Auditing of Smackey Dog Foods, Inc Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Auditing of Smackey Dog Foods, Inc - Term Paper Example The paper tells that U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has an influence in setting the GAAP principles, i.e. ‘Generally Accepted Accounting Principles’ and thus can have a substantial impact over the auditing process to be taken into consideration while reviewing the financial disclosures of Smackey Dog Foods, Inc. From an overall point of view, it plays a vital role in assisting the auditing process involving the financial statements of Smackey Dog Foods, Inc by specifying and reporting requirements necessary for the fair disclosure of accounting. Hence, SEC can assist Smackey Dog Foods, Inc by maintaining orderly, fair & efficient markets and also help in the process of capital formation. SEC can also help Smackey Dog Foods, Inc plan its future expansion and growth strategies ensuring sufficient return to the investors and stakeholders as well. In addition, SEC assists the investors in decision-making and the auditors by generating awareness regarding the v arious legal treatments to be noted while executing the auditing process to ensure a just accounting disclosure which can have certain direct implications on the audit in Smackey Dog Foods, Inc. The essential activities involved in the initial planning of an audit entail certain steps. The first step is the deciding part where the auditor decides whether to serve the new client. Notably, considering the fact that this decision should be taken at an early stage before any significant cost is incurred, Keller CPA will focus on the current situation faced by Smackey Dog Foods Inc. Identification of the need of audit in any organization is also a part of initial planning. To avoid misunderstanding, the audit engagement process will be discussed with the client. With this regards, Keller CPA had sent his staffers, Ben and Maureen, to Smackey Dog Foods Inc. for the audit engagement. The auditor requires independence to perform his work taking into account that there should be no managemen t integrity issues in the organization (American Institute of CPAs, 2012). Question 3: Discuss The 4 Stages Of The Audit and The Major Activities Performed By The Auditor In Each Phase. Give An Example of How Each of these Specifically Applies to the Smackey Dog Food, Inc Audit. For Instance, Examine The Apparent Internal Control Weaknesses and Possible Negative Outcome of Each. The four stages of the audit are Preliminary review, Audit Report, Fieldwork, and Planning. In the planning phase the research and data gathering is done for the audit process. The research and data may contain the prior audit files, board policies, financial reports, administrative regulations, shared audit programs, internet sites and job descriptions among others. A meeting is fixed to introduce what may occur in the audit, the internal auditor meets the desired person from the department to identify the issues, and special areas of concern. Preliminary Review: In the preliminary review the existing contr ol composition will be assessed and evaluated to make the necessary variations in the audit scope draft, program, and questionnaires. Keller CPA will also review the internal control formation of the department by using different kinds of tools and methods to gather and evaluate data about the operation. This will help to ensure about the areas of high risk and to design a program to work in the fieldwork stage. Fieldwork: In this phase auditor will perform transactions and logical reviews, and further relevant information required for the audit. The internal controls of Smackey Dog Foods Inc. are to be recognized during the preliminary review which is being operated and is being determined by Keller CPA. The audit program is to be reviewed to ensure that procedures described within are appropriate

