Sub-Cultures within the Latino Culture in America

There are many different cultures and people from different ethnic backgrounds throughout all of the United States. We have many different people that migrated here from all types of countries and from all of the continents. The main culture I will be talking about today in my interviews is the Mexican culture. The Latino culture contains many sub cultures including many South American countries and Central America. This will be an in depth interview of Mexican culture, but it is only a small fraction compared to the amount of different cultures we have in our country today.The first person that I interviewed was my girlfriend, Amarise Christine Morales. Amarise was born in Tulare, Ca, but has lived in Fresno, Ca most of her life. Her family originated from Guadalajara, Mx. She says her family has many traditions for different types of events or purposes. For example, every New Years her abuela will cook a big 5 gallon pot of menudo. Every Christmas Eve her family will get together a nd make tamales for the holidays. â€Å"It’s a very fun time with the family and we all stay up late eating and opening presents† said Amarise.On Christmas Eve it’s a tradition for them to go to Midnight Mass and afterwards they open up their gifts. â€Å"One thing that’s easy to notice about my family, we all speak Spanish† said Amarise. â€Å"If you’re around my family and you want to speak to my grandparents, you must speak to them in Spanish. If you do not, its kind of like insulting to them. † Church is also a major tradition in Mexican Culture. Amarise was baptized when she an infant. She made her communion when she was in the fourth, her family was very proud. She then continued to make her confirmation in her early teenage years.This made her grandparents even more proud of her and showed her obedience to Jesus El Padre. When Amarise turned 15 years old she had a quinceyera. She says it was her favorite birthday out of them al l. She had a huge party at a hall with her friends and cousins in the quince. They were all dressed so nice and formal, and Amarise had a beautiful turquoise dress that her Abuelita had bought for her. Over 150 people attended and she had received many gifts and lots of money. One thing that she kept saying was that there are no better fiestas than a Mexican fiesta.She describes her family get togethers with lots of food and appetizers like chips and salsa, guacamole, and drinks like horchata. They love barbequing for the days when their favorite soccer team, Chivas, play on tv. During Christmas time a week before the 25th, her family will take a trip to Mexico to visit her great grandpa. Usually the family will come back after Christmas, but her Abuela will stay until February. Her great grandpa passed away about 6 months ago at the age of 95. He was a great man that owned his own dairy in Mexico, he left his dairy and all his belongings to all of his kids.Amarise’s Abuela e nded up receiving all of the livestock and she sold them to another dairy in Mexico for well over $200,000. I asked Amarise about any folk tales or scary stories she used to hear as a kid and she told me about three main ones. First was the Chupacabra, which is a made up legend about a weird animal that is mixed species and it kills livestock and sucks their blood dry. I’ve also heard of this story when I was child so it wasn’t knew hearing it. Another story was about the llorona, which meant the lady that cries.She was a lady that drowned her children in a river, and whenever Amarise went camping she said her older cousin would always tease her and scare her about it. The last urban legend was the Cocui, which was the Mexican Boogey Man that lived under your closet and bed. All of these are Mexican stories and folktale that many familes pass on. The second person I interviewed was Amarise’s grandmother, Maria Guadalupe Carpio Morales. I had to have Amarise tran slate our questions and answers because my Spanish isn’t fluent enough. Maria Morales was born in Guadalajara Mexico on May 25th 1945.Her mother Sophia and father Carlos Carpio lived on a 50 acre ranch in Guadalajara, Mexico. They owned their own dairy farm and sold many goods such as livestock, dairy products such as milk, cheese, and butter. Maria’s mother Sophia died when she was a young child at the age of 10 years old. It was devastating but their family of eight kept strong and continued to survive. When Maria was 14 her family decided for them to have a better life then they should come to America. He wanted his children and their children to have more opportunities than he did. So their brothers and sisters ended up getting heir legal papers in Mexico, and then drove across the boarder for a long trip to Stockton, California.Her father stayed in Guadalajara to manage the family business with her oldest sister Sophia, named after her mother. That summer Maria an d her brothers and sisters started working in the fields in Stockton. Maria’s job was packing fruit like apricots, peaches, strawberries and all other types of fruits and vegetables. She also did a lot of the harvesting at Beacon’s Island. To Maria, Mexican culture revolves all around your family, morals, and traditions and religion. You have to be proud of where you come from, Mexican culture is about being proud of who you are† said Maria. â€Å"My Father taught all of my brothers and sisters to look out for one another because with out family you have nothing. † Ever since Maria born her family has been very religious. She was baptized in a church is Guadalajara, but she does not recall the name of it. She has been a practicing Catholic woman since all she can remember. Every Saturday even until this very day she attends mass at 6:45pm to 7:30pm. She refers to Jesus as Mi Padre Jesus.There are many traditions that Maria has in her life and that she has taught to her family. When a person dies she prays the Rosery prayer to the Virgin Mary for nights in a row to essentially pray that persons soul into heaven. She also practices lint, which is 40 days before Easter Sunday when Jesus walked 40 days and 40 nights without eating anything. So on Ash Wednesday she gives up something that’s valuable to her, but she did not tell us what that was. She said its not good to flaunt what you given up because its disrespectful to who your doing it for, Jesus.During Lent Season to avoid eating meat on Fridays Maria will cook either fish, like ceviche or shrimp to substitute for the meat. She loves making shrimp cocktail as well as her kids and grandkids. The only time she ever worked was in the fields. Later on in life she moved to Los Angeles with her sisters. It was there where she met Elano Morales, her husband until this day. She stopped working once they became married to raise a family and take care of her three children. One of thos e children was Carlos Morales, the first generation to be born here in the United States.He is the father of Amarise who I earlier had interviewed. Maria now lives in Tulare, CA with her husband and some relatives. She continues to pass on the traditions and morals that were passed onto her and only hopes that her grandchildren will continue to her families story. I learned many new things about Mexican culture when interviewing my girlfriend and her grandmother. But I also realized that I wasn’t much different from them. A lot of these things I have already heard of or learned about. For example, all the folklore and scary stories were stories my grandparents told me.Another thing that is similar is that my grandparents also worked in the fields when they were young. This shows me that everyone’s connected in a way and we know more about one another than we thought. Even though we all come from many different backgrounds, there are many similarities. I believe that th is assignment made me a better person and less judgmental of people that do not know how to speak English, regardless of their race. This project really opened me up to new ideas and showed me a different side to the word culture and what it means to Latinos and Latinas.

