William Faulkner s A Rose For Emily - 1801 Words

William Faulkner is known for his many short stories, however, many has wondered what has influenced him in writing these stories. Like his well known, most famous short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, which has always been compared to â€Å"Barn Burning†, one of Faulkner’s other short story. It only make sense to compare them two together because these two stories has may similarities , whether it may be in setting , characters or style they favor each other . Nevertheless they also have many differences too, which make them even more interesting and unique. This paper is going to explore all those aspects including Faulkner’s past, to get a clear idea of how different yet similar these two stories are. Faulkner was born in new Alban, Mississippi but was raised in Oxford, Mississippi. Before his family moved to oxford and the American Civil War they were really wealthy before. Faulkner used oxford as the foundation for the imaginary town of Jerrferson in Yoknapatawpha Country. In Faulkner’s early writing he emulated the poetic styling of Edward Fitzgerald, A.E Housman, John Keats, and Algernon Swinburne. (Williams). William Faulkner has been known for imaging things before any other writer could of think of it. He had a tremendous eye for drama, tragedy, and refined humor in the history and people of the South. Faulkner’s short stories cover a lot of aspect of life in the south America including family dynamics , gender , social class ,war , racism , mentalShow MoreRelatedWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily951 Words   |  4 Pagesliterary Response to â€Å"A Rose for Emily† â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner was published in 1930. This short story is set in an old southern town. I believe that this and several other combinations of events are what made the main character Miss Emily go insane. Miss Emily was an old school southern woman trapped in a modernizing society. She tried desperately to keep to her old ways, but the changes that happened around her were inevitable. This made me feel like something was going to goRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1316 Words   |  6 Pagesminuscule detail in the writing. In order to fully enjoy William Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose for Emily† readers must do the latter. Faulkner is a witty writer; some symbols are less obvious than others in his writing. To fully appreciate and obtain full meaning of the text readers must pay attention to his symbols and how they contribute to the greater theme. William Faulkner uses symbolization in â€Å"A Rose for Emily† to develop a theme of personal struggle. Emily faces many personal struggles: her relationship withRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1181 Words   |  5 Pages Is William Faulkner s A Rose for Emily iconic American literature? Faulkner uses setting, theme and plot to show the ways â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is an iconic American literature. Faulkner saw the Forum magazine with his short story he wrote, â€Å"A Rose for Emily† and found out that was his first national publication. The Mississippi Writers Page says, â€Å"The man himself never stood taller than five feet, six inches tall, but in the realm of American literature, William Faulkner is a giant† (MWP). Read MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1528 Words   |  7 Pagespoint of view is A Rose for Emily told? Why? In William Faulkner s short story A Rose for Emily the reader is given the account of an old woman who is rejected by society. The reader is acquainted with Miss Emily Grierson by a spectator, somebody who is not Miss Emily, but rather part of the town that rejects her. The storyteller has a somewhat omniscient perspective, knowing more than the normal town s individual, however not all that matters there is to think about Miss Emily. The storytellerRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily957 Words   |  4 PagesBereavement While a â€Å"Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner and â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† by Flannery O’Connor share the common themes of unexpected death and the old south, the murders found in each story are vastly different. Both stories tell of strong female protagonists who don’t cope well with change and both foreshadow death right from the beginning, but the murderers themselves come from completely different worlds. Emily Grierson of â€Å"A Rose for Emily and the grandmother in â€Å"ARead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily879 Words   |  4 Pagesare both similar due to how these emotions cause a human to act irrationally. The lone woman in A Rose for Emily and the cashier, Sammy, in A P both portrayed a greater sense of hate which overcame their love. We as humans, capable of powerful emotion typically act too quickly to even understand the consequences of our actions. One prime example is portrayed in William Faulkner’s A Rose for Emily, Emily loved Homer tremendously, however he did not feel the same way †he liked men, and it was knownRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1682 Words   |  7 PagesLyons Professor Amy Green Writing about Literature COM1102 Oct. 06, 2015 William Faulkner s A Rose for Emily is a short story that has also been adapted into a short film; both have been largely debated. Faulkner’s lack of a normal chronology and situation-triggered memories generates a story that has many understandings among its readers, but surprises everyone at the end. When asked about the title of his story, Faulkner said, [The title] was an allegorical title; the meaning was, here was aRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily854 Words   |  4 Pages Literary Response to â€Å"A Rose for Emily† â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner was published in 1930. This short story is set in an old southern town. I believe that this and several other combinations of events are what made the main character Miss Emily go insane. Miss Emily was a old school southern woman trapped in a modernizing society. She tried desperately to try and keep to her old ways, but the changes were inevitable. This made me feel like something was going to go wrong very early inRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Rose For Emily1810 Words   |  8 Pages William Faulkner is one amazing writing ,who is known for his many short stories .However, many has wondered what has influenced him in writing these stories . Like his well known, most famous short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, which has always been compared to â€Å"Barn Burning†, one of Faulkner’s other short story. It only make sense to compare them two together because these two stories has may similarities , whether it may be in setting , characters or style they favor each other . NeverthelessRead MoreWilliam Faulkner s A Of The Sky And A Rose For Emily1540 Words   |  7 Pagesgeneral has affected all societies in all time periods, and reading is more than just an everyday task. These two authors affected society in their time, with their reappraising stories: A Horseman In The Sky and A Rose For Emily. However, William Faulkner (author of A Rose For Emily) and Ambrose Bierce (author of A Horseman In The Sky) have different views and affects on so ciety by when the particular story was published, the use of figurative language, and different genres. Back in the time of

Mckinsey Report July 2012 Free Essays

Day of reckoning for European retail banking McKinsey report July 2012 The dynamics of the global banking sector have been in flux since the beginning of the 2008. Irate creditors everywhere have called for more stringent regulation to ensure that that the interests of financial institutions are more closely aligned with those of their customers and shareholders. The global, European and national authorities have responded with vigour and the regulatory reform to which all banks, wholesale and retail, will be subject in the coming years will have an important impact on their bottom line. We will write a custom essay sample on Mckinsey Report July 2012 or any similar topic only for you Order Now The single biggest cause of a reduction in retail banks’ ROE will come from the global regulatory mechanism Basel III, which will place greater capital requirements on banks and more emphasis on adequate funding and liquidity. Furthermore, three important European regulatory instruments, the EU Mortgage Directive, the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) and the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), Payment Service Directive, will also considerably diminish ROE. Finally, the implementation of new national regulation will create further downward pressure on ROE, though this will vary considerably from country to country. This report provides estimates on the impact on capital, revenues, costs and profit margins of all the relevant regulations on each product (both asset- and liability-based) in each of the four biggest European markets – France, Germany, Britain and Italy – which combined constitute 66% of the EU27 retail-banking market. ROE is the standard metric used and the report calculates the cumulative effect of all regulation as if it were all put in place immediately, using 2010 as the baseline year. The paper reaches some important conclusions. Firstly, with regard to national and continent-wide retail banking markets, ROE will fall from approximately 10% to 6% when all four markets are taken as a whole. Below is a breakdown of the effect in each of the national markets: Country France Germany Italy UK ROE Pre-Regulation 14% 7% 5% 14% ROE Post-Regulation 10% 4% 3% 7% Delta -29 -47 -40 -48 The impact in the UK is particularly caustic as national regulation is extensive. In terms of the effect of regulation on the different product offerings of retail banks, asset-based products are generally the harder-hit. In the UK and France, mortgages and small-business loans will be the most adversely affected. Similarly in Germany mortgages, personal and small-business loans will be the most negatively influenced. In Italy, the value of every asset-based product will be impaired. The disheartening truth of the matter is that across the board the ROE of asset-based products will fall below 10%, which is currently the estimated cost of equity for retail banks. On the other hand, liability-based products will prove more resilient. Deposits will become more valuable to retail banks as they are an advantaged form of funding and liquidity under new regulation. Geographically speaking, in France and Germany only investment products and debit cards will be negatively affected and in Italy most liability-based products will escape relatively intact. However, once again domestic regulation in Britain will play a role in reducing retail banks’ ROE, to the extent that all liability products in the UK will be adversely affected. An important section of the report discusses global systemically important financial institutions (GSIFIs). Such pecuniary establishments are considered too interconnected and universal to be subject to the new regulation imposed on smaller-scale retail banks. The Financial Stability Board has therefore proposed additional capital requirements for G-SIFIs, which will induce a further reduction of their ROE of anywhere between 0. 4 percentage points and 1. 3 percentage points depending on the institution. In addition, it will be obligatory for all G-SIFIs to prepare a recovery and resolution plan (RRP) that will provide a strategic map for authorities to wind down the bank in the event of dissolution. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) is also developing new global rules on risk IT for G-SIFIs which are expected to be issued by the end of 2012. Such regulation will mean that these organisations will be subject to exhaustive supervision and many ad hoc requests, thus amplifying costs and absorbing management resources. The general conclusion of this paper is that it is improbable that banks across the board in Europe will return to pre-regulation ROE levels in the short to medium term. The UK will be particularly adversely affected due to its inflexible domestic regulation. Nevertheless, the paper proposes four mitigative measures retail banks can employ in order to cushion the blow of new regulatory forces on their ROE levels. The first is â€Å"Technical Mitigation†, which essentially involves improving efficiency of capital and funding. Secondly, â€Å"Capital – and funding-light operating models† seek to further improve funding efficiency and reduce risk-weighted assets (RWAs) by implementing changes to their product mix and characteristics and ensuring more vigorous pursuit of collateral and better outplacement of risk. Thirdly, and although they will be severely limited in doing so by regulatory authorities, banks can execute â€Å"repricing† in order to compensate the shortfall in ROE. The paper predicts more repricing in fragmented industries, which implies that the scale of repricing will be limited in the UK, a highly concentrated industry. Types of repricing include new fee-based pricing, modular pricing, partial performance remuneration and value-added packages. Finally, and perhaps most dramatically, financial institutions can engage in â€Å"Business-Model Alignment. Such restrategizing would involve two principle shifts. The first centres on a new, rigorous focus on ROE in retail banks, meaning greater investment in management systems and strengthening their resource allocation processes. The second important shift can be denoted as â€Å"Sustainable Retail Banking,† and comprises four key elements: expansion into new revenue sources, creation of advice for which customers w ill pay, reconfiguration and refocusing of the distribution system to render it leaner and simpler and cutting absolute costs by 20 – 30%. By exercising the above levers, retail banks can create a bulwark against the weight of new regulation and cushion the inevitable reduction in their ROE. Anticipatory forward-planning of mitigation measures is central in adapting to the new regulatory environment engulfing retail banking and will help banks that are fully committed to returning to pre-regulation ROE levels to achieve their post-regulatory reform potential. How to cite Mckinsey Report July 2012, Papers