The Importance Of Gunshot Residue As Evidence

The Importance Of Gunshot Residue As Evidence Gunshot residue is made of particles that form when gasses coming out of a gun hit a surface and instantly cool and condense. The presence or absence of gunshot residue can suggest whether a person fired the weapon or was the victim. There are many tests to show whether or not gunshot residue is present on a surface. The techniques and methods of testing have gotten much more scientifically advanced and more sensitive to minor details. There have also been many experiments to disprove the concerns of gunshot residue testing, such as false positives, transferability, and destruction of evidence. These facts alone disprove many of the arguments that gunshot residue is unreliable and should not be used as a source of evidence. Strengths and Importance of Gunshot Residue as Evidence in Court Cases Firearms are not a rare commodity in the United States, or the world for that matter, and so a basic understanding of what happens when the trigger of a gun is pulled is necessary. Many people know that when the trigger of a weapon is pulled the hammer strikes the back of the bullet casing, which ignites the primer, and creates pressure and heat in the barrel. This pressure buildup is what propels the projectile down the barrel and towards wherever the gun is pointing. The knowledge of what else comes out of the barrel and what happens with it that is not quite as well known. When the primer is struck, the intense heat causes the chemicals in the primer to vaporize and get mixed in with the gasses that are building up. When the projectile is pushed out of the barrel the gasses and the burning and unburned grains of gunpowder travel with the bullet. These gasses hit a surface such as the hands of the shooter, the victim, or surface that is being fired at. The gasses then condensate on the surface, leaving particles that are composed of the chemicals in the primer. This condensation of chemicals is referred to as gunshot residue, or GSR (Wolten Nesbitt, 1980). Gunshot residue has been used for many years as a source of evidence to not only suggest if a person has fired a gun or how far from a surface a gun was fired, but also if a case was a homicide or a suicide. However, there have been disputes over whether or not GSR is a reliable source of evidence. The points brought up in this argument are that gunshot residue tests can have false positives and false negatives, GSR can be transferred from person to person or surface to surface, and that test results can be different and sometimes inconsistent (Wolten Nesbitt, 1980). Over the years the methods of testing for gunshot residue have dramatically improved and become much more scientific. There are much less false positives due to the increased sensitivity of the tests. Research has been done that shows that even though GSR may transfer, investigators can still tell if a person fired a weapon, or just came in contact with it (DiMaio, 1999). There are also many other uses for gunshot residue analysis other then knowing if a person came in contact with a weapon, such as range determination (Saferstein, 2006). The purpose of this paper is to show the strengths and importance of gunshot residue analysis as substantial evidence in criminal court cases. Literature Review In the detection of GSR, DiMaio (1999) states that scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) has a much higher sensitivity because it uses a scanning electron microscope to view questionable GSR particles at a high magnification. Torre, Mattutino, Vasino, and Robino (2004) agree with using SEM-EDX because the technique can distinguish between GSR and brake lining particles. By using an adhesive lifting method the SEM-EDX is even more effective (Nesbitt, Wessel, Jones, 1976). Bird, Agg, Barnett, and Smith (2007) disagree with the use of SEM-EDX. They say that time resolved x-ray fluorescence should be used. On the topic of transferability of gunshot residue, Gialamas, Rhodes, and Sugarman, (1995) states that police officers are very unlikely to transfer GSR to suspects. Vinokurov, Zeichner, Glattstein, Koffman, Levin, and Rosengarten (2001) agree that GSR is not transferred or destroyed very easily with an experiment on the destruction of GSR due to machine washing or brushing. Havekost, Peters, and Koons (1990) state that the investigator also has to look at where the GSR is located on a person to tell if the particles have been transferred or not. Firing distance determination is a common factor in investigations. Saferstein (2006) states that using the Greiss Test method provides a more contrasted view of GSR on a surface. DiMaio (1999) states that using Greiss Test results can help determine whether a case is a homicide or a suicide. Brazeau and Wong (1997) say that using GSR tests can also help determine whether a bullet wound is an entrance or an exit wound. Discussion Detection Methods Gunshot residue detection tests first came to the United States in 1933 in the form of a paraffin test, which was used by covering the hands with paraffin wax and using a color-changing reagent on the wax. Swabs were used instead of wax starting in 1959, but in the 1980s neutron activation and flameless automatic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) were the methods used most commonly. The above methods were effective for the detection of the three main elemental components in GSR, antimony, barium, and lead, but came up with many false positives and negatives (DiMaio, 1999). The occurrence of false negatives and positives is one of the main reasons that gunshot residue is sometimes considered a risky or an unreliable source of evidence. Since the previous tests only tested for the presence of barium, antimony, and lead, any other substance including those elements had the potential to give a false positive result. Defense attorneys could use these false positives as defense tactics to suppress evidence. In the late 1980s a new GSR test, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX), started to be used. SEM-EDX has a much higher sensitivity, because this technique uses a scanning electron microscope to view questionable GSR particles at a high magnification and look at the size and shape of the particles. After particles are found under the microscope, x-ray waves are used to identify the elements on and inside the particles (DiMaio, 1999). Since SEM-EDX allows a person to look at the size and shape of a particle, GSR particles can be distinguished from other environmental or chemical particles that may also appear on the tested surfaces. Being able to differentiate between sources of particles diminishes the false positives to a very few occurrences, if any. This also means that gunshot residue tests and results cannot be as easily disputed in court. The theory of having less false positives has been tested on different occasions to show that using SEM-EDX makes GSR tests more reliable. Research by Torre et al. (2004) shows the results of tests involving particles and residue from the hands of people who work with automobiles. Particles from the brake linings and other moving parts of a car contain barium, lead, and antimony similar to GSR. This experiment proved that SEM-EDX successfully differentiates between gunshot residue and automobile particles using blind tests, which are tests where the person running using the SEM-EDX does not know where the sample came from (Torre et al., 2004). Other tests and experiments included testing to see if SEM-EDX can differentiate between leaded gasoline, which has particles most similar to GSR, and gunshot residue. The experiment was also done in a blind test fashion and was completely successful in further proving the reliability of SEM-EDX (Nesbitt, Wessel, Jones, 1976). Another positive benefit of the scanning electron microscope tests is the methodology of the collection of the samples that was used. Instead of swabbing the hands an adhesive lift is used (Nesbitt et al., 1976). Since an adhesive lift collects the particles in their relative spots it is possible to determine the ratio of particles in a particular surface area. This gives a more accurate distribution and concentration ratio than swabbing a surface and analyzing the number of particles on the swab. The scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry method allows a much longer testing window from the time the gun was fired. With SEM-EDX positive results can be received up to twelve hours after the shooting (DiMaio, 1999). This is because SEM-EDX combines visual inspection of individual particles as well as a mass calculation of the elemental concentrations. There is also another test that can have positive results for as long as thirty-six to forty-eight hours after the gun was fired. This is done with the trace metal detection technique (TMDT), which uses reagents that change colors under a ultraviolet light after they have come in contact with the elements in GSR (DiMaio, 1999). With the newest technological advances, x-ray fluorescence microscopy allows for an even more precise look at GSR particles. This method uses the excited state of particles due to x-rays and investigators observe these particles underneath high powered microscopes. The particles fluoresce and appear brighter then the surface (Bird, Agg, Barnett, Smith, 2007). The fluorescing particles make the visualization of GSR particles much easier and allows for a more specific determination of the spread of the residue. Destruction and Transferability Some people may say that allowing more time to pass between the firing of the weapon and when the sample is collected is a detrimental thing. The extra time allows people to wash their clothes or hands or try to at least wipe them off. This is another point argued by people who say GSR is unreliable. There is always the possibility that a suspect can wash their hands and clothes after firing a weapon. The fear is that once that has been done that there will no longer be particles left to detect. In the experiment published by Vinokurov, et al. (2001), tests were done on clothes that had been machine-washed and other tests on clothes that had been brushed with another piece of material. The tests showed that even though a majority of the GSR particles had been removed, there were still enough particles in some circumstances to get a positive GSR detection (Vinokurov, et al., 2001). The results of this experiment proved that even though investigators may allow more time before testing, there are still chances that investigators can get results even after evidence is washed. Besides washing clothes and hands, there is also the possibility that GSR particles can be transferred to another person or surface by direct contact, or if a person is within a close distance when a gun is fired. Gunshot residue is easily rubbed off or transferred to someone else, which sometimes can make deciding what really happened difficult, but not impossible. Even though gunshot residue can be found on a person who did not fire a weapon, there will be certain circumstances in order to prove they didnt fire the gun. A person standing within a close range can have GSR on them. Although a person will test positive the location of the GSR and the concentrations will be different then if that person pulled the trigger and fired the weapon. For instance, if a person puts their hand out in self-defense of a shooter, there will be residue found on the palm of the hand in but very little if any on the back of the hand. If the person fired the gun, there would be a high concentration on the back of the hand (Havekost, Peters, Koons, 1990). Another situation is one that has been argued by defense attorneys. Defense attorneys say that the GSR that was found on the suspect could have been transferred from the hands of the police officer that arrested them. In theory, this may sound possible, but most officers do not even touch their gun on a daily basis, let alone fire it. In a study published by Gialamas, Rhodes, and Sugarman (1995) police officers that had not fired their weapon over a certain period of time were tested for gunshot residue. Forty-three officers were tested, and out of those officers twenty-five showed absolutely no particles that even resembled GSR. Seventeen officers were found to have particles similar to GSR, but were only environmental contaminates, and three officers were found to have only one particle of GSR (Gialamas, et al., 1995). Even though a couple of the officers showed a particle of GSR, there would have to be a much higher concentration of particles in order to conclude that that officer had fired a weapon. Even if the officer had a GSR particle on them, although possible, the likelihood of touch transfer is extremely small. Even if that particle did transfer when an officer touched a person, the particle would be in a place inconsistent with firing a weapon, such as the shoulder, wrists, back of the neck, etc. Range Determination Gunshot residue analysis can be used for purposes other then determining if a suspect was holding the gun that was fired. Gunshot residue can be used to determine how far away from an object the gun was when it was fired. This is done by the GSR pattern left on the surface of the target. There are other tests that can be used to better develop and lift the residue pattern from a surface. One of the methods that can be used is the Greiss test. This test involves the use of a chemically treated gelatin-coated photograph paper. The paper transfers the residue pattern by reacting with the nitrates in the gunshot residue. After the pattern is transferred off of the target surface test fires are done to match the spread and distribution of the GSR and determine the relative distance of the shooter (Saferstein, 2006). Since the Greiss test can be used on clothes and other target surfaces this technique suggests that gunshot residue is very valuable in the determination of distance. Using gunshot residue as a distance determination can also help determine whether the case is a homicide or a suicide (DiMaio, 1999). Sometimes a homicide can be staged to look like a suicide, usually by placing the gun in the hands of the victim. By using the gunshot residue pattern to determine the distance of the weapon when fired, investigators can tell whether or not the victim was holding the weapon. It is only physically possible for a human to hold a gun aimed at themself a certain distance away from their own body and still be able to pull the trigger. This distance is directly related to the victims arm length. If the range determination suggests that the distance between the victim and the gun was much greater then the victims arm length, then the crime was more then likely a homicide (DiMaio, 1999). Gunshot residue cannot only be used to determine the distance that the weapon was fired at, but also whether or not a wound is an entrance or an exit wound. A GSR test can be done on the edges of the wound to see if there is residue present (Brazeau Wong, 1997). A medical examiner may need help determining whether a wound is an entrance or an exit in a couple of circumstances. Sometimes a bullet can ricochet off of another object before hitting the target, which can cause the wound to look different then the normal entrance wound. The medical examiner may also consider using a GSR test to determine if the wound is an entrance wound if the projectile has entered and exited the body multiple times due to the way the victims body is positioned (Brazeau Wong, 1997). Another use of gunshot residue tests around the edges of a wound is to see if the wound is in fact from a firearm. Sometimes wounds can look like a gunshot wound but are actually from other sources. One of the sources for wounds that can appear as a gunshot wound is the hole some insects will make while they are feasting and laying eggs on a dead body (Brazeau Wong, 1997). Conclusion There are no two cases that are completely and indisputably the same. That is why each case has to be looked at individually. Investigators need to take the time to evaluate the results of any tests and evidence, including gunshot residue. Just because a gunshot residue comes back negative does not necessarily mean there was never and residue there. The same goes for a positive result, just because a test comes back positive does not necessarily mean that that person was the shooter or held the gun. With all the new advances in the technology used to test for gunshot residue the downfalls and errors previously associated with GSR have almost completely been eliminated. Many different studies and experiments have disproved many of the concerns over the tests and results of GSR tests being unreliable. GSR also has many other helpful uses in solving cases such as distance determination and the difference between a homicide and a suicide. While gunshot residue may have been made out to have many downfalls and disadvantages, and while it is not absolutely accurate, nothing in the scientific world is absolutely error proof, and therefore GSR is extremely helpful and is reliable enough to be considered substantial evidence not only in cases but also in court.

Perceptions of Administrative and Academic Support Services by Student :: essays research papers

Perceptions of Students in MSA Courses â€Å"Perceptions of Administrative and Academic Support Services by Students Taking Courses in the Master of Science in Administration Program† Abstract This paper focuses on the analysis of empirical data relating to the perceptions of students currently enrolled in courses offered in the Masters of Science in Administration (MSA) program at Saint Michael’s College (SMC) in Winooski, Vermont. A survey was designed and administered to 95 students in an effort to capture their perception of the quality of academic and administrative support services available to graduate students. Specific attention was given to the areas of enrollment services, financial services, library services and advising. The subjects generally rated these services somewhere between â€Å"average† and â€Å"excellent†. Comments written-in by subjects provide information that can be used to improve the students’ experience with various MSA Program services. Perceptions of Administrative and Academic Support Services by Students Taking Courses in the Master of Science in Administration Program at Saint Michaels College Customer perception surveys are a means of measuring how customers rate their experience with products or services. The result is a quantitative measure of their levels of satisfaction. By repeating the survey at regular intervals, it can be determined whether customers' perceptions are improving or deteriorating. Based on this information, changes can be made in services and marketing strategies. By later repeating the study, it can be determined how effective the changes have been in improving how a customer rates their experience. In an interview with Paul Olsen, Associate Director, Master of Science in Administration Program, we learned that the MSA program has not conducted a survey of students enrolled in the program to identify levels of satisfaction with services and programs offered. There has been one formal survey of alumni, completed in the spring of 1996 by SMC undergraduates in a Research Methods class (See Appendix D). This survey was conducted to gather information pertaining to overall satisfaction with the graduate program, whether the alumni’s goals and objectives had been met, and demographic data on program alumni. Our team believes that a survey of students currently taking MSA program course could provide information that would be tremendously helpful in assisting the college to assess the efficiency and quality of its services. Our operating premise is that an individual’s first experience with an organization has a direct impact on their long-term impressions and overall senses of connectedness. Therefore, Perceptions of Administrative and Academic Support Services by Student :: essays research papers Perceptions of Students in MSA Courses â€Å"Perceptions of Administrative and Academic Support Services by Students Taking Courses in the Master of Science in Administration Program† Abstract This paper focuses on the analysis of empirical data relating to the perceptions of students currently enrolled in courses offered in the Masters of Science in Administration (MSA) program at Saint Michael’s College (SMC) in Winooski, Vermont. A survey was designed and administered to 95 students in an effort to capture their perception of the quality of academic and administrative support services available to graduate students. Specific attention was given to the areas of enrollment services, financial services, library services and advising. The subjects generally rated these services somewhere between â€Å"average† and â€Å"excellent†. Comments written-in by subjects provide information that can be used to improve the students’ experience with various MSA Program services. Perceptions of Administrative and Academic Support Services by Students Taking Courses in the Master of Science in Administration Program at Saint Michaels College Customer perception surveys are a means of measuring how customers rate their experience with products or services. The result is a quantitative measure of their levels of satisfaction. By repeating the survey at regular intervals, it can be determined whether customers' perceptions are improving or deteriorating. Based on this information, changes can be made in services and marketing strategies. By later repeating the study, it can be determined how effective the changes have been in improving how a customer rates their experience. In an interview with Paul Olsen, Associate Director, Master of Science in Administration Program, we learned that the MSA program has not conducted a survey of students enrolled in the program to identify levels of satisfaction with services and programs offered. There has been one formal survey of alumni, completed in the spring of 1996 by SMC undergraduates in a Research Methods class (See Appendix D). This survey was conducted to gather information pertaining to overall satisfaction with the graduate program, whether the alumni’s goals and objectives had been met, and demographic data on program alumni. Our team believes that a survey of students currently taking MSA program course could provide information that would be tremendously helpful in assisting the college to assess the efficiency and quality of its services. Our operating premise is that an individual’s first experience with an organization has a direct impact on their long-term impressions and overall senses of connectedness. Therefore,

