Difficulties and Barriers When Applying E-Commerce in Vietnam Essay

There are many difficulties when applying e-commerce into Vietnam. The first one is that there are only few end users in Vietnam have used credit card in their lives. It is because of the tradition of using cash. In addition, Vietnamese people used to do merchant in face-to-face fashion and most of the transactions are paid directly by cash. The second one is the Internet usage is still not widespread and not popular in general. It is because the Internet and telecom charge are still very high, especially in comparison with the salary of common labor. Moreover, the living standard is still low, GDP per capita of Vietnam is about US $1411 (data of World Bank 2011). Last but not least, the financial system needs to be changed to support Internet buying and selling with or without traditional invoices (traditionally, business invoices are issued and controlled centrally by the government, with unified forms). While Vietnam is still a developing country, startups, especially for small and medium enterprises, have to face with many difficulties to set up e-commerce in business as well as barriers when running on it. Below are some main barriers to e-commerce adoption by SMEs: †¢High costs of e-commerce implementation †¢E-commerce is too complex to implement †¢Organizational resistance to change †¢Lack of technical skills and IT knowledge among employees †¢Lack of time to implement e-commerce †¢Lack of suitability of electronic campus for products/services offered by small businesses †¢Lack of awareness of e-commerce benefits †¢Security concerns/lack of trust †¢Lack of financial resources †¢Lack of senior management support/enthusiasm Vietnamese is still inexperienced in Internet dealing with foreign companies. It is showed up by the growth rate and the problems which have occurred in reality which Nhommua. com is an example. The following parts will describe more about this issue. Case study of Nhommua. com Brief introduction about Nhommua. com Nhommua. com, which was established in 2010 under M. J Group in cooperation between IDG Ventures, Rebate Networks and Ru-net Global with a total investment of $60 million, is a business on group sales discount. This company was a pioneer with its first running e-commerce in Vietnam at that time. According to the company’s survey, after one year of operations, the business took 60% of market share. The monthly visitors of the web page are 4 million. There are thousands of customers and millions of vouchers sold. Nowadays, Nhommua has to share the marlet with many other competitors but it still keeps the first rank in the market with the market share of 35. 37%. At the third quarter of 2011, Nhommua. com achieved good results in sales, but made little profit. That’s the reason why investors have worried a lot and are attempting to get back their investment. There was a scandal inside of the management team leaders which caused the business to close in a short time and damaged their reputation. Products and services: Diversified products and service are traded on Nhommua. com. Most of the products and services are in the food industry, functional foods, cafe, spa, dentist clinic, travel, clothes, fashion stuffs, home linen, interior, etc. Due to this diversity, the quality and original of products and services sometimes are not accredited. Some customers had complained in some forums that they were not satisfied with the quality of products they bought. It was not mentioned clearly on the web of Nhommua about the original and information of products then it caused confusing and unpleasant to customers after use. Even some information is not reliable. For example, a voucher of a dentist service did not mention clearly about service charge or additional fee but when customers came to use this service, they had to pay more fees which they did not aware in advanced. Nhommua has created very good deals for both producers and customers. Firstly, in the producer’s side, Nhommua helps to bring back more customers than usual or it is a good chance for producer to have more new customers database. With a good price, it creates demand of customers. It is also a good chance to build up branding by promoting. Secondly, in the customer’s side, Nhommua offers chance to use a cheaper price of product or service. It arouses the potential need of customer. Customers have many chances to buy at a cheaper price for a product that they want to have. Discount may be up to 90% if there is a big group agreeing to buy this product. It is a very attractive price for customers. In contrast, producers have to agree on reducing price much. It sometimes means that to have more new customers, producers have to reduce the price and get less profit in the mean time even get non-profit. Procedure of trading on Nhommua. com Those customers who buy vouchers to get discounts may find a lot of choices. It is easy for customer to buy vouchers online by signing up for an account, choosing the product or service which is available at open selling time, clicking on the buy icon and filling in the necessary information to make sure Nhommua can reach the customer. The deal will be done within 72 hours. There are three method of paying for the deal. One is the customers pay at home when using home delivery. For this way, customer may sometimes have to pay a shipping fee if it is not in the free shipping area. Customer can also purchase a voucher directly at the Nhommua office. The last method is paying by online banking. Below are the figures of signing up an account on Nhommua. com and ordering for a product or service: It looks simple to sign up and order on Nhommua. com but still lacks of reliable information. First, it is difficult for Nhommua to make sure that all orders are reliable. Because to get the good price of a product, that the amount of customers agreeing on this price is high. It may cause some fake orders to increase of this amount of agreed customers on good price. There is no commitment between customers and Nhommua or producers. During the time of the scandal inside the company which caused to close the company in a few months, without any commitment, there were some arguments about the most important thing in business which is Trust. This caused a bad image on e-commerce business and Nhommua after this scandal lost a lot of customers.