Coodner Brothers, Inc. free essay sample

Sales reps should only have the access to receive purchase orders -The company should have the duties of purchasing, shipping, accounting, controlling of inventory separate. Usually after receiving purchasing order, the slips of detail of order should be sent to shipping department and accounting department. †¢Lack of physical safeguards -Usage of cameras, locks or securities to protect inventories. 4. Besides Woody Robinson, what other parties were at least partially responsible for the inventory losses Goodner suffered?Defend your answer. †¢T. J. and Ross Goodner were partially responsible for it– They are the CEO and COO of the company. They relied heavily on the honesty and integrity of employees they hired rather than relying on internal controls. It is their responsibilities to maintain an efficient and reliable company structure in order to minimize the risk of deficiencies. The control environment of an organization is significantly influenced by the effectiveness of its board of directors. We will write a custom essay sample on Coodner Brothers, Inc. or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

The Effects Of The Titanic Essays - Canada, United Kingdom

The Effects Of The Titanic One of the most advertised events of the 1910s was the so-called Unsinkable Titanic and its controversial sinking on April 14, 1912. When news of this British made luxury liner, weighing 46,000 gross tons reached American shores the press went wild. The idea of an unsinkable ship was bewildering. Then when the ship sank on her maiden voyage the press had a second hay-day. The sinking of the Titanic was a national event. It effected the 1910s in several ways, 2 examples of this would be the death of American social icons, and the reforms made to ships technology and travel codes. (MSN Learning) The death of two admired Americans affected the 1910s by turning the sinking of the Titanic into a national affair. Mr. Isidor Straus, one of the American millionaires killed on the titanic, operated a company that engaged in blockade running for the confederate states during the American Civil War. After the war he moved to New York and obtained R.H. Macy s development. The country was deeply moved by his death. The decade of 1910 was effected by the loss of these and other social icons. (Astor Encyclopedia Titantica) The sinking of the Titanic directly contributed to the 1910s and subsequent years through reforms in ship policies and travel codes. When investigators of the shipwreck found that there were only enough lifeboats for about half of the passengers aboard many reforms were issued. Such as the maintenance of a full-time radio watch on each ship while at sea, and in international ice patrol. The reforms made travel on large sea vessels much safer in the years following the accident. (Titanic Disaster) A major national event, the sinking of the Titanic, affected the 1910s in many ways. Two of these ways are, the deaths of American icons, and the reforms on ship technology and travel codes. Social Issues

A Christians Experience In A Mosque Religion Essay Example

A Christians Experience In A Mosque Religion Essay Example A Christians Experience In A Mosque Religion Essay A Christians Experience In A Mosque Religion Essay I am a Christian by personal religion, genetic sciences and through circumstance of being raised in the church. I have been a Christian so long that any other faith to me is of small concern to me personally. But, I do non state this to be average because I have many friends of different faiths, beliefs and races. Whatever they believe in is all right with me and frailty versa. I decided to travel to a mosque with my best friend since 4th class since she is a Muslim. I learned a batch more than I originally thought and this is my journey. Humama and I have been best friends since 4th class. My household and hers are close despite one being Christian and the other Muslim. To each other we are people, friends, and faith does non specify our relationship. I asked Humama to come with me to the mosque business district on King Street because I would experience more comfy being with person who knew what was traveling on. We decided to travel on a Friday, which is their holy twenty-four hours. Before go forthing her house in Goose Creek, we performed ritual called a Wudu. It is rinsing of organic structure parts of import to executing formal supplications, called Salah. She said that there is a station at the mosque for it, or they use a sink for it but it would be easier to make it before we left place. She gave me a bluish outfit to have on with a fiting head covering to cover everything from our carpuss to our mortise joints for modestness and regard. On the thrust business district, bundled up in a beautiful outfit wholly out of my normal signifier of dressing, I wondered how I would be greeted and how I would be changed by this. I have walked and drove past the mosque on King Street many times. After populating business district for about a twelvemonth, you would hold to be blind non to detect it. It sits at that place on the corner of King and Romney street, quiet and non architecturally designed like the mosques I have seen in images. It is simplistic in its design for its intent. We parked and walked to the mosque and I noticed people of different races come ining the mosque which surprised me. There were Blacks, White persons, and many people of Middle Eastern descent. There were immature people, old people and all seemed unified in their beliefs of Allah. We entered the mosque and entered a speedy supplication to bless the mosque. The supplication had non started yet, so Humama introduced me to other Muslims in the hallway. My anxiousness was easing slightly talking to others that did non look to mind I was at that place, despite being a Christian. Before come ining the existent mosque, Humama and I took off our places to demo another signifier of regard. Humama and I sat confronting Mecca, after talking for a few proceedingss to the others, she said we could offer other speedy supplications while waiting for the discourse to get down. I realized for the first clip that the work forces and adult females were separated in the mosque. The work forces were in the forepart and the adult females in the dorsum, though we could still see everything. I noticed that there were two rows of chairs and I saw that the disableds or work forces of importance sat at that place. I sat beside Humama thought, this is sort of unjust holding to sit all the manner in back and non among the work forces. In my church you sit anyplace, but I pulled the idea back, to non judge but take part in her religion. To acquire my head off it, I thought to myself that I truly enjoyed non holding my places on since I am slightly Bohemian. Humama informed me we were waiting for the Imam, the sermonizer and leader of the mosque, to come out and preach which is called the Pre-Prayer. She informed that the Imam would normally come out and give a discourse on whatever he wished to or state a spiritual narrative. He would subsequently in the discourse connect the significance of it to his discourse. I became a small impatient waiting for the Imam to come out, but she reassured me that he would be out shortly. After five more proceedingss he walked out and world eventually set in that I was wholly out of my deepness. The Imam, whose existent name is Mohamed Melhem did non look like a sermonizer to me. He seemed like a regular adult male yet easy to speak to. He began the discourse by welcoming everyone to the mosque and praising Allah. He was easy to listen to and to understand. He gave a discourse on functioning Allah and fasting. That by fasting you gain a closer relationship with Allah. Allah is at that place for us and there is merely one. Prayer should be consistent ( they pray five times per twenty-four hours ) and that the Quran is at that place to steer us. He spoke of being a Muslim in the universe, that all facets of being a Muslim should be retained one time go forthing the mosque. As a Muslim, your moralss and how you stick to them in the universe shows how Allah is working through you. I noticed that everyone seemed in awe and took in every word he said. They seemed wholly devoted to listening to the Imam speak about this, because by looking at them you could state some found themselves once more by being among equals like themselves. After completing the discourse, the Adhan or Azan, did a call to prayer. Everyone listened and moved frontward face down listening to the Azan pray. After the supplication was finished, some people continued to pray and others got up to socialise. The mosque offered nutrient to us to raise money for the mosque. The nutrient was similar to what I had eaten earlier at Humama s house and it was delightful. I do non retrieve the names of the nutrient, but it did non affair at the clip. Everyone socialized for about an hr and a half and some continued to talk about Allah, others about school and work. Some people were coming in late holding merely got off work to come in at the right clip to pray. Leaving the mosque, I felt a small different. The peace of praying with others who get along despite your race. The sacredness of go forthing the universe outside and happening yourself once more when come ining the mosque. Confronting Mecca and everyone praying in one way and at one clip. They all believe the same manner and it shows why they have such a strong community. No 1 is seeking to draw off and do their ain thing. It made me experience nearer to my ain God, and that it makes life easier cognizing that basically we all have the same belief in one God, despite the different ways we worship. I gained a closer relationship with my best friend and with my God and that truly changed me.

Definition and Examples of Understatement

Definition and Examples of Understatement Definition Understatement is a  figure of speech in which a writer or speaker deliberately makes a situation seem less important or serious than it is. Contrast with hyperbole. Jeanne Fahnestock points out that understatement (particularly in the form known as litotes) is often used for self-deprecation on the rhetors part, as when the heavily decorated war hero says I have a few medals, or someone who has just won on American Idol observes I did OK (Rhetorical Style, 2011). See Examples and Observations below. Also, see: EmphasisEuphemismIronyLitotesMeiosisTop 20 Figures of Speech Examples A soiled baby, with a neglected nose, cannot be conscientiously regarded as a thing of beauty. (Mark Twain)I have to have this operation. It isnt very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.(Holden Caulfield in The Catcher In The Rye, by J. D. Salinger)Last week I saw a woman flayed, and you will hardly believe how much it altered her person for the worse.  (Jonathan Swift, A Tale of a Tub, 1704)The graves a fine and private place, But none, I think, do there embrace. (Andrew Marvell, To His Coy Mistress)I am just going outside and may be some time. (Captain Lawrence Oates, Antarctic explorer, before walking out into a blizzard to face certain death, 1912)Vance: My, we are certainly in a good mood this morning.Pee-wee: That, my dear Vance, is the understatement of the year. Everything seems completely different to me today. The air smells so fresh. The sky seems a brand-new shade of blue. I dont think Ive ever noticed the beauty of this leaf. And Vance, have you always been so handsome?  (Wayne White and Paul Reubens in Big Top Pee-wee, 1988) This [double helix] structure has novel features which are of considerable biological interest.(Opening sentence of the Nature article announcing Crick and Watsons discovery of the structure of DNA)Last night, I experienced something new, an extraordinary meal from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the meal and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about fine cooking is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. (Anton Ego in Ratatouille, 2007)The new EU member states of Poland and Lithuania have been arguing this week for the summit to be called off, and criticizing the German preparations. For historical reasons, the east Europeans are highly sensitive to any sign of Germany cutting deals with Russia over their heads. (The Guardian, May 17, 2007)Well, thats cast rather a gloom over the evening, hasnt it?(Dinner guest, after a visit from the Grim Reaper, in Monty Pythons The Meaning of Life)The adjective cross as a description of his Jove-like wrath that consumed his whole being jarred upon Derek profoundly. It was as though Prometheus, with the vultures tearing his liver, had been asked if he were piqued. (P. G. Wodehouse, Jill the Reckless, 1922) British Understatement The British are feeling the pinch in relation to recent terrorist bombings and threats to destroy nightclubs and airports, and therefore have raised their security level from Miffed to Peeved. Soon, though, security levels may be raised yet again to Irritated or even A Bit Cross. Brits have not been A Bit Cross since the Blitz in 1940 when tea supplies all but ran out.(anonymous post on the Internet, July 2007)Understatement is still in the air. It is not just a specialty of the English sense of humour; it is a way of life. When gales uproot trees and sweep away roofs of houses, you should remark that it is a bit blowy. I have just been listening to a man who got lost in a forest abroad for a week and was scrutinised by hungry wolves, smacking their lips. Was he terrified? - asked the television interviewer, obviously a man of Italian origin. The man replied that on the seventh day when there were no rescuers in sight and the sixth hungry wolf joined the pack, he got a bit worried. Y esterday, a man in charge of a home where 600 old people lived, which was found to be a fire risk where all the inhabitants might burn to death, admitted: I may have a problem. (George Mikes, How to Be a Brit. Penguin, 1986) Observations Understatement is a form of irony: the ironical contrast inheres in the discrepancy between what one would be expected to say and his actual refusal to say it.(Cleanth Brooks, Fundamentals of Good Writing: A Handbook of Modern Rhetoric. Harcourt, 1950)The use of understatement is something that satirists have a mastery of, but as a rhetorical device, we can use it to try to persuade someone by rewording a sentence in less offensive terms. For example, suppose we believe a persons idea to be in error and wish to point this out:I think there may be some additional factors that you may not have accounted for.Your analysis is far too simplistic. No one will take such an idiotic theory seriously. There are many other alternatives we could use, but consider that if we want to convince the person that they are mistaken then we need to pitch our objections accordingly. Perhaps the idea really is idiotic ... but is saying as much likely to incline them to change their opinion? For the second suggestion, it may depend on who we are talking to: a friend, say, may welcome the criticism but a stranger may not appreciate his or her thought being called simplistic, even if it is. Some people might still take offense at the first version, but the determining influences include what we want to achieve and whom we are talking to or writing for. How likely is a person to listen to our critique if they suspect we are talking down to them or dismissing them? (Heinz Duthel, History and Philosophy of Science. Lulu, 2008) Pronunciation: UN-der-STATE-ment Also Known As: litotes, diminutio