Walt Whitman- Humans and Nature

Walt Whitman relates humans to nature in many of his poems. He often refers to us being part of the circle of life. Whitman believes in the idea that humans never really die. â€Å"I celebrate myself, and sing myself,† is one poem that he relates himself and humankind to nature. In this poem, Whitman offers the idea that we are made from nature. One line reads, â€Å"My tongue, every atom of my blood, form’d from this soil, this air†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Whitman also believes that humans live on after death. In â€Å"A child said What is the grass? † Whitman asks what has become of people who have died.He answers this by writing, â€Å"They are alive and well somewhere, The smallest sprout shows there is really no death. † This is an example of his belief that life goes on, even after death. Whitman talks more on this life after death in â€Å"The spotted hawk swoops by. † He says that when we die, we turn to the dirt, and he says if he is missed, to look under our shoes. To finish his poem he says, â€Å"Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged, Missing me one place search another, I stop somewhere waiting for you. † In â€Å"A Noiseless Patient Spider,† Whitman compares humans to a spider in nature.He says as spiders throw out their web, so do we also try to throw out our â€Å"web† to make connections with the universe. For example, we are now trying to decide on a college and career that will bridge to the next part of our life. He says that humankind is, â€Å"Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Walt Whitman was a great American poet who felt in sync with nature. In most of his poems, he tried to encompass the connection between nature and human beings. With use of vivid adjectives and verbs, he has made himself a great poet in American history.

Crap on a stick

Modern adaptations of Oliver Twist' have highly lacked In detail and In context making Charles Dickens' original novel a better text. Big film Industries have tried to make their Oliver Twist movies as interesting as they possibly could to entertain a wide variety of audiences, many agree that these ‘remakes' are entertaining but it is Dickens who displays characterization, setting and plot in a far more in-depth way to ensure that his work remains the best.Overall, modern remakes of Oliver Twist fail to capture the audience's attention as much as Charles Dickens' classic did. Argument 1 – Characterization Dickens and Glycerol both portray Oliver Twist as a young and feeble pauper, but It is Dickens' expert use of Victorian aged language and vocabulary that takes the reader to a whole new universe when imaging Oliver or any other character.Geodesic represents Oliver precisely how it is written in the book, yet Goodlier describes him in a way that can be easily interprete d by young audiences, her way of depicting Oliver can be understood by younger viewers but Dickens' original description of Oliver overruns any other film reinvention portrayal. This can be clearly seen when; the actor of Oliver Twist (TV series, 2007) Is flirts Introduced, originally In the manuscript Oliver is described as a â€Å"young, pale and thin individual† (Dickens.C ‘Oliver Twist', pig 5) but Geodesy's representation of Oliver portrays him as a young child who does not seem physically ill and is actually seen quite healthy even though it is clearly written in the book that he was a thin child. The characterization of a character In a film should be the same as the one given in the text, Glycerol's TV rise falls to execute how Oliver Is depicted In the novel and shows a boy who does not look like he is suffering from malnutrition but in fact shown a child who is rather healthy.Therefore, Dickens' way to describe Oliver provides highly more descriptive features than Coeditor's TV series. Argument 2- Setting The setting within Coeditor's 2007 Oliver Twist TV series shows the Victorian times to be quite luminous and glary, but in fact Dickens' novel specifies that the weather was dark and blustery. In the Victorian Era, it was very rare to have a sunlit day, most molly; the weather In London was very wet and foggy, Glycerol's TV series has shown us that the conditions in the Victorian period were ‘sunny with a chance of a light shower'.Evidence of this can be clearly seen when Dickens wrote â€Å"the weather is rarely kind to the slums of London. † (Dickens C. ‘Oliver Twist' Chapter the Eighth pig. 68) Goodlier could have effortlessly used this information to make her TV series realistic in context and In setting. Dickens text has a realistic setting and makes It unsuccessfully as she has made the lighting and weather more suitable for camera thou considering how it is written and described in the novel. Clearly, Goodlier should have referred back to Dickens' ‘Oliver Twist' when directing the setting for her TV series.Argument 3 – Plot/Storyline Dickens' adept knowledge of descriptive language and vocabulary make his text exceedingly detailed and allow the reader to use their imagination when exploring though the non-fictional world of ‘Oliver Twist'. Dickens extensive use of detail within ‘Oliver Twist' makes the plot clearer to understand so the reader finds less trouble to empowered with the book, Geodesic attempts to apply this to her TV series but instead of using detail within the storyline she makes the whole series succinct so the viewer only gets a faint picture and not the whole overview like Dickens' classic does.One incident of this occurs when, Dickens wrote â€Å"five pounds to anyone who takes this boy from our hands said Mr. Bumble†, (Dickens C. Chapter the fourth pig. 30) this clearly states that Mr. bumble was going to pay someone five pounds, yet, in Coeditor's TV series Mr. bumble is shown charging Mr. Sugarberry money for the poor ay.This evidence is a clear example that Goodlier applies little knowledge about the book into her show, not knowing this crucial information can leave the audience with the understanding that Mr. Bumble charged Mr. Sugarberry when he should have given him the five pounds. Therefore, Goodlier has enforced little detail within her storyline which could in some instance confuse viewers. Conclusion Overall, an examination of the characters, setting and plot indicate that Dickens' original novel supersedes any other film remakes and adaptations.It is obvious that Dickens' effective way to show language, his knowledge of characterization and his capability create a world that explores the history of the Victorian Era in such a way that draws the reader to want to know more about those times and as well as the great story of ‘Oliver Twist'. Even Coeditor's succinct TV series could not match the powe r of Dickens' in depth understanding of the Victorian period. It is evident that, Dickens' authentic masterpiece ‘Oliver Twist' overrules any other contemporary film reinventions and alterations.

