The Dragon's Village Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Dragon's Village - Essay Example Interference with the three pillars that defines the country and the people China would thus lead to an automatic destabilization of the normally peaceful people as was witnessed during the Japanese invasion in the Second World War and the Sino-soviet war (Snow, pp. 44). China like most other world nations has made vibrant steps in the past in an attempt to protect itself and its people. This has been through military actions for self-defense as well as the development of policies that were geared towards reforms. Analysis of the fundamental relationships within the country China is better achieved by looking at some of the actions taken by the people of China to protect and safeguard their ways of life and livelihood (Chen, pp. 63). In this regard, this paper will analyze the China revolution of 1949 with a focus on the twin goals of the reforms of changing the fundamental nature of social relationships and reforming the ownership of land. Nevertheless, the fundamental questions in this context are the justification of the reforms and the achievement of the core grievances of the twin goals of the revolution. The Chinese communist revolution saw the turning point of the Chinese communist party drive to power. Mao Zedong on October 1949 proclaimed the establishment of the people’s republic of china and the resultant effect saw a wave of events culminating in revolutions meant to better the living standards of the people of China. By 1949, approximately 200 million Chinese were residing in the rural areas, thus prompting the communist party to declare that the Chinese problems are the rural problems and the rural problems are the land problems. In an effort to solve the rural problems, the ruling communist party of China devised a land reform that ensured land ownership was given to the agricultural tillers. The land reforms were welcomed by the majority of the Chinese rural folks who had been living under

Strategic Recommendation for Music Essay Example for Free

Strategic Recommendation for Music Essay The music industry is an interesting field to analyze. Hence, this paper presented the situations that existed within the business in year 2000. Based from the recommendation of the supposed Head of Strategy of a leading music label, Sony BMG, this paper stressed the need to adhere to the principle and practice of business partnership as what author Knopper presented in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction. In doing so, the paper made the public realized the benefits of entering into industry deal such as the cited partnership between Sony BMG and Napster. Strategic Recommendation for Music in 2000 It is year 2000 and today’s Age of Digital Technology rapidly turns music and practically the entire recording industry into a world where file transfer, sharing, swapping and distribution service flourish. The music industry digitally transforms, particularly improves or modernizes technologically. In fact, the contemporary setting of music now turns away from the structure of compact disc or CD files. This is due to a free, easier and more accessible means of getting and receiving songs which the business now calls downloading. With such kind of industry evolution, it is empirical therefore not to fight the present system head on. The industry instead needs to adapt to the current working and effective framework. Hence, it is an essential strategy for major music labels or big recording companies to form partnerships with other fields. The said approach allows the existing and thriving downloading system works to the advantage and benefits of both the industry and its people. Such practical recommendation makes Music Company stronger and is able to survive whatever challenges that the future of the business holds. This is the reality of music today. The world now experiences the advent of a new and more demanding period hence the situation calls for a strategic recommendation and decision. As 2000 signals the start of the fresh 21st century, such kind of condition facing the music industry requires for aggressiveness and adaptability or flexibility in terms of finding ways to fit into the present-day situation. To be more specific, Sony-BMG is one of the leading music organizations where such recommendation will work. This is because of the company’s adherence to and upholding of its corporate responsibility. That is, Sony-BMG dedicates itself towards the continued development of the industry thus the need to consider the cited suggestion. With such business approach, the company needs to plan and undertake an agreement with concern field that is into or relative to the in-thing system of music downloading. In doing so, the new system of downloading, which the Digital Age introduces, serves its own interest while at the same time helps major music labels such as Sony-BMG and assists the music industry in general to preserve the business and continue serving its market. The cited condition signifies the principle and practices of business partnership and merging which Steve Knopper (2009) clearly and effectively exemplified in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age. † Taking into consideration the pieces of information concerning the problems besetting the music industry, the book implies the need for major music labels such as Sony BMG to merge and form partnership. Such strategic recommendation prevents any untoward event in the business particularly the â€Å"self-destruction† of the industry, with all its companies, workforce and public (Knopper, 2009). What the book recommends? The author discussed in the book the abrupt growth and collapse of the recording business that happened in a span of thirty years. Decades prior to year 2000 witnessed the changing of music styles or genres and most importantly, the extraordinary achievement of the compact disc or CD. This happened as CDs previously created the recording industry into a stunning and prestigious business worldwide. Such is the condition until the emergence of the system of music downloading specifically the technology of file-sharing which significantly harmed the music industry (Knopper, 2009). To be able to undertake a sensible and efficient recommendation for leading recording companies like Sony BMG to consider, it is fundamental for Knopper to present the painful reality that happened to the industry prior to 2000. That is, after a successful transformation from long playing albums then to CDs, the industry was caught off-guard by the contemporary system of music downloading and eventually file-sharing (Knopper, 2009). Prior to 2000, the music industry is in its heyday due to the success of the CD business. With the technology advancement in 2000, the author noted with concern how big recording companies including Sony BMG failed to adapt to the Digital Age which started on 2000. Hence, leading music companies like Sony BMG rejected the advent and significant implications of the technology of file-sharing. The industry’s denial specifically the wrong and harmful decisions that people behind recording companies did allowed for the arrival and eventual supremacy of technological advancement like file-sharing. This is where the book discussed about Napster’s revolutionary style of music business. With the dominance in 2000 of the file-sharing technology, which is carried-out through downloading of songs from Napster and eventual copying and distribution through MP3 files, the CD business and entire industry succumbed to various debacles that included legal battles (Knopper, 2009). To address the existing problem concerning the new format which began in 2000, the book then hinted on the need for music companies to come together. The author signified that this requirement is achieved through merging and partnership within the industry. To support such recommendation, Knopper cited the scenario when there was a need for industry rivals Sony Music and BMG to become friends. The author wrote: One of the first things Andrew Lack did as head of Sony Music was something that his predecessor almost certainly would have never†¦a friendship with rival. Rolf Schmidt-Holtz was chairman of BMG, which not so long ago, had fought like a prize fighter against Sony and the other major labels†¦ (p. 205) While the book is a recent material, the solution that it has recommended is applicable to year 2000. Hence, the recommendation for music companies to enter into partnership with other companies and even with Napster itself is a rational solution that could have prevented the eventual destruction of the industry (Knopper 2009). Emergence of Napster University drop-out Shawn Fanning introduced into the web a music file-sharing service that eventually revolutionized the entire music industry. The birth of Napster enabled people especially music-lovers to download software, free of charge, and eventually transfer share, swap and distribute songs. A year after it began its operation, 2000 became a battle-laden year for Napster as it was engaged in several legal fights. These legal disputes included cases hurled by universities, music personalities like the rock band Metallica and of course, various music labels or recording companies for reported copyright infringement (â€Å"Napster’s High and Low Notes,† 2000). Napster’s online rule and into the music world became a success among down-loaders in 2000. Since it is the year when music was highlighted by raging rock, teen pop and hip-hop songs, Napster became an instant sensation especially among down-loaders. Far from the concert venues and recording studios, the noise brought about by the industry was heard happening inside court rooms where cases against Napster are heard. However, it is worthy to note that despite the legal obstacles, Napster gained its legality in 2000, continued with its business and even formed partnership with music companies in an effort to show support to the industry (O’Hare, 2000). Of merging and partnership Beyond the issues and controversies that transpired in the music industry in 2000, it is to be noted that it was in the same year that probable solutions to the problems were identified. O’Hare said that hours before Napster is to be shut down, The U. S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the company when it ordered the continued operation of the file-sharing on the Internet in 2000. The fight by major leading music labels such as Warner Brothers, Universal, EMI, BMG and Sony went naught as Napster shocked both the online and music industries when it was legalized (O’Hare, 2000). As Napster became a legal component of the music industry, it appeared that the online music service resorted to partnership in an apparent effort to the accepted as part of the recording industry. O’Hare wrote that in October of 2000, the then only one-year-old company and its teen-ager owner got into an agreement with BMG’s parent organization, the Bertelsmann (O’Hare, 2000). It turned out that the purpose for the $50 million partnership is to accord an assurance that the market of Napster are assured of music downloading through the company. But this time, the deal specified a fee for artists’ royalties to be paid by Napster users. It was unfortunate though that the deal did not materialize as the market itself of Napster opposed the agreement. Aside from this, Napster continued with its legal battles in the succeeding years. If only the partnership pushed through, it could have determined the feasibility and effectiveness of the principle and practice of merging and partnership within the recording industry and even among business rivals (O’Hare, 2000). Recommendation from Sony BMG Head of Strategy In order to understand better the above-mentioned conditions, principles and practices, it is valuable to apply such elements during the year 2000. Since it is the period when the industry witnessed various incidents, it is just essential to apply the presented facts on such phase of the music industry. This is because in doing so, strategic suggestion may be formulated and eventually carried-out hence ultimately addressed, if not resolve, the whole situation presented before the recording business. First, it is useful to take note that it is year 2000 and the setting is currently taking place wherein the situation indicates that the Napster, with the rapid improvement of its online file-sharing service, challenges the peak of the CD business. Thereafter, Napster’s market is growing while the previous achievement of CD sales is nearing its end. This is where I entered the picture as the head of strategy for Sony BMG. As such, I was tasked to recommend possible solutions to the present problem. Such function will be performed in a way that I have to create proposal in accordance to what Knopper presented in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction. † Cause and Effect To start with, it is logical for my recommendation to identify first what caused the downfall of the supposed success of the CD business prior to this year. After careful evaluation of the surrounding circumstances, it is now clear that the plunge of CD sales was brought about by the failures within the industry itself. This means that the major music labels created among themselves their respective downfall. This is primarily because if their adamant denial of the arrival of a new or fresh form of music business such as the one introduced and being enjoyed by Napster. This factor aggravates the obvious damaging decisions currently being done by the people behind these recording companies. Aside from the refuting the existence of the Digital Age, the leading music companies and the industry itself fail to see both the threat and benefits of technological advancement. In effect, these grounds are now being slapped on the faces of industry people and the music field in general. This can be done by immediately acknowledging the challenge being presented by Napster but most importantly, the advantages that it can definitely offer. Considering the current situation, it is now logical to accept and realize that Napster, with its introduction and control of the technology of online file-sharing, is presently revolutionizing the manner music was circulated years before 2000. There is now a need to correct the mistake of denying the existence and progress of Napster. Hence, it is now necessary to recognize the enormous potentialities that the Digital Age has to offer particularly the technology of online file-sharing. It must be realized by the industry and its people that there is now an imminent danger that the CD technology and other music means before year 2000 are likely to become totally obsolete. This kind of cause and effect analysis will somehow help in eventually accepting that any business, the music industry for that matter, is vulnerable to challenges. At the same time, it is valuable to always consider that the music industry is experiencing its low as far as the CD technology is concern but is definitely on its high level as regards the technology of file-sharing. It is through this approach that the industry specifically the recording companies will have an easier time at accepting and eventually supporting Napster’s contribution. Proposed Partnership and Merging Considering the above-cited principles and eventualities, I now therefore strongly recommend the practice of partnership and merging among recording companies. The underlying principle for this suggestion is primarily based with what Knopper discussed in his book. In the said material, the author emphasized and made the public realized the need and the benefits of resorting to having deals or agreements within the business and among music labels. As one of the leading recording organizations, it will be a rational undertaking for Sony BMG to form partnership or merge with another company. In fact, it is also highly recommendable for Sony BMG to become a business partner of Napster. This is because the said recommendation will not only pave the way for the company’s survival in the business but most importantly, Sony BMG will become part of the revolutionary effort to make the industry stable and competitive. As the one in-charge of the strategy of the corporation, it is now my recommendation for Sony BMG to aggressively push through with such plan of merging or partnering with other recording companies. If not with the rest of major music labels, it is suggested that it will be best for Sony BMG to enter into a business agreement or deal with Napster. In doing so, not only will Sony BMG will be assured of continued existence but the company is sure to carry-on with its mandate to support and contribute to the evolution of the music industry. How the recommendation works? In any recommendation, a clear and effective formulation and implementation are necessary. This is primarily how the proposal works and succeeds. Hence for Sony BMG, it is fist required that the purposes or objectives of the partnership are clearly identified. From there, I, as the head of the company’s strategy component, recommend that for year 2000, it is suggested that the aims of the proposed partnership between Sony BMG and Napster are limited into two. Thus, it is recommended that Sony BMG partners with Napster in order to save the company from eventual downfall while at the same time contribute with the effort to revolutionize the industry and the manner of serving the music public. After the creation of the objectives, it is now time to suggest on ways on how to carry-out such plans. The initial proposal to merge or form partnership is in itself an effective implementation of the objectives. This is because there is definitely a need to perform the proposed objectives and this can only be done by being involve and being part of the undertakings of Napster. In fact, such attempt will be positively welcomed as it is evident also with Napster that there is a requirement to enter into joint business among the major music label. The initiative on the part of Sony BMG will then be taken as a positive effort thereby is expected to similarly yield beneficial implications. In the implementation stage, it is my recommendation to Sony BMG to be open and flexible with many possibilities. As presented by Knopper in his book, even Napster itself manifests remarkable openness entering into further ventures with other fields that are also into the digital technology. As Knopper wrote, Napster did not hesitate to form partnership with other companies beyond the music industry such as its partnership with Nokia and other leading digital businesses (Knopper, 2009). With such flexibility, it is lastly recommended that the partnership be done in such a way that both companies, Sony BMG and Napster, will benefit and continue with its respective business interests. Hence, the proposed partnership will be implemented in accordance with important elements such as objectives, manner of implementation, expected outcomes, time table and most importantly, the required success of the two companies as well as the benefits and contributions of the recommended partnership to the entire music industry. Conclusion Business recommendation is directly aimed at working to the advantage of the system and its people. If we are to look at the situation of the music industry in year 2000, it is empirically essential to adhere to and uphold what Knopper presented in his book. That is, partnership among recording companies and revolutionary organization such as Napster is indeed beneficial for the entire field. With year 2000 as the period of discussion, it is practical to formulate and implement suggestions based on the requirements of the said phase of the recording business. Hence, with the downfall of the CD business and the dominance of the online file-sharing technology, it is logical for leading music labels such as Sony BMG to deal a business with Napster. As such, my suggested partnership between Sony BMG and Napster is objectively in accordance to the book’s principle that, in fact, there is nothing wrong with joining businesses but that such effort eventually resolve any existing problem such as the plunge of the CD sales. It is for this reasons that Knopper’s book and my recommendation ultimately serve their respective purpose and essence towards the benefit of the music industry in year 2000. References Business Week Online. (2000, August 14). Napster’s High and Low Notes. Business Week. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://www. businessweek. com/2000/00_33/b3694003. htm Knopper, S. (2009). Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age. New York: Free Press. O’Hare, K. (2000). The Year in Music. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://www. infoplease. com/spot/00music1. html

