Saturday, August 31, 2019

Disease Trends and the Delivery of Health Care Servies Essay

INTRODUCTION Americans use health care services every day, and they use them for a number of different reasons. Whether it is for preventing or curing illness, mending broken bones, delivering infants, or perhaps long term care in a nursing home there has been and will always continue to be a consistent need for the health care industry. According to an article published by the National Center for Health Care Statistics, there are a number of different factors that determine how much health care people use, the various types of care that they use, and the timing of care that they seek (Bernstein, Hing, Moss, Allen, Siller and Tiggle, 2003). These factors could include many different variables; however, for the purpose of this paper we will discuss how trends such as the aging population, and the growing rate of obesity in America are likely to influence the delivery of health care services in the future. THE AGINING POPULATION The population of the United States on April 1, 2010 was 308.7 million people. This is according to an article regarding the 2010 Census report (Howden & Meyer, 2011). In the same article the age composition of the population is broken down. It shows that those aged infant to 18 accounted for 24.0 percent of the country’s population. In addition citizens between the ages of 18 and 44 represented 36.5 percent, and those 45 to 64 made up 26.4 percent of the population. Finally, individuals aged 65 or older accounted for 13.0 percent of the United States population (Howden & Meyer, 2011). These numbers are expected to change significantly over the next few decades. More specifically, the older population which consists of  individuals 65 or older is expected to grow rapidly. This expected growth is largely in part due to the generation known as the baby boomers. This concept is supported in another article published by the U.S. Census Bureau. It states, Between 2010 and 2050, the United States is projected to experience rapid growth in its older population. In 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to be 88.5 million, more than double its projected population of 40.2 million in 2010. The baby boomers are largely responsible for this increase in the older population, as they will begin crossing into this category in 2011. (Vincent & Velkoff, 2010, para 2). In addition, there are other factors that support the population growing older. These factors include a decline in fertility rates, and an increase in the age of average life expectancy. It goes without saying that older generations have different medical needs then do younger generation. Furthermore, as the populations grows older there will be a greater demand for health care services. According to a summary report published by the University of Albany it is estimated that 84 percent of people 65 or older are likely to suffer from at least one chronic medical condition. Such conditions include cancer, heart disease and diabetes to name a few (2006). Along with rising health care needs there will be a greater demand for prescription medications as well. In conjunction with these factors the need for long term care facilities will grow also. As we know already when there is a demand for something there must also be an adequate supply. There is great concern that as the population ages it is probable that the supply of health care services may not be enough. In the same summary published by the University of Albany it states, The expected growth of the older adult pop ulation in the U.S. over the next 50 years will have an unprecedented impact on the U.S. health care system, especially in terms of supply and demand for health care workers. The supply of health care workers may decrease as they age and large numbers retire and/or reduce their working hours. At the same time, older adults consume a disproportionately large share of American health care services, so the demand for health services will grow. The aging population will also affect the nature of the skills and services the health care workforce must be equipped to provide, and the settings in which this care is provided.  (2006, page 2) In addition, there will not just be a greater need for health care professionals such as psycians, nurses, lab technicians and more. There will also be a large necessity for advancements in health care technologies and facilities. We know that there is nothing that can be done to stop the process of aging itself; however, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the health complications that are related to aging. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a few opportunities to improve health and quality of life in older generations include promoting healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, and increasing the use of preventative services (2011). THE GROWING RATE OF OBESITY Obesity is a disease that is associated with having an excess amount of body fat. It is condition that has been linked to a number of different medical issues including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke to name a few. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over one-third of the population is considered obese costing the United States an estimated $147 billion in 2008 (2013). Although the numbers are already astonishing they are only expected to grow in the future. An article featured in the American Medical News predicts that if the obesity trends continue to rise by 2030 an estimated 50 percent of America’s men and 45 to 52 percent of its women will be obese (Henry, 2011). There are many factors that contribute to the growing trend of obesity. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the environment around us does not support healthy lifestyle habits (2012). This is because we live in a world with advance d technologies and conveniences. With busy schedules it is often easy for people to give in to fast food or microwave dinners because they are quick and easy. It can also be difficult for people to get physical exercise because many neighborhoods around the country lack safe places for recreation, or affordable gyms (The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). A few different demographic factors linked to the obesity trend include age, sex, and race. As mentioned previously, Americans spent as estimated $147 billion for health care services in 2008. This number is expected to grow substantially  over time. One author wrote that the cost of obesity is expected to reach $344 billion by the year 2018 (Thorpe, n.d.). These numbers are outrages. In addition to the rising health care cost that stems from obesity we have to be concerned about the health complications that can come with the disease. Obesity has been linked to an insane number of health conditions including type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, some forms of cancer, sleep apnea and many more. There are steps that can be taken to prevent obesity, and the health issues that are associated with it. Eating healthy is vital, and not always as easy as it sounds. It can be so very easy to fall into food traps but we should focus our time and energ y towards foods that are rich in nutrients and low in calories. These foods include lean meats and proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to exercise on a regular basis. Exercises such as walking, swimming, or running are excellent. In addition, reversing the obesity epidemic in America is going to require a community effort. Schools, places of business, and government agencies should all be involved in this mission. CONCLUSION As our population ages, and obesity rates rise in America there is no doubt that the health care industry will need to adapt. These issues will require many advancements is medical technology, as well as a larger supplies of health care professionals including doctors, nurses, mental health providers, lab technicians, long term care providers, and administrators. The list could go on and on. Therefore, in the next few decades it will be important for the industry to recruit, and adequately train new health care professionals as the baby boomer population nears retirement. Moving forward, it will also be important for the community, and not just the health care world, to implement new ways to encourage preventative care. This will require many different organizations to become involved, most especially schools because the key to prevention is education. If the younger generations are taught the healthy way to live, and if more parents lead by example the future of this country would i n turn be much more healthy. The world of health care is ever changing, and there are many different  trends that affect it. As the future rolls forward it will be most interesting to see how health care professionals adapt to each trend. REFERNCES Bernstein, A. B., Hing, E., Moss, A. J., Allen K. F., Siller A.B. & Tiggle R. B. (2003). Health Care in America: Trends in Utilization. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/misc/healthcare.pdf Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/aging.htm Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html Henry, T. A. (2011). U.S. Obesity Rate Expected to Reach 50% by 2030. Retrieved from http://www.amednews.com/article/20110912/health/309129951/4/ Howden, L. M., & Meyer, J. M. (2011). Age and Sex Composition: 2010. 2010 Census Briefs. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-03.pdf Thorpe, K. (n.d.). New Data Shows Obesity Costs Will Grow to $344 Billion by 2018. Retrieved from http://www.fightchronicdisease.org/media-center/releases/new-data-shows-obesity-costs-will-grow-344-billion-2018 University of Albany. (2006). The Impact of the Aging Population on the Health Workforce in the United States: Summary of Key Findings. Retrieved from http://www.albany.edu/news/pdf_files/impact_of_aging_excerpt.pdf U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). What Causes Overweight and Obesity?. Retrieved from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/obe/causes.html Vincet, G. K., & Velkoff, Victoria A. (2010). The Next Four Day Decades the Older Population in the United States: 2010 to 2050: U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/prod/2010pubs/p25-1138.pdf

Friday, August 30, 2019

Neolithic Revolution Essay

The Neolithic Revolution was a great change from hunting and gathering to civilization because of discovery of agriculture. The Neolithic Revolution was an important turning point in history because it allowed people to create civilization. About 10,000 BCE, humans began to cultivate crops and domesticate certain animals; this was a change from the system of hunting and gathering. It brought changes to human society and culture. The people of this era were called nomads. The nomads would settle down in fertile areas and river valleys. Some of the first signs of technology began to appear around this time as well. During the Paleolithic Period, which lasts from the beginnings of human life until about 10,000 BCE, people were nomads. They lived in groups of 20 -30 and spent most of their time hunting and gathering. The nomads were people who were constantly moving. Nomads moved according to season and migrating animals. It`s true that in human societies the business of hunting and gath ering has involved specialization, with men doing the hunting and women much of the gathering. All humans, unlike most animals, carry the food home and share it, rather than consume it. Nomadic people didn’t have very many possessions for example; you could only bring what you could carry. It was a slow population growth in this time, since no one really settled down. Since people were constantly moving and struggling to survive, advancements in technology were extremely slow. The nomadic people really only had tools for digging, spears, knives, and clubs. When people switched from hunters and gathers to farming and agriculture it was a big turning point in history. Stone tools were a root to this vast change in lifestyle. Humans moved from bone and fur tools to stone tools. The first farmers relied on slash-and-burn agriculture, that involves the cutting and burning of plants in forest to create fields. Then after a while people started to use normal farming techniques. In order to use these techniques warm climate, water, and fertile soil was necessary. That was the reason people settled down by river valleys. The discovery of farming led a surplus of food this would be the first time ever seeing one. In a farming lifestyle, men spent most of their time outside the home in the fields or working with animals. The women worked in the home processing food, making clothes, and caring for children. Women’s status declined as men took the lead in in most areas of these early societies. The crops they raised depended on their location, and developed  agriculture independently at different times The technology and social organization of the Neolithic Revolution remained the basis of all civilization. The people’s tools and skills had advanced sufficiently for cultivating people to support towns with over one thousand people. Humans now had to stay in one place, aside from moving to more fertile land, to raise crops and domesticate animals. Small sedentary farming villages created the conditions necessary for development of c ities. Nomadic people settled down in villages and made families which eventually led to a market rise in population and town life. Scholars created a system of knowledge and writing, division of labor, trading economics and development of art started to occur. Farming now allowed members to abandon subsistence activities and become artisans, merchants and priests. Neolithic Revolution people could work in specialized trades such as metalworking or act as religious leaders. Cities arose with trade, markets, government, laws and armies. For the first time, people could spend their working lives focused on something other than survival. The Neolithic revolution was the most important development in human history. The way we live today, settled in homes, close to other people in towns and cities, protected by laws, eating food grown on farms, and with leisure time to learn, explore and invent is all a result of the Neolithic revolution, which occurred approximately 11,500-5,000 years ago.