Information and Communication Technology in Higher Education Essay

Introduction: Information and communication technology (ICT) is a force that has changed many aspects of the way we live. If one was to compare such fields as medicine, tourism, travel, business, law, banking, engineering and architecture, the impact of ICT across the past two or three decades has been enormous. The way these fields operate today is vastly different from the ways they operated in the past. But when one looks at education, there seems to have been an uncanny lack of influence and far less change than other fields have experienced. A number of people have attempted to explore this lack of activity and influence (e.g. Collis, 2002). There have been a number of factors impeding the wholesale uptake of ICT in education across all sectors. These have included such factors as a lack of funding to support the purchase of the technology, a lack of training among established teaching practitioners, a lack of motivation and need among teachers to adopt ICT as teaching tools (Starr, 2001). But in recent times, factors have emerged which have strengthened and encouraged moves to adopt ICTs into classrooms and learning settings. As we move into the 21st century, these factors and many others are bringing strong forces to bear on the adoption of ICTs in education and contemporary trends suggest we will soon see large scale changes in the way education is planned and delivered as a consequence of the opportunities and affordances of ICT. This paper seeks to explore the likely changes we will see in education as ICT acts as a powerful agent to change many of the educational practices to which we have become accustomed. In particular, the paper will explore the impact both current and emerging information and communication technologies will be likely to have in coming years on what is learned, when and where learning will take place and how the learning will occur. The impact of ICT on what is learned: Conventional teaching has emphasized content. For many years course have been written around textbooks. Teachers have taught through lectures and presentations interspersed with tutorials and learning activities designed to consolidate and rehearse the content. Contemporary settings are now favoring curricula that promote competency and performance. Curricula are starting to Emphasize capabilities and to be concerned more with how the information will be used than with what the information is. A. competency and performance-based curricula: The moves to competency and performance-based curricula are well supported and encouraged by emerging instructional technologies (e.g. Stephenson, 2001). Such curricula tend to require: access to a variety of information sources; access to a variety of information forms and types; student-centered learning settings based on information access and inquiry; learning environments centered on problem-centered and inquiry-based activities; authentic settings and examples; and teachers as coaches and mentors rather than content experts. Contemporary ICTs are able to provide strong support for all these requirements and there are now many outstanding examples of world class settings for competency and performance-based curricula that make sound use of the affordances of these technologies (e.g. Oliver, 2000). For many years, teachers wishing to adopt such curricula have been limited by their resources and tools but with the proliferation and widespread availability of contemporary ICTs, many Restrictions and impediments of the past have been removed. And new technologies will continue to drive these forms of learning further. As students and teachers gain access to higher Bandwidths, more direct forms of communication and access to sharable resources, the capability To support these quality learning settings will continue to grow. B. information literacy Another way in which emerging ICTs are impacting on the content of education curricula stems from the ways in which ICTs are dominating so much of contemporary life and work. Already There has emerged a need for educational institutions to ensure that graduates are able to display Appropriate levels of information literacy, â€Å"the capacity to identify and issue and then to identify, Locate and evaluate relevant information in order to engage with it or to solve a problem arising from it† (McCausland, Wache & Berk, 1999, p.2). The drive to promote such developments Stems from general moves among institutions to ensure their graduates demonstrate not only skills and knowledge in their subject domains but also general attributes and generic skills. Traditionally generic skills have involved such capabilities as an ability to reason formally, to Solve problems, to communicate effectively, to be able to negotiate outcomes, to manage time, Project management, and collaboration and teamwork skills. The growing use of ICTs as tools of Every day life have seen the pool of generic skills expanded in recent years to include information Literacy and it is highly probable that future developments and technology applications will see This set of skills growing even more. The impact of ICT on how students learn Just as technology is influencing and supporting what is being learned in schools and universities, So too is it supporting changes to the way students are learning. Moves from content-centered Curricula to competency-based curricula are associated with moves away from teacher-centered Forms of delivery to student-centered forms. Through technology-facilitated approaches, Contemporary learning settings now encourage students to take responsibility for their own Learning .In the past students have become very comfortable to learning through transmissive Modes. Students have been trained to let others present to them the information that forms the Curriculum. The growing use of ICT as an instructional medium is changing and will likely Continue to change many of the strategies employed by both teachers and students in the learning Process. The following sections describe particular forms of learning that are gaining prominence in universities and schools worldwide. A. Student-centered learning Technology has the capacity to promote and encourage the transformation of education from a Very teacher directed enterprise to one which supports more student-centered models. Evidence of This today is manifested in: The proliferation of capability, competency and outcomes focused curricula Moves towards problem-based learning Increased use of the Web as an information source, Internet users are able to choose the Experts from whom they will learn The use of ICT in educational settings, by itself acts as a catalyst for change in this domain. ICTs By their very nature are tools that encourage and support independent learning. Students using ICTs for learning purposes become immersed in the process of learning and as more and more Students use computers as information sources and cognitive tools (e.g. Reeves & Jonassen, 1996), the influence of the technology on supporting how students learn will continue to increase. B. Supporting knowledge construction The emergence of ICTs as learning technologies has coincided with a growing awareness and recognition of alternative theories for learning. The theories of learning that hold the greatest Sway today is those based on constructivist principles (e.g. Duffy & Cunningham, 1996). These Principles posit that learning is achieved by the active construction of knowledge supported by various perspectives within meaningful contexts. The strengths of constructivism lie in its emphasis on learning as a process of personal understanding and the development of meaning in ways which are active and interpretative. In This domain learning is viewed as the construction of meaning rather than as the memorization of facts (e.g. Lebow, 1993; Jonassen & Reeves, 1996). Learning approaches using contemporary ICTs provide many opportunities for constructivist learning through their provision and support for resource-based, student centered settings and by enabling learning to be related to context and to pra ctice (e.g. Berge, 1998; Barron, 1998). As mentioned previously, any use of ICT in learning Settings can act to support various aspects of knowledge construction and as more and more Students employ ICTs in their learning processes, the more pronounced the impact of this will Become. The impact of ICT on when and where students learn In the past educational institutions have provided little choice for students in terms of the method And manner in which programs have been delivered. Students have typically been forced to Accept what has been delivered and institutions have tended to be quite staid and traditional in terms of the delivery of their programs. ICT applications provide many options and choices and Many institutions are now creating competitive edges for themselves through the choices they are offering students. A. Any place learning The concept of flexibility in the delivery place of educational programs is not new (e.g. Moore & Kersey, 1996). Educational institutions have been offering programs at a distance for many Years and there has been a vast amount of research and development associated with establishing Effective practices and procedures in off-campus teaching and learning. Use of the technology, However, has extended the scope of this activity and whereas previously off-campus delivery was An option for students who were unable to attend campuses, today, many more students are able to make this choice through technology-facilitated learning settings. The scope and extent of this Activity is demonstrated in some of the examples below. The communications capabilities of modern technologies provide opportunities for many Learners to enroll in courses offered by external institutions rather than those situated locally. These opportunities provide such advantages as extended course offerings and eclectic class Cohorts comprised of students of differing backgrounds, cultures and perspectives. ï‚ ·Ã¯â‚¬  The freedoms of choice provided by programs that can be accessed at any place are also Supporting the delivery of programs with units and courses from a variety of institutions, There are now countless ways for students completing undergraduate degrees for example, to Study units for a single degree, through a number of different institutions, an activity that Provides considerable diversity and choice for students in the programs they complete. B. Any time learning In concert with geographical flexibility, technology-facilitated educational programs also remove Many of the temporal constraints that face learners with special needs (e.g. Moore & Kearsley, 1996). Students are starting to appreciate the capability to undertake education anywhere, Anytime and any place. This flexibility has heightened the availability of just-in-time learning and provided learning opportunities for many more learners who previously were constrained by other commitments (e.g. Young, 2002). Through online technologies learning has become an activity that is no longer set within Programmed schedules and slots. Learners are free to participate in learning activities when time permits and these freedoms have greatly increased the opportunities for many students to Participate in formal programs. ï‚ ·Ã¯â‚¬  The wide varieties of technologies that support learning are able to provide asynchronous Supports for learning so that the need for real-time participation can be avoided while the Advantages of communication and collaboration with other learners are retained. Emerging Issues A number of other issues have emerged from the uptake of technology whose impacts have yet to Be fully explored. These include changes to the makeup of the teacher pool, changes to the Profile of who are the learners in our courses and paramount in all of this, changes in the costing And economics of course delivery. A. expanding the pool of teachers In the past, the role of teacher in an educational institution was a role given to only highly qualified people. With technology-facilitated learning, there are now opportunities to extend the Teaching pool beyond this specialist set to include many more people. The changing role of the Teacher has seen increased opportunities for others to participate in the process including Workplace trainers, mentors, specialists from the workplace and others. Through the affordances And capabilities of technology, today we have a much expanded pool of teachers with varying Roles able to provide support for learners in a variety of flexible settings. This trend seems set to Continue and to grow with new ICT developments and applications. And within this changed pool of teachers will come changed responsibilities and skill sets for future teaching involving high levels of ICT and the need for more facilitative than didactic teaching roles. B. expanding the pool of students In the past, education has been a privilege and an opportunity that often was unavailable to many students whose situation did not fit the mainstream. Through the flexibilities provided by technology, many students who previously were unable to participate in educational activities are now finding opportunities to do so. The pool of students is changing and will continue to change as more and more people who have a need for education and training are able to take advantage of the increased opportunities. Interesting opportunities are now being observed among, for example, school students studying university courses to overcome limitations in their school programs and workers undertaking courses from their desktops. C. The cost of education Traditional thinking has always been that technology-facilitated learning would provide economies and efficiencies that would see significant reductions in the costs associated with the delivery of educational programs. The costs would come from the ability to create courses with fixed establishment costs, for example technology-based courses, and for which there would be savings in delivery through large scale uptake. We have already seen a number of virtual universities built around technology delivery alone. The reality is that few institutions have been able to realize these aims for economy. There appear to have been many underestimated costs in such areas as course development and course delivery. The costs associated with the development of high quality technology-facilitated learning materials are quite high. It has found to be more than a matter of repackaging existing materials and large scale reengineering has been found to be necessary with large scale costs. Likewise costs associated with delivery have not been found to diminish as expected. The main reason for this has been the need to maintain a relatively stable student to staff ratio and the expectation of students that they will have access to teachers in their courses and programs. Compared to traditional forms of off-campus learning, technology-facilitated learning has proven to be quite expensive in all areas of consideration, infrastructure, course development and course delivery. We may have to brace ourselves for the advantages and affordances which will improve the quality of education in the near future to also increase components of the cost. Efforts of Indian government in this aspect Realizing the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) the Ministry of Human Resource Development as per the Mission Document, ICT is the tool in education available to enhance the current enrolment rate in Higher Education, at present 15 percent to 30 percent by the end of the 11th Plan period. The Ministry also launched a web portal named â€Å"SAKSHAT† a ‘One Stop Education Portal’. The high quality e-content once developed will be uploaded on SAKSHAT in all disciplines and subjects. Several projects are in the completion stage and are expected to change the way teaching and learning is done in India. The Mission has two major components viz., (a) content generation and (b) connectivity along with provision for access devices for institutions and learners. It seeks to bR&Dge the digital divide, i.e., the gap in the skills to use computing devices for the purpose of teaching and learning among urban and rural teachers/learners in Higher Education domain and empower those, who have hitherto remained untouched by the digital revolution and have not been able to join the mainstream of the knowledge economy. It plans to focus on appropriate pedagogy for e-learning, providing facility of performing experiments through virtual laboratories, on-line testing and certification, on-line availability of teachers to guide and mentor learners, utilization of available Education Satellite (EduSAT) and Direct to Home (DTH) platforms, training and empowerment of teachers to effectively use the new method of teaching learning etc. On the one hand, the Mission would create high quality e-content for the target groups and on the other, it would simultaneously seek to extend computer infrastructure and connectivity to over 18000 colleges in the country including each of the departments of nearly 400 universities/deemed universities and institutions of national importance. The peer group assisted content development would utilize the Wikipedia type of collaborative platform under the supervision of a content advisory committee responsible for vetting the content. Interactivity and problem solving approach would be addressed through â€Å"Talk to a Teacher† segment. It is an opportunity as well as a challenge for the bright faculty members of our Universities and Institutions of Excellence to invest their intellectual capital for the knowledge empowerment of all the learners of our Country. We need to synergize our individual efforts in this direction. Summary and Conclusions This paper has sought to explore the role of ICT in education as we progress into the 21st century. In particular the paper has argued that ICTs have impacted on educational practice in education to date in quite small ways but that the impact will grow considerably in years to come and that ICT will become a strong agent for change among many educational practices. Extrapolating current activities and practices, the continued use and development of ICTs within education will have a strong impact on: What is learned; How it is learned; When and where learning takes place; Who is learning and who is teaching. To ensure that the opportunities and advantages are realized, it will be important as it is in every other walk of life to ensure that the educational research and development dollar is sustained so that education at large can learn from within and that experiences and activities in different institutions and sectors can inform and guide others without the continual need for re-invention of the wheel. Once again ICTs serve to provide the means for much of this activity to realize the potential it holds. References Collis, B. (2002). Information technologies for education and training. In Adelsberger, H., Collis, B, & Pawlowski, J. (Eds.) Handbook on Technologies for Information and Training. Berlin: Springer Verlag. Duffy, T., & Cunningham, D. (1996). Constructivism: Implications for the design and delivery of instruction, Handbook of research for educational telecommunications and technology (pp. 170-198). New York: MacMillan. Oliver, R. (2000). Creating Meaningful Contexts for Learning in Web-based Settings. Proceedings of Open Learning 2000. (pp 53-62). Brisbane: Learning Network, Queensland. Oliver, R. & Towers, S. (2000). Benchmarking ICT literacy in tertiary learning settings. In R. Sims, M. O’Reilly & S. Sawkins (Eds). Learning to choose: Choosing to learn. Proceedings of the 17th Annual ASCILITE Conference (pp 381-390). Lismore, NSW: Southern Cross University Press. Soloway, E. & Pryor, A. (1996). The next generation in human-computer interaction. Communications of the ACM, 39(4), 16-18. Starr, L. (2001). Available at http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech075.shtml [Accessed July 2002]. Stephenson, J., Ed. (2001). Learner-managed learning- an emerging pedagogy for online learning. Teaching and Learning Online: Pedagogies for New Technologies. London, Kogan Page. Young, J. (2002). The 24-hour professor. The Chronicle of Higher Education, 48(38), 31-33.