Hospitality Human Resources Management Essay

In organisations today, the scope of human resource management is vast but there are three main functions that human resource management is comprised of – strategies, plans, practices, processes and policies; attract, manage, develop and reward; and contributing to the overall performance of the organisation. Throughout this literature review the different approaches that various authors take when outlining the what activities, tasks and functions contribute to the role of an human resources manager in organisations will be discussed as well as the features that are unique to the industry and affect the role of human resources manager in hospitality. I will also make an executive suggestion as to which human resource approach I feel is the most appropriate for organisations in the hospitality industry from the readings used in this literature review. The main sources that will be referenced in this literature review include Rudman (2010), Armstrong (2006), Baum (2007) and Fà ¡ilte Ireland (2005). Human resource management is an important role within organisations and businesses which focuses closely on both the recruitment and the overall management of employees within organisations and businesses. It is a strategic approach when it comes to managing people in the work place and works to create, as well as reinforce, a work environment that is positive for organisations employees. (Heathfield, 2013). When recruiting new employees, the human resource managers of organisations look for candidates who are highly experienced in the organisations field, possess a wide variety of skills that can be applied within the organisation, and have a positive working attitude and good work ethics which they will apply to the organisation or business. Human resources management is the control of an organisation’s employees; according to Rouse (2011) an organisation’s human resources management department is in charge of creating, implementing and overseeing all policies that ar e to do with the behaviour of the organisation’s employees as well as the organisation’s behaviour towards the employees. Human resources management can be defined in many different ways and everyone  has a different view on what human resources management is comprised of. It is said that up until the 1980’s human resources management was known as personnel management, and making the change from personnel management to human resources management offered organisations a new beginning. It offered organisations new beginnings as human resources management, according to Rudman (2010), is based on three key aspects; commitment and engagement, integration and fit, and flexibility and adaptability. As human resources management can be defined in various ways it is apparent that authors will have different views on what human resources management is as well as what the tasks and activities are that make up the role of a human resources manager in organisations. The roles and functions of a human resources manager are viewed differently by organisations but all organisations do have a human resources function whether they openly recognise it or not. Human resources management uses a human resources system as a means to operate. This human resources systems amalgamates the philosophies, strategies, policies, processes, practices and programmes of human resources management. (Armstrong, 2006). Armstrong’s (2006) human resources management activities model, which was based on Becker and Gehart’s (1996) human resources management model, views the role of the human resources manager in organisations to comprise of ten key components. The ten key components of Armstrong’s (2006) human resources management activities model include organisation, an employment relationship, resourcing, performance management, the development of human resources, reward management, employee relations, health and safety, welfare services as well as employment and human resource services. These ten, supposed, key components of the human resources management activities model can also be matched to a human resources model Armstrong (2006) claims. This human resources model shows that human resources and the structure that an organisation is built on should be managed in a way that harmonises them strategically. It is also said that there is a human resources cycle which is made up of four functions that are generically performed in all organisations. These functions include selection, appraisal, rewards and development according to Armstrong (2006) who believes that the human resources cycle starts with selection, then goes on to appraisal – or  performance management which it is also known as – before splitting off into two sections, rewards and development, before finishing the cycle with performance. This model and matching human resources cycle explain human resources management in a way that appears to cover every aspect of it simply and effectively . Where Armstrong’s (2006) human resources management model talks about there being ten key components of human resources management and are simple, Rudman (2010) goes into more detail when defining the scope of human resources management. Rudman (2010) said that the scope of human resources management is influenced by how big, or small, an organisation is along with other characteristics and it â€Å"†¦covers everything an organisation does to attract, manage, develop and reward†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (p. 8) employees who help the organisation achieve its goals. This scope of human resources management means that Rudman (2010) see the role of a human resources manager as consisting of activities, but he also talks about there being five main elements when it comes to human resources management. The five elements that Rudman (2010) suggests are the core elements that make up human resources management are staffing the organisation, managing people and performance, developing people and performance, rewarding people and performance, and managing employment relations. Staffing the organisation works towards attracting and acquiring any of the human resources that an organisation needs in order to achieve the organisation’s goals while managing employment relations aims to balance both the interests of the employers and their employees so that the organisation can work to achieve their goals. When an organisation manages people and performance it encourages their employee’s contribution and commitment to both the organisation and the organisation’s overall performance while developing people and performance ensures that the organisation’s employees have the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies that are required for the present performance and future performance of the organisation. When organisations reward people and performance it influences the behaviour and performance of the organisation’s employees by encouraging them with future contributions as well as recognising their past achievements. These fiv e core elements make up what Rudman (2010) believes to be the scope of human resources  management. While Rudman (2010) suggests that there are five elements that make up the scope of human resources management, and Armstrong (2006) claims that there are ten key components that comprise to make up his human resources management activities model which has a complementary matching human resources management model; there are many other perspectives when it comes to discussing what makes up the role of a human resources manager. Another perspective is that of Baum (2007) who suggests that there are eight aspects that combine together to make up what the role of a human resources manager involves. Baum’s (2007) views on what human resources management is good practice is adapted from Fà ¡ilte Ireland (2005) model of what good practice in human resources management is. The eight aspects that Baum (2007) and Fà ¡ilte Ireland (2005) suggest are activities that contribute to what a human resources managers role is are flexibility, participation, performance management, recognition, reward, communication, learning and development, and empowerment. A human resources manager needs to be flexible according to Baum (2007) because they need to ensure that the organisation can match their demands with the availability of their staff whilst recognising the employee’s work-life balance also needs to be managed. Performance management is an important aspect of a human resources managers role according to Baum (2007) as carrying out regular staff performance reviews within organisations will ensure that both individual performance and team performance is being delivered to the standard of the organisation leads to rewards and recognition, two aspects that Baum suggests are important. Ensuring that employee’s good efforts are recognised within their peer group and are celebrated will ensure that employees continue working to the same standard so that they can gain either monetary or non-monetary rewards. Learning and development is also important when it comes to the role of a human resources manager as having access to both on-site and off-site courses and learning opportunities for employee’s ensures that employee’s work is up to standard and they are up to date and speed with what they are required to do for the organisation to achieve their goals. Developing, managing and rewarding people and performance appear to be  common, and important, functions of what a human resources manager role consists of according to Baum (2007), Fà ¡ilte Ireland (2005), Rudman (2010) and Armstrong (2006) human resources management activities models. The three models that have been discussed all have similar functions but Armstrong’s (2006) seems to cover every aspect of what I think human resources management entails in a more in-depth way compared to how Rudman (2006) explains it. However, each model is specific and suggest what they see as the most important functions of human resources management and activities of a human resources manager. In the hospitality industry human resources management departments are often considered, and talked about being, a cost center. A cost center is a function in an organisation that does not produce any direct profit but adds to the overall cost of running an organisation. Human resources management is considered a cost center in the hospitality industry as measuring the outcomes of human resources management efforts is not always clear to see and the same goes for the results of managing employees. Many hospitality organisation’s face challenges including the business environment continuously changing rapidly, increasing competition and changing customer demands but the changing technologies of today are making it easier for organisations to share information and replicate competing organisation’s work practices and strategies. (Cho, Woods, Jang & Erdem, 2006). Cho et al (2006) found that human resources management issues and challenges are becoming increasingly important to an organisation’s performance where as Becker & Gerhart (1996) have argued that decisions regarding human resources management influence the overall performance of an organisation because human resources management aims to improve the efficiency of organisations as well as increase the revenue of the organisation. A major issue that human resources managers face in the hospitality industry is employee retention as there is a personnel shortage. There is a decrease in the number of teenagers that are available to work in the hospitality industry as the majority of them are looking for jobs that allow them to work nine to five, Monday through Friday and have the weekends off. However, in the hospitality industry this is never the case and, in the vast majority  of cases, employees are required to work over the weekend. Because of this decrease in availability of teenagers wanting to work in the hospitality industry, Bonn & Forbringer (1992) suggested that human resources managers are going to have to explore and develop new target markets and methods when it comes to both attracting and retaining employees. According to Davidson & Wang (2011) jobs in the hospitality industry are being characterised by the levels of labour turnover being quite high with a fair amount of employees leaving their current hospitality jobs for opportunities in different industries. This high labour turnover means that employees are not happy with the work they are doing but, in some conditions, it can also indicate that employee’s cannot reach the unrealistic expectations of the organisation they are working for. However, some other reasons have been known to be the cause of high labour turnover in the hospitality industry and these include; there being a lack of future career opportunities; the job-scope being dissatisfactory; and conflict between management and employees. Human resources managers are required to think of new ideas that will want people to work for their organisation so that there is a low labour turnover. If an organisation has a low labour turnover this means that their employee’s are satisfied with their jobs, they feel both safe and healthy in their work environment, and their work performance is deemed satisfactory from the employer’s perspective which is very important. Being able to attract and retain employee’s in one of the key components that is part of the activities and functions that comprise the role of a human resources manager. There are several different approaches that can be taken when it comes to human resources management; these include hard or soft, best practice, best fit and strategic. Two different approaches of human resources management are hard or soft. These approaches are opposing views on different human natures and control strategies; hard human resources management can be viewed as the basic functions whereas soft human resources is the advanced functions of human resources management. Soft human resources management is all about the self direction of individuals and in the center of the approach to managing people is trust, self-regulated behaviour and commitment. With soft human resources management employees are treated as  the most significant resources within an organisation and it focuses on the employee’s needs, roles, rewards and motivating them. This makes employee’s the greatest asset within an organisation and they are vital to the success of the organisation. Human resources managers ensure that they select the best candidates, provide them with training and development of a high and appropriate quality and are rewarded in regards to their value to the organisation. Whereas hard human resources management focuses on the strategic objectives of the organisation and human resources is treated like an equal function of production. Hard human resources management aims to minimise the cost of labour and make it flexible and people are often referred to as employee’s with this particular approach to human resources management as it reinforces that employee relations can be because of franchising, outsourcing or subcontracting. Strategic human resources is an approach that has a goal to use people in the most effective way in regards to the organisation’s strategic needs. This approach is designed to aid organisations meet their employee’s needs in the best way possible. It requires human resources managers to not only think and plan ahead different ways for the organisation to meet the needs of their employee’s but also ways for the employee’s to meet the needs of the organisation as well. (Becker & Huselid, 2006). Strategic human resources management is having the ability to plan for the employee’s needs as it helps improve and increase the amount of skillful employee’s whom choose to keep working for an organisation. Becker & Huselid (2006) suggest that improving and increasing this amount will reduce labour turnover costs, and the money that organisations would have to spend on attracting and recruiting new employee’s. The best practice approach to human resources management is based on there supposedly being a set of human resources management practices that are best suited and that using these practices will lead to the organisations overall performance being superior to their competitions. It aims to develop employees, increase their level of commitment to the organisation, with the intended outcome to improve the overall performance of organisations and create a competitive advantage that is sustainable. When it comes to this  approach to human resources management, what may work for one specific organisation may not necessarily be the best practice for another organisation as it may not fit the style of management, strategy, or working performance of that organisation. (Armstrong, 2006). Whereas the best fit approach to human resources management works on emphasising the significance that ensuring the human resources strategies are appropriate for the organisation. Human resources managers a re required to take into account bot the needs of the organisation and its employee’s. With this approach it is up to the organisation to decide what works best for them and what will fit their operational and strategic requirements according to Armstrong (2006). The most suitable approach to human resources management in the hospitality industry in my opinion, based on the findings of this literature review, is the best practice approach. This is because this approach aims to develop employee’s, increase their level of commitment to the organisation, and have an outcome that improves the overall performance of the organisation. When working in the hospitality industry it is important to attract and recruit the people best suited for the organisation and adopting this approach to human resources management it will ensure that the commitment of employee’s is enhanced and improved which, in turn, improves the overall performance of the organisation. There are a range of human resources practices that are significant to organisations when trying to attract and retain employee’s who will constantly deliver service of a high quality. These practices include selection and recruitment, teamwork, retention, training and developme nt, appraisals and rewards, and employee relations and they are all important to the human resources management in the hospitality industry. References Armstrong, M. (2006). A handbook of human resource management practice, 10th ed. London: Kogan Page. Baum, T. (2007). Human resources in tourism: Still waiting for change. Tourism Management, 28(6), 1383-1399. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/science/article/pii /S0261517707001033 Becker, B & Gerhart, B. (1996). The impact of human resource management on organisational performance: Progress and prospects. Academy of management journal, 39(4), 779-801. Becker, B. E., & Huselid, M. A. (2006). Strategic human resources management: Where do we go from here?. Journal of Management, 32(6), 898-925. doi: 10.1177/0149206306293668 Bonn, M. A., & Forbringer, L. R. (1992). Reducing turnover in the hospitality industry: an overview of recruitment, selection and retention. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 11(1), 47-63. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezproxy.aut.ac.nz/science/article/pii/ 027843199290035T Cho, S., Woods, R. H., Jang, S., & Erdem, M. (2006). Measuring the impact of human resource management practices on hospitality firms’ performances. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 25(2), 262-277. Davidson, M. C. G., & Wang, Y. (2011). Sustainable labor practices? hotel human resource managers views on turnover and skill shortages. Journal of Human Resources in Hospitality & Tour, 10(3), 235-253. doi: 10.1080/15332845.2011.555731 Druker, J., White, G., Hegewisch, A. & Mayne, L. (1996). Between hard and soft hrm: Human resource management in the construction industry. Construction management and economics, 14(5), 405-416. doi: 10.1080/014461996373278 Fà ¡ilte Ireland. (2005). A human resource development strategy for irish tourism: Competing through people. Retrieved from http://torc.linkbc.ca/torc/downs1/Strategy%20for%20Irish%20Tourism%5b1%5d.pdf Heathfield, S. M. (2013). What is human resource management?. Retrieved from http://humanresources.about.com/od/g lossaryh/f/hr_management.htm Nickson, D. (2007). Human resource management for the hospitality and tourism industries. (1st ed.). Boston, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann. O’Neill, J. W., & Davis, K. (2011). Work stress and well-being in the hotel industry. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 30(2), 385–390. doi:10.1016/j.ijhm.2010.07.007 Rouse, M. (2007). What is cost center? Retrieved from http://searchcrm.techtarget.com/definition/cost-center Rouse, M. (2011). What is human resource management (hrm)?. Retrieved from http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/human-resource-management-HRM Rudman, R. (2010). Human resources management in new zealand (5th ed.).