Quality Management-Toyota Essay

This paper explores multiple published articles discussing Toyota Motor Company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. A review of Toyota’s decisions to hide important information prior to recalls leads us to a discussion of where Toyota can go from here. The paper includes recommendations for Toyota Motor Company in order to move forward after their 2010 recalls. In addition, organizational changes will assist Toyota Motor Company in overcoming their recall problems. QUALITY MANAGEMENT 3 Quality Management within Toyota Motor Company After a number of discouraging recalls at Toyota Motor Company in 2010, a number of quality management techniques were implemented. Toyota Motor Company’s SWOT Analysis played into the newly implemented quality management techniques. Toyota’s strengths allowed them to fight back quickly against these recalls that could have ultimately led to Toyota’s fall from one of the top motor company’s. Toyota Motor Company’s strengths include dominant position in the marketplace, strong brand recognition, strong focus on research and development, and broad production and distribution network. In addition to Toyota’s strengths, their weaknesses were reviewed in order to find opportunities to capitalize upon. The recalls were obviously a large weakness at Toyota. Opportunities were reviewed which included the growth of the global automotive industry. Last, Toyota’s threats were reviewed. Here it was found that powerful competition is a worry for Toyota Motor Company. After the review of Toyota Motor Company’s SWOT Analysis, the issue of the recalls was assessed. Analysis shows the issue within Toyota Motor Company did not appear overnight. However, secretive management styles let the company astray. A diagram was created by functional area to summarize how Toyota has responded to these recall problems. The functional areas reviewed include management, production design and safety, quality, and manufacturing. Last, the analysis of Toyota Motor Company’s recall and quality management issues are discussed from a point of solving the problem. Recommendations are discussed that will help Toyota Motor Company to turn their weaknesses into strengths. QUALITY MANAGEMENT 4 Method Discussion SWOT Analysis Internal Factors Strengths Weaknesses Product †¢ Dominant position in the marketplace †¢ Strong brand recognition †¢ Strong focus on Research & Development †¢ Broad production and distribution network. †¢ Product recalls have the ability to negatively affect brand image †¢ Declining sales in crucial geographic areas External Factors Opportunities Threats Competition †¢ Growth of the global automotive industry †¢ Potential benefit from partnering with BMW †¢The outlook for the new global car market is strong †¢ Powerful competition †¢ Appreciation of the Japanese Yen †¢ Environmental regulations †¢Natural disasters Strengths. Toyota has a number of internal product strengths as noted in the SWOT Analysis table above. Toyota’s market share in 2011 was 16. 5 percent, its highest market share in 4 years. This strong market share allowed Toyota to hold a competitive advantage against their competition. In addition to holding a dominant position in the marketplace, Toyota possesses strong brand recognition through a number of brands. These brands include Toyota, Lexus, Prius, Corolla, Yaris, Camry, Sequoia, 4Runner, Scion tC, Highlander, Land Cruiser, and a number of other brand names. These brands are some of the most desired premium brands in the world according to the Company Profile report for Toyota Motor Company documented by MarketLine. QUALITY MANAGEMENT 5 Another strength of Toyota is their strong attention to research and development. According to the Company Profile report, Toyota’s focus on research and development is pointed towards the creation of new and improved products. Research and development operations are conducted at 14 facilities located around the world. This strength has allowed Toyota to increase the technology included in existing products. One of these products, a Pre-collision System (PCS) helps drivers avoid collisions. Overall, the strong focus on research and development has been a big strength for Toyota. Last, Toyota’s production and distribution network has been a big strength for the company. Toyota produces automobiles, related parts, and other components through more than 50 manufacturing companies throughout 27 countries and regions, not including Japan. As mentioned on the Toyota Motor Company website, major locations include Japan, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, Thailand, China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil. As reported by Toyota Motor Company, during fiscal year 2013 the company had consolidated vehicle sales totals of 8. 871 million units (TCM, 2013). As reported by Toyota Motor Company, this was an increase of 1. 519 million units compared to the previous fiscal year. In addition to the widespread production of Toyota products, the company has a large distribution network. Toyota’s distribution network is one of the largest in Japan encompassing four sales channels (Toyota, Toyopet, Corolla, and Netz). In 2012 the distribution network of these channels was comprised of 283 dealers. In addition to this network, Toyota operates over 170 Lexus sales channels in Japan. QUALITY MANAGEMENT 6 As reported by Toyota Motor Company, in fiscal year 2013 these networks accounted for the following vehicle sales: †¢JAPAN SALES TOTALED 2. 279 MILLION UNITS †¢IN NORTH AMERICA VEHICLE SALES TOTALED 2. 469 MILLION UNITS †¢IN EUROPE VEHICLE SALES TOTALED 799,085 UNITS †¢ASIA CAME IN AT TOTAL VEHICLE SALES OF 1. 684 MILLION UNITS †¢CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, OCEANIA AND AFRICA CAME IN AT 1. 640 MILLION UNITS As you can see, Toyota’s distribution network is widespread allowing for diversification and a wide reach of clientele, ultimately boosting revenues and sales. Weaknesses. A large focus of the case study focuses on the weakness of Toyota’s product recalls. As many are aware, Toyota has encountered a number of recalls in the recent past. It is a concern that these recalls could negatively affect Toyota’s brand imagine ultimately leading to decreased sales for the company. When searching for Toyota recalls it was easy to find a few recent recalls. The most recent is a recall of 700,000 Toyota Prius models which were recalled over electronic issues in the United States (csmonitor. com, 2014). Another very recent recall includes certain versions of the Lexus RX crossover. In this case, more than 261,000 vehicles are being recalled due to a brake issue (csmonitor. com, 2014). In addition to the many recalls, Toyota has been involved in a number of lawsuits. In December 2012, Toyota settled a suit by paying $17. 4 million to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to settle claims related to the June 2012 recall of potential accelerator pedal entrapment issues. This bad press will ultimately result in a negative effect on consumer’s confidence in Toyota’s brand. In addition, the settlement of suits ultimately decreases Toyota’s QUALITY MANAGEMENT 7 profits. As a result of this bad press Toyota saw a decline in 2012 sales in important geographic areas. Declining sales in fiscal year 2012 were seen across North America, Asia, and Europe. Opportunities. As reported by the article, Global automotive industry to experience modest growth in 2012, a number of opportunities exist in the global automotive industry (2012). The Japanese auto industry responded from natural disasters which had caused reduced inventories and production. It is forecasted that the industry will continue to grow increasing Toyota revenues. In June of 2012, BMW and Toyota signed a long-term partnership. The two companies are partnering on the developments that will help to increase market share and sales. This relationship is expected to increase technology between the two companies as well as result in new product development. In addition to these opportunities, the new car market is experiencing moderate growth which will assist in increased sales and profits. Threats. Intense competition in the worldwide car market has become very competitive. This competition will likely increase in the upcoming years as competitors add more technology and increase developments. In addition to the intense competition, the appreciating Japanese Yen has become a big concern for Toyota. Last, environment regulations have the potential to increase production costs. Emissions regulations that are updated periodically could cause issues in new car production. Evolvement of Quality Management Issues At first glance, it seems that Toyota’s gas pedal issue appeared overnight. However, upon further research, evidence was found to prove the opposite. As reported in the article Secretive Culture Let Toyota Astray, evidence that Toyota cars could suddenly speed up had been piling up for years (2010). At the time of the recalls, Toyota had known about this gas QUALITY MANAGEMENT 8 pedal problem for more than a year. The problem was stated to be Toyota’s secretive corporate culture in Japan which ultimately conflicted with United States requirements that auto makers disclose safety threats. New initiatives brought to the table by Toyota have attempted to correct the previous secretive culture of Toyota. Total quality management initiatives have been put in place to assist in better customer service and safety and repair issues. According to Jacobs and Chase, total quality management can be defined as managing the entire organization so that it excels on all dimensions of products and services that are important to the customer (Chase and Jacobs, 2014, p. 296). The table following this discussion addresses the steps Toyota has taken in response to its recent quality recall problems. Functional Area Quality Management Steps Management †¢ Managing Director names to oversee any safety-related issues †¢ Top down management approach Product Design & Safety †¢ Troubleshooting teams known as Swift Market Analysis Response Teams work to find any safety issues that need to be reported Quality †¢ TAQIC – Toyota Advanced Quality Information Center staffed by a group of employees who compile repair reports from dealerships worldwide †¢ 1000 engineers hired to spot-check quality Manufacturing †¢ No drastic changes to assembly lines QUALITY MANAGEMENT 9 Results/Discussion Problem Solution As discussed in the diagram above, there were many opportunities for Toyota after their encounter with the recall situation. Akio Toyoda, the head of the company, acted quickly by implementing a top down management approach instead of the more popular Japanese â€Å"bottom up† approach that slows down the decision making. In addition, Akio cut board of directors by fifty percent and cut out management layers. Akio also began meeting with his top five advisers on a weekly basis. In these meetings decisions were made quickly. Akio pushed his team to make â€Å"always better cars. † This change in the way the organization is managed helped Toyota to stay on top even through the recalls. Recommendations Many recommendations have been made to assist Toyota Motor Company in improving the recall situation they encountered in 2011. Some recommendations Toyota should follow include as recommended by the North American Quality Advisory Panel include the following: †¢GIVE NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS MORE INDEPENDENCE IN MAKING RECALL DECISIONS †¢STRENGTHEN QUALITY CONTROL PROCESSES †¢EXTEND DEVELOPMENT TIME OF NEW PRODUCTS TO INCLUDE MORE SAFETY TESTS †¢CREATE A ROLE OF CHIEF SAFETY TECHNOLOGY OFFICER. †¢CREATE AND LAUNCH A SAFETY RESEARCH CENTER FOCUSED ON PROTECTING THE MOST IMPORTANT clientele (children, teens, and seniors) QUALITY MANAGEMENT 10 These ideas follow the concept of total quality management which focuses on two fundamental goals: †¢CAREFUL DESIGN OF THE PRODUCT (IN THE CASE OF TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY, THE VEHICLE) †¢ENSURE THAT TOYOTA MOTOR COMPANY SYSTEMS CAN PRODUCE THIS DESIGN IN A CONSISTENT manner Quality at the source seems to be a great way for Toyota Motor Company to proceed. Quality at the source means that the person who is doing the work is taking the responsibility for making sure the work meets specifications. As previously discussed, safety control will be a huge initiative for Toyota Motor Company going forward. If implemented, these recommendations can do a lot to help Toyota Motor Company increase their organizational effectiveness. As previously discussed, many organizational steps were taken by Akio Toyoda after these recalls. It seems that Toyota could greatly benefit from organizational learning. As stated by Operations and Supply Chain Management, â€Å"it has been argued that organizational learning is critical to sustaining a competitive advantage† (Chase and Jacobs, 2014, p. 138). Organizational realignment was important to Toyota Motor Company after the 2010 and 2011 recalls. According to a Toyota news release in December of 2008 organizational changes include the establishment of the below: QUALITY MANAGEMENT 11 †¢A GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS GROUP WHICH WAS FOCUSED ON QUICK RESPONSE TO inquiries from around the world while also unifying public affairs functions. †¢AN ACCOUNTING GROUP AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL management system of Toyota Motor Company. †¢A EUROPE AND AFRICA OPERATIONS GROUP INTENDED TO ASSIST WITH BUSINESS PLANNING IN African and Central Asia. The group was also established to conduct business promotion events in both Europe and Africa. †¢A PRODUCTION ENGINEERING GROUP AIMED AT INCREASING THE STRENGTH OF THE QUALITY control system for semiconductors for hybrid vehicles. The recommendations made are important to Toyota’s future. Reorganization and creation of new groups within the organization will help Toyota to overcome these recalls. QUALITY MANAGEMENT 12 References Ingram, A. (2014, Feb 12). Toyota recall: 1. 9 million Prius vehicles recalled to fix software glitch. Retrieved from http://www. csmonitor. com/Business/In-Gear/2014/0212/Toyota-recall-1. 9-million-Prius-vehicles-recalled-to-fix-software-glitch Jacobs, F. R. , & Chase, R. (2014). Operations and supply chain management. (14 ed. ). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Lassa, T. (Feb, 2012). U. s. market share for the top five automakers. Retrieved from http://www. motortrend. com/features/auto_news/2011/1202_u_s_markets_share_for_the_ top_five_automakers/ Linebaugh, K. , Searcey , D. , & Shirouzu, N. (Feb, 2010 08). Secretive culture led toyota astray. Retrieved from http://online. wsj. com/news/articles/SB10001424052748704820904575055733096312238 ? mod=WSJ_hpp_LEADNewsCollection&mg=reno64-wsj&url=http://online. wsj. com/artic le/SB10001424052748704820904575055733096312238. html? mod=WSJ_hpp_LEADNewsCollection Marketline. (2013, Jan). Toyota motor corporation swot analysis. Retrieved from http://web. a. ebscohost. com. library3. webster. edu/ehost/detail? vid=4&sid=6ef29150-7574-461b-8281-afd6e7a8edf6@sessionmgr4001&hid=4212&bdat a=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ== Ridley , G. (2012, Jan 06). Global automotive industry to experience modest growth in 2012. Retrieved from QUALITY MANAGEMENT 13 http://www. ey. com/GL/en/Newsroom/News-releases/Global-automotive-industry-to-exp erience-modest-growth-in-2012 Taylor, A. (2012, Feb 27). Toyota’s comeback kid. Fortune, 165(3), 72-79. Retrieved from http://web. b. ebscohost. com. library3. webster. edu/ehost/detail? sid=51dc3e8b-84d1-4dcd-85bf-3342162ffef8@sessionmgr110&vid=1&hid=126&bdata= JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ TMC. (2013, May 08). TMC announces year-end financial results for fiscal year ended march 31, 2013. Retrieved from http://www2. toyota. co. jp/en/news/13/05/0508_1. html Voss, M. (2011, May 23). Toyota receives recommendations from north american quality advisory panel. Retrieved from http://corporatenews. pressroom. toyota. com/releases/toyota receives recommendations north american quality advisory panel. htm.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Traditional and Contemporary Architecture. Conflict, coexistence or Essay

