I Am Legend Analysis Essay Example

I Am Legend Analysis Paper Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable and manmade. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and maybe the world. But he is not alone. He is surrounded by the Infected victims of the plague who have mutated into carnivorous beings who can only exist in the dark and who will devour or infect anyone or anything in their path. For three years, Neville has spent his days scavenging for food and supplies and faithfully sending out radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. All the while, the Infected lurk in the shadows, watching Neville? s every move, waiting for him to make a fatal mistake. Perhaps mankind? s last, best hope, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find a way to reverse the effects of the virus using his own immune blood. But his blood is also what The Infected hunt, and Neville knows he is outnumbered and quickly running out of time. We will write a custom essay sample on I Am Legend Analysis specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on I Am Legend Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on I Am Legend Analysis specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer MY THOUGHTS. From my personal point of view for Smith to play a character thats alone throughout an entire film and to pass it off so well, he deserves a round of applause. What attracts me to the film so deeply is not just the story but the elegance of how well the film adapts and plays out. The audience are straight away emotionally connecting with Robert Neville (Smith) and i found myself striving for him to find the viral cure and some means means of civilization. The audience are teared through themes of honour, pride, passion, love, hate, determine, i felt as though i was close to shedding a tear many times throughout the film. Up until the very end of the film things got gradually worse for smith. For me the most sad but beautiful shot in the entire film is when Roberts god Samantha gets killed and smith drives off in his SUV. The camera pans out from Smith to show a spectacular view of road and cars just justifieing how alone Smith really is in the world and how emotionally, mentally and physically lonely he is. Not only is he the last man in New York but his only means of interaction that happened to be with his dog are also lost, even the most manly of men became in touch with the femanine side there. Overall i rate this film 9. 5/10, to me the only downside to the film was that i found it to be a little short in length. My favourite aspect has to be that ironic contrast of Robert Neville not only living inside New York but in Washington Square. In Henry James Novel Washington Square the characters within the novel loose everything they have and own much like Robert does. Within the novel only one character composes them self (Catherine) and strives for what she believes in. Catherine wont and doesnt let her farther take control of her. Robert Neville wont let everything destruct and leave the world to fray, I wont let this happen. Catherine and Robert share many comparisons in character and are unquestionably alike. Bear in mind I am legend was wrote after Washington Square. A definate must see film, real action, real emotional and plenty of determination. KP. Analysis The Will Smith blockbuster I Am Legend was an undeniable box office success. Having set the record for the highest grossing December opening ever ($77. 2 mil. ), it is safe to say that audiences everywhere loved the film. Yet there were many who were left feeling cold and empty with the rather incongruous ending. Why was there this sudden tangible shift in the narrative during the last 10 minutes? It wasn’t until the recent release of an alternate version of the film on DVD that those who were left bewildered in the theaters finally found the ending they had hoped for. So why was one version so much more emotionally fulfilling than the other? Hollywood executives are terrified of downer endings and this was, without a doubt, a bona-fide Tragedy. In this version, Neville (Will Smith) not only failed to find a cure, he also came to discover that he was responsible for murdering hundreds of sentient and evolving beings who were fully capable of that all important human quality love. Despondent and disgusted with himself, he could do nothing more than crumple to the floor in shameful hopelessness. http://storyfanatic. com/2008/04/08/i-am-legend-analysis/

The Mixed Blessing of Online Research

The Mixed Blessing of Online Research The Mixed Blessing of Online Research The Mixed Blessing of Online Research By Mark Nichol A recent report about the pluses and perils of online searching by students has lessons for all writers, regardless of age, who use the Internet for research. A survey found that though most schoolteachers believe that digital search technology is beneficial, it also encourages more superficial searching, and that conundrum applies to the populace in general and to writers in particular. Writers, like students, are more self-reliant than ever about obtaining information. Although reference librarians are still available to help them search for publications or other resources, and online portals to research materials abound, writers are likely to seek out the documents and other media themselves using computers and other digital devices rather than resorting to a visit to the library. Meanwhile, larger publications that once employed their own reference staff, realizing that workers can easily do research on their own, have long since eliminated such positions. The result is that many digital explorers seek out information randomly, often relying on the first return for a search result rather than the best, or at best one or more selections among several high-ranking responses that may not be the most authoritative. Just as students frequently no longer engage in satisfying their intellectual curiosity, opting instead for a quick fix, writers seeking source material to develop an article or an essay or a report, or a fiction or nonfiction book, are likely to miss out on nuances or fail to realize that a resource they’re relying on is of questionable validity or is controversial. For students and writers alike, the faster pace of their daily responsibilities, the increased pressure to produce, and heavier workloads exacerbate the problem. So, as with any endeavor that suddenly seems easier than it used to, writers seeking information online must do so with caution, lest they become overconfident or otherwise careless. Here are seven tips for conducting online research: 1. Become familiar with established authoritative online sources pertinent to your profession or area of interest. 2. Research alternatives to Google that may be more specific to your needs. 3. Brainstorm and use multiple keywords to conduct a thorough search. 4. Bookmark and/or record helpful portals and sites. 5. Use Wikipedia, but only as a portal to other resources. 6. Be alert for subjective content, conflicts of interest, and propaganda when you’re seeking impartial information. 7. Be skeptical about poll and survey results and reader reviews. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:When to Use â€Å"That,† â€Å"Which,† and â€Å"Who†26 Feel-Good WordsIf I Was vs. If I Were

