electoral districts. â€Å"Rural† or â€Å"urban† are not defined in the Constitution and wide disparities in population exist from constituency to constituency. Population, geographical size and the urban-rural dichotomy seem to have exerted influence. Labuan, Putrajaya, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Sabah and Perlis are over-represented. Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Terengganu are under-represented in the federal legislature.

Genetically modified foods: 6 thinking hats Essay

1. Genetically modified foods or GM foods is to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption/ intake. GM foods are foods produced from organisms inserted into their DNA altering, and allowing genetic changes to be made, affecting their natural balance to give the desired affect –enhancing desired traits an e. g. being to increase the resistance to herbicides or to increase or improve nutritional content-. With the use of modern technology it is also possible to allow selected individual genes to be transferred from one organism to another, it also works between non- related species. Modern biotechnology† or â€Å"gene technology†, sometimes also â€Å"recombinant DNA technology† or â€Å"genetic engineering† allows all this to happen an e. g. of being the growth and harvest of crop plants. 2. GM foods are everywhere in shops, supermarkets etc. In Australia, currently only two GM foods are produced with it being canola and cotton, but many GM foods such as soybeans, corn, rice, peas, sugarbeet, rice, sugarcane and dairy productsare imported from different countries all around the world. The label for the products are on the label at the back of it, showing all the ingredients including the GM substance an example being shown below but not all foods have the GM food labelling on them. 3. GM foods such as food made at bakeries, restaurants and takeaways, potatoes and tomatoes have no GM labelling on it, this due to the fact that if labelled it is to imply a warning about health effects causing the consumers to not want to buy the product and with some arguments of consumers deserving to know what’s in their foods the process is not as easy as it sounds having it to require many of several complex technical issues –the cost of paper and ink to print the label, having to go through a long process of having the approval from authorities and such- . Another reason is that The GM foods are not that significant and won’t really affect the person’s health so it is seen that it is not needed to label them for there would be a very large decrease of income if it were labelled. Nancy Ho 91 1 Genetically modified corn NEXT TO A NORMAL ONE ->

Media assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Media assignment - Essay Example t have been used in the media in the past to deliberately shape and direct the evolution of society at the same time that changes in society have functioned to shape and develop how it is reflected in the media. One major change that has taken place is a shift in social thinking that deems it acceptable for a woman to be found in the workplace in a role other than secretary or operator. This shift can be seen by comparing the ideas associated with the working girl in the film Working Girl released in 1988 and those communicated in the article â€Å"Get Yourself Noticed.† Both of these texts present a specific image of what the proper role of woman is perceived to be in the working world. In both cases, there is acknowledgement that a woman can succeed in the upper levels of the working world, but that this is the exception rather than the rule. In the film, this idea is conveyed throughout the storyline. The main character is Tess McGill, who spends her days commuting to work with a bevy of other women, all working as secretaries or receptionists in the city. When she discovers that her boss was only pretending to support her dream of entering the executive level in order to use her as a sexual plaything, she gets another job working under a female executive, Katherine Parker. Parker seems highly successful, very supportive of bringing more women like Tess into the executive level and is highly confident of her own abilities. This understanding that a woman can make a success in the upper levels of the company is the jumping off point for the articl e as two women, understood to be in the lower ranks of the secretarial pool, discuss the seeming meteoric rise of a third woman within their organization. Although the gender of the ‘boss’ is not mentioned in the scenario, the idea that the two women talking are of a lower rank is made clear in the way that they discuss how this third woman is already above them in the boss’s opinion. Because the article

Software as a Service (SAAS) as It Pertains to Enterprise Architecture Essay

Software as a Service (SAAS) as It Pertains to Enterprise Architecture - Essay Example The concept and notion of architecture date back to the prehistoric times. Originating in the design and architecture domains, the concept has been invariably associated with the principles of structure, symmetry, functionality, and harmony. Rapid advances in technology during the 20th century gave an impetus to the development of new, enterprise architectures; the latter remain the most complex, challenging but nonetheless desirable elements of productive business functioning. The Software as a Service (SaaS) model marks a new stage in the evolution of enterprise architecture and paves the way for the smooth integration of various EA frameworks with the principal business operations and functions. In contemporary business environments, the choice of SaaS is justified by the need to consolidate IT applications and models and reduce the costs of IT management at all levels of organizational performance. It is through SaaS deployment that organizations can easily achieve the desired fu ture state of technologies where computing is integrally linked to communication, and seamless integration of technological efforts into end user-centered frameworks precipitates the creation and sustained usability of cost-efficient and flexible IT models. Software as a Service: A Brief Introduction Understanding the SaaS model is important for understanding its place and role in enterprise architectures (EA). â€Å"SaaS is software deployed as a hosted service and accessed over the Internet†. ... Software as a Service: A Brief Introduction Understanding the SaaS model is important for understanding its place and role in enterprise architectures (EA). â€Å"SaaS is software deployed as a hosted service and accessed over the Internet† (Carraro & Chong, 2006). Actually, it is due to the rapid expansion and accessibility of the Internet that SaaS is gradually becoming a fundamental ingredient of many enterprise architectures. Thousands of end-user organizations move to adopt SaaS frameworks and applications, in order to automate front and back-office business operations, enhance accessibility of data, and guarantee security of information (SaaS, 2011). The Software as a Service model is: Loosely coupled services and components – that SaaS avoids tight coupling characteristic of earlier models means that the framework has a potential to reduce the costs of maintenance and integration. Configuration over programming – the SaaS framework depends on smaller compo nents, which are coupled and shared to create business solutions based on minimal codes. Agnostic to databases – the choice of relevant databases is usually left to the needs of the SaaS provider. Agnostic to topologies – most enterprise architectures and computing topologies constantly involve, but the use of SaaS guarantees applicability, seamless integration, and deployment of various SaaS elements in any topology. GUI agnostic – enterprises using the SaaS frameworks have the free choice of GUI technologies, including performance and firewall issues, and makes it easier to integrate and design loosely coupled architecture elements, including Flex user interfaces. Agnostic to data sources – the SaaS

Why I wish to attend Virginia Commonwealth University Essay

Why I wish to attend Virginia Commonwealth University - Essay Example When it comes to quality of education offered at VCU, I think there is nothing to worry about. It's a world class university, and I know my certificates will be recognized and respected wherever I find myself across this world. For that reason, I feel that is the right place for me to study. I developed this interest after a summer visit to the campus and consultations with other students who had graduated from this university. They students gave me an insight of what life in this university is really like. And I liked it. The security standard in this school, as well as its proximity to my home is all an added advantage. Emergency telephones across the campus give me a sense of security. It's difficult to study in an insecure environment. I wish to make a name for my self and I am convinced that Virginia Commonwealth University will help me achieve this dream. The university's international student population would also give me the privilege to study in a culturally diverse environment. That means I will study about the cultures of different peoples without having to travel out of this country. After talking to a representative who came to my school to inform me about VCU, my intentions were clear and I 'm ready to attend VCU. He clearly brought out the advantages of studying at VCU compared with the other universities. They were just enormous. And the difference was absolutely clear. I just saw my dream university in VCU.

