Visual Communication Homosexuality And Realism - 1633 Words

Visual Communication Homosexuality (and realism in art) Anissha Govind 15CGA01 Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Design at INSCAPE EDUCATION GROUP Cape Town Lecturer: Carol Gainer Homosexuality can be defined, according to dictionary.com, as â€Å"sexual desire or behaviour directed toward a person or persons of one s own sex.† 6 (DON’T USE FOOTNOTES!) and is seen as a form of sexuality 15 (DON’T USE FOOTNOTES!). Homosexual males are often referred to as ‘gay’ while homosexual females are referred to as ‘lesbian’ 15 (DON’T USE FOOTNOTES!). Homosexuality is a topic that causes a lot of conflict and discussion, due to opposing views on whether is it ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. This article†¦show more content†¦Numerous religions view homosexuality as a sin and religious institutions, in general, have a less supportive view towards homosexuality than other organisations 2. Religious organisations, along with military organisations, have been shown to display a prejudice towards homosexuals and other â€Å"sexual minorities† 11. (DON’T USE FOOTNOTES) Another opposition to homosexuality is that of those (change the wording) who believe in Darwinism, and that an inclination to non-reproductive sex does not present an explanation in line with evolution. Yet it is still something that continues to occur which would lead to the belief that homosexuality is in actual fact an â€Å"adaptive feature of evolution† 11. Some of the stereotypes that homosexuals face are: that they have made a choice in being gay or lesbian, lesbians are masculine, there is a cure for homosexuality and that gay men are pedophiles 9. Homosexuality is in actual fact just a different form of sexuality 16 and therefore those who are homosexual cannot change their sexuality or be cured of it. While some women do fall in a category of being seen as masculine is not a defining feature of lesbians as they are just women who are sexually attracted to other females 8. Paedophilia is caused by â€Å"immature sexual development† which can be homosexual in its nature but it is not as a result of a person being homosexual 15. When looking at views and the

Homeschool vs. Public School Free Essays

Final Essay Home Schooling: From Home to Harvard We’re all familiar with the popular images of homeschoolers in America: Extreme fundamentalist families shutting out all other points of view. These stereotypes are touted freely by the popular media and conventional schooling experts alike. But they have little to do with the realities of homeschooling for most families today, and are rarely backed by factual data. We will write a custom essay sample on Homeschool vs. Public School or any similar topic only for you Order Now The average home-schooled student scored â€Å"81 points higher on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) than did the general population in 2000†. Winters) At the National Spelling Bee in 2000, the top three winners were home-schooled. Studies show that, â€Å"home-schooled children also tend to score higher on basic skills testing than do public school children†. (Winters) According to the Wall Street Journal, â€Å"Evidence is mounting that homeschooling, once confined to the political and religious fringe, has achieved results not only on par with public education, but in some ways surpassing it. † (Reider) However, one subject continues to surface whenever the issue of home schooling arises. Public school administrators, teachers, and parents are all concerned about whether home schooling can be considered a good process of education. Therefore, I intend to prove that home-schooled children are properly socialized, fully educated and college admissions increasing acceptance rates of home schooled applicants prove that they’re prepared for the next level of education. Supporters of public schools maintain that public school students learn to work well with others, including those of differing backgrounds, and that they can achieve greater independence by attending public school. Negotiating the communal spaces of schoolyard, classroom, athletic field, and laboratory prepares them for â€Å"real world† experiences, they contend. Critics of home schooling believe that home-schooled children miss out on these important opportunities. Without the chance to interact with those of diverse backgrounds, critics are concerned that home-schooled students will fail to appreciate and understand one of the core values of American life: to tolerate and appreciate the differences between cultures or groups and among individuals. They fear that isolation breeds intolerance, prejudice, and even fanaticism. In response to such criticism, proponents of home schooling answer that home-schooled children have plenty of social opportunities. The National Home Education Research Institute conducted a study and found that â€Å"an average home-schooled child participates in 5. 2 activities per week outside the home†. (Dr. Brian Ray) These children are involved in music, dance, drama, and art classes, visit museums and zoos, and join home-schooling groups or local churches. They form athletic teams and compete in home-school tournaments. They participate in book and foreign language clubs, scout groups, and have pen pals. In fact, home school participants believe that, because â€Å"the average time spent â€Å"in class† can often be compressed to about half a day, home-school students have more time available to them than do students in public school to pursue special interests†. (Golden) These activities may include practicing the piano, learning lines for a play, or studying ballet. Being a home-schooling student opens up many hours in a day do be able to do specific things they would not have been able to do if they had attended public school. Advocates of home schooling maintain that in the process of participating in outside activities, home-schooled children benefit by socializing with people of all ages, not just those of their peer group (Stevens 35). They note that the world does not consist of people who are all the same age and that students are at a disadvantage if they spend their day with their peers. One home-schooling researcher claims that home schooling â€Å"reduces that degree to which children find themselves constantly and obsessively being compared to, and comparing themselves with, other children their age. (Gaither) A home-schooled child’s days, he believes, are more like the â€Å"real world† than that of students in public school. Research conducted on the socialization of home-schooled children lends support to the arguments of home-schooling advocates. Home schooled children are found to be as well adjusted as public school students when measuring â€Å"aggression, reliance on othe rs, perception of support from others, perceptions of limits to be followed, and interpersonal relations among family members. † (Lines) Another study indicated that home-schooled children had less behavioral problems than children attending public school. Supporters of home schooling will often â€Å"turn the tables on their critics, pointing to the negative influences present in public schools†. (Kranzow) In particular, a sizable percentage of home-schooling parents worry about the â€Å"wrong kind† of socialization found in public schools and keep their kids at home primarily for that reason. They believe the prevalence of illicit drugs, alcohol, smoking, and premarital sex undermines the moral principles taught at home. They fear the negative influences of peer pressure and want to protect their children from American pop culture. As a result of the recent growth of homeschooling in the US, colleges and universities have received an increasing number of applications from home-schooled students. Admissions offices have found it necessary to assess whether and how their admissions requirements should be modified to allow fair review of the credentials submitted by homeschooled students. It is estimated that â€Å"50% of homeschooled children attend college, the same percentage as children educated in public schools†. (Klicka) But are these students skilled enough to compete successfully with conventionally-schooled students in the college setting? Klicka concludes that homeschoolers and traditionally educated students demonstrate similar academic preparedness for college and academic achievement. Through my research on the homeschooling process, I have discovered that home schooled children’s test score and their home school â€Å"portfolios† have impressed many colleges, most of them prominent or ivy league. Each year  Harvard University  takes up to 10 applicants who have been homeschooled. â€Å"In general, those kids do just fine,’ says David Illingsworth, senior admissions officer at Harvard University. He adds that the number of applications and inquiries from homeschoolers is ‘definitely increasing. ’†(Klicka) The students’ average scores were typicality in the â€Å"70th to 80th percentile, with 25% of homeschooled students enrolled one or more grades above their age-level peers in public and private schools†. (Klicka) Peer groups have less influence on this population than they generally have in lives of those who are educated more traditionally, while faculty members looked to play a critical role in the transition to college process, above and beyond the role they play in the lives of more traditionally educated students. One might contest that, whether at a public school or in a homeschooled environment, grasping the learning material can be difficult for a child due to teaching style and their coordination with learning. Much of this is due to teaching style and its coordination with learning style. Because it’s extremely difficult to teach in a way that best fits each student, a child may be â€Å"left in the dust† due to the lecturing of the teacher according to the majority of the students learning style. Homeschooling, on the other hand, allows flexibility to define a curriculum that still meets the requirements, yet takes into account the best learning style for the child. Generally, educational success tends to measured in academic achievement. If this standard alone were applied to home schooling, most people would agree that home schooling can be a successful alternative to public school. In terms of academics, sociability and the higher level of education, the home schooling process has indicated through test-scores evidence and increasing acceptance rates by college admissions to be a highly effective method of education. Alyssa Statham Professor Clifford EH 102; MW 930 December 8, 2011 Work Cited Page Kranzow, Jeannine M. â€Å"Taking a different path: The college experience of homeschooled† Diss. Indiana University, 2005. Pro Quest Winters, Rebecca. â€Å"Home Schoolers: From Home to Harvard† Time, 156, 11 September 2000, 55. Cogan, Michael F. â€Å"Exploring Academic Outcomes of Homeschooled Students† Journal of College Admission. 208. Dec. 2010 p. 18 Gaither, Milton â€Å"Home schooling goes mainstream† Education Next. 9. 1 2009. P. 10 Stevens, Mitchell L. â€Å"Kingdom of Children: Culture and Controversy in the Homeschooling Movement† Princeton University Press. Sep 2001 Jones, Erika M. L. â€Å"Transition from Home Education to Higher Education: Academic and Social Issues† , Volume 25, Number 3, 2010, p. 1-9. Reider, John , Stanford’s senior associate director of admissions, as quoted by Daniel Golden,  The Wall Street Journal, Feb 11, 2000, pg. 1 Daniel Golden,  The Wall Street Journal, Feb 11, 2000, pg. 1 Klicka, Christopher J. â€Å"Homeschooled Students Excel in College† Esq. Senior Counsel for Home School Legal Defense Association Ray, Brian Dr. â€Å"U. S. Homeschool Population Size and Growth† NHERI December 23, 2008 How to cite Homeschool vs. Public School, Papers