The Contributions of the P-51 Mustang to the Victory of the Allies :: World War Two American History Essays

The Contributions of the P-51 Mustang to the Victory of the Allies This paper deals with the contributions of the P-51 Mustang to the eventual victory of the Allies in Europe during World War II. It describes the war scene in Europe before the P-51 was introduced, traces the development of the fighter, its advantages, and the abilities it was able to contribute to the Allies' arsenal. It concludes with the effect that the P-51 had on German air superiority, and how it led the destruction of the Luftwaffe. The thesis is that: it was not until the advent of the North American P-51 Mustang fighter, and all of the improvements, benefits, and side effects that it brought with it, that the Allies were able to achieve air superiority over the Germans. This paper was inspired largely by my grandfather, who flew the P-51 out of Leiston, England, during WW II and contributed to the eventual Allied success that is traced in this paper. He flew over seventy missions between February and August 1944, and scored three kills against German fighters. Table of Contents Introduction Reasons for the Pre-P-51 Air Situation The Pre-P-51 Situation The Allied Purpose in the Air War The Battle at Schweinfurt The Development of the P-51 The Installation of the Merlin Engines Features, Advantages, and Benefits of the P-51 The P-51's Battle Performance The Change in Policy on Escort Fighter Function P-51's Disrupt Luftwaffe Fighter Tactics P-51's Give Bombers Better Support Conclusion Works Cited Introduction On September 1, 1939, the German military forces invaded Poland to begin World War II. This invasion was very successful because of its use of a new military strategic theory -- blitzkrieg. Blitzkrieg, literally "lightning war," involved the fast and deadly coordination of two distinct forces, the Wermacht and the Luftwaffe. The Wermacht advanced on the ground, while the Luftwaffe destroyed the enemy air force, attacked enemy ground forces, and disrupted enemy communication and transportation systems. This setup was responsible for the successful invasions of Poland, Norway, Western Europe, the Balkans and the initial success of the Russian invasion. For many years after the first of September, the air war in Europe was dominated by the Luftwaffe. No other nation involved in the war had the experience, technology, or numbers to challenge the Luftwaffe's superiority. It was not until the United States joined the war effort that any great harm was done to Germany and even then, German air superiority remained unscathed. It was not until the advent of the North American P-51 Mustang fighter, and all of the improvements, benefits, and side effects that it brought with it, that the Allies were able to achieve air superiority over the Germans. Reasons for the Pre-P-51 Air Situation The continued domination of the European skies by the Luftwaffe was caused by two factors, the first of which was the difference in military theory