Benefits of breathing in Pilates Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Benefits of breathing in Pilates - Term Paper Example In Pilates exercises, breathing was conducted according to belief that having blood pumped to awaken all cells in the body and carry away all the waste related to fatigue. For this purpose, the blood has to be oxygenated and free of waste gases by breathing properly. Therefore, Pilate exercises demand for inhalation in preparation for a movement followed by exhalation just before execution of the movement. In any movement, one should always breath and especially in all the difficult portions of a movement. Pilate’s exercises call for breathing deeply and fully where inhalation is through the nose and exhalation is through the mouth. Breathing through the nose warms the air and filters it thus ensuring there are no toxic materials entering the body. In the process of inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and allows more air to fill the lungs (Pilates Trends, Para. 4). At the same time, the ribcage expands out to the sides and back, and as a result, the shoulders move upwards. These movements allow for the lower part of the lungs to receive oxygen thus increasing efficiency of the gaseous exchange process. In an exhale, the ribs relax and come closer to the medial plane allowing the diaphragm to relax and arc upwards in the abdominal cavity (Pilates Trends, Para. 5). As a result, air is forced of the lungs thus taking away the carbon dioxide from the body. Breathing in Pilates follows several principles that are to be followed at all times: one should always keep one’s breathe flowing and therefore, should not hold their breath. Air should be inhaled through the nose and exhaled through the mouth while exhalation should be through the mouth should be done with relaxed lips and not pursed ones. Also, exhalation should be done to flex the spine and inhalation should be to extend it. (Pilates Trends, Para. 9) Pilates exercises are beneficial to those who take part in them and have been for numerous therapies and treatments.

IBP Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

IBP - Research Paper Example Under the contract, an employer, in this case IBP, was responsible for the  safety  and safety violations of another employer’s employees, DCS in this case, and had the  mandate  to prevent and  abate  such violations.  IBP had supervisory authority and control over the worksite regardless of whether DCS created the hazards or was in a position to reduce them.  In addition, IBP owned the equipment and  therefore  required to  exercise  all  control  as a contracting party and  plant  owner and ensure that no employee was at risk.   The nature of the contract between IBP and DCS required there be a daily recurring  task  that IBP employees had  previously  been doing.  The contract was on-going and the relationship between the two was a close one.  IBP constant contact with DCS also included  frequent  discussions about LOTO standards and the fragrant violations of these standards by DCS employees. While the contract held DCS responsible for LOTO standards compliance, IBP had the  mandate  to ensure DCS complied even if it meant suspending or terminating the contract. IBP could have imposed penalties on DCS and its employees at any time to  ensure  LOTO compliance. As the worksite-controlling employee, it could also have suspended and expelled employees who fragrantly violated safety