North Korea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

North Korea - Essay Example Either way, the result is likely designed to benefit fulfill the interests of the nation in the economic or military front. Liberalism on the other hand can be loosely defined as individual freedom; an ideology stems from the belief that humans inherently are good-natured. Its core values stress on individualism, human rights the right to equal treatment and universal protection of the law without discrimination. From this definition, it is easy to understand why the theory will be hard to inculcate into the Korean, more so, North Korean situation. Firstly, the country is a dictatorship and by virtue of that fact, it means that the ideas of freedom in the convectional democratic sense are not manifested in the governance style. In addition, the leaders have displayed extreme aggressiveness and a determination to go against nearly all the tenets of liberalism both on a local and international scale. North Korea recently threatened to launch a nuclear offensive at the United States of America South Korea and Japan after the US commenced military drills in South Korea (Jack and Louis, 2013). The drills in South were declared an act of war and consequently the North scrapped the armistice treaty that had ended the war between the two nations in the 50s (Park, 2013). It has threatened to strike in the heart of America, which it deem to be about to conduct a nuclear strike as well, that is being used to justify North Koreas irrational action. This begs the question; why is there so much friction between America and North Korea, from a realistic perspective, North Korea likely sees America as a potential threat to its sovereignty and continued independence and freedom. This is evidenced in the fact that whenever the leaders discuss their neighbors South Korea, they use the expression a puppet for the Americans. To the leaders up North, there is no difference between being â€Å"colonized† and co-operating with the American government, in this respect their aggr essiveness towards America can be viewed in terms of their wish to protect their self-interest. Herein emerges the key difference between a realist and liberal understanding of the issue, a liberal mind would assume that peace and cooperation are acceptable if it benefits ones country. Considering the current state of the North Koreas economy, it is beyond any doubt that they stand to gain a lot from co-operating with the international community, that way they can be able to trade freely without the burden of sanctions. The security of America has been continuously threatened by the North Korean, as such (Suri, 2013) their heavy presence in South Korea and is strategic in order to ensure it protects itself and its allies. These moves are interpreted by the Northern side as being potential for war and thus each side in their attempt to safeguard their interests in an environment of mutual distrust fuel the ensuing conflict. It has also been postulated that Koreas aggressiveness is a means of blackmailing the world into sympathizing and giving them the aid they so badly need especially in view of the severe sanctions imposed by the international community. According to Lankov, the North’s main reason for its belligerent statements is not an intention for war but a means of reminding the world that it exists (Lankov, 2013). They will only be able to blackmail believably

Short answers for the communication class Essay

Short answers for the communication class - Essay Example I will also use information from winemaking books. For the second and third essays, I will use Google Scholar and online library databases. I will use academic articles for â€Å"What Happens to the Brain When It Is in Love† because it involves credible evidence. For my visual aids, I will use pictures of materials needed and the stages of making wine for the first topic. For the second topic, I will use pictures of the brain and illustration tables or diagrams. For the third topic, I will use tables or diagrams. 2. How would you rate your Informative Presentation? What were things you did well? What were things you would improve? Be specific in your responses. I would rate my Informative Presentation based on the effectiveness of my hook in the introduction, the sensibility of the conclusion, the clarity of explanation for steps/stages, good grammar, spelling, and other writing mechanics, good transition sentences, proper delivery with the right use of voice and gestures, and a strong thesis. I did well in the content of my presentation, as well as my paralanguage. I explained the steps well, in a way that is engaging and helped my audience understand the steps. I also used good language that will be comprehensible to my audience. I employed proper grammar and word choices. I made to sure to have a topic and content that will keep my audience interested. Furthermore, my paralanguage did not distract my audience from my speech. I used proper pauses and other voice effects that will keep my audience on track on what I am saying and what I plan to say next. 3. What is meant by the term "paralanguage?" Is it important in delivering an effective speech? Why or why not? Paralanguage involves vocal communication that does not include actual words (Wood 137). It is made of sounds such as murmurs and pauses, as well as vocal qualities, such as volume, rhythm, pitch, and inflection (Wood 137). Paralanguage refer to the vocal cues that help the audience understand what we mean when we say something. It includes feelings that layer another meaning on vocal words. Paralanguage is important in an effective speech because it helps others interpret what speakers are saying. For example, a sentence can seem like a joke or a threat, depending on how I said it. In addition, effective speakers are experts in modulating their volume, rhythm, pitch, and inflection to engage their audiences and to keep them interested in the entire speech (Wood 137). Furthermore, paralanguage can exhibit the identity of the speaker. It can say something about their gender and culture, which are important aspects of ethos, when discussing a topic that is relevant to their sexual orientation or culture. 4. What are your top three topic ideas for the upcoming Persuasive Presentation? Are they questions of fact, value, or policy? Which method of organization do you intend to use? Where do you plan to get your research information? What will you use for a visual aid? My top three topic ideas for the upcoming Persuasive Presentation are: 1) â€Å"Our children Are Overmedicated,† 2) â€Å"We Would Benefit from Learning a Third Language,† and 3) â€Å"High School Students Should Volunteer as Part of Their

Lack of Funds Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Lack of Funds - Research Paper Example The article emphasizes how limited funding affects public prison staffs in various ways. Their training is limited leading to a lack of morale and maturity among them. The low benefits and minimum supplies to manage such a huge group of criminals make them irritable and unfriendly towards the inmates. The Bureau of Justice Assistance conducted an elaborate study on the topic "Emerging Issues on Privatized Prisons". Corrections department isn’t the only one facing the minimal funding issue. The global economic stagnation has led to severe cost cuts for most of the state departments and the prisons are no exception. Both the private and the public prisons face similar issues according to the articles. The first article underlines the problems faced by the prison officers because of limited funding. Gary emphasizes how this forces the officers to manage with what little they have caused severe unease among the inmates. Gary indicates most of the prisoners have developed their lit igation skills in their idle time. They have very little to do other than indulge in dominance fights. Forcing too many prisoners in a small place and making them share limited resources take a toll on their already altered ego, paving way for many mental and physical issues. The prison officers, on the other hand, do not have any special training to handle such inmates with special needs. All over the world, the age of the prison inmates is increasing rapidly owing to the slow judicial process. There is no proper infrastructure to equip the needs of the elderly in the prisons. The actual training given to the prison officers is reduced to save costs leaving them with little or no knowledge on how to handle problematic prisoners.