Early Childhood Services Norway Essay

Government goal – â€Å"all children whose parents wish it should have a place in a barnehage, full-time or part-time. † (OECD, 1999:12) â€Å"All municipalities must offer an ECEC place to all parents †¦ who want to enrol their child. As yet, corresponding legislation has not been drafted to give a legal right to all parents to a place for their child. † (OECD, 2006: 399) Two separate traditions brought together in Barnehage – * Educationally focused barnehage (19th century – Froebel) * Daghem – (translates as day home) Precursor was barneasyl (children’s asylum 1837) – more social , focused on poor families. Norways approach to Early Childhood Care and Education Barnehage – viewed as having â€Å"an integrated care and educational role† †¦ â€Å"care and learning are seen as inseparable activities. † (OECD, 199: 12) Provision grew slowly – 1970’s increase in service (1970 attendance – 5% of 3/4 yrs olds to 1990’s – attendance rates for 1 – 5 yr olds = 47-60% and increase since then) Very few children under 12mths in barnehage (well developed parental leave system) Barnehage – vary in terms of ownership, management, and funding. 47% – public, owned and managed by local authorities (kommune). Remainder are private – owned and managed in a variety of ways (parent groups, non-profit organisations). All receive state subsidy – all parents make payments – all local authorities subsidise public barnehager that they own and manage. Local authorities vary re policy subsidising private barnehager. Consequence – 3 types of barnehage in relation to funding (public, private – receive local authority funding & private – who do not receive local authority funding). Variations in public funding – parental fees higher in private barnehage – (except those who fall under the local authority funding). Variations in parental fees in local authority barnehage – some cases fees the same for all families. Norwegian System – 4 other types of provision; 1. ‘open kindergarten’ – children attend with parent/carer. 2. Family Day care divided into two groups – Private (a) offer totally private service; 3. Family day carers (b) networks (familiebarnehager) – can be public/private managed & supervised by one trained pre-school teacher per 30 children. 4. SFO – care and recreation for school aged children (6yrs was 7yrs) outside school hours. School in first 4 grades – from 6 yrs = 20 hours per week – child spends rest of time in SFO. SFO – may be located at school, or separate accommodation. Attendance rates vary. Education system overall dominated by groups care in a particular type of centre. Staff in Barnehager 3 types of staff†¦ 1. Styrere (leader) – management. 2. Pedagogiske (trained teacher). 3. Assistents . Remaining staff†¦ * Bilingual assistants (ethnic minority groups) * Other teaching staff (special needs) * Other persons (chefs/cleaners) All styrere & pedagogiske – have to have qualified as ECEC teacher (both types of staff have the same training). Training in ECEC Norway  3 years full time study – possible to do 4 year distance learning training (mature students with some experience avail of this). In service training available. Admission to pre-school training – 3 year study in general subjects at upper secondary. No special requirements for assistents (recently introduction of 2 years of school and 2 years in workplace = can choose health & social care /child & youth workers option to cover work in the barnehager, SFO, clubs and other services. Salaries – depends on training & position. (OECD,1999: 16) Most staff in barnehager are female. Men 8% of all staff direct contact with children. (OECD 2006) Emphasis on men in childcare – two main motives: 1. gender equality 2. right of children to meet both men and women. Male workers seen as important to boys. Childhood institutionalised (role models mainly women – concern from Norwegian Government) (Research into this needed †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ) Children with diverse needs (OECD 2006) Children with disabilities: Children with disabilities have a priority right to services provided it is deemed by an expert that the child will be able to benefit from attending the day care institution. Children from low-income families: The child poverty rate in Norway is 3. 4% after taxes and transfers, compared to the OECD average of 11. 2%. The barnehage is considered to play an important role in terms of preventive child welfare. Children living in at-risk circumstances, places are fully funded by municipalities. Supports are provided also to enable barnehager accommodate children with disabilities, children from low-income families and bilingual children. Ethnic and bilingual children: An indigenous ethnic group, the Sami, constitute 1. 7% of the Norwegian population. Sami language kindergartens are funded generously whenever there is a concentration of Sami families. Curriculum and pedagogy: The first national curriculum plan, called a Framework Plan, came into force in 1996. The curriculum, which must be used by all barnehager, is based on the Nordic tradition of combining education and care. A Sami supplement is integrated in the plan. All barnehager, including familiebarnehager and open barnehager, must base their annual plans on this Framework, which is the National Curriculum. The Framework Plan emphasises that both local cultural values and the national cultural heritage, as reflected in the childhood environment, must be represented in the activity of the barnehage (Background Report for Norway, 1999). A revised Framework Plan enters into force on 1st August 2006. The main principles are the same, with the new Kindergarten Act giving children a legal right to participate in all questions concerning their daily lives in ECEC. The Norwegian Child (OECD, 1999:21) â€Å"strong idea of how the Norwegian child should be and what it means to live a good childhood† (OECD, 1999:21). â€Å"Important to protect childhood from too much adult control† (OECD, 1999:21). â€Å"Adults should not take childhood away from children, but bring it back to them. † (OECDm 1999:21) Value of childhood & children seen as a social group within society.

Meaning Behind Aussie Battler Essay

The film industry determines the way we view our films. Australian films often backup the idea of the ‘Aussie battler/hero’. A battler/hero is known as someone who fights for what they believe in, their country, their heritage, their family, friends, dignity and pride. A battler’s job is to protect and hold onto what they are fighting for, whether it is for the good or for the bad. The Aussie Battler is known for being a working class citizen who commits there heart and soul into their work, land, culture and family. Many Australian films explore the concept of ‘Overcoming Adversity’ and explore into the idea of the ‘Aussie Battler/hero’. Wonderful examples of films that directly look into this idea of the ‘Aussie Battler/hero’, is Ned Kelly (2003) and The Castle (1997). Ned Kelly is a film based in the 70’s/80s about a group of young men, Ned Kelly (Heath Ledger), Joseph Byrne (Orlando Bloom), Dan Kelly (Laurence Kinlan) and Steve Hart (Philip Barantini), also known as ‘the Kelly gang’, fighting to preserve their heritage and remain true to their family. The director of Ned Kelly ‘Gregor Jordan’ has contributed the idea of how overcoming adversity can be problematic and difficult, but can also change society. The Castle a film directed by Rob Sitch is about a man, Darryl Kerrigan (Michael Caton) facing the authority because he believes in fighting for his right to not lose everything he has worked for, for unnecessary government requests. The film industry determines the way people view films. Australian films often backup the idea of the ‘Aussie Battler’. An Aussie battler is referred to as someone who fights for what they believe in, their country their heritage, family, friends, dignity and pride. A battlers job is to protect and hold onto what they believe is worth fighting for, whether is is for good or bad. The Aussie battler is known to be a working class citizen who commits their sweat, blood and time into their work, land, culture and family. Many Australian films explore into the concept of ‘overcoming adversity’, and look deeply into the understanding the idea of the ‘Aussie battler’. Wonderful examples of films that directly look into this concept of the ‘Aussie Battler’ is ‘Ned Kelly’ (2003) and ‘The Castle’ (1997). ‘Ned Kelly’ is a Film based in 1880’s about a group of men (Ned Kelly (Heath Ledger), Joseph Byrne (Orlando Bloom), Dan Kelly (Laurence Kinlan) and Steve Hart (Philip Barantini), also known as ‘The Kelly Gang’. The gang’s objective is to fight, preserve their heritage and change how the authority treats the Irish. The director of ‘Ned Kelly’, ‘Gregor Jordan’ has contributed the idea of how overcoming diversity can be problematic and difficult, but can also change society’s views and ways. The Castle’, a film directed by ‘Rob Sitch’, is about a man, ‘Darryl Kerrigan’ (Michael Caton) facing the authority because he believes in fighting for his right to not lose something that is a big part of his life and some thing he has worked for his whole life. The events that arise in both films revolving around the characters, reiterate this idea of ‘Overcoming Adversity’ and the ‘Aussie Battler/hero’ is emerged through a variety of techniques incorporated from their respective directors. In the first scene of Ned Kelly he is portrayed as a great contribution to society by saving his class mates life from drowning in a river. He received a green hero’s sash. Another scene that also really shows Ned as a battler is where he is chasing one of the authorities through the bushes. Ned shoots the authority multiple times and once he finally stops Ned tells him ‘he would not have shot if he hadn’t kept running’; he also tried to stop him from bleeding but in the end couldn’t and was forced to put a bullet through his heart. A scene where Ned’s image is turned around is where he steals the horse and gets caught from the authority; Ned loses it and threatens the authority which then lands him in jail and from this point on Ned falls into the role of ‘The Aussie Battler’. Ned Kelly belongs to an Irish heritage that immigrated to Australia for a better life, but not realizing what laid ahead for them they were pushed low down in society and struggled to keep an income. The Kelly’s were given a piece of land by the selectors where they were allowed to grow their own crops, producing their own food and founder animals for income. The authorities in Ned Kelly were self-centred and, self-indulged. The way the authority treated the Irish was different to how they treated their own. That’s where the Kelly Gang and the authority differed. Ned was pleasant to everyone he came across, he didn’t chose to harm them, gave them respect and the rights they deserved wether they were his own people or not. The events that arise in both films revolving around the two main character ‘Ned Kelly’ and ‘Darryl Kerrigan’, reiterate this idea of ‘overcoming adversity’ and the ‘Aussie battler’ is emerged through a variety of different techniques that have been incorporated by their respective directors’. In a scene towards the start of the film that shows Ned as a battler is where he is hunting a policeman through the bush lands because he ran. Ned finally guns down the policeman and finds the man lying on the ground in immense pain. Ned tells the policeman ‘he would not have shot him if he had not run’. This scene shows the battler side of Ned because further on in this scene Ned is forced to kill the policeman because there was nothing he could do to save him. The Castle is a classic Australian film the stereotypes the Aussie image but also conveys the message that Australians are tough and fight for right. The Kerrigan family is an admirable representation of the average Australian family. They are tight-knit, willing to help and passionate about sticking together as a family. There is a scene that particularly shows off the characteristics of a battler/ fighter within the castle. This scene is were Darryl is at his court hearing. When the Jury goes on break, Darryl sends out his message to his lawyer who then uses what he says in his debate. By Darryl really expression his true emotions, they win. Darryl Kerrigan resembles the typical Australian father. Although his family isn’t well off and don’t particularly live in a great spot (beside an airport), its home, it all comes from the heart. Darryl is a battler; he supports everyone’s opinions but in the end makes his decisions based upon his beliefs. He doesn’t particularly have a high status in society with him working as a tow truck driver but still manages to stay positive because he doesn’t care what people think of him, he’s a proud Australian. He works and fights for the things he needs and can appeal to ones emotions. He uses his power to battle against the bad to win the good. The directors of both Ned Kelly and The Castle have incorporated a variety of different cinematic techniques that make both films memorable in their own manner. Techniques that come under the branch are Setting, Dialogue, and Costuming, Camera angles and movement and sound. Ned Kelly desires the affect for its audience to become entangled within the films story line and to do this the film must include a range of different and somewhat unusual techniques to gather attention. The setting for Ned Kelly is rather stereotypical to the era the film is set in. Most scenes where the Kelly gang do major work is set on the authority’s side. This is the brighter, more classic, rich side, whereas most other scenes such as fighting and war is done in the bushlands, outback where the Kelly’s feel safe and indulged in their own culture. The lighting in Ned Kelly is very much so leaned to low key lighting. If you notice high key lighting comes into play when the Kelly’s are in the authority’s territory and low key lighting for the rest. The dialogue used in Ned Kelly is very traditional and formal. The authority take on a different role in there dialogue as they used different words, words that come off more offensive and cruel. Costuming is also another very outmoded label. The Kelly’s customarily wore old, scrawny, filthy unwashed clothes. They also were mostly seen in dark long pants and jackets, not a lot of skin was shown which contributed to the aspects of low key lighting. The outcast side of people had scrawny hair, beards and were dressed in dirty clothing. Whereas the upper-class side were dressed in clean cut, brighter coloured clothing that resembled there place in society. In both Ned Kelly and the Castle similar camera angles and movements were used. High Angles where used to show power i. e. the authority standing over Ned making him look weaker and more vulnerable. Particularly towards the start of both films you notice low angles and high angles being used to show authority, but as the films progressed you start to notice the change in angles and where the cameras are positioned. Throughout both films you will notice an establishing shot being used at the start of most scenes followed by either a close up or mid shot, depending wether the scene was to include dialogue where then they would need a close up or just a mid-shot. There were many cuts during dialogue which also showed great importance in what the characters were saying. The castle resembled typical Australian dress standards for that time (Flannelettes, Jeans and bowl cuts). The Authority seemed to be dressed in smart clothing the reminded you of control and responsibility. Dialogue in The Castle was stereotypically an Australian accent. The slang, the way the words are slurred and how the pronunciations of words are carried out. The authority defiantly takes on another type of channel of communication, they talk more proper, formal and tend to shorten their words to sound like they aren’t slurring. The setting in the castle is bright and cheerful. It creates a friendly environment that also shows a real Australian household. They do this by creating a rundown house, not much money and living right next to an airport. The lighting the frames this film is high key. Even when darkness controls the time of the scene light still manages to be the key element to the shots. Both films show and encourage messages about Australia in two completely different but similar ways. Ned Kelly shows a message that stealing is wrong and fighting is not the answer, but fighting for what you believe in, fighting for the right to not let others contradict your life is ok. On the other hand the message about The Castle is exactly the same but carried out differently. The castle shows the fact that Australians are not very materialistic and in general are quite simplistic and positive. Both films also conveyed the message that family is important and supporting that idea of love and trust is what makes life worth living for. Ned Kelly chose reveal the idea of using violence, crime and death to portray its message, whereas The Castle did not. The Castle showed its message through family values, gratitude and reverence. Both of these films had the authority against them, they stuck together and became united as one. By the end of both films we were left with the feeling of knowing and understanding how both families’ fought together. If one was going down they were all going down. What was also so great about these two films is that we could watch them grow from battlers into heroes. Ultimately both films were devised to create a sense of understanding about the Australian culture. For certain message and concepts to be conveyed a range of different techniques had to be used, from characterization, to cinematography. The plots direction leaded to the audience grasping different emotions and challenged the audience to experience a film unlike most modern productions.