Policing Functions Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Policing Functions Paper - Essay Example Commonly to gain many duties these standards/levels and organizations work together. Whilst every level of law enforcement has its personal obligations and methods, there functions have quality of comparison (Dempsey and Forst‎, 2011). The occupation of law enforcement officers are commonly for police officers who arrest the felons and investigate felony. One significant view is to settle the functions are the organizations/agencies of police. The structure of functions are enforcing the laws, seizing the offenders, obstruct the crime, at the time of need provide the service and maintain the peace. The government made enforcing the law sometimes comprises to arrest the criminals and maintain the peace in those results. It can help to maintain the peace in future by preventing the crimes. The main function of the agencies of police contain law enforcement, arresting criminals, stopping crime, maintain command and equipping other services to the citizens at the time of need. Most of these functions can tally with one another. Like a sample when enforcing the laws, to arrest the criminal by officers is a demand, hat is the results of maintaining the command. These functions successively help to stop the crime in future. The government of federal preserves different agencies of law enforcement with the aim of dealing with trouble spreading over lines of state and pretending territory of the country, if not the integrity of the United States. The agencies of federal law enforcement contain the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Border Patrol. These agencies treat with problems like immigration, sales of drug and its importation, rule of weaponry and dangers to native security like terrorism. Agencies of federal law enforcement have competence on the agencies of local and state. The department of local police is the extremely usual

Gulf Stream Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gulf Stream - Assignment Example There is a fundamental challenge in ensuring the allocation of the shortest time to the route, in seeking to reduce the duration taken in transporting cargo between Europe and North America. In the event of a possible turn off of the Gulf Stream, the shipping corporation should establish a contingent plan. The plan would be based on the effects of the event on the shipping time in seeking to ensure continuity of the services provided by the corporation. Many of the upcoming schedules could be considered for establishment of different route in seeking to avert the imminent danger presented by the event. The regulations existing within the shipping routes would become fundamental elements of consideration in the establishment of a contingent plan. The best available options would be weighed on a cost-benefit analysis for evaluation of the services (Roemmich et al., 2007). This will enable the development and adoption of a plan which best suits the operations of the

Media Studies Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Media Studies - Case Study Example Advertising is persuasive and informational and is designed to influence the purchasing behavior and/or thought patterns of the audience. Advertising is a marketing tool and may be used in combination with other marketing tools, such as sales promotions, personal selling tactics, or publicity" (Advertising, p.1). In our everyday lives, we are surrounded by advertisements all over. It is nearly impossible to save ourselves from one or the other kind of advertisements whether it might be the most recent offer put forward by the local supermarket or perhaps even an advertisement on the television even if we stop reading the newspaper, stop watching television or even stride around with our eyes closed. As mentioned previously, the chief rationale of marketing is to advertise and sell products, but if one ponders, we come to realize the fact that the advertisement not only sells the product to people, but it also puts forward an image of our future which is extremely attractive and full of opportunities and advantages. For this particular essay, an advertisement will be analyzed with respect to semiotic terms and techniques and discourse analysis, and discover how denotation is constructed. The methods chosen for the analysis of the advertisement are the most appropriate methods. This is because through the semiotics and discourse analysis, the advertisement of Chrysler 300C chosen can be best analyzed as it contains the language and signs that require appropriate understanding and analysis that can only be done through the use of semiotics and discourse analysis.The next section presents the concepts of semiotics and discourse analysis that is discussed through the analysis of the literature present in different books, journals, periodicals and internet sources. The literature is reviewed through these sources and then discussed and critically analyzed. Semiotic and Discourse Analysis In the course of the method of being advertised, merchandise turns into an illustration of anything and everything that is desirable for the general public or at least the target market. The basic working of an advert basically is to indicate, to correspond to us, the object of our most unavoidable desires. We can therefore argue that the most important aspect of an advertisement is of what is important to us. For an advertisement to be successful it needs to put forward an image of us and to tell us ways by which we can use the product to make ourselves even more tempting, striking etc. In this way the product is given individuality, communicating to the target market not just plain information but also representation. The advert under consideration is the Chrysler 300C advertisement. The methods that have been taken up are known as Semiotics and Discourse Analysis. A commonsensical way to start here would be by defining Semiotics first. Basically, Semiotics was developed in the 1960s and has its roots in English literature and structural linguistics.

Living with a long-term urinary catheter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Living with a long-term urinary catheter - Essay Example This particular subject was chosen because I am interested in it. Throughout my Health Care Assistant experience I was involved in looking after patients with urinary catheters. My role was to ensure cleanliness, catheter function, monitoring output and emptying catheter bag. As a Trainee Assistant Practitioner (TAP) female catheterisation is one of my competencies. This has made me more aware about patient perception and psychological feelings when living with a long-term catheter (Godfrey, 2008, p. 181). I work in Highcare Unit where I look after patients with varying ages and sex. Some of them are quite reluctant to having a catheter. Other patients view it as an embarrassment and consider discussion about the device undignified. In critiquing the research regarding a patient's personal experiences, it enables me to relate, understand and empathise with the patient's situation and predicament. This enables me to give support, advice and information not only with the physical side implications but also the psychological impact in living with a long-term catheter. I think that being able to understand patients' perspectives about living with long term urinary catheters, enables healthcare professionals to sympathize and understand with what the patient is experiencing. It is obvious that research needs to be carried out and compare. This way the study will develop strong and valid evidence based research and implement the conclusions into practice that can assist these patients (Godfrey, 2008, p. 180). CRITIQUE RESEARCH: UTILISING EVIDENCE BASED CARE In the 1990's at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, developments were made regarding Evidence Based Practice (EBP) movement, which underpinned the Research and Development Strategy in the UK in 1991. Factors like the rise in the cost of healthcare, unnecessary intervention and variations in healthcare, influenced the EBP movement in the UK (Parahoo 2006). EBP advocates the best available evidence should be us ed when making clinical decisions, to improve the effectiveness, efficiency and health outcomes for patients (Kings College London 2009). Its origins date back to the mid-19th century, when concerns were raised because healthcare interventions were not being proven or evaluated (Lloyd et al 2007). Since the 1970's the term proof-based medical care has increased with the advancement of being capable of having a right to entry to a variety of data. Other aspects that have brought about the usage of EBP medical care comprise of; adjusting of communal anticipations, governmental consensus, cost stresses and expertise responsibility (Hammer Collinsonsn2005, cited by Cutcliffe W. & J. Ward M, 2004). EBP is an approach where healthcare professionals are able to use current evidence and research to back up. This support provides an accurate reason for their care they provide for patients. EBP is highly significant to me because it enables me to offer the best recent physical healthcare I ca n deliver for my patients. It also makes it possible for me to use proof to aid my understanding and comprehend the reasons behind my decision along with the performance of definite facets of medical practice that I am responsible for. There are many reasons why EBP is specifically relevant to engage in as a part of a nurses' role. Nurses need to make more informed judgements as part of a multi-disciplinary team. This initiative increases the number of complex healthcare decisions that need to be made. The Department of Health's (DOH) directives of best evidence collectively highlight the reason for EBP’s momentous nature. This questioning is accompanied by further cognitive research behind its