European Competition Law - The Market for Industrial Filters Essay

European Competition Law - The Market for Industrial Filters - Essay Example From their study of the documents and as a result of interviews conducted with representatives of the manufacturers in question, the Commission is of the opinion that a number of actions taken in concert by manufacturers of industrial filters in the European Union are in breach of current Competition Law, with particular reference to Articles 81(a)1 and 822. We have been asked by the Commission to study the facts and evidence relating to the case in question and, after careful consideration and research, to advise them on the relevance of such issues in respect of their breaches of the European Unions Competition Laws. In the preparation of this report, we have studied the information in hand and undertaken extensive research, including reference to other relevant Competition cases. Our conclusion, outlined in depth within the main body of this report, is that there is reasonable evidence to confirm that the manufacturers of Industrial Filters have taken action in concert to artificially influence the market and that such action is in contravention of current Competition Law. We have been presented with all of the evidence that has been collected and collated by the Competition Director, where they are investigating the possible breach of EU Competition Laws by the manufacturers of Industrial Filters. In our opinion, there are two main issues to be addressed in reaching constructive conclusions within this report. 1) Does the combination of all the undertakings3 in this event represent a dominant force within the industry in which they operate? 2) Have the same undertakings, arriving at decisions made jointly between them, abused their dominant position and conducted themselves in a way which may affect4 the objectives of free trade within the EU and its member states and, by doing so, committed breaches of the EU’s Competition laws and In what specific areas of the Articles have such breaches manifested themselves? There are a number of  different and varied categories of undertakings as defined within Articles 81 and 82.  Ã‚  

International Sustainable Tourism Management 2 Essay

International Sustainable Tourism Management 2 - Essay Example Current paper focuses on a particular form of tourism, the community based tourism as developed in countries internationally. Agencies and the local communities have extensively supported the particular type of tourism; however, its effectiveness is often doubted. The level of effectiveness of community-based tourism worldwide is the main subject of this paper; reference is also made to issues related to the above subject – as the types and the scope of community based tourism but also the challenges that this form of tourism faces in countries globally. 2. Community based tourism – main aspects In order to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of community based tourism it would be necessary to understand primarily the context of this form of tourism – a form that is standardized internationally. In accordance with a relevant report, the community-based tourism can be characterized as ‘the form of tourism in which local residents (often rural, poor and e conomically marginalised) invite tourists to visit their communities with the provision of overnight accommodation’ (Responsible Travel, 2011). ... rily separately for each visitor, a community-based telephone would be adequate) but also an accommodation that has certain standards (meaning the conditions of living that do not put the health of the visitors in risk), c) travelers need to be aware of the challenges of the particular form of tourism; in the context of community-based tourism visitors are expected to support people in the local community; it is meant that visitors will be possibly asked to be involved in tasks related to ‘the protection of the environment or of the cultural heritage’ (Sustainable Tourism, 2001). The relationship between the community-based tourism and specific social obligations, mostly the protection of the environment is emphasized in the study of Byrd (2007) who noted that ‘sustainability has become an important topic and concept in relation to tourism planning and development’ (Byrd 2007, 6); however, the participation of the stakeholders in the relevant projects is set by Byrd as a prerequisite for their success (Byrd 2007). The concept of the community-based tourism is explained in the literature using various approaches; in accordance with Beeton (2006) the community-based tourism focuses on ‘the creation of a more sustainable tourism industry, focusing on the host community in terms of planning and maintaining tourism development’ (Beeton 3006, 50). On the other hand, Spenceley (2008) refers to the community – based tourism as a tool for promoting sustainability but also ‘for achieving various socio-economic benefits’ (Spenceley 2008, 310) – it is assumed that reference is made to the economic developing of the local communities that support the relevant activities. From another point of view, Moscardo (2008) note that the development of the community-based

The structure of interviews Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The structure of interviews - Essay Example In the prediction of job’s performance, a structured interview is preferred over unstructured one. Moreover, a structured interview bases the information derived from the interviews on merit. Therefore, a structured interview is less subject to bias, legally defensible, more reliable, and more accurate (Nickas & Bovier, 2008). The realization of the potential of the structured interview requires an attention of the stages during the interview process. The steps cover its development, then implementation and finally, evaluation. A structured form of the interview always involves planning. The process involves questions that are organized, thorough in the analysis of the key requirements and a given merit criteria that is expected to job performance. The same type of questions applies to all candidates, and their responses standardized using a predetermined scheme of rating. Such measures help to give a clear link between the performance of the job and the performance during the interview process. It therefore, minimizes the personal bias during the process (Farago, 2010). As the questions link to the job competencies, the candidate is more likely to bring out their performance on-the-job. Therefore, the process predicts accurately on the performance of the candidate. Moreover, using structured means gives the interview process a legal defensibility. For example, the courts often scrutinize on the consistency, job relatedness and the objectivity of the interview process. Therefore, its procedural rigor makes it a more formal process (Nickas & Bovier, 2008). A structured interview enhances an equal opportunity and objectivity of work. The candidates respond to the same type of questions, giving a fair assessment. Assessing the candidate’s responses to the relevant criteria gives each candidate an opportunity to show their qualifications. In harmony, by interviewing the candidates by an interview board ensures objectivity as it reaches a

Homework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 30

Homework - Essay Example The incident that included not seeing birds when they were there all along stems from the inability to completely focus that could have helped in watching the organisms in the tree. The being analyzed work is discussing a reality that humans tend to see what they cardinally expect to see and therefore, they do that anyway. In a mental hospital a man was seeing eight fingers instead for four because he is willing to do that. However, the perception of the humans do not change the reality but does so with one’s life as individuals are significantly noticed to base their decisions in life on their judgments which are dependent on their perception. In this way, humans create their own reality and very few of them are able to know what actually lies out there. The actual knowledge can be gathered with the help of following logic and realistic thinking and have you ever used them in order to find out the reality of the

Riverview Regional Medical Center Research Paper

Riverview Regional Medical Center - Research Paper Example takeholders are impacted by revenue losses, such as with the closing of the Women’s Pavilion dedicated to obstetrics, that impact potential job security. Another group of stakeholders are the nurses that must now comply with the Nurses First philosophy of patient care. Nursing proficiency and visibility as a primary point of contact now makes them responsible for enhancing (or hindering) brand reputation. Job role changes impact issues such as motivation and performance when compliance to change practices is demanded internally. The Federal government represents yet another stakeholder involved with RRMC. Changing or otherwise deteriorating economic conditions pose a risk to RRMC for revenue production in the event that Federal allocations are slashed to fulfill budget needs. Since the Federal government gains taxation revenues from successful business models, this branch of the government has a vested interest in sustainability for RRMC. Shareholders holding common stock in Health Management Associates are also important stakeholders. Stock issuance and valuation represent potential funding opportunities to improve operations, engage in strategic expansion, or procure important service-related assets. Therefore, operational efficiency and strategy development will greatly impact the financial portfolios of these stakeholders. Currently, stock value of HMA is only $10.55 per share (Yahoo! Finance, 2013). Finally, a sixth stakeholder at RRMC is William J. Schoen, the chairman of the board at the facility. This position is regulated by corporate governance laws related to ethical and moral businesses and those outlined in the Sarbanes Oxley Act. Schoen is an accountability figure in the event of improper business practices and must also answer to shareholder inquiries about managerial performance and strategic direction. There are risks associated with compliance for this important, highly-visible stakeholder. The most important target market are local

The Seattle Times Essay Example for Free

The Seattle Times Essay In one of the letters sent to the editor of The Seattle Times, one sender wrote â€Å"when someone uses binoculars to spy into his or her neighbor’s home, it is the same as crawling through the grass to peer into a window† as a reaction to the story about women blocking their windows with newspapers so as to keep peering neighbors out (Letters to the Editor: Creepy Couple Should Leave Neighbors Alone). The reaction of the letter-writer is guilty of the fallacy of â€Å"false analogy† wherein spying through binoculars is treated analogously with crawling in the grass in order to peer into a window. It is not valid to treat the use of binoculars for spying and peering into the windows after crawling in the grass as the same simply because these two things are entirely different. Peering into the neighbor’s window is far graver because the person behind the act is guilty of trespassing whereas spying through binoculars does not necessarily imply trespassing. In John McCain’s â€Å"Strategy for Victory in Iraq,† the post states that McCain â€Å"supported sending reinforcements to Iraq to implement a counterinsurgency strategy† at a â€Å"critical moment† when violence was at its peak â€Å"after four years of badly conceived military strategy. † The post then claims that the strategy â€Å"paid-off† in March of 2008 as violence considerably decreased. The post goes on to attack McCain’s presidential rival, Barack Obama, by saying that such â€Å"gains would be lost† if the policy of Obama of â€Å"withdrawing most of our troops† and leaving behind only a â€Å"small strike force† is implemented. The reason being argued to that claim is that Obama’s policy is the same strategy that failed in 2006 (Strategy for Victory in Iraq). Such line of reasoning is guilty of the fallacy of â€Å"questionable cause† or of â€Å"confusing cause and effect. † The fact that the decrease in violence in Iraq came after the counterinsurgency strategy suggested by McCain after 2006 does not necessarily mean that his strategy is ultimately the cause of the decline in violence. Moreover, even if it be granted that McCain’s strategy in the past did succeed and has been the primary reason behind the decline in Iraqi unrest, it is not necessarily true in all cases in all times. Conversely, the withdrawal of troops in Iraq does not necessarily mean that a rise in violence will certainly follow just because of a precedent which does not even clearly establish a firm connection between McCain’s strategies and the decline in Iraqi violence. In one of the blogs in the Los Angeles Times, Michael McGough makes the observation that â€Å"a majority of Americans would be willing to vote for a gay or lesbian candidate† because a recent poll indicates so. The statement is guilty of hasty generalization and appeal to popularity precisely because the author makes the poll as the basis of the general claim that a majority of Americans are willing to elect either a gay or a lesbian politician. Just because a poll with a few thousand of individuals as samples indicates that there are more Americans willing to elect a gay or a lesbian individual than those who do not favor that as far as the size of the sample is concerned does not necessarily hold true for the rest of the America population—a population millions more than the sample size of the poll. Further, just because the proposition is popular for a few thousands does not necessarily mean that it holds true for the majority of the larger American population. Lastly, many advertisements are guilty of the fallacy of â€Å"wishful thinking† since a number of these advertisements portray before the public the image of, say, the physique they should have and that, once buying the product being endorsed, the viewing public will have the same physique and image as the ones endorsing the product. For example, Nike has been advertising their products through the years with the use of athletes as product endorsers. In television advertisements, athlete-endorsers are shown wearing Nike products while performing in their sport. It is as if the viewers are being told that they can be like the athletes if they wear Nike sports products. References Letters to the Editor: Creepy Couple Should Leave Neighbors Alone. (2008). Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://seattletimes. nwsource.com/html/opinion/2008135620_monletters25. html McGough, M. (2008). The Cleaverization of Michelle Obama. Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://opinion. latimes. com/opinionla/2008/08/the-cleaverizat. html Nike Advertising. (2004). Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://xroads. virginia. edu/~CLASS/am483_97/projects/hincker/ad. html Strategy for Victory in Iraq. (2008). Retrieved August 27, 2008, from http://www. johnmccain. com/Informing/Issues/fdeb03a7-30b0-4ece-8e34-4c7ea83f11d8. htm