Traditional and Contemporary Architecture. Conflict, coexistence or indignation - Essay Example Simard and Mercier studied the procedure of community building in Quebec City and found that ‘the city produced by post modernity (2) stands out at two different but interdependent levels: as regards changes to the urban form and in the area of planning practices and policies. Respecting the issue of urban form, the contemporary city is beset by a series of social, economic and geographical transformations’. As examples the following facts are referred: ‘the rise of information technologies, the increase in social divisions and the relocating of central activities’. Overall, ‘it appears that the post-modern city is undergoing a process of atomization which, in turn, leads to a crystallizing of differences and enclaves. Seen from a historical perspective, the city becomes a highly complex environment which is constantly being reconstituted’. (Simard, Mercier, 2001, 25). According to the Sear (1998) in ancient Rome the structure of the public authority the responsible for the state’s architecture was as follows: ‘Roman architects worked for the army, the civil service or were in private practice. We possess a good deal of background evidence about them as well as an entire treatise on the subject, written by Vitruvius in about 23 BC. Amongst other things it is explained how a Roman architect drew up plans, elevations and shaded perspective drawings of his buildings. A skilled draughtsman, he says, ought to be able to produce coloured drawings to convey an impression of the work which he proposes’. He also found that ‘Geometry is a great help in architecture. It teaches us the use of the rule and compasses, and facilitates the layout and planning of buildings by the use of the set-squares, the level and the plumbline. Moreover by means of optics the light in buildings can be correctly drawn from fixed quarters of the sky. Also it is by

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Analysis of Federal agency's proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Analysis of Federal agency's proposal - Essay Example The global economies have been in the recent past more vocal and vibrant in designing and imposing regulation frameworks towards curbing the increase in green house gas and the emissions into the atmosphere as a strategic step towards controlling effects of the gases on weather and the environment. In such an effort, the EPA proposed a rule on 13th April 2012, setting standards towards the new establishments in manufacturing and processing plants that depend on fossil fuels in firing. Millions of comments on the proposal were received through which the EPA got the feeling of other stakeholders and this warranted some revisions and amendments towards the proposal. This led to the release of the much anticipated for proposal by the EPA on 20th September, 2013 and this actually forms the basis of this paper. New plants that rely on fossil fuels (coal and natural gas) and EGUs (electric utility generating units) are the main targets of the proposed rules although being just one among the many regulations that Obama administration pursues towards curbing the increase and effects of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Federal guidelines under state regulations are currently the main tools on use in regulating the carbon emissions (Miller, 2013). The globe has witnessed great change in climatic patterns as are attributed to global warming phenomena. Global warming on the other hand has been associated with lots of causes which range from human related factors to the natural causes. Humans in particular have been pointed to contribute highly towards causing the global temperatures to be on the rise especially through such activities that are associated with emitting carbon and other green house emissions into the atmosphere. It is to be noted that besides the industrial contribution to increased emission of GHG, individuals also contribute towards the menace through ‘small’ acts such as smoking and burning fossil fuels for

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Case Summary Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Case Summary - Term Paper Example At this wake, it is disputable to fix the clash between legal and logical spheres of the case that relates to the right of a person to perceived sexuality. This case takes into consideration the implication of the verdict on the social spectrum of the transsexual with regards to his/her legal rights as a spouse especially in immigration apart from considering this as an issue of an individual’s intellectual right to choose a life of his desired sexuality. A large majority of the people are able to identify the gender of a person from the secondary sexual indicators on his anatomical frame such as the body hair, breasts, voice or the size of the body. Exploration of the body’s primary gender detective indications like the DNA structure where the chromosome pattern reads XX for female and XY for male is necessary only for the forensic information on issues related to investigations absolutely legal. The issue arises on the conflict between the biological sex of a person and his psychological sex, which drives him on the transsexual way. Procedural history of the issues taken at the courts of law in various prominent countries exemplifies the legal disadvantages of undergoing a treatment aimed at changing the biological sex in pursuit of obtaining the psychological sex. WHO considers the case of transsexual surgeries as Gender Identity Disorder (GID), (which is red with provisions of Gender Dysphoria in UK). However, the term is different from a conglomerate appearance disparity resulting in identification of the gender of a person by appearance inflicted by cross-dressing, transgender behavior or distinguished congenital conditions. Hormonal treatments targeting the sexuality alteration of individuals are scanned and monitored by the government of Hong Kong with several programs to deal with the GID issue. As the hospitals are surgically equipped with provisions for transsexual surgeries, they discharge the