The Curtin Teaching Essay Example for Free

The Curtin Teaching Essay The Curtin Teaching, Learning and Student Experience Plan 2013-2017 outlines an ambitious vision for reforming teaching and learning, enhancing the student experience, optimising the education portfolio and the student experience. This vision, enabled through a number of strategic projects will position Curtin as leaders in globally innovative education; provide a richly interactive and personalised learning experience and provide opportunity for graduates, equipping them with skills for the future. It is in this context, that teaching excellence is defined. Key to the development of teaching academics, who are engaged in facilitating student learning, is the establishment of criteria to which excellent teachers can aspire. These criteria highlight the capabilities and skills that guide the successful recruitment, development, recognition and retention of quality teaching academics in higher education. The Curtin Teaching Excellence criteria provide a single set of measures to underpin all relevant reward and recognition processes, so that teaching excellence is clear and consistent with the University’s strategic goals. The teaching excellence criteria are designed to assist individual academic staff, particularly new and early career staff, in clarifying expectations, as well as providing guidelines to assist in the process of supporting academics and establishing guidelines for promotion and awards. The criteria will be used by academic staff and their supervisors as a formative development tool to identify career objectives, and development needs, in addition to forming the basis for informing promotion and awards. Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria are designed to be broad and flexible, whilst providing a robust and valid definition of excellent teaching within the Curtin context. The criteria are aligned to the teaching roles within Curtin Expectations for Academic Performance (CEAP)1 and the Curtin University Academic, Professional and General Staff Enterprise Agreement 2012-2016 Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Criteria Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria mirror those developed in an Office for Learning and Teaching Project2 and informed by criteria and evidence employed by the Office for Learning and Teaching3, the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education  20124, the Higher Education Academy Benchmarking Project on Recognition of Teaching in Academic Promotion Project and analysis of criteria developed in other Australian universities. Staff who show evidence of ‘excellence in teaching’ will ‘contribute to systemic change in learning and teaching through ongoing knowledge sharing and dissemination, for example, presentations within the learning and teaching community, collegial mentoring, pairing and networking, and involvement in university and higher education committees’ (Office for Learning and Teaching). Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria aim to: 1. Support the initial and continuing professional learning of staff engaged in teaching and supporting learning. 2. Foster dynamic and culturally inclusive approaches to teaching and learning in transforming Teaching and Learning at Curtin through creativity, innovation and continuous development in diverse academic and/or professional settings 3. Acknowledge the variety and quality of teaching, learning and assessment practices that support and underpin student learning. 4. Facilitate individuals in gaining formal recognition for quality enhanced approaches to teaching and supporting learning. The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) for Curtin is systematic inquiry, critique, research and development in teaching, learning and the broader educational context which advances and publicly provides educational benefit to students, staff and the higher education sector. Teachers engaging in scholarship in teaching and learning seek to improve teaching at the tertiary level by: Consulting and applying the literature on teaching and learning Investigating their own teaching Adopting innovative teaching approaches Formally communicating their ideas and practice to peers through publication and other formal means; and Seeking and obtaining peer recognition for their ideas and practice. The scholarship of teaching and learning that underpins the teaching excellence criteria is taken from the definitions first proposed by Boyer (1990)5 and later adapted by the University of Queensland. Scholarly teaching Scholarly teaching in a discipline involves all of the following: striving for a high level of proficiency in stimulating students and fostering their learning in a variety of appropriate ways, being familiar with the latest ideas in ones subject,  being informed by current ideas for teaching that subject,   evaluating and reflecting on ones teaching practice and the student learning which follows. The scholarship of teaching The scholarship of teaching develops from a basis of scholarly teaching in a discipline but is not the same as excellent teaching. It involves exploring, testing, practicing and communicating improved pedagogies, learning processes, curricula, policies and learning materials. It meets the following additional criteria in the context of promoting student learning: It requires high levels of discipline-related expertise. It requires an understanding of who the learners are, how they learn and what practices are most effective in the context of the discipline (pedagogical content knowledge) It breaks new ground and is innovative It can be replicated and elaborated It is documented and subjected to peer review Educational Research Like other social science researchers, educational researchers are guided by theoretical and methodological paradigms. A research academic in the field of education deploys theoretical perspectives to understand educational practice. Educational research includes psychological and philosophical inquiry; historical, policy and cultural analysis; and empirical research on a range of areas including learning and teaching processes, pedagogy and curriculum studies. Such research tests the assumptions and worth of theory  in terms of whether it provides adequate explanations of the data and evidence. The aim of educational research is to expand our understanding of all aspects of education and to contribute to theoretical debates and developments in the area. The questions addressed are broader than those focused on in the area of teaching innovation and involve stakeholders beyond the context in which the innovation takes place (Research Assessment Exercise Guidelines, 2008)6. Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Criteria The seven criteria are: 1. Design and planning of learning activities, units and courses 2. Teaching and supporting student learning 3. Assessment and giving feedback to students 4. Developing effective learning environments, student support and guidance 5. Integration of scholarship, research and professional activities with teaching and in support of student learning 6. Evaluation of practice and continuing professional learning 7. Professional and personal effectiveness Evidence of Teaching Excellence at Curtin Teaching 1. Design and planning of learning activities, units and courses 2. Teaching and supporting student learning 3. Assessment and giving feedback to students 4. Developing effective learning environments, student support and guidance Evidence eVALUate Unit Summary Report including unit coordinator response eVALUate Teaching Evaluation Report Student learning outcomes: (retention and pass rates, student projects) Formal Peer Review Report Formal Teaching Evaluation Review – evidence of report Report from community partners and feedback on outcomes Faculty, University or national teaching awards Peer recognition of quality teaching eg invitations to teach in other universities Scholarship of teaching 5. Integration of scholarship, research and professional activities with  teaching and in support of student learning 6. Evaluation of practice and continuing professional learning Evidence Certificate of completion of Professional Learning program eg FOLT, ALUCP, ALCCP, ALFCP Formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Grad Certificate in Teaching Attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Training and experience from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop Peer reviewed publications / citations University or national teaching and learning grants Details of grants, awards (successful and unsuccessful) and outcomes Service and Leadership in Teaching and Learning (including Community Engagement and Professional Practice) 7. Professional and personal effectiveness Evidence Independent reports from mentees Peer review/ reviewer of curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Peer review of curricula as an expert Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer support and review. Outcomes of committee leadership Professional Association Awards that validate leadership and expertise in teaching and learning External Reports from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop Invitations to present keynote at Teaching and Learning and disciplinary conferences on teaching and learning Membership of senior advisory groups to Government Leadership in external professional networks / interest groups in teaching and learning Recognition by national or international professional bodies (awards, fellowships, honorary memberships etc) Leadership of professional bodies Contribution to the review and development of national and international professional practice standards Leadership of a school, faculty, university or national teaching and learning initiative Level Dimensions of Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Evidence of achievement Teaching Teach and support student learning Design and plan for learning Assess and give feedback to learners Develop effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance A A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" participating in team teaching within an established program with appropriate mentoring ââ€" gaining experience in teaching in a variety of settings (eg small and large group, clinical, lab, field, research supervision) ââ€" developing skills in all aspects of teaching practice, with appropriate mentoring, including -curriculum design, -development of learning materials -analysis of learning needs of students -identification of appropriate approaches to teaching moderation of assessments -development of formative and summative assessment appropriately linked to learning outcomes ââ€" seeking ways to improve practice by obtaining and analysing feedback ââ€" embedding reflective practice within all aspects of teaching. ââ€" maintaining currency with the latest ideas in discipline ââ€" being informed of current ideas for teaching in the discipline Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement Teaching evaluation review report Evidence of planned learning activities designed to develop the students’ learning Sound knowledge of the unit material eVALUate TER 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught B A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" using the latest ideas and research in the discipline in teaching and learning ââ€" applying current pedagogies in teaching and learning Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement eVALUate USR with unit coordinator response and response in unit outline Teaching evaluation review report Evidence of well-planned learning activities designed to develop the students learning Scholarly/informed approach to learning design Thorough knowledge of the unit material and its contribution in the course Effective and appropriate use of learning technologies Evidence of effective unit coordination and management of teaching teams and impact of mentoring on peers, colleagues Quality assurance