10 History Essay Topics on Egyptian Revolution of 2011

10 History Essay Topics on Egyptian Revolution of 2011 If you need 10 facts for your history essay on the Egyptian Revolution of 2011, consider the causes, casualties, and consequences listed below: In the decade leading up to the Egyptian revolution the opposition organizations decried the presidents power and held rallies demanding free presidential elections. In single candidate referendums president Hosni Mubarak was elected on three separate occasions. In 2005 he faced opposition for the first time in spite of banning the Muslim Brotherhood from entering as a candidate. The Muslim Brotherhood was the most popular opposition group in Egypt and preventing them from running in the election had upset many citizens. When president Hosni Mubarak was elected yet again his runner-up was charged with fraud and put in prison. In the year 2010 independent candidates who were associated with the Muslim Brotherhood did well in the legislative elections and had started to become the biggest contingent in the opposition party for the 2010 elections. Opposing parties were not victorious to the extent that they should have been due to vote rigging, something which caused serious demands for reevaluation. Protests began on January 25th. Inspired by Tunisia success, people began taking to the streets in order to protest unemployment levels, poverty, government corruption, and the autocratic rule. These protests were the first of their scale to take place in Egypt since the 1970s. Protesters began defying curfews and the government responded to them by blocking Twitter which was one of the keys used by organizers to coordinate the protests throughout the city. This didn’t only enrage the citizens but increased the national attention to this uprising. Within the first two days of the uprising Egypt blocked access to Facebook and the riot police began arresting and injuring protesters on the streets with tear gas water cannons and batons. In cities such as Alexandria and Cairo these practices were commonplace. The Muslim Brotherhood was a fierce opponent of the current government regime, officially banned in Egypt. But as soon as the uprising began they started to support the protest helping enhancing the logistics of rioters. The government attempted to block all Internet services in the country on the first Friday after the protests began. Twitter, Facebook, email, social networking, and text messaging being locked down. The protesters began to search for alternative means of getting on the internet and distributing information among themselves. That same day the military was called in to take over the law enforcement and the US made an announcement that the aid they provided to Egypt would be put to review because of the ongoing protests. The immediate response by the president Hosni Mubarak who had remained silent during the first week was to appear on state television and make the announcement that he would be dismissing part of his government but that he himself would not step down. Shortly after this announcement President Obama urged the Egyptian president to make reformation a reality. The reforms that president Hosni Mubarak attempted to introduce did very little to satisfy the enraged citizens who demanded that the president would step down. It was in February that the opposition was invited to talks with the Egyptian government, specifically the Muslim Brotherhood, who had previously been banned. At the same time the president announced that he would not resign in spite of the fact that widespread media reports stated that he might. The following day he stepped down and the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces suspended the constitution and dissolved the legislative bodies of Egypt. A new constitution was set to be drafted during which time the military would maintain power for 6 months or until new elections could be held. The internal security services were dissolved the next month, which was considered as a victory by many Egyptian citizens due to the fact that this ministry was known for regularly using torture and violating the rights of political dissidents. In March the Egyptians approved a referendum which proposed constitutional changes to the election process, set up a time limit for president, and restrict the ability of the president to use emergency laws. This document helped pave the way for a transition to an elected government and a new constitution. Continued issues arose in spite of this progress and protesters began to call upon the government to investigate the president Hosni Mubarak finances and the finances of his sons. It was stated that Mubarak and sons had amassed a large fortune which was concealed in a foreign bank. Public prosecutors ordered the detention of the former president and his sons for further questioning. After this the sons were sent to prison in Cairo. The investigating commission had been tasked with looking into the clashes which occurred between the protestors and the police during this uprising. It was found that the majority of the fatalities suffered by the protesters were the results of the deliberate use of lethal force by the security services. The death toll was 365 people. A reconciliation agreement was signed in May and the former president Hosni Mubarak along with his sons were set to stand trial for charges of corruption, abuse of power, and authorizing the security forces to use lethal force in killing the protesters. Some police officers who were charged with killing protesters were released from prison on bail but still face charges in state courts. Protests continued in the face of certain government ministers being acquitted of their corruption charges. 700 senior police officers were fired due to the killing of protesters that took place in January. 1 week after this announcement the new cabinet was established and the interim government announced that elections will be held on November 28th of the same year and in that period more protesters gathered, were faced with repressive tactics, and killed by police forces. The government issued apologies for the continued deaths of protesters. The United States publicly criticized the violence agains t protesters and protesters. The first round of parliamentary elections did go forward in November as scheduled in spite of the unrest. It noted was that the Muslim Brotherhood had some of the highest totals. One year after the start of the protests the Muslim Brotherhood was elected as the new leading party for the country and the new president was elected. These should prove valuable for your planned paper. You may also check our 20 topics and 1 sample essay on Egyptian Revolution of 2011 with additional tips for history essay writing. References: Abdelmottlep, Mamdooh A. The Egyptian Revolution: An Analysis of the Egyptian Police Response, The Way to the Egyptian Police Reform (Subjective Projection).  FRCIJ  1.5 (2015): n. pag. Web. Alexander, Anne, and Mostafa Bassiouny.  Bread, Freedom, Social Justice. Print. Amin, Galal A, and Wright, Jonathan.  Whatever Happened to the Egyptian Revolution?. Print. Baker, Mona.  Translating Dissent. Print. El-Bendary, Mohamed.  The Egyptian Revolution and Its Aftermath. New York: Algora Pub., 2013. Print. El-Nawawy, Mohammed, and Sahar Khamis.  Egyptian Revolution 2.0. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013. Print. Gunning, Jeroen, and Ilan Zvi Baron.  Why Occupy a Square?. Print.

Film Noir essays

Film Noir essays In this movie there is a lot more to this case than meets the eye, and when Vivian Rutledge summons Philip to find out exactly what he has been contracted to do, we sort of get the hint of the multi-dimensional story that is to evolve here. It turns out that the Sternwood sisters have secrets they need to keep. Carmen is involved in certain activities that have exposed her to blackmail, and Vivian has a little habit that has also exposed her to danger, which Philip Marlowe has to sort out. Add into the equation specialist book dealers who know nothing about books. Things never get dull around the Sternwood sisters. The point of the movie I think is based more on the relationships between Marlowe and all the multiple people he interacted with. There are various beautiful women among the cast that were just drawn to Marlowe. Such as Lauren Bacall as Vivian Rutledge who provides Marlowe's love-interest. The private eye is in a tough spot, falling for the beautiful dame with a secret she does not want to share. The relationship with Vivian is complex but candid. At times it is a little hard to see the affection between the two being real but it is the remarks between the two that makes it work. The scenes between them are great; there are a great number sexually electric, innuendo-filled exchanges in this film. The interconnection across the whole film is immaculate. Most of the women Marlowe comes across only play minor roles. There is Martha Vickers as Carmen Sternwood who seemed like she was always drugged or drunk when we saw her, she tries to jump into his lap while he's still standing. Carmen is beautiful but childish, every time she saw Marlowe she would flirt with him saying how cute he was. It seems like every female in the cast wants to get her hands on Marlowe, including a quick and easy Dorothy Malone, bored in her specs while clerking at a book store. She was so intrigued by Marlowe that its unexp ...

Tips and Examples About Asking for Information in English

Tips and Examples About Asking for Information in English Asking for information can be as simple as asking for the time, or as complicated as asking for details about a complicated process. In both cases, its important to use the appropriate form for  the situation. For example, when asking for information from a friend, use a more informal or colloquial  form. When asking a colleague, use a slightly more formal form, and when asking for information from a stranger, use an appropriately formal construction. Very Informal Structures If you are asking a friend  or family member for information, use a direct question. Simple Question Structure: Wh? Helping Verb Subject Verb How much does it cost?Where does she live? More Formal Structures Use these forms for simple, everyday questions in stores, with colleagues at work, and in other informal situations. Structure: Pardon me / Excuse me   Can / Could you tell me Wh? Subject verb? Can you tell me when the train arrives?Pardon me, could you tell me how much the book costs? Formal and More Complicated Questions Use these forms when asking complicated questions that require a lot of information. These should also be used when asking questions of important people such as your boss, on a job interview, etc. Structure: I wonder if you could tell me/explain/provide information on... I wonder if you could explain how health insurance is handled at your company.I wonder if you could provide information on your pricing structure. Structure: Would you mind verb ing   Would you mind telling me a little bit more about benefits at this company?Would you mind going over the savings plan again? Replying to a Request for Information If you would like to provide information when asked for information, start your reply with one of the following phrases. Informal Sure.No problem.Let me see. More Formal Id be happy to answer that.I should be able to answer your question.Itd be a pleasure to help you. When providing information people will sometimes also offer to help in other ways. See the example conversations below for an example. Saying No If you do not have the answer to a request for information, use one of the phrases below to indicate that you are unable to answer the question.  Saying no, is never fun, but sometimes its necessary. Instead, its common to offer a suggestion as to where someone might find the information. Informal Sorry, I cant help you out.Sorry, but I dont know that.Thats beyond me, sorry. More Formal Im afraid I dont have the answer to that question.Id like to help you. Unfortunately, I dont have that information / dont know. Role Play Exercises   Simple Situation Brother: When does the movie start?Sister: I think its at 8.Brother: Check, will you?Sister: Youre so lazy. Just a second.Brother: Thanks, sis.Sister: Yes, it starts at 8. Get off the couch sometimes! Customer: Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find menswear?Shop Assistant: Sure. Menswear is on the second floor.Customer: Oh, also, could you tell me where sheets are.Shop Assistant: No problem, sheets are on the third floor at the back.Customer: Thanks for your help.Shop Assistant: My pleasure. More Complex or Formal Situation Man: Excuse me, would you mind answering some questions?Business Colleague: Id be happy to help.Man: I wonder if you could tell me when the project is going to begin.Business Colleague: I believe were beginning the project next month.Man: and who will be responsible for the project.Business Colleague: I think Bob Smith is in charge of the project.Man: OK, finally, would you mind telling me how much the estimated cost will be?Business Colleague: Im afraid I cant answer that. Perhaps you should speak to my director.Man: Thank you. I thought you might say that. Ill speak to Mr. Anders.Business Colleague: Yes, that would be best for that type of information. Man: Thank you for helping out.Business Colleague: My pleasure.

Economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Economic - Essay Example 3 2.0 Economic Rationale behind Oligopolistic Behaviour in Banking Sector 4 3.0 Implications of an Oligopolistic Banking Sector on Consumers 7 4.0 Situation with the Australian Banking Sector 9 5.0 Conclusion 9 References 10 1.0 Introduction An oligopolistic market structure is characterised by a few sellers in the market but a large number of buyers. These contending firms are highly interdependent upon each other to strengthen their market status and hence, frame schemes to facilitate the same. Some of the commonest strategies include competition on prices and quantities being marketed by the firms1. In addition to competing with their peers, the firms also assume the role of creating artificial barriers, in the form of hefty license fees, to prevent the entry of potential competitors within the industry to restrict the number of market players. Such artificial regulations might be beneficial for the existing firms in the business though the purchasers always end up at the worse si de of things as lack of ample competition reduces the degree of consumer surplus that they could have enjoyed. The present paper takes up the case of the banking sector and attempts to emphasise the implications of oligopolistic market structure on bank customers. ... king sector to build an oligopolistic market framework; there are special references to empirical evidences from different nations in this regard as well. The third section is an illustration of the implication that an oligopolistic banking sector is likely to have over the residents of a nation. The fourth section depicts the situation in Australia where nationals have been immensely protesting against the oligopolistic banking sector and finally the last section summarises the contents of the entire paper. 2.0 Economic Rationale behind Oligopolistic Behaviour in Banking Sector A few advantages based on the economics of business are the reasons why firms tend to operate as an oligopolistic market. Those very factors could be applied to the banking sector as the reasons why the industry chooses to operate under such environment. Firstly, oligopolistic market structure makes room for economies of scale which associates huge amount of profit with each operating unit, owing to reduced a verage cost of production as the diagram alongside depicts. As the diagram shows, the average cost of production falls with rise in the quantity produced, though this reduction does not continue for very high quantities. The point where the combination of cost and quantity to be produced is found to be the optimal, i.e., highest production at the lowest cost, is the chosen one by the sellers. In the above diagram, this point coincides with E1 where the quantity to be produced is Q1 and the associated average cost is the lowest at AC1. This is one of the reasons why the larger existing firms restrict new entrants from moving into the industry. The smaller firms in the industry are often acquired by the larger to clear their path towards experiencing economies of scale. This in fact had been

Specific Behaviour Problems Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay

Specific Behaviour Problems Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Essay Example An explanation given for this kind of disparity is the psychological view that female gender is able to learn how to direct the behaviour issues they experience and have more control over them as is opposed to males. However, the likelihood that females will still exhibit criminal behaviours after having developed ADHD is still as possible as that of the male gender. One of the most important points to note is the fact that not all people who have been diagnosed with this disorder have to develop criminal behaviours. The only thing is that the rate of this criminality occurring is higher than it is for normal children (Siegel & Senna, 2004). ADHD has been widely covered in terms of research due to the interest it has elicited in many behavioural outcomes in society. The fact that criminal practice is of greater interest to society has made this disorder receive much attention as forming the basis of explanation given to future criminal practices by these individuals that exhibited th e behaviour in their growth stages. This could be attributed to the aspect of co-morbidity that has been established with this disorder as having a link to other external behaviours (Johansson, et al., 2005). This paper takes a critical look at ADHD, its implications for schools and schooling environment, intervention measures, and how this behaviour is likely to be applied in the current and future educational practices (Ghodsian-Carpey & Baker, 1987). Review on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Some form of dysfunctions in the brain or abnormalities on the cerebral structures does affect people leading to them experiencing explosive rage which could be in form of violence episodes. Such explosive rage is thought to cause antisocial behaviour. The ADHD levels in children who pose antisocial behaviours in class have been established to be higher. In addition to that, ADHD has been linked to some conditions known to be risk factors in carrying out offenses, and they cou ld be exhibited as neuropsychological deficits, poor cognitive and academic skills, defiance, aggression, psychological problems, and truancy (Moffitt, 1993). Indeed a real cause of ADHD has not been fully established and all the explanations available are merely based on some intuitions derived from known biological and psychological developments (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Many think it is as a result of chemical imbalance within the central nervous system which is caused by exposure to certain environmental factors such as exposure to toxin at pregnancy, additives taken in food and allergies, including reactions to sugar, caffeine and other foods and colourings, or genetic factors. For those in favour of biochemical imbalance explanation, they pose that this results from a neurotransmitter deficiency and where this imbalance is not treated, such a child develops and shows maladaptive behaviours and these could be followed by long periods of emotional and physical pr oblems (Reiss, 1997). The most common way of identifying ADHD is observing a student in the way he or she behaves. This student will have difficulties in being attentive in class, could be very active and thus hyperactivity, or may carry out an action before thinking, a condition known as impulsivity (Babinski, et

A full e-marketing report (including a plan for future activities) for Essay - 3

A full e-marketing report (including a plan for future activities) for The in thing - Essay Example The business is organized as a strategic business unit, one such strategic business unit is serving the households (being a Business to Customer business), while the other strategic business unit is acting as a distributor to other retailers and specialty stores (Business to Business). Both the business units differentiate themselves from their competitors through a very efficient order delivery system. To augment this are feature of the business are services like: informing retailers about the most in demand toy brand, allowing them to make advance order with charging them, not even in the case of cancellation of booking. Both the business units are organized in a way that allows them to be nimble and flexible in this volatile and uncertain marketplace. This marketing plan is being developed to increase the company’s customer base through analyzing the current discrepancies in the e-marketing mix of the company and suggesting the tools based on the assumption that they would be apt for this form of the business. Not only are the suggestions focused on adding new marking tools in the mix but also are aimed at removing redundant and obsolete market channels for the mix. The aim is to utilize every ounce of a marketing channels potential. Utilization in this context depends upon the number of customers the website is able to attract and more importantly retain. Retention is actually the real objective as it would lead to the creation of brand equity and brand loyalty. In this plan the company has been recommended to outsource its in-house website development and maintenance function, and focus on its core competencies. The company for which this marketing plan is being made is â€Å"The in Thing†. This business was founded in the year 2007, and is a private enterprise. The company operates in Accrington, Lancashire, United Kingdom with 25 employees. It has a strategic business unit by the name of â€Å"I want I want†, this business unit

Water Shortage in New Zealand Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Water Shortage in New Zealand - Assignment Example The information which needed to be procured was the one related to water restriction and shortage and this was in reference to territorial authorities in the country. The study was centered on metering of water supply, water usage, water restriction systems, plans for water conservation, percentage of water consumed in TAs and charges imposed on the same. For this reason, it was crucial to acquire information from websites which was of government authority of New Zealand. Primarily, for this purpose the analysis was done as to what will be the ideal source to collect the data. With adequate information the decision was made to gather information related to territorial authorities and their respective regions .In this study, a qualitative research method was used to gain valuable insight as to the management of water in the country. Now, the main issue was the water restrictions imposed in the country by the New Zealand Government .The information which was crucial was the water short age and water supply in the country and how much of water restriction is present in the country at the current moment. The information collection with regard to this study is a significant task and for this there were certain associated problems .The problems like pace of data collection, the procedure of data collection and volume of data was a main concern in the research. Since the main issue was water shortage, it was important to collect information regarding the strategies of the water authorities.

The last lecture by Randy pausch Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The last lecture by Randy pausch - Movie Review Example First, he started by telling that he was to talk about other things but not cancer, his wife and so forth. These are the things he was known to talk about in his speeches. Therefore, by doing this, he shows his audience that he can venture into other issues of a common good. This way also, he changed his audiences’ attitude towards life by tracing his childhood dreams and encouraging young people to dream. He also narrated to his audience his experiences when enabling dreams of others by impacting knowledge and skills to them. Pausch uses jokes, audience engagement and life experience episodes, anecdotes and dramatic pauses to relate to his objectives of changing people’s attitudes and acknowledging his contribution to the world. To connect with his audience in hundreds, Pausch makes sure he engages his audience and clears tensions by resorting to; for instance series of push-ups on stage (Pausch 3 -5). Some of the techniques he uses like humor are natural to him, but some techniques like performing push-ups and constant microphone adjustment are intentional and meant to make the show lively. Yes, I was moved when he mentioned about his cancer issue and demonstrated his hope when he acquired a new home for his family to stay in, when he dies. With the freedom of speech, any person is justified to share his or her experiences provided doing this does not interfere with rights of others. There are no dangers as far as one is within the guidelines. Most portions of the program were on top of me especially the parts where he made compelling comparisons, humor and dramatic pauses. According to Pausch, a â€Å"head fake† is a method of teaching where learners is taught something by making them assume they are learning something else. For example, teaching students programming and making them assume they are making movies and games. The two â€Å"head fakes† that Pausch talks about in his lecture are indirect learning and