Entrepreneurship Research. Management Decision

Question: Discuss about the Entrepreneurship Research for Management Decision. Answer: The external analysis of the Critical Mix Company is performed with the help of three well efficient analytical tools (Boons Ldeke-Freund, 2013). These are Niche Strategy analysis, Strategy analysis, and Porter's Five Forces analysis. With the help of these three tools, the external environment that is the potential and existing opportunities as well as threats before the company can be analyzed. This will help the company to design further business strategies for future growth. Niche Strategy: A niche strategy of marketing can be characterized as a subset of marketing strategy, which is primarily focused on a specific product (Audretsch, 2012). Under this strategy, the specific features of a product are defined in order to address the needs of a focused market along with the range of price, quality of production and the demographics it is planned to impact on. From the overall examination of the Critical Mix Company, it can be said that the company does not have a protective niche. According to Bargiela-Chiappini, Nickerson and Planken (2013), the market research industry is a large industry where a number of similar firms operate. It is quite natural that each company may claim their products or services to be unique in some characteristics and differ from the other products in terms of quality. The products and services provided by the company not at all different, however, it designed to address a specific market segment. Therefore, it is necessary for the company to design a protective niche strategy that will help the company to address the targeted market segment (Boons Ldeke-Freund, 2013). The differentiation strategy adopted by the Critical Mix Company is not a niche strategy. It a monopolistically competitive market, where there is a large number of firms operating in a same market by producing the similar commodity which slightly differentiated, a minor differentiation strategy may not be helpful there. Therefore, it is needed that the company should diversify its products in a broader sense (Carraher Paridon, 2015). That is by using different technologies and, providing results in a short time compared to its competitors etc. The Critical Mix Company is therefore, suggested to focus more on the methods and techniques it uses for its products and services rather than designing a niche strategy. This will help the company to operate profitability. Strategy Analysis: According to Chen, Chiang and Storey (2012), the profitability of a firm is primarily determined by the attractiveness of its operating industry and the secondary determinant of the profitability is the positioning of the firm within the industry. However, an industry may have return that is below the average but a firm optimally located within the industry may accrue higher returns. A firm generally determines its positioning by leveraging its strengths. According to Carraher and Paridon (2015), the strengths can broadly fall under two broad categories that are the cost advantage and differentiation. The application of these strengths give rise to certain scopes either broad or narrow, as a result of this three generic strategies emerge: cost leadership, differentiation and focus. The firms at the unit level apply these strategies; these are called the generic strategies because these do not depend on the industry standards. The strategies are depicted with the help of the diagram below, Figure 1: Porters Generic Strategies (Source: Collis Hussey, 2013) Critical Mix clearly adopts the strategy of cost leadership that is the low cost producer for a given level of quantity in the concerned industry (Morgan, 2012). The firms are faced with two potential alternatives in the case of cost leadership strategies. Either firms can sell the products at the average market price in order to gain certain profits or these can sell the products below the average market price to gain market share. By adapting the strategy of cost leadership, the Critical Mix has enabled itself to continue its production profitably while there is a price war going on the market. However, even if there is not a price war, in the long run the prices of the products will fall. Then also, the firms, which are able to produce at a cheaper cost, will be able to accrue profits (Pache Santos, 2013). Porters Five Forces Analysis: Porters' Five Forces Analysis is another analytical tool to examine the external environment of the company. It mainly concentrates on the forces of the suppliers, buyers, barriers to entry or exit, substitutes, and rivalry. Figure 2: Porters Five Forces Analysis (Source: Collis Hussey, 2013) According to Audretsch (2012), the supplier power is concentrated in the cluster of the suppliers and the number of suppliers in the economy. If there are a large number of suppliers in the economy, it is quite natural that they will have the power to influence the market. However, the Critical Mix Company has decided to produce at a lower cost and therefore, it is evident that the customers will rely upon them for the cheaper and good quality products. Hence, it is important for the company to maintain a better relationship with the suppliers. According to Garca-Morales, Jimnez-Barrionuevo and Gutirrez-Gutirrez (2012), if there are barriers to entry in the market that can potentially transform an economy to a monopoly. On the other hand, if there is a barrier to exit that will also affect the business behavior. In the case of Critical Mix, there is no barriers to entry in the market and a significant number of potential competitors are there in the market. Therefore, it can be said that the company is faced with a potential competition from the rival firms. The buyers power of bargaining is included in the buyers power, if the number of buyers is significantly high in the market, the bargaining power of the buyers will increase. Moreover, an identity about the brand of the company will also be created (Turner, 2013). As the company does not have a niche strategy, it is more likely that the customers will be able to possess more bargaining power. However, if the company produces at a cheaper cost, it will be able to meet the demand by providing the products and services at a lowest possible market price. Substitutes of the concerned products and services also affect the business operation of the company. However, Critical Mix is faced with a significant competition from its rival firms, therefore it is essential for the company to design strategic framework, to survive this competitive environment. According to Turner (2013), as the firm is faced with significant rivalry, it should differentiate its products in an efficient manner this will help the company to design products that contain the uniqueness in its core features. Service of the company compared to the other companies is a factor that also influences the performance and profitability of the company. The Critical Mix provides a quick and efficient service; therefore, it is in a better situation (Wixom Watson, 2012). Reference List Audretsch, D. (2012). Entrepreneurship research. Management Decision, 50(5), 755-764. Bargiela-Chiappini, F., Nickerson, C., Planken, B. (2013). What is Business Discourse? (pp. 3-44). Palgrave Macmillan UK. Boons, F., Ldeke-Freund, F. (2013). Business models for sustainable innovation: state-of-the-art and steps towards a research agenda. Journal of Cleaner Production, 45, 9-19. Brunsson, N., Rasche, A., Seidl, D. (2012). The dynamics of standardization: Three perspectives on standards in organization studies. Organization Studies, 33(5-6), 613-632. Carraher, S. M., Paridon, T. J. (2015). Entrepreneurship journal rankings across the discipline. Journal of Small Business Strategy, 19(2), 89-98. Chen, H., Chiang, R. H., Storey, V. C. (2012). Business Intelligence and Analytics: From Big Data to Big Impact. MIS quarterly, 36(4), 1165-1188. Collis, J., Hussey, R. (2013). Business research: A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Palgrave macmillan. Garca-Morales, V. J., Jimnez-Barrionuevo, M. M., Gutirrez-Gutirrez, L. (2012). Transformational leadership influence on organizational performance through organizational learning and innovation. Journal of Business Research, 65(7), 1040-1050. Morgan, N. A. (2012). Marketing and business performance. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 40(1), 102-119. Pache, A. C., Santos, F. (2013). Inside the hybrid organization: Selective coupling as a response to competing institutional logics. Academy of Management Journal, 56(4), 972-1001. Turner, B. A. (2013). The use of grounded theory for the qualitative analysis of organizational behaviour. Journal of management studies, 20(3), 333-348. Wixom, B., Watson, H. (2012). The BI-based organization. Organizational Applications of Business Intelligence Management: Emerging Trends, IGI Global, Hershey, 193-208.

Terraria Guide (Editor) Essay Example

Terraria Guide (Editor) Paper Project Information: https://code. google. com/p/tsge/ Project Updates: https://code. google. com/p/tsge/downloads/list Bug Reports, Issues, and Suggestions: https://code. google. com/p/tsge/issues/list Donations: https://www. paypal. com/cgi-bin/webscr? cmd= .. :: What TSGE? ::. TSGE (which stands for Terraria Save Game Editor) is a save game editor that allows players to modify their save game files (profiles) and adjust their characters. .. :: What can TSGE do? : TSGE is a FULL save game editor. It can edit all parts ofa save game file. TSGE can edit the following: * Player name. * Difficulty setting. * Male / female character flag. * Hotbar locked status flag. * Health / Mana. * Player colors. * Player hair style. * Player buffs / debuffs. * Player inventory. * Player equipment. (Including all armor, dyes, etc. ) inventories. * Player bank and safe TSGE does not currently include an editor for server entries but upon request it can/will be added. At this time there was no demand for it before though. .. :: IS TSGE Cheating? Technically, yes. Using TSGE gives you the ability to give yourself every and any advantage of having items that others may not have. However, since the data is stored on your computer, editing the file(s) is not illegal. FAQ Q. Where can I find new versions of TSGE? A. https://code. google. com/p/tsge/ Q. TSGE wont load; help! A. Make sure you have . NET 4. 0 installed, as well as the XNA framework redistributable. . NET 4. 0 : http://www. microsoft. com/en-us/download/ details . aspx? id=17851 XNA Redist. : http://www. microsoft. om/en-us/download/ etails. aspx? id=20914 Q. Can you add a feature to TSGE? A. Sure, make a ticket here and explain the feature you want: code. google. com/p/tsge/issues/list Q. I found a bug, issue, typo, etc. A. Great, report it here: https://code. google. com/p/tsge/issues/list :: Legal Info Terraria (c) Redigit / wrww. terraria. org https:// I, atomOs, claim no ownership to the trademark Terraria or any of its content, data, images, etc. The data used in TSGE is cop yright (c) to Redigit / Terraria. All rights reserved. :: TSGE License We will write a custom essay sample on Terraria Guide (Editor) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Terraria Guide (Editor) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Terraria Guide (Editor) specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer TSGE is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or (at your option) any later version. TSGE is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. see the GNU General Public License for more details. You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License along with TSGE. If not, see .