Philosophies of Education Essay

There are different theories that govern the procedure of learning among students today. Likely, because of the modern culture learning, the said theories are now changed towards the possibility of supporting the modern needs and demands of the students today. Such theories include the philosophies of idealism, realism, neo-thomism, experimentalism and existentialism. Each philosophy addresses different aspects of an individual’s learning and also presents different ways of approaching the subject of education. Idealism  The philosophy of idealism stresses the belief that ideas are the sole truth and the only real things that are worth knowing. Everything that is in this world are mere shadows and distorted images of a more genuine, a more real world. There is a world of ideas on which this world is based and it is only that world which is worth knowing. Proponents of this philosophy focus on the mind and intellectual mechanisms of students. The world of ideas, in the educational setting, becomes the world of the mind. This means an emphasis on fields dealing with symbols and ideas such as history, literature, art, and the like. Realism The philosophy of realism espouses the belief not in a world of ideas but rather in a world of things and beings. Truth, for the realist, is found in observable facts. This means that the realist believes in the world as we see it. The strength of the laws of nature are emphasized. The realist student relies on his or her senses. Learning is thus geared towards fields like math, chemistry, physics, biology, and the like. Neo-Thomism Neo-thomism believes that reality is the universal truth of God. Reality is something that is eternal and unchanging to the neo-thomist. Reality, or universal truth, is only revealed through holy text, such as the Scriptures or through revelations of a divine nature. Although it is only through these two mechanisms that reality can be learned, neo-thomists assert that truth is always supported by human reason. Experimentalism Experimentalism believes in a continuously changing world. Reality, for experimentalists, is what an individual experiences at every precise moment. Experimentalists discover reality through testing and group decisions. An experimentalist student would thus be viewed as an individual who is able to experience different things and coming into contact with other individuals who either add, do nothing, or detract from the said experiences. Emphasis is placed on fields such as sociology, political science, psychology, and other such socially driven fields as well as fields that deal with problem-solving. Existentialism Lastly, existentialism is discussed. This philosophy, originating from the likes of Sartre and Kierkegaard, believes in one’s own interpretation of everything that is around him or her. An individual is able to set for himself or herself a standard for reality and truth. Also, because the individual has this freedom, he or she also has the responsibility over his or her decisions and actions. Reality is, for the true existentialist, subjective. There is no one truth because everyone has their own version of truths and realities. Existentiallist students are free to learn what they want. Discussion is not structured in an existentialist school. Educational Implications of other Philosophies of Education It is undeniable that many of the philosophies of education have had varying impacts and implications on education as a whole. Some of the many theories that have done so include existentialism, behaviorism, perennialism, essentialism, and reconstruction. Existentialsim Existentialism believes in a relative world where every individual is free to create his or her own standards of truth and reality. Because of the propagation of this belief, education has expanded. Curricula are no longer based solely on the scientific method, in symbols, or in the words of a few significant individuals in history. Rather, learning has also become about dialogue between the student and the teacher. It is no longer rare to find teachers believing that they too have learned something from their students. This development is rooted in the principles of existentialism. Teachers are able to see that students are not merely empty vessels waiting to be filled with knowledge. Rather, they are also capable of setting their own versions of reality and of creating their own truths. This is why there are now many classrooms encouraging discourse and free expression. Behaviorism The philosophy of behaviorism emphasizes an individual’s nature to be conditioned, at an early age, to act in particular ways. Students are viewed through the mechanisms of stimulus-response. Behaviorism is behind the educational system’s drive of teaching through modeling and of teaching through a strict implementation of schedules. Rules and regulations in education as well as punishments that come from not following them are based on stimulus-response mechanisms. The most popular impact behaviorism has had on education is the use of grades as a form of reward for those who achieve well in school. Perennialism, as an educational philosophy, espouses a strict and inflexible form of education. It is the philosophy of perennialism that espoused the importance of rational thinking and reasoning. The structure of education, today, is based on the rigidity and conservatism of perennialism. Disciplining of the learner’s behavior in order to achieve reason is a common practice in today’s education and is based on perennialist form. Teaching through structured lessons, controlled teacher-led discussions and class drills are also a few examples of the palpable impacts perennialism has had on education. Essentialism Essentialists believe that there are certain specific skills that an individual must gain in order to have a rational life. The impact of essentialism is clear in today’s educational curricula. There are set subjects for students to learn and basic topics that are believed to be essential in rational living. The basics of reading, writing and math, for example, are never left out of learning. The emphasis education has had on such fundamental concepts are all a result of the teachings of the essentialists. Reconstruction Finally, education has also been impacted by the philosophy of reconstruction. This philosophy revolves on the concept of constant change. The world is constantly changing and humans have to constantly change in order to keep up. The greatest impact it has had on education is the way educators have handled other aspects of the field. Intelligence, for example, is now studied through a multi-dimensional eyepiece. There are now alternative learning procedures developed for the purposes of learners that fall outside the norm. There is more freedom to change educational machinations because of the concepts espoused by reconstruction.

Business Economics 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Economics 1 - Essay Example As third world countries are moving into the industrialized world, the demand is growing. As this evolution of the world is taking place, more oil is being drawn from the earth, which means one day the oil supply will dry up (Presswire). That does bring about the question of whether or not supply is an issue since we are told frequently that one day the earth will not yield anymore oil. But as the oil prices go up, one will find that it is because demand is not staying the same. This is making the aspect of supply a little less of a contributor to the increase in oil prices. When using an oil demand curve chart, the demand becomes vertical, but when looking at both the supply and demand curves, one can see that both have been increasing at the same rate for the past twenty years. Yet recently, the supply curve has not moved at all while the demand curve has increased. If supply cannot keep up with demand, then the prices will seen an increase. We probably won't see an increase in the supply aspect until supply reaches maximum production. When this maximum production or extraction of oil occurs, we will see another increase in the price of oil due to the decline of supply until true maximum production is reached. ... Chances are, the extreme fluctuations in oil prices for the past few years has been due to the fact that maximum production has been reached, which lowers demand. This decrease in demand leads to a decrease in prices just as a decrease in supply leads to an increase in prices. When these price increases happens, the economy sees a recession and when decreases occur everyone feels that all is well (valuesystem). Supply influences Unfortunately, the supply to a specific market will not be constant. There are several different factors that influence supply such as: Price: High prices will influence producers to supply more oil Cost of production: These are the costs that are associated with the productive resources used to bring the oil to the market. These costs can include labour costs, the cost of materials, etc. Technological innovations: Oil companies can reduce various costs through new technological innovations that allow them to perform in a more efficient manner at a lower cost. Objectives of the producer: A lot of times the supply of oil can also be dependent upon profit maximisation. There are certain objectives that oil companies have in mind, which can distort our perception of how the supply aspect is really working. There are also other things such as labour force and climate change that can influence supply. These are just some of the factors that can influence the supply aspect of oil that, in turn, influences the fluctuations in cost. Yet supply is only half of the equation since demand is also a very important part of the supply and demand economic theory (Souster). Demand influences Demand is the amount of goods and

Book and You Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Book and You - Essay Example With the vast information one can get through the internet, the sources are often questionable that readers cannot always be sure if they have the right information from authorities or if they only have a biased information from a supporter or a critic of a certain subject matter. Concerning health, reading the printed material has no side-effects as compared to reading a software with the use of a computer that is known to cause certain cancers through the radiation emitted by the machine. These are just among the many importance of reading books in a computer age. The books that have caught my interest are mostly novels. I used to read them for entertainment purposes but as I discovered the rich information contained in literary works, I became more observant about the places and people described in the stories I read. I often feel transported to another world where I seem to become a spectator of the events in the story that makes me see through a different angle of vision which is the author’s viewpoint. I came to understand other people and cultures as I read through the pages of the more informed authors. As a child, I have read story books with colorful illustrations. This started my interest in reading and as I grew older, I turned to more serious books like novels that help me become more critical of my environment. Sometimes, I borrowed books from my friends who often recommend good books to me and at other times, I trade some of my collections with their own. I bought some books that I really loved because whenever I have the time, I read them again. Some were also given to me as gifts. One of my favorite authors is Dan Brown and I like his novel â€Å"Angels and Demons† a lot. It is a story of a symbologist who solves a divisive plan of the murders of Catholic Church leaders using the Illuminati, a famous secret society, as a faà §ade in the execution of the plan. The novel seems to have been