ISMG Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 5

ISMG - Essay Example Big organizations preying on him might decide to give him a deal that he cannot turn down, thus leaving the organization. Subsequently, the organization would lose one of its lead coders. While looking for means of retaining is important, understanding that anything could happen to him, such a tragedy would help them think about this problem soberly. Although he had turned down a number of offers, it does not imply that he would live with IVK forever. One day he could decide to go, or retire. In any case, one day he has to leave. The best way of solving the problem therefore, is looking for individuals talented enough whose efforts when combined could make a substitute. 2. While hiring IT personnel, it is important to put into consideration a number of issues. Skills of the individual are important as IT as a profession requires adequate skills. Talent is yet another important element that managers should look at while determining the kind of people to hire in the IT department. Fina lly, the management needs to consider the experience of an individual while handling different systems or performing certain tasks. 3. Organizations use two different tradeoff methods while locating their IT departments, centralizing them or geographically decentralizing them. While each has its own advantages, it has its own limitations as well. While centralizing enables the monitoring of the operations as well as proper utilization of organizational resources, it has little impact on the depart5ment it is required most. However, it saves the organization additional expenses in maintaining the various branches. On the other hand, decentralization has a greater impact on the areas IT services are required, but increases organizational expenditures. Moreover, there is minimal supervision of the various departments. Chapter 16 1. Different organizations have different ways of drawing their budgets, and their investment plans. The level of expenditure in an organization ion a particu lar department in most cases depends on the size of the organization’s department. For instance, an organization that uses IT extensively could have an extensive expensive expenditure budget on IT, while another could have bigger budget for a different department. An organization should be willing to spend extensively on the particular department generating more income. However, there should be a limit, especially with reference to the organizational budget. While innovation is important to a manufacturing organization, it v could have insignificant impact to a different organization. As such, the ideal ration between the amounts that a firm spends on IT maintenance versus innovation projects depends on the organizational capacity and the importance of the two. 2. The kid’s toolkit approach method, if applied carefully by a manager could help them in avoiding mistakes while determining the best models to apply for their organizations. Although not a certified method, i t makes sense. For instance, by arguing that a manager’s ideas and thoughts were like a toolkit, which they should keep to themselves, it meant that managers, despite having the role of making the most important decisions in an organization, were not always right. Although they perceive their models as being better and superior than others, the geniuses of these is only possible through actual application in an organization

The last lecture by Randy pausch Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The last lecture by Randy pausch - Movie Review Example First, he started by telling that he was to talk about other things but not cancer, his wife and so forth. These are the things he was known to talk about in his speeches. Therefore, by doing this, he shows his audience that he can venture into other issues of a common good. This way also, he changed his audiences’ attitude towards life by tracing his childhood dreams and encouraging young people to dream. He also narrated to his audience his experiences when enabling dreams of others by impacting knowledge and skills to them. Pausch uses jokes, audience engagement and life experience episodes, anecdotes and dramatic pauses to relate to his objectives of changing people’s attitudes and acknowledging his contribution to the world. To connect with his audience in hundreds, Pausch makes sure he engages his audience and clears tensions by resorting to; for instance series of push-ups on stage (Pausch 3 -5). Some of the techniques he uses like humor are natural to him, but some techniques like performing push-ups and constant microphone adjustment are intentional and meant to make the show lively. Yes, I was moved when he mentioned about his cancer issue and demonstrated his hope when he acquired a new home for his family to stay in, when he dies. With the freedom of speech, any person is justified to share his or her experiences provided doing this does not interfere with rights of others. There are no dangers as far as one is within the guidelines. Most portions of the program were on top of me especially the parts where he made compelling comparisons, humor and dramatic pauses. According to Pausch, a â€Å"head fake† is a method of teaching where learners is taught something by making them assume they are learning something else. For example, teaching students programming and making them assume they are making movies and games. The two â€Å"head fakes† that Pausch talks about in his lecture are indirect learning and

The Comission of the new Saint Peter's, and the role of Indulgences Research Paper

The Comission of the new Saint Peter's, and the role of Indulgences behind it - Research Paper Example The deceit and effectiveness of papacy and priests led to chief uprisings. This resulted to splitting and restructuring of the cathedral. With Martin Luther of Germany, came the rebirth of another ideology of protestant church. Indulgence brought world’s supreme brain works and talents of Michelangelo, Bramante, Bernini and Raphael together. They were all working headed for a universal objective, which is creating the most magnificent and religious location in the world. Michelangelo, the chief architect of St Peters, at the time did an inspirational work even to the unbelievers. He goes ahead and says despite corruption and materialism, the basilica was worth it all. Indulgence applies only to the living (Justice 189). The church perceives its authority at faultless and self-proclaims itself as flawless and righteous yet it evidently shows shocking rate of power abuse and failings. In the medieval times the church sold indulgences to build a sanctuary. This does not justify church doctrines and in particular papacy pentagram of administration of the church and magisterium’s judgments. The Catholic Church exquisitely kept from chance of error in her ultimate teaching on matters of devotion and morality yet in those trying times, the church fell contradictorily with its doctrines and mitigated restrictions of infallibility in papacy. The church teaches that avoidance of worldly riches, rule and possessions as an attribute of spiritual livelihood ironically. The popes and the early churchmen funded the building of the cathedral from self-indulgence, corruption and misuse of power. The church taught that prayer and normal supplication in the sacraments might save man from everlasting damnation instead of God’s grace as quoted by Luther. The church granted indulgence paid in coins approved by Pope Adrian 1 in 780 (Pastor 234). This meant that one could commit