High Schools Students Essay Example for Free

High Schools Students Essay No Child Left Behind mandates placed tremendous pressure on schools throughout the country to succeed in helping our students achieve. School leaders are spending time and money to find ways to improve their schools. Many leaders have chosen to restructure their everyday scheduling format. Schools need to explore if this is beneficial or not. The purpose of this study is to determine if block scheduling has an effect on student achievement of high school students who are enrolled in block scheduling classes versus those enrolled in traditional classes. The block format will consist of four 90-minute classes. The traditional format will consist of six 50 minutes classes. To examine student achievement, the researcher will explore three critical areas. They are academic achievement, student discipline, and student attendance. The sample population will consist of students, teachers and administrators. The students of this population will be students enrolled at a high school that uses the block format and students enrolled at a high school that uses the traditional format. To examine academic achievement, only students who have completed their 11th grade year and taken the social studies portion of the Georgia High School Graduation Test will be used. To examine discipline and attendance, the teachers, administrators and some students will be randomly selected. The case study will consist of interview questionnaires and data from the students’ records to determine if there is a difference with block scheduling compared to traditional scheduling. The research will explain and explore if block scheduling versus traditional scheduling is a wise decision for school leaders throughout the country. CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Statement of Problem It is no secret that schools in the United States have come under much fire lately for their failure to meet the basic educational needs of students. Globally, students in the United States lag far behind those of other countries. Education reform is a catch phrase on the lips of politicians and educational researchers alike. Dobbs reports that in a global math skills test, the United States ranked 24th out of 29 wealthy, industrialized countries. Approximately 5500 students in 262 high schools were studied; their poor performance suggests a widening gap between US students and their counterparts in Europe and Asia (Dobbs, M. , 2004). In addition an International Math Science Study reported the high school seniors were out-performed by 90% of other tested nations in math and by 76% in science (Hodges, 2003). In reading, students are equally unprepared. The Alliance for Excellent Education reports that nearly 6 million middle and high school students do not read at grade level. In addition, over half the students entering college scored at unacceptable levels on college entrance exams in reading, and these trends seem to cross gender and racial lines (Aratani, 2006). The current debate about school reform came in response to the report, A Nation at Risk (2004) which made the above statistics and their implications public to the nation. The National Commission on Excellence in Education remarked that if a foreign power had attempted to impose our current education performance on any nation, it would have been deemed an act of war. In a nutshell, schools in America were characterized as failed systems (Finn, 1997). The No Child Left Behind Act (NCBLA) by the current Bush Administration is one of the most groundbreaking educational reforms in years. Approved by Congress in December 2001 and signed into law on January 8, 2002, this legislation expanded the federal government’s role in the operation of public schools and imposed new obligations on all school districts. The NCLBA’s basic reform principles feature stronger accountability of the schools, administrators and teachers, increased flexibility and local control of funds from the federal government, expanded options for parents in choosing schools, and an increased emphasis on successful teaching methods (No Child Left Behind Act, 2001). Policymakers are also accountable not just for the enhanced consumer satisfaction of the parents who have an active role in school choice, but also for the overall improvement of opportunity and performance for students who have only a limited role in school choice (Leckrone Griffith, 2006). To combat these downward trends and to provide for the new obligations and standards in the NCLBA, public education reform has turned to a revision of the structure of the school day. This included changing the schedules from a traditional six or seven period day which consisted of 45 to 55 minute classes that met daily for an entire school year to a block schedule. Block schedules take many forms, but basically, the class times per period doubles to about 90 minutes each and the number of classes taken is reduced from six or seven to four per semester. 1. 2 Statement of Purpose Since the trend toward block scheduling began several years ago, and reports have been mixed as to whether block scheduling has been beneficial or deleterious in solving some of the problems of US high schools. Many factors are involved when it comes to student achievement. These include, among other things, school climate, teaching practices, familial support, motivation and resources. This study seeks to determine the effectives of block scheduling on the academic performance of high school students with regard to the discipline, attendance and test scores. 1. 3 Definitions For the purposes of this study, the following definitions will be used: †¢ 4 x 4 Block Scheduling – Four classes, approximately ninety minutes in length, every day for the first semester. Four completely different classes, again ninety minutes in length, every day for the second semester. Each class equals one credit (The Change Process and Alternative Scheduling, 1996). †¢ A/B Block Scheduling – Four classes, approximately ninety minutes in length, meeting every other day (A days) for an entire school year. Four completely different classes, again ninety minutes in length, meeting on alternate days (B days) for an entire year. Each class equals one credit (The Change Process and Alternative Scheduling, 1996). †¢ Combination Block Schedule A combination of 4 x 4 and A/B block schedules (The Change Process and Alternative Scheduling, 1996). †¢ Flexible Schedule A combination of 4 x 4 and A/B block schedules, but class length varies from day to day. One example: On three out of every five days throughout the school year, each class could be 90 minutes in length. On the other two days, designated as Advisement/Resource Days, each class is 75 minutes in length. An Advisement/Resource Hour is 60 minutes in length (The Change Process and Alternative Scheduling, 1996). †¢ Traditional Format – six (or more) 50-minutes classes per day †¢ FMS the Flexible Modular System designed by J. Lloyd Trump which introduced alternative scheduling options and provided for differing times for classes depending on the needs of the student and the content of the particular course. †¢ GHSGT – The Georgia High School Graduation Test which must be passed by all seniors in public high schools in Georgia. †¢ Carnegie Unit 120 hours of class or contact time with an instructor over the course of a year at the secondary school level †¢ No Child Left Behind Act – NCLBA, 2001 legislation which tightened federal control over the standards and processes of American public schools. 1. 4 Assumptions of the Study This study assumes that all schools and students and teachers polled are enrolled or teaching in schools that follow the typical formats discussed above, that they have no previously diagnosed mental disabilities or learning problems and that the school is not participating in any additional enrichment programs which may distort the results of the study. 1. 5 Significance of the Study This study is important for anyone interested in improving education in American high schools. This study is significant in that it provides to the body of research that determine a) if the block scheduling concept is perceived by teachers and students as efficient and advantageous and b) if the block scheduling concept is actually responsible for improved academic achievement based upon variable factors of attendance, disciplinary records, and achievement test scores. 1. 6 Limitations of the Study This study is limited by the existence of several variables which cannot be tested by these researchers or that cannot be completely controlled. First, the research obtained is limited to those participants who willingly elect to complete the surveys and questionnaires in their entirety. All personal data to be collected is limited by the veracity of the respondents. Because of the small scope of the research, it is difficult to statistically proportion the number of respondents from necessary categories such as gender, race, income level, and college plans. It can also not take into account existing problems in the schools unrelated to scheduling such as teacher turnover, violence, etc. 1. 7 Summary The problems faced by high schools in the United States are wide-ranging and diverse. No one change will provide an instant cure for all that ails the education system. The NCLBA mandates and the general demise of educational achievement has prompted several new methods of teaching, administrating and funding education in America. The issue of scheduling may hold promise as to improving some aspects of academic performance. CHAPTER TWO REVIEW of the LITERATURE 2. 1 Historical Background of Block Scheduling Students of the 20th century spent nearly all of their high school time in 45 to 55 minute class periods, six or seven classes a day. During the 1960s, some experimental ideas emerged, notable the model of J. Lloyd Trump, who proposed creating classes of varying lengths depending upon the course. Science courses with lab requirements could meet for 100 minutes while lectures could be scheduled for 40 minutes and tutorials for 20 minutes. This system was called the Flexible Modular System (FMS). Later, a similar type of scheduling was dubbed the Copernican Plan which resulted in a reported benefit of improved graduation rates (Carroll, 1995). The plan gives students an extra chance each year to pass a semester class that they may have failed. In 1984, John Goodlad warned education leaders that the traditional school structure spends way too much time on six or seven class changes and does not allow â€Å"for individualized instruction, for extended laboratory work, or for remediation and enrichment† (Queen, 2000). Eventually, the extreme flexibility of time produced discipline issues, scheduling headaches and teacher planning problems, and FMS’s popularity began to wane (Dobbs, W. , 1998) Nonetheless, the importance of this system has not been overlooked, and it is generally regarded as the precursor to the modern block scheduling system. Tradition has always played a role in high school scheduling. The Carnegie Unit became a standard for determining a students required yearly course load. Most critics of the traditional system likened the Carnegie Unit to simply amassed seat time (Canady and Rettig, 1995). This point was reiterated in the National Education Commission on Time and Learning’s publication of A Prisoner of Time. It states that Learning in America is a prisoner of time. For the past 150 years, American public schools have held time constant and let learning vary. The rule, only rarely voiced, is simple: learn what you can in the time we make available. It should surprise no one that some bright, hardworking students do reasonably well. Everyone else—from the typical student to the dropout—runs into trouble. Time is learnings warden. (National Education Commission on Time and Learning, 1994, p. 7) â€Å"The pace is grueling† (Irmsher, 1996). A student will spend nearly seven hours a day in seven to nine locations pursuing seven to nine different lessons and activities which produces an impersonal and inefficient approach to instruction. â€Å"The pace is grueling† (Irmsher, 1996). Unfortunately, many administrators, teachers and parents resisted any type of change to the system that they had experienced themselves. This resistance was challenged with the report A Nation At Rise was published in 1983 which revealed the American educational system was not up to par with international systems. Thus, restructuring schools became a focus in improving educational achievement (Queen, 2000). 2. 2 Summary of Current Knowledge and Theory Relevant to Block Scheduling 2. 2. 1 Overview of Perceived Advantages to Block Scheduling Several researchers (Dobbs, W. , 1998; Hurley, 1997; Zepeda, 1999; Staunton, 1997; Staunton and Adams, 1997; Pisapia, and Westfall, 1997; and Eineder and Bishop, 1997) reported the following perceived strengths and advantages by both students and teachers to block scheduling: †¢ Increased teacher preparation time (in both teams and as individuals). †¢ Double the class time for certain core subjects such as language arts and math. †¢ Half as many students for teachers per semester †¢ Additional elective class choice for 9th grade students; more choices for upperclassmen, including options of Advanced Placement and other higher level coursework †¢ More time for completion of labs, incorporating technology, class trips, and other various applications of learned material †¢ Improved school climate and decreased disciplinary referrals †¢ More time to do homework and for guided practice under the direction of the teacher †¢ Improved academic achievement by students †¢ Ability of students to accumulate enough credits to graduate early. †¢ More one-on-one time between teachers and students In general, surveyed students liked the block scheduling. They claimed to be getting better grades, to have time for more in-depth study, and got more attention from the teachers. They said their lives were less stressed and they liked having a fresh start each semester. Nearly all students asked said they would not want to return to the traditional schedule. One of the greatest effects of the 4 x 4 schedule is that students report having less homework. Of the 37 students interviewed, 20 said they had less homework, 7 said they had more, and 6 said they had about the same. If you dont like the teacher, you dont have to deal with him all year, or if you dont like the subject. When the semester ends, its like a new school year. Youre not bogged down. Clearly, these students reaped academic benefits from the change to the 4 x 4 schedule. Both college preparatory and general students reported they were learning more and receiving more individual attention (Hurley, 1997). Surveyed teachers indicated that they enjoyed lecturing less and spending more time one-on-one with students. Teachers teaching in block scheduling used more of a team approach and allowed them to experiment more in the classroom (Staunton, 1997; Staunton and Adams, 1997). Teachers also reported that their teaching methods and practices changed as block scheduling was implemented. They used a wider array of strategies and activities. In one Florida study of over forty high schools on block scheduling, â€Å"forty percent of the teachers reported less stress at school, one-third reported increased common planning time, and 80 percent noted that they preferred the block schedule to their previous schedule† (Deuel, 1999). There seem to be several perceived advantages associated with block scheduling. 2. 2. 2 Overview of Perceived Disadvantages to Block Scheduling Several researchers (Dobbs, W. , 1998; Hurley, 1997; Zepeda, 1999; Staunton, 1997; Staunton and Adams, 1997; Pisapia, and Westfall, 1997; and Eineder and Bishop, 1997) reported the following perceived weaknesses and disadvantages by both students and teachers to block scheduling: †¢ Additional costs in hiring teachers. †¢ Additional costs in adding space for teachers or the need for teachers to ‘travel’ which means he has no permanent classroom †¢ Difficulty in making up work from absences because missing one day equivalent to missing two classes †¢ Some classes clearly benefit from meeting every day (i. e. performing arts classes) †¢ Need for teachers to commit to using new teaching methods †¢ Ninety minutes is a long time to hold the attention of students †¢ Uneven schedules in which the harder classes all end up lumped into one semester making it too difficult and the next semester too easy. †¢ The possibility that there will be a long gap in between sequential courses if they are not taken in back-to-back semesters. The primary disadvantage given by surveyed students is that the classes are too long. Students particularly gave this as a weakness when their teachers lectured for nearly all of the time period. Others noted that â€Å"bad classes are really bad when they are held for 90 minutes† (Hurley, 1997). Surveyed teachers voiced concerns about interruptions of sequential material from one semester to the next and consistency issues with students. However, teacher opinion seemed to be mixed about this issue. Some foreign language teachers feared a sequential break between levels (Scheduling Foreign Languages on the Block, 1998). Other researchers found that some schools actually showed an increase in foreign language test scores because students could take level I and level II courses in back-to-back semesters (Schoenstein, 1996). Some teachers felt more comfortable with the lecture approach and had little comfort with experimentation of teaching methods (Staunton, 1997; Staunton and Adams, 1997). 2. 2. 3 Actual Advantages to Block Scheduling via Research Studies. A Temple University study found that block scheduling had distinct advantages in academic achievement. Students who made the honor roll at the three schools studied rose from 22% to 31%. SAT scores rose by an average of 14 points. In addition, the number of detentions declined while student attendance increased (Evans, Tokarczyk and Rice, 2000). Most recently, a 2006 study indicated a variety of advantages to block scheduling. Five Connecticut high schools were studied to determine what, if any, positive outcomes would result. The researchers used test scores and surveys as a means of data collection from school guidance counselors, teachers, administrators and students. The study found that gains in math rose significantly over a two year period, achievement test score averages rose in a statistically significant manner over three years, and PSAT and SAT scores increased within the first three years but then leveled off. (Wilcox, 2006). This study is one of the few longitudinal studies available. This study also stressed the importance of time as a factor in determining the success of block scheduling. â€Å"Almost all of the results which indicated significant differences were shown after two or more years† (Wilcox, 2006). Clearly some time is necessary in order for students and teachers to become accustomed to the changes. Some of the school studies Wilcox (2006) examined had been operating on a block schedule for as long as ten years. Unfortunately, not all the schools had baseline data for years before the block schedule or had opened with a block schedule. The study further stresses the level of support by the staff can be a determining factor as to the success of any type of block scheduling, which seems to correlate, at least on surface examination of the results, with training procedures and teacher confidence. 2. 2. 4 Actual Disadvantages to Block Scheduling via Research Studies A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study studied achievement in reading and mathematics of students in a high school which ran a tri-schedule. This schedule consisted of a traditional schedule, a 4 x 4 schedule and hybrid schedules which all operated in the same single school. The NC state mandated tests in reading, language and math were used to determine achievement. For reading and language test results, there was no statistically significant difference based on the types of schedules. There was, however, a statistically significant difference in math computation subtest. The traditional schedule saw slightly higher scores in understanding and retention of mathematical computation for tenth grade students. Thus, this study â€Å"supports the importance of daily instruction and contact time to student achievement in mathematics as distinct from other academic skills† (Veal and Shreiber, 1999). Another study tested students in the Wilmington area of North Carolina. It, too, found that students on traditional schedules scored higher on tests of algebra, English, biology and history than did students on a block schedule (Lawrence and McPherson, 2000). 2. 2. 5 Studies that were Inconclusive in Determining the Efficacy of Block Scheduling in Increasing Academic Achievement. A third North Carolina study, this one undertaken by the Department of Public Instruction, compared End-Of-Course (EOC) test scores in five areas (English I, Algebra I, Biology I, US History, and Economic, Legal and Political Systems (ELP)). It sample scores from schools that operated on block schedules and on traditional schedules for 1993 to 1996. It mentions at the outset that the first schools to adopt block schedules in NC were those that had lower achievement scores to begin with. These schools’ scores were adjusted for the purpose of this study. The overall results were inconclusive. Some blocked schools showed some improvement in some years but then lower scores in other years. â€Å"At present, there are essentially no significant differences between groups of blocked and corresponding non-blocked school groups in terms of student performance in state EOC Tests† (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, 1997).