W4a2-modernism Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

W4a2-modernism - Assignment Example dings constructed during the modernism period were designed to accommodate modern architectural elements including little ornamentation, factory made parts, man-made materials such as metal and concrete. Mies believed that for one to be successfully fulfilled, he or she should co-exist with the culture if his or her time. Emphasis was also put on the purpose of the building being built. Mies designed a simple house that served as a weekend retreat and also intended to create a space whereby life would unfold freely and interdependently with the nature. Mies acted as both the architect and the general contractor (Mies van der Rohe Society). Philip Johnson designed the Glass house in 1949 as a residential house. He was the owner of the building that he built on a dairy farm land he bought in Connecticut. The Glass house is similar to Mies Farnsworth house with only a few differences. He was inspired byMies design of the Farnsworth. Johnson designed the building taking maximum economization and transparency into consideration. The design of the building also employed the modern architectural elements including little ornamentation, factory made parts, man-made materials such as metal and concrete just as Mies design of the Farnsworth. The building has with two parallel planes suspended between the earth and the sky by eight w-shaped steel columns. The design seems simple, but it incorporates a thorough attention to detail. Since, in the design, the floor and the roof of the building were suspended, strong steel structures and high grade concrete were necessary for its construction. Precast concrete slabs formed the roof and the floor and steel frame construction supported the uninterrupted floor and roof planes. The steel frames were accurately welded to minimize their visibility.In the interior, Mies incorporated a continuous curtain rack that allowed for the occupants defined privacy. Mies used an extensive clear glass than span from the floor to the ceiling to

How strategy maps could be a useful management tool and system to Essay

How strategy maps could be a useful management tool and system to monitor and control the performance of organisational or business units - Essay Example Strategy maps could effectively be used as a management tool and system to monitor and control the performance of business or organizational units (Meyer 202, p. 184). In the current business environment, strategy maps do have an immense advantage in the sense that they help in a systematic organization of strategy and the commensurate allocation of budgetary resources, they help in capturing and conveying the quintessential crux of the contrived business strategy, help elevate the overall business discussion in an organization from the level of operations to strategy and they facilitate a better management of business performance. Strategy maps allow the managers to contrive a visual and structured organization of the contrived business strategy and help the managers decide as to in a given strategic scenario, what are the actual drivers of performance in a business or organizational unit (Ward, Tripp & Maki 2013, p. 227). Strategy maps help in the identification of objectives imminent in a business strategy and thereby they allow the managers to decide as to which objectives need to be optimally developed before the salient business measures are taken. Using the strategy maps in the management of a business or organizational unit assures that the concerned managers will chose only those measures that happen to be optimally appropriate and that are poised to aid the achievement of salient business goals. Strategy maps do assure the success of any contrived strategy as they help the managers to capture, convey and manage the overall strategy to the salient stakeholders in a business or organizational unit in an optimal and better way (Fitz-enz 2010, p. 27). A well contrived strategy maps is an effective tool in the sense that it immaculately captures the thought process and vision of a management team in any viable business or organizational unit. Strategy maps help the managers effectively convey to the incumbent stakeholders as to how an envisioned

The history of Chinese Immigration to USA Research Paper

The history of Chinese Immigration to USA - Research Paper Example Wherever they went, the Chinese immigrants brought with them their language, culture, social institutions, and customs; and as time went on, they made lasting contributions to the United States as they tried to become an integral part of the U.S. population. (â€Å"Chinese immigration to the US†) Privation of the Chinese immigrants to USA in the 18th century Integration has not been an easy one because the Chinese underwent a long period of discrimination from their adopted country. At the outset, they were at once discriminately treated from among the European immigrants and other racial minorities. They were the first immigrant group singled out for denial of citizenship by the U.S. Congress in 1882. Chinese immigration is separated into three periods: 1849 – 1882, 1882-1965 and 1965 to present. The first period of immigration that begun with the California Gold rush in 1848 (Golden Venture) was cut short by the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The Exclusion Act suspend ed labor immigration from China for ten years (USA Chronology). During this first period, the Chinese enjoyed the freedom to travel and become contract laborers in America. Thousands of young male peasants from China were recruited to work in the mines, toil the fields as agricultural workers, and become construction workers to construct a vast railroad network, reclaim swamp-lands, build irrigation system, develop the fishing industry, and work in the labor intensive manufacturing industries in the western states. All along, these Chinese workers felt the anti-sentiments of their presence since they were precluded on becoming permanent settlers. Because of this sentiment, the Chinese immigrants kept to themselves an intention of going back to China when the time comes to enjoy the benefit of their retirement, and to advance their own well being while they are in U.S. According to estimates, there were about 110,000 Chinese populations during the first wave of immigration. The secon d wave of immigration showed a very limited number of Chinese immigrants to U.S. This is caused by political tensions between the U.S and the Chinese governments that further curtailed the chance of Chinese immigrants to enter America. Because America felt Chinese laborers were no longer needed, beginning in 1882, the naturalization and immigrations became very strict to them. At the onset of 1882, an economic hardship was also felt in the U.S., so much so that European Americans also had to compete with the works reserved for the Chinese. This era is also characterized by the beginning of racial discrimination and hatred because of competition and anti-Chinese riots were frequent scenes in the streets of San Francisco. These scenarios put pressure on the U.S. government so that the exclusion act was promulgated (The Library of Congress). A quota allowing only 108 Chinese immigrants was set; so from the period 1888 to 1965, only diplomats, merchants and students and their dependents were allowed to enter the U.S (â€Å"Chinese Americans†) Even those Chinese, who are already in the U.S., are largely discriminated upon, and had to confine their presence in segregated places called Chinatown. They were denied democratic rights, and access to it thru legal procedures was not successful. The third wave of Chinese

Benetton Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Benetton - Case Study Example As Ganesan and Krishna (2003) comments, Benetton calls its advertising and marketing activities as its communication strategy. Problems Benetton’s so called innovative communication strategy was not adequate to enhance its sales growth. Although, this advertising strategy had initially produced fruitful effects, it gradually caused dissatisfaction among customers, retailers, government bodies, and various international non-profit organizations. In most of the times, Benetton’s ‘shock value’ advertisements produced negative impacts on the public Customers did not get the opportunity to evaluate Benetton’s products since the company had not adequately advertised its products. Most of the times, company’s advertisements hurt the religious, racial, or political sentiments of different communities. Solution The company should not post advertisements that would hurt racial, political or religious sentiments. It is recommendable for the company not t o practice ‘shock value’ advertisements as its effectiveness depends on the mental perceptions of the viewers. An ultimate customer would always wish to see the company’s product collections. Therefore, the company must give great emphasis on displaying its new clothing collections.