Why is censorship ineffective Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Why is censorship ineffective - Essay Example As going to be critically analysed below, it can be noted that with the new dispensation of methods of communication obtaining on the ground during the contemporary period, censorship of the media is gradually becoming ineffective. Indeed, libel laws as well as the secrets acts are meant to protect the interests of the nation such as peace and tranquillity. It is the duty of the government to protect the nation while at the same time the press maintains that the public has the right to know (Dennis and DeFleur 1994). Therefore, an inherent conflict exists between the right to press freedom and the need to control the information disseminated by the media that can be damaging to the government. For instance, many countries have regulations that prohibit the broadcast of illicit content such as pornography as this would be damaging particularly to the young viewers who can be corrupted behaviourally. Different acts of parliament are in place in many countries which seek to regulate the operations of the broadcast industry so as to ensure that the amount of hate speech is checked as well as to ensure that the dissemination of certain information does not threaten the security of the country. In the same vein, lic ensing as well as regulatory bodies are in place to regulate the print media. Depending with the country, other governments actually require the editors to censor the content of their newspapers prior to publication so as to remove information which is deemed to be unfit for public consumption. In countries such China, Russia, Cuba and other countries in Latin America as well as developing African countries, there are statutory regulations that compel the mass media to abide by certain statutory regulations where censorship is given prominence in some instances. Whilst the notion of free press has dominated the media fraternity, it can be noted that such a right is not absolute in some of the above mentioned countries so as to contain the levels of civil

Supply chain or operational challenges Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Supply chain or operational challenges - Essay Example Companies have opted to relocate their manufacturing to low-cost countries across the world in order to respond to the customer’s satisfactions and demands on price expectations. The relocation is done to reduce the indirect and direct costs at the same time minimizing taxes. Global suppliers contribute to the problems that come with delivery time that is extended. In the emerging markets, customers not only want products of lower prices but also timely delivery of their products. Global chain of supply is complex. Adding this to the ever-changing feature makes the challenge greater. The customers immediately put pressure to the company to come up with something big next time after the release of the product. Innovation is, therefore, an important element in today’s market. To enhance their products, companies are forced to redesign their products so that they can meet the market demand. The demand of the customers in the modern market is more demanding than ever. Companies are trying hard to expand their distribution towards the emerging market to increase the growth in their revenues and market shares. Several companies are working had to expand both foreign and home markets. The introduction of new markets possesses difficulties from government policies, fees and trading policies. Companies have responded positively with global networks, expansion of markets and innovation of products. Several companies, today, rely on supply chain managers to optimize on the value chains so that they can remain competitive in the market (Shankar et al., pg.

Supply and or demand paper on Apple iphone 5 Research

Supply and or demand on Apple iphone 5 - Research Paper Example The features of the iphone 5 are high tech and do very well with technology savvy customers. Iphone’s user friendliness and looks have won complete control over users. The market has seen the peak of apple Iphone 5 demands when just after the three days of release over 5 million of them have been sold, it has been listed on the charts of apple company (2012). A detailed interview from CEO of Apple Company Mr. Tim Cook had said that the success of apple I phone 5 has been brilliant and they are over whelmed with the response. So, he showed an intended desire to make productions rapid and provide apple Iphone 5 in hands of every person who dreams to hold it. The demand is increasing with every passing day and company is under lot of pressure to manufacture Iphone for everyone. Such things consume time, the initial supply has been completely sold out and regular shipment transportations are going on. Also, there is facility for consumers that they can order online and are allotte d a specific delivery date, so this is how demand is being satisfied (Harrison et al., 2012). Table 1.1: The journey of Apple iphone through the years There has been an incredible increase in demand of apple Iphone 5. There has been placing of pre-booking orders by customers for Iphone. Two million was the ratings for demand for apple Iphone 5, which is far more than the Iphone 4’s. Approximately it was double in number then the previous one which is a land mark and a huge success in its own self. There are growing numbers of orders and deliveries everyday and the numbers of lover of apple Iphone 5 range are increasing by the day. The demand and supply charts are rising higher into about 22 major countries over the world. Countries contain Switzerland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Spain, Sweden and Belgium. (Paczkowski, 2012). Table 1.2: Demand graph for the Apple iphone 5 Cause of Demand Shift The major reason behind the shifting demand of consumer all over is due to the latest technology and high definition real time inspiring features. The reviews are mostly mixed in terms of satisfaction and dissatisfaction of consumers, but the entire blend has resulted into a huge success of time for Apple Company. After the launch of apple iphone 4, there has been a serious competition between the several smart phone companies with regard to the desirability and durability for the working and usage. Still the exclusive release of Iphone 5 has managed to wash all the competitors. The prominent features include the four inch flat interesting wide screen. The length also increased, the wide screen and huge clear displays are already a mark of apple Iphone series. The opening for the headphones has been shifted to the either side accordingly and is extremely useful for the users to handle, and make way out to get to your ears. As compared to the previous version, the speakers are far bigger and sound quality is much more profound, clear and deeper. Then there is lightening connector, which is additional in nature. One the whole it has bigger screen quite prominent, 4G compatibility power race and above all better and improved front facing camera for perfect view (Hughes, 2012). Market reputation and impact is the real developer of status