How Does Steinbeck Present Disadvantaged Characters to Us Essay Example for Free

How Does Steinbeck Present Disadvantaged Characters to Us Essay Steinbeck presents disadvantaged characters to us using a number of techniques. The author does this to encourage us to sympathise and begin to understand the characters, in order to show the problems with prejudice and the various types of it which were endemic in American society in this time. Lennie is firstly presented to us through the author’s use of animal imagery in the description, and the readers first impression of Lennie is how animal like he is when phrases like ‘snorting†¦like a horse’ are used. The author does this to show that Lennie is gentle, like an animal and can be tamed like domestic animals are. It also shows Lennie will only attack on instinct and become violent when he feels threatened or under attack. This is shown when he says ‘I didn’t want no trouble’ showing that he didn’t mean to do any harm and just doesn’t realise his own strength. The author also presents Lennie in this way because animals are innocent and do not have the capacity to act morally or know good from bad. This shows Lennie’s behaviour, when he acts violently, is a result of society as society taunts him until he behaves in this way. Lennie is also presented to the readers as a vulnerable character, through the author’s description of Lennie’s actions, especially after his attack from Curley when he ‘bleated with terror’ and ‘crouched cowering’. This action emphasises his dependence on George as he couldn’t defend himself without George telling him to. His dependence on George is also made totally clear when he says ‘me an’ him goes ever’ place together’ When Lennie panics he starts to loose control and the author presents this to the readers through the structure of the text and Lennie’s dialogue. Lennie’s sentences become short and staccato like when he says phrases such as ‘please don’t’ and ‘now don’t you do that’ showing his evident panic. The readers can also tell that Lennie looses control because the author uses language such as ‘(lennie’s) face was contorted’. The author does this to show Lennie doesn’t mean to kill or hurt and does it out of panic and instinct. This is shown by Lennie himself when he says ‘I done a real bad thing†¦ George’ll be mad’ which shows Lennie realises he can’t control himself and that he has no moral judgement. It also shows Lennie thinks things are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ to him depending on what George will think of him. The author presents Lennie to us, as a disadvantaged character, in the way he has a child’s mind in a mans body. This not only enables us to see the way in which society treats people such as Lennie but it gives us an insight into the feelings of black people as lennie, being socially unaware and childlike, does not realise the social boundries of white people and goes to talk to crooks.