HM Strategy Essays

HM Strategy Essays HM Strategy Essay HM Strategy Essay Three main strategic goals for HM for the next five years would be linked with profitability, competition and technological leadership. HM has reported a rise in sales and profits and sales for the three months to 31st of August. Net profit for the third quarter of 2009 rose 4. 1% to 3. 46bn Swedish crowns from 3. 33bn crowns last year. Sales, excluding sales tax, increased by 13% to 23. 6bn crowns. So first LTO is to maintain financial stability HM has achieved. HM plans to increase sales revenues by 20% and earnings per share by 30% till 2015. Secondly as main strategy of HM is expansion, LTO in competition is to increase number of stores by 10% to 15% every year. Today HM has as 1840 stores up from 1618 at the same time last year. New stores will be open in the cities HM already has stores and also in completely new markets. HM is following all the latest innovations in the clothing manufacturing. It is important to increase efficiency, cut costs and keep prices low while raising quality. Third LTO in the technological leadership for HM is to lower maintenance costs by 15% and decrease waste by 10% till the year 2015. Porter’s four generic strategies are cost leadership, differentiation, low cost to narrow market strategy and niche strategy. HM has cost leadership strategy. HM offers fashionable clothing for cheap prices selling to broad markets. This strategy is also very suitable for the current economical situation. HM with this strategy also set high entry barriers for the competitors. HM has achieved ability to be efficient. As there is low profit margin being cost leader, HM is very focused on expansion and increase of market share. It is important for HM to sell more volumes of the product to earn profits. Fixed costs are high and by every product made variable costs are lowering. It has secured suppliers because HM doesn’t own factories itself but have long term production contracts with factories in Bangladesh, Morocco and Turkey. It is very important buyer to textile sellers as HM buys large quantities several times per year. HM has good long term contracts with its producers and suppliers.

James Pattersons New Book Releases

James Patterson's New Book Releases James Pattersons first novel The Thomas Berryman Number was turned down by 31 publishers before it was accepted by Little, Brown, and Company in 1976 and won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Since then, Patterson hasnt looked back, routinely releasing several books a year, often co-written with other writers. Some are stand-alone novels, some are part of one of his popular series, and some are written for children or middle-schoolers. New Patterson Books for Teens and Adults NYPD Red 4 -  written with Marshall Karp. The elite task force NYPD Red is called in only when a case involves the rich and famous. Following a shocking murder and high-stakes robbery at a movie premiere, NYPD Red gets the call.Private Paris -  written with Mark Sullivan. Jack Morgan of the investigative agency Private is pressed into duty in Paris. His task is to locate his clients granddaughter who is on the run from a brutal drug dealer.15th Affair (Women’s Murder Club Series #15) - written with Maxine Paetro. Detective Lindsay Boxer finds herself in the awkward position of investigating her possibly a very dangerous husband. When an explosive tragedy throws San Francisco into chaos, the clues hit too close to home. She turns to the Women’s Murder Club for help.The Games: A Private Novel -  written  with Mark Sullivan. Join Jack Morgan and members of his renowned investigation firm Private in a new adventure. As they work to secure the Olympics, the threats c ome fast and furious. It’s up to Jack to stop a lethal plot to decimate Rio. Bullseye (Michael Bennett Series #9) -  written with Michael Ledwidge. Detective Michael Bennett must locate the source of a threat that could ignite a war like the country has never seen. A snowstorm provides the perfect cover for the lethal assassins. Only Bennett can save the President of the U.S. and the country.Cradle and All -  Teen edition. In Boston and in Ireland, young virgin women find themselves pregnant. Cities are overwhelmed by epidemics, famine and floods. It feels like something awful is coming, but what?Woman of God  - written with Maxine Paetro. As massive crowds await the white smoke rising from the Vatican to indicate a Pope has been chosen, some among them speculate whether the new Pope could be a woman.Missing: A Private Novel - written with Kathryn Fox.The world’s top detective agency, Private Investigations, takes on a simple case of locating a CEO, but when all evidence of his existence disappears, the simple case turns dangerous.Filthy Rich -  written  with John Connolly and Tim Malloy. This true crime tale is an explosive blend of money, power and sex. The story focuses on Jeffrey Epstein, one of New Yorks financial elites. His taste for young girls resulted in a fall from grace and eventually scandalized one of Americas richest communities. Cross the Line (Alex Cross Series #24). A shooting of a police officer in Washington, D.C., leaves Alex Cross in a leadership position in the investigation. Before he can solve the case, a brutal crime wave strikes the area. New Patterson Books for Children Jacky Ha-Ha -  written with Chris  Grabenstein  and Kerascoet, illustrator. This middle-school age novel introduces a new heroine, Jacky Ha-Ha, a class clown, who makes her classmates laugh with her so that don’t  laugh  at her.  Treasurer Hunters: Peril at the Top of the World -  written  with Chris Grabenstein and Juliana Neufeld, illustrator. In the fourth book in the Treasure Hunters series, the Kidd family travel to Russia and the Arctic to outrun bad guys in their search for stolen treasure.Middle School: Dog’s Best Friend -  written with Chris Tebbetts and Jomike Tejido, illustrator. Non-stop laughs mark this next installment of the popular middle-school series.Give Please a Chance -  written with Bill OReilly. This beautifully illustrated children’s book celebrates the magic of the word â€Å"please.†Word of Mouse -  written with Chris  Grabenstein. This middle-school book examines the concept of friendship through the relat ionship of a lonely girl and a blue mouse that is looking for his family. Check the complete list of James Pattersons books for his earlier works.