Ways to Prevent Human Trafficking | Essay

Ways to Prevent Human Trafficking | Essay Throughout the world today, a silent plague has been sweeping the nations. Although it may be more prevalent in third world countries, its presence also roams the streets of more progressive nations (Kelly, 2001). According to the Bureau of Public Affairs of the United States Department of State (2004), human trafficking is modern-day slavery, involving victims who are forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation (para. 1). Anti-trafficking initiatives are already in place and, while this may be a step in the right direction, it cannot be denied that more needs to be done. Because human trafficking is a worldwide predicament, government and non-government organizations must strengthen their initiatives and extend these efforts to create and to implement laws that would reduce trafficking, improve the lives of the victims, and make the community more aware of this inhumane act. In relation to this, the purpose of this research paper is to provide the reader with sufficient information on the different efforts of government and non-government organizations (NGO) to abolish human trafficking. In addition, suggestions on the improvement of these existing programs are also tackled. Lastly, the goal of this paper is to raise awareness about human trafficking as an intolerable crime. In order to reach these objectives, extensive research on the causes and effects of human trafficking was done. Aside from this, the researchers also examined various anti-trafficking efforts all over the world and the needed measures for the total abolishment of human trafficking. A Heart of Steel Human trafficking clearly violates numerous human rights, particularly those pertaining to personal freedom. It can be considered a modern form of slavery because, aside from the fact that victims are bought and sold like commodities, they are subjected to forced labor that ranges from manual work in sweatshops to prostitution in brothels (Sharma, 2001). Women and children are mostly the victims of this horrendous crime. Across international borders, it has been estimated that 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked, and the number is only getting higher. 70 percent of these trafficked individuals are women and 50 percent are children (Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons of the United States Department of State, 2004). On one hand, women serve as domestic workers, prostitutes, and mail-order brides to abusive employers or husbands without their full consent. Children, on the other hand, become pitiful victims of sexual exploitation and child labor. Despite receiving promises of well-paying jobs and legitimate employment from their recruiters, the victims find themselves in a constant state of abuse and helplessness under their employers (Kelly, 2001). The control their employers have over them can be attributed to two things. The first is debt bondage, wherein victims pay off the amount their employers paid for them through forced labor. They receive no pay or little pay until the money has been reimbursed. When they are able to pay it off, they are informed that they have incurred additional debts through lodging, food, and other expenses. In some cases, the victims are told that the money is being held for them or sent to their families back home (Kelly, 2001). Because they do not directly receive the money, they are unable to escape from their jobs. The second factor trapping the victims is the lack of legal documents needed in order for them to flee. Most of the victims have been transported through illegal means, including falsified documents and passports (Kelly, 2001). This makes it impossible for them to contact the authorities and to ask for help, in fear of being seen as illegal immigrants and being deported to their home country shamefully. Also, upon arrival at their destination, recruiters and employers confiscate whatever documents the victims possess and forbid them from contacting anyone, including members of their own family. Deprived of any means of escaping, they are forced to continue with their work, no matter how deplorable the conditions may be. Because of their powerlessness, they are left vulnerable to many forms of abuse (Bureau of Public Affairs of the United States Department of State, 2004). Domestic workers are prone to physical and sexual abuse. Several of them report that they have been battered, sexually assaulted, and raped (Cheung, Karlekar, De Dios, Vichit-Vadakan, Quisumbing, 1999). Prostitutes recall being verbally abused, being assaulted, and being forced to have intercourse against their will. Since they have no control over the sexual acts they will perform, they are often brutalized by their customers (Kelly, 2001). They are unable to refuse because their pimps or managers beat them up or threaten to stop sending money to their families once they do so (Sharma, 2001). In children, they are beaten up, molested, and sometimes, forced into child pornography or prostitution (Katsuma, 2001). Even after the ordeal is over, trafficked victims continue to carry scars from their horrifying experiences. Women who once worked as prostitutes end up with unwanted pregnancies or, worse, HIV/AIDS (Sharma, 2001). Aside from this, child laborers are severely malnourished and suffer from various respiratory infections and diseases as a result of exposure to toxic fumes in factories. The children have underdeveloped intellectual and mental capacities, not only because of the lack of education, but also because of exposure to an environment not fit for their age. Trafficking victims are often psychologically damaged, left with a feeling of inferiority and a low self-esteem (NGO Group for the CRC Sub-Group on Child Labour, 2002). Trafficking and the Mafia Aside from human rights violations, trafficking is a major global concern because of its contribution to the growth of international organized crime. According to Salt (as cited in Bruckert Parent, 2002), because human trafficking involves source, transit, and destination countries, it requires considerable amounts of money, connections to powerful people in many countries, and good organization, in order to be carried out successfully. Aside from this, the routes used for trafficking are the same as those used for the drug trade, and it is a known fact that the drug trade is controlled by these criminal groups. All these establish and support a link between human trafficking and international organized crime. In fact, several criminal groups have been reportedly involved in human trafficking activities. Chinese triads traffic women from Russia and the Ukraine into brothels in Macao and Hong Kong (Ovchinsky, 2007). Also, the highly notorious Russian mob smuggle women from the former Soviet Union into Israel, sometimes using them to hide weapons that they are smuggling as well (Israel- A Human Trafficking Haven, 2004). Despite these facts and reports, it remains hard for authorities to apprehend traffickers because of the clandestine nature of human trafficking itself. Even illegal recruiters who run small-scale operations in rural areas are hard to track because they can easily disguise