and evaluation of teaching and learning (eg moderation, academic integrity) Student learning outcomes: (retention and pass rates, student projects) Additional evidence Tutor feedback on preparation, organisation, mentoring support Evidence of effective supervision of honours/postgraduate students to completion eVALUate TER 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught eVALUate USR 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught C Strong teaching practice evidenced by: ââ€" teaching in a range of different settings (1st year to PG; large and small group, different learning environments); ââ€" consistently high percentage agreement in teaching and unit evaluations; other evidence of positive student feedback and peer review ââ€" reflection, review and continuous improvement of curricula, teaching resources and teaching approaches; ââ€" application to teaching practice of new ideas in the discipline and new ideas about teaching in the discipline ââ€" Recognition through awards and prizes at School or Faculty level ââ€" Mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career teaching academics As per level B plus: Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement Teaching evaluation review report Tutor feedback on preparation, organisation, mentoring support Evidence of effective supervision of honours/postgraduate students to completion Report from community partners and feedback on outcomes Receiving a teaching award (faculty or university) D A sustained record of excellence in teaching practice at all levels as evidenced by: ââ€" Breadth and depth of teaching portfolio, ââ€" recognition through awards and prizes at University level and above Mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career and Mid-Career teaching staff As per level C plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of leadership of effective curriculum development at the program level. Evidence of contribution to the teaching or curriculum and/or discipline at the national level. Curriculum, learning materials adopted at other universities Receiving a teaching award including curriculum development (university or national) Details of leadership roles and specific contribution Feedback from staff mentored E A distinguished record of scholarly teaching at all levels as evidenced by: ââ€" demonstrable impact on student learning in and attitude towards the discipline over a sustained period ââ€" demonstrable impact on success of graduates over a sustained period ââ€" recognition through awards and prizes at National level ââ€" substantial role in mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills of Early Career and Mid-Career teaching academics. As per level D plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of a leadership role and impact in curriculum design and review, planning and/or development at the (inter) national level Evidence of  significant curriculum, disciplinary contribution through published student learning materials, textbooks Leadership in mentoring and supporting colleagues in planning and designing learning activities and curriculum Details of mentoring and leadership support of colleagues External peer recognition and/or review on impact of curriculum, discipline, innovation Scholarship of teaching Engage in continuing professional learning in subjects/ disciplines and their pedagogy, incorporating research, scholarship and the evaluation of professional practice A A developing profile in the scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" Participation in the communication and dissemination of teaching practice within the discipline ââ€" Participation in research on how students learn in the discipline ââ€" Presentations on teaching and learning at local and national conferences Teaching evaluation review report Excerpts from unit materials demonstrating incorporation of current teaching and learning research into teaching activities Evidence of teaching and learning scholarship in the practice of teaching and curriculum development Evidence of teaching materials and curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Evidence of self-evaluation leading to changes in practice and student learning Evidence of professional learning Completion of FOLT (all modules) Completion of ALUCP (if in unit coordination role) Evidence of attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Evidence of participation in conference / forum relevant to teaching and learning Working toward a formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Graduate Certificate in Higher Education A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" using the latest ideas and research in the discipline in teaching and learning ââ€" applying current pedagogies in teaching and learning As per level A plus: Evidence of professional learning Completion of ALUCP, ALCCP and/or ALFCP (according to role) Evidence of attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Contribution and systematic participation in professional learning or disciplinary engagement in the area, scholarship of Teaching and learning Formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Graduate Certificate in Teaching Teaching evaluation review report Evidence application of current pedagogies in the practice of teaching and curriculum development Membership of disciplinary teaching network (e.g. teaching and learning network, HERDSA, OLT) A strong record in the scholarship of teaching as evidence by: ââ€" Demonstrated institutional impact through curriculum development at the discipline or interdisciplinary level; ââ€" Presentations on teaching and learning at local and national conferences ââ€" Success in attracting funding to undertake projects related to teaching practice in the discipline As per level B plus: Details of grants, awards (successful and unsuccessful) and outcomes Teaching evaluation review report Contribution and systematic participation in professional learning or disciplinary engagement in teaching and learning Peer reviewed publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (local and national conferences) An excellent record of scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€"  Demonstrated institutional impact in relation to teaching policy and practice ââ€" Evidence of text books or innovative teaching materials that are used elsewhere ââ€" Participation in international organisations related to teaching area ââ€" A strong record of scholarly publication in major international education journals ââ€" Invited presentations at national and international conferences Partner and/or lead investigator on externally funded teaching and/or curriculum projects As per level C plus: Contributes to teaching and learning policy development and practice Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop (evidence of invitation) Peer recognition of quality teaching e.g. invitations to teach in other universities, awarded a faculty and/or University teaching award. Leadership and innovation in teaching practices and supporting students recognised at the university, disciplinary, national level Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer review and teaching evaluation Success in a university, national, discipline teaching award Peer reviewed journal publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Textbook publications or innovative teaching materials used in the higher education sector A distinguished record of scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" Recognition as an eminent international authority for scholarship of teaching, as reflected in: high quality scholarly publications in international education journals invitations to present keynote addresses workshops at relevant national and international conferences Lead investigator on externally funded teaching and/or curriculum projects teaching fellowships †¢Evidence of text books or innovative teaching materials that are used elsewhere As per level D plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of successful, strategic leadership and innovation in enhancing quality teaching practices and supporting student learning at the university, disciplinary, (inter) national level Evidence of championing an integrated approach to academic practice in the university, discipline, (inter)nationally. Evidence of establishing effective organisational policies and/or strategies for supporting and promoting others (eg through mentoring, coaching) in delivering high quality teaching and support for student learning Evidence of Keynote addresses and workshops in national and international Teaching and Learning conferences Peer reviewed publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning sustained publication record in high quality international journals Leadership in Teaching and Learning, Engagement and Professional practice A Demonstration of potential for leadership in teaching and learning Teaching evaluation review report Contribution and active participation in school teaching and learning committees Evidence of participation in external activities relevant to the discipline/profession and community engagement Demonstration of growing profile in service and leadership in teaching and learning Teaching evaluation review report Active participation in School committees with measureable outcomes details, role and outcomes Independent reports from mentees Peer review/ reviewer of curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Evidence of significant external contributions to the discipline/profession and community engagement Demonstration of effective service and leadership in teaching and learning ââ€"  As per level B plus: Teaching evaluation review report Successful prosecution of a major task (sustained or one-off project) that enhances performance of School/Faculty in teaching and learning Evidence of supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career teaching academics Evidence of successful achievement in roles such as mentor, peer reviewer A significant leadership role in teaching and learning as evidenced by: ââ€" Leadership in curriculum development and renewal at School, Faculty and institutional levels ââ€" Leadership in introduction of new approaches to teaching and learning at School, Faculty and institutional levels ââ€" Invitations to participate in reviews of teaching and learning at other institutions; involvement in national educational activities ââ€" Participation in collaborative partnerships relating to teaching and learning with other educational institutions or other bodies As per level C plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Peer review of curricula as an expert Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer support and review Outcomes of committee leadership Professional Association Awards that validate leadership and expertise in teaching and learning External Reports from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop – evidence of invitation Invitations to present keynote at Teaching and Learning and disciplinary conferences on teaching and learning – evidence of invitation Leadership of a school, faculty, university or national teaching and learning initiative E A national and international leadership profile in teaching and learning as evidenced by: ââ€"  Impact on educational policy and curriculum development nationally and internationally; contributions to curriculum debates ââ€"  Leadership in educational activities of national and international organisations ââ€"  Leadership of collaborative partnerships relating to teaching and learning with other educational institutions or other bodies As per level D plus: Membership of senior advisory groups to Government Leadership in external professional networks / interest groups in teaching and learning Recognition by national or international professional bodies (awards, fellowships, honorary memberships etc) Leadership of professional bodies Contribution to the review and development of national and international professional practice standards