Help with Essays in English for International Students at a Budget-Friendly Cost

Help with Essays in English for International Students at a Budget-Friendly Cost Are you an International Student? Are you an International Student? Writing homework assignments in English is not an easy task for an international student. Failure to write good essays and term papers in English can affect your grade. Too much homework in English? Read how over 125 000 students have solved this problem! Over 8000 students from China have been unable to continue their study in the universities of the United States in one year, according to a recent study* *Source: White Paper on Dismissed Chinese Students in the United States Are you finding it difficult to write essays and term papers in English? Are you busy with other projects? Outsource your homework to and leave your worries behind! Since 2005 provides professional writing assistance for international students. Over 10 000 students from China, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar buy custom-written assignments from Private Writing Services every year. Every paper is custom-written from scratch. It means that each assignment is unique and individually written. Every paper you hand in goes through a college plagiarism-check system. If you copy/paste it from the web you will most likely be expelled from your college or university for plagiarism. That is why it is so important to write papers from scratch. This is how we can make your life easier: pick any assignment that is due sometime this semester. Fill out the form below and we will get back to you with the price quote. You will see for yourself and complete the purchase if our services fit your budget. This is a no-obligation quote, free of charge. .random-faqs { margin: 20px 0; } .random-faqs h3 { border-top: none; } .random-faqs-block { padding: 20px; } .faq-wrapper { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; } @media only screen and (max-width: 991px) { .faq-wrapper { flex-direction: column; } } .faq-block { width: 100%; padding: 0 30px; border-left: 1px solid #fff; } @media only screen and (max-width: 991px) { .faq-block { padding: 20px 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid #fff; } .faq-block:first-child { padding-top: 0; border: none; } .random-faqs .field-row { padding-bottom: 0; } } .faq-block:first-child { padding-left: 0; border-left: none; } .faq-block:last-child { padding-right: 0; } .random-faqs .field-row { max-width: none; text-align: center; align-items: center; } Random FAQ : What if someone finds out? We are in business of writing essays for students. Safety of our customers is the key factor of our business reputation. That is why we host our websites on our own dedicated servers and regularly perform a PCI compliance audit: yes, we are actually hiring people to find out if we can get hacked. That is why our company retains a status of the most trusted bullet-proof confidential essay writing service in the world. So, you know what you pay for! How can I be sure my homework will be done right? For almost 12 years we have been working with thousands of writers from around the world. When our editorial staff sees the assignment criteria we know exactly which writer is the best fit for the job. We are focused on satisfaction of our customers: when you are happy with our product you will order with us again. It is exactly why you should buy your assignment from . How does your service work? Our system is completely automated and adjusted to the degree of maximum user convenience. All you have to do is give us your assignment requirements and pay at the time of placing the order. Once we are notified of your payment we start to work on your paper immediately. Each project is assigned a unique identification number which gives you the possibility to track your order online. It also allows you to log into your personalized control panel and communicate with the writer whos doing the job for you. Once the paper is completed it is delivered to your email. Please read more on the ordering procedure. See more

Reflection Journals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reflection Journals - Essay Example Reflection. The above summary shows the importance of reducing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can be avoided. Lead poisoning can be reduced to allowable levels. Lead poisoning can be acquired by inhaling lead that if floating in the air or eating lead-contaminated food. Sometimes people unknowingly drink lead from crystal clear tap water.Hazardous Effects of Lead Poisoning. Lead poisoning can destroy the average person’s health. The excessive intake of lead elements can hinder the development of the brain. Lead triggers the malfunctioning of the human nervous system and reduces the children’s intelligence capacity. Children are most susceptible to lead poisoning. The pregnant woman’s taking of lead elements will harm the fetus (Hembra, 2008). Government Must Act to Prevent Lead Poisoning. The government agencies cooperate to eradicate lead poisoning from the environment. The government’s environmental protection agency or EPA monitors and implements lead p oisoning programs. To help reduce lead poisoning incidences, the government agencies disseminate lead poisoning information to the public in order (Hemba, 2008).People should help eliminate Lead Poisoning. People should do their share to eliminate lead poisoning. To reduce lead poisoning, the parents must avoid lead-based jobs. The family should avoid lead-contaminated communities. The community must act to eliminate lead from entering the child’s body. The community leaders must distribute leaflets and other information on how to avoid being victims of lead poisoning.

Study for Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Study for Business - Essay Example As a matter of fact, businesses around the world, that are looking forward to establish a foothold in a new or existent market with its ever changing consumer behavior and product - market dynamics are increasingly looking forward to opt for consulting services provided by various well established and renowned consulting organizations and agencies for a particular country or region to various agencies. Consulting is carried out mostly in order to serve one of the many purposes of the client comprises which comprises mainly of fulfilling company’s goals and targets, solving the client company’s problems related to the management, identifying and recommending new business opportunities across various markets, providing learning and helping the client with the process of implementing changes within the organization’s structure and processes (Kuber, 2012, p. 3-6). In other words, it can be said that consulting services are often rendered by industry experts with valu able and significant amount of work experience, besides having related product as well as market knowledge. A key factor that differentiates the service of consulting from any other service or product is that the client is purchasing a promise of satisfaction for the services provided by the consultant and expects that the advices and recommendations provided by the consultant will solve the company’s existing problems. Hence the services provided by the consultant needs to be impeccable, effective and highly accurate (Biech, 2003, p. 4-5). Possible Reasons of Failure There can be a multiple number of reasons that can be attributed for the fact of possible failures of a group project. The most important factor can be the fact of ineffective communication amongst team members. Ineffective communication amongst the team members leads to misunderstanding of the job roles and the required project functionalities allocated to them. Due to the cause of this, the team members most o f the time face difficulties in understanding the personalized project related goals and individual targets allocated to them. This also leads to highlighting of the fact that poor communication among team members leads to poor role clarity to the team members. Also, ineffective team communication arises from the ego factors of the team members involved. This also leads to an increased communication gap. Motivational factor of the team members is a huge factor for the success and effective execution of a group project. Team members, who have low level of motivation, which may arise out of several factors ranging from personal problems, marital problems, financial pressure, work related stress etc will have a low level of involvement, which may affect their performance and contribution to the group based project. Another vital factor is inefficient time allocation and time management for the project involved. Improper time allocation for the project leads to hurried completion of the project, in order to meet the deadline allocated for the project. This leads to overlooking and skipping of some of the important goals and objectives of the project (Team Building, 2009). Possible Corrective Measures In order to take effective steps for the purpose of prevention of the above mentioned reasons of failure, certain steps can be taken. For the purpose of

Describe some important features of the retail sector and provide some Essay

Describe some important features of the retail sector and provide some real world examples - Essay Example Conversely, small stores still survive in the retail business as a result of retaining customer base regardless of stiff competition from large or super stores (Scarborough, 2012). In a turn of events, most departmental stores worldwide seems to wane and this has forced such departmental stores to reposition themselves in the market (Lincoln & Lars, 2007). For instance, there are departmental stores that are now shifting to apparel stores from supplying consumers with general merchandise. In order to attract customers, retail stores are now focusing on offering customers discount. Offering discount is a key feature in the retail sector today, such discounts involves lowering prices of goods or offering money back guarantee to entice more customers. Examples of retail store engaging in offering customers discount include, the Wal-Mart (Lincoln, 2009). In the same industry, there are retailers who focus on one type of product category. This is a strategy meant to expand their grip in the market and gain competitive edge. Such retailers are also termed as, Category Killers and examples include Toy stores or Home Depot and are considered to have a larger market share with regard to product category. For instance, the Toys R U currently enjoy a market share of 20%. As a result of improvement in information technology, retailers are now capitalizing on this avenue to attract consumers. Direct marketing embraces strategies like direct mail and catalog marketing, and examples of stores relying on direct marketing include cosmetic stores (Dennis, 2009). Further, the retail industry is mainly influenced by demographic changes and as a result, the preference by consumers is shifting towards a demand for certain goods and services. This trend forces retailers worldwide to remain vigilant and adapt to the frequent changes in the retail market. With regard to mergers or acquisition, retail stores that dominate

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Maaco Auto Body & Painting Research Paper

S.W.O.T. Analysis of Maaco Auto Body & Painting - Research Paper Example Experts in franchising have recognized MAACO for its overall excellence, growth potential and helpful support systems for store operators† (MAACCO: About MACCO, par. 2). The positive image of the company contributes to the increase in outlets and clientele since its inception. Gaebler Ventures aptly describes MAACO as a winning retail operation with extraordinary brand recognition, no national competition, and about a 47% U.S. market share. Maaco is more than a franchise opportunity. It is a proven system that provides continuous support and training to position you to grow a prosperous business. With Maaco, you receive expert assistance, so you never feel alone† (Gaebler, par. 1). The competitive advantage of the company is manifested through leadership in the automotive repair industry. According to IBIS World, the nature of the work for auto body shops in the US encompasses repairing the interior and the body of passenger cars, trucks, vans and trailers. These firms also carry out customization work on the interior and body of vehicles. Some firms specialize in certain auto repairs; for example, paint shops specialize in post-collision paint jobs, while automotive glass shops replace, repair and tint windows. Restoration shops, which typically represent a niche market, are involved in restoring classic and antique cars† (IBIS, par. 10). In this regard, this essay aims to proffer a SWOT analysis of MAACO, by reviewing the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), to explore its competitive advantage in their field of operations.... Strengths MAACO was recently ranked by AllStar Franchise as an organization worthy to be included in its AllStar list due to its strengths in terms of longevity which is likewise tantamount to years of experience in their business. As revealed by All Business, â€Å"the company has ranked high in financial strength for two consecutive years, and this year its Web visibility improved significantly (from #202 to #106). Maaco offers a conversion program to turn independent auto body shops into Maaco franchises, which is appealing to many independents in a tough economy. Parent company Driven Brands, which owns several automotive-related franchise companies, also has a Dealership Jump Start program that converts car dealerships to Maaco centers† (All Business, pars. 2 & 3). From its 149 AllStar ranking in 2010, the rank improved to 84 in 2011 proving that MAACO continues to utilize its internal resources effectively and efficiently. It boasts of according customers a price for rep airs which is 33% less than those quoted and charged by other repair shops (MAACO: Home, par. 1). As revealed by White, â€Å"in 2011, MAACO was ranked #1 in class by Entrepreneur Magazine† (par. 4). The unique franchising strategy entices investors to open new shops due to the financial prospects and the number of clientele who continue to patronize MAACO auto body shops. Further, Gross revealed that various customers in Canada expressed their content and satisfaction from the services provided by MAACO. Gross averred that â€Å"Maaco is the collision shop that paints cars. We do it all, and just as importantly, give you much more Value than anyone else can. By bringing your car to Maaco, North America's Bodyshop, you benefit from our encounter, buying power,