Monday, August 26, 2019

Survivor-Like Program Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Survivor-Like Program - Essay Example The families will have to support their own subsistence during free time. During activities, subsequent rewards and punishments per activity will be programmed. As the game progresses, challenges will be more physically demanding, mentally difficult, and psychologically stressful. This means, the basic necessities they will have to fend for themselves, to get rewards, they will have to strategize with their members, and they will have to harbor strength from the team for the psychological challenges – all as a family. The twist in the program lies farther during the game where families will be eliminated until only three will remain. As these families struggle to compete for the top spot, members will also be eliminated thus weakening the team set-up. Temptations of luxury will be introduced while rewards will be greater and challenges will vary from easy but tricky to hard but fun. The program is classified as suitable for general viewing. It is geared to be entertaining as well as educational. The content will go through major screening and evaluation for values it will instigate and amusement it will provide. The existing trend of television viewers highly rates reality shows as the most entertaining and educational. The various realism provides the public a kind of connection for the different situations that are universal among humans – pain, shame, competition, happiness, etc. Because these are the facets of social beings that appeal greatly towards the general public viewer, my reality show, called Survivor Family, can be quantified to hit big among various audiences and become successful. The Survivor Family series will be hosted by top personalities who have established themselves as a well-balanced persona. By appealing to the audience with the grand and remote setting, it will highly attract their attention as they are interested and almost always on the lookout for what is new, what is strange, what is â€Å"exotic†, what is on the other part of the world, what is left to be explored, etc.

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Undersea Release of Methane Is Under Way Article Critique Essay

Undersea Release of Methane Is Under Way Article Critique - Essay Example Cornelia Dean has used an important subject of science for this article. Global warming is an issue of concern for the entire world and Dean has explained the new atmospheric changes that can worsen the situation and promote further warming of the environment. The article has been supported by the research work which has been carried out by different countries including Britain, Germany and the United States. This highlights the fact that the subject is essential for all the countries across the globe and scientists are working towards checking for the climatic changes of the world. The article portrays a new research which must be new to a large group of readers. Many people would be unaware with regard to the fact that undersea release of methane could be an ongoing process. The author has written the article in a very understandable way and the writer has provided evidence from different studies. Thus, the article is readable by the common man and it will be of further assistance to the people possessing scientific knowledge. Â  It also serves to explain the subject in a complete manner by providing a proper history of the release of methane gas into the atmosphere followed by the negative effects of increased amounts of the gas in the atmosphere. The article explains the entire global climatic situation which results from the release of methane gas into the atmosphere. It highlights the fact that the increase in methane gas in the atmosphere occurred following the era of industrialization.... He also explained that the release of methane from under the sea bed was not in great amounts but this situation could take a different turn. Cornelia Dean has used an important subject of science for this article. Global warming is an issue of concern for the entire world and Dean has explained the new atmospheric changes that can worsen the situation and promote further warming of the environment. The article has been supported by the research work which has been carried out by different countries including Britain, Germany and the United States. This highlights the fact that the subject is essential for all the countries across the globe and scientists are working towards checking for the climatic changes of the world. The article portrays a new research which must be new to a large group of readers. Many people would be unaware with regard to the fact that undersea release of methane could be an ongoing process. The author has written the article in a very understandable way and the writer has provided evidence from different studies. Thus, the article is readable by the common man and it will be of further assistance to the people possessing scientific knowledge. It also serves to explain the subject in a complete manner by providing a proper history of the release of methane gas into the atmosphere followed by the negative effects of increased amounts of the gas in the atmosphere. The article explains the entire global climatic situation which results from the release of methane gas into the atmosphere. It highlights the fact that the increase in methane gas in the atmosphere occurred following the era of industrialization and it continued to increase owing to the activities of man which include agricultural activities as well

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Liyuna-HBS-Essay 1 3 4-1011-ec19970 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Liyuna-HBS- 1 3 4-1011-ec19970 - Essay Example With my effective communication skills and self confidence I convinced the team’s coach on the idea and got the lead role in the new form of dance. Height turned to be a limiting factor once again, as for my passion in modeling. Though I could use my height as an advantage to be a part-time model in high school, I didn’t meet the height requirements to be a model when it came to the university level. However this couldn’t stop me from achieving my dream towards modeling, as I turned myself into a coach and a team builder. I not only successfully chased my dream but also helped others to do the same by establishing university’s first modeling association. This personal accomplishment added much to my confidence in turning the impossible to possible. Accomplishments have a better value when it serves towards ones social commitment. In February, 2008 my neighborhood in Tianjin saw agitations from small shop owners as the government had forcefully relocated them as a part of the Olympics project .Most of them had entered into long term contracts with their landlords and had spent ample money on restructuring the shop which was not compensated for. However their protest was hardly leading towards any result. In spite of joining them in the protest which lacked a direction, I decided to use my negotiation skills developed in business environments to intervene in the issue. I discussed in detail the problems of the shop keepers which were wide and vivid ranging from location to inventory. On the other side I analyzed the government’s blueprint of the new street and time schedule for reconstruction .Resultantly I developed a compensation plan which was approved by the shop keepers as well. This professional approach made room for discussion and finally the plan got approved. The accomplishment was made possible as I could successfully transfer my business skills into a social situation and this is counted as substantial because it

Friday, August 23, 2019

Starbucks Marketing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Starbucks Marketing - Research Paper Example In 1992, there was no focus on advertising and Labor force but with the growth of retail outlets, the company was still reluctant in increasing the Labor force, which is the company's major expense. Starbucks didn't spend any money on advertising. So, during the early 1990s, the company had no promotion. The only promotion made was through opening many retail outlets and boosting the sales promotion. 2. Starbucks has picked up an additional target segment of customers by 2002. Who were these customers What is Starbucks' position for this new segment relative to its position for its earlier customers What are the implications of this new target and position for Starbucks' marketing mix Starbucks positioning changed with the expansion in the target market. Starbucks established itself as a dominant specialty-coffee brand and its objective was "To become the most recognized and respected brand in the world." This was achieved through: Starbucks introduced a wide range of product variety including whole bean coffees, rich brewed coffees, Italian style espresso drinks, cold-blended beverages, premium teas, pastries, sodas, juices, sandwiches and salads. The product mix varied depending on a store's location and size. The biggest driver of company's growth was product innovation. New products were launched regularly and a new hot beverage was introduced during every holiday season. Brand name was establi... Starbucks introduced a wide range of product variety including whole bean coffees, rich brewed coffees, Italian style espresso drinks, cold-blended beverages, premium teas, pastries, sodas, juices, sandwiches and salads. The product mix varied depending on a store's location and size. The biggest driver of company's growth was product innovation. New products were launched regularly and a new hot beverage was introduced during every holiday season. Brand name was established and this again contributed to the position of the company. Starbucks had the Size advantage over its competitors and its goal was opening 15000 stores world wide. Service was the distinguishing factor and the employees were trained and empowered to provide good quality service, which was evaluated on service, Cleanliness, Product quality and speed of service criteria. Service innovations along with technology functionalities like T-Mobile HotSpot wireless internet service was an added advantage. Price Discounts were given at stores. Spilt drinks were replaced without any additional charge. Regular customers were given sample free drinks if they didn't have cash and provide cheque. Starbucks established itself as a premium-priced player in the market but service overwhelmed price in this aspect.Place Channels were used very effectively and Starbucks opened licensed stores world wide. Nearly 77% of the sales came from these stores. Starbucks also sold its products through non-company operated retail chains called Specialty Operations which accounted to about 15% of net revenues. Starbucks operated domestic and international licensed stores. Starbucks also had a joint venture with Pepsi-Cola to distribute bottled beverages. Starbucks had plans to open 15000 international locations. This will

Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Stele of Hammurabi Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Stele of Hammurabi - Essay Example It is evident from the study that the Stele of Hammurabi made by the Babylonians is comparable to a constitution, which acts as supreme document that states how a country is governed. As a constitution is printed and copies handed to the public to familiarize with the provisions therein, he made the sculpture and set it at a public place so that everyone could see. This means that if you go against the law, then it is out of ignorance, and therefore deserves punishment. The engravers did not anticipate the artistic value of the sculpture content, their minds were fixated on the functional aspect of the writings therein, Stele analysis ended on the content of the law stated. It was not set in the open as a statue or symbol representing individuals or objects, but was placed openly so the public can read it and internalize the laws. In the excerpt from The Philosophy of Art History by Arnold Hauser, the window is given two values; first, it is an opening that connects the person inside an enclosure to the outside environment. Others people will look at it and appreciate the artistic value it expresses, from the pane design, types of glasses used, and quality of work employed in the frame. Artwork then acts as an intermediary between persons and experiences, which differ in kind and intensity. The transparent window acts as an opening to the rest of the world, artists can then continue staring at windows when appreciating its designs, but their true function remains giving an outside view. Babylonians used the Stele of Hammurabi as a template for engraving judgements, in the present time; a constitution is typed in a computer and printed. They then use different designs of paper and ink to give it the official look. The sculpture was not appreciated artistically, they could not notice the fine Hammurabi carvings, and the well arranged engraved law statements. The context of Stele of Hammurabi The setting in time was 18th Century BC, during King Hammurabi’s 42 year rule of Babylon. Soon after getting into power, he consolidated his army and took them to battle with neighbouring rival forces. He stretched Babylonian borders from Tigris, to Persian Gulf in the south. He was also credited with introducing order to commercial transactions for example, law of contracts which protected the rights of both parties when they enter into a contract of any form. The Code of Hammurabi was