themselves as acquaintances of the family of the victim. Also, human trafficking is made possible by political corruption. Recruiters may initiate the process, but the furtive transfer of the victims from one area to another requires some sort of conspiracy between the traffickers and certain authorities. Traffickers are known to bribe government officials in order for them to pass through the borders and for the falsified documents to be disregarded. For example, in Bosnia, local immigration officials were reported to have received free sexual services from prostitutes in brothels in exchange for deliberately ignoring the fact that these women were trafficked (Agbu, 2003). Working Things Out Actions done by governments and non-government organizations have greatly reduced trafficking and have protected those most susceptible to it (Bureau of Public Affairs of the United States Department of State, 2004). Just by beginning with rural areas to local urban communities where human trafficking is egregiously present, different government and non-government organizations (NGOs) have shown concern regarding this issue by implementing ordinances and laws to serve as a halt to the mentioned illegal deed. Both international and national laws have likewise been passed to stop human trafficking. In view of the fact that trafficking is an international social predicament, plans made by governments for protection and prevention have been well-promulgated among societies. Nevertheless, people who are of full-knowledge regarding the laws and its impact on culprits and still choose to infringe it may be punished depending on the gravity of lawbreaking. Given that children and women are surveyed to have the most number of trafficking cases, most international efforts give much attention and focus to such cases. The United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children aims to establish a clearly defined international standard regarding trafficking cases (Raymond, n.d.). The United Nations (UN) provides a comprehensive account of the many challenges facing the international community and of the joint ongoing efforts to find solutions. This action by the UN (2000) towards the prevention of human trafficking upholds that effective action to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children, requires a comprehensive international approach in the countries of origin, transit and destination that includes measures to prevent such trafficking, to punish the traffickers and to protect the victims of such trafficking, including by protecting their internationally recognized human rights (p. 2). Also, governments have implemented measures to provide for the physical, psychological, and social recovery of trafficked women and children, including, in appropriate cases, the cooperation of NGOs, other relevant organizations, and other elements of civil society. An example of the aforementioned organizations includes the International Labour Convention (ILO). The ILO recognizes the newly approved law of Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act or RA 9231. This law eliminates the worst forms of child labor such as slavery, prostitution and pornography, drug trafficking, and any work that is hazardous to the health and safety of children. By any violation to this law, a person will automatically be imprisoned, the length of time depending on how grave the trafficking act is (Establishments employing children warned, 2005). At the present time, most third-world countries implement a kind of judicial reform that would allow victims to demand strong penalties for the traffickers-enough to provide deterrence to an extremely profitable criminal activity. The Anti-Human Trafficking Law of the Philippines allows victims to take action against traffickers. Basically, this law not only provides the right for victims to decide on how grave the chastisement they want the traffickers to go through, but also the assistance, recovery, and rehabilitation of trafficked victims from their traumatic experience under these criminals. This way, the Anti-Human Trafficking Law does not only reduce the number of trafficking cases, but also alleviates the pain caused by this crime to its victims (Solidarity Philippines Australia Network, 2003). A Victims Plea International and local groups have been established to specifically combat human trafficking. Different governments and NGOs have come up with departments that can help stop human trafficking. In the Philippines, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched a National Family Violence Prevention Program where families are informed about the rights of women and children as well as the necessary actions to protect them. To prevent trafficking in children, social workers have been posted at the airports to monitor the travel of children abroad. As to NGOs, GABRIELA, which is the national alliance of womens organizations in the Philippines, is actively involved in massive awareness campaigns to prevent the trafficking of women and girls from the country along with the National Commission on the Role of the Filipino Women (NCRFW) who has been aggressively advocating policies and programs to stop trafficking in women and children, foremost of which is the enactment of a n anti-trafficking bill into law (Espada, 2003). In addition to that, an anti-human trafficking confederacy such as the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women works with international policymakers and human rights advocates to promote womens rights and to stop human trafficking (Kelly, 2001). In this case, laws and ordinances do not only cover local communities nor nations as a whole, but also includes international or world-wide policymaking. With the help of the UN and other global federations, a basic notion of equity in terms of policies and laws can be implemented among nations. Moreover, under local cases, the Visayan Forum Foundation raises awareness about trafficking in the Philippines and provides halfway houses for trafficked victims (Odronia, 2008). Awareness about the effects of trafficking among its victims and the consequences that traffickers may go through is a vital aspect for the organization. Averting an Unambiguous Malfeasance Because human trafficking in not yet completely abolished, there is a need to improve existing programs and to create new ones that are more efficient and comprehensive. Kelly (2001) asserts that, since human trafficking is a major global concern, there is a need to develop a legal framework with appropriate penalties, which provides redress for all the ways in which traffickers and exploiters violate womens human rights and is effective in prosecuting these crimes (p. 35). Furthermore, she stresses the need to improve on current anti-human trafficking initiatives, suggesting that, including measures directed at the young men who recruità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦and daring to target demand, at home and abroad, would be a radical and welcome step (p.35). The government should also see to it that the criminals involved in these crimes get the right punishment. There have been incidences wherein the government has turned a blind eye to these issues, therefore making the existing