Global Warming Essay Example for Free

Global Warming Essay Global warming is a pressing problem that is faced not only by a number of communities and a few countries. It is a major problem that is faced by the whole of mankind such that its impacts and effects have tremendous implications that endanger the existence of mankind and even the primary dwelling of the living, the Earth. United States Vice President Albert Gore himself said that global warming will be the greatest environmental challenge in the 21st century. As such, this issue is one that calls for attention, concern and solution. What is Global Warming? Global warming is an increase in global average surface temperature resulting from an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and certain other trace gases in the atmosphere (Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 2006). Natural occurring phenomena such as volcanic eruptions are said to contribute to the release of gases that results to global warming. However, human activities and innovations are said to have contributed greatly to the increase of the concentration of the greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane in the Earths atmosphere. These activities include the operation of coal-burning power plants and use of automobiles which become sources of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone; the use of air-conditioning units and refrigerators that utilize chlorofluorocarbons; deforestation that creates more heat and increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as trees play a significant role in removing carbon dioxide from the air; increased cattle production such that methane gas is released from animal waste; and the use of fossil fuels as the burning of fossil fuels is considered the largest source of emissions of carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases that allows radiative forcing and contributes to global warming. Why is Global Warming a Problem? Global warming is a problem because the direct and indirect effects and consequences of the increasing heat in the earth’s atmosphere have diverse and oftentimes dangerous effects that can affect man. Global warming affects the environment, economies, health and well being of man. Its impact is also significantly destructive that it threatens the very existence of mankind and that of the unborn and coming generations.   Global warming has been linked with intensifying hurricanes. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) research suggests that hurricanes will only get more powerful and last longer as global warming increases ocean temperatures (Warren, 2006). The increasing global temperature also effects change in the ecosystem such that some species especially those that cannot survive on warm regions may be forced out of their habitats which may possibly lead to their extinction.   Economically, global warming also has its implications such that changes in temperature can lead to several effects on agriculture and hence, affect the livelihood of farmers. These changes include new variations in pest and disease problems; damaged crops at extreme temperatures; and an increased need for ventilation in animal accommodation. As such, more than a third (36%) of around 100 National Farmers Union members in the United Kingdom saw climate change as a threat to livelihoods (Global Warming Fears for, 2005, p. 43). Too much rise in sea level will also affect the densely populated coastal plains by making the areas uninhabitable, creating refugee problems and hampering economic activities. The occurrence of these situations among coastal cities in the world will create potential impacts on world wide trade and economy Global warming also has its health implications. Expanded tropical weather is likely to increase tropical diseases. As such, global warming will accelerate the spread of many diseases and increase instances of mosquito-borne diseases that include malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and viral encephalitis (Johansen, 2002, p. 210). The warming of air temperature also increases the concentration of ozone at ground level. In lower atmosphere, ozone is a harmful pollutant that can damage lung tissue, and can bring about serious problems for those with asthma and other lung diseases. Other effects of global warming are the melting of glaciers which can cause water shortages, loss of habitat, flooding of rivers and the rise of sea level; water scarcity as rise in sea level can contaminate groundwater affecting drinking water and agriculture in coastal zones; Drought and wildfire as warmer temperatures can increase the probability of drought. Greater evaporation, particularly during summer and fall, can worsen drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires. Who is Responsible in Solving this Problem? It has been earlier mentioned that man’s activities and innovations have primarily increased and worsened global warming. As such, man should also be responsible in mitigating this problem. Moreover man has no option such that when he fails to do something to mitigate the situation, the effects of global warming will endanger his very existence. It is therefore best for everyone to act and cooperate in doing something for this global problem. What can be Done? Everyone has his own share that he can contribute to help alleviate the worsening situation. There are numerous ways that can be done to help mitigate global warming. World leaders should acknowledge their crucial responsibilities to the issue of global warming. This is for reason that they can effect great change in the international community. World leaders can strengthen international responses to the risks of global warming. They can cooperate and enter into international treaties and agreements that can help reduce the dangers of the substances that contribute to global warming by banning the production, trade and use of these particular substances. When trading of these substances between countries becomes illegal, their production will eventually decline, bringing to an end their production and thereby prevent further release of substances that contribute to global warming. World leaders can also sanction the countries that fail to meet clean air standards by refusing to engage in international trade with them. With countries cooperating to achieve a common goal in combating global warming, the ill effects of global warming may be alleviated. Politicians among national governments on the other hand, can implement policies that can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. They can also support technological alternatives to air- polluting technologies like coal power plants and impose upon power utilities policies and regulations to improve the energy efficiency of power plants and increase the use of renewable energy sources. They can also impose upon their citizens measures such as proper segregation of wastes so as to prevent the burning of materials that contribute to global warming. They can also reward citizens who are innovative enough in coming up with new ways of helping to curb global warming. Policy makers can also promote and support bills that pertain to regulating activities that contribute to global warming. These bills for example may include those that will protect rainforests and more severe punishments for illegal loggers. They can also consider passing legislations such as those that encourage the development of new and alternative technologies that will replace technologies that worsen global warming. Electricity consumers should opt to buying electricity that is generated from renewable sources. They can also help in reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that accumulate in the atmosphere by utilizing lesser energies. They can do this by investing in highly efficient, energy- saving appliances.   Educators can instill in their students the value of protecting the environment, giving their students the necessary knowledge why global warming is a problem and provide them with the necessary skills to help mitigate the situation such as giving them the basic knowledge on the proper waste segregation and waste disposal. Even ordinary citizens can help by engaging in activities that help curb the situation. These activities may include proper disposal of wastes. Planting trees in the backyard can help such that trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas from the air. People can reduce energy utilization by using public transport and car pooling; switching off appliances instead of leaving them on stand by; and patronizing recycled products or doing the practice of reducing, reusing and recycling of waste and other unnecessary materials. More importantly, they can encourage others to have the same conviction in helping to mitigate global warming. Conclusion Global warming is a pressing problem faced not only by a number of communities and a few countries but faced by the whole of mankind. It is a global problem such that its impacts can negatively affect the environment, economy and even the wellbeing and safety of mankind. As such, it is best that man himself should do something to help mitigate the situation. References Global warming. (2006). In Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9037044 Global Warming Fears for Crops. (2005, November 30). The Journal (Newcastle, England), p. 43. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5011583331 Johansen, B. E. (2002). The Global Warming Desk Reference. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=101544284 Warren, Luke. (2005, December/2006, January). Global Warming and Hurricanes. Mother Earth News. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from http://www.search.eb.com/magazine/article?query=global%20warmingid=3minGrade=maxGrade=