The Taming of the Shrew Essay Example for Free

The Taming of the Shrew Essay The servants in the play are mainly dopey and dim-witted. They fool around stage acting stupidly and behaving erratically. As the majority of the audiences would not have had a proper education, so they would rely on these exaggerated actions and visual antics. An example of this would be when Petruchio returns home after the wedding, only to find his servants gossiping. A frantic scene follows where the servants all end up falling over each other etc. This kind of foolish behaviour would have entertained un-educated Elizabethan audiences. All comedies by Shakespeare follow the same simple structure, similar to all other plays. The play starts with an exposition stage, which is when the story emerges and things start to go wrong and get out of hand. Next is the complication stage, which is when the play becomes even more complicated and everyone appears stuck. However, finally is the resolution stage where all the problems are solved. In tragedy plays, the play ends with the death of the hero or heroine, but in the majority of comedy plays, the play ends with a marriage. The tangled plot has been unwoven and problems solved. Petruchio immediately sets out to tame Katherina and her wild personality. Not only is he physically stronger than her, he is also wittier this is constantly apparent as he persistently winds Kate up: Pet. You lie, in faith for you are calld plain Kate, And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst; But Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom. Kate of Kate Hall, my super-dainty Kate, In this quotation, Petruchio is outlining his superiority over Katherina by winding her up by being patronising. After a direct order to not call her Kate, Petruchio goes on to persistently call her Kate to show his power. This not only annoys her, but weakens her and wears her down. He shows that he is not afraid to confront her making it clear from the outset that he is out to tame her. Petruchios methods of taming Katherina would appear disrespectful to modern audiences however they would have merely been humorous to Elizabethans. Throughout the play, the taming process continues, becoming more severe as the play progresses. At one point, Petruchio starves Kate, and deprives her of sleep to physically weaken her. Much of Petruchios speeches consist of cs and ks. This harsh phonology could suggest his dominance. Also, the majority of Kate repetitions are stressed using iambic pentameter. After a long taming period, Kate eventually caves in. She begins to realize that the only way she is going to get what she wants is to agree with what ever Petruchio says. Kat: Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet Pet: Why, how now Kate. I hope thou are not mad. This is a man, old, wrinkled, witherd This is said directly after Petruchio comments there a beautiful young woman present. This also adds comedy to the play, as the person being addressed is in fact an old rather fat man, nothing like a beautiful young woman. This is a pivotal moment in the play as it is the turning point, where Katherina finally gives into Petruchios unrelenting taming process. After this, Petruchios taming of Kate is complete.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Relationship Between Teacher And Students

Relationship Between Teacher And Students Similarly according to Moloi et al. (as cited in Mtika Gates, 2010), group work is one of the strategies that can be useful in student-centered approaches. It does not only help students to discuss and share ideas with each other, but it also helps to improve students understanding of some concepts and develop their communication skills. In the student-centered classroom, the teacher has to think of students needs and the classroom is considered as a place where students work together, in groups and as individuals by encouraging them to take part in the learning process all the time (Jones, 2007). In the student-centered classroom, the teacher should know about their students background. Teachers should consider what they may know or do not know about their students because it helps to create the classroom conditions that are responsive to the learning needs of the students (Hodson, 2002). Furthermore, in social constructivist classrooms the relationship between teacher and students are much more dynamically involved, so that the teachers role is much more demanding to allow and actively promote recognition, evaluation, and reconstruction (Gunstone and Northfield as cited in Hand et al., 1997).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The size for effective student-centered classrooms can be organized into large group (class with 25-30 students), medium size (5-8 students), small group (3-5 students), pair group (2 students) and a teacher and a student (only in special condition) (MoEYS, 2002a). Furthermore, classroom arrangements, especially classroom space and resources like chairs and tables for large group activities are also important because appropriate resources helps to support the effectiveness and efficiency of instruction to the students. 2. 4 Definition of the Student-Centered Approaches to Learning   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The terms student-centered approaches  and learner-centered approaches  to learning are the same and whilst some articles used the term student-centered approaches and other articles used the term learner-centered approaches, the two terms were used interchangeably. Both terms focus on the needs of students who as learners are actively involved in the learning process (Utecht, 2003). The term student-centered approaches is used in this study because this term is formally applied in Cambodian curriculum and ministry educational literature. Moreover, the student-centered approaches are broader for example, a student can be defined as learner, but a learner may not be defined as student. For example, a man wants to know about the educational law in Cambodia, so the man can go to library or search in the MoEYS website to read and learn about the law. The man therefore is not a student, but he is a learner.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The student-centered approaches to learning are defined as teaching methodologies associated with an approach to learning where students are the main characters in the learning process, and actively learn in a socially interactive way (Brush Saye, 2000). The student-centered approaches are designed to assist students to learn best from meaningful life experiences, social interactions, and scientific experimentation (Pedersen Liu, 2003).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The student-centered approaches to learning focus on individual students needs and growth, because these approaches are intended to develop the potential of every individual student and encourage their personal growth and interests (Morris, 1996). The student-centered approaches are also considered effective alternatives to the traditional teacher-centered approaches. Similarly according to Courtney (2008), it looks very different from the traditional didactic teaching methods that are widely applied in Cambodia. These traditional teaching methods depend on the direct instruction of the teacher and verbal and written repetition with little emphasis on understanding but strong emphasis on memory and recall. Kember (as cited in ONeill McMahon, 2005) and Hirumi (2002) stated the student-centered approaches are in contrast to the traditional teacher-centered approaches. In the teacher-centered approaches, teachers are at the center of the learning and teaching p rocess and provide instruction to students; the students are the empty vessels into which the teacher pours their knowledge. This view contrasts sharply to that of constructivist theory where we see that students are central to the learning process, they are not viewed as empty vessels but rather actively participate in making knowledge by thinking and solving problems for themselves, and developing their self-esteem that is essential for learning and decision-making throughout life (American Psychological Association, 1993; Hirumi, 2002; MoEYS, 2005).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The core principle of the student-centered learning approaches is that students have different abilities, needs, and interests for how they learn, and they construct knowledge and meaning and learn in different ways (Brady, 2006; Murdoch Wilson, 2008; Hirumi, 2002). The American Psychological Association (1993) stated that students have various capabilities and interests for learning. Individuals are born with and develop unique capabilities and talents and have acquired through learning and social acculturation different preferences for how they like to learn and the pace at which they learn (American Psychological Association, 1993, p. 9). According to Meyer Jones (as cited in Hirumi, 2002), in the class students talk, listen, write, read, and reflect on content, ideas, issues, and concerns in order to construct their own meaning. In student-centered environments, learners are given direct access to the knowledge-base and work individually and in small gr oups to solve authentic problems (Hirumi, 2002, p. 506). Similarly, according to Jones (2007), a student-centered class is a place where students needs are considered, as a group and as individuals, and students are encouraged to participate in the learning process all the time. At different times, students may work alone, in pairs, or in groups.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   As a theory of epistemology, constructivism proposes that students bring their existing experiences and beliefs, as well as world views and their cultural histories, into the learning process when they internally build knowledge by interacting with the environment (Yilmaz, 2008). Constructivism is considered as a process that students actively construct their knowledge upon knowledge that they already have (Motschnig-Pitrik Holzinger, 2002). Social constructivist, Vygotsky believed that learning is a social process in which learners developed understanding through interaction with the environment around them (Brush Saye, 2000, p. 5). According to Jonassen; Duffy Jonassen (as cited in Brush Saye, 2000), the need for more student-centered learning activities have been promoted by the supporters of the constructivist epistemology of learning.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In short, the key characteristics of the student-centered approaches to learning emphasize students  prior knowledge and experience, developing Bloom Taxonomy thinking skills, especially critical thinking and problem solving, exploring individual learning needs and interests, promoting active student involvement, and developing motivation for life-long learning (American Psychological Association, 1993; Brush Saye, 2000; Hirumi, 2002; Mtika Gates, 2010). However, there is no single strategy that helps students to have effective learning all the time and there is no teaching strategy that is better than others in every circumstance. Each teaching strategy has its strength and weakness, so teachers need to make decisions and chose teaching strategies that help their students to achieve the learning outcomes (Killen, 2003). Similarly according to Hab Em (2003), to choose and effectively apply a teaching strategy the teacher has to judge many times because s electing an appropriate teaching strategy is based on the decision whether we provide knowledge to students through direct instruction (teacher-centered approaches) or indirect facilitation (student-centered approaches). 2. 5 Student-Centered Learning as Adopted by the Cambodian Ministry of Education   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2.5.1 Vision of learning and teaching   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Learning has many styles such as learning by seeing, listening, writing, reading, watching television, self-experiment, practice, thinking, playing games, study tour and so on. These styles of learning provide knowledge to the learners. However different learning can have different result. Learners may produce different learning outcomes with a different learning style to another student (MoEYS, 2002b). For example, those who learn by listening will forget all or remember a little after several days. Those who just stand and see people swimming cannot swim, but if they learn to swim themselves, they can swim effectively. People therefore can do something when they involve themselves. According to Confucianism, it is believed that If you tell me, I will forget. If you show me, I may remember. But if you involve me, I can do and understand (MoEYS, 2008).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Cambodian governments vision of the purposes for learning and teaching roles has gradually changed between societies and from one a period of time to another (MoEYS, 2002a). Previous teaching methods considered effective and appropriate was when teachers were considered to be the knowledge providers. Teachers provided knowledge and told students, and students listened to teachers and followed teachers without developing their own ideas or understanding. In this context teachers had the power because they had the knowledge that students needed to be able to progress through the education system. This vision was later officially abandoned because the learning outcomes were considered unsuitable to both the needs of the country for skilled thinkers and they compared poorly to the wider international educational context.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the following period, another new teaching method was integrated called question and answer method. The teacher raised questions and the students answered. This method was adopted in the belief that it would bring better results for students. The question and answer method was later changed and reformed to what was known as the active method because this method required much relationship between teacher and students. For the last vision, it was believed that creation only relationship between teacher and students was not enough. To have better result for students, relationship between students and students must be created in the teaching and learning process. Teachers have to prepare students to work in groups, so students can exchange their ideas, work cooperatively, and help each other in learning. This last vision is a very important part of student-centered approaches (Hab Em, 2003; Inspector, 2002; Ung, 2008). These approaches to learning and teachin g shifted the power reposition of the teacher from one who held all the knowledge to a more equal one where teachers partner with, sometimes lead, their students into new understanding and knowledge.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2.5.2 Principle and theory   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Theories that are applied and relevant to teaching and learning in the current Cambodian school system are: Learning is creating new knowledge Learning is exchanging experience (Inspector, 2002)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The theories of learning above are also clearly identifiable as concepts of constructivism. Although constructivism is not a theory of learning, the principles have been applied by many educators in teaching and learning, especially, but not only, in science education (Han et al., 1997; Yilmaz, 2008). Constructivism emphasizes that knowledge and meaning are constructed by the human mind; in effect learners create links between their existing knowledge and new experience and make new knowledge structures and meaning (Yilmaz, 2008).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The role of teachers and students are changed by the adoption of the student-centered approaches to learning. Students are given greater responsibility for their learning and the teachers roles change where they become more coordinators or facilitators of the learning experiences. Students are encouraged to explore the knowledge by themselves and with other learners and the teachers help the learning process by showing students paths of knowledge. In this new role in the classroom, the teachers become part of the learning process and acts as a guide and a resource for the students (Utecht, 2003). Furthermore, the importance of school is to provide multiple opportunities to students to create knowledge and understanding by themselves through research, real experience and solving problems.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Secularism in India | Evaluation