Toward a Dynamic Conception of ousia :: Aristotle Aristotelian Legacy

Toward a Dynamic Conception of ousia This paper is an initial attempt to develop a dynamic conception of being which is not anarchic. It does this by returning to Aristotle in order to begin the process of reinterpreting the meaning of ousia, the concept according to which western ontology has been determined. Such a reinterpretation opens up the possibility of understanding the dynamic nature of ontological identity and the principles according to which this identity is established. The development of the notions of energeia, dynamis and entelecheia in the middle books of Aristotle’s Metaphysics will be discussed in order to suggest that there is a dynamic ontological framework at work in Aristotle’s later writing. This framework lends insight into the dynamic structure of being itself, a structure which does justice as much to the concern for continuity through change as it does to the moment of difference. The name for this conception of identity which affirms both continuity and novelty is "legacy." Th is paper attempts to apprehend the meaning of being as legacy. There is perhaps no idea in the history of western ontology with a more powerful legacy than Aristotle’s conception of ousia. Traditionally construed, "ousia" stands for the primary, foundational principle of being. It can be said that ontology has historically been ousiology – the search for ultimate foundations. In this quest for ultimates, the ousia names the absolute arche, the foundational principle that reigns over and orders all being. The political tone of this formulation is intentional; it is designed to frame the ontological question concerning the meaning of ousia in ethico-political terms. The impetus behind this strategy is to suggest that western ontology has been largely determined by an authoritarian tendency that seeks to establish a single ultimate principle in order to secure a firm and certain foundation. On the one hand, this authoritarian tendency may be traced back to Aristotle, for ousia is precisely such a hegemonic principle; on the other hand , Aristotle also suggests another conception of ousia, one that can be drawn upon in the attempt to resist this authoritarian tendency. In what follows, I trace both the authoritarian and this resistant conception ousia in Aristotle. Aristotle’s Authoritarian Ontology To apply the political term "authoritarian" to an ontological account may at first seem to be a simple category mistake. However, this first impression fails to recognize that many of the terms that have come

Popularity of Juvenile Boot Camps

Juvenile Boot Camps are a rather new way of reintegration of the delinquent youth to the community and make them a useful and constructive part of it. This paper will discuss the effectiveness and popularity of juvenile boot camps. Effectiveness and Popularity of Juvenile Boot Camps: Juvenile Boot Camps have been introduced and proliferated in the United States in the 90s. The primary objective of creating these facilities is to develop an effective program, which would become efficiently helpful in rehabilitating the juvenile delinquent population.Though during these years the number of Juvenile Boot Camps has increased rapidly and nearly all the states have adopted some kind of juvenile, but the output is not hopeful. The recidivism rate is surprisingly high among the graduates of these programs. This disappointing progress and output is due to several factors. Lack of sound aftercare programs is the major problem because the delinquent juvenile after completing his rehabilitation program goes back into the same environment and faces the same problem again. If proper aftercare measures are not taken the juvenile will likely to recidivate.Another setback of the juvenile boot camps is the limited amount of delinquent youths it allows to join at a time. That is why these boot camps covers a very little portion of the juvenile population of the United States. Despite all these setbacks and disappointing performance the juvenile boot camps are very popular among the public and the political leadership. This is because juvenile crime is one of the major concerns of the country and the concerning authorities want to show some tangible actions taken in order to curb juvenile crimes.The public perceives these programs as an active and direct approach to curtail juvenile crimes. This is the main reason that despite all the failures the authorities are continuously increasing their spending on these boot camps and they have the consent of the public. References Tyler, J erry, Darville, Ray & Stalnaker, Kathi. (2001) Juvenile Boot Camps: A Descriptive Analysis of Program Diversity and Effectiveness, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX, USA.

Explain the concepts of equality,diversity and rights in relation to health and social care Essay

Equality Act 2010 The Equality Act aims to simplify and harmonize the old equalities legislation. Over the last four decades discrimination legislation has played an important role in helping to make Britain a more equal society. However, the legislation was complex and, despite the progress that has been made, inequality and discrimination persist and progress on some issues has been stubbornly slow. The Equality Act 2010 is intended to provide a new cross-cutting legislative framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all; to update, simplify and strengthen the previous legislation; and to deliver a simple, modern and accessible framework of discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society. The Act has replaced the Disability Discrimination Act, combining it under one governing umbrella with all equalities issues. A disability access audit is still the best way to ensure you meet your duties under the Equality Act in regards to accessibility. What is the importance of equality, diversity and recognizing rights in early years services? 1. Legal – having proper policies and procedures in place should prevent successful compensation payouts for proven discrimination. 2. Ethical – it’s morally right to want to provide equal treatment to all stakeholders, especially children and parents/guardians. 3. Social – children can learn to be better citizens in a culturally diverse society, if given the right orientation from the beginning. Why is equality and diversity important in a mental health profession? One could argue it isn’t and that best person should always be chosen regardless as It is mainly a political ideal. However in this case there may in fact be an argument for it as follows. it may be important for those suffering mental issues to feel they are part of a wider community and having a wide selection of diversity etc. shows that society is all inclusive and will include them too. this can be very important for some mental attitudes and health problems. Equality and diversity is important for the patient, and prevents stereotypes and misdiagnosis. For example it is common in turkey to say you hear voices of spirits Djinns.Without diversity and understanding the person could be classed as schizophrenic. I know of a god-believer who got diagnosed as bi-polar just because the professionals dealing with her were not from her walk of life. I think it should be compulsory to imply it to all nations and races available. Why is it important to promote equality recognize diversity and respect rights in health and social care? 1. To promote equality a) In a democracy it is everyone’s right to have access to good health and social inclusion. Thus if any section of society is omitted then none of us can claim to be citizens of a democratic society. b) Everyone is also at physical risk, even if only some sections of society are initially exposed, to disease and ill health. 2.To respect rights and recognize diversity a) Consciousness, self-esteem, culture and physical health are interrelated Note: this might mean having to provide extra resources particularly for people who do not yet share competence in the major language Note: these high ideals are often held to, more in principle than in fact, in the majority of societies. This is because there are both passive and active (i.e. transfer of scarce resources) components of rights in all fields- education, health, justice, security, etc. In societies which emphasize individualism and demonize government intervention it is particularly difficult to achieve these aims. DISCRIMINATORY SELECTION DECISION Kai, a Native American, files a charge after he applied for a promotion, was interviewed, and was not selected. The investigation reveals that, based on objective qualifications, Kai was deemed one of the top candidates but the job ended up going to Ted, a similarly qualified White candidate from outside the company. The hiring manager tells the investigator that he thought that Kai was well qualified but he chose Ted because he â€Å"seemed to be a better fit; I’m comfortable with him and I can see him in my job one day.† When pressed to be more specific, the manager says he liked the fact that Ted worked for a competitor. However, the investigation reveals that although Ted did work for another company in the industry, it was not really a competitor. Employee and management witnesses tell the investigator that Ted’s experience working for another company in the industry was no more valuable than Kai’s experience working for the company itself. The witnesses also tell the investigator that, until now, the company practice had been to prefer qualified internal candidates over similarly qualified external candidates. There is reasonable cause to believe that Kai was discriminated against based on his race or national origin. What are the causes an effect of discriminatory practices? It can lead to a change in balance of workforce/people. If old/ethnic minorities/disabled etc. people are disadvantaged, there may be an unusually high proportion of young, white, fit people. This would deter anyone from the discriminated groups from applying. Alternatively, positive discrimination seeks to counter act the effects of discrimination by actively giving preference to underrepresented groups. This can have a good outcome, but it often leads to resentment on both sides because the â€Å"non-discriminated† feel that the â€Å"discriminated† have only got in because of their color/age etc., and the â€Å"discriminated† think that they are not being valued for what they can do and have only been chosen to fill a quota. What is the physical effect of discriminatory practices? The physical effects of discriminatory practice maybe that the individual who is being subjected to discrimination starts to feel unworthy within society, therefore this leads on to them starting to inappropriate there appearance,  lack of hygiene, which doesn’t reflect on a good person in the eyes of their community. Their health could also deteriorate – poor mental health, bruises, maybe from them self-harming to find a easy way to get away from the pain and unhappiness they are getting from individuals within community with discrimination towards them. Potential effects of Discriminatory Practices? Example of discriminatory practice is an old woman in a nursing home, in her notes she has been labeled as a ‘biter’. This makes care assistance reluctant and resistant to her How will this affect her physically, emotionally, mentally. Well I would think that she is not being given the proper mental care in the first place. As she is old and in a nursing home, she probably is a little forgotten by family anyway. This will create even less positive contact with her causing her to regress and become even more depressive. Unfortunately today we don’t always give the mental therapy that is needed to help elder people and leave them to suffer emotionally. I think she will eventually deteriorate at a faster pace and increase chances of premature death. What do you do? No one wants to go the extra mile to help these individuals and some nursing homes hire people who really don’t care and certainly don’t want to get bitten. Sad. So much of the medical profession is geared to making money and not in the quality and quantity of valued caring. What are the Emotional effects of discriminatory practice? Emotional effects of discriminatory practice are that individuals become stressed, for example as a result of being bullied. Also they can find themselves becoming more emotional with feelings of anger and frustration. These in all cause the individual to become upset which can in some cases remain a constant emotion that doesn’t seem to disappear.

The Facts About Prostate Cancer †Biology Research Paper

The Facts About Prostate Cancer – Biology Research Paper Free Online Research Papers The Facts About Prostate Cancer Biology Research Paper Introduction Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death of American men. Every year, 40 000 men will die due to this cancer. Consequently, there has been much research into the causes and treatments of cancer; however, no one is sure of what causes prostate cancer and why it happens. What is Prostate Cancer? The prostate gland is a small, egg-sized gland located in a man’s pelvis, below the bladder. This gland is responsible for producing a part of the fluid makes up semen. Prostate cancer begins when normal cells in the prostate gland transform into cancer cells; the reason behind this transformation is unknown. Prostate cancer is divided into 4 stages of development. In the first stage, the tumour is isolated within the prostate gland itself, and is hardly detectable. During the second stage, the tumour become noticeable, but is still isolated within the gland. The immediate surrounding organs are affect by the cancerous cells in the third stage. Finally, in the fourth stage, the cancerous cells invade the blood and lymph systems and spread to other parts of the body. Early prostate cancer is not associated with any particular set of symptoms. Some symptoms of late stage prostate cancer include blood in urine and semen, frequent or inability to urinate, pain during urination and ejaculation, and bone pain. Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer The diagnosis for prostate cancer is relatively simple. Many doctors will perform a DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) where a gloved and lubricated hand is inserted into the rectum to feel the shape and size of the prostate. The cancer is noticeable as a bump after the second stage of development. Other methods of testing for prostate cancer include a blood PSA level test. Prostate gland cells produce a protein called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) where they are cancerous or not. Cancerous cells have a tendency to produce more PSA, however, and PSA levels elevate when cancer cells are present. PSA testing is not entirely reliable, largely due to the fact that as men age, the prostate gland increases in size and PSA levels tend to rise. Therefore, PSA testing tends to raise a lot of false alarms. The only actual way to diagnose cancer is through a biopsy. A small tissue of the prostate is obtained and examined for cancer. PSA and DRE tests only indicate if further testing is needed. Treatments of Prostate Cancer There are many ways to treat prostate cancer, ranging from old techniques to recent enhancements. Treatment of prostate cancer usually depends on the stage of cancer and its growth speed. Radiation Therapy One treatment of prostate cancer is through radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, or shrink tumours. Sophisticated computer programs and 3-D images ensure the accurate targeting of tumours. A newer form of radiation therapy is Conformal Proton Beam Radiation Therapy, which uses proton particles instead of energy rays. This form of treatment has a number of side effects, but they usually disappear when the therapy is over. Brachytherapy is another form of radiation treatment where tiny pellets containing radioactive material are implanted into the prostate. In the prostate, they release radioactive waves and kill cancer cells. The implant of these pellets is guided by exact ultrasound techniques. Hormone Therapy Another popular form of treatment is hormone therapy. Hormone therapy does not cure cancer, but it is used to slow the growth of cancer and relieve symptoms of the patients. There are a number of different hormones used in hormone therapy, including estrogen, LH-RH (Leutenizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone) and antiandrogens. These hormones are administered to lower the production of testosterone or block the effect of male hormones on cancer cells, since it is known that male hormones, especially testosterone, has a stimulating effect on the growth of cancer cells. Surgery Surgery is another form of treatment that patients can choose. Surgical removal of the testes, or orchiectomy, can slow the growth of cancer, since the testes produce the bulk of testosterone. Like hormone therapy, the removal of testes cannot cure cancer. Unlike orchiectomy, surgical removal of the prostate, also known as radical prostatectory, can cure cancer. If the cancer is localized and contained within the prostate, the prostate can be removed to block the spread of cancer cells throughout the body. Advancements in technology have allowed for the reduction of side effects in this form of surgery. Alternative Methods Alternatives to the treatment options mentioned include cryosurgery and chemotherapy. Cryosurgery and chemotherapy aren’t as widely used as radical prostatectory or hormone therapy, because of the damage they can cause to normal cells. Cryosurgery is the treatment of localized cancer by freezing and destroying the prostate. There is renewed interest in this area, due to the technological advancements. Previously, there had been concerns of the damage to surrounding organs, since the freezing process involved temperatures as low as -195?C. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to destroy cells. Drugs enter the body and destroy cells that divide rapidly, such as cancer cells. The problem with chemotherapy is that the drugs have no way of identifying cancer cells from normal body cells. Consequently, normal body cells may be affected, and chemotherapy is not as popular. Recent Findings Researchers are still trying to develop new and effective ways of diagnosing and treating cancer because of the unreliability of PSA testing and inadequate treatment options for many patients. In fact, recent research has found potential additions to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Since PSA testing is still largely unreliable, there have been attempts to create a new test for diagnosing the disease. Researchers have found that cancer cells have 20 genes that are over-expressed. Roughly 95% of more than 300 prostate tissue samples with cancer contained the genes, and with the genes a specific protein. The protein, a-methyl-CoA racemase, or AMACR, could prove to be a useful addition to current diagnosing tools, if it turns out to be more accurate and reliable than PSA testing. AMACR has also been found in other types of cancer, such as breast, bladder, and lung cancer, suggesting that AMACR could be used in diagnosing those types of cancer as well. In addition, scient ists have succeeded in tracking the spread of prostate cancer in mice by using firefly proteins to light up tumours. By developing a virus-vector that targets cancer cells based on expressions of PSA, scientists were able to isolate prostate cancer cells in mice. The virus-vector contains firefly genes that produce a glowing protein in the presence of PSA. As a result, even small tumours glowed in the mice. Using this vector, scientists could theoretically deliver toxic genes to the cancer cells after isolating them; however, complications arise – the cameras that detect the light in mice cannot be used in humans. Therefore, the use of this virus-vector on humans could be delayed. Conclusion Although prostate cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, all this new development and research can only mean hope for patients. The existing techniques and the emergence of the new may mean that prostate cancer could be conquered in the near future. One can only hope that this dream will come to pass, precipitated by the amazing technological advancements of our time. 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What to Say When a Job Interviewer Asks You Who Are You Voting For