Anthropology Concept of the Home

Anthropology Concept of the Home Annotated Bibliography: Home Introduction In this paper, I will be reviewing 4 readings which are closely related to homes and dwelling. I will also analyse and assess the strengths and weakness on each reading based on the explanations and theories presented on each reading, based on the ideal home, the perception of home and the concept of home within the anthropological perspective. A home or a domicile is a dwelling-place used as a permanent or semi-permanent residence for an individual, family, household or several families. It is often a house, apartment, or other building, or alternatively a mobile home, houseboat, yurt, shack, etc. Homes typically provide areas and facilities for sleeping, preparing food, eating and hygiene. Homes also provide a private space which allows the residents to separate from the outside world. Homes can also be used in a variety different ways in comparison to public space or quasi-public spaces in which certain rules and regulations are mandatory. When secure and legal dwellings are not available due to financial or geographical reasons, residents can be forced to live in informal and/or illegal shacks found in slums and shanty towns in a geographical region. Slums and shanty towns are still present in developing nations in the modern era. Generally, home may be considered to be a geographic area, such as a town, village, suburb, city, or country. Bachelard, G. 1958. The Poetics of Space: The Classic Look at how we Experience Intimate Places. (1994 edition, translated by M. Jolas) Boston: Beacon Press Gaston Bachelards book, The Poetics of Space provides an intriguing insights into the meaning of spaces which incorporate poetry, primarily focusing on intimate private spaces such as a house. Within, the home, examples such as a drawer, a night dresser are mentioned and analysed from an anthropological and philosophical perspective. Also, outdoor spaces such as vistas, gardens, trees and woods are also examined in a similar manner, both indoor and outdoor spaces are examined in a poetic manner in comparison to a structured manner which is different than most standard academic readings, therefore the book is appealing to wider audiences. In the first chapter of the book, Bachelard focuses on the interior domestic space within the home and its components, such as rooms and objects within a room, primarily focusing on furniture, dà ©cor and windows, doors etc. Bachelard also continues to pursue the investigation of the acceptance of the subjective consciousness and the poetic image. Bachelard also states that an acceptance within the domestic space which also demands with great openness from residents or guests, and a focus on the present experience different time frames. Bachelard states that a home is the essential, almost living object, meaning that the home according its residents, they experience an epitomical memories with the home setting. Bachelard claims the home is categorised as a personal universe, claiming that all really inhabited space bears the essence of the notion of home (The Poetics of Space, 1958, p.5). Bachelard, continues to examine the home as the expression and explanation of the soul through literary images and poetic images. This is found in most forms of poetry. Bachelard examines different locations in the home as certain places of memory and also intimacy which are also expressed in poetry. This also provides a detailed anthropological, philosophical and psychological perspectives of the home to the reader. Bachelard focuses on the poetic images of the home for it being the property of the innocence and relative consciousness, something which precedes conscious thought from the people who are present, the home does not require extensive knowledge and is the product of the heart and soul according to the resident. Bachelard also describes the direct relation of poetry to reality and vice versa which intensifies the reality of certain perceived objects (imagination augments the values of reality, The Poetics of Space, p.3). Bachelard claims, poetry is directed at one and the same time both outwards and inwards, therefore establishing a future discussion of outside and inside (in relation to home and other public spaces) which is familiar to anyone who is familiar with the theories of public and private space. Bachelard claims that the home has both complexity and unity, it is made out of experiences and memories, Bachelard also introduces his concept of topo-analysis, which he defines as a psychological studying of the sites of our intimate lives which is done systematically. The house, the most intricate and intimate of all public and private spaces, in which it protects the daydreamer and thus understanding the house is a way to understand the soul and also the spiritual attributes of a human being. Heidegger, M. 1951. Building, Dwelling, Thinking. In: (trans. A. Hofstadter) Poetry, Language, Thought [New York: Harper, 1971], pp. 145-61 Martin Heideggers Building Dwelling Thinking begins with a strong argument that a dwelling structure (primarily focusing on fixed buildings) is essentially and ideally designed for a person or family as their own private space for many dwelling related purposes. However, Heidegger also states certain definitions and considerations that undermine the clarity and simplicity of this statement. Heidegger argues that not all buildings are designed for dwelling, which is obvious when considering factories, hospitals, schools, office buildings etc. The fundamental framework for Building Dwelling Thinking is to investigate into the relationships and processes between the concepts of building and dwelling, and to question the meaning behind dwelling, how building relates to dwelling and does building in itself allows for dwelling. Heidegger claims that the modern world has brought about a negative perception and analysis between building and dwelling. Heideggers perception was formed during the post war housing crisis in the 1950s in Europe, as the original article was published during the housing shortage which was common in the early 1950s. Heidegger also examines the origins for most key words (e.g. build) and analyses the words based on meaning from an anthropological and philosophical perspective, which helps to build strong arguments and gather further insights from the mid-20th century from a historical perspective. Heidegger claims that the key words have lost their original meanings in regards to existing or being in a certain place, primarily focusing on dwellings. Heidegger then proceeds to argue in regards to the manner in which we reside in residential buildings. Heidegger also provides a very overt philosophical perceptive about the manner in regards to our identity on Earth within a dwelling. However, for residents who may not own a property or living in a semi-permanent or temporary accommodation, the true emotions of belonging at home is disputed as some individuals may feel that home is a part of their identity, but other residents may disagree with this perspective. In terms of describing the relationships between dwelling, Heidegger claims that modern times (then post-war era) has brought a large, complex confusion in the understanding and processes of relationship between building and dwelling from a sociological perspective which is also stated in the readings very overtly. Heidegger also states, as buildings are not conceived to be related to the state of a dwellers existence in the world. Buildings in particular, are not problematic as the ability for a building to provide housing or shelter is in this article is considered as being adequate. Heidegger also clarifies the properties and functions of buildings and their relationship with dwellers, with considering social and cultural aspects of a dwellers lifestyle. Buildings and dwellings are also a part of a local community which can lead to a certain community to experience a mutual sense of the present, past and a future. Dwellings according to Heidegger are a fixed, permanent place and in order to be situated in a certain relationship with a dwellers existence, a relationship is characterized by enabling and nurturing the world through dwellings and their omnipotence. According to Heidegger, the basic character of dwelling is to spare, to preserveà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ dwelling itself is always a staying with things. Dwelling, as preserving, keeps the fourfold in that with which mortals stay: in things (Heidegger, 1951 pp.150-151). This also questions the meaning of home to dwellers who live a non-permanent fixtures such as shacks, tents and yurts. Kaufman, E. 2002. Living Virtually in a Cluttered House. Angelaki, vol.7, no. 3, pp. 159 169 Living Virtually in a Cluttered House by Eleanor Kaufman, provides a modern insight to readers in regards to the internet revolution within the home and beyond, Kaufman also assesses and analyses the human interaction within the home through virtual visions and experiences from a psychological and philosophical perspective alongside an explanation for the evolution of home through a historical perspective. Kaufmann starts the article with segments from Gaston Bachelards book, The Poetics of Space (1958), which provides a good solid arguments for advanced thought within the home. Kaufman assesses and analyses the evolution of the home throughout various historical periods. Kaufman also claims a detailed analysis of the space of the Baroque house, which is defined by the fact that it has only two levels and, moreover, a folded space that separates them. The universe as a stairwell marks the Neo-platonic tradition. (Kaufman, 2002 pp. 159). Kaufman, also traces the history of levels within the home which began during the Baroque-era, as the eras contribution is a home with only two floors, which is standard in most houses in the modern era, separated by a wall or barrier that echoes, similar to terraced houses and apartments. Kaufman also claims that the two different levels are used differently and are also divided based on activity, privacy and safety, At issue here are, on the one hand, the demarcation of two distinct floors or levels and, on the other, the liminal or boundary space the fold or point of inflection where the two levels come together. (Kaufman, 2002, pp. 159) The two levels of the Baroque house would appear to be diametric opposites: the lower level is large, open, public and spacious, while the upper level is small, windowless, private, and closed. Furthermore, the lower level corresponds with the body while the upper level corresponds with the soul. (Kaufman, 2002, pp159) Kaufman claims that the levels within the home cannot be separate from each other, as the first floor cannot exist without the second floor, or there is one floor. Then again, and this may be preoccupied in what follows, the question remains on whether or not one floor question remains on whether or not a I flooring is actually single or whether or not it conjointly presupposes a virtual second floor. It appears that the latter is that the case a minimum of in France wherever the enumeration of floors begins with what in American nomenclature language is already the second floor. Such conundrums riddle may well be worked out indefinitely, however what matters is that they need real referring to the means we have a tendency to understand the area distance around United States and therefore real referring to the means lives and lived, notably in non-extreme moments, here and currently that is most of the time. This question of the double dubiousness of the image belonging or contiguousness of 2 distinct however indivisible entities involves the foreground in another philosophical register, that is that of the relation between mind and body, relative between intellect and resonator. Victimisation the framework of the Baroque house as some extent of departure, firm as a mathematical notation of divergence. Kaufman also bases her argument through the works of Gilles Deleuze, a well-respected French philosopher. Deleuze connects this framework on varied occasions to the mind-body head-substance question. Whereas treating this question consistently with relevance Deleuze would need a lot of in-depth analysis, its helpful and beneficial here to illustrate however Deleuzes model of Baroque area conjointly serves manikin of Baroque area conjointly function an abstract model for the same relation between body and soul. Robben, A. C. G. M. 1989. Habits of the Home: Spatial Hegemony and the Structuration of House and Society in Brazil. American Anthropologist, vol. 91, no. 3, pp. 570 588 Habits of the Home provides an intricate glimpse into special hegemony and housing structures in a coastal town, Camurim. Camurim is a coastal town of around 6,000 inhabitants the state of Bahia in northeast Brazil. This socio-spatial organization of the house gains a full capacity. The social relationships and limits fit those of the economic, domestic, through the economy, planned within the home, correspondence of those 2 levels of a stratified results of associate degree informative method during which social perspective of the domestic world. For example, the fabric reply to his written agreement obligations at work, space resembles the competition for standing in within the bedchamber is expounded to the importance of couple. Nonetheless this informative method isnt solely same time, the public toilet economic and public positions, the interpretation and copy. House and society represent area unit reflected nonetheless reworked within the alternative. during this article, Robben clarifies the complicated relation associate degree associate degreealysis of the domestic world of fishermen a sketch of the anthropology setting associate degree, Robben also demonstrates that the organization of society domains isnt an analytic however an empirical polygamous areas exist among the house, the sea, create phased transitions between the 3 domains lowed by an outline of the principal reciprocal direction of the social group and domestic domains can discuss the organization of the house and domains of society. However, Robben highlights variations of the socio-spatial habitus make to totally different erected between house and society. The four-six man fishing crews can stay up to 10 days. They exploit a colossal space of coral reefs and sand banks between the coastal waters and also the fringe of the ocean floor. The twelve largest vessels fish solely with hand lines, whereas the smaller boats alternate between the employment of trawl nets, gill nets, and hand lines. The high price of even the small powerboat ($6,000) has resulted during a patronage system during which some former boat fishermen have succeeded in befriending native landowners to co-sign their bank loans. The growing monopolisation of those social networks by the boat house owners has hindered the upward quality of the boat fishermen. The road is seen as impure, because the supply of evil, as a place of danger conflict that will damage the members of the unit if its dangerous influences are penetrate. Physical markers, thresholds, and ambiguous areas area unit erected that serve rework folks symbolically throughout their transition from one social domain to. According to Robben, residents in Camurim make certain to wipe their feet on the adorned doormat rests on the threshold after they enter a house as a symbolic gesture that they convey evil to the house. Conclusion To conclude, all readings are closely related to homes and dwelling and describe the various themes of home, in regards to personal space and a sense of belonging. Also, between Heidegger (1951) and Robben (1989), there is a rigid perceptive on dwellings and their strong bonds. However, this may not be applicable to residents who may in semi-permanent or temporary buildings. Kaufman (2002), provide a modern arguments to the relationships between dwellers and dwellings through a comparison of ancient era buildings and their structures. Bachelard (1958) provides a fluid, open argument behind the meaning of each designed room within the home. Bachelard also assesses the home from a psychological and philosophical perspective which provides more details for a holistic argument. However, in the modern era the concept of home being separate from the outside world is changing. Due to advancement in technology, the home is also becoming a place to socialise, work and build alongside the outside world through medium such as mobile phones, PCs and tablets. These ideas and viewpoints may be challenged in the present and in the future. Bibliography Bachelard, G. 1958. The Poetics of Space: The Classic Look at how we Experience Intimate Places. (1994 edition, translated by M. Jolas) Boston: Beacon Press Heidegger, M. 1951. Building, Dwelling, Thinking. In: (trans. A. Hofstadter) Poetry, Language, Thought [New York: Harper, 1971], pp. 145-61 Kaufman, E. 2002. Living Virtually in a Cluttered House. Angelaki, vol.7, no. 3, pp. 159 169 Robben, A. C. G. M. 1989. Habits of the Home: Spatial Hegemony and the Structuration of House and Society in Brazil. American Anthropologist, vol. 91, no. 3, pp. 570 588