Economic Analysis of Australia

Economic Analysis of Australia Table of Contents (Jump to) Introduction Analyzing Performance of Production Output Performance Trends Measures taken by Government to achieve Economic Performance Labor Market Analysis Unemployment Measure taken by Government to achieve full employment Price Level Analysis Inflation Trend Causes of Inflation Government measures for achievement of Stability in Price Conclusion References Introduction Australian economy has been encountering growth which generally emphasizes on low level from claiming unemployment, holding inflation, and low debt obligation for open and a stable solid monetary framework. For quite a while that is around 2012, Australia has been encountering nonstop monetary development for quite some time calculated as 2 decades which is reportedly increasing with 3.5 percent per year. Various assets and energy demand needs has been increasing with a rapid pace from the developing from Asia and China by working on a practical idea of creating a channel that easily carries on with the purpose of investing interest in the resources and at the same time growing them within the commodity. In this essay, monetary execution also known as economic performance of Australia will analysed and various studies will be carried out to get a deeper knowledge of it. Analyzing Performance of Production Output It has been quite a while during 2013, when the Gross Domestic Product of Australia was reported to be a whooping US $ 1560.60 billion. The quality from claiming Gross Domestic Product over Australia has been known to represent 2.52 % share within the worldwide economy. A normal expansion of about US $ 348 billion was reported in the year i.e. 2004 but it reached an astounding level of $ 1560. 60 in earlier years. Concerned illustrations marked a low reach of US $ 18. 60 billion (Zambrano, 2008). Regardless of the monetary tightness and strictness inside the economy, there is degree to the Gross Domestic Product with raise in additional concerns dealing with an idea of raise in economy with the raise in mineral reserves and its exports. (Fig 1: GDP of Australia 2004- 2013) (Source: Office for National Statistics, 2014) Performance Trends Those economy about Australia need been recognized similarly as a standout amongst the greatest capital economy crosswise over the globe. It need been computed that the Gross Domestic Product for Australia for quite a while in 2013 arrived dependently upon US $ 1. 5 trillion. Those downright riches of Australia need been computed toward US$ 6. 4 trillion. In the quite a while i.e. around 2012, its been distinguished concerning twelfth greatest national economy crosswise over those globe Toward the count about nominal amount of Gross Domestic Product. It may be additionally positioned at seventh rank toward the proper estimation for Gross Domestic Product following settling on alterations clinched alongside PPP. This need been computed similarly as 1. 7 % of the worldwide economy Australia is coming under the mark of rank nineteenth constantly the biggest exporter furthermore shipping over the globe (BBC News, 2014). Those administration segment from claiming Australia dominates the w hole economy of Australia that comprises of 68 percentage of the whole Gross Domestic Product. Those stock trade about Australia that is in Sydney need been positioned toward nine rank crosswise over the globe for admiration to promotion for market. (Fig 2: Australian Exports in the year 2006 across the globe) (Source: Office for National Statistics, 2014) Measures taken by Government to achieve Economic Performance In place to guarantee that economy of Australia sits tight great crosswise over those worldwide economy, legislature need to be been a number for activities to incitement about financial development same time providing for sufficient level for help of the worth of effort surroundings too (Zambrano, 2008). Those administration need presently been keeping tabs upon authorities should work greatly for making previous ventures work furthermore divisions about science and various engineering organization should exist on the check list to furthermore enhance the region in order to make smoother moving towards advancement by performing various tasks and doing certain researches. Labor Market Analysis The background about Australia has been known to remain developing during an unfaltering position for quite a while around the year 2003. The rate from claiming unemployment has been known to setting off by the rate of 6 percent and is continuing to slow down till the present time. (BBC News, 2014). The patterns clinched alongside unemployment from claiming specific states alternately locales might not influence the experience of Labour market crosswise over the whole range about Australia. Sydney should bring more level rate for unemployment in examination for different zones or locales. However, despite the fact that those rate for unemployment need been low Since the time that the end about money related crisis, those unemployment rate for different created nations need aid still easier. This states that there is at present extent for Australia to enhance this rate. Unemployment Unemployment will be a state during which people who need aid eager to worth of effort come up short to search for proper occupations. This may greatly prove to be an unfriendly condition that not only have enormous effect on the lifestyle for people yet it proves to be a hazard on the whole economy also. Clinched alongside attention with those sorts from claiming unemployment, it has been seen that the most of the Australian population dives through issues claiming cyclical unemployment (Rogers, 2013). This hazardous process usually takes place when the whole economy may be at a level of decrement. It may also be caused when there is a decline in the demand of nominal goods that prove to be bringing an increment in the economy. Australia is known to be suffering from confronting issues as big as structural unemployment. Measure taken by Government to achieve full employment For admiration to the issue from claiming unemployment, the legislature of Australia need o produce a frictional arrangement working towards good of the citizens (Bremner, 2007). This specific approach should focus with reducing activities that basically causes diminishment of societies. It can be done by claiming strict qualities for connection with points of interest instead of complaining about unemployment. A centralised data of skilled people and various companies should be made to enhance the job and employment process. This particular idea usage has been proving fruitful to labourers and workers that need aid while searching for occupations to an animated. Price Level Analysis Inflation Trend Those rate of inflation for the year2014 in the second quarter has been computed toward 3 percentage (BBC News, 2014). In the case of Australia, those rate of inflation contributes in the assessment of a fact that the climb in the price of a commodity that has to be beard and paid by a normal purchaser. Products like tobacco and alcohol have seen a price rise in some of the considerable years that have passed. (Fig 3: Inflation Trends in Australia) (Source: Office for National Statistics, 2014) Causes of Inflation The principle foundation behind sudden rise in inflation is because of sudden cost increment in raw petroleum that in the end prompts a value rise in vitality charges and foreign merchandise (Bremner, 2007). Other reasons that had been recognized are basically concerned with expanded costs for import, expansion in the rate of backhanded taxes, and increasing rate of labour toward government Government measures for achievement of Stability in Price There comes a point when there is an event of negative pattern inside inflation, there would possibilities that there will a chance to be a decrease in the trade rates. This is on account of the brokers will start those deal of cash that will prompt a diminishing scenario in the exchange rates. This is the reason why legislature of Australia initiates drifting trade rates that serves for reversing once again the real level from claiming interest. Conclusion The economy of Australia has been experiencing regular growth and featuring low level of unemployment, containing inflation, very low debt of public and a stable and strong financial system. The economy of Australia has been identified as one of the biggest capital economy across the globe. It has been calculated that the GDP of Australia for the year 2013 has reached up to US $ 1.5 trillion. In consideration with the types of unemployment, it has been seen that the Australian population mostly goes through issues of cyclical unemployment. With respect to the issue of unemployment, the government of Australia has generated a frictional policy. References BBC News. (2014). Korean economy growing at fastest rate since 2007. BBC South Korea. Bremner, C. (2007). Top 150 city destinations: South Korea leads the way. Euromonitor International. Office for National Statistics. (2014). Gross Domestic Product: Preliminary Estimate, Q1 2014. Rogers, S. (2013). Deficit, national debt and government borrowing how has it changed since 1946?. The Guardian. Zambrano, J. (2008). World's Most Economically Powerful Cities. Forbes.      Economic Analysis of Australia Economic Analysis of Australia Australia has had a good track record of prudent fiscal policy, strong macroeconomic management and performance, and good financial regulation over the years but most importantly all through the global economic crisis. In fact compared to other OECD countries it’s weathered the current crisis extraordinarily well. In 2012 the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Australia accounted for 2.45% of the world economy at 1520.60 billion US dollars. Since 2008 its economy has grown by 14.3%. If we take a look at Australia’s GDP per capita, the biggest rally is in 2009 if you measure it in US dollars. Where growth since 2007 is 42% compared to 24% using nominal Australian dollars. If we take inflation into account and look at Real GDP, which is a more realistic view as it’s used to define the standard of living; Australia has increased by 5% since 2007. Relative to the UKs decline by 6% during the same period, this is an outstanding result. Growth of Australia GDP per capita (2007=100)    2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Real (A$) 97.4 100.0 100.5 110.1 101.3 102.2 104.1 105.4 Nominal (A$) 93.3 100.0 107.1 107.0 114.0 119.6 121.1 124.4 Nominal (US$) 83.3 100.0 108.8 101.0 125.0 147.2 149.6 142.6 Data source: IMF Australia’s economy is dominated by its services sector, yet its economic success is based on its abundance of agricultural and mineral resources. Mining, including oil and gas, accounts for 60% of Australia’s exports and over 10% of its Gross Domestic Product. Source: Australian Government, Dept. of foreign affairs Australia’s close proximity to China and its strong demand for commodities has also helped with the mining sectors rapid growth in the last 10 years. The expansion in the mining sector has had a knock on effect to other related sectors which have grown rapidly on the back of it mining equipment, technology and services (METS), education exports, construction and financial services. Australia’s terms of trade rose to an historic high in to 2011 mainly due to high global prices for its exports such as Iron ore and coal. Australia acknowledges and it’s been well documented that the mining boom is over its peak and mining related investment is expected to fall dramatically. Therefore, Australia is building a sophisticated services export, converting its natural advantages in mining and agriculture into a wider knowledge-based, diversified and service-oriented economy. Although some sectors unrelated to mining have struggled with Australia’s strong exchange rate, unemployment, albeit edging higher , remains at a low level, inflation is within targets and public debt is low relative to other OECD countries. Over the medium term the biggest external risk to the Australian economy is a slowdown in growth in China and a related fall in commodity prices. As outlined in the table below over 50% of its exports were shipped to China, Japan and Korea in 2012-2013, if demand from these markets were to fall dramatically it could be detrimental to the Australian economy. Australias main export destinations 2012-13 (e) (f) 1 China 31.60% 2 Japan 18.80% 3 Republic of Korea 7.70% 4 India 4.60% 5 United States 3.60% Source: Australian Government, Dept. of foreign affairs Between 2008 and 2013 the Australian government took a number of steps to boost trade and investment, among these they reduced taxes on imports and simplified the screening process for foreign direct investment. Because of these alterations to policy Australia is 4th in OECD for ease of trade and investment flows, behind only the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium. As pointed out by Brian Aitken, IMF Mission Chief to Australia- â€Å"Australia’s flexible exchange rate provides a buffer against shocks and the authorities have both monetary and fiscal policy space to react if the outlook deteriorates â€Å" (Australia on Path to Broader-based Growth, IMF Survey, February 12, 2014). The government aims to reach a fiscal surplus over the medium term and have put strategies in place to do so. Which will put them in a position to take the necessary steps; they believe, to counter act damage to their economy. As noted above, Australia has a flexible exchange rate which means that the Reserve Bank (RBA) is able to react to shocks in the market by altering its independent monetary policy. As outlined in the graph below its exchange rate main trend has been growth since 2008/2009 with a slight decline in value recently. This strong exchange rate has boosted household income because of cheaper imports however it has had an adverse effect on the international competitiveness of manufacturing firms – particularly the car sector, education and tourism sectors. All that said, as outlined in the OECD Economic Survey 2012; â€Å"The Stronger exchange rates together with capital-goods investment have increased imports and thus widened the current account deficit.† In the IMFs Article IV the economists are noted to believe that â€Å"despite some recent depreciation , Australia’s exchange rate is still moderately overvalued and is weighing down non-mining activity. â€Å" Unlike most OECD countries the Australian Banking Sector has continued to perform well, has kept pre crisis profits through 2008 to date, and continued to be rated favourably by international rating agencies, current rating AAA. Their exposure to the stressed banking sector in Euro zone is low and the Australian governments’ priority is to help preserve the banking sector as this will aid them in accessing international capital markets with relative ease. In February 2012 the government implemented a deposit guarantee scheme for all bank deposits up to 250,000 AUS dollars which will fully protect 99% of deposits in any Australian bank. Over the last 12 months Australia has seen an upsurge in the housing markets, mainly concentrated in the major cities where house prices rose by 10%,the highest yearly growth in four years. This in turn has led to an upsurge in the construction sector, which had previously been weak. However, it is not envisaged that construction of new homes will meet demand which could attribute further to house price acceleration. Household credit has remained moderate; however, Australian government and banks need to learn from its peer’s mistakes in OECD and guard against the effect a sudden drop in house price which could mean a reduction in consumer confidence and an impact on economic activity. Some point to Australia’s tax system as a major contributor to the house price surge, record low interest rates are being paid on savings and very attractive tax concessions being offered to property investors such as negative gearing and capital gains discount. However high taxes and charges on new homes, a difficult planning process and the urban consolidation policies are driving costs higher, which in turn is helping to further inflate house prices. That said, despite growth in the housing market being largest since 2009, there had been a decline in housing prices in 2011 2012 totaling 4.2% similar to the decline in 2008, so an increase was expected by most .The labour market is also effecting house prices with unempolyemnt rising and people moving mainly to the cities to get empolyment, a factor which is attributing to both house price and rental market increases. Another contributing factor is Australias population growth and immgration. In 2009 the popluation grew by 2%, over half of this was net migration alone. On the back of demand for new homes economists expect an increase in the construction sector in 2014 to help boost economic growth. Already Australia has seen an increase in the approval of residential homes, January alone seen an increase of almost 7%, which puts the annual growth rate at 34.6%. Australia’s unemployment rate climbed to a 10 year high in January 2014 6%, a 2% increase since 2008 that said it is low compared to other OECD countries which are still feeling the effects of the Global Financial Crisis. In the recent IMF Article IV report WA Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief economist John Nicolau said of these figures that the states economy remains buoyant despite the jump in unemployment. Weve got employment growth of around 16,500 new full-time jobs in this last month alone, coupled with 9,000 the month prior, he said. â€Å"That’s the strongest two-month period of employment growth in this state for six years (abc.net.au, 13th March 2014). Unemployment Rate 2008 – 2014 Unemployment Rate versus other Economies This year already new jobs have been generated and filled, approx. 50,000 in February, but the unemployment rate of 6% remains static as there was a 0.2% rise in the proportion of people in work or looking for it the participation rate now stands at 64.8%. February 2014 marked the 15th consecutive month where unemployment grew less than the size of the labour force. The inflation rate in Australia has remained relatively low in recent years (table below), down from 4.4% in 2008. This is consistent with the central bank’s objective of an average inflation rate of between 2% and 3% a year. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) expects that inflation will stay at or below this until at least mid-2015, with wage growth forecast to remain contained. Historical Inflation Rates (2008 – 2014) Year mar Jun sep dec Ann 2013 2.5% 2.4% 2.2% 2.7% 2.5% 2012 1.6% 1.2% 2% 2.2% 1.7% 2011 3.3% 3.5% 3.4% 3% 3.3% 2010 2.9% 3.1% 2.9% 2.8% 2.9% 2009 2.4% 1.4% 1.2% 2.1% 1.7% 2008 4.3% 4.4% 5% 3.7% 4.4% Source:rateinflation.com Last year, 2013, Australias inflation rate moderate to around 2.2% 2.5%, and has been broadly stable since, reflecting ongoing strength in the Australian dollar, broad-based competitive pressures within the domestic economy and subdued growth in costs. The absence of high inflationary pressures is another aid so the government can alter monetary policy as and when it needs to in order to help guard the economy against risks. The Australian cash rate fell from 7% in 2008 in response to the Global Economic Crisis; the Reserve Bank of Australia cut interest rates by 4% between September 2008 and February 2009 in response to the slowdown of their economy – an effect of the Global Financial Crisis. RBA cut interest rates again in 2012 in response a worsening outlook to the global economy and signs of their own weakening labour market. The cash rate now stands at 2.50%, the lowest on record. However, this is expected to edge higher this year as growth is expected to strengthen helped by the low interest rates and inflation is expected to stay within target of 2%-3%. In the long run an increase in interest rates could help the spiraling house prices in the major cities come back to more realistic valuations. A new government was voted into Australia in September 2013 and they are preparing for their first budget in May. The budget deficit for 2012 – 2013 was 2.6% of GDP an increase from 1.3% in 2008- 2009. Top of the new government’s agenda is to tackle public debt, and they are being very vocal in pointing the finger of blame at their predecessors. Of the 17 top surveyed IMF countries, Labour left us with the fastest growth in spending of anyone in the world and they left us with the third highest growth in debt of anyone in the top 17,( Mr Hockey, Treasurer, abc.net.au,13th March 2014) Their aim is to return their budget to surplus and maintain a budget surplus going forward; to do this a huge cut in spending will be needed. As highlighted in the IMFs article IV; â€Å"If tax revenue is held at its average level over the last decade, the resulting budget deficit in 2023/24 would reach 2 percent of GDP. Reaching the government’s budget surplus target would thus require cutting spending by around 3 percent of GDP, either by reducing net non-social spending or by putting in place policy measures to contain increases in social spending†( IMF Article IV, 2014) Consumer confidence has been low, Consumer spending was held back in 2013 because of uncertainty around the government election in that September, high household debt, and uncertainty in the economy. In the year to June 2013 retail sales growth rates were at their lowest rate in 51 years, rising just 2.5% from the previous year. Because of this consumers have increased their saving rates since 2007 and reduced their demand for loans. Although household debt is high, Australian households seem to be able to meet this debt with only 1% non-preforming house loans and 50% of owner occupiers repaying ahead of their mortgage schedule. Compared to other OECD countries tax to GDP in Australia is low. Since 1965 Australia has ranked in the bottom third of OECD countries and in 2010 it ranked fifth lowest over all. Tax-to-GDP ratio for OECD countries, 2010 Source: OECD Revenue Statistics, 2012. Of the OECD countries Australia also has the third lowest level of taxation on personal income which includes social security taxes and taxes on payroll. Tax revenue (% of GDP) in Australia Source: tradingecomomics.com In 2008 tax revenues were steady at approx. 24% however as a result of the Global Economic crisis tax to GDP fell to approx. 20% in 2010 – 2011 since then total taxes have recovered one third of the lose but are still not back at 2008 level. Australia’s tax components are very similar to other OECD countries but with one major difference, Australia is one of two countries in OECD which do not levy social security taxes. Conclusion: Over all the Australian economy has performed very well since 2008, mainly because of its mining sector and related industries. The big challenge ahead is whether and how quickly it can adapt to mining construction falling. Home building and mining exports could help boost the economy and drive economic growth in the medium term. Now that the election is over and there is renewed demand for housing could be indicators of a boost consumer confidence and help the consumer start to spend again. If interest rates remain low this will help stimulate discretionary consumer spending and dwelling construction. Unemployment is still low at 6% compared to Australia’s OECD peers and new jobs are being generated, aided by a rise in demand for new housing. The main internal risk to the Australian economy is that the new government may be too aggressive in reducing government spending in their aim for budget surplus however this effect could be lessened by a further cut in interest rates. The main external risk to the economy as outlined already is Australia’s reliance on the Chinese market and commodity prices. Chinas growth rate is currently at approx. 7%, their government are implanting fiscal stimulus which should boost economic growth which will have a positive effect on the Australian economy as there will be continued demand for commodities to be exported to China. This may also affect the demand for housing in Australia as Chinese investors buy to rent, thus boosting the employment sector. The Australian banking sector is strong and both domestic and international markets have fate in it, it is one of only eight sovereigns globally to be rated AAA with a stable outlook by all the major credit rating agencies. This is a huge endorsement on the Australian Economy. If any shocks were to apply to the Australian Economy, its government are one of few globally that have the fiscal and monetary policy that will enable them to adapt very quickly. Australia’s economic performance to date has been the result of good structural reforms, demand for commodities and sound macroeconomic policies, hence the IMF forecasting â€Å"annual average GDP growth for Australia of 3.1% between 2013 and 2018 – the highest growth forecast among major advanced economies† (IMF, World Economic Outlook, April 2013). Bibliography IMF, Article IV Australia, 2013 OECD, Ecomonic Outlook Australia, 2012 Macrobusiness.com Tradingeconomics.com GFmag.com Reserve Bank Australia Business.nsu.gov.au Abc.net.au