British Columbia Geography and Facts

British Columbia Geography and Facts British Columbia is the province located the farthest west in Canada and is bounded by the Alaska Panhandle, the Yukon and Northwest Territories, Alberta and the U.S. states of Montana, Idaho and Washington. It is a part of the Pacific Northwest and is Canadas third most populated province behind Ontario and Quebec.British Columbia has a long history that still shows throughout much of the province today. It is believed that its native peoples moved into the province nearly 10,000 years ago after crossing the Bering Land Bridge from Asia. It is also likely that British Columbias coast became one of the most densely populated areas in North America prior to European arrival.Today, British Columbia features urban areas like Vancouver as well as rural areas with mountain, ocean and valley landscapes. These varied landscapes have led to British Columbia becoming a popular tourist destination in Canada and activities such as hiking, skiing and golf are common. In addition, most recently, British Columbia played host to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. British Columbias Population and Ethnicities British Columbias First Nations people may have numbered around 300,000 prior to European contact. Their population remained largely undisturbed until 1778 when the British explorer James Cook landed on Vancouver Island. The native population then began to decline in the late 1700s as more Europeans arrived. In the late 1800s, British Columbias population grew further when gold was discovered in the Fraser River and on the Caribou coast, leading to the establishment of several mining towns. Today, British Columbia is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in Canada. Over 40 aboriginal groups are still represented and different Asian, German, Italian and Russian communities thrive in the area as well. British Columbias current population is around 4.1 million, with the largest concentrations being in Vancouver and Victoria. Facts About Region and Topography The province of British Columbia is often divided into six different regions beginning with Northern British Columbia, followed by the Caribou Chilcotin Coast, Vancouver Island, the Vancouver Coast and Mountains, the Thompson Okanagan and the Kootenay Rockies. British Columbia has a varied topography throughout its different regions and mountains, valleys and scenic waterways are common. To protect its natural landscapes from development and over tourism, British Columbia has a diverse system of parks and 12.5% of its land is protected. British Columbias highest point is Fairweather Mountain at 15,299 feet (4,663 m) and the province has an area of 364,764 square miles (944,735 sq km). British Columbias Climate Like its topography, British Columbia has a varied climate that is highly influenced by its mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Overall, the coast is temperate and wet. The interior valley regions such as Kamloops are generally hot in the summer and cold in the winter. British Columbias mountains also have cold winters and mild summers. Economy Historically, British Columbias economy has focused on natural resource extraction such as fishing and timber. Recently however, industries such as ecotourism, technology and film have grown in the province. Main Cities The largest cities are Vancouver and Victoria. Other big cities in British Columbia include Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Prince George, and Vernon. Whistler, though not large is one of British Columbias most popular cities for outdoor activities- particularly winter sports. Resources and Further Reading Tourism British Columbia. (n.d.). About BC - British Columbia - Tourism BC, Official Site. Retrieved from: hellobc.com/en-CA/AboutBC/BritishColumbia.htm

A Look At The Dualism Concept Between The Body And Soul As Depicted In Meditations On First Philosophy By Rene Descartes

A Look At The Dualism Concept Between The Body And Soul As Depicted In Meditations On First Philosophy By Rene Descartes Body and Soul Rene Descartes presents in his Meditations on First Philosophy the idea of dualism, the belief that the body and the soul exist separately from each other. Physical human bodies are composed of cells, tissue, blood, organs, skin, a brain and the like. From the brain, humans have thought. The mental capacity to think is what creates human personality and allows humans to reason and form ideas. The question of whether or not the body and soul are separated or not is a vital philosophical question, especially to Descartes as he grapples with meditation and the feeling that nothing is real or certain. This leads him to question his own existence and who he is. In this paper, I will argue against Descartes’s belief on dualism as the body requires the soul to live. The soul and body are tied together in order to grant humans the ability to exist, create goals to chase after and grow as individuals. The main argument is that the body and soul are individual forms. Descartes presents three main premises. The first premise of this argument begins with Descartes stating â€Å"if I convinced myself of something then I certainly existed†¦I am, I exist† (Descartes 110). This pertains to the soul and that if a human is capable of thought, they exist. Even if a person is unsure of their actual existence, it does not matter as long as they themselves believe they are alive and existing. This leads into the second premise where it is discussed whether humans are being deceived by God over their existence. Descartes argues that if even if God, or some creator, is deceiving us, if we think we exist we do. However, if God is the perfect creator of the universe it would makes sense that He gave his creation souls and a sound existence. The third premise describes the body and soul separately, showing how the two are different. Descartes labels the body as simply being our physical self, that has hands, feet and a solid figure. He writes how the soul has features like sense perception and the ability to fabricate thoughts. The body and soul are presented as being unique from each other, thus the concept of dualism is confirmed. These premises come together to shape the conclusion that confirm duality and that the body and soul are apart from one another. I agree with Descartes’s first premise on the grounds that if we think we exist, we do. It is impossible to definitively find out if everything is a faà §ade or if humans truly do exist in a real universe. But due to the fact that humans are alive and can think, it is presumed that humans do exist, at least to a certain extent. I also agree with his third premise on the body and soul being different. The soul is not something that is visible but rather an abstract concept used to describe what governs the body and allows humans to speak, think and act. However, I do not agree with his overall notion of duality. Descartes presents his argument without sufficient evidence but rather relies on his own opinion. Typically, a body without a soul cannot be called an existing being. The body might be alive but with no soul there is no person, no identity or personality. Similarly, without a physical body the soul cannot exist. If there is no body there is no person to speak of. Upon birth and death, the body and soul arrive and leave together, leading to the conclusion that they are linked together and rejecting dualism.

Cross Cultural Communications-Managers Role Essay - 1

Cross Cultural Communications-Managers Role - Essay Example Managing techniques looks good on paper but difficult to implement in work station. A work station consists of employees from different cultures, people from different regions and with different languages. The organization is a conglomerate of different individuals and it is necessary to coordinate with these individuals to fulfill the organization mission. Cross cultural awareness help organizations and their employees to become internationally focused and fluent with the ability to understand the needs of their local markets, clients and employees. Cross cultural awareness will help to develop an in-depth understanding of the underlying attitudes, values and behaviors’ of different cultures and provide us the chance to tune up the employee attitude according to their nature. Cross cultural awareness will make the employees feel comfort with their peers and increases the intimacy between the employees. The cross cultural misunderstandings can be avoided by educating the emplo yees about the culture aspects of the other employees working in the same work environment The understanding of the cross cultural skills will allow the organization to develop strategies to cope up the employees from varied cultural background.

Identify rock Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Identify rock - Essay Example The term ‘Eucrite’ has now become obsolete for the igneous rock known as bytownite-gabbro that is formed in the Earth’s crust. It is also a term that was mostly used for the Paleogene rocks found in Scotland. Eucrites are a part of the HED meteorite clan that consists of over a hundred different meteorites. This is because they mainly originate from the surface of an asteroid known as 4 Vesta (Binzel, & Xu, 1993). They are achindritic stony meteorites and are the most distinct of the clan. This type of rock also consists of the basaltic rock found in the same asteroid. The rocks are mostly made of pegeonite, Calcium-poor pyroxene, and lastly the anorthite (Calcium-rich plagioclase). The above composition of the different rocks is what requires that the eucrites be divided into several groups. The first category is the cumulate eucrites. This type of rock is rare and is thought to originate from the interior of the 4 Vesta, from its crust that is, and deep within its solidified magma (Binzel, & Xu, 1993). Polymict eucrites, on the other hand, are regolith breccias. This type of rocks is also very rare and consist of mostly eucrite segments and less that 10% of a type of howardites known as diogenite. The structure is also as coarse as most other rocks made of silica (Binzel, & Xu, 1993). Lastly, there are the most common type of eucrites, which bears almost all the above rocks characteristics, spongy and having alternating rough and smooth segments. They are known as the Non-cumulate

Strategic Planning and Strategic Objectives Essay Example for Free

Strategic Planning and Strategic Objectives Essay An ongoing improvement plan can increase the quality of a product or service an organization produces. To develop a successful improvement plan, an organization must have a well-designed strategic plan that is in agreement with the mission and visions of the organization. This paper will discuss how quality is linked to 3Ms strategic plan objectives, analyze the process improvement plan that the organization currently uses and give examples of the tools and techniques used to measure quality. Lastly, this paper will show who has the ultimate responsibility for quality assurance, and the extent to which the organizations process improvement plan is related to the organizations strategic plan. Strategic planning and strategic objectives allow an organization to achieve consistency and competitive advantage for its management and products. When used effectively, both are linked to improving the quality of the organizations product through effective time management, total quality management, and mass customization (Melnyk Swink, 2005). 3M is aware of the importance of effective strategic planning and strategic objections and how both are connected to continuously improving quality products. 3M promotes quality inside and out and is proud to announce their Quality Statement: 3M promises you innovation, quality products and service from a company you can trust (3M, 2007). Their quality policy is to develop, produce, and deliver on time, products and services that exceed their customers expectations. In order to make this happen, 3M has implemented rigorous quality systems that are continuously being improved to keep up with customers demands. In addition, their manufacturing and service operations are registered to the internationally recognized ISO 9001 quality standard. 3M places a strong emphasis on quality design, utilizing problems and waste prevention to build quality into their products and processes. All 3M products are manufactured to 3M specifications and undergo testing to assure conformance. Continuous improvement at 3M has become a way of life. One of the key  strategies of all their manufacturing locations is to constantly improve their processes. Each site uses a quality tool kit to help meet objectives. 3M also uses many customer satisfaction measurements to determine their performance in the marketplace. The main driver of their continual improvement efforts for their business and manufacturing processes is Six Sigma (3M, 2007). Melnyk, S., Swink, M. (2005). Value-driven operations management: an integrated modular approach. The McGraw-Hill Companies. 3M (2007). Quality statement. Retrieved on October 15, 2007 from www.3m.com

On the Entrapment and Incarceration of the Victorian Woman Essay

Thomas Blackburn describes the two Victorian poets, Robert Browning and Alfred, Lord Tennyson as being great contemporaries (47). As such it is apt that their works should muse upon and explore similar topics and themes. Their connection is especially evident in Browning’s â€Å"My Last Duchess† and Tennyson’s â€Å"The Lady of Shalott†. The themes of entrapment and incarceration feature heavily in both of these works. Specifically, it is the entrapment and incarceration of women which pervade their respective compositions. When taking into consideration the way in which women were viewed at this juncture in history- being nothing more than â€Å"beautiful objects† (Gilbert and Gubar 54), it is quite easy to see how the literary representations of the nineteenth century woman would be responses to such confines. While â€Å"My Last Duchess† can be looked upon as an investigation of the captor, represented by the Duke; â€Å"The Lady of Shalo tt† can be considered an exploration into the captive, represented by the Lady that gives the poem its title. Both poems are an analysis into the Victorian woman as an incarcerated and entrapped sub-culture of a predominately patriarchal society. It is no surprise then that the methods of which these fictional women take to escape comes at the cost of their lives. The doomed Duchess of Robert Browning’s dramatic monologue, â€Å"My Last Duchess† is the embodiment of the incarcerated woman taken to the eternal extreme. The setting for this poem is the Italy of the Middle Ages, a time when women had still less freedom than in the Victorian era. Women were regarded as possessions, a form of imprisonment within itself. As Johnson states the theme of â€Å"marriage as bondage† is consistently explored throughout Browning’s early wor... ...y 16.1 (1978): 70-87. Jospeh, Gerhard. "Tennyson's Optics: The Eagle's Gaze." PMLA 92.3 (1977): 420-428. Langbaum, Robert. The Poetry of Experience: The Dramatic Monologue in Modern Literary Tradition. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1957. McGhee, Richard. Marriage, Duty, & Desire in Victorian Poetry and Drama. Lawrence: The Regents Press of Kansas, 1980. Orr, Mrs. Sutherland. Handbook to Robert Browning's Works. 6th Edition. London: George Bell and Sons, 1899. Plasa, Carl. ""Cracked from Side to Side": Sexual Politics in "The Lady of Shalott"." Victorian Poetry 30.3 (1992): 247-263. Ricks, Christopher. Tennyson. London: The Macmillan Press Ltd, 1972. Showalter, Elaine and English Showalter. "Victorian Women and Menstruation." Victorian Studies 14.1 (1970): 83-89. Showalter, Elaine. "Victorian Women and Insanity." Victorian Studies 23.2 (1980): 157-181.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Unwritten Constituion