Secularism in India | Evaluation The term secularism has its origin in Europe. This term was first used during the end of the Thirty years war (Europe) in the year 1648.During that period secularism merely meant transfer of church properties to the king or the state. Secularism played a major role in the French revolution and later this term formulated by George Holyoake from England to refer to the various rationalist movements under him in the year1851. Through this term he analysed his views of promoting social order without the domination of any culture or religious beliefs. Hence secularism can be defined as process by which sectors of society and culture are removed from the domination of religious institutions and symbols.  [1]  In west, secularism is referred to as separation of church from the state. Many religious leaders, journalists, politicians firmly believe that west is secular but however minorities are dominated by religion. The secularization thesis clearly states that in the west Christianity is declining, the number of people going to church have reduced considerably .At the same time secularism is also prevalent in the public forum like schools, universities, different institutions and also work place. The discussions are completely based on secular basis. Secularism in the west is a complete exception to the global trend. But however this too is subjected to a few exceptions like Africa, Latin America and also in the south East, Christianity is a dominated religion and culture. In few regions of Africa, middle east and Asia, Islam is taking a powerful shape. In the west secular policy was very strong among the Jews. The founder of Zionism , Theodor Herzl and other founders of political Zionism were strong secularists. The most important principle stated by George Holyoake is: Secularism is a name given to a series of principles of positivism intended for the guidance of those who find theology indefinite or inadequate or deem it unreliable.  [2]  This clearly states that there is a wide path between secular principles and theology. In the 19th century the concept of secularism gave rise to a number of other different ideas like nationalism, feminism, socialism etc. Nationalism was a very strong secular force implying that in many nations religion played a subordinate role. However in India, secularism is a different concept as compared to the west. The framers of the Indian Constitution did not follow the western principles. In India the features of a secular state are: All people have the equal freedom of conscience and religion. There is no discrimination on the grounds of religion. There are no communal electorates The state has the power to regulate any activity (economic, social) that is concerned with religion. Untouchability has been declared illegal by article 17. Every religious denomination has the right to establish institutions for promoting religious knowledge and charity. No citizen will be discriminated on grounds of religion in employment matters under state and admission in educational institutions. State revenue cannot be used to promote any kind of religious activity. Hence secularism was added to the Indian constitution by the 42nd amendment of 1976 to preserve the rich heritage culture of India. The preamble clearly states that We the people of India having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign Secular Democratic Republic  [3]  . The purpose of adding the word secular to our constitution was established in the case M.P Gopalakrishna nair vs state of kerela  [4]  . This was done to promote national unity and universal brotherhood. Secularism according to the court was prevention of establishing a state religion or formation of a atheist society. The Hindi word of secularism is dharmanirapekshata which means indifference towards all religion. However the state is against the religious social evils like sati, female infanticide, polygamy, child marriage etc. HISTORY OF SECULARISM In India secularism was founded in 5th century B.C, when the Jains,Buddhists and charavakas rejected the power and authority of the Vedas and idols and considered it as a false belief. Religion has always been an important aspect of peoples life because India is not a monoreligious country. India s old hindu scriptures like the Upanishads also emphasise on secular principles. According to the people it was impossible to separate religion from their social life. This mindset began to change when the East India Company established their power and control in India. The British instituted different laws for Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Christians and Sikhs. This laid foundation for the divide and rule policy. Different religious sects began to establish religious institutions and places of worship giving priority to a particular religion. Previously rulers like satavahnas, guptas, moghuls and kushanas paid equal respect to all religion. In the pre independence and post independence era there had been a consistent increase in the concept of secularism. Leaders like mahatma Gandhi who practiced religion in politics found it necessary to separate the two to prevent inequality between the mass. Jawaharlal Nehru also supported secularism ,he failed to establish the uniform civil code due to religious and political pressure. B.P Jeevan Reddy in S.R Bommai viewed secularism as a positive concept as it treats all religion equally and it is strongly connected to liberty and social justice.  [5]  According to justice P.B sawant secularism is a creed of universal brotherhood and humanism  [6]  . J.S verma observed through the case M. Ismail faruqui the concept of secularism is one facet of the right of equality woven as the central golden thread in the fabric depicting the pattern of the scheme in our constitution  [7]  . DIFFERENT SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENTS ON SECULARISM Supreme courts first recognition of secularism was in case sardar taheruddin seydna sahib v state of Bombay  [8]  . This case broadly explained the articles 25 and 26 of the Indian constitution and also specified that the secular nature of the India is the strong base of the constitution. Also in keshavnanda bharti v state of kerela  [9]  the 13 judge bench decided that secularism was the basic law of the land and it is unamendable. A land mark judgement in secularism is in the case of S.R Bommai v Union Of India  [10]  .It had important implications on the cente-state relations.The nine judge bench decided that secularism in India is based on religious tolerance.It also stated that any state government which adopted any unsecular means would be subjected to dismissal.The court dismissed BJP led state governments of Himachal Pradesh , Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh , rajasthan and uttar Pradesh. IS INDIA ACTUALLY SECULAR? Although the constitution of India clearly states that India is a secular state it is becoming increasingly difficult to follow and maintain the principles of secularism. Hence this research article will analyse the various sectors where India has failed to uphold its secular structure. The most important challenge of Indian secularism is the growing power of the Hindus. Earlier also the country had strong ties with Hinduism which lead to the suppression of other religions. India is thus represented as a Hindu state . The discrimination can be analysed on various grounds like constitutional, religious,legislative and employment oppurtunities. To begin with article 290 A  [11]  of the Indian constitution clearly states that a sum of forty six lakhs and fifty thousand rupees and a sum of thirteen lakhs and fifty thousand rupees respectively, are paid every year out of the kerela and tamil nadu consolidated fund to the Dewaswom funds for the maintenance of hindu shrines. This is a clear discrimination of the of the constitutional provision which states that state revenue cannot be used to maintain religious institutions. Secondly the Indian government pays a sum of 413 crores a year for the haj journeys of muslims to Saudi Arabia. Andhra Pradesh pays a sum of rs 2 crore for the journey of Christians to Bethlehem. Secondly article 25  [12]  states that freedom of religion to all but article 25(2) states that social welfare and reform throwing open of Hindu religious institution of public character to all classes and sections of hindus. The constitution does not define a hindu but it clearly states a hindu is a follow er of buddhism, Jainism and and Sikhism. This classification is done for the purpose of temple entry. Hence this is clearly against the principles of secularism. Thirdly the Hindu marriage act of 1955 was a clear attempt to bring the Sikhs , jains and Buddhists under the fold of Hinduism and it clearly states that a hindu is a person who is not a sikh , muslim or parsi. Every year a population cencus is conducted in the tribal areas to determine the majority of the hindu population. Even in the legislative sphere there has been outright discrimination of secularism. In the year 1982 when a large number of dalits had converted to islam due to the oppression of the upper caste hindus, Indira Gandhi found this situation as the threat to national security. In article 25 (1)  [13]  of the Indian constitution it is clearly stated that all people will be allowed to practice and profess any religion of their choice. But in the year 1954, the congress government in Madhya Pradesh along w ith seven other states legislatures of anrunachal Pradesh , gujrat , himachal Pradesh,orrissa, rajasthan and Tripura passed laws restricting conversions from Hinduism to any other religion while allowing all conversions to Hinduism. This was done to increase and maintain the domination of hindus in the country. Even in the babri masjid demolition case which was initiated by the congress government and hindu activists to build a ram temple by destroying the masjid led to communal violence and riots between thousands of Hindus and Muslims. But Muslim victims had outnumbered the Hindu victims. The police failed to protect the Muslims and were very harsh and violent in dispersing them. The violent Hindu movement spread turmoil throughout the country putting an official end to secularism and declaring India as a Hindu state. During this period the governments of Maharashtra and uttar Pradesh sent funds to rebuild somnath temple which was officially inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Also in the education sphere there has been outright and violent discrimination. Article 16 (2) states that there will be no discrimination on the basis of religion for granting employment opportunities to the people. However the presidential orders of 1950 and 1956 provides benefit only to the schedule caste and tribes belonging to Hinduism , Jainism or Sikhism but not to muslim and Christians. If any person changed their religion after obtaining the job , then he / she also had to forfeit the job and other benefits that were given in course of employment. After the year 1947 the hindu army was adopted as the Indian army leaving 20000 muslims jobless. While a sikh has all the right to become an army general and occupy any post ,muslims are not given any such preferences. They are generally given the lower post . A hindu temple before the army cantonment clearly provides a picture that non hindus are not a part of our defence. The other instances proving India is a unsecular country are the ban on cow slaughter that left thousands of butchers jobless and poor people deprived of their basic nutrition. Cows are considered religious by the hindu upper caste society but not by the muslims or Christians. Most of the government ceremonies begin with hindu rituals like lighting the lamp etc. All functions of the central and state ministry begin with saraswati vardana. The inauguration of all government buildings throughout the nation and in other nations begin with a hindu puja clearly stating that india is a hindu state. N.T Ramarao the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh did not object to spend government funds for maintaining the images of venkateshwara even though it is clearly stated in our constitution that funds of the government cannot be used for maintaining any religious institution or idol. School children of various states like Maharashtra and Gujrat are forced to perform surya namaskar. Most of the text books emphasise on Hinduism. The large stone image o f Vishnu in front of the IGP headquarters in Bangalore clearly moves against the policy of a secular state. Till 1980 all india radio programmes began with hindu lyrics like vande ma taram , vandana etc. Aligarh university , one of the oldest university in India have an annual budget of rs 245 crore that is granted by the government. Only hahal meat is served in the campus and there is no place for hindu religious ceremonies. A muslim man is allowed to practice polygamy while a hindu man is not until he converts to islam. Other instances of discrimination : In west Bengal a man named shaik azizur rehman runs a shop with the name of Rajib Mallick because reavling his original identity would lead to alot of discrimination on the basis of religion. Before going for fishing hasina khatoon takes off her arm band embossed with allah and puts vermillion to maintain a hindu appearance among the customers.  [14]  Hence all these illustrations clearly state that India is not a secular country and it is slowly becoming mono religious. Should Homosexuals Be Allowed to Legally Marry? Debate Should Homosexuals Be Allowed to Legally Marry? Debate Introduction The debate on the legality of homosexual marriages has been considered both as an unwarranted feat and as belated act of liberty worth celebrating yet this status ruins the institution of marriage. This paper is written in a thesis-antithesis-synthesis pattern, addressing the issues raised by opponents of homosexual unions as well as the reasoning of its advocates. Finally, it is gives the writers opinion a synthesis of the two opposing arguments – guided by reasoned insights. Part I: The Legal Marriage of Homosexuals is not warranted Many criticisms have been piled on the prospects of homosexuals lawful sanctification of their union. Somehow the basis of these anti-homosexuals legal marriage is not far-fetched. Here are some reasons that have been used to buttress the attitude. The legalization of same-sex unions grossly undermines the institution of marriage. A marriage that comprises of persons of the same gender is in itself a self-contradiction. When these unions are legally allowed to thrive, the institution will suffer irreparable damage. The reason being, marriage is perceived as sacred especially from the religious quarters, an institution sanctified by God between a man and a woman for mutual companionship. Children are the fruits of such holy matrimonies (Maccio, 2010). Homosexuals contradict it, allowing their passions to override the holy decree. Furthermore, same-sex unions are always considered open relationships meaning that partners involved do not necessarily have to be committed to each other sexually, psychologically, emotionally and socially. This translates into a blow to the monogamous unions and by extension holy matrimony. Same-sex unions are conventionally considered unnatural and it does not take an apt mind a second to think otherwise. So, how can an unnatural union be naturally unionable? Heterosexual relationships are the norm, both in society and in nature. Why has man, as rational as he is, been passionately driven by sexual pleasure to the heights of finding it from the same gender? Brutes in their irrationality do not indulge in this! The greatest favor that should be done them is tolerance, nothing more. They should not be validated by the state nor recognized as a form of marriage because of their abnormality and unnaturality. The legal status of this union encourages many of the same and therefore the human species is destined to extinction. It is a self evident fact that the sexual intercourse between homosexuals of whatever ilk does not procreate life. Lesbians and gays, alike have sex primarily for pleasure and therefore no human conception can arise. If say three-quarters of the human population goes homosexual, there will not be any human being left walking on the surface of this planet with at least a couple of centuries (Hollowell, 2010). Homosexuals themselves, together with their sympathizers argue that they can become good parents. To whom can they parent? Adopted children, they say. Granted, they can be even excellent parents as they claim, but the psychological development of the child or children that they are parenting is at stake. Naturally, human beings have the orientation towards the two sexes and that is precisely the reason that a female parent is referred by the child as mother, and the male parent father. So in a legal family that comprises of two fathers gays; or two mothers lesbians; how does the child under their custody expected to grow normally? Are they not putting the welfare of the child at the expense of their pleasurable adventures? Is the legal body that authorizes this abnormal family doing any justice to the child? Besides, this is a horribly repugnant precedence that the homocouples are setting to the children under their parentage. Most likely, when such children come of age, they will copy the lifestyle of their parents and there by continue perpetuating the ignoble idiosyncrasy to subsequent generations (Kuyper, 1993). Marriage is a symbol that represents cultural ideals about sex, sexuality, and human relationships. These ideals define an individuals self identity and therefore, when the traditional nature of marriage is interfered with by sneaking in homosexual tendencies, peoples basic identities are challenged (Dankmeijer, 1993). Part II: Legalization of Same-sex Unions is long overdue Quite a number of homosexuals and their supporters have been waiting with abated breath for the landmark ruling that accord same-sex unions a legal marriage status. It has been hailed as a gesture that reinstates sexual liberty to individuals who hitherto had suffered silently when this right was trampled upon. The anti-homosexuals argue that legal marriage is strictly between a man and a woman. Defining marriage on the basis of sex does beg the question of how sexes are defined. Though the traditional categories of male and female appear separate, there are indeterminate cases in reality which do not match these categories. Therefore the assumption made here is that the clarity of biological concepts corresponds to social concepts. Take for example, Daniel was born female but changed his sex and became male; and now he wants to marry his partner Chloe. By accepting the above reason, Daniel can only marry a male even though by outward appearance he is male. Put differently, if a woman changes her sex and acquires physical traits of a man, would not it be legal for this person to marry a woman? (Maccio, 2010) The consideration of marriages as a religious rite is missing the mark since exclusive religious tenets are used to define it. Consequently, legalizing homosexual marriages is a mortal sin that beckons the wrath of God to a state. It is an indubitable fact that the nature of marriage has varied in every era and from every society. Therefore, it has been difficult to find a conventional definition of marriage. Marriage has never been a creation of religion, if anything the state has always treated it as a private contract with public implications. Thus the basis of marriage was on the wishes of free, consenting adults (Cott, 2002). The claim that homosexual marriage is not a home for protection and procreation of children; hence a threat to human extinction is refutable. This claim is anchored in the assumption that sex as the natural end of marriage is for procreation. It can be argued that, following this premise, a couple whose sexual intercourse cannot bring forth a child should not be allowed to marry, all the more homosexuals. The implications of this reason would mean that heterosexual marriages with infertile couple due to various reasons are outlawed as well. Similarly, couples who voluntarily resolved to be childless should not be allowed to marry legally. The impulsion for marriage is love not children (Senreich, 2010). Opponents of homosexual marriages argue that such relationships are unnatural and abnormal and therefore should only be tolerated not legalized. Here, heterosexual relationship is taken as natural because that is what is found in nature. Since nature does not provide for homosexual relationship it is unnatural and ought to be abhorred by the society (Senreich, 2010). Well, are not human a part of nature? If yes, then homosexual relationships are also a part of this nature. Brutes which are part of this nature do not engage in legal marital contracts, does it as consequence mean that the legal marriage as an institution is unnatural and should be outlawed? The argument that legalizing homosexual marriage undermines the institution of marriage does not hold water. It baffles the minds of proponents how a legal marriage between homosexuals damage the heterosexual marriage. Consideration should be made here that the opponents use religion to smoothen their disapproval. Marriage is governed by the civil/secular law. Period (Geest, 1993). Part III: Homosexual Marriages do not merit Legal Status Having painstakingly considered the arguments from both sides of the debate on the legalization of same-sex marriages, the writer hereof opposes according legal status to such unions. To begin with, marriage as an institution derives its sanctity from interplay between instinct and reason. Considering that the sexual instinct is primarily for procreation, man ought to use his rationality to direct this force appropriately. The pleasurable part of the act is secondary and therefore should not be allowed to define a person. The reason is, if man becomes myopic with the secondary end of sexual instinct; and remains consistently so, then human species destiny is at stake. It may sound religious but thoughtful reflection reveals so. Marriage is therefore an institution where under natural circumstances male and female partners are freely allowed to procreate (Geest, 1993). However, if the primary end cannot be realized due to illnesses or old age, the intent warrants its sanctity. The proponents of homosexual marriages are largely silent on the parentage of children of homosexuals, adopted or otherwise. They secretly recognize the psychological as well as sociological damage that they wrought to the development of these children (Paul, 1993). Its not disputable that they can have the custody of children either through adoption, surrogate motherhood, artificial insemination, or previous heterosexual relationships. What is paramount here is the welfare of these little children in regard to their development into adults of sound minds. In this consideration homosexual parentage of children is looked at vis-à  -vis heterosexual. If for instance, Kathleen is being raised by two mothers, she is being deprived of the experience of being with a father. Recent research as well as the common experience suggests that a father and a mother together provide by far the best surrounding in which a child may be raised. The reason being men and women contribute different gend er-connected strengths and attributes to their childrens development. Erik Erikson differentiates the kinds of love to children: fathers love more dangerously because their love is more expectant and instrumental than that of mothers (Wardle n.d. p. 846). Children from homosexual families will are likely to exhibit the homosexual tendencies of the parents and become one of such in adulthood (Kuyper, 1993). The homosexual marriage remains unnatural not because it cannot be found existing among natural brutes which constitute nature, but because the act itself is solely for pleasure. If anything there are creatures which show tendencies akin to homosexuals. Man is endowed with incredible intellect and he should use it to discern what underlies some of his cravings before allowing himself to be held hostage by them. Conclusion To surmise, the debate on the legality of homosexual marriages has been considered both as an unwarranted feat and as belated act of liberty worth celebrating yet this status ruins the institution of marriage. As it can be seen from the text, the arguments of pro-homosexual marriages are aimed at winning rather than analyzing the facts that belie the orientation. References Cott, N. (2002). Public Vow: A History of Marriage and the Nation. New York, NY: Harvard University Press Dankmeijer, P. (1993). Journal of Homosexuality: The Construction of Identities as a Means of Survival. 24(3), pp. 95-105. Geest, H. (1993). Journal of Homosexuality: Homosexuality and Marriage. 24(3), pp.115-123. Hollowell, K. (2010). World Net Daily: Homosexuality: Evolution of the human race. Retrieved on March 24th, 2010, from: http://www.wnd.com/index.php/index.php?pageId=23492> Kuyper, E. (1993). Journal of Homosexuality: The Freudian Construction of Sexuality. 24(4), pp 137-144. Maccio, E. (2010). Journal of Homosexual: Influence of Family, Religion, and Social Conformity on Client Participation in Sexual Reorientation Therapy. 57(3), pp. 441-458. Paul, J. (1993). Journal of Homosexuality: Childhood Cross-Gender Behavior and Adulthood Homosexuality. 24(3), pp. 41-54. Senreich, E. (2010). Journal of Homosexuality: The Effects of Honesty and Openness About Sexual Orientation on Gay and Bisexual Clients in Substance Abuse Programs.57(3), pp 364-383. Wardle, L. (n.d.) Website of Family Action: The Potential Impact of Homosexual Parenting on Children. Retrieved on March 24th, 2010, from: http://www.familyaction.org/PDFs/h-parenting.pdf>