What to Say When a Job Interviewer Asks You Who Are You Voting For As we near Election Day, in what many people believe is one of the most controversial elections in recent memory, political discussion  is undoubtedly going to make it’s way into your workplace- causing some very heated political debates. But what do you do when it  enters your job interview? It’s common knowledge that you should probably not talk  to new acquaintances about politics, religion, or sex. These topics, especially politics, can be very flammable. But what if a hiring manager begins to discuss their favorite candidate and asks you who you’re voting for?In this scenario, it’s best to be prepared. Here are three routes you can take to keep yourself out of hot water.Offer a Noncommittal ResponseMaybe  tell the interviewer that the entire discussion has so much controversy, you’ve chosen to stand on the sidelines and not get involved. This signals to the interviewer that you do not feel comfortable answering his/her question, and the conversation will most likely end it there. If not, you may want to consider a different employer.Keep it LightheartedYou can also take the route of humor and diplomacy. Some options include:â€Å"I plead the fifth.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"I’d back anyone in favor of world peace, but that’s probably not happening for a while.†Ã¢â‚¬  I think if the candidates stop attacking each other, we’d all have a better understanding of their policies. Until then, I’m not entirely sure.†Change the ConversationSometimes the best way to respond is to simply transition away from the topic. The less talk about politics, the better. You can even use it as an opportunity to showcase who you look up to.â€Å"This election has been a challenging one for so many reasons. But one issue that has stood out is the issue of leadership. Professionally, I’m always looking for leaders who do X and Y.†Ã¢â‚¬Å"This election is filled with so much polarity, which is the opposite of what I love about so many companies that emphasize team building and working together. How much does your company emphasize this?†Try a Neutral ResponseIf your interviewer goes on about how much they like a certain candidate, you can give them neutral acknowledgement. This will steer the conversation back on track, and you’ll be able to discover more about the company’s management and leadership. Simple body language, like a couple of nods, would suffice. Alternatively, you can try some of these options:â€Å"I can see what you mean†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬Å"I hadn’t pictured it that way†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hmm.. interesting†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Your ideal strategy is to steer the conversation to business and the job interview at hand. If the interviewer seems determined to continue the political conversation, take this as an opportunity to evaluate their emotional intelligence. Are they ranting? Angry? Do they challenge you unnecessarily? All of these fact ors may give you an idea as to your compatibility with that workplace.Your best approach is to remain professional, calm, and diplomatic. Pay attention to the reaction you get as you try to shift gears. This will tell you everything you need to know about whether the company is right for you.Source: [Business Insider]Image Source: [CBS News]

Business Unleashed from A More Perfect Union Essay

Business Unleashed from A More Perfect Union - Essay Example From the issues of evolution, we find out how various forms of past occurrences managed to evolve into currently more sophisticated forms. The brain of mankind, managed to undergoes a transition that saw to it being more powerful and enabled mankind to develop the ingenious inventions which have transformed the world. By looking at the challenges made in the past, decisions could be made basing on these challenges. Solutions resulting from these decisions end up making the whole world a better place (Lasker 41). History created in the USA (United States of America) when president Barrack Obama became the first ever black president. Critics argued that his speeches were the catch point and what made him as famous. Through his eloquence, he was able to move masses, he was able to convince and influence the masses into thinking in line with his beliefs. Ronald Reagan came to be in February 1911. He went to college at Eureka College. He got his first job as the radio sports announcer and further proceeded to Hollywood that was in 1937. As an actor he made seen in fifty films and given the post in the movie as the president of the United Sates of America twice. During the 1950’s he further became a spokesman and worked for General Electric Co. He changed his political ambitions gradually from a democrat who was liberal to the republican who was conservative (Boller 87). He was later elected as the California governor in the year 1966 and successfully went for two terms. The current president Jimmy Cater in 1980 was succeeded by Ronald Reagan as Reagan was sworn in as the president of the United States of America in 1981. Immediately after being sworn as the president of the United States, he was assassinated and in the event endured some wounds. The reign of President Ronald Reagan adopted the aspect of the supply side economists. This was an attempt to try and encourage and initiate a rapid economical growth in the

The Use of the Draft by the United States of America Thesis Proposal - 1

The Use of the Draft by the United States of America - Thesis Proposal Example The nation has paid a price for this in terms of the efficacy of its military actions and the results of the military interventions forced on it as the keeper of world peace. It is well past the time when the policy of an all-volunteer army is revisited, and the draft at 18 is reinstated for the peace in the world and satisfaction of achieving responsibilities felt at home. The demise of the Soviet Union has raised the stakes of the U.S. as the sole military and economic superpower in the eyes of the world, with the added responsibility of providing freedom and justice and maintaining peace in the world. Such a pragmatic vision was held out by the Presidential candidate George W. Bush in 1999, â€Å"For America, this is a time of unrivaled military power, economic promise, and cultural influence† (Campbell & O’Hanlon, 2006, p.28). The new millennium was to witness this drive in terms of national security and responsibility to the world. Citizens of the U.S.A have never fought a war on their land for the mere safety of family, home and country, save during the War of Independence to remove the yoke of colonialism. During the War of Independence, there was no requirement for conscription, as men believed it was their obligation, as bravery and valor flowed in their blood. The all-volunteer army is a reflection of the erosion in such values and the belief that military service is an obligation of the men of the nation (Bailey, 2009). Opposing the draft and support for the all-volunteer army reinforces the consideration that the present generation has gone soft with easy living. Do we want our wives to wake up one morning with the realization that her husband sleeping next to her is a coward, unwilling to fight to protect her children, home, and country? Or do we want our children to grow up to the realization that we were yellow-livered chickens? Let’s shed our looking for the easy way of life and demonstrate a willingness to be responsible for family and home, not merely in materialistic things, but also in true values and principles, built on the blood of our forefathers.

Breyer Meat Packing Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Breyer Meat Packing Case Study - Essay Example 14). Awareness of the details surrounding the cumulative trauma disorder would assist in informing the employees and the employer that â€Å"carpal tunnel syndrome is the disorder most commonly reported for this industry and is caused by repeated bending of the wrist combined with gripping, squeezing, and twisting motions. A swelling in the wrist joint causes pressure on a nerve in the wrist. Early symptoms of the disease are tingling sensations in the thumbs and in the index and middle fingers. Experience has shown that if workers ignore these symptoms, sometimes misdiagnosed as arthritis, they could experience permanent weakness and numbness in the hand coupled with severe pain in the hands, elbows, and shoulders† (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, N.D., par. 15). Question #2:  Ã‚  Assume  OSHA is  applicable.   Provide two (2) specific  recommendations to address the issue.