The advantages of an unwritten constitution far outweigh the disadvantages (40) You must make a judgement. A constitution is a set of rules that establish duties and functions of the government and defines the basic principles to which society must conform. In this essay I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of an unwritten constitution and show that I agree with this statement.On one hand, if a written constitution was introduced it would affect the power of government, relationship between judges and politician and individual freedoms and rights. One argument is that a written constitution would make the rules of the country clearer, as constitutional rules would be collected together and put into a single document and therefore more clearly defined than in an unwritten constitution where the laws, rights and rules are spread across many documents.Thus, a written constitution would create less confusion and the meaning about laws and rights may be greater enforced. Howeve r, a written constitution is unnecessary in countries who do not have one as many believe that the unwritten constitutional nature of, for example, UK politics has ensured a long history of democracy, and written constitutions may not be the most effective way of limiting government power. A written constitution may also have an educational value as it highlights the central values and goals in the political system.This may strengthen the populations feeling of belonging to the country as it creates a clearer sense of political identity. Furthermore, if these citizens feel a sense of belonging to a country they are more likely to become involved in, and be interested in what is going on in their country. On the other hand a written constitution can be considered rigid. With written constitutions a higher law is more difficult to change and it is easier and quicker to introduce an Act of Parliament than to alter a constitution.Due to this inflexible nature of a written constitution i t is difficult to ensure the constitution is up to date and relevant to current times as they cannot be changed easily and therefore it is harder for the government to respond to changing social, economic and political circumstances. Unwritten constitutions are flexible as they are not entrenched, and flexibility is extremely important and useful as the modern day is constantly changing. The strongest argument in favour of a written constitution is that it would protect the rights of its citizens and individual liberty would be more securely protected.The rights would become more clearly defined due to a written constitution and perhaps easier to enforce than an unwritten constitution because it is difficult to be completely sure of what your rights are, these rights can be defined through a bill of rights in the written constitution. However, just because there is a written constitution does not ensure the rights of a countries citizens will receive their rights – rather, it could lead to an elective dictatorship which might further restrict rights and may go on to persecute some of its citizens, which happened in Germany and resulted in the Second World War.Another disadvantage of a written constitution is that there may be tyranny within the judiciary. Judges are unelected and socially do not represent the population which could lead to a democratic deficit because of a lack of democratic legitimacy, as the public could be subjected to opinions which they do not agree with but have been implemented due to the preferences of senior judges.On the other hand, another advantage of a written constitution is that it would end elective dictatorship, where, as long as a government is elected, it can effectively do as it wishes because it often maintains a majority over the House of Commons and therefore can pass any laws it wishes to. Also, a written constitution would prevent a government from interfering with any higher laws because there would be a higher law safeguarding the constitution. To conclude, I believe that the advantages of an unwritten constitution far outweighs the disadvantages because it has always worked so changing it would be a waste of time, effort and money.In the UK there has been no constitutional crisis or major confusion over what rights citizens have but it remains stable and a part of the county’s history. Although an unwritten constitution may be considered too flexible which causes government to almost do as they wish, a written constitution would be far too rigid and would cause major difficulties when wanting to change certain laws, and it would also be difficult to agree on what a new constitution would contain.

MIS in USA

â€Å"Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence!†-Vince LombardiThe five natural elements aside, the modern world today revolves around a sixth human developed energy i.e. Electricity. From telegraphy and telephony to electrical circuits for power, Electrical Engineering today focuses on a broad range of disciplines. The progress of this field has immensely influenced the advancement of technology. The vast application potential when combined with the notion of management intrigues me and I’m keen to continue my academic pursuit in this direction.A proclivity for Math’s and Science since childhood had resulted in 90+ aggregate in the respective subjects in high school and sparked the initial interest. A tryst with a Physics concept, ‘Electromagnetic Force’ at the Higher Secondary Level invoked the zeal to foray into this discipline. It was during this period that my teachers instilled in me a strong inclination towards the subject. This led me to opt for Electrical and Electronics Engineering in my undergraduate study as it not only requires analytical thinking but also involves hands-on practical application and is challenging.My credentials include Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Annamacharya Institute of Technology and science, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University , Hyderabad, India which covered a broad spectrum of subjects which include Electromagnetic field, power electronics, electrical measurements, Pulse and Digital circuits, computers’ methods in power system controls, digital signal processing, Power Systems(1to3),  Electro Mechanics, Micro processors and Micro Controllers, High voltage Engineering and Utilization of electrical energy. I am also well versed in programming languages like C, C++ & JAVA. I was also introduced to management based subjects like Managerial Economics & Financial Analysis (MEFA), Management Sciences which fascinated me and imbi bed the urge to delve deeper and explore the management related aspect.In an attempt to probe further, during my final year of the undergraduate course I presented a project â€Å"SPEED CONTROL OF INDUCTION MOTOR USING PLC† at SANGHI SPINNERS INDIA LIMITED, HYDERABAD, INDIA. and also another project on â€Å"A NEW 84-PULSE VSC CONFIGURATION USING MULTI LEVEL DC VOLTAGE USING MATLAB†. These project involved coding a programme using MATLAB technology which solves a pattern recognition problem. They also include the practical application of management to engineering which has sustained and also further honed my interest to pursue this subject.I consider it an accomplishment to have finished meritorious in several technical events and I have also presented a number of technical papers which were highly acknowledged. I feel it a privilege to have been a part of Make a Difference (NGO). My tenure at MAD as a Teacher Volunteer has acuminated my organizational and interpersona l skills. It has also reinforced the ‘Never say never attitude’ which enables me to persevere, look beyond and extend my boundaries and also go the extra mile.Specialization becomes a necessity to understand new technologies and to improve upon the existing ones. Finesse in the subjects I pursue is what I envision. I now find it essential to equip myself in a specialized institute, one that will consider my knowledge as a stepping stone to higher education and help me transcend new horizons. In the near future, my aim is to attain an advanced education in MIS through a Masters Degree Program. To achieve this I would like to gain exposure to the latest practices adopted in the field of MIS. The multifaceted attributes of the course and the flexibility of the curriculum have played a pivotal role in my decision to apply for MIS at your university.The collaborative environment at your university and the confluence of ideologies would help me learn the global standards in t his field also become aware of the worldwide  competition. I aspire to bring back the acquired expertise to India and use it successfully in future endeavors. My long term goal is to put my footprints in the field of MIS through contribution of original ideas and translation of those ideas to develop high end applications and products.I bring along a strong grasp of fundamentals in Electronics and Computers, an aptitude for teamwork, a zest for challenges and an enthusiastic desire to learn all I can. With the above attributes I firmly believe that I would meet all the criteria and would also be an asset to your esteemed university. I can assure you that I will be able to contribute and learn from the academically challenging environment at the university. Hence I appeal to the Graduate Admissions Committee to consider me for admission and I look forward to becoming a part of your institute.

Makayla Fails Essays (1263 words) - Birth Control, Fertility, RTT

Makayla Fails Essays (1263 words) - Birth Control, Fertility, RTT Makayla Fails Ms. Jimisha Releford English 104 21 October 2015 The Language of Dentistry What is language? Language, in relation to literature, includes the tone, the attitude, the structure, the mood, the word choice, and many other characteristics of a piece of writing that the author chooses to use. The language of a text plays a large role in the reader's perception. The author must choose his or her language based on the subject that is being talked about, the purpose of the piece, and the audience in which the author is trying to reach. This can be difficult at times because certain subjects may be hard to discuss with certain audiences. For instance, it might be hard for somebody who studies in the medical field to discuss a medical based topic with another person who is not involved in the medical field. In the article, Pregnancy and Oral Health, Dr. Bimstein and Dr. Katz use common diction, informative language, and an organized structure in order to inform future parents about the differences that become of oral health during the time of pregnancy. The language in which these doctors chose to use is effective in a way that it is easy to understand, factual, and orderly. One factor that makes this piece effective is the use of common diction. Bimstein and Katz are trying to reach out to those who are interested in dentistry and future parents, but mostly pregnant women. If they were to use a whole bunch of medical terms throughout the article, their audience would not be able to understand or comprehend what is being stated. Instead of writing as if they were addressing other doctors, they took the approach of writing for someone who has never had anything to do with the medical field. There would be no point in releasing the article if it did not do its job and help the intended audience. Although these doctors did use a couple of medical terms, when they did, they also included definitions. For instance, Dr. Bimstein and Dr. Katz were talking about dental professionals, and they mentioned, "pediatric dentist (specialist in children's dentistry)" (Bimstein Katz 1). Even for a simple term, that most people know of if they plan to be parents, these d octors still provided a definition. They really wanted their information to be received by their audience with ease. Also, if they would have made the language a little more difficult to understand, it might get to the point where it would not be that people could not comprehend the text, but it would be that they just did not feel like reading it. If the text is easier to read, then people will be more willing to read it, and it will therefore be more effective. In order to fulfill the purpose of their article, Dr. Bimstein and Dr. Katz chose to use an informative tone and language. Informative writing is used to strictly educate and provide an explanation on a specific topic. This is exactly what these doctors did. They used their article to educate and inform their audience on oral health during pregnancy. The article is pure facts with no opinionated statements. When Bimstein and Katz stated, "Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste will also strengthen teeth against decay. It is also vitally important to maintain oral and dental health by visiting your dentist regularly during pregnancy," (2) they a completely informative tone. They did not make any suggestions for any specific person nor sis they use any opinion. These doctors simply let the audience know a piece of information. What the audience chooses to do with it is solely up to them. The benefit of this is that one is less likely to receive false information. For example, if the a rticle had a more opinionated approach, yes, it might be more entertaining, but it would not be completely accurate. When it comes to writing in the medical field, it is important to have accurate information. The medical world is al about having multiple questions and getting accurate answers back. If it was not for the medical accuracy, there would be a lot of lost lives. This also makes the text effective because the reader knows that the