Moral Complexity in the Making and Keeping of Promises Essay examples -

The making of a promise involves the voluntary giving of one's word that, if and when a particular circumstance or situation comes about, one will undertake to act in a manner defined by the terms of the promise one has given. The act of making the promise, in other words, implies a willingness to keep it. What is being agreed is that, on the basis of something said in the past, one's future actions will, insofar as the future is foreseeable, follow a particular course and no other. On the related, but rather different question of the motivation involved in keeping a promise, it may be that the promise-maker's acting or deciding in a particular way places him in a position identical to or in complete sympathy with the person to whom the promise has been made. Equally, it is, possible that events may turn out in such a way as to suggest that to keep the promise would be harmful to the interest of the person to whom it was made. Should this dilemma arise, whether or not the promise is kept must depend upon the particular circumstances of the case. Choosing not to keep a promise in such a situation would be not a demonstration of the promiser's inability to keep his word, but a clear indication of his quite proper awareness that, in deciding what course to take, the promiser has quite properly concluded that the interest of others must be placed before his own. This situation is philosophically interesting in two immediately apparent ways: firstly, because of the questions which it raises concerning the ways in which a present or future obligation might be argued to exist in relation to a promise given in the past; secondly, because it is possible to imagine a society in which the concept of keeping promises does not exist, s... ... that of being possible beneficiaries by my action. They do stand in this relation to me, and this relation is morally significant. But they may also stand to me in the relation of promisee to promiser, of creditor to debtor, of wife to husband, of child to parent, of friend to friend, of fellow countryman to fellow countryman, and the like; and each of these relations is the foundation of a prima facie duty, which is more or less incumbent on me according to the circumstances of the case." Bibliography: Foot, Philippa (ed.) Theories of Ethics Oxford University Press, 1990 Honderich, Ted (ed.) The Oxford Companion to Philosophy Oxford University Press, 1995 Mackie, J. L. Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong Penguin, 1977 Norman, Richard The Moral Philosophers Oxford University Press, 1983 Ross, W. D. The Right and the Good London, 1930. Moral Complexity in the Making and Keeping of Promises Essay examples - The making of a promise involves the voluntary giving of one's word that, if and when a particular circumstance or situation comes about, one will undertake to act in a manner defined by the terms of the promise one has given. The act of making the promise, in other words, implies a willingness to keep it. What is being agreed is that, on the basis of something said in the past, one's future actions will, insofar as the future is foreseeable, follow a particular course and no other. On the related, but rather different question of the motivation involved in keeping a promise, it may be that the promise-maker's acting or deciding in a particular way places him in a position identical to or in complete sympathy with the person to whom the promise has been made. Equally, it is, possible that events may turn out in such a way as to suggest that to keep the promise would be harmful to the interest of the person to whom it was made. Should this dilemma arise, whether or not the promise is kept must depend upon the particular circumstances of the case. Choosing not to keep a promise in such a situation would be not a demonstration of the promiser's inability to keep his word, but a clear indication of his quite proper awareness that, in deciding what course to take, the promiser has quite properly concluded that the interest of others must be placed before his own. This situation is philosophically interesting in two immediately apparent ways: firstly, because of the questions which it raises concerning the ways in which a present or future obligation might be argued to exist in relation to a promise given in the past; secondly, because it is possible to imagine a society in which the concept of keeping promises does not exist, s... ... that of being possible beneficiaries by my action. They do stand in this relation to me, and this relation is morally significant. But they may also stand to me in the relation of promisee to promiser, of creditor to debtor, of wife to husband, of child to parent, of friend to friend, of fellow countryman to fellow countryman, and the like; and each of these relations is the foundation of a prima facie duty, which is more or less incumbent on me according to the circumstances of the case." Bibliography: Foot, Philippa (ed.) Theories of Ethics Oxford University Press, 1990 Honderich, Ted (ed.) The Oxford Companion to Philosophy Oxford University Press, 1995 Mackie, J. L. Ethics: Inventing Right and Wrong Penguin, 1977 Norman, Richard The Moral Philosophers Oxford University Press, 1983 Ross, W. D. The Right and the Good London, 1930.