Effect of Government Policies on Pricing Strategies

Effect of Government Policies on Pricing Strategies Long-Term Investment Decisions April Barnes Dr. Bernadette West Abstract In this paper I will outline a plan that managers in the low-calorie microwaveable food company could follow when selecting pricing strategies for making their products as inelastic as possible. I will then examine the major effects that government policies have on production and employment. I will predict the potential effects that government policies could have on the company. Afterwards, I will determine whether or not government regulation to ensure fairness in the low-calorie microwavable food industry is needed and cite the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. After I will examine the major complexities that would arise under expansion via capital projects and propose key actions that the company could take in order to prevent or address these complexities. Lastly, I will suggest the substantive manner in which the company could create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers and indicate the most likely impact to profitability o f such a convergence. Outline a plan that managers in the low-calorie microwaveable food company could follow when selecting pricing strategies for making their products as inelastic as possible. Provide a rationale for your response. The price elasticity of demand affects a company’s pricing strategies by determining the optimal profit margin. Price elasticity of demand defines the degree of change of demand in relation to the change in price of a product. The higher the elasticity, the higher the demand fluctuates in response to price. In general, most companies would like for their products to be inelastic. When a product is inelastic, the price of the good may increase, while the supply and demand of the product are unaffected. In other words, if the price of a product were to go up, consumers would still buy the product, as well as if the product price were to go down, consumers would still buy the product (Investopedia Inelastic, 2014). When considering the inelasticity of a product it is important to select the proper pricing strategy. When it comes to selecting the best pricing strategy, it is best to first understand what consumers are willing to spend on a product. This can be done by conducting m arket research and surveys. Managers can also select the pricing strategy by making reasonable assumptions based on historic purchases and patterns. Then managers should consider the competition and the quality of their products. If the competitor sells a product with high quality at a certain price, it is not feasible to sell a similar product with lower quality at a higher price point. The managers should first plan to sell each unit or product at the lowest price possible while still being able to break even and pay for all of the company’s expenses. When it comes to price strategizing, there is no potential for price discrimination. Price discrimination occurs when a seller sells a product for the highest price the consumer is willing to pay for (Investopedia Price Discrimination, 2014). When it comes to a microwaveable food company, there is no reason to sell products at different prices for each customer as it is also illegal. Examine the major effects that government policies have on production and employment. Predict the potential effects that government policies could have on your company. Government regulations and policies can have a positive as well as a negative impact on production and employment. when imposed on businesses substantially increase production and operating costs of the business which could result in reduced operating and economic profit, earning per share, earning stream, dividend and eventually market equity value for shareholders. The United States regulatory stringency has contributed to loss of U.S. manufacturing firms’ competitiveness in the international markets. This loss of competitiveness is believed to be reflected in declining exports, increasing imports and a long-term movement of manufacturing capacity from United States to other countries. As mentioned, government policies can have a positive impact as well, for example; the food safety regulations. The food safety regulations are standards and procedures that companies must follow to maintain a safe and sanitary environment for employees as well as for the consumers who purchas e the products (Food Safety Program, 2014). Food safety consists of regulating prepping, handling, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illness and other sicknesses. If these rules were not in place, companies would manage food in any way they please and could potentially get consumers sick and face numerous lawsuits. Determine whether or not government regulation to ensure fairness in the low-calorie microwavable food industry is needed. Cite the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy. Provide two (2) examples of government involvement in a similar market economy to support your response. Government regulation is needed to ensure fairness in the low-calorie microwavable food industry. Government involvement is needed in a market economy to maintain social efficiency and equity. Social efficiency is attained at the mark where the marginal benefits to consumers for either production or consumption are equivalent to the marginal costs of either consumption or production. Matters of equity are challenging to evaluate due to the subjective assessment of what is and isn’t a fair sharing of resources (Pearson Education, 2010). As similar to the automotive industry, the government regulates many aspects. The government regulates auto manufacturing, repair, maintenance, recycling, sales and dealerships. The government also has policies regarding environmental, safety, and import regulations and standards (SBA, 2014). Examine the major complexities that would arise under expansion via capital projects. Propose key actions that the company could take in order to prevent or address these complexities. Capital expansion is generally an investment in a major company that wishes to expand or restructure operations without losing control of the business. Some disadvantages that may be faced when undergoing capital expansion would be business owners potentially losing a percentage of the company, investors wanting to be a part of day to day discussions and decisions as well as company secrets revealed (G. Segal, 2013). In order to address these complexities, the company can set up regulations or contracts with the investors or equity partners stating the conditions and ownership of the company. Suggest the substantive manner in which the company could create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers. Indicate the most likely impact to profitability of such a convergence. Provide two (2) examples of instances that support your response. One recommendation would be that the stockholders become very careful and adamant about the company’s expenses and cash flow. By creating share owners out of management, executive management will take action in its greatest interest as a shareowner, in which will be of an advantage to all equity investors (M. Anson, 2004). Creating share owners out of management would likely survive a merger or capital expansion because this gives the opportunity for the owners and investors to work together and make decisions that are best for the company. References DOH (2014) â€Å"Food Safety Rules and Regulations† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Food/FoodWorkerandIndustry/FoodSafetyRules.aspx G. Segal (2013) â€Å"WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF USING EQUITY CAPITAL?† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://chironthebusinessdoctor.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-equity-capital/ Investopedia (2014) â€Å"Inelastic† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/inelastic.asp Investopedia (2014) â€Å"Price Discrimination† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/price_discrimination.asp M. Anson (2004) â€Å"ALIGNING THE INTERESTS OF AGENTS AND OWNERS: AN EMPIRICAL EXAMINATION OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://iveybusinessjournal.com/topics/governance/aligning-the-interests-of-agents-and-owners-an-empirical-examination-of-executive-compensation#.Uxuyo_ldUuc Pearson Education (2010) â€Å"Reasons for Government Intervention in the Market† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_sloman_econbus_3/18/4748/1215583.cw/ SBA (2014) â€Å"Automotive† retrieved on March 8, 2014 from: http://www.sba.gov/content/automotive 1

Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Insomnia Essay

Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Insomnia Insomnia means having trouble with the quality or quantity of sleep. It can be caused by difficulties in either falling asleep or staying asleep. Self-reported sleeping problems, hating the sleep quality and day time tiredness are the only defining characteristics of insomnia because it is such an individual experience. The concept of good sleep is different from person to person. While the average night's sleep for an adult is around seven or eight hours, some people only need four, while others like up to 10 hours or more. What seems like insomnia to one person might be considered a good sleep by another (Florence Cardinal, Your Guide to Sleep Disorders.) There are three types of insomnia: Secondary insomnia, Primary sleep disorders, and Idiopathic insomnia. Secondary insomnia is due to a range of medical and psychiatric problems and the chronic use of drugs and alcohol. Primary sleep disorders include circadian rhythm disorders, central sleep apnoea-insomnia syndrome, inadequate sleep syndromes and periodic limb movement or restless legs syndromes. Idiopathic insomnia is sleeplessness without a known cause, formerly called childhood onset insomnia. (Defined by Florence Cardinal, Your Guide to Sleep Disorders.) In this paper I will try to go over all the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of insomnia. I will go over all the many people who suffer from insomnia and why? The topic is something I understand somewhat because I have suffered from this sense the year 2000. Hopefully I will be able to inform and maybe understand this problem better with this research. A reaction to change or stress is one of the most common causes of short term insomnia which includes an acute illness, injury or surgery, the loss of a loved one, job loss, extremes in the weather, an exam, traveling, or trouble at work the list can go on and on. In most cases, normal sleep almost always returns when the condition resolves, the individual recovers from the event, or the person becomes accustomed to the new situation (Lamberg &Smolensky, 2000.) Then there is real insomnia or what doctors call Psycho physiologic insomnia which could happen if the short term insomnia is not solved. In many cases, it is unclear if chronic insomnia is a symptom of some physical or psychological condition or if it is a primary diso... ...tressed out that we can't sleep at night. Insomnia can affect a person really fast and it's hard to get rid of this disorder without a lot of effort. If we follow the advice of the doctor’s and begin to live a structured life all could be well. Bibliography A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission. Retrieved March 19, 2005 from http://www.urac.org/ Cardinal,F.(2004). You’re Guide to Sleep Disorders. Retrieved March 19, 2005 from http://www.adam.about.com/ (2003) National Center on Sleep Disorders Research. Retrieved March 19, 2005 from http://www.medceu.com/course-no-test.cfm?CID=1109/ Smolensky, M., & Lamberg L. (2000) The Body Clock Guide to Better Health. Retrieved March 19, 2005 from http://www.aamcc.org/body_clock.htm (2004) University of Maryland Medical Centers Insomnia Research. Retrieved March 21,2005 from http://www.umm.edu/ President and Fellows of Harvard College (1998 Dec.1) Insomnia: Get a Good Night Sleep. Retrieved March 21, 2005 from MEDSYS database. Heilman, E. (2000). Rest for the Weary: Words from an Insomnia Expert. Retrieved March 21, 2005 from http://www.healthysleeping.com/

Philosophy of Gatsby :: The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald

This book, The Great Gatsby, is a tale of deceit and the silent despair in the world of the human. Everything is not what it is made out to look like and often convincing as such. It is created by and creates the fear of being left in that portal which is the object of escape and the depths of despair. It shows life is a whirlwind which cannot be controlled, and many times even for the sick is not wished to be controlled because humans are too worrisome over what will and will not be and would rather turn their backs than face what is real. Distressing to look at and face but bliss to ignore and get on with the life which you know nothing about and never will know about because you are too stupid not to have the thought to want to know about. Humans do not do what is best for them and others only what will protect them from austerity, leading the path wide open for the dullness and loneliness they cannot find within themselves because yet again they ignore it with stupidity. Thi s is a sad, pathetic, and rueful story showing the discontent and avarice that lies within the human mind. On the other hand, it shows the nescience, naivetà ©, and overall dullness of the mind who tries for something that is already to far gone to worry about, often the characteristics of the heart. The battle of the heart and mind is one that has and will go on for ages and is too petty of a matter to suffer over because if you let one or the other control it is much to easy to ruin yourself. â€Å"I am what I cannot be and am what I am not. My mind tells me I am not what I believe and want to be, but my heart tells me I am what I believe and want to be so I must be what I am not. But what am I? Am I life or death?