Health and safety management plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Health and safety management plan - Essay Example Site supervisors will ensure the assessments are available to those who may come into contact with them. If no assessment exists, then one must be obtained using the SYPOL form in line with the company standards. The company will contract only licensed asbestos handlers to carry out checks before beginning work where notifiable asbestos is suspected, besides providing them with relevant information, including appropriate Asbestos survey reports. An electrical duty holder will be appointed to design, install, use and maintain electrical systems and equipment in line with company standards. He will be identified on notice boards, distribution boards and sub- stations. The contract project manager will appoint a fire co-ordinator to carry out a fire risk assessment, ensure adequate emergency preparedness and put in place a fire safety plan. Moreover, he will review emergency measures regularly and report deficiencies to the contract manager for action. Site Health and Safety rules shall be included in the site start up pack and developed for the project by the contract manager in conjunction with the SHE advisers. Rules will be posted on site notice boards and explained at induction. The site plan will take into consideration Interfaces between site activities, visitors and the public to ensure that site operations do not endanger visitors and the public. Such consideration will apply to others such as the customer’s personnel who may need access to or through the site. All lifting operations using cranes will be planned and authorised in accordance with company processes, standards and guidance. Where applicable the contract manager will appoint a competent appointed person for cranes and a crane supervisor. Manual handling risk assessments must be carried out prior to manually lifting a load. Methods of assessing the risks of manual handling and consideration to alternative methods will be considered where practical. The contract

Ajax Minerals and Perrier Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ajax Minerals and Perrier - Essay Example Communications is highly necessary in regard to change management because it helps in creating mutual trust. The first way that communication to employees and the middle level management will help is in creating trust by the employees. This can be seen in the history of Ajax. In the past, Ajax failed to communicate to employees, and this led to the employees being suspicious any time the firm is about to make any changes. Communication is seen as a way to create trust because through good communication, it helps in making sure that the employees understand the need for change rather than leave the employees to speculate. The same kind of speculation has been the cause of resistance to change because the employees are extremely suspicious that any change process will affect the negatively. Involvement Involving the employee and the middle level managers is essential in helping to smooth out the process of change. When communication and involvement is used in concert, the best result will be achieved. Ajax is trying to involve the employees in the development of the solution and this will be necessary due to a number of reasons. The first reason is the fact that the involving the employees and the middle level managers will result in a change solution that will be accepted by the employees. Involvement will create minimal resistance from the employees. It will also be good in creating a solution that is most holistic in the way the firm deals with future problems. Will it succeed? Although Ajax has chosen to use this particularly valuable strategy to change management, there cannot be a guarantee that the strategy will succeed. This is because Ajax failed to use this strategy right from the beginning and there is a lot of suspicion in among the employees. Perrier case Perrier has a t least two sources of resistance. The first source of resistance is from the worker union CGT, which believes that Nestle does not have the right to cut off the number of workers in Perrier. The second source of resistance is definitely from the employees who feel that they need to protect their jobs. Nestle has tried to cut down employees in order to salvage the Perrier brand. When the employees could not allow the firm to cut the employees, the management placed the product of another brand in their cafeterias as a way to have the employees see the sense in trying to change. This method of trying to deal with the issue of change resistance did not help the firm to do away with resistance. If anything, this method of dealing with the issue made things between the management and the employees worse. Comparison There are a number of differences in the way the managers in both of these cases handled the case. Although the Perrier case was more complicated by the issue of the worker u nion that was

Global business context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Global business context - Essay Example The purchasing power is significant consideration for Glass Phone. As Glass Phone is costly thus, per capita income of prospective customer is expected to be in between 5,000 USD to 15,000 USD or above. The cell phone industry has strong potential for growth. It is recognized as one of the fastest growing industries globally. In the year 2004, almost 58.5% of telephone subscribers used cell phone which is almost 1,752 billion globally. Only Asia comprised of 709 million of global cell phone users. In the year 2004, China which was recognized as â€Å"low and middle income nation† had 335 million mobile phone subscribers and the rate is growing rapidly. In present day, society is living with innovative technology and everybody desires to keep pace with latest technology. This is the reason for the new Glass Phone to have great future potentials in the Asian market. Using cell phone need not require high level of education. Customers irrespective of literacy have already recognized the necessity of having a cell phone. But literacy level can influence the perception and utilization of cell phone. Mobile phone industry has low necessity of infrastructure compared to landline telephone industry, but it has high necessity for skilled labour. Only skilled labours can deliver quality products and services which led to higher customer satisfaction. Mobile phone manufacturing company requires high level of reliability and unskilled employees are less dependable which can impact on the performance of the organizations. As Glass Phone is high tech instrument, the cheap labour is ineffective as it can lead to defective products. Highly qualified employees are appropriate which might call for greater expenses, can provide positive results by minimizing number of faulty products. The Glass Phone is an expensive product and thus it would require increased marketing

8th Journal Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

8th Journal - Movie Review Example Inhabitants of a coastal small village of Nuadkhibu live in expectation of a bright future. Before going to Europe, 17-year-old Abdalla visits his mother who lives in this settlement. The guy doesnt speak local language and seems a stranger to locals. He also doesnt like rural way’s archaism. However, having got acquainted with people closer, Abdalla starts feeling the call of the blood. Such description can create an impression that the plot is romantic, but if to watch the whole movie, it becomes clear that the movie depicts real events which happen when strangers come to a country and try to impose their rules. The inhabitants of the village suffer from religious political extremism. The religious political extremism is religiously motivated activity directed on violent change of a political system or violent seizure of power, violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, on initiation of religious strife and hatred for this purpose. As well as the ethno-nationalist extremism, religious political extremism represents a kind of political extremism. It is distinguished by certain characteristic features, which make it different from other types of extremism. The religious and political extremism rejects the possibility of negotiations, compromise, and consensus solutions of socio-political problems. Supporters of religious and political extremism are distinguished by extreme intolerance in relation to everybody who does not share their political views, including brothers in faith. For them there are no rules in the game of politics, no borders. The Malian city of Timbuktu appears in religious extremists’ occupation, and the followers of jihad commit crimes here every day. More than a half of the city is occupied by the newcomers, and women suffer more than men. Through the story of Kidan, Fatima, their daughter Toya and little herder Issan, Abdurrahman Sissako expresses a protest against the hard