Development of Luxury Products: Montblanc

Development of Luxury Products: Montblanc Dissertation subject: a. Montblanc. Its development in the luxury industry OK b. The Montblancs brand extension in the luxury industry OK c. Montblanc brand: from a specialised luxury brand to a global luxury brand 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Dissertation issue / key question: a. Did Montblanc, a specialised luxury brand in the writing instrument segment, extend its perception of luxury brand to its other product categories? OK b. Has Montblanc, a specialised luxury brand in the writing instrument segment, been successful in extending this perception to its other product categories? 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Literature review: a. Definition of luxury: * Different points of view * Key words/concepts (to be tested in the survey) b. Definition of luxury brand c. Concept of diversification strategy: * Objectives * Types * Drivers to be successful (consumer perception / reaction) * Performance (to which extent) * Montblanc:    strategic diagnosis (SBU) d. Brand extension    Luxury brand perception: * (How to measure it? Consumers reaction) 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The research: a. Key question: can a specialised luxury brand extend its perception of luxury brand to other product categories? The case of the Montblanc brand.Today, is Montblanc a global luxury brand (not anymore a specialised luxury brand)? Therefore how was it possible? Well know reputation in its core business (for quality, design, social status) and the choice of neighbouring segments. b. Hypothesis: Montblanc is today an established global luxury brand. Montblanc is a clear example of a successful brand extension. How was it possible? (Reputation, tradition, quality, Montblanc extended its way of doing business based on quality and style next to its outstanding reputation in its historical core business) 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The research: a. Objective: To prove that Montblanc has been able, in a relatively short time, to become a global luxury brand. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The research method: a. Which is the information to be collected in order to answer the issue discussed within our work and to verify the hypothesis?    the consumers perception of the Montblanc brand (the only boss) and the point of view of the Montblancs managers (figures on diversification mix, and resources allocated) b. How to collect the data (survey, interviews)? c. Which is the pitch of the research? Luxury sector, Montblanc and its major competitors in jewellery / watches / leather categories, luxury brand current and potential consumers. Becker, Howard S. (1998), Tricks of the trade, How to think about your research while youre doing it, The University of Chicago Press. 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Analysis of the research findings: a. Analyse and understand the collected data    as usually it helps identify some factors that may answer our issue, although often these elements are not complete b. Criticise the research method and its limits (limited sample) 8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conclusion: a. Buyers of Montblanc products (not only writing instruments): confirm the hypothesis b. Buyers of only Montblanc writing instruments    to gain tradition in watch and jewellery segments requires times although a good quality but not impossible c. Montblancs managers: good results so far. Recommendations: a. Montblanc has to go on investing in its diversification strategy because failing in doing so would be highly risky for its brand perception among the final consumers. Could Montblanc extend its perception to other product categories? Not right now: low resources and need to be definitively established as a luxury brand in key categories such as watches and jewellery. Write: * la probl ©matique involves the key question, the hypothesis of the research and the elements / factors which will help to develop the chosen subject.This first part includes the definition of the subject, the review of the literature (plus bibliography), the question, the hypothesis and the method of the research other than the action plan. * Final dissertation: develop the different topics without any linking parts, add these linking parts, further develop underestimated parts and cut what is useless. Add the table of contents, bibliography, appendix, etc. Executive Summary * The research and its Interest * The key question and the hypothesis * Research method * Major findings * Conclusion * Recommendations The purpose of this research paper is to investigate if and how a specialised luxury brand can extend its perception of luxury brand to other products categories. Being the luxury industry so wide of dimensions, the researcher decided to focus on one specific brand: Montblanc. This choice permitted to closer define the pitch of the analysis in order to carry out a reliable and feasible research that might prove the success of the diversification strategy pursued by the Montblanc brand. Montblanc represents, indeed, an interesting case study to show how the diversification strategy can be an effective tool to increase the luxury brand perception among the final customers. Montblanc, market leader for what concerns the writing instruments, has been striving during the last few years to definitively become a global luxury brand. To do so, Montblanc entered many different segments of the luxury world, such as leather, watches, fragrance and eyewear in the last â‚ ¬Ã‹Å"90s and the silver jewellery at the beginning of the 21st century. Moreover, a couple of years ago, Montblanc stepped forward into the fine jewellery business which is seen as the critical step in its strategic development to attain the full status of global luxury brand. In order to verify how the Montblanc brand is viewed and perceived in its competitive environment, the researcher adopted both a quantitative and a qualitative research method. On one hand, a customer survey consisted of XXX questions was developed. This survey submitted to actual and potential customers had the objective to impartially investigate the customer perception of the Montblanc brand. On the other hand, in-depth interviews with some Montblancs managers were carried out. The interviewed, who represented different levels of the Montblancs management, allowed the researcher to gain a full picture of the Montblanc brand and its strategic movements. Moreover the direct comparison with the Montblancs management was important to identify on which resources and competences the final recommendations could be based. For practical purposes, this study can be divided in five major parts: 1. the first part outlines the theme and the key question of the research paper; 2. the second part concerns the review of the literature as regards the following points: the definition of luxury and of luxury brands, some approaches to measure the brand perception / the reasons why people buy luxury goods (status-laden or conspicuousness-laden), and the diversification strategy. This part will be concluded with an in-depth analysis of the Montblanc brand; 3. the third part gives a fulfilling view of the undertaken research with particular attention to the objective, the hypothesis and the research method; 4. the fourth part covers the relevant findings coming from the analysis of the research results; 5. the last part presents the conclusions of the study and the researchers final recommendations to the brand. The theme of the research paper Luxury and the Montblanc brand gives an important insight of the key constructs at the core of the work. In first position one finds the term luxury whose meaning and definition are almost fuzzy. It is the reason why, this work will examine some important findings coming up from the literature so wide in this respect, at the end of which some major traits of the definition of luxury will be underlined. Especially, the literature review will cover the evolution of the definition of luxury all along the recent history. To be noticed that, the construct of luxury will be also investigated in the survey submitted to the final customers and also in the interviews to the Montblancs management and other practitioners of the luxury industry. This research, carried out by exploring both the customers and the professionals point of view, enriches the research itself and helps to get a good understanding of the major characteristics emerging nowadays about this fascinating concept. To be clarified that this study, focusing on the Montblanc brand, is related to a part of the luxury market such as t he accessories, jewellery and watches segments. The second part of the theme of this study is represented by three words: the Montblanc brand. This recalls two topics. The first one refers to the term brand. By revising the literature, a definition of brand will be proposed. In this respect, there are not important doubts and we will briefly comment the definition of brand recently provided by Jevons (2007). Nevertheless, some issues may arise for the definition of luxury brand which is obviously related to the construct of luxury. The expression the Montblanc brand as a whole, moreover, puts the attention on the leader German brand whose unmistakable star logo is worldwide the icon of quality and excellence. As previously said, the researcher chose a specific brand to be able to concretely study the fundamental question of his research paper that will be clarified in the next lines. To be noticed that the two parts of the theme title luxury and the Montblanc brand are tied up by the conjunction and that underlines the strict link between luxury and the Montblanc brand. Nevertheless, this link requires a further consideration because it can be misleading if not misunderstood. Which is the real mean of this linkage? There are no doubts that Montblanc is a luxury brand; but is it a specialised luxury brand or a global luxury brand? This question is strictly connected to the core issue of this master thesis. More precisely, the driver question is if a specialised luxury brand can extend its perception of luxury brand to other product categories. In order to answer this key issue, the researcher chose to study a well-known brand which has been pursuing a diversification strategy to become a global luxury brand. The construct of diversification strategy will be explained from a literature point of view. Moreover, an in-depth analysis of the Montblanc brand and its strategic business areas will be undertaken by applying some tools learned during the studies at the ESCP Europe especially during the modules of strategy and of strategic diagnostic. This becomes fundamental to better understand in which kind of diversification strategy Montblanc is engaged and to give a wide knowledge to the reader about the brand itself. To conclude, herein the reasons why the student chose this theme for his master thesis. There are three major reasons bringing to this choice. The first one refers to the luxury world. The construct of luxury, albeit widely analysed in the literature, remains somehow mysterious. Today, the definition of luxury is strongly evolving mainly due to the economic uncertainty mostly caused by the financial crisis of 2008. Therefore, although the probability to uniquely define luxury is very low if not nil, the challenge to better understand what luxury is/means/represents/is perceived nowadays represents to the researcher a great topic of interest. His interest in luxury is also nourished by the will to work in this sector in the upcoming future. This surely stems from the professional experiences made by the student as part of his studies within companies (Montblanc and Concord) operating in the jewellery, watches and accessories segments. Indeed, during these experiences, the student was impressed by this world rather mysterious where the care of the smallest detail makes a huge difference. The second reason concerns the Montblanc brand. The researcher had the chance to work for five months at Montblanc International, at the Headquarter in Hamburg within the Jewellery Category Department, and for three months at Montblanc UK, in London within the Retail Department. During this extremely positive experience, the student discovered in-depth this fascinating brand, from its tradition to its vision, from a strategic and more operational point of view. Surely the experience personally gained at Montblanc became highly useful in the development of the research and mainly in the analysis of the brand and of its strategy. Moreover the ongoing meetings/interviews with the Montblancs management had a double advantage. On one hand, it enriched the content of the study and on the other hand helped the student maintain the contacts with a firm that is at the top of his personal ranking of his employment research. The third reason concerns the strategic aspect behind this theme. Indeed, the diversification strategy pursued by Montblanc offered to the student the possibility to develop this construct often used/abused by luxury brands to extend their perception of luxury and, as a consequence, to finally increase their revenues. The diversification strategy has often been the object of strong discussions, mainly for what regards the results of pursuing this strategy and the ways of implementing it. This work has got the objective to rationalise the different types of diversification strategy and to investigate this theoretical concept on a concrete case study, thanks to the study of the Montblanc brand. This research will focus on the key factors of success or failure standing from the analysis of the diversification strategy pursued by Montblanc. Did Montblanc, a specialised luxury brand in the writing instrument segment, extend its perception of luxury brand to its other product categories? This key question gives a stricter view on the content of this research paper. This study will focus on the strategic development of a specialised luxury brand as Montblanc was/is in the writing instrument segment since its origin. In detail, the research has got the purpose to investigate how the Montblanc brand is nowadays perceived from the final customers. The findings coming up from the customer survey will help the researcher evaluate if the Montblanc brand is still perceived as a specialised luxury brand or if its image has developed to the status of a global luxury brand. The customers responses represent indeed the most reliable feedback to assess the degree of success of the diversification strategy pursed by Montblanc in the last years which has brought the brand to operate in relevant luxury segments such as leather, watches, fragrance, eyewear and jewellery next to the historical business area of writing instruments. At a second stage, the customers responses will be compared with the Montblanc managements point of view in order to verify if some discrepancies exist. This step is important to get a full picture of the Montblanc brands standing. Then, after an accurate presentation of the research, the student will point out the major findings in order to draw his conclusions about his study. The conclusions will include the major factors of the diversification strategy pursed by Montblanc to extend its perception of luxury brand to other segments in the luxury industry, in addition to the fields of improvement coming out of the research. Finally this research paper will present the students recommendations which will take into account the strategic objectives standing out from the interviews with the Montblancs management and also the Montblanc brand perception outlined by the customer survey. In the next pages, the student will study, by starting from the literature review, some key concepts at the core of this research paper which include: * the definition of luxury and its evolution; * the definition of luxury goods; * the definition of brand and of luxury brands; * briefly the different approaches to measure the brand perception among the final customers.