Monday, August 19, 2019

Marketing Research Paper: Kudler Fine Foods :: Marketing Research Paper

"Kudler Fine Foods has experienced significant growth and is now focused on expanding the services, improving the efficiency of its operations and increasing the consumer purchase cycle as a means to increasing the loyalty and profitability of its consumers" (, ). This paper will justify the importance of marketing research in the development of Kudler Fine Foods marketing strategy and tactics. It will also identify the areas where additional market research is needed and analyze the importance of competitive intelligence and analysis in regards to the development of Kudler Fine Foods marketing strategy and tactics. Kudler is offering parties in the store to show customers how to prepare specialty foods. The draw for the consumers is to be trained by world-renowned chefs, local celebrities, other food experts, and even Kathy Kudler herself, and to be invited to exclusive, upscale events. The anticipated outcomes will be to increase the customer purchase rate of high margin food and beverage items and to get consumer to make an evening at Kudler Fine Foods part of their social network. This increased time in the store will increase the overall revenue per visit and increase the frequency of visits to the store. Consumers will receive multiple entries in high-ticket item contests by bringing a friend to the parties. While the firm’s preference is to have the events in-store, guests can have Kudler cooking classes at their home for a price premium. Programs such as this encourage consumer loyalty and word-of mouth marketing† (, ). As Kudler aims towards higher scale consumers using ins titutional advertising techniques, the draw of consumers would have to be analyzed due to day to day schedules of its consumers. Would consumers take time out of their busy lives to watch Kathy Kudler prepare dishes or would you have to have a high profile chef or celebrity present to actually draw the consumers in? Is Kudler the only establishment providing this feature? Additional research using surveys specifically orientated towards the area of finding out what consumers would visit the store if a well known chef or celebrity provided a cooking class. Knowing that famous chefs or celebrities are not cheap to come by, having consumers extend their stay at the store might outweigh the cost of putting the class on. â€Å"Kudler’s new initiative is tracking purchase behavior at the individual customer level and providing high value incentives through a partnership with a loyalty points program.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

Ben-hur Essay -- essays research papers

Ben-Hur was transformed from bible scripture to a movie because it is the most read scripture in the Bible. The scripture tells the story of a man, Judah Ben-Hur, who trades his life as the prince of Jerusalem with the life of a slave. The story tells of his journeys and triumphs as a slave. The story starts with the five wise men as their journey to find Jesus. When they arrive in Bethlehem they come bearing gifts for the newborn king. After the birth of Jesus the movie changes to two Roman soldiers who are in a meeting. One of the soldiers, Tribune Musala, is an old friend of Judah. Judah comes in and meets with Musala and invites him to his home for dinner and to see his family. Musala tells Judah how the Romans will conquer his people and if he wants to save his family he can turn in the Rebels who plan to revolt. Judah is enraged that his friend would ask him to turn in his own people, and storms out of the meeting. After the meeting Judah returns home to find an old friend/slave of his there waiting for him. The slave asks permission that his daughter be allowed to marry. Judah gladly grants his wish and meets the young woman, Esther. The two have a private talk in which Judah grants Esther her freedom and says that he will wear her slavery ring until he finds his true love. The Romans enter Jerusalem and the entire city watched from rooftops. As Judah and Esther watched Esther accidentally knocks a shingle loose and scares a horse causing it to kick and buck a general from the horse killing the general. The Romans enter the city and arrest Judah, his sister, and mother. His friend Musala orders Judah to be sent to the galleys. Judah escapes from confines to find Musala and asks him why he would do this to a friend. Musala says, "People will fear me for persecuting my own friend." A chain gang of slaves traveling through the desert stop so the Romans can get a drink of water. The guards allow the slaves very little water, but allow their horses to drink a plentiful amount. The guards say "No water for him" referring to Judah. A man gives Judah water and the guard gets angry and yells at the man. The guard and the man look at each other and the guard cowards. The man is portrayed as Jesus. At the end of the desert travels Judah finds himself in the galleys of a boat as a num... ...ate Musala’s legs, however he wants to wait to see Judah first. Judah arrives and Musala tells him that his family is not dead and that they are in fact in the valley of the lepers. Musala then died in front of Judah. When Judah goes to the valley of the lepers he sees Esther, he gets angry with her for lying to him. She explains their plea to her. Judah then returns to the valley again the next day, this time to see his mother and sister. When he sees his mother she tells him that his sister, Tirza is dying. They go to see Tirza and take her to Rome. When they arrive they find out that a man is being tried. They find that the man being tried was actually Jesus being crucified. As Jesus is carrying his cross up the hill he falls down and is whipped. Judah gave him some water as he did for Judah in the past. One of the guards kicks the water away from Jesus. The four watch as Jesus is crucified. Later that night the three women are sitting in a cave when a bad storm rolls in. At the peak of the storm Jesus died. After the death of Jesus Marium and Tirza are cured of their Leprosy. They then see Judah the next day and everyone was happy that they were cured.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Controversial Television Program Essay

My topic is Controversial Television Program; I believe that I can’t exclusively pertain to only one source. Why? Having a specific source restricts the information available for my topic that will hinder the comparisons of the advantages and disadvantages of certain controversial programs. A controversial television program doesn’t necessarily mean it has a â€Å"negative† impact to the audience, rather than a good conventional discussion for audience to tackle a particular issue that has a significant effect to the society or to an individual. It does not constraints ones idea, rather it asks us to become open minded and embrace various issues to talk about and open our minds and do something about it. This controversial television program varies from time to time. Decades ago, people are more conservative and restrict television programs that only cater to their taste, to their way of living. But now, people opt to have taste of these things that enhance their minds and argue things. I have chosen 3 various resources for my paper, and these three resources are great combinations to help me enable present a better research paper. These resources are in the same form of media as to my topic, and would surely cover all my questions and be able to expound a good argument to my audience.