Research Design Location And Research Time Psychology Essay

Research Design Location And Research Time Psychology Essay This chapter will present the methodological approach and research technique used in this thesis along with how the data will be gathered to find the answer or solutions of the research questions and problems, such as research design, theoretical perspective, data collection method, data analysis method as well as the validity and reliability of the data. Research Design, Location, and Research Time This research was planned and designed to obtain answer to research questions. Research design is the framework or plan for study, used as a single guide to collect and analyze the data. It is the blueprint that is followed to complete a study. According to Sekaran and Bougie (2009, p. 24), a research method or approach/design gives details on the most suitable methods of investigating the nature of the research, instruments, the sampling plan and the type of data to be used. Furthermore, Sekaran and Bougie (2009, p. 24) also report that a research method or design forms the framework of the entire research process. Therefore, if it is a good method or design, it will thus ensure that the information obtained is important to the researchers problem and those objectives and economic procedures in collecting it are all within limits. It simply is a systematic quest for undiscovered truth. In pursuit of this undiscovered truth, a researcher needs facts, published documents from primary sources and secondary sources. This research was using a cross sectional study which the data are gathered just once (Sekaran Bougie, 2009, p. 119). Research location was done at six locations: Central Jakarta, North Jakarta, South Jakarta, West Jakarta, East Jakarta and Tangerang city to household customers of PT. Perusahaan Listrik Negara between March to July 2012, with the distribution of questionnaires within June 2012. Research Framework The research framework of this thesis is shown in Figure 3.1 below. The first research step is to define the research problem, followed by research objective. The third step is a literature review, followed by data collection, data analysis, hypothesis test, and finally generate conclusion and recommendation. Source: Author Figure 3.: Research Framework Research Questions and Hypotheses In this study, researcher would like to answer the questions and analyze the hypotheses below: RQ1: How do cultural factors, social factors, personal factors, psychological factors, and PLN services influence customer decision in using electricity at peak load hours? H1: From those factors, all factors are positively influence customer decision in using electricity at peak load hours. RQ2: How is the correlation between the decisions in using electricity during peak load hours with the household customers behavior towards saving electricity? H2: There is a correlation between the decisions in using electricity during peak load hours with the household customers behavior towards saving electricity. RQ3: How do pro-social intensions, motivations, access to information, and knowledge influence customer behavior in saving electricity? H3: From those factors, all factors are significantly influence customer behavior in saving electricity. RQ4: How is the correlation between customer awareness of consequences, aspiration of responsibility, personal norms towards their pro-social intensions in saving electricity? H4: There is STRONG correlation between customer awareness of consequences, aspiration of responsibility, personal norms towards their pro-social intensions in saving electricity? RQ5: What interventions or instruments are most likely to affect households saving electricity behavior? H5: The intervention or instrument most likely to affect households saving electricity behavior is by increasing their motivation, knowledge, and access to information about saving electricity programs. RQ6: From the classification of household segments, which class is the most involved in saving electricity? H6: From the classification of household segments, class R1:2.200VA is the most involved in saving electricity. Conceptual Framework Source: Author (Adapted from Kotler, 1999, and deGroot Steg, 2009) Figure 3.: Conceptual Framework Research Data Type and Source of Data There are two types of data that researches collected depending on the purpose. The data of research consists of both primary and secondary data. The primary data are the first-hand information acquired by the researcher on the variables under study while the secondary data refer to information gathered from sources that already exist which may come from archives or organizational files (Sekaran Bougie, 2009, p. 180). This research was used both primary and secondary data. The primary data sources were obtained through the survey method by distributing structured questionnaires to household customers of PT. PLN Jakarta Raya and Tangerang Distribution. The secondary data were obtained from the company internal data such as figures in customer-base segmentation, and existing data in books, journals, publications, reports, and websites. Data Collection Method The data collection for primary and secondary data is done through the following methods: Literature Review. According to Sekaran and Bougie (2009, p. 38), a literature review is a step-by-step process that involves the identification of published and unpublished work from secondary data sources on the topic of interest, the evaluation of this work in relation to the problem. In this research, the literature review is done by search and study books, reports, journals, research reports, internet website related to electricity business and customer behavior. The information related to the company is obtained through the companys website and published reports. Questionnaire. Sekaran and Bougie (2009, p. 197) define questionnaire is a pre-formulated recorded series of questions to which the respondents giving their answers usually within rather closely defined alternatives. For this research, the questionnaire is formulated and distributed to the respondents in two methods. First method used is by distributing the questionnaire to respondents through email. The second method is the direct questionnaire to respondents, by asking them to give their answer on the questionnaire paper provided. Questionnaire Design Questionnaires are efficient data collection method when the researcher knows the information to gather and how to determine the variables of interest (Sekaran Bougie, 2009, p. 197). Questionnaire survey is formulated to answer the research questions. It is a tool that may be conveniently distributed personally or electronically to respondent. According to Burns and Bush (2006, p. 300), there are six key functions of a questionnaire: To translate the research objectives into specific questions. To standardize the questions and the response categories to let every participant responds to identical stimuli. To reinforce cooperation and motivates respondents to respond. To serve as permanent records of the research. To speed up the process of data analysis, depending on the type of questionnaire used by the researcher. To contain the data which may be addressed for reliability and validity. The first part consists of the demographic attributes questions such as gender, age, education, occupation, annual income, and the second part consists of questions analyzing customer behavior in terms of cultural, social, personal, and psychological factors that base on Griffin and Eberts model (2006, p. 283). Part two in the questionnaires use Likerts scale which enables the respondents to give level of the attributes stated in the questions. A Likerts scale was used in the research, in which respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement on a systematic agree-disagree scale for each of a series of questions (Burns Bush, 2006, p. 281). Each question in the questionnaire on this part is ranged from 1 to 5, where 1 = Strongly Disagree; 2 = Disagree ; 3 = Neutral or Not Applicable ; 4 = Agree ; 5 = Strong Agree. The questionnaire format for this research is shown in Figure 3.3 below. Source: Author Figure 3.: Questionnaire Design for This Research Table 3.1 shows the distribution of items in order to measure the variables in the questionnaires. Table 3.: Variable, Scale of Data and Category of Questions Part 1: Respondent Profile No. Variables Scale of Data Category of Questions 1. Gender Nominal Male Female 2. Age Interval 20-30 years old 30-40 years old 40-50 years old 50-60 years old à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 60 years old 3. Occupation Nominal Government employee Private company employee Self-employed Professionals Retired Others 4. Number of Family Members Interval Small: à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 4 members Medium: 5-6 members Big: à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 7 members 5. Educational background Ordinal Basic / Junior High School Senior High School College Degree Bachelor Degree Master Degree PhD 6. Income per month Ratio à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 2 million rupiahs 2 to 5 million rupiahs 5 to 10 million rupiahs à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¥ 10 million rupiahs 7. Classification electricity Nominal 900 VA 1.300 VA 2.200 VA 8. Domicile Area Central Jakarta West Jakarta East Jakarta South Jakarta North Jakarta Tangerang City Part 2: Exploratory Questions (Data are in Likert scale) Customer Decision in using electricity at peak load hours No. Variables Category of Questions A. Cultural Factors Regularly using electricity at peak load hours (between 17.00 to 20.00). Household activities were dominated by using electrical equipment. Regularly using electrical equipment in day time. B. Social Factors The capacity of installed electricity is in accordance with the requirement. Able to pay if electricity tariff is go up. Electricity tariffs are still cheap. Its normal to reduce electricity subsidized and to increase tariffs when oil prices are up. C. Personal Factors Able to pay electricity and can afford the electricity bills. It is necessary to increase capacity because the need of electricity will increase. Electricity bills are relatively small compare to the total expenditure. D. Psychological Factor When using electricity at peak time, we will pay more expensive. Feeling guilty when using electricity at peak time. Feeling happy if every rooms are bright. E. PLN Services Power failure was rarely, so it is convenient to use it, especially at peak time. Recording of electricity is on time and the bill is in accordance with the use. Since electricity is stable, we are not worry to use it at peak time. Part 2: Exploratory Questions (Data are in Likert scale) Customer behavior towards saving electricity No. Variables Category of Questions A. Access to Information Get information about saving electricity from friends, family, neighbor, PLN, or community leaders. Get information about saving electricity from television, radio, magazine/newspaper, and internet. Often receiving information about saving electricity. B. Knowledge Knows electricity-saving equipment. Electrical equipment will be more efficient when turned off than in standby. Using electrical equipment at its maximum capacity will take more energy. C. Motivation Being motivated to prioritize electricity saving behavior. Being motivated to respect environment. D. Pro-social Intensions There are negative consequences of any actions that do not respect the environment. Feel responsible for environmental damage. Having a moral obligation towards energy efficiency and environmental protection. Questionnaire Format In this research, the questionnaires were prepared in printed and online formats using Indonesian language, because some of the respondents were not able to read and speak in English language. During the pre-test stage, the questionnaire was distributed only through email to 30 respondents to find out the validity and reliability of the data or questions in the questionnaires. At the post-test stage, the revised questionnaire was printed and distributed door to door. Due to time limitation, researcher employed a strategy by setting up a team consist of 6 (six) members to meet the respondents in 6 (six) different locations (domiciles). The revised questionnaire was also distributed by email. By using email, it was very convenient in terms of shortening the time spent to send the questionnaire and receiving the responses from the respondents. However, there were difficulties because the respondents were depended on a computer and internet service. Survey Sampling Method According to Sekaran and Bougie (2009, pp. 262-263), a sample is a subset of the population. It comprises some members selected from it. A sample is thus a subgroup of the population, which represents the whole group of people, actions, or things of interest that the researcher wants to investigate. According to Burns and Bush (2006, pp. 372-374), the size of the sample affect the sample accuracy of results, thus sample accuracy refers to how close a random samples statistic is to the populations value it represents. The most correct method of determining sample size is confidence interval approach. In order to calculate the proper sample size of the survey, Burns and Bush (2006, p. 366) said, there are three items required: Amount of variability of population Desired accuracy, and Required confidence level. Sampling Methodology In this research, the population is the total number of customers of PT. PLN Jakarta Raya and Tangerang Distribution from the Household segment, which according to the statistics are 3.330.815 number of customers. For this amount of population, the sample size may be calculated using the formula recommended by Burns and Bush (2006, p. 372): Where: n = the sample size z = standard error associated with the chosen level of confidence (1.96) p = estimated percentage in the population q = 100- p e = acceptable sample error Sample population sample size = population sample size x In this research, researcher chose to use a probability of 90% with a 95% level of significance equivalent to a z value of 1.96 and sample error 4%. The sampling calculation was determined by using a software application, PHStat2. PHStat2 is a Windows-based software that assists students and professionals in learning the statistic concepts while using Microsoft Excel. Table 3.: Sampling Size Determination Data Estimate of True Proportion 0.9 Sampling Error 0.04 Confidence Level 95% Intermediate Calculations Z Value -1.95996398 Calculated Sample Size 216.0820587 Result Sample Size Needed 217 Finite Populations Population Size 3.330.815 Calculated Sample Size 216.0681064 Sample Size Needed 217 Source : Data on File Based on the calculation in Table 3.2, the minimum number of sample size needed is 217 samples; however in this research the number of samples is added to another 10 percent in order to produce greater accuracy. Therefore, this research will be used 240 samples. This research will use a cross sectional-study in which the data are gathered at once in order to answer the research questions (Sekaran Bougie, 2009, p. 119). Sample Withdrawal Techniques The populations in this research were household customers of PT. PLN Jakarta Raya Tangerang Distribution. Sampling technique was done by using stratified random sampling, involves a process of stratification or segregation, followed by random selection of subjects from each stratum. The population is divided into stratum, and then sampling conducted in each stratum (Sekaran Bougie, 2009, p. 272). In this research, customers who become household population were stratified based on electrical power and is divided into three groups, namely: 900VA, 1.300VA and 2.200VA. It is based on the Regulation of the President of Republic Indonesia No. 8, 2011, p. 9 (see Appendix A2). The sample selection techniques are described in Figure 3.4. Source: Author Figure 3.: Sample Withdrawal Techniques Data Analysis After data are obtained through questionnaires, the next step is to analyze them to test the research hypothesis. To ensure that the data obtained are reasonably good and ready for use for statistical analysis, Sekaran and Bougie (2009, pp. 306-330) recommend followings: Getting the data to be ready for analysis: Coding and data entry Coding the responses Data entry Editing data Data transformation Getting a feel for the data: Relationship between variables Correlations Testing goodness of data Reliability Validity Testing the hypothesis Hypothesis testing and data analysis will be conducted using appropriate statistical method and based on sample data associated with software such as PHStat2, SPSS version 20, and AMOS version 20. Descriptive Analysis Descriptive analysis such as the mean, mode, standard deviation, and range are used by researcher to describe the sample data matrix in such a way as to portray the typical respondent and to reveal the general pattern of responses. Descriptive measures are regarded as the steps undertaken by the researcher earlier in the process of analysis and become foundations for subsequent or more complex analysis (Burns Bush, 2006, p. 424). Descriptive statistics were used to portray the main characteristics of a collection of data in quantitative terms and distinguished from inductive statistics in that they intend to quantitatively review a data set, instead of being used to support reports regarding the population that the data are supposed to represent. Even when a data analysis obtains its major conclusions using inductive statistical analysis, the descriptive statistics are usually presented alongside the formal analyses to show the audience an overall perception of how data being examined. Validity and Reliability Test A good quality measurement instrument is needed in order to obtain precise data of this research. The ideal instrument has to be reliable and valid. The researcher must address both validity and reliability of the measures in assessing the degree of measurement error present in any measures. Any measure designed or adapted for use in any research should both be reliable and valid. A reliable measure is one in which a respondent acts in response to the same or a very similar manner to an identical or nearly identical question (Burns Bush, 2006, p. 290). The reliability of a measure is a test of how consistently a measuring instrument measures whatever concept it is measuring. In testing the reliability of the questionnaire, the test-retest reliability test was used which measures the correlation between the same respondents obtained at the two different times (Sekaran, 2010, p. 162). To achieve reliability of a measure, the researcher was using SPSS software with Cronbachs Alpha as the measurement. Cronbachs Alpha is a reliability coefficient that determines how well specific items of the measurement tools are positively correlated to one another. Cronbachs Alpha is computed using the average intercorrelations among the items measuring the concepts. If Cronbachs Alpha is greater than 0.70, it means that the data are more consistent and reliable. The closer the alpha value to 1 indicates the data are most consistent and reliable. A high quality reliable instrument can be used as a guide to draw a conclusion and making decisions (Sekaran Bougie, 2009, pp. 324-325). Validity is a test of how fine a developed instrument to measure the particular concept it is planned to measure. In the other words, validity is related to measurement with the right concept and reliability with stability and consistency of measurement (Sekaran Bougie, 2009, pp. 158-160). Correlation Analysis Correlation analysis is an analysis done to trace the mutual influence of variables on one another. A correlation coefficient that indicates the strength and direction of the relationship can be computed by applying a formula. There could be a perfect positive correlation between two variables, which is represented by 1.0 (plus 1), or a perfect negative correlation which would be -1.0 (minus 1) (Sekaran Bougie, 2009, p. 322). The formula to calculate the coefficient of correlation is: Source: Burns Bush, 2005 Where: r = coefficient correlation n = samples xi = variable X x = mean X yi = variable Y y = mean Y Table 3.3 presents the rules of thumb in interpreting the correlation coefficient values. Table 3.: Rules of thumb of degree of correlation Coefficient Range Strength of Association  ±0.81 to  ±1.00 Strong  ±0.61 to  ±0.80 Moderate  ±0.41 to  ±0.60 Weak  ±0.21 to  ±0.40 Very Weak  ±0.01 to  ±0.20 None Source: Burns Bush, 2005 Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a statistical approach for testing and estimating causal relationship using a combination of statistical data and qualitative causal assumptions. Typically, this theory represents causal processes that produce examinations on multiple variables. The term structural equation modeling expresses two important features of the procedure: causal processes, represented by a sequences of structural (i.e. regression) equations, and these structural relationships can be displayed pictorially to allow a clearer conceptualization of the theory. Then, the hypothesized model can be examined statistically in a simultaneous analysis of the entire variables to conclude the degree of its consistency to the data. If goodness-of-fit is adequate, the model argues for the credibility of hypothesized relations among variables. If it is inadequate, the reasonability of those relations is rejected (Byrne, 2010, p. 3). Statistical models provide an efficient and convenient way of describing the latent structure underlying a set of observed variables. Expressed either diagrammatically or mathematically via a set of equations, such models explain how the observed and latent variables are related to one another. Typically, a researcher postulates a statistical model based on his or her knowledge of the related theory, on empirical research in the area of study, or on some combination of both. Once the model is specified, the researcher then tests its plausibility based on sample data that comprise all observed variables in the model. The primary task in this model-testing procedure is to determine the goodness-of-fit between the hypothesized model and the sample data. As such, the researcher imposes the structure of the hypothesized model of the sample data, and then tests how well the observed data fit this restricted structure. Because it is highly unlikely that a perfect fit will exist between the observed data and the hypothesized model, there will necessarily be a differential between the two; this differential is termed the residual. The model-fitting process can therefore be summarized as follows: Data = Model + Residual Where: Data represent score measurements related to the observed variables as derived from persons comprising the sample. Model represents the hypothesized structure linking the observed variables to the latent variables and, in some models, linking particular latent variables to one another. Residual represents the discrepancy between the hypothesized model and the observed data (Byrne, 2010, p. 7). Structural equation models are schematically portrayed using particular configurations of four geometric symbols: a circle (or ellipse), a square (or rectangle), a single-headed arrow, and a double-headed arrow. By convention, circles (or ellipses; ) represent unobserved latent factors, squares (or rectangles; ) represent observed variables, single-headed arrows (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬â„¢) represent the impact of one variable on another, and double-headed arrows (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬ ) represent covariance or correlations between pairs of variables (Byrne, 2010, p. 9). In building a model of a particular structure in this research, the researcher uses these symbols within the framework of four basic configurations, each of which represents an important component in the analytic process. These configurations, each accompanied by a brief description, are as follows: Path coefficient for regression of an observed variable onto an unobserved latent variable (or factor) Path coefficient for regression of one factor onto another factor Measurement error associated with an observed variable Residual error in the prediction of an unobserved factor The Path Diagram Schematic representations of models are termed path diagrams because they provide a visual portrayal of relations which are assumed to hold among the variables under study. Essentially, a path diagram depicting a particular SEM model is actually the graphical equivalent of its mathematical representation whereby a set of equations relates dependent variables to their explanatory variables (Byrne, 2010, p. 10). Using path diagram as a structural equation modeling tool, the pattern of causal relationship can be detected. Causal relationship describes interrelations among a set of latent (unobserved) variables and a set of observed variables. Path diagram is a relationship structure between the exogenous and endogenous variables. The independent (X) variables are called exogenous variables. The dependent (Y) variables are called endogenous variables. Model Measurement According to Hair et.al (2010) measurement model validity depends on establishing acceptable levels of goodness of fit (GOF) for the measurement which indicates how well specify model reproduces the observed covariance matrices, smaller the difference between covariance matrices estimate with the observe covariance matrices, more fit the model. (Hair et. al, 2010, p.639). The GOF value contains several parameters to be considered by the researcher as stated by Hair et.al (2010, p.640-650), this thesis confirm the overall model fit the parameter will used the following: Chi-square (CMIN) or minimum discrepancy (), it is to test whether there is the different covariance matrices estimate within the covariance matrices observe, smaller () shown the different of both not significant and the model more fit. df (degree of freedom), more positive (>=0) of the df which shown with minimum was achieved the process of the estimate could be done. CMIN/DF. CMIN represents the minimum value of the discrepancy while DF is the degree of freedom. According to Wijaya (2009, p. 45), the model could be accepted if the CMIN/DF is à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚ ¤ 2.00. RMR (root mean square residual), this is called badness of fit whether the value is less than 0.1 than it is better because deference between sample and the estimate is smaller (Hair et.al 2010, p.642) GFI and AGFI (Goodness fit index and Adjusted Goodness fit index), GFI and AGFI value between 0 to 1, more closed to 1 more fit the model (Hair et.al 2010, p.643)