A Muslim Experience Of Going To Church

A Muslim Experience Of Going To Church This week I visited the St. Bernard church located on 143rd and Parker Rd in Homer Glen, IL. My friend came with me, she is also Muslim. We actually visited it twice. The first time it was like 6 pm, and it was dark out. We thought it would be open because our mosque is always open. So we went and as we were pulling up, we got scared. It was dark, and all I saw was crosses, and when I was getting ready to open the door to see if anyone was there, I just freaked out and left. I dont know why, but it looked to us as if it was closed. I really thought there would be someone sitting there or something. But then my friend and I went the next day in the morning. As we arrived at the church the next morning we saw a lot of families, and people getting together. They all seemed so happy. At first I was all excited with my pen and notebook, then I was kind of shy and scared to walk in, I really dont know why. Everyone was really nice, so we walked in. The first person that came up to me was a girl that my friend knew from high school she was really surprised to see us there, so she stuck with us and made it less awkward for us. She said Sabreen the first thing you need to know is Catholic means universal that should be a great way to start your essay. I liked that, I never knew that. It was pretty loud in there. Everyone was talking and laughing. I was very surprised to see how loud it is; because I always thought that a place of worship would be quiet. In my place of worship, the mosque, it is really quiet and everyone whispers. We consider it to be very inappropriate to be loud, unless everyone is ready to go home. But I noticed when the prie st started talking everyone became quiet; similar to the mosque when the Sheikh gives a lesson/lecture everyone becomes quiet. The gathering was motivating. The melody was a bit loud and from time to time it completed me to feel awkward again I mean it was one atmosphere I have by no means existed in. At Mosques, there truly are not any melodic gadgets and as I mentioned it is a lot calmer. Anyway as I walked in I had to say the WOW. There was stained glass everywhere. I mean everywhere. It was so beautiful. And there were people around the holy water they started dipping their hands in there. It was so cool. Ive heard about holy water before. We Muslims also have Holy water our Holy water is ZamZam. It is only located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. But there are bottles of ZamZam now where we can buy at some Islamic stores. We consider it to be so pure. And everyone that goes to do pilgrimage goes by the holy water and starts drinking and also dipping their hands in it. There were many sc ulptures of diverse volumes and forms. In Islam, There are no sculptures because it is an offense. It is also an offense to have any images in spite of of what they describe in a Mosque, where the church was fully enclosed in pictures. The pictures were so beautiful; I cannot even describe them they were just outstanding how they were made. I have learned a whole lot from this experience. I talked to many people; many of them were very nice, and willing to share with me about the Catholic Religion. I learned that Catholics consider with the intention of Christ is the messiah of the aged proofs called Messianic prophecies. In an occasion recognized since the personification, the Church educates people on that, throughout the control of the sacred strength, the lord developed into joint by means of soul natural world as soon as Christ was considered in sacred Virgin Mary. Christ is understood, so, to be in cooperation entirely delightful and completely being. People follow Christs teachings and his wisdom. Similarly to Muslims we follow Prophet Mohammads teachings and wisdoms. It is so interesting how hopes and dedications for Virgin Mary are a division of Catholic faithfulness but are different from the devotion to God. The Church embraces Mary, as an everlasting virgin and as a mother of God. So what I understood was that Virgin Mary was so important to them it was more of respect then worship towards her their beliefs consist of her clean and tidy formation with no blemish of a sin and physical supposition into paradise at the finish of her existence. Catholics believe Christ rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, they believe in the rebirth the spirit of Jesus was joined up to His corpse by His individual heavenly authority. Muslims believe that When Jesus was on the cross, he never died, and that Alllah (God) took him up to heaven and put a person that looks like him instead. We believe that Jesus is up in heaven with Allah right now, Also that when Jesus comes down one day, that will be on the Day of Judgment. Some people thought I was thinking of converting, this religion is really interesting but I dont think I will convert. I mean I grew up knowing all about Islam, and in this class I have learned about many other religions. But I am sticking to Islam, because I feel like it is the right religion for me, more like I know it is the right religion for me. After I went home many of my friends and family thought I was going to get into an argument with someone about being wrong or something. I tend to be a very defensive person. But I really wanted to understand the different religions out there. I really want to go to a Jewish synagogue one day and see what the Jews believe; I mean you dont believe it till you see it right? I read all these essays, and the books, and researched about many religions, but I really want to start experiencing them. This experience was beyond awesome. Sabreen

Men, Women, and Sports: What is Acceptable? Essay examples -- Sports G

Men, Women, and Sports: What is Acceptable? Throughout history, society has clearly defined the roles that men and women were expected to play. In these roles, men were seen as both physically and mentally stronger, and women were seen as more gentle, caring and physically and mentally weaker. As such, men participating in sports which demonstrate grace and elegance was not, and to some extent, still is not considered to be the norm. Likewise, women participating in sports which demonstrate or require a great deal of physical strength is considered to be un-ladylike. Additionally, there has been a certain physical image associated with both men and women, and when a person is physically different from what is considered the norm, then they are open to ridicule and prejudice from society. Traditionally, the image of women is that of curvaceous, maternal-looking people. Thus a woman who is exceptionally physically fit, or who has large and well-defined muscles is seen as strange. In fact, an "overly" muscular woman is generally seen as very masculine, or as someone who is trying to be manly. It is for this reason that many female athletes have been branded as "butch" or as lesbians. Conversely, men who do not carry the image of testosterone-filled, macho, muscular and physically strong people are seen as less manly than they should be. Society seems to believe that men should participate in sports which promote the macho image, such as those sports which have a violent aspect to them, and those sports which base themselves in a demonstration of physical strength. As such, men who participate in sports such as boxing or power lifting are far more easily accepted than men who participate in sports such as synchronized swi... ...pread and secretarial jobs are considered to be women's jobs. There are many incongruities between what is considered acceptable for men and what is considered acceptable for women, and this can be seen in all walks of life. It stems from the traditional images of what men and women should look like and how they should behave which have been imposed on us by both our society and the traditions passed on to us from our ancestors. These incongruities and prejudices are most clearly seen and acknowledged in the world of sports, but in truth they pervade almost every aspect of our lives. This is not an issue which has an easy solution, but it is an issue which must be addressed if there is to be an end to the ridicule which many people are subjected to as a result of following a career path or making life decisions which do not conform to this set of unspoken rules. Men, Women, and Sports: What is Acceptable? Essay examples -- Sports G Men, Women, and Sports: What is Acceptable? Throughout history, society has clearly defined the roles that men and women were expected to play. In these roles, men were seen as both physically and mentally stronger, and women were seen as more gentle, caring and physically and mentally weaker. As such, men participating in sports which demonstrate grace and elegance was not, and to some extent, still is not considered to be the norm. Likewise, women participating in sports which demonstrate or require a great deal of physical strength is considered to be un-ladylike. Additionally, there has been a certain physical image associated with both men and women, and when a person is physically different from what is considered the norm, then they are open to ridicule and prejudice from society. Traditionally, the image of women is that of curvaceous, maternal-looking people. Thus a woman who is exceptionally physically fit, or who has large and well-defined muscles is seen as strange. In fact, an "overly" muscular woman is generally seen as very masculine, or as someone who is trying to be manly. It is for this reason that many female athletes have been branded as "butch" or as lesbians. Conversely, men who do not carry the image of testosterone-filled, macho, muscular and physically strong people are seen as less manly than they should be. Society seems to believe that men should participate in sports which promote the macho image, such as those sports which have a violent aspect to them, and those sports which base themselves in a demonstration of physical strength. As such, men who participate in sports such as boxing or power lifting are far more easily accepted than men who participate in sports such as synchronized swi... ...pread and secretarial jobs are considered to be women's jobs. There are many incongruities between what is considered acceptable for men and what is considered acceptable for women, and this can be seen in all walks of life. It stems from the traditional images of what men and women should look like and how they should behave which have been imposed on us by both our society and the traditions passed on to us from our ancestors. These incongruities and prejudices are most clearly seen and acknowledged in the world of sports, but in truth they pervade almost every aspect of our lives. This is not an issue which has an easy solution, but it is an issue which must be addressed if there is to be an end to the ridicule which many people are subjected to as a result of following a career path or making life decisions which do not conform to this set of unspoken rules.

Cigarette Advertising Essay example -- Marketing Tobacco

Truth About Cigarette Advertising Two lithe, tanned bodies lazily languish near a limpid river. The heads of the two persons are thrown back in poses of a supremely confident nature. Their facial features, though, are indistinguishable amidst the ephemeral haze which envelops them. Curiosity piqued and intently surveying the scene, one then notices the cigarettes dangling from the fingers of the pair. Advertisements such as this are now ubiquitous to the point of annoyance. These attempts to entice consumers to buy cigarettes are not simply trumped up exaggerations, as is the case with other products. Cigarette companies market their products with blatant lies. No one is shown with yellowed teeth or suffering from a hacking cough. Instead, smokers are always pictured as being in the pink of health. More alarmingly, smokers and smoking are perceived as being desirable. This perception has seemingly permeated every facet of popular culture. The sad truth today is—cigarettes are cool! More overt instances of cigarette companies attempting to marry their products with images having positive connotations occurred in the first half of the twentieth century. Since then, however, the marketing juggernauts of these organizations have become more adept at promoting their brands in nearly every sphere of public life. In the earlier times though, the principal mode of product placement was via magazines. Here are two such magazine advertisements. Kool magazine advertisement circa 1940 Camels magazine advertisement – circa 1950 In the first picture, which was put out during the Second World War, cigarettes are linked with the badges of the United States Armed Forces. Here, Kool attempts to ride the wave of support for Americ... ...g—turning all of us into potential cigarette addicts. I am of the firm opinion that legislature should be passed which prevents these companies from advertising in certain fields, particularly those pertaining to healthy pursuits such as sports. But, then again, these laws would have to be passed by many people who sit on the boards of, or had election campaigns funded by, cigarette companies. Those changes don’t seem too likely, do they? Works Cited â€Å"Cigarettes† Wikipedia Foundation Inc.1 Sep. 2006. Crary, David. â€Å"Tobacco giants wage fight against state anti-smoking measures.† Associated Press 13 Oct. 2006 Haralambos, Michael. Sociology: Themes and Perspectives. 3rd ed. London: HarperCollins, 1991. Nocera, Joe. â€Å"If It's Good for Philip Morris, Can It Also Be Good for Public Health?† New York Times 18 June. 2006: B46.