Cultural health style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cultural health style - Essay Example Access to highly advanced medical technologies and to good medical services are the two general health disparities quite common to African Americans. Quaye (2005) remarks that there are barriers in accessing medical care especially to the African-American cultural group. And these barriers go beyond the economic facet. Access to the health care system in America is racially embedded. Particularly to pregnant women, â€Å"African American women are twice as likely as whites to receive no health care at all† (as cited in Quaye, 2005, p. 2). Cockerham further notes that if pregnant African American women were ever to receive a medical care service, it only occurred in the last trimester of their pregnancies (as cited in Quaye, 2005). Johnson (1999) admits that it is not always possible for African Americans to access and receive medical services and even to â€Å"obtain the care they need† (p. 5). Besides the lack of accessing the health services characterized in the Ameri can medical setting, the African Americans hardly receive the services that are substantially high standard, let alone proper to their medical needs. For instance, African Americans undergo an amputation procedure which is â€Å"3.6 times as frequent among Blacks as whites† (as cited in Quaye, 2005, p. 2).

Contemporary Issues Concerning Security Issues as A Profession Assignment

Contemporary Issues Concerning Security Issues as A Profession - Assignment Example Rather, it is said that liberalism thrives on the wings of security rather than liberty and that if the people are guaranteed of their security, they can champion the possibility of liberalism. The second issue, on the other hand, happens to be a more tangible and practical phenomenon that happens to be with us as a people on a constant basis. This is the issue of natural disasters and how the country has often been taken unawares by the magnitude and breadth of these natural disasters. In the news item, there is a reflection on one of the major hurricanes that was recorded in the history of the United States and this was Hurricane Katrina. Generally, there are questions about the role that the security professional can play in risk mitigation associated with such natural disasters. Arguing that the mere identification of the disasters and the warning of citizens to stay off are not enough, detailed remarks are given on how the issue impacts security operations and how it can be handled well in future. On the issue of balance between liberty and security, there can be several implications drawn on the impact that it has on security operations, though this contemporary issue is highly academic. In the first place, the vivid realization that the very liberties and freedoms of the people rest with the degree of security they have implies that security operations hold, and is responsible for the fundamental protection of the practice of liberalism in the country. If this is so, then there is the need to equip the security forces, and for that matter the security professional with adequate contingency preparations that will ensure that they are able to give maximum protection to the liberties of the collective people of the country. By this, an advocacy for people-centered security operations is admonished.

Cultural health style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cultural health style - Essay Example Access to highly advanced medical technologies and to good medical services are the two general health disparities quite common to African Americans. Quaye (2005) remarks that there are barriers in accessing medical care especially to the African-American cultural group. And these barriers go beyond the economic facet. Access to the health care system in America is racially embedded. Particularly to pregnant women, â€Å"African American women are twice as likely as whites to receive no health care at all† (as cited in Quaye, 2005, p. 2). Cockerham further notes that if pregnant African American women were ever to receive a medical care service, it only occurred in the last trimester of their pregnancies (as cited in Quaye, 2005). Johnson (1999) admits that it is not always possible for African Americans to access and receive medical services and even to â€Å"obtain the care they need† (p. 5). Besides the lack of accessing the health services characterized in the Ameri can medical setting, the African Americans hardly receive the services that are substantially high standard, let alone proper to their medical needs. For instance, African Americans undergo an amputation procedure which is â€Å"3.6 times as frequent among Blacks as whites† (as cited in Quaye, 2005, p. 2).

Experimental economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Experimental economics - Essay Example Loss aversion states that the disadvantage in losing an object is considered greater than the advantage of acquiring an object. The research paper explores the relation between endowment affect and status quo bias with loss aversion. Findings of the Article The researchers conducted various studies to establish the endowment act. An experiment on a certain group of people involved endowment of either lottery tickets or money. It was found in the study that nobody would willingly part with the lottery ticket for money. It was believed that in a market setting, the discrepancies between the Willingness to Pay (WTP) and Willingness to Acquire (WTA) would reduce. A series of experiments were conducted to understand the endowment affect. The first experiment revealed that the market clearing price coincided with the point of intersection of induced demand and supply curves and transaction costs were low. Since the income effects are insignificant and transaction cost is low thus when mark et clearing occurs objects are owned by people who value it the most. The volume of trade was low due to the price reservation of the buyers and sellers and was attributed to the lack of willingness on the part of the owner to part with his belonging. Indifference curves are reversible and they do not intersect. In the presence of loss aversion, the reversibility concept is not applicable. The primary affect of endowment does not lie in increasing the attraction towards the goods one owns. Rather, it enhances the pain in giving up the good.

Ethical Integrity Essay Example for Free

Ethical Integrity Essay This paper will deal with the concept of ethical integrity relative to the economic crisis of 2009. In order for this concept to make any sense, it must be a social ethic, guides to life and behavior for living in society. But the current state of western economics mas made it clear that revolutionary ideas need to be introduced into our conceptions about ethics, largely utilitarian and relativist. In this paper, the damage done to western economics–and the public perception of economics–will be seen through the eyes of four very different, but complimentary authors: John Locke, Pierre Proudhon, Murray Bookchin and GWF Hegel. All three will be used to deal with the elements of ethic integrity in a time of radical dissatisfaction with the status quo: a status quo where the state and the corporate governance of the western world is coming into question like never before. Proudhon was a revolutionary that functioned in the tradition of Locke. He takes the contract of free peoples that was so dear to Locke in forming the state and takes it one step further: that the state, as outlined by Locke, is not necessary at all, if the main basis of it is the contract in defense of natural rights. The state, in this view, seems to be an unnecessary middleman that always grows far beyond the bounds the libertarians like Locke seek to imprison it (George, 1922, 534). For Proudhon, then, all politics is coercive and power hungry, and hence, Locke’s libertarian theory just provides the groundwork for later tyranny and statism. Proudhon is the creator of a system fo exchange called, for lack of a better phase, â€Å"mutualist anarchism. † What Proudhon saw in his day (the late 18th century) was the wild industrialization of life, the making of quick fortunes and the basic instability of life that was the lot of the average worker and small business man. Such a view would fit to our own day as well. But what Proudhon envisaged is the dismantling of the central state and the large corporate behemoth into t mutualist federation of communities (George, 1922, 535). For him, the man was not a citizen, for that was a mystification with no meaning. He was primary a producer: an industrial worker, farmer, fisherman or banker. It was here that his economic worth was found. All others, the state and the corporate boss, were mere parasites that produced nothing. But if the ethical option of revolution is a proper one, then what would replace the huge modern state? This is the essence of mutualism: the morally integral person manifests his integrity by making and keeping contracts with other people and communities (George, 1922, 538). Anarchy for Proudhon is the moral force that binds individuals and communities to contracts, contracts which represent mutual agreement. If this is the case, then the state makes little sense: the force that binds is the community whose moral force as well as one’s reputation serve to cement ties one person (producer) to another. In other words, each community of producers, functioning in the larger community of diverse members, have their worth in their skills in a trade or producer’s association: this means that the function of this skill in the society requires a moral approach to contracts: by refusing to hold up one’s side of the bargain will expose the person in question as morally fraudulent and hence, outside of the system of mutual exchange, and hence, needless to say, broke. Mutualism means moral integrity because one’ ability to exchange goods and services by way of contract is the basis of an orderly society, not the direction of the state or the creation of needs by corporate bosses. The nature of revolution, then is the gradual taking of political power away from the sate and the corporate boards by these societies of mutual aid: producer’s organizations of farmers, mechanics, etc. Hence, what Locke began as the contract among free property holders to create a state is taken to its next level: workers and producers protecting their autonomy by joining in associations to function on the basis of mutual aid, guaranteed by contract and personal reputation. In other words, Proudhon takes Locke to the next level: from the mutual aid of property holders to the mutual aid of all producers (Proudhon, 1977, 12ff). In both cases, the idea of contract and mutual aid is central, but, since Proudhon is writing in an already industrialized time (Locke, right at the beginning), much has changed since Locke wrote, and the world of industry and finance has destroyed individual autonomy, not enhanced it. As in our own times, both the state and the corporate actors have grown into a symbiotic monster that sucks the average worker dry in taxes and debt. The reality is that no rational person can look at the economic system in the western world in 2009 and claim that it has protected autonomy, community and property: it has done exactly the opposite. Hence, this paper’s focus: the creation, basis and reaction of the morally integral person to this crisis.