Mechanical Barriers to Communication

Mechanical Barriers to Communication Any act by which one person gives to or receives from another person information about that persons needs, desires, perceptions, knowledge, or affective states. Communication may be intentional or unintentional; it may involve conventional or unconventional signals, may take linguistic or non-linguistic forms, and may occur through spoken or other modes. Organisations cannot operate without communication. Communication can take various forms but all forms involve the transfer of information from one party to the other. In order for the transfer of information to qualify as communication, the recipient must understand the meaning of the information transferred to them. If the recipient does not understand the meaning of the information conveyed to them, communication has not taken place. Communication is the life source of organisations because organisations involve people. People cannot interact with each other without communication. In the absence of communication, everything would grind to a halt. For example; the workers in an organisation would not know the organisations objectives so they would not strive to achieve the organisations objectives. The workers in an organisation would not know what their roles and responsibilities were, so they would not be able to carry out their daily tasks and duties. The managers would not be able to train their workers reports so the workers would not possess the skills they needed to carry out their jobs. The managers would not be able to inform workers of changes The organisation would not be aware of their competitors activities On the whole people are able to communicate with each other as this is a basic human function. However successful organisations strive not only for communication but effective communication. Interpersonal Communication This is defined as communication between two or more people and involves the transfer of information (or message) from one person to the other(s). The person transferring the information is called the sender or transmitter. The people receiving the message are known as receivers. The transmitter will need to send the information in a format that the receiver(s) will understand. Converting the information into a format that the receivers will understand is known as Encoding. Messages can be encoded into a variety of formats oral, written or visual. After encoding the message is transferred via a medium called a channel, for example a letter, fax, phone call, or e-mail. After transference the information will need to be interpreted by the receiver. This process of interpretation is known as decoding. Finally the receiver will send a message back to the transmitter confirming whether the information sent has been understood. This back check is known as feedback. The communication process involves seven key elements as illustrated in the diagram below. Why you need to get your message across Effective communication is all about conveying your messages to other people clearly and unambiguously. Its also about receiving information that others are sending to you, with as little distortion as possible. Doing this involves effort from both the sender of the message and the receiver. And its a process that can be fraught with error, with messages muddled by the sender, or misinterpreted by the recipient. When this isnt detected, it can cause tremendous confusion, wasted effort and missed opportunity. In fact, communication is only successful when both the sender and the receiver understand the same information as a result of the communication. By successfully getting your message across, you convey your thoughts and ideas effectively. When not successful, the thoughts and ideas that you actually send do not necessarily reflect what you think, causing a communications breakdown and creating roadblocks that stand in the way of your goals both personally and professionally. In a recent survey of recruiters from companies with more than 50,000 employees, communication skills were cited as the single more important decisive factor in choosing managers. The survey, conducted by the University of Pittsburghs Katz Business School, points out that communication skills, including written and oral presentations, as well as an ability to work with others, are the main factor contributing to job success. In spite of the increasing importance placed on communication skills, many individuals continue to struggle, unable to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively whether in verbal or written format. This inability makes it nearly impossible for them to compete effectively in the workplace, and stands in the way of career progression. Being able to communicate effectively is therefore essential if you want to build a successful career. To do this, you must understand what your message is, what audience you are sending it to, and how it will be perceived. You must also weigh-in the circumstances surrounding your communications, such as situational and cultural context. The Communications Process To be an effective communicator and to get your point across without misunderstanding and confusion, your goal should be to lessen the frequency of problems at each stage of this process, with clear, concise, accurate, well-planned communications. We follow the process through below: Source As the source of the message, you need to be clear about why youre communicating, and what you want to communicate. You also need to be confident that the information youre communicating is useful and accurate. Message The message is the information that you want to communicate. Encoding This is the process of transferring the information you want to communicate into a form that can be sent and correctly decoded at the other end. Your success in encoding depends partly on your ability to convey information clearly and simply, but also on your ability to anticipate and eliminate sources of confusion (for example, cultural issues, mistaken assumptions, and missing information.) A key part of this knows your audience: Failure to understand who you are communicating with will result in delivering messages that are misunderstood. Channel Messages are conveyed through channels, with verbal channels including face-to-face meetings, telephone and videoconferencing; and written channels including letters, emails, memos and reports. Different channels have different strengths and weaknesses. For example, its not particularly effective to give a long list of directions verbally, while youll quickly cause problems if you give someone negative feedback using email. Decoding Just as successful encoding is a skill, so is successful decoding (involving, for example, taking the time to read a message carefully, or listen actively to it.) Just as confusion can arise from errors in encoding, it can also arise from decoding errors. This is particularly the case if the decoder doesnt have enough knowledge to understand the message. Receiver Your message is delivered to individual members of your audience. No doubt, you have in mind the actions or reactions you hope your message will get from this audience. Keep in mind, though, that each of these individuals enters into the communication process with ideas and feelings that will undoubtedly influence their understanding of your message, and their response. To be a successful communicator, you should consider these before delivering your message, and act appropriately. Feedback Your audience will provide you with feedback, as verbal and nonverbal reactions to your communicated message. Pay close attention to this feedback, as it is the only thing that can give you confidence that your audience has understood your message. If you find that there has been a misunderstanding, at least you have the opportunity to send the message a second time. Context The situation in which your message is delivered is the context. This may include the surrounding environment or broader culture (corporate culture, international cultures, and so on). Barriers of Communication 1. Physical barriers Physical barriers in the workplace include: Marked out territories, empires and fiefdoms into which strangers are not allowed Closed office doors, barrier screens, separate areas for people of different status Large working areas or working in one unit that is physically separate from others. Research shows that one of the most important factors in building cohesive teams is proximity. As long as people still have a personal space that they can call their own, nearness to others aids communication because it helps us get to know one another. 2. Perceptual barriers The problem with communicating with others is that we all see the world differently. If we didnt, we would have no need to communicate: something like extrasensory perception would take its place. The following anecdote is a reminder of how our thoughts, assumptions and perceptions shape our own realities: A traveller was walking down a road when he met a man from the next town. Excuse me, he said. I am hoping to stay in the next town tonight. Can you tell me what the townspeople are like? Well, said the townsman, how did you find the people in the last town you visited? Oh, they were an irascible bunch. Kept to themselves. Took me for a fool. Over-charged me for what I got. Gave me very poor service. Well, then, said the townsman, youll find them pretty much the same  here. 3. Emotional barriers One of the chief barriers to open and free communications is the emotional barrier. It is comprised mainly of fear, mistrust and suspicion. The roots of our emotional mistrust of others lie in our childhood and infancy when we were taught to be careful what we said to others. Mind your Ps and Qs; Dont speak until youre spoken to; Children should be seen and not heard. As a result many people hold back from communicating their thoughts and feelings to others. They feel vulnerable. While some caution may be wise in certain relationships, excessive fear of what others might think of us can stunt our development as effective communicators and our ability to form meaningful relationships. 4. Cultural barriers When we join a group and wish to remain in it, sooner or later we need to adopt the behaviour patterns of the group. These are the behaviours that the group accept as signs of belonging. The group rewards such behaviour through acts of recognition, approval and inclusion. In groups which are happy to accept you, and where you are happy to conform, there is a mutuality of interest and a high level of win-win contact. Where, however, there are barriers to your membership of a group, a high level of game-playing replaces good communication. 5. Language barriers Language that describes what we want to say in our terms may present barriers to others who are not familiar with our expressions, buzz-words and jargon. When we couch our communication in such language, it is a way of excluding others. In a global market place the greatest compliment we can pay another person is to talk in their language. One of the more chilling memories of the Cold War was the threat by the Soviet leader Nikita Khruschev saying to the Americans at the United Nations: We will bury you! This was taken to mean a threat of nuclear annihilation. However, a more accurate reading of Khruschevs words would have been: We will overtake you! meaning economic superiority. It was not just the language, but the fear and suspicion that the West had of the Soviet Union that led to the more alarmist and sinister interpretation. 6. Gender barriers There are distinct differences between the speech patterns in a man and those in a woman. A woman speaks between 22,000 and 25,000 words a day whereas a man speaks between 7,000 and 10,000. In childhood, girls speak earlier than boys and at the age of three, have a vocabulary twice that of boys. The reason for this lies in the wiring of a mans and womans brains. When a man talks, his speech is located in the left side of the brain but in no specific area. When a woman talks, the speech is located in both hemispheres and in two specific locations. This means that a man talks in a linear, logical and compartmentalised way, features of left-brain thinking; whereas a woman talks more freely mixing logic and emotion, features of both sides of the brain. It also explains why women talk for much longer than men each day. Removing Barriers at All These Stages To deliver your messages effectively, you must commit to breaking down the barriers that exist within each of these stages of the communication process. Lets begin with the message itself. If your message is too lengthy, disorganized, or contains errors, you can expect the message to be misunderstood and misinterpreted. Use of poor verbal and body language can also confuse the message. Barriers in context tend to stem from senders offering too much information too fast. When in doubt here, less is oftentimes more. It is best to be mindful of the demands on other peoples time, especially in todays ultra-busy society. Once you understand this, you need to work to understand your audiences culture, making sure you can converse and deliver your message to people of different backgrounds and cultures within your own organization, in your country and even abroad. Barrier refers to something non physical that keeps apart or prevents activity, movement so on. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¡ Types of Barriers Physical mechanical barriers Language or Semantic barriers Socio-psychological barriers Organisational barriers Personal barriers 1- Physical Mechanical Barriers Noise It is the disruption or interference in communication process anywhere along the way. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¡ Noise though of varying degree, disturbs or interferes with communication. Whatever that distracts the receivers attention causes communication breakdown. Noise can be physical psychological. Physical distractions or disturbances such as loud speakers, gossip etc., draw the attention of the receiver. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¡ Psychological noise is related to mental disturbances like ego clash, pre occupied thoughts, hang over, anxiety. DISTANCE Long distances between the sender the receivers can also obstruct effective communication TIME Time refers to the reaching of message. If an important message reaches late it is sure to affect communication. INFORMATION OVERLOAD It refers to excessive transmission of information. Much more information than what the receiver can process is transmitted to him/her. The receiver can ·t understand , digest, analyze act upon information overload that is beyond mental capacity. MECHANICAL BARRIERS Outdated machines equipment may produce excessive noise leading to physical barriers in communication. Distraction like background noise, poor lighting., affect the morale of the employees also obstruct effective communication. 2- SEMANTIC OR LANGUAGE BARRIER UNCLEAR MESSAGE Lack of clarity in message makes it badly expressed. poorly chosen empty word , phrases, inadequate vocabulary, failure to clarify implications etc., are some common faults found. FAULTY TRANSLATION The message that every manager receives from his superiors, peers, subordinates must be translated into language suitable for the respective person( for whom the information is destined). SPECIALISTS LANGUAGE It is often found that technical personnel special groups tend to develop a special, peculiar technical language of their own. It hinders their communication with persons not in their specialty, because of the receivers ignorance of that type of language. 3- SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIERS DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTION Perceptual barriers may arise due to differences between individuals in the way they perceive, organize understand their environment. DIFFERENCES IN ATTITUDE People differ with regard to attitudes opinions which often interfere with communication. If the message is consistent with our attitudes opinions we receive it favorably. INATTENTION Communication has no impact on those who are unable or unwilling to listen. If people do not pay the required degree of attention to listening understanding the messages they are supposed to receive. PREMATURE EVALUATION Some people form a judgment before receiving the complete message. Such premature evaluation prevents effective communication. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¡ RESISTANCE TO CHANGE when new ideas are being communicated, the listening apparatus may act as a filter in rejecting new ideas. Thus resistance to change is an important obstacle to effective communication. CULTURAL DIFFERENCE Cultural refers to values, beliefs, norms, attitudes perceptions of people of different nations or regions. Symbols, words, colors, gestures, language must be carefully selected when senders of information are dealing with people of different nations regions. 4- ORGANISATIONAL BARRIERS STATUS RELATIONSHIP ONE WAY FLOW ORGANISATION STRUCTURE RULES REGULATIONS 5- PERSONAL BARRIERS ATTITUDE OF SUPERIOR- the attitude of superiors towards communication affects the flow of messages in different directions. LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN SUBORDINATES LACK OF TIME MESSAGE OVERLOAD Barriers to effective Communication (leaky bucket) At each stage in the process encoding, transference, and decoding there is the possibility of interference which may hinder the communication process. This interference is known as noise. Often a comparison is made between communication and a leaky bucket. If you use a leaky bucket to carry water, water will be lost at various points in your journey from the water tap to your destination. It is not possible to stop losing water because the bucket contains holes. The amount of water you will lose will be determined by the number of holes in the bucket, the size of the holes, the route you take to your final destination and length of time it takes you to get to your destination. There may also be other events that occur during your journey which increase the amount of water lost. Similarly when information is transferred from the transmitter to the receiver not all of the information may be received by the receiver because of holes called noise. Each of the noise may be affect the amou nt of information transferred. Just as in a leaky bucket, more holes decrease the amount of water, more noise decreases the amount of correct information received. Language issues and Cultural Differences The receiver(s) may not (fully) understand the language used by the transmitter. This may occur if the transmitters language is foreign to the receiver. There may also be language problems (that the communication process) if the message contains technical information and the receivers is not familiar with the technical terms used. Cultural differences created by an individuals background and experience affect their perception of the world. Such cultural differences may affect the interpretation (decoding) of the message sent. Environmental issues If the environment that the transmitter or receiver are in, is noisy and full of sound, the sounds may prevent the message being fully understood. Background noise is often created by colleagues or machinery. Channel issues If the channel used to transfer the information is poor it may prevent all or some of the information being transferred. Examples include a faulty fax machine, a crackling phone, handwriting that cannot be read or in the case of oral messages incorrect facial gestures. Receivers Attitude and behavior If the receiver(s) is not interested in the message (or unable to give their full attention to decoding) this may reduce the amount of information received or the accuracy of the information transmitted to them. Similarly the receiver(s) may misinterpret the message by jumping to conclusions or reading the message in a manner that suits their own interests/objectives and distort the true meaning of the message. Transmission journey i.e. steps in the message, If the message is complicated or there are lots of steps taken to transfer the message it may affect the accuracy or interpretation. Comparing with the leaky bucket if the leaky bucket has to carry water over a longer distance more water will probably lost than if the journey was shorter. Internal / Organisational Communication This is communication that takes place within (or across) an organisation. In addition to the usual face to face, telephone, fax or mail; modern organisations may use technology to communicate internally. Technology may be used for e-mails or a linked internal communication system such as the intranet which is an internet system designed solely for use by those working for the organisation. External Communications Conversely external communication is communication between the organisation and those outside the organisation. Modern organisations may design technological systems so that they can communicate with customers and undertake e-Commerce. Alternatively they communicate with other businesses through the internet or similar systems and undertake e-Business. Functions of Internal and External Communications Technology has rapidly expanded the types of internal and external communication available to organisations. The diagram illustrates the vast array of internal and external communication available. Combined together internal and external types of communications allow various sectors of the local, national and international community to interact, liaise and conduct business. Formal and Informal Communications Formal communication is defined as communication which occurs through the official organisational channels or is undertaken by an employee to do their job. For example official meetings, letters and a manager asking an employee to carry out a particular task. Conversely informal communication is that which occurs outside the recognised communication networks such as talking in the lunchroom or hallways between employees. Informal communication can be productive or negative. It has the potential to build teams, improve working relationships and generate ideas as employees are in a relaxed environment. Upward and Downward Communications Downward communication is communication created by directors and managers and passed down the hierarchy of workers in the organisation. In traditional organisations this is the preferred method of communication ie Managers decide what the systems, rules and procedures will be and then they pass these down to employees they manage and supervise. Downward Communication can increase efficiency by synchronising organisational procedures and can ensure that everybody is working towards the same overall aims and objectives. Types of downward communication include job descriptions, appraisals/evaluations, organisational policy, and organisational systems. Although there are advantages to downward communication organisations have began to encourage upward communication. This is communication which originates at the lower level of the employment hierarchy and is then communicated up through the line. Organisations encouraging upward communication believe that everybody is capable of generating thoughts and ideas which may help the organisation to progress, particularly when they are working closely in the area that the idea applies to. Upward communication may increase motivation and make employees feel valued and respected whilst enabling managers to understand how employees are feeling. Furthermore if problems occur at they are more likely to be identified earlier by those working closely in the area that they occur. Types of upward communications include suggestion schemes, feedback forums/surveys, grievance procedures and employee-manager discussions. Lateral Communication This is communication that occurs between employees on the same level in the organisation. As this can involve decision making it can create efficiency as employees do not have to wait for managerial approval. On the other hand if the manager is not kept informed or if the manager fails to set boundaries there is potential for conflict. Diagonal Communication This occurs when communication occurs between workers in a different section of the organisation and where one of the workers involved is on a higher level in the organisation. For example in a bank diagonal communication will occur when a department manager in head office converses with a cashier in a branch of the bank based on the high street. TELECOMMUNICATIONS GLOSSARY Term Definition Telecommunication Communication between parties based in different locations by using a cable, telephone, broadcast or a telegraph. Networking Linking to or more computers together so that information and facilities can be shared. Computers in the same room may be linked together or the organisation may decide to link, computers in different parts of the world together. Local Area Network (LAN) Computers linked by a network without the use of telecommunications. Often the computers linked are based in the same location, group of buildings or site. Wide Area Network (WAN)    Computers linked by a network using telecommunications. Often the computers linked are based in different locations. Teleconferencing    Through the use of telecommunication devices such as video link participants based in different locations communicating is known as teleconferencing. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Computer networks used to exchange standard business transaction documents between organisations. QUESTION 3 How might a manager use the GRAPEVINE to his or her advantage? First of all the definition of grapevine is that it is the unofficial way that communication takes place within the organization. It is neither supported nor authorized by the organization. It can also be called gossip. As we know many gossips have no factual bases at all; most of them however do. A manager can use grapevine to his or her advantage if it is an organization where people are used to get their information from these sources. And of course it would be a lie to say that most of us dont gossip, or listen to them at least occasionally, especially if it involves us. Bad information spreads a lot faster than good news, so the information gets to employees real fast. It can happen by a word of mouth, or recently more frequently by electronic means. If an organization is based on honesty, these grapevine information can be a lot more accurate than in an organization that is based on an authoritative culture. Usually there is always some truth to it however. Rumours about major lay-offs, plant closings, and the like may be filled with accurate information regarding who will be affected and when it may occur. This truth component is what a manager can use to his or her benefit. Most employees know that if there is any kind of grapevine information circling in the company, whatever its about can be true. If a manager for example wants to influence employees to work harder, or put more effort into it, he or she can simply start a new gossip, or encourage an existing one about lay-offs that might involve their department. Im not saying this is a nice way to do this, but if nothing else works, why not. This is however not the sign of the good manager, because he or she should be able to use other methods of motivation. A good leader needs to be able to exert high level of effort from his or her employees by motivating them in different ways. Another way of looking grapevine information is its usefulness in supplementing formal information channels. It provides a way for employees to communicate their imaginations and inputs to a certain issue. If management is not really doing a good job with communicating with employees about what is going on in an organization, then grapevine can satisfy these natural needs for information. Grapevine is a healthy human desire to communicate. It is the informal communication channel within the organization. Managers have to acknowledge this fact, and try to use it to their own advantage. Managers interested in creating good communication within the organization will use grapevine as a mean to improve it. The real value of grapevine should be to management is that it reveals issues that generate from those whom interested in or effected by it. Managers can also participate in grapevine. They can be filters, who monitor the information and forward to upper management only the valuable and important components. Grapevine usually pops up during times of uncertain times; therefore management has to make sure that it is providing enough information about important issues. The longer the rumour goes around, the hardest it is to control, so management had to intervene quickly if it wants to avoid its damaging effects. The fact is that grapevine is exists within organizations, and they always have a truth component to them. Management therefore can use them to their own benefits, as a compliment to the official and formal channels of information. How to use the Grapevine effectively in business organizations? Grapevine is an informal channel of business communication. It is called so because it stretches throughout the organization in all directions irrespective of the authority levels. The management can use grapevine to supplement the formal channels of communication. Though it carries some degree of error and distortion, efforts can be made to correct it. Ignoring the grapevine is nothing but to ignore a valuable source of communication. The management can eliminate its negative consequences and, at the same time, it can nourish its positive benefits. The managers have to learn to manage and control it. 1. The management can open up all the channels of organizational communication to present the facts positively before the employees and ther