Swot: Brand and Dove Conditioner Shampoo

StrengthsDove conditioner shampoo varieties are products of the Dove Company. However, Unilever is the parent company of Dove products. As well know, Unilever is a Anglo-Dutch multinational corporation that owns many of the world's consumer product brands in foods, beverages, cleaning agents and personal care products. Therefore, Dove conditioner shampoo varieties own a strong brand name and image as a part of a wide range of leading brands with Unilever’s other products portfolio such as; Lipton teas, Slim-fast, Ben and Jerry's ice-cream. Thus, it is good for establishing and promoting brand prestige and getting numbers of commercial partners, economic aids and resources. As the brand has grown, so has the investment in advertising. Dove regularly uses magazine advertising to place itself at the heart of the beauty arena, specially its conditioner and shampoo products. Dove’s use of magazines in the marketing strategy has gone far beyond regular display advertising to promotions. Additionally, Dove consistently uses magazines as the lead medium in a number of multi-channel, short-term, product-focused projects. On the other hands, over one million consumers visited Dove’s website to know conditioner and shampoo products in August 2009.It shows that the promotion of Dove conditioner and shampoo products on the Internet is also successful and accepted. The conditioner and shampoo products of Dove are not completely single products. When a shampoo product is sold, a conditioner product can be promoted and sold with a favorable price, and vice versa. Or promote and sell them two products together with special packaging.WeaknessShampoo and conditioner product development has followed movements in fashion, adding value to the sector, but this market has also been affected by changes in the wider economy. The data shows that there are many brands in hair care market, and Dove conditioner and shampoo†¦

Erosion: Fertilizer and Conservation Stewardship Program

There are three causes of soil erosion over cultivation, overgrazing, and deforestation. All of these causes can be corrected in different ways. Over cultivation is when the land is repeatedly tiling and producing crops faster than the soil can restore resulting in a decrease in the soil value and productivity. One of the ways that over cultivation can be corrected is by a technique called no-till agriculture. No-till agriculture is a procedure where chemicals kill weeds and the seeds are planted without having to plow the soil. Fertilizer is another source of correction in over cultivation. Fertilizer is a process in which nutrients such as organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer are added to the soil to nutrient the crops. Organic fertilizers consist of manure and inorganic fertilizers consist of chemical fertilizers. Other methods are used to prevent over cultivation such as contour strip cropping and shelterbelts. Contour strip cropping is where the farmer will plow the land across rather than up and down which reduces the occurrence of water erosion. The rows of trees around the plowed land are called shelterbelts reducing the risk of wind erosion. Overgrazing is another cause of soil erosion. Overgrazing is where there are more animals existing on a piece of land than the land can maintain. During the process of overgrazing the land losses its grass production and the land becomes bare causing wind and water erosion leaving the soil tainted. The Conservation Stewardship program provides information on how farmers can burn woody plants giving them the means to be able to plant grass seeds that hold water and to be able to manage cattle and move them to another land stopping overgrazing from occurring. The means of removing trees and vegetation covering soil and converting the forest into another land of use causing erosion and soil productiveness is called deforestation. The best way to correct deforestation is to cut down trees and to plant more trees. There have been many organizations developed to try to stop deforestation. Some of these organizations are Center for Global Development’s, Group of Earth Observations’, and Avoided Deforestation Partners.

Racial Diversity: Historical Worksheet Essay

†¢ Throughout most of U.S. history, in most locations, what race has been in the majority? What is the common ancestral background of most members of this group? Throughout most of U.S. history, in almost all locations the race which has been the majority is the â€Å"white Americans which comprises Hispanic Americans. White Americans are the majority in forty-nine of the fifty states, with Hawaii as the exception. White Americans, trace their ancestry to the original peoples of Europ, the Middle East, and north Africa. †¢ What are some of the larger racial minorities in U.S. history? What have been the common ancestral backgrounds of each of these groups? When did each become a significant or notable minority group? Some of the larger racial minorities in U.S. history would be African Americans, Native Americans. Native Americans who were first to be in North America. In 1871 the Federal Government declared them American Indians and were forced to move to reservations. This is where they were forced to adapt to Christianity instead of their own religion, schools that were done in English. African Americans were the other larger racial minorities. African Americans arrived with the first European explorers from Africa. Shortly after they arrived they became slaves due to their color in 1776. In 1865 Congress abolished slavery everywhere. †¢ In what ways have laws been used to enforce discrimination? Provide examples. These laws were intended against which racial minorities? Laws have been used to enforced discrimination by having consequences for your actions when discriminating against a person or any minority group. An example of this is when an employer does not want to hire a certain race or only wants to hire one certain type of race, but still hires you only because he/she has to have a certain percentage of that race. I believe that these laws were intended to end racism between different races, mainly with whites and blacks in the United States. The reason why is because the history with both races. Whites have always over powered blacks and treated them unfair and now they placed the laws in place so that can not happen anymore and everyone can be treated equally. †¢ In what ways have laws been used to eliminate discrimination? Provide examples. Did the laws work to eliminate discrimination? One example I could think about would be when putting down your race or gender on an application or some type of form. Now it gives you the option to do so or not to do so. What I had found hard about answering the race question is the fact that I am biracial and most of the time they only want you to pick one race or if you do pick just one and they see you then they question it. This law was intended to stop employers to discriminate against women and different kinds of race. However what they law did was make it a point to have a percentage of a race or gender in that work force, so that may be the only reason of getting hired on.

Paper on Intramuros

I entered through the gate along And Street and the first thing I noticed was the presence of security guards wearing nice blue uniforms with large hats. I only found out later that they were wearing Guardia Civil attire and it did add a Spanish touch, as well as added security in the district. I would see dozens of them during my trip. The first museum I visited was the Kiss Heritage Center as it was the one closest to where I entered. One officer was kind enough to direct to me to the museum and I found myself walking along And Street. It was not long before I saw a sales making TTS way through the old streets of Intramural.The streets did feel old and also most of the buildings along the road looked old and had a hint of Spanish influence. And as I was walking to the Kiss Heritage Center, I passed by the Placid del Asana, which was the first clear tribute to the Spanish influence I saw. It was painted in the unmistakable bright red and yellow colors of the Spanish flag. After my t our of the Heritage Center, my next stop was the Case Manila at the Plaza San Luis Complex. As I got closer, I noticed the concrete streets turn into cobblestone and the buildings had more of that Spanish tinge.The area around the Plaza San Luis Complex, which is situated Just across the San Austin Church and Museum, was clearly restored and maintained to recreate Intramural as it was during the colonization: a city for the privileged Spanish and messiest. The Case Manila Museum provided a closer look into lifestyle of the Messiest and the Spanish elite. They did a great re-creation of the interior of a Spanish home. I would have preferred to have a closer look at the rooms but they limited viewers to a red carpet path that goes around and throughout the museum.The display was very ell-thought out and even the tiniest of details, especially in the Cochin, were present. Some of the furniture and even some of the design looked familiar to me, and I realized I had seen similar wooden f urniture at my grandmother's ancestral home back in Zebu. The rooms were very huge, especially the salsa area, and it was very hot despite the many electric fans placed in the corners of the rooms. I can only imagine how hot it was for the Spanish residents, mores for those who came from Spain, where they had a more welcoming climate.Being sent to the Philippines could eave been the last thing any Spaniard would have wanted. However, at least they were better off than the people living outside the walls of Intramural. I exited the museum through an old, worn-down stone staircase and outside I could see a stone fountain and the Spanish-era architecture of the Complex. When I went down the hoping for memorabilia or at least replicas of any antiquities of the Spanish period. I could not help but laugh at all the odd trinkets they were selling, which had nothing to do with Spanish.Origami dragons and a Kim Possible action figure were Just a pair f things that seemed very out of place. I crossed the street over to the San Austin Church and it Just so happened that I visited in the middle of a wedding ceremony. The stone church walls were old and worn down but the interior was amazing. It is a great testament to how Spain brought about Christianity to the Philippines. The museum was huge and it would take you at least an hour to view everything on display. They showcased statues of the Holy Family, the saints, apostles and other Catholic figures.They had giant paintings of Augustine priests along the corridors and a rooms devoted to the efferent Augustine churches in the Philippines and even vestments of Catholic priests. What surprised me the most during my tour around the museum was the room they called the â€Å"Script. † It was a crypt built within the monastery that held the bodies of 141 prisoners of war and it also displayed a monument to honor those fallen dead. My last stop was Fort Santiago which was on the far end of Intramural. It was a long walk and I passed by the Shrine of Freedom, another monument dedicated to the victims of war.Then I passed by the Manila Cathedral, which was still under renovation. The great structure was more evidence of the importance of Christianity which was brought upon by the Spanish rule. When I arrived at Fort Santiago, I saw a large group of people, foreigners and even some Filipinos, gathered around a tour guide. However, I decided that I would explore the area on my own. At the entrance of the actual fortress, I got to see the bronze footsteps of Racial, the last steps he took. There was also an exhibit of Irrational furniture which displayed the tables, books, paintings and all that were related to Racial.I also got to view the dungeons where recliners were kept and where even some had died. There was also a monument that honored those who passed within the fortress. My experience during the trip to Intramural gave a pretty good picture of what life was like during the Spanish era. Although it may have been a very difficult time for our country, it played an important role in our history. I really support the whole idea of remembering and preserving at least some Spanish culture and some structures. It was easy to see that the people living within Intramural during the Spanish era were living good lives (I. . Spanish and Messiest). They were living relatively extravagant lives as compared to those outside of the walls. It also repeatedly showed the significance of Christianity back then, and we can see that persevere until today. However, we must also remember that it was a place of imprisonment and death; a burial ground for others. It gives us a pretty picture of how life was like for the average Spaniard, and a very common part of that picture is the death of thousands during those times. Even though the Spaniards built up those walls as barriers, they could not escape the reality of violence and death.