Genetic Engineering :: Genetic Engineering Essays

At the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland, Dr. Keith Campbell, director of embryology at PPL therapeutics in Roslin, and his colleague Dr. Ian Wilmut worked together on a project to clone a sheep, Dolly, from adult cells. On February 22, 1997, they finally succeeded. Dolly was the only lamb born from 277 fusions of oocytes with udder cells. Wilmut says there were so many failures because it is difficult to ensure that the empty oocytes and the donor cell are at the same stage of the cell division cycle.To clone Dolly, basically scientists took an unfertilized egg cell, removed the nucleus, replaced it with cells taken from the organism to be cloned, put it into an empty egg cell which begins to develop as an embryo, and implanted this embryo into a mother, from which the clone was born.The fact that only 1 out of 277 attempts succeeded is a little scary when applied to human beings. If an attempt to clone a human led to that high of a death toll, then there would not be many supporters. According to Rifkin, in an extensive survey of all 106 clinical trials of experimental gene therapies conducted over the past five years involving more than 597 patients, a panel of experts convened by the NIG reported that "Clinical efficacy has not been definitively demonstrated at this time in any gene therapy protocol, despite anecdotal claims of successful therapy." (545). These results are also happening with people who are trying to get gene therapy. With these facts on the table, it would not be ideal to try to clone humans if cloning an animal took several hundred attempts and human gene therapy has had hundreds of failures as well.Humans are going way beyond their limits in the field of biotechnology in the world today. Until recently, these ideas were unheard of. Now with new technology, scientists are capable of changing an organism's genetic make-up. We are very eager to learn new things, however, this eagerness gets in the way of common sense all too often. As stated in Starr and Taggart's article, "we do not have the wisdom to bring about beneficial changes without causing great harm to ourselves or to the environment." (514). However, the naà ¯ve public may want to jump right into things, and scientists will not disagree.Scientists are messing with things that they should not be messing with.

Can We Really Trust the Media? Essays -- The Media

Can We Really Trust The News Media? Can the people of the United States of America trust their modern news media? Since early colonial days, various forms of news coverage have existed in this country. And for many years now, the reliability of the information delivered by the media has been heavily scrutinized. It seems that this issue is becoming more and more significant in the 21st Century. Ronald Roach, executive editor of DiverseEducation.com and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine, notes that â€Å"more than ever, the American news media are under public scrutiny for the way individual reporters conduct themselves, for how news coverage on major events is carried out and for the balance media organizations purport their news coverage to have† (Roach). Is the media a reliable source of news for the American people? No. The modern media is not a trustworthy source of news and information. Three key for this lack of credibility reasons are as follows: Many in the media industry are more concerned about profit than facts, the modern media usually attempts to cover up their e rrors, and the media possesses a long track record of misrepresenting and falsifying the facts. We will now proceed to examine these three reasons a greater detail. First, today’s news media is not an accurate source of news because many in the media are more concerned about profit than they are about the actual facts. It seems that the news media, along with politicians and others, is becoming less and less concerned about ethical standards, and more dedicated to how much money and power they can obtain. A writer for Issues and Controversies points out that, â€Å"the press's need to attract viewers and readers, and thereby ... ...ntly, and only after his pension was safe. Sunde discerns that â€Å"in his belated statement of resignation, Gartner did not seem fully cognizant of the enormity of his role in the near self-destruction of his once trusted and respected news organization, saying only that he hoped his leaving would ‘take the spotlight off of all of us and enable us to concentrate fully on our business’† (Rob Sunde). Works Cited "Media Bias." Issues & Controversies On File: n. pag. Issues & Controversies. Facts On File News Services, 28 Dec. 2009. Web. 3 May 2012. Roach, Ronald. Black Issues in Higher Education. 21.11 (July 15, 2004): p20. From General OneFile. Web. May 3. Sunde, Rob. The Quill. 81.3 (Apr. 1993): p10. From General OneFile. Web. May 3. Stoff, Rick. St. Louis Journalism Review. 35.278 (July-August 2005): p11. From General OneFile. Web. May 3.

Turnover Rate in Corrections

The Nation Wide Dilemma in Corrections CJ 2500: CORRECTIONS Professor November 04, 2012 Running Head: Turnover Rate in Corrections Abstract Throughout the years, there has been one major dilemma that continues to hassle the administration whose sole purpose is to provide institutional sanctions, treatment programs, and services for managing criminal offenders. This dilemma is the high turnover rate of the Corrections Officers, whom agencies nation wide are losing at an extremely high rate.Recent statistics indicate that nearly half of all Corrections Academy graduates will have left their agency within a two-year period (â€Å"State questions high, â€Å"2004). This high turnover rate is causing a staff shortage, which is forcing agencies to put new officers on the job immediately while being untrained. Though the amount of Corrections Officers departing from their agencies continues to rise, the amount of inmates entering prisons remains the same.This of course can become a seriou s safety issue for the departments employing these new hires that are inadequately trained. Throughout this paper I will explore the numerous possibilities of what’s causing Corrections Officers to depart from their agencies at such a high rate. Whether it’s the demanding hours associated with shift work, the high stress and burnout, or the inadequate pay and benefits, all possibilities will be discussed in an attempt to understand why the retention rate of Corrections Officers is lower compared to various other careers across the nation.The Department of Corrections (DOC), privately owned jails, parish jails, and local city jails not only face the hardship of maintaining inmate property, specific calorie counts from meals provided, medicine dispensing, doctor visits, and numerous other tasks required that Corrections Officers tend to on a typical day of work, but these facilities also face the hardship of retaining these Officers for extended lengths of employment. As stated in the Abstract of this paper, â€Å"Recent statistics indicate that nearly half of all Corrections Academy graduates will have left their agency within a two-year period† (â€Å"State questions high, â€Å"2004).This has become a major problem for agencies that have a continuous increase in the number of inmates entering these facilities each year, while becoming almost impossible to keep enough manpower to operate shifts in a safe and secure manner. It is stated that in 1999, the turnover rate of Officers and Corporals within an agency was 29. 6 percent, while the average tenure of Officers was 3 years (â€Å"Department of corrections,†). The turnover rates in 2000 ranged from a low of 3. percent in New York, to a high of 41 percent in Louisiana (Lommel, 2004). Typically, once an Officer has been hired and accepted the job, they are to be trained in some type of Corrections Academy. The department hiring the Officer may host this Academy, or the Officer may have to travel to receive their training. Either way, prior to an Officer actually beginning their job monitoring the walkways of a prison or jail, the Officer should first be well trained to ensure theirs, the inmates, and other Officers safety.However, due to the high number of vacancies within Corrections, Officers are being hired without any experience, while hoping to receive this training academy shortly after becoming employed. Some agencies have established a policy that once the Officer has completed their training at an Academy, they are to sign a contract stating that they will remain with the department for a set amount of years. This is due to the high costs that an agency incurs by having these Officers sent to an accredited Academy to receive their training.The dollar amount that an agency may spend on an Officers training may range anywhere between a few hundred dollars, to a few thousand dollars. To elaborate on the amount of vacancies within Corrections, this coul d very well be a contributing factor to the increased amount of Officers who resign due to stress and burnout. Officers are being ordered in on their off days or holidays, forced to work mandatory overtime, a higher inmate to Correctional Officer ratio, as well as experienced Officers having to work with an extensive amount of â€Å"rookie† or inexperienced Correctional Officers.This combining of experienced officers with new hires, who have not received any type of prior training, raises the stress level during dangerous interactions with inmates, as well lowering the morale of the Officers who remain and attempt to complete their careers with a specific agency. This may be due to long term employees realizing that many of the new hires are using their time as a Correctional Officer to gain experience, or as a stepping-stone to eventually become a road or patrol Officer, which may involve more experienced Officers not spending the time necessary to assist, or provide â€Å" On the job training† to the new hires.Additional causes of stress may include the threat of inmate violence, actual inmate violence, inmate demands and manipulations, problems with co-workers, as well as having a poor public image. For example, â€Å"Between 1990 and 1995, the number of attacks on correctional officers in State and Federal prisons jumped by nearly one third, from 10,731 to 14,165 (Lommel, 2004). An additional stress added to a Correctional Officers life is being able to balance and separate work from their personal relationships.Workdays at a correctional facility often involve long hours of uneventful and routine procedures. This â€Å"routine† may quickly be disrupted by a brief period of crisis. Some Officers have issues with being able to return to a calm state once a crisis occurs, often times bringing their problems home to their families. This may lead Officers to substance abuse, or alcoholism. Law Enforcement careers can be an extremely diffic ult, stressful, yet rewarding career, even when referring to Corrections Officers.However, due to the long work hours associated with shift work, combined with the stressful and strenuous workdays officers are exposed to, it seems as if all Law Enforcement, to include Corrections officers do not receive the pay and benefits that they are entitled to. A large number of Corrections Officers are leaving this career field due to struggling with raising families while trying to balance and survive on the annual salary of a Corrections Officer. It seems as if economically speaking, the value of everyday necessities ontinues to rise in value, except for the officers’ paychecks. This dilemma, combined with the additional stress an Officer encounters on the job, could possibly explain why many Officers leave their jobs due to stress and burnout. The benefits that an Officer, or Corrections Officer receives is usually the highlight of their employment contract. Officers usually do rece ive good insurance and retirement plans. Not just for them, but for their families as well. However, the type of insurance that an Officer receives depends on the plan that the agency has purchased.Some agencies will have top of the line benefits, while others may have insurance carriers with extremely high deductibles and rates, due to tight budget restraints and cutbacks within the department. In addition to the stress, burnout, long hours, and low pay, many officers are never set on retiring within corrections. As previously stated, numerous officers, such as myself, use corrections as a stepping-stone, or training prior to being hired for a patrol position.Numerous agencies such as Sheriff’s Offices of various Parishes within the state, require that an individual hired first serve one to two years within the parish jail prior to being sent to a Police Academy and ultimately landing a position on patrol. Many agencies have come to realize this, which is why they may not sp end the time, effort, and funds to train the individual to become a more efficient Corrections Officer. By reflecting on the issues presented in this paper, it is determined that turnover rate in Corrections Officers will likely continue to be a rising problem for agencies.Administrators seeking seminars on retention strategies, which may depend on additional funding, can combat some of these issues. Agencies can improve their policies, improve management, increase criteria of the screening process, as well as address the wage and benefit issue. However, no matter what an agency decides in attempting to retain there officers, there will always be the Officers that slip through the cracks and ultimately cost the department more funding in training the individual, only to have them leave the agency before reaching their desired and previously stated commitment.WORKS CITED Department of corrections background and statistics. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://legisweb. state. wy. us/proge val/reports/2000/turnovr/Chapter4. htm High turnover of corrections staff, excessive priosoner head counts attract media attention. (2006, Sep 06). Retrieved from http://www. bcgeu. ca/node/1314 Lommel, J. (2004, August). Turning around turnover. Retrieved from http://search. proquest. com. ezproxy. liberty. edu:2048/docview/215699356 State questions high turnover among prison officers. (2004, 04 05). Retrieved from http://www. corrections. com/articles/1862