Introduction To Human Services Essay -- essays research papers

Introduction to Human Services Jeffrey, "A Human Services Professional is someone who is a facilitator for someone who is not able or not yet able to deal with issues in a healthy way. I am taking classes so that I can learn how to best help empower people change their situation by believing in themselves. I believe that people have the answers within themselves, but may need help getting in touch with their spiritual or intuitive self. As human services providers, we hopefully strive to model healthy behavior, including the fact that we are human, need support from our peers, and can make mistakes." "When a client is ready, we educate them to give them an idea of what is destructive behavior, bring to their attention possible consequences of their actions, and suggest ideas or alternatives. Usually a client already knows all this, they just never knew a better way or thought their way of dealing with life was normal. I work on accepting each person where they are in their life, which takes strength. I may be saying in my mind, 'Can't you see your way out of the prison you're in?', but then I remember that I used to be in the same place, and it took years to find my way out. I still struggle with my addiction, and it still affects me, just not so profoundly." "What I would like to do is work with teenagers. As a teenager, I was befriended by a Young Life leader. He was a man in his 40's and didn't want anything from me but to be my friend. When I drank beer at lunch, he didn't tell me to not drink. I don't remember his words so much as the feeling I got when we were together. He was like a father/friend to me. He seemed to care about me unconditionally. He looked at me like a real human person, which made me uncomfortable, which now looking back, was probably because I wasn't used to that. My own father lived in the same house with me, but he was not emotionally available to me. My own father seemed to think that all women are good for is sex and housekeeping. That scares me when I think of that now. My first husband thought of me only as good for sex, baby making, and housekeeping. I am grateful that I have wised up since then. My passion is to work in the alternative schools as a tutor or mentor, to help give kids some kind of an idea what ... ...ce what I love to do. Is it possible to go to school or receive on the job training? Sometimes where there is a will, there is a way. I know some people who manage apartments, therefore do not need to pay rent for a place to live. They receive financial aid and food stamps while they are in school. What some people do is find out which professions are in demand, or will be in the future. These trends can be found in publications such as government statistical manuals. If there is something you think you would like to explore, maybe you could talk to people who are willing to take the time to explain how they carry out their responsibilities for their work. Bring a list of questions so the person you are interviewing has an idea of what specific aspects of their career you are curious about. People who are happy with their careers are usually quite willing to talk about themselves in this way. I know someone who owns his own business. He began as a backyard mechanic and now ten years later runs a very successful auto repair shop. For him it means long hours, but he is very proud of his accomplishments. He says there is nothing like being your own boss.