Literary Response to Gulliver’s Travels :: essays papers

Literary Response to Gulliver’s Travels 1.) Interpret the ending of Book IV in Gulliver’s Travels. How are we to understand Gulliver’s very strange behavior? In Book IV, Lemuel Gulliver’s fourth and final journey places him in the land of the Houyhnhnm, a civilization of intellectual, sensible horses, and senseless, inferior, and indecent humans. As Swift does throughout the novel, he ties his satire closely with Gulliver’s perceptions of the different world around him in his last adventure; these chapters do not change the method of Swift’s satire. During Gulliver’s experience in the land of Houyhnhnm, he encounters the wise and friendly Houyhnhnms, or horses, which are superior to the Yahoos, or salve humans. Although Gulliver is referred to as a â€Å"Yahoo,† the Houyhnhnms treat him with more respect than their captives, due to his intelligent division from the Yahoos. In theses chapters Gulliver comes to realize how much he loathes the human race, after being in contact with the Yahoos. Gulliver finds himself in a society controlled by creatures usually at the dispatch of humans, and in a sort of oblivion of his own, between the humane horses and the untamed, unruly Yahoos. The humans and their inability to compare to the Houyhnhnms instantly disgust him. Gulliver then grows fond of the Houyhnhnms and beings to enjoy life conversing with them about the differences in their worlds. He no longer desires to return to humankind. Soon Gulliver is accepted as an intellectual among the Houyhnhnms. He begins to think of every human he has ever known as Yahoos, and no longer has any respect for them, he thinks of the Houyhnhnms as the most respected and well-mannered living things on the earth. Gulliver is given a room, and is treated as a member of the family. However due to his acquired fortune, the Yahoos begin to complain and Gulliver is forced to return to Europe. He does not want to return to Europe, but decides that he would rather live with the barbarians that he once lived with, than with the uncivilized Yahoos. When Gulliver does arrive in England, he is filled with disgust and disgrace for them. For a year he cannot stand to be with his family, but instead buys two horses and speaks with them.

The Greater Good of Society Verses Individualism

His ideas off the war state and nature state. He greatly believed in democracy and equality among man. He believed in the three states of Democracy which are: a state of equality, state of liberty, and a state of nature. Locke believed that â€Å"one man comes by a power of another† and in doing so creates a perfect society. Locke's view of society differs from the philosopher Thomas Hobb, but agree with Mill. He believes that a man in his natural state is constricted by laws, but could eventually do whatever he pleases.The state of nature is to ensure safety so the nature of war is ot reached, so no man will step out of his state and threaten another man's state. Also if the natural rights of freedom are broken a state of war is reached. Locke views an individual to be more important than society. Individuals steer the way of which society is going, and where they will go. Because an individuals' creates history, while humanity follows. For example Martine Luther King had one dream, this one man's view and opinion caused an outcry to America for change; and change did come. If individuals state of nature or freedom there will be a state of war among man.In conclusion all three philosophers all had similar ideas. They all believed that an individual is greater than society. But is that necessarily correct. One man is more important than humanity, and humanity is beneath an individual. Mills concept of happiness virtually ruining the good of mankind. While Locke viewed man's safety of their natural state an essential rule of mankind, which prevents the nature of war. The last philosopher Hobbs had an idea that in order for mankind to function, the individual most do two thing. One could together to form a common bound, and two, be completely happy. But who is more important, you or mankind?

Organizational Forms Essay

There are several types of organizational forms that a business can choose from. Each form presents pros and cons that may or may not be suitable for a particular business. This report will review characteristics such as: liability, income taxes, longevity or continuity, control, profit retention, location, convenience and burden for each business form and how they differentiate from the different types of organization forms. Sole proprietorship A sole proprietorship is the most common business form. A business is a sole proprietorship if it is not incorporated, meaning that a separate legal entity is not created for it. An advantage of forming a sole proprietorship is that it is the easiest and least expensive business form. a.Liability: A sole proprietorship does not excuse the owner from personal liability. If the business fails, the owner is responsible to the creditors and may lose personal assets. b.Income Taxes: The profits and losses of the business go through the owners’ personal tax return. This can positively or negatively affect the owner depending on what the profit and losses of the business are and what other sources of income the owner may have. c.Longevity or continuity: If the owner dies the company cannot continue on. If the owner decides to leave the company, then the company will also cease to exist. d.Control: In a sole proprietorship the owner has full control of the business. e.Profit retention: The owner receives all profits in a sole proprietorship. f.Location: When a business is a sole proprietorship the owner can move the business to any location. The only fee may be if changing states or county and the business is operating under a trade name, then the owner will have to pay the relatively small fee to operate as a DBA (â€Å"Doing Business As†). g.Convenience or burden: There are not any extra burdens when operating as a sole proprietorship. The owner does not have to meet any special reporting or regulatory requirements. There are not any special tax requirements or restrictions. The business profit and losses are filed with the owner’s regular tax return. General partnership A general partnership is between two or more owners of a business that is not incorporated. a.Liability: Each partner is held personally liable for the debts of the business regard less of fault. b.Income Taxes: Taxes are reported on each partner’s personal income tax return, so any profits made by the company are treated separately from the individuals’ income, but included. c.Longevity or continuity of the organization: A general partnership lacks continuity. If a partner leaves and his or her shares cannot be bought by the remaining partner, then the business must close. If a partner dies, their heir can be paid for the value of their share of partnership, but cannot continue with business. d.Control: In a partnership control is equal between all the partners. This can be difficult when a company has many partners or partners that don’t know each other. If a change is made without consulting with the other partners that can cause friction between the partners, so it may be best to include all partners in all decisions. e.Profit Retention: Profit is distributed equally between all partners and so is any loss. f.Location: A general partnership is fairly easy to setup and move. There are not any special forms that need to be filed with the state or county to form a general partnership. There only has to be at least two people to make up the partnership. g.Convenience or burden: Since there are not any special filings that need to be done for a general partnership, it is very convenient. Limited Partnership A limited partnership is partnership that does not hold the partners personally liable for the business debts. a.Liability: Limited partners are not held personally liable for the business debts. b.Income Taxes: All profits and losses are passed through each partners’ individual income tax return. The company does not pay taxes. c.Longevity or Continuity: Limited partners can freely enter and leave the company. The company can continue if a limited partner leaves. d.Control: In a limited partnership there are limited partners and general partners. The general partners manage the partnership. e.Profit Retention: Profits are distributed to the partners based on their contribution and pass through to the partners, who in turn report the profits on their individual tax return and pay taxes at their individual rate. f.Location: When a LLP is formed or if it moves, then it must comply with state filing requirements. A LLP must file a Certificate of Limited Partnership with the appropriate state agency. g.Convenience or burden: A LLP can be convenient because it attract capital easily, it offers limited liability to partners, easy transferability of partnership, and pass-through taxation. C-corporation A C- corporation or a â€Å"privately held corporation† is a company whose stock is not publicly traded. a.Liability: A business owner is not personally liable for the company debts and is protected from lawsuits and judgments against the business. b.Income Taxes: C-corporations are double taxed. The IRS taxes the company profits and tax any dividends paid to shareholders. c.Longevity or Continuity: Even if the owner leaves or dies, the C-corporation being a separate entity can continue to go on. d.Control: Management is shared between the shareholders. e.Profit Retention: Profits are usually kept within the company and not distributed to shareholders. f.Location: A C-corporation must follow state filing requirements in each state that it wishes to setup in. This can be very costly. g.Convenience or burden: An advantage of a C-Corporation is that it provides the best protection for the owner against the company debts. A disadvantage is that it can be costly to establish. S-corporation S-corporations are a separate entity from the owner. It offers the owner limited liability, but the tax structure benefit of a partnership. a.Liability: The owner an S-corporation is not held personally liable for any debts or judgments incurred by the company. b.Income Taxes: In an S-corporation, the profits and losses of the company are passed through to the owners and shareholders and reported on their personal income tax returns and taxed at their individual rates. The company itself is not taxed. c.Longevity or continuity: Like a C-corporation an S-corporation can continue on, if the owner leaves or dies. d.Control: A board of directors manages the company through officers. e.Profit Retention: Generally in an S-corporation the profits are passed on to the shareholders. f.Location: An S-corporation must follow state filing requirements in any state that it wishes to setup in. g.Convenience or burden: An S-corporation can be convenient, because it provides the owner and shareholders protection from company debt and they save on paying taxes on profit, but it can be costly in setting up. Limited Liability Company A Limited Liability Company is similar to an S-corporation in that it offers the limited liability of a corporation, but the tax structure benefit of a partnership. a.Liability: Owners and shareholders are protected from personal liability for the business debts and judgments. b.Income Taxes: Profits and losses are passed through to the shareholders and filed on their individual income tax returns. c.Longevity and continuity: An LLC can continue if a member leaves, but the LLC must pay the member the value of their interest. d.Control: An LLC is managed by its’ members. e.Profit Retention: Profits are passed on to the members. f.Location: A LLC must follow state filing requirements for any state it wishes to setup in. g.Convenience or burden: LLC offer a very flexible structure. It also has no limitations on the number and kind of owners. It can be very expensive to form and because it is so new, it can be more complex. Bibliography Book: Beatty, J. & Samuelson, S. (2007). Business Law and the Legal Environment: Standard Edition, 4e. Mason, OH: Rob Dewey Web site: Perez, W. (2009). Protect Your Business Profits by Incorporating. About.com. Retrieved March 20, 2009, from http://taxes.about.com/od/taxplanning/a/incorporating.htm Corey Pierce, J. (2002-2004). Business Startup: Where to Begin & How to Grow. Businessfinance.com. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from http://www.businessfinance.com/books/StartABusiness/StartABusinessWorkbookTOC.htm PART B interoffice memorandum to:Owner subject: Business organization date:8/10/2013 There are many different types of business forms. After reviewing them all, I have come to the conclusion that an S corporation will be the most beneficial to you company. An S-corporation is a separate legal entity and protects the owner and shareholders from personal liability and offers benefits with its tax structure. This memo will address issues that are important to you and the advantages provided to you by forming an S-corporation. You expressed concern regarding your personal liability and whether or not if the company was to be sued- you did not want to possibly lose all of your personal assets. With an S-corporation you are protected from losing your personal assets if a company is sued for negligence by an employee or subcontractor. If the company were to default on debts, your personal assets are protected from creditors. Funding will also be fairly easy to obtain with an S-corporation. With an S-corporation, you will be able to sell stock in the company to increase capital assets to help with you expanding. You will be able to sell as much or as little of your companies’ stock as you wish, once a stock value is determined. An advantage to selling you company’s stock beside the increase in capital is that you are also able to retain control of the company when issuing stock. The profit that your company earns will be distributed to the shareholders, but with an S-corporation, shareholders are only allocated the profit and losses equal to the amount of their investment. The profits and losses are passed through to each shareholder and filed on their individual income tax returns. The company itself is not taxed. Also, with an S-corporation, if you were to pass away, the company would have continuity. The company would not have to dissolve and you. The stock that you own in the company can be transferred to an heir or transferred by the sale of all or a portion of the stock. Based on these findings, I recommend you to form an S-corporation for your company.