“Amotivational Syndrome”

Jesse Love â€Å"Amotivational Syndrome† and Marijuana use: An Ongoing Debate November 30, 2008 The positive or negative effects of marijuana usage are a common point of discussion among psychologists. One of the more common debates surrounds â€Å"Amotivational Syndrome† (i. e. the purported lack of motivation that results from marijuana use). The existence or non-existence of this â€Å"syndrome† has been discussed for over a century among both users and non-users alike (Duncan, 1987, p. 114).The two articles chosen for this essay attempt to determine whether amotivational syndrome is a by-product of marijuana use by applying two separate methods of analysis. By analyzing these articles it will be clear that there is no conclusive evidence that suggests a direct correlation between amotivational syndrome and marijuana use. In 1987, David F. Duncan sought to critique previous studies of marijuana use that claimed amotivational syndrome was a prevalent phenomenon among acute marijuana users.He aimed to challenge previous studies that assumed, in their conclusions, that users of marijuana possessed characteristics of â€Å"introversion, passivity, and lack of achievement-orientation† (Duncan, 1987, p. 114). In his introduction, Duncan introduced cross-cultural examples where marijuana use is actually used as a stimulant; for instance in Jamaica, where he compares marijuana use to North American coffee consumption (Duncan, 1987, p. 115). Duncan concludes that only by conducting a comparative study, i. . by taking a sample of subjects who are both users and non-users, could real evidence for â€Å"marijuana-related antimotivational syndrome† be determined (Duncan, 1987, p. 115). Duncan pointed to the flaws a study conducted by Halikas et al. In 1982. Halikas wanted to determine the â€Å"lifetime prevalence† of amotivational syndrome in lifetime users of marijuana. To do so, he posed a single question meant to encompass th e criterion of amotivational syndrome.The question encompassed elements such as: â€Å"Have you ever had a period when you weren’t depressed or unhappy, but you just seemed to lose your motivation although you weren’t particularly upset by that feeling? † (Duncan, 1987, p. 116). Duncan argued that Halikas et al. ’s study, in particular, was a failure because it failed to offer a comparison between users and non-users. Therefore, Duncan used the same questionnaire and applied it to a series of high-achieving subjects to determine the frequency of amotivational syndrome within a larger population of both users and non-users.Duncan selected two hundred thirty-eight athletic students (some former Olympians) from a European university. All subjects were required to speak English and came from various parts of the world. He began by requesting all subjects to fill out a questionnaire regarding past marijuana consumption. The subjects were subsequently divided i nto three groups: 1) those who had never used marijuana, 2) those who used marijuana daily for a thirty day period in their life and, 3) those who used marijuana but could not fill the requirements for group 2 (Duncan, 1987, p. 17). The results of this initial questionnaire indicated that 47. 7% had never used marijuana, 23. 8% were occasional/experimental users and 24. 1% had been daily users. These three groups also responded to the questionnaire borrowed from Halikas et al. It was determined that there was no significant variation in the frequency of amotivational syndrome among marijuana users (Duncan, 1987, p. 117). These results only serve to debunk the initial findings of Halikas et al. and other psychologists who had followed similar methods of analysis.Indeed, Duncan made this explicit in the conclusion of his report. It is clear from Duncan’s work that a new methodology is required to determine whether amotivational syndrome is more prevalent among marijuana users. The limitations of this research are therefore quite clear. Future studies will require both long and short-term analysis of both users and non-users. Also, a controlled definition of motivation will be required to determine what a lack thereof implies. To make improvements one would therefore need to have access, as Duncan had, to a large body of subjects. It would then e necessary to track these subjects, both users and non-users alike, over a sustained period of time to determine whether or not the likelihood of amotivational syndrome is more common among users or non-users, if there is in fact a difference at all. Duncan ultimately argued that he was still prepared â€Å"†¦to relegate the antimotivational syndrome to the growing scrap heap of discarded marijuana myths† (Duncan, 1987, p. 118). In 2002, Cherek et al. conducted a much more dynamic study of amotivational syndrome, following a number of the suggestions offered years earlier by Duncan.They offered a vague definition of amotivational syndrome as a â€Å"set of characteristics† including â€Å"general apathy†¦loss of productivity†¦lethargy (and) depression† among others (Cherek, Lane and Dougherty, 2002, p. 26). Despite these agreed upon attributes of amotivational syndrome, Cherek et al. also found it difficult to pinpoint the amotivational â€Å"phenomenon†. They recalled some of the studies referred to by Duncan that found a positive correlation between marijuana usage and amotivational syndrome.By recognizing that amotivational syndrome occurred among users and non-users alike, the researchers concluded that amotivational syndrome was ultimately a question of frequency. Cherek et al. also sought to arrive at a conclusive definition of motivation, both theoretically and methodologically. To cross this hurdle, Cherek et al. opted to follow a behavioral approach in conjunction with a progressive ratio schedule (PR) and a fixed-time schedule (FT). In this way, they could â€Å"†¦define and measure motivation by measuring changes in PR responding across changes in reinforcer magnitude† (Cherek et al. , 2002, p. 27).Monetary reward would be used as an operational reinforcement and data would be based on subject response rates. The first experiment involved five males who were occasional marijuana users. It was used to confirm the initial â€Å"proposed operational definition of motivational behavior† which meant that there was a direct ratio between the response time and the motivation (Cherek et al. , 2002, pp. 27-28). The results proved that their initial suppositions were correct and that the changes in response rate and ratios were â€Å"consistent with the operational method† established from the outset of the experiment (Cherek et al. 2002, p. 30). The following two experiments used a different subject base but retained the same reinforcer values. The researchers controlled the THC supply, dividing it i nto three strains of potency. They argued that a decrease in PR response following â€Å"acute marijuana administration† while the keeping the reinforcer at a constant level would indicate decreased levels of motivation (Cherek et al. , 2002, p. 30). The results of Experiment 2 Phase 1 indicated that acute marijuana consumption did alter behavior. However, the results were not dose dependent.Experiment 2 Phase 2 showed that the â€Å"marijuana-induced decreases in responding can be overcome by increasing the reinforcer† (Cherek et. al, 2002, p. 35). This meant that although it was clear that there were overt behavioral differences between marijuana induced subjects and the placebo subjects, these differences could be overcome by offering a motivational stimulus. The researchers concluded that acute marijuana users do exhibit some forms of amotivational behavior. This behavior could be usurped if there was an increase in the reinforcement.They pointed out that other stu dies had achieved results that disconfirmed this conclusion. However, those studies did not offer â€Å"the availability of at least one alternative response† for the subjects. [1] Cherek et al. suggested that one could â€Å"construe† their study as an indication that marijuana does induce amotivational behavior. Still, this is not entirely conclusive because the study solely examined the effects of short-term acute marijuana use. Most of the controversy surrounding marijuana use generally questions whether long-term use, rather than short-term use, effects amotivational behavior. 2] The fact that only short-term marijuana use was studied here is its greatest limitation. It was also limited because of the small number of subjects and the environment in which they were tested (a small room). These articles are particularly interesting for me because I am an occasional marijuana user and have always been concerned about how I will be affected in the long-term. I tend to agree with various elements from both studies. I am convinced, like Duncan that many myths concerning marijuana consumption have circulated for political reasons rather than because of empirical data.I also believe that amotivational syndrome is common among both users and non-users alike. Whether or not users are more disposed to this phenomenon is still up for debate. Cherek et al. ’s study was also intriguing because it demonstrated that amotivational syndrome (whether induced by marijuana or not) could be overcome by increasing the reinforcement. This makes a lot of sense in my world-view, as quite often the individuals I have known will become motivated only if they believe they will reap reasonable rewards. If the rewards are not worth the effort, â€Å"amotivational syndrome† may set it.These studies have demonstrated that there is still much more research to be conducted on the effects of marijuana consumption both in the short- term and the long-term. It appe ars as if there is more speculation regarding marijuana than there is empirical evidence. The topic of amotivational syndrome is particularly troublesome because of the tricky nature of defining motivation. This problem is compounded when conducting a controlled study because there is very little motivation, nor may it be possible, for the participants to behave in a controlled environment as they would in the real world.References Cherek, Don R. , Lane, Scott D. and Dougherty, Donald M (2002). Possible Antimotivational Effects Following Marijuana Smoking Under Laboratory Conditions. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 10(1), 26-38. Duncan, David F. (1987). Lifetime Prevalence of â€Å"Antimotivational Syndrome† Among Users and Non-Users of Hashish. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 1(2), 114-119. ———————– [1] Cherek et al. , 35. [2] Cherek et al. , 36.