laws ineffectual. Despite the existence of laws, trafficking remains widespread particularly because of the corruption and the indifference of government officials (Sharma, 2001). A single policy will not be able to solve the problem entirely, but it will greatly contribute to the solution. In addition, combating problems such as crime, poverty, migration, labor, mental health, and law enforcement, should also be part of anti-trafficking initiatives, as these problems are related to and often lead to trafficking (Sharma, 2001). By addressing these issues and finding solutions to them, there would be a lesser need for people to resort to illegal means such as human trafficking. Awareness vs. Oblivion Bringing awareness to the people about anti-human trafficking initiatives should also be one of the main concerns of these government and non-government organizations. As Sharma (2001) stated, public awareness campaigns are imperative to bring issues of sexual trafficking before the public in order to stimulate community based support (p. 49). It is important to a society to have citizen cooperation because without this, more people become vulnerable to becoming victims of these illegal and degrading crimes. Traffickers capitalize on their victims ignorance and desperation to get out of poverty. As a matter of fact, poverty is the leading cause of human trafficking. Because of poverty, people are deprived of the essential education that they need to acquire jobs (Cheung, Karlekar, De Dios, Vichit-Vadakan, Quisumbing, 1999). These people end up considering illegal options, and human trafficking is one of them. This does not just pertain to the victims, but the traffickers themselves. They take advantage of those people who are willing to work and deceive them with false promises of legitimate employment. The victims, seeing no other alternative and completely unaware of the possible consequences, succumb to the lures of migration and find themselves in forced labor or slavery-like conditions (Kelly, 2001). Because of this, local governments, especially in rural areas, should educate the citizens on how to recognize human trafficking and what to do when faced with such an ordeal as they cannot be proactive if they are not well-informed about the situation (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, n.d.). This can be done through various forms of media such as infomercials, documentaries, print media, and the like. These forms of media can serve to inform the viewers about the telltale signs of human trafficking and to promulgate existing laws in order to deal with the increasing number of human trafficking cases. As a matter of fact, various NGOs and other groups have utilized the media in order to spread vital information about human trafficking. The Save the Children organization has worked with networks for the broadcasting of television segments containing hotline numbers of various anti-trafficking organizations (Anti-Sex Trafficking Organization, 2005). Under local cases, the Phil ippine Overseas Employment Agency has released an anti-trafficking infomercial airing on local TV networks (United States Department of State, 2007). Aside from this, the different anti-human trafficking campaigns should have full support and cooperation from the government in order for them to be as effective and well-spread as possible (Kelly, 2001). These campaigns are mostly needed in more rural areas of a country since most of the victims come from these areas. As stated earlier, these people are usually desperate to get out of poverty that they do not know the true nature of this horrendous felony. Hand in Hand: A Conclusion The eradication of human trafficking cannot be done overnight. Even the toughest anti-trafficking legislation will be ineffective without the support it needs. This is why programs by both government and non-government organizations call for global cooperation and local participation in order for the complete abolishment of human trafficking to be achieved (United Nations Population Fund, n.d.). Human trafficking is an issue that needs to be addressed because, aside from the fact that it perpetuates crime all over the world, it severely damages the lives of its innocent victims. Measures to reduce trafficking have been taken by governments and non-government organizations, and these include the creation of both international and national anti-trafficking laws and programs for the prevention of trafficking and rehabilitation of trafficking victims. However, it is evident that more needs to be done. Aside from having more aggressive campaigns against human trafficking, raising awareness for prevention should be at the forefront of all anti-trafficking initiatives. With an activity as clandestine and as lucrative as human trafficking, it may appear that the battle cannot be won. Initiatives taken to eradicate trafficking have only been successful in reducing it. However, in the 19th century, slavery was abolished worldwide. If it has been done once, then surely it can be done again. With the needed support from the international and national level, the dream of abolishing trafficking may soon be realized. Effects of IPods on Childhood | Annotated Bibliography Effects of IPods on Childhood | Annotated Bibliography Are iPads healthy or poisonous apples in early childhood? Have we ever thought there was too much technology at early years? In the past few years, technology has developed rapidly. Electronic devices have been applied everywhere. Since the launch of iPad in 2010, it has become increasingly popular in early-years learning. Nowadays in early age, children are more accessible to the iPad devices than ever before. Parents are buying them for their children and allowing them to use freely. They consider iPad as their â€Å"electronic nanny† which engages the child throughout, allowing parents more free time for themselves. They believed that iPad is not only harmless but also function as an educator to their children, pushing their technological intelligence to the next level. As a teacher, I am often asked by the parents to recommend some educational apps, which could help their children learn at home. In my opinion, the existence of latest mass communication media symbolizes the rapid advancement of our modern world. This breakthrough enhances the convenience of sharing and searching information amongst the children. Media exposure enriches their knowledge in terms of life quality. However, the British leading psychologist Dr. Aric Sigman indicated ‘‘Children should be banned from using computers until they are 9 years old because the early use of technology is destroying the development of their intelligence.’’ (2010, British Dailymail) Furthermore, the recent report of Singman’s relevant research pointed that using electronic equipment for long period of time would affect children’s attention as well as their social skills. In addition, a child who watches the popular 3D movies frequently would affect his/her perspective development. Based on Sigman’s view, I have the urge to read more literatures, and thus explore the impact of technology usage on children in early years. Annotated Bibliography Bandura, A. (2001). Social cognitive theory of mass communication. Media Psychology, 3(3),  265-299. doi:10.1207/S1532785XMEP0303_03 Bandura promoted the concept of â€Å"social cognitive theories†. In this article, it focuses on discussing the increasing role of the media and the effects of modeling. He indicates that behaviour can be learned via social prompts, and values are learned through human modeling behaviour. Bandura’s theoretical structure describes how observational learning including direct pathway and socially meditated pathway that influence extensive behaviour changes. Bandura puts a lot of effort of developing social cognition study and has published many books and journal articles about this theory. This article links social cognition theory with the roles of electronic media and mass communication, gives us an in-depth understanding of how children change their behaviour based on the models of others. Media has strong impact in the learning of social roles and responsibilities. Cicconi, M. (2014). Vygotsky meets technology: A reinvention of collaboration in the early  childhood mathematics classroom. Early Childhood Education Journal, 42(1), 57-65.  doi:10.1007/s10643-013-0582-9 This journal article examines the implications of Vygotsky’s social learning theory in the early- childhood classroom. The findings suggest that the use of educational technology increases children’s confidence and willingness to share their knowledge, fostering communication and collaboration in learning mathematics. The author discusses the use of three web-based tools, Voke, VoiceThread, and Vodcasts, which engage children with great enthusiasm, and empowering them of all abilities. The research also indicates that children, who armed with instructional technology, the amount of interaction, collaboration and scaffolding are increased. As an educator, the author stresses that the practical instructional technology demonstrates positive impact in learning where children could collaborate effectively. Elliott-Hall, G. (2013). Learning together with iPads. Every Child, 19 (4), 22-23. In this article, Giulia Hall gives an overview of how iPads enrich the learning environment and enhance children’s learning. She states the importance of using iPads to support young children and meeting their learning needs. With iPads, the selection of learning activities is mainly focus on literacy and numeracy. In order to function it well, teacher should develop rules for children by following instructions while using iPads in class. Hall also describes the advantages of using iPads. They are: documenting children’s learning, keeping track on children’s learning progress, developing independence of individual learning and promoting interaction by grouping kids in pairs and using iPads as a positive reinforcer to reward for positive and on-task behaviour. In summary, Hall indicates that iPads helps provide more guidance and modeling in a small group setting, children’s experience with digital technologies enable them to interact, share ideas and create new things. Haddon, L. (2013). Mobile media and children. Mobile Media Communication, 1(1), 89-95.  doi:10.1177/2050157912459504 This article examines a range of research issues with regards to children and digital devices. They are 1.Children’s screen time. There is a growing trend that children spend more time in screen activities; 2. The need for establishing rules of children’s use of technology devices in different social spaces; 3. Challenges of handling the increment of technological options, in terms of age and social norms; 4. The impact on children’s cognitive development; 5. Problems that associate with parental involvement and the difficulties of monitoring, such as bedroom privacy; 6.The potential growth of new logistical challenges, including problems with picking children up in the car; 7. The possession of digital devices within peer groups. All these issues were discussed in various contexts with different cultural perspective towards children and adolescents. McCarthy, C. (2014). Should babies and toddlers use iPads? Harvard Health Publications.  Harvard Commentaries on Health. This article discusses the impact of traditional screen devices towards toddlers in terms of interaction and creativity. It also made contrast between traditional devices and iPads. The author stresses the ideal activity for toddlers is to involve active and exploratory play together with adult, displaying a sense of human touch. Toddlers sitting long time in front of a screen leads to problem with attention. Children imitating TV program with high level of violence can make them more aggressive. In comparison between iPads and traditional screen devices, the former has the quality of better than play toys, more interactive and at the same time tailor to children’s age and learning needs. The author advises that old fashioned play is better than an iPad for children’s development, the amount of time for children to play iPad should not exceed an hour a day. In addition, parents can refer to the reviews on the selected Apps and determine its level of suitability for thei r children and interact with them. Sigman, A. (2012). Time for a view on screen time. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 97(11),  935. doi:10.1136/archdischild-2012-302196 The author indicates that watching screen media is the main leisure of children in this computer age. Children nowadays spent high amount of time on all sorts of screen devices. It has become part of their lives. Undesirable information affects children’s cognitive development. Prolong usage of view screen media contributes to personal health risk, lacking physical activities. Children who watch television and consume food affect its duration of consumption, as it extends beyond the usual time of watching. Body fat mass increment is largely affected by continuous hours of TV watching. Depriving physical activities result in unfavorable health condition. Extensive computer games addiction causes subsequent attention problems and in childhood and even late adolescence stage. Children, who spent more time watching television or using computer exhibit higher level of psychological and emotional difficulties, Social skills diminish as more new technologies skills are acquired. A reduction in screen exposure significantly elevates improvement in child health and development. The impact of uncontrolled and unscreened media that are made available to the children is generally unhealthy life styles. Sherman, T. M. Kurshan, B. L. (2005). Constructing learning: Using technology to support teaching for understanding. Learning Leading with Technology, 32(5), 10-39. In this journal article Sheman and Kurshan advocates that online mass communication allows students and adults to work together from apart effectively solving specific problems under their umbrella of advance technology. It is a tool where students can utilize and maximize their learning capability even from home. Technology is considered as multiple platforms for social interactions. Through network learning platform, students and teachers could discuss questions in different locations, which enables students to express their thoughts as well as expanding their understanding. Technology-based activities not only develop