Cosmic Irony in Stephen Cranes The Open Boat :: Open Boat Essays

Cosmic Irony in Stephen Crane's The Open Boat Stephen Crane's "The Open Boat," is thought to be one of the finest stories ever written by an American. Crane uses a theme of cosmic irony. Cosmic irony is the belief that the universe is so large and man is so small that the universe is indifferent to the plight of man. In "The Open Boat," Crane's theme, cosmic irony, is illustrated through the use of symbols for isolation, insignificance, and indifference. Three specific examples of cosmic irony symbolism used by Crane are, the power of the ocean against the insignificance of the boat, the sea against the universe, and the little boat in a vast sea from the people on the shore. The indifference aspect of cosmic irony is where things serve no purpose, and there is truly no care for anyone or anything. In "The Open Boat," the power of the ocean against the insignificance of the boat, is a prime example of indifference used by Crane. The universe is represented by the power of the ocean, and the small boat in this ocean is symbolic of man in this giant universe. The immaculate power of the ocean is very indifferent to the small boat, just as our great universe could not care less for man. Insignificance is described as being a lack of importance. Those little things that are insignificant mean nothing to the universe. In "The Open Boat," the sea against the universe is symbolic of insignificance in cosmic irony. The sea represents something which seems very large to mankind, but is actually very insignificant in comprison to the universe. The universe would still go on without that sea, just like the universe would still go on without mankind. The third form of symbolism in cosmic irony is isolation. Isolation is being held in captivity or lack of contact with the world or universe. The little boat in a vast sea versus the people on the shore is symbolic of isolation. The small boal seems so large and important to the people on it, while the people on the shore just see this small boat as one of many objects in