Who Decided

Nehal HousnyBasic Composition Kathy WilfordNovember 5, 2012 Who Decides? Medical Technologies (MT) is an essential factor when it comes to science . However, there seems to be a misunderstanding on who should have the power to control its use. The three most common figures that are usually involved in controlling MT’s are the government, doctors, and society. Each representative has its own advantages and disadvantages . In both essays ,†The Made to Order Savior† by Lisa Belkin and â€Å"Who Holds the Clicker† by Lauren Slater , medical technology procedures are executed yet controlled and regulated differently.Every figure has its own guidelines as to how to control this technology and at times there was no control at all . Medical practices are very important and sometimes necessary to save a patients life . With proper funding from the government , doctors should have the authority to control how medical technology is used. In the â€Å"Made to Order Sav ior† by Lisa Belkin , doctors were able to control medical practices used in the patients life. Unfortunately , they received little or no funds from the government.Belkin felt that doctors lacked control because they were being held back from the government . For example, Dr Mark Hughees was one the first doctors who helped Strongin Goldbergs’ and the Nashes’ family find a cure for their children Henry and Molly. His brilliance and ever-lasting experience caused much of his research to be supported by the government , but not for too long. It was only so soon that Congress decided to stop funding Hughess research , which eventually affected the lives of Henry and Molly. Hughes then continued his research through private funds.Belkin states â€Å" at the time he was also a member of a federal advisory committee that developed guidelines for single-cell embryo analysis that was central to PGD. But no sooner had those guidelines been developed than Congress banned all federal financing of embryo research , and Hughes was forced to continue his research with private funds only†(6). This shows that the doctors’ work is not always supported and can be affected by the governments’ decisions. The government is controlling and limiting the doctors’ ability to use medical technology .By stopping financial funds necessary to continue research the chances of finding new cures lessens by a great chance . This can also be considered detrimental to the patients life because it leaves questions unanswered . On the other hand , in â€Å"Who Holds the Clicker† by Lauren Slater , doctors were able to receive adequate funding from the government to expand the use of medical technology . The government here saw the benefits of medical technology to the point were they took control of it. By willingly sponsoring doctors , this technology was soon uses as a management device. e .This potentially put pressure on the doctors beca use there funding was still limited which made no room for mistakes or seconds chances. Slater states †Beyond questions of whether a several mentally ill patient can provide informed consent, there continue to hover fears that DBS could fall into the hands of the state, or the overworked prison system, and be used as a management device†(242). As mentioned in the context of the essay, it is understood that the phrase â€Å"management device† refers to power and the capacity to dominate. Here, the government saw an opportunity to utilize the tools of medical technology to control the population.One example of how the government wanted to use medical technology to gain power is to try and wipe out violence. Slater states â€Å" The potential uses and abuses of neural implants were obvious: You could control prison populations; you could effectively wipe out violence† (236). They targeted certain races and populations, such as African Americans. Their excuse t o use medical technology was to wipe out violence from the African American race. Once again, this proves that the doctors are the ones who should be in charge of medical practices. With a doctor, there is no exchange of benefits with his or her patients.The doctor does not desire power or management to cure a patient. Instead, a doctor needs experience, passion, and the will to decide when and how to use medical technology. In both Belkin and Slaters’ essays the government is seen as an obstacle to allow the doctors be in control of their own job. Government is looking for ways on how to control the people regardless if it is providing funds or not. Peoples lives should not be based on what the governments’ visions are . The use of medical technology should stand in the hands of the doctors with no pressure included.Neurosurgeon Rees Cosgrove stated â€Å"If we do not do this right and carefully, and , you know properly†¦ I do not think we will have another oppo rtunity†(242). There is a certain amount of pressure on the doctors shoulders’ to perfect these experiments and devices. Because there is no time for trial and error doctors are not able to test the procedure several times before actually executing it . â€Å"There are no animal models of DBS for anxiety or depression, so these forays into the human brains are largely unguided despite all the high tech equipment†(242).Once again, government is limiting the doctors’ options creating less precise results for their research. Spending so much time with anyone creates a certain level of attachment, let alone between a doctor and his or her patient. This attachment or bond can expedite the curing period of a patient. For example, Belkin states â€Å" They [Henry’s parents] took on Dr. Hughes problems as their own, bonding with him deeply , knowing that they needed him to bond if they were to save Henry†(10).Here, it is obvious that Henry’s p arents are proudly desperate to find a cure for their son to the point where they are willing to deal with Henry’s doctors’ personal problems. Concerning over one another’s issues and trying to lift a burden always increases productivity and positivity. Slater also states â€Å" When Mario talks about that time now , tears come to his eyes. â€Å"It was like a miracle,†he says. †I still have some OCD symptoms but way , way less. Dr Greenberg and Ramussen saved my life. †(241) It is clear that as long there is good communication between the patient and the doctor, progress comes easier .Also, when the doctor has full control of the situation in terms of knowing the patients past habits, pain issues, and diagnosis he or she can provide a specific solution. They not only master helping every patients life but also learn to bond with most of them . This makes it more personal which can result in a positive way. Doctors should be able to receive p roper funding since it is for sake of saving lives and advancing cures. As mentioned, doctors are reputable people with knowledge of how medical procedures should be carries .There are regulations that are given to every patient before the procedure. For example, Belkin states â€Å"That was apparently what Hughes’s gut told him , too, and he agreed to try and develop a lab procedure to screen HLA a the single-cell level. His participation came with certain conditions. First , that the mother must be younger than 35, because younger women produce more eggs, increasing the odds of a healthy match. Second, that he would work only with families who carried a specific subset for Type C mutation, known as IVS4,because it is the most common.And, last of all, the child being created must be wanted. †(7). Doctors create these guidelines to create the maximum amount of productive work and results. Once again, proving that they should have the say as to how medical technology is used. Slater’s essay advocates this idea of setting guidelines before experimentation, â€Å" To be eligible for neural implants he [Mario] had to exhaust every available pharmacological option at either optimal or above optimal doses and undergo at least 20 hours of behavior therapy.He had to understand the risks and implications of the procedure and provide his consent. His case was viewed by three review board†(238). It is shown that doctors are trained to take full control of a patients' medical life in order to provide them with necessary aid. Others may see these procedures as detrimental to human health, however no doctor is licensed to harm his own patients. Slater’s essay later states â€Å" Dr Greenberg, his [Mario] psychiatrist said â€Å"we don't want to repeat the mistakes of the past.We want to sure this therapy is not only used indiscriminately , but that it is reserved for the group of people who have failed trials of everything else†(23 8). This shows that doctors have the commitment to cure their patients. Although doctors provide accurate results , other may argue that doctors have too much control over the patients life. In† Who holds the Clicker†, a doctor by the name of Robert Heath studied forms of psychosurgery such as deep brain stimulation , also knows as DBS. The method in which carried this type of surgery is graphic and can be disturbing to the patients’ family members.Slater states â€Å" Heath took patients culled from the back wards of Louisiana’s mental hospitals, slit open their skulls , and dropped electrodes down deep inside them . With the use of a handheld stimulator , Heath discovered that electrodes placed in the hippocampus, the thalamus, or the tegmentum could produce states of rage or fear , while electrodes placed in the brain’s septal area and part of the amygdala could produce feelings of pleasure†(235). Evidently, the language used in this quote is visual and does not sound pleasurable.These procedures are seen as immoral and unethical by many patients and the public. To a certain extent the procedures of some experiments are unconscionable . Nonetheless, this paved a way for new science discoveries and benefited millions. Belkins’ story takes this issue a little lighter than Slaters’. The mothers of Henry and Molly underwent the process of in-vitro fertilization every other month to try and conceive a newborn child. It was necessary to impregnate a child with a matching tissue type. In spite of this hectic procedure , the mothers did not mind it .Even though the process affected their health and reproductivity , they still followed the doctors recommendation . They flew out to different clinics in different states to find a solution. Belkin states â€Å" Lisa spent all 1999 trying to defy the odds. In January she produced 12 eggs, 2 of which were healthy matches;she became pregnant , then miscarried. In June she produced only four eggs , one of which was a match but did not result in a pregnancy. In September she produced eight eggs , six of which had Fanconi anemia ; the single health match was implanted , but again, her pregnancy test was negative†(13).If there is a will there is a way to solve any problem no matter how difficult it is. Lisa , mother of Molly, kept trying and trying until she finally did become pregnant. This shows that trial and error, despite its vulgar imagery , still has the possibility of bringing positive results and changing someones’ life! Also , as much as doctors know the procedure is harmful in some way to the body, they also know there is a way of rejuvenating the patients health. These doctors don't see a possibility of â€Å"no†.So why would anyone not allow doctors to have control of our medical lives? Dr. Wagner states â€Å" I’m here as the patients advocate , meaning Molly and Henry and all the other children in need of t ransplants . It is my obligation to push the envelope because I see how bad the other side can be . I see the results of a sibling transplant;they’re the easiest transplant to do†(7). It is clear that doctors see potential way more than the patients and the families. They should be trusted even if the procedure involves surpassing boundaries and limits .When these limits are exceeded and pushed to its fullest potential results like saving Molly’s life occur . Belkin states â€Å" In the end , Molly’s life was saved. That is the Nashes’ answer to people who question their right to manipulate nature . Their right springs form the difference between 30 percent and 85 percent ;the difference between Molly and Henry. That is also their answer to those who would urge the government to ban all embryo research because it harms unborn children . The research , they say ,saves children like Molly†(17).Not only is it proven that the government is an obs tacle in terms of funding research , but also the doctor here jeopardizes his own job . Ultimately , medical technology is a very brittle topic to discuss in terms of who controls it. Governments’ part to play is to fund the doctors who are guaranteed to establish new science . As far as the essays and my personal opinion goes , doctors are the ones to be given control . They should be able to regulate medical devices . With their recognizable knowledge and perpetual background, it is safe to rely on doctors with your eyes closed.