students’ intelligence but also facilitating their collaboration of problem solving. Sherman and Kurshan conclude that through organised interaction, it becomes another form of social activities. Stein, M. T. (2011). The effects of media use in children. Journal Watch. Pediatrics Adolescent  Medicine, doi:10.1056/PA201112280000002 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) conducted a research on media exposure in early childhood, and its effect on children and adolescents in 2011. In the process of the survey, children under the age of 2 denote that 90% of children watch media, such as television and videos. At age 3, 30%of children have televisions in their room, which drastically affects their sleep pattern. Over exposure to TV affects their speech expression, a drop in their executive function and attention problems. Delayed sleep, obesity and fatigue results from over exposure of TV watching are unhealthy practices. Parental intervention, guidance and discussion with their children are necessary to handle their emotions and social behaviour. This article provides strong evidence of supported data in terms of the children’s behaviour in the presence of long duration media exposure. Suazo-Garcia, B., Attewell, P. A., Battle, J. (2003). Computers and young children: Social  benefit or social problem? Social Forces, 82(1), 277-296. doi:10.1353/sof.2003.0075 This research involves school-age children and examines the correlates of time spent at home with computers. It reviews the popular topic of whether computing promotes or reduces young children’s cognitive skills, well-being aspects and learning development. It indicates that computers rob away some normal experiences, such as outdoor activities and social interaction time with peers or other adults. Most children rely largely on playing computer games and stay away from pure educational programs and activities. It reflects on a decline in participating social networks and tends to be more of a loner. The research also reveals that computer integration should be implemented into classroom teaching as many school works are done via computer. Heavy usage of home computers for eight or more hours weekly is linked to less time on physical activities. Furthermore, long term sitting can cause vision problem and bad posture problem. This article highlights on the importance of reduci ng time spent on home computer. Wood, E., Specht, J., Willoughby, T., Mueller, J. (2008). Integrating computer technology in early childhood education environments: Issues raised by early childhood educators. Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 54(2), 210. This study explores the issues faced by the educators with regard to the integration of technology in early childhood education environment. It addresses different perspectives of the children, parents and the educators through the survey responses. Educator pointed that computers is not age-appropriate for very young children, it limits their social interaction with peers and the engagement of social problem-solving. Through the group discussions, they revealed their concerns about the potential loss of traditional educational formats, such as hands-on learning experiences. However, they did acknowledge that computers are the useful learning tool for older children, as it allows children to share information and learn independently. This article discusses the role of computers and provides a better understanding to parents and early childhood educators. Conclusion: Technology is a double sided sword, it has its advantages and disadvantages. Its application depends largely on the integrity of the user. For instance, iPads are like cars and the iPad user are like the drivers. Many accidents are caused by reckless drivers, the problem lies in the mentality and the skills of the driver, rather than the function of the car. As our children are innocent, dependent and vulnerable, parental guidance and engagement is crucial at this junction. Constant monitoring and interaction with the children’s engagement with their iPad is of utmost importance. Parents and teachers involvement in constructive learning with the children, results in more closely monitored in their engaging activities. Establishing rules, controlled timing on iPads usage and careful selection of suitable Apps are the key settings towards healthy learning environment. It promotes their mental and social development in a positive way. We can simply say that a healthy apple is attained when the above mentioned criteria are met.

Frankenstein and If Nights Could Talk Essay -- comparison compare cont

Frankenstein and If Nights Could Talk      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even though most people associate the word "monster" with ghouls, goblins, and other creations of the horror genre, monsters can exist in the more common shape of human beings. People who have suffered sexual abuse, people who suffered neglect as children, and people who have chemical imbalances in their brains have committed worse crimes than Bram Stoker's Dracula ; Adolf Hitler seems more of a monster than Mary Shelley's. However, most people who can behave so horribly towards other humans were not born monsters; rather their experiences and relationships molded their hideous forms. As Shelley's Frankenstein and Marsha Recknagel's memoir If Nights Could Talk demonstrate, the experiences of those who care for these creatures affect their fates as well.    Mary Shelley, or perhaps Victor, neglects to give the monster a name and refers to him as "the monster" or "the daemon" throughout the novel, however he does not truly become a monster until he commits William's murder. The monster had no murderous impulses when first created; Victor simply called him so because of his hideous appearance. While spending his first night alone in the forest, the monster felt "...half frightened, as it were, instinctively, finding myself so desolate...but feeling pain on both sides, I sat down and wept" (Shelley 71). Like a child, though not in the shape of one, the monster helplessly suffered as he tried to find his way in a strange world without a parent to guide him. When he finally finds himself at De Lacey's cottage, the monster shows interest in humanity and a longing to become a part of society. He reads Milton's Paradise Lost, Plutarch's Lives, and Goethe's Sorro... ...ered his family. As nurturers, Marsha and Victor's experiences with being nurtured affect the monster and Jamie, as well as their own experiences with mankind. Perhaps these two stories demonstrate the idea that parents raise their children either exactly the same as they were raised or exactly the opposite. While both choose to raise their monsters in opposite ways from which they had been raised, one monster changes back into a man though the other does not change his shape but perhaps he could not. When Jamie changes his name to Dante, he reasons that both he and Dante went to Hell and came back; but for the monster he cannot come back from his Hell, rather it exists all around him.    Works Cited Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. Mineola: Dover Publications, 1994. Recknagel, Marsha. If Night Could Talk New York: St. Martin's Press, 2001.   