> the reasons why people buy luxury goods (status or conspicuousness); * and the presentation of the diversification strategy: the objectives, the different types, the advantages and the drawbacks, the risks, and the key success factors. The literature review, as said, will be completed by the contextualisation of these constructs to the Montblanc brand. At this stage the Montblanc brand will be studied in order to give all the required basics to launch the following research. In order to better define the constructs at the core of this research paper that will give the background of the following research, an in-depth literature review will be made. Four major concepts will be discussed thanks to the support of different literature material which includes insights from books, articles, management and fashion websites and personal references in terms of power point presentations, excel documents and excel files. The activity of research consisted mainly in going through the databases accessible from the Intranet at ESCP Europe in order to directly access to a wide range of reference material. The definition of luxury The first part of the literature review regards the construct of luxury. Luxury has always been a central field of research. Indeed its specific characteristics have attracted the interest of the researchers all along the history. However, albeit the meaning of luxury is widely discussed in the literature, researchers did not come up with a commonly accepted definition of this construct. For sure, it is not possible to uniquely define luxury. Simply, the words do not seem to be able to describe what luxury means. In this respect, the literature leaves this concept shrouded in mystery. This research paper will face the definition of luxury by going through different steps. At the beginning some different definitions of luxury will be put forward by touching its literal and economic meaning, and also by exploring some philosophical and social interpretations. Then, an interesting brief explanation of the etymology of the term luxury will be presented. Afterwards, the history of luxury will be outlined before entering in more detailed considerations regarding the notions of old and new luxury. At the end of this first part, the student will show the latest development of the luxury construct by getting important insights from the practitioners point of view founded in articles related to the luxury world. Literal definition of luxury Websters Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913): Anything which pleases the senses, and is also costly, or difficult to obtain; an expensive rarity.'[1] [2] Economic definition of luxury Mason (81): Un produit est consid ©r © comme luxueux si l ©lasticit © de la demande par rapport au revenu est sup ©rieure    1. Philosophers definition of luxury Paul Iribe (1932): Luxe: besoin qui commence o ¹ finit la n ©cessit ©.'[3] Voltaire (1694-1778): Superflu chose tr ¨s n ©cessaire. Jaime le luxe et m ªme la mollesse. Rousseau: Le luxe doit  ªtre rejet © car il est contraire aux exigences de la nature. Sociology researchers definition of luxury Bourdieu (79,84): Comme tout acte de consommation, lachat dune marque de luxe est un moyen daffirmer sa position sociale, de faire croire    un changement de position ou prouver un changement de position sociale. Tout d ©pend du r ´le que lindividu joue ou pense jouer au sein de son groupe de r ©f ©rence. Baudrillard (68): Lacc ¨s au luxe est d ©termin © par une volont © sociale de se distinguer, de se d ©marquer ou bien encore de saffilier    un groupe. Suivant le groupe social auquel la personne se r ©f ¨re, le luxe aura une signification diff ©rente. Maffesoli (96): Lanalyse du luxe par le prisme des classes ne prend pas en compte le resserrement des individus autour de groupes restreints, de tribus. La consommation devient alors un plaisir personnel et intime, sans volont © ostentatoire. Management researchers definition of luxury Gutsatz M. (96): Le luxe comprend deux niveaux de repr ©sentation. Le premier niveau est mat ©riel, il comprend le produit et la marque (son histoire, son identit ©, son savoir faire unique, le talent). Le second niveau est psychologique. Il sagit de repr ©sentations qui nous sont propres, influenc ©s par notre milieu social et les valeurs de la marque. Roux E. (91): La marque de luxe se caract ©rise par une valeur ajout ©e symbolique, imaginaire ou sociale qui la diff ©rencie des autres. La marque de luxe correspond ainsi aux besoins symboliques que le consommateur peut ressentir (par opposition aux besoins fonctionnels ou de vari ©t ©). Laurent G., Dubois B. (95): Le luxe est subjectif, personnel et perceptuel. Si lon cherche    d ©terminer les attributs caract ©risant un produit de luxe, 6 dimensions apparaissent : Une qualit © sup ©rieure et per §ue, un prix  ©lev ©, une s ©lectivit © et une raret © des produits et de la distribution, un pouvoir attractif important un savoir faire certain et la non n ©cessit ©. Practitioners definition of luxury Coco Chanel: Le luxe est le contraire de la vulgarit ©. Boucheron A.: Le luxe est une  « mayonnaise  » constitu ©e de diff ©rents ingr ©dients. Si lun dentre-eux manque ou est mal dos ©, la mayonnaise tourne. Le luxe est un concept et non un produit.[4] Jean-Louis Dumas-Herm ¨s, historic Chairman and CEO of Herm ¨s: [5] Just by analysing these few definitions of luxury, one can notice the absolute subjectivity of this concept. It stands out that luxury has got a close linkage with pleasure, rarity, exclusivity, quality, high price tag. Economists define luxury as something which is unnecessary, statement which would be probably argued by some studies on the consumers reasons to buy luxury. For someone (Rousseau) luxury should even be avoided because it is not a primary need of the human being. Luxury is something that belongs to the inner part of each individual but it can be also highly other-oriented. By wearing or experiencing luxury items, an individual expresses his own personality and can show his social status and position in the community. The fact is that luxury is probably a bit of everything, a perfect trade off of opposite concepts. This makes luxury a kind of mystery. After this round-up, the study will briefly present the etymology of the term luxury before briefing touching the historical evolution of luxury. Etymology of word luxury According to Dubois, Czellar and Laurent (2005) the English term[6] luxury is derived from the Latin luxus, which, according to the Oxford Latin Dictionary, it signifies soft or extravagant living, (over-)indulgence and sumptuousness, luxuriousness, opulence; luxus also means sensuality, splendour and its derivative luxuria is extravagance, riot etc. Merriam-Websters Dictionary defines luxuriance as something characterized by richness and extravagance, often tending to excess. The word luxury is also often semantically associated with lux the Latin word for light; therefore, luxury carries connotations of brightness. It is glittering and, in addition, it is something visible. The evolution of luxury Until the Middle Ages the writings point out that luxury was the reflection of the religious mystery that drives the human being to go beyond himself driven by an offer or a sign. But the heyday of luxury is without any doubt the Renaissance (15th and 16th century), flourishing period for literature, art and science. This period reflects the explosion of luxury, vogue of the ostentatious architecture coming from Italy. At that time, luxuries are exclusive items belonging to the aristocracy and the court. During the Renaissance luxury becomes the prerogative of the bourgeoisie. During the 18th and 19th century luxury remains exclusive of the  ©lite. The 20th century signs an important step in the evolution of luxury. Mainly after the Second World War luxury becomes almost conformist, not extravagant or eccentric. In the â‚ ¬Ã‹Å"80s, the focus is on the luxury consumer; in this time, younger period discover luxury thanks to the accessories. At the end of this decade, there is the boom of luxury for what concerns the distribution channel development. The major players widen their reach by exploiting the markets where they are present and even by entering new markets. At the beginning of the â‚ ¬Ã‹Å"90s, the crisis that hit also the luxury industry, pushed to rethink the concept of luxury that gained a higher spiritual/moral meaning in addition to the impeccable quality.[7] Old-luxury vs New-luxury With the 21st century, new terms about luxury are emerging in the practitioners literature. For the purpose of this research paper, in the next few lines some considerations will be made on the expression of old luxury in opposition to new luxury in order to clarify their meaning. Some practitioners argue that old luxury is about the good itself and is defined by the company, in opposition to This seems to trace a clear line between the two concepts: old luxury is about the material thing, it is about stuff. Instead, new luxury is about experiencing. Nowadays, it seems evident that old luxury cannot anymore survive. The high quality of luxury products is assumed by consumers who are looking forward for something more. In our time, luxury is increasingly defined as those special qualities, features and attributes intrinsic to a product and that go beyond the item itself. According to Ms. Danziger (2008)[9], the product itself does not anymore create personal fulfilment. Today, luxury is in the eye of the beholder and the consumers perceptions are not anymore, exclusively depending on the exceptional quality of luxury products and on the high price tag. This does not mean that the materialism is not important but only that consumers are eager of experiences. Therefore, as a consequence, a shift from product-centric to consumer-centric point of view becomes inevitable to attract luxury consumers. The needed clarification of old luxury and new luxury concepts will become also useful when the study will discuss the definition of luxury brands and in the research of the consumers perception of the Montblanc brand which will lead to the students recommendations at the end of this research paper. At this point, it becomes interesting to see how the todays definition of luxury has evolved in the light of the recent events occurred in autumn 2008 which had an important impact on the entire economy and, therefore, also on the luxury industry. Todays definition of luxury ppt vale, crisis, bling bling, tradition, According to Yeoman and McMahon (2005), luxury is incredibly fluid, and changes dramatically across time and culture'[10]. This opinion becomes very much clear by thinking if the meaning of todays definition of luxury is the same definition of luxury of just eighteen months ago. Today it is even harder to give an accurate definition of luxury. After the financial crisis, culminated with the bankruptcy of some key players in the real estate and banking industry which caused a chain reaction hitting all the other sectors, the perception of luxury has surely changed, at least to a certain extent. This critical point merits further considerations and, therefore, it will be investigated in the following research at the core of this study. In the next lines some leaders opinions in luxury will be presented. Some of these thoughts were collected in a confidential in-depth research carried out at the beginning of 2009, supplied by Montblancs management. They will introduce the students point of view about the sharp evolution of luxury meaning in the last months. Herein, some comments about the change of luxury construct in the last year. S. Toledano, Dior: Compulsive shopping, its over. M. Nieto, Baume Mercier: Price sensitivity is coming back fiercely. C. Binkley, The Wall Street Journal: Its bling over J. Rupert, Richemont: During a recession, Im sure consumers will choose solid values. B. Pavlowski, Chanel: Dont neglect any aspect of the product quality. R. Palti, Le Nouvel Economiste: Many markets are saturated and there is an increasing number of offers proposing the same service. Finding what will best meet the clients expectations is no easy task. And yet, in these days of economic, financial ( lack of confidence) crisis, there is not a single company that can afford not to satisfy its clients, even just to sell. B. Arnault, LVMH[11]: post-recovery customers will not only place a particular emphasis on values like quality and craftsmanship, but also on exclusivity and commitment to social and environmental responsibility. D. Dion, Sorbonne University: Luxury has to return to its exclusive and extraordinary roots. B. Fornas, Cartier: We are witnessing a return to true luxury and high end luxury products, which Cartier symbolises. JC Biver, Hublot: When there is a crisis, it is necessary to get as close as possible to ones clients to better understand them, to reassure them and to make in due time the right decisions. S. Toledano, Dior: There should be both empathy and connivance between the brand and the client. A. Ahrendts, Burberry: Even though the overall market may become difficult, I think that retailers and customers are always open to a new innovative idea or a new exciting concept. Jeffry M. Aronsson, Donna Karan: luxury is attention to detail and quality backed by superior service.'[12] B. Pavlowski, Chanel: One should keep investing in creation. D. Peters, Jewelers of America: Selling in challenging times is not about product and its not about price. Rather, its about people and relationships, and the quality of the customer experience. J. Taylor, Harrison: The definition of living well is changing. There is a desire to not stand out. If youre laying people off, you dont want to buy a Ferrari. S. Geary, Mulberry: In the coming months, the mood will be against that â‚ ¬Ã‹Å"blind consumption. A. Arnault, LVMH: The collection focused on elegance and discretion and used materials that were noble but not too visibly noble. Giorgio Armani: Those who deliver what they promise to their customers, and bear their customers in mind, will survive the current economic climate. After this round-up, some further considerations have to be made. At our time, some relevant trends can be observed in luxury. These trends have an important impact on todays interpretation/ perception of luxury. Increasing of price sensitivity is one of them. In time of crisis, luxury sector is one of the most negatively affected due to the nature itself of luxury products. According to Maslows pyramid, luxury products do not belong to the first steps of the human beings needs (phy