Xenotransplantation Essay -- Medical Medicine essays

Xenotransplantation Introduction According to Webster's Dictionary, a doctor is one skilled or specializing in healing arts. However, what is entailed in these "healing arts" has expanded time and time again over the course of history. At one point in time, to be a doctor was as simple as administering the right dose of a certain elixir, and then as time went on advances were made in the areas of antibiotics and other medicines, as well as in surgical arenas. Now we have come to a new age where doctors are pushing the boundaries of their capability far beyond anyone imagined they could. Since the first kidney transplant less than 40 years ago, a lot of innovations have been made in the world of organ transplantation and various forms of these procedures continue to be hot topics in today's society. Unfortunately, there are about 68,000 people awaiting a transplant of some sort at any given time and only about 20,000 a year actually receive them. In addition, the demand for transplants is increasing at a rate of 15% a year. It is statistics like this that continue to keep medical professionals striving for alternative methods of transplanting. This limited availability of human organs and tissues, coupled with recent technological advances, has increasingly led to the implantations of living cells from other species when human donors are not available, when a bridge organ is needed, or when animal cells may provide some sort of unique benefit. This is called xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation is perhaps the most talked about area in the medical community today as it involves the loaded issue of cloning and gene mutation. Although a large portion of the material found on xenotransplantation focuses on the transpl... ...in a state of a free for all. We cannot let humans in legitimate need suffer just in case the public might think a certain way about the medical industry. However, there are certain cases when I think the medical industry does have an effect on society. For example, on the topic of human cloning, I say ban it. There is no real need to clone a person, sure it would be neat, but there isn't a need. Then there is xenotransplantation where there is a real need and you are actually able to save lives. In society we have an obligation to do what we can, within reason, to save the lives that can be saved under the guidance of skilled medical professionals who have made an oath to act ethically. We trust them with our lives, why not trust their opinions? Bibliography 1.www.ama-assn.org 2.www.diabetic.org> 3.www.encarta.msn.com 4.www.dukenews.duke.edu Xenotransplantation Essay -- Medical Medicine essays Xenotransplantation Introduction According to Webster's Dictionary, a doctor is one skilled or specializing in healing arts. However, what is entailed in these "healing arts" has expanded time and time again over the course of history. At one point in time, to be a doctor was as simple as administering the right dose of a certain elixir, and then as time went on advances were made in the areas of antibiotics and other medicines, as well as in surgical arenas. Now we have come to a new age where doctors are pushing the boundaries of their capability far beyond anyone imagined they could. Since the first kidney transplant less than 40 years ago, a lot of innovations have been made in the world of organ transplantation and various forms of these procedures continue to be hot topics in today's society. Unfortunately, there are about 68,000 people awaiting a transplant of some sort at any given time and only about 20,000 a year actually receive them. In addition, the demand for transplants is increasing at a rate of 15% a year. It is statistics like this that continue to keep medical professionals striving for alternative methods of transplanting. This limited availability of human organs and tissues, coupled with recent technological advances, has increasingly led to the implantations of living cells from other species when human donors are not available, when a bridge organ is needed, or when animal cells may provide some sort of unique benefit. This is called xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation is perhaps the most talked about area in the medical community today as it involves the loaded issue of cloning and gene mutation. Although a large portion of the material found on xenotransplantation focuses on the transpl... ...in a state of a free for all. We cannot let humans in legitimate need suffer just in case the public might think a certain way about the medical industry. However, there are certain cases when I think the medical industry does have an effect on society. For example, on the topic of human cloning, I say ban it. There is no real need to clone a person, sure it would be neat, but there isn't a need. Then there is xenotransplantation where there is a real need and you are actually able to save lives. In society we have an obligation to do what we can, within reason, to save the lives that can be saved under the guidance of skilled medical professionals who have made an oath to act ethically. We trust them with our lives, why not trust their opinions? Bibliography 1.www.ama-assn.org 2.www.diabetic.org> 3.www.encarta.msn.com 4.www.dukenews.duke.edu

The Color Purple By Alice Walker :: essays research papers

The Color Purple by Alice Walker   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Color Purple, by Alice Walker, is a very intense book to read. By intense, I mean it is a book touching very difficult and hard aspects of life of a poor, black oppressed woman in the early twentieth century. Walker does social criticism in her novel, mostly criticizing the way black women were treated in the early twentieth century. Walker uses the life experiences of Celie to illustrate her social criticism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Color Purple is not written in the style of most novels. The author does not tell us everything about the characters, the setting, and why the characters behave the way they do. The novel is written in a series of letters, not dated. There are large gaps between some letters, but this is not revealed by the author; we have to figure it out ourselves. The letters are written in what Walker calls black folk language, which also reduces the easiness of the reading.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the novel opens, Celie is a young black girl living in Georgia in the early years of the twentieth century. She in an uneducated girl, and writes her letters in common language. Celie is entering her adolescence believing she was raped by her father and that he killed both of their children. She writes to God, because she has no one else to write to. She feels that what happened to her is so terrible that she can only talk about it to someone she feels loves her. She knows her sister Nettie loves her, but she is too young to understand. Celie believe only to God may she talk honestly and openly about her suffering. Celie is not, however, at this point, complaining to God, she is simply confiding in him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Celie was born into a poor family; her mother was sick most of the time, mentally and physically; there were too many children in the family; and Celie was abused by the man she believed was her father. Celie feels used and abused, but does not understand why. So many bad things have happened to Celie that she lacks self esteem and confidence. Celie does not even feel she is worth enough to sign her name at the end of the letters.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Slowly, Celie evolves into a mature woman with great confidence, but not before her sister Nettie is taken away from her, and she marries a cruel man who really wanted to marry Nettie. For a long time, Celie is almost a slave to her husband, until her husband's mistress comes to live with them to recuperate from The Color Purple By Alice Walker :: essays research papers The Color Purple by Alice Walker   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Color Purple, by Alice Walker, is a very intense book to read. By intense, I mean it is a book touching very difficult and hard aspects of life of a poor, black oppressed woman in the early twentieth century. Walker does social criticism in her novel, mostly criticizing the way black women were treated in the early twentieth century. Walker uses the life experiences of Celie to illustrate her social criticism.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Color Purple is not written in the style of most novels. The author does not tell us everything about the characters, the setting, and why the characters behave the way they do. The novel is written in a series of letters, not dated. There are large gaps between some letters, but this is not revealed by the author; we have to figure it out ourselves. The letters are written in what Walker calls black folk language, which also reduces the easiness of the reading.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When the novel opens, Celie is a young black girl living in Georgia in the early years of the twentieth century. She in an uneducated girl, and writes her letters in common language. Celie is entering her adolescence believing she was raped by her father and that he killed both of their children. She writes to God, because she has no one else to write to. She feels that what happened to her is so terrible that she can only talk about it to someone she feels loves her. She knows her sister Nettie loves her, but she is too young to understand. Celie believe only to God may she talk honestly and openly about her suffering. Celie is not, however, at this point, complaining to God, she is simply confiding in him.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Celie was born into a poor family; her mother was sick most of the time, mentally and physically; there were too many children in the family; and Celie was abused by the man she believed was her father. Celie feels used and abused, but does not understand why. So many bad things have happened to Celie that she lacks self esteem and confidence. Celie does not even feel she is worth enough to sign her name at the end of the letters.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Slowly, Celie evolves into a mature woman with great confidence, but not before her sister Nettie is taken away from her, and she marries a cruel man who really wanted to marry Nettie. For a long time, Celie is almost a slave to her husband, until her husband's mistress comes to live with them to recuperate from

Circuit Switching and Packet Switching Essay

Circuit switching, although more reliable than packet-switching because it is able to get your message across without any hiccups, is old and expensive. Circuit switching is based on having a dedicated line or session between two stations and thus, you are able to get the full message across without congestion or interruptions. An example of circuit switching hardware is PBX. In addition, with circuit switching, a path to the destination is already decided upon before the transmission starts and it only terminates once the session is complete and sends its message through. A disadvantage of circuit switching is that you are only able to use the line or transmit one session at a time because of its dedicated circuit. Another disadvantage is its cost. Packet switching is more modern and transmits voice data. Although, as compared to circuit switching, the quality may be lower because of the ability to use lines or sessions at the same time and thus, creating congestion or even data loss. With packet switching there is no circuit dedication like circuit switching. However, unlike circuit switching where the path to the destination is already decided upon before transmission, with packet switching, each packet has to find its own route to the destination. The disadvantage of packet switching is the potential for low quality transmissions and even data loss. In my opinion, these days, packet switching is more commonly used because it is used in LAN technologies or set ups. I would think that circuit switching is used for analog lines and networks, but during these days where most organizations are changing to digital and especially VoIP, packet switching would be more common.