Defining the Humanities Essay

After reading this week’s lecture and my understanding of what humanities are is the study of what people have experienced and how they express this experience. Humanities are how people have interacted throughout their existence and how people interact today. Humanities are the study of the philosophical beliefs of a culture. The philosophical approach to understanding a culture is what separates humanities from science and history. Science and history are exact and rarely are open for debate once it is proven to be fact. Science will set out  to prove its point, whatever it may be, through precise calculations. Science also studies theory and probability. Science lacks imagination in their calculations whereas humanities use imagination to understand past culture. Science wants to prove how people came to exist whereas humanities seek to understand why people exist. History is different from humanities because history studies documentation as facts and undisputable regarding what happened. Humanities seek to answer why it happened and to understand it. History was recorded in books in  libraries, Humanities are written on walls in caves or in the design contained in buildings. Today cultures express their interests, their experiences, and their values through many forms such as art, music, and movies. Sharing experiences is perhaps the most basic form of explaining who people are. By sharing these experiences in the forms of art, music, and movies, it allows us to share information about us through our creativity. In today’s culture these three forms of expression allow people to show their individuality and to connect with many on different levels. Art takes many forms and is interpreted by an individual differently. Colors and design reflect our feelings. Black and white expresses loneliness and pain whereas bright colors express happiness. A painting for example, allows an artist to express themselves in a way he or she feels. It is their visualization of their thoughts (Kitchin, 2004). Society looks at the painting and is free to interpret it their way. One person may see happiness whereas another sees sadness. A picture of time square could mean chaos and seem overwhelming to one from a rural area where someone from a city sees everything he or she needs. People continue to express themselves with music. The meanings behind the words of the songs often come from the feelings and the experiences of the author. It is the responsibility of the musician to express those feelings and experiences through sound. Music with soul (Hakes, 2011). Music has been very important to our culture. Think of how important the Beatles were to world or even the Grateful Dead. My personal favorite band is Linkin Park. They are my favorite because I can relate my life to the words of their song. Their music attracts those DEFINING THE HUMANITITES 3 who appear to be weak or who do not appear to be societies strongest. Their song â€Å"The Little Things Give You Away† was written about Hurricane Katrina. The devastation from Hurricane Katrina was widespread devastation. Their song attempts to reflect through music the pain and suffering affected by it. Movies are much like music however instead of only simply able to hear words and visualize it; the movies create the visualization for the person. Movies use categorization such as romance, action, and drama. Movies based on real life events attempt to capture those events and explain them. Movies can show the romance side of a situation or even the heroics. The recent movie Argo is about the falling of the United States Embassy in Iran, which was overrun. This movie reflects the horror that six members went through while showing the heroics of a CIA member to return the members of the Embassy to the United States. These three forms of expression will continue to exist as time continues. They are acceptable means of  expressions and are a very important part of today’s society. All three bring joy to people and if capable a person can express him or herself like none before. DEFINING THE HUMANITITES 4 References Kitchin, M. (2004). Art and expression. Retrieved from http://www. students. sbc. edu/kitchin04/artandexpression/artandexpression. html Hakes, T. (2011, March 11). Music as expression vs. music as entertainment. Retrieved from http://abovegroundmagazine. com/blogs/letter-from-the-editor/03/15/music-as-expression-vs- music-as-entertainment/

Generative Grammar

FOUNDATIONS IN GENERATIVE GRAMMARAny native speaker of a language can be said to know the grammar of his/her own language, they know how to form and interpret any expression. However, this grammatical knowledge is subconscious. Native speaker have grammatical competence in their native language. This means that they have tacit knowledge of the grammar of their own lang. We have to make a difference between competence (the fluent native speaker's tacit knowledge of his lang) and performance (what people actually say and understand, the use of the language). Criteria of adequacyBasically, the criteria of adequacy are 2: descriptive adequacy (universality) and explanatory adequacy. 1. A grammar is descriptively adequate if it correctly describes whether a sequence of words is or isn't grammatical and also correctly describes what interpretation(s) this sequence has. 1. 1. The goal of a descriptive linguist is to devise particular grammars of particular languages, while that of a theoret ical linguist is to devise a theory of grammar. This is a set of hypotheses about the nature of possible and impossible grammars of natural languages and about the inherent properties that natural langs do and don't possess.An adequate theory of grammar must satisfy the criterion of adequacy known as universality. This means that a theory of grammar must enable us to devise a descriptively adequate grammar for every natural lang. The main goal of Generative Grammar is to build a theory of Universal Grammar. 2. This theory of UG will not only list the universal properties of natural lang grammars, but also explain the relevant properties –i. e. why grammar have the properties they do. This requirement is referred to as explanatory adequacy. Language FacultyAccording to Chomsky, the most plausible explanation for uniformity and rapidity lies in that the course of acquisition is determined by a biologically endowed innate language faculty within the brain, which provides childre n with a genetically transmitted set of procedures for developing a grammar on the basis of their linguistic experience (the speech input they receive). The hypothesis that the course of lang acquisition is determined by an innate language faculty is known as the innateness hypothesis. The major tenets of this hypothesis are: 1. The innate language faculty is unique to humans. . All humans possess this ability of lang acquisition. 3. The uniformity character suggests that children have a genetic guidance in the task of building a grammar of their native lang. 4. Despite performance errors in the input, children acquire a competence grammar, which again points to the fact that the acquisition ability must be genetically determined. 5. Although no special care is taken to teach them, children acquire languages successfully, which again supports the genetic character of lang acquisition. Principles We have claimed that children have a genetically endowed language faculty.If so, what ar e the defining properties of the language faculty? The lang faculty must include a set of principles of Universal Grammar, in the sense that the lang faculty must be such as to allow the child to develop a grammar of any natural lang on the basis of a sufficient speech input. If these principles are universal their application in one language should reveal evidence of their application in other langs. The underlying rule to construct a particular structure in one language will be part of a general principle of UG. (1) a. Mary will tell me the truth. b. Will Mary tell me the truth? Move the second word in a sentence in front of the first word) (2) a. The girl in the corner will tell me the truth. b. *Girl the in the corner†¦.? | | |STRUCTURE DEPENDENCE PRINCIPLE | |All grammatical operations are structure-dependent. | To explain grammaticality and ungrammaticality we should rely on general principles such as the Structure Dependence Principle, although in each language this prin ciple will be turned into something more concrete:Move an auxiliary in front of a preceding noun expression which functions as its subject. This rule makes use of structural information which is subconsciously available to all humans, although people don't know what an auxiliary is. Also this rule accounts for the contrast in (3): (3) a. Mary told me the truth. b. *Told Mary the truth? as we have applied inversion to a non-auxiliary. A theory of grammar which posits that the internal structure of words, phrases and clauses in natural lang is determined by innate UG principles minimizes the burden of grammatical learning imposed on the child.This is quite important given the learnability criterion of adequacy for any theory of grammar. The UG theory accounts for the rapidity of the child's grammatical development by positing that there is a universal set of innately endowed grammatical principles which determine the nature of grammatical structure and the range of grammatical operati ons found in natural lang. Since these UG principles don't have to be learned, the UG theory minimizes the learning load placed on the child and as a consequence maximizes the learnability of natural language grammars. ParametersAlthough the lang faculty involves a set of UG principles, all aspects of the grammatical structure of language are not determined by innate gramm. principles. Otherwise all languages would have the same structure and there would not be any structural learning in lang acquisition. So although there are universal principles which control the overall structure of a lang, there are also language-particular aspects of grammatical struct which children have to learn as part of acquiring their native lang. Acquisition involves structural learning, which is limited to a set of parameters.Parameters are those aspects of grammatical structure which are subject to lang-particular variation. Examples of parameters: 1. Null subject parameter: languages which permit omis sion of the subject of a finite verb and langs that do not. (4) a. Maria come pasta. b. Come pasta. (5) a. Mary eats pasta. b. *Eats pasta. 2. Wh-parameter: languages which permit fronting of the wh-phrase or not. (6) a What do you think he will say? b. ?Que piensas que el dira? c. Ni xiangxin ta hui shuo shenme you think he will say whatEnglish and Spanish Wh-phrases move to the beginning of the interrogative clause, but Chinese Wh-phrase remains in situ. 3. Head position parameter: the relative positioning of heads with respect to their complements. Head-first languages and Head-last langs. (7) a. Close the door b. Moonul dadala. door close (8) a. desire for change. b. byunhwa-eadaehan kalmang change-for desire 4. Discourse/Agreement Prominence: Miyagawa (2005) claims that languages can be classified according to whether they are focus or agreement prominent.On the basis of his classification, there are languages which overtly instantiate the notion of topic (Korean or Japanese), there are also languages which put a special emphasis on agreement marking (English), but additionally there are languages which show both (Spanish). >>> Jimenez (2008, 2009) 9) a. Taroo-ga hon-o katta. Taro-NOM book-ACC bought ‘Taro bought a book’. b. Hon-o Taroo-ga katta. Book-ACC Taro-NOM bought ‘A book, Taro bought’. 10) a. Mary likes syntax. b. *Syntax Mary likes. (11) a.Susana corto los tulipanes. (S-V-O) Susana cutpast3sg the tulips ‘Susana cut the tulips. ’ b. Los tulipanes(,) los corto Susana. (O-cl-V-S) The tulips, CL3pl,masc cut Susana ‘The tulips, Susana cut’. Parameter-setting Parameters involve binary choices, so structural variation between langs is constrained. The only structural learning that children have to face is the task of setting the appropriate value for each of the relevant structural parameters >>>>> Metaphor of the switch in the up or down position.