It Is Better to Be Ruled by a Philosopher King Essay

If one wishes to perfect one’s soul and reach enlightenment, then it is definitely better for that one to be ruled by a philosopher-king; however, if one’s main goal in life is to live happily and securely without worries, then it is arguably better for that one to be ruled by a prince. One should, however, seek to perfect one’s soul rather than seek for happiness and security alone, hence, it is better to be ruled by a philosopher-king. This paper will first lay out the reasons why one should be governed by either a Machiavellian prince or a philosopher-king, and point out that the different benefits between the two rulers depends on the different sets of priorities in a citizen’s life. Then, the paper will argue why one should pursue the values under the rule of a philosopher-king rather than that under the rule of a prince. Finally, it will look at some counter argument, analyze and assert why the thesis is still superior. If one’s main wish is to live happily and securely, then it might be better for that one to be ruled by a Machiavellian prince, since a Machiavellian prince’s main goal as a ruler is to secure his state. The perfect prince would appear to be â€Å"merciful, faithful, humane, honest, and religious†, but â€Å"know how to enter into evil, when forced by necessity† to â€Å"maintain his state. † Consequently, the people living under this prince would benefit in the peace that comes with his reign. Moreover, the people are free to pursue whatever materialistic goals they want, so long as they do not violate the laws of the prince. The prince is also neither â€Å"rapacious and a usurper of the property and the women of his subjects† nor is he trying to â€Å"maintain a name for liberality† so much that he â€Å"burden the people extraordinarily, to be rigorous with taxes. † Hence, the people living under a prince’s reign will enjoy a sufficient life with stability, security and freedom to pursue their materialistic wants. If ones seek to perfect their souls, to come out of the cave and â€Å"into the sunlight†, then life under the rule of a philosopher-king is ideal. Under the rule of a philosopher-king, the king will try to â€Å"[turn] the whole soul until it is able to study that which is and the brightest things that is, namely, the one we call the good. † To do this, one must first â€Å"rid of [feasting, greed, and other such pleasures]† that one â€Å"had been hammered at from childhood†, and then â€Å"[turn] to look at true things. The philosopher-king, whose visions and knowledge is true and wise, will help educate the people by changing theirs desires, â€Å"[try] to redirect it appropriately. † A life under a philosopher-king will benefit one’s soul rather than one’s materialistic life. It is obvious as explained previously that the key to the desirability of the two different systems, one under the Machiavellian prince and one under the ph ilosopher-king, lies in how the people prioritize what they look for in life; hence, different sets of values will be satisfied by different political systems. Thus, at first look, it seems impossible to determine which system is better because they are based on completely different sets of values. However, as one set is arguably better to pursue than the other, consequently, one political system will be more desirable than the other. The set of criteria in question is that under the rule of the philosopher-king. It is better for a person to pursue a knowledgeable, true, and rational life that a philosopher-king promises to provide than a materialistic and secure life alone that the Machiavellian prince promises. First, it needs to be pointed out that Machiavelli also seems to see there is of little value for a prince to pursue materialistic desires, unless it serves a bigger purpose, such as the acquirement of â€Å"abundance of either men or money† serves to â€Å"put together an adequate army and fight a battle against whoever comes to attack them. † Machiavelli seems to imply that a prince seeks not just power, but also seeks to be more glorious, excellent, and virtuous than ordinary men. He states that as a commander, a prince should have â€Å"no other object, nor any other thought, nor take anything else as his art but that of war and its order and discipline†; and when a prince â€Å"have thought more of amenities than of arms, [he has] lost [his state]. † This seems to imply that a prince should not seek trivial contentment, but only that of commanders; and as a leader, a prince should desire to be esteemed, feared, and loved, and avoid to be viewed as â€Å"variable, light, effeminate, pusillanimous, irresolute. Hence, Machiavelli seems to say that even though not everyone has virtues, thus, those who do will rise and become princes while the rest will be ruled over, it is desirable that one should aspire to become a prince, seek virtues, prove one’s excellence with his prudence. Socrates, hence, also seems to agree with Machiavelli that one should seek more in life than the satisfaction of one’s instinctive desires. However, Socrate s disagrees with Machiavelli on two points. First, Socrates disagrees that only a few has virtues but everyone is capable of achieving more in life but rather everyone is capable of pursuing virtues. Second, he believes that there is only the â€Å"virtue of reason† that, unlike others that â€Å"aren’t there beforehand but are added later by habit and practice,† has always been there intrinsically inside of everyone. He states that this virtue â€Å"never loses its power but is either useful and beneficial or useless and harmful, depending on the way it is turned. † Socrates, thus, might argue with Machiavelli that the virtues that he assigns for the perfect prince are derivatives of this single virtue of reason, which is â€Å"forced to serve evil ends. † Hence, the perfect prince is capable of horrid things, but still very clever to maintain his image. Socrates perhaps can conclude that the prince described by Machiavelli is a case where the virtue of reason is turned to the wrong way. Thus, Socrates reasons that everyone is capable of pursuing this virtue of reason, and hence, capable of greatness, but they need guidance and education to â€Å"[turn] around from darkness to light. † Machiavelli then might agree that everyone might be capable of greatness, but he still disagrees as to why any person with the virtue of reason should not become a prince to dominate others, but agree to be governed by the philosopher-king. Now, assume that Socrates’ model of the human soul is correct and sufficient; it might give an answer to this problem. Socrates reasons that a human’s soul consists of three parts, a human who represents our virtue of reasons, a lion which represents our beastly power and aggression, also courage and nobility, and a multicolored beast with â€Å"a ring of many heads that it can grow and change at will† which represents our various desires, â€Å"some from gentle, some from savage animals. With the previously established argument that Machiavelli and Socrates may agree that the satisfaction of materialistic desires holds little value, hence, the scenario that the multicolored beast is in control can be eliminated, and so, the argument may be narrowed down to Machiavelli wanting the noble and courageous lion to dominate, while Socrates remains that the rational human should be in