Blood bank management system Essay

1. Introductions BLOOD BANK MANAGEMENT is a software application to maintain day to day transactions in a blood bank. This software help to register all the donors, Blood collection details, blood issued details etc. Blood banks collect, store, and provide blood. Typically, these banks collect blood from voluntary blood donors. The banks then sort blood by type, check blood to  make sure it is free of disease and then store it for future use. The main mission of a blood bank is to provide life-saving blood to hospitals and other health care facilities. Blood cannot be created by any means, it can only be collected from the Humans i.e. donors. A blood bank is a bank of blood or blood components, gathered as a result of blood donation, stored and preserved for later use in blood transfusion..to satisfy blood necessity, to buy, sale and stock. 1.1 Purpose Online Blood Bank is aims serving for human welfare. We have all the information, you will ever need. Many people are here for you, to help you, willing to donate blood for you anytime. We have done the entire job, rest is yours. Search the blood group you need. You can help us by registering on Online Blood Bank if you are willing to donate your blood when needed. As a proud member of Blood Bank and a responsible human being, you can help someone in need. So donate blood in online. 1.2 Scope Blood Bank is aims serving for human welfare. We have all the information, you will ever need. Many people are here for you, to help you, willing to donate blood for you anytime. We have done the entire job, rest is yours. Search the blood group you need. You can help us by registering on Online Blood Bank if you are willing to donate your blood when needed. As a proud member of Online Blood Bank and a responsible human being, you can help someone in need. So donate blood in bank. In this project mainly 3 modules are there. 1. Admin 2. Donor 3. Acceptors 1. Admin: This module focuses on the both donors & acceptors. Each member in a donor & acceptor is given a user id and password, which identifies him  uniquely. The member is given a login form. he enters the login details user id and password. .. The options given to †¢ Maintain donor details †¢ Maintain referral once †¢ Update donor details †¢ View Experiences †¢ Logout Change Password Whenever a user wants to change his / her password he can select the change password option. The system displays the form, which asks him for his old password and new password. The system then compares the old password with the existing password in the database†¦ 2. Donor: Each member in a Donor is given a user id and password, which identifies him uniquely. The member is given a login form. he enters the login details user id and password. .. The options given to a each member in a staff are Change password Find a Blood group Why donate blood who needs blood Find a Donor Refer a friend Logout 3. Acceptor: In this you can store the information about Acceptors. Change password Find a blood group. Who needs blood Logout? Software requirements: Operating System: Windows XP Front End: NET (Active Server Pages, Visual basic ,Java Script) Back end : Sql Server Hardware requirements : MINIMUM P-IV SYSTEM 512 RAM 40 GB HDD 1.3Definitions Donor The person who donate the blood Accepter The person who accepts the blood Transfusion An act of transfusing donated blood, blood products, or other fluid into the circulatory system of a person or animal. 1.4References http://www.bharatbloodbank.com http://www.lionsbloodbank.net/ 1.5 Overview The first section tells about introduction of blood bank management system and its scope. The remaining sections of this document provide a general description, including characteristics of the users of this project, the product’s hardware, and the functional and data requirements of the product. General description of the project is discussed in section 2 of this document. Section 3 gives the functional requirements, data requirements and constraints and assumptions made while designing the E-Store. It also gives the user viewpoint of product. Section 3 also gives the specific requirements of the product. Section 3 also discusses the external interface requirements and gives detailed description of functional requirements. Section 4 is for supporting information. Now the description of SRS is follow:- Section 1. 1.Introduction 1.1 Purpose 1.2 Scope 1.3 Definitions 1.4 References 1.5 Overview Section 2. 2.Overall Description 2.1 Product Perspective 2.2 Product Functions 2.3 User Characteristics 2.4 Constraints Section 3. 3. Specific Requirements 3.1 External Interfaces 3.2 Functions 3.3 Performance Requirements 3.4 Logical Database Requirements 3.5 Design Constraints 3.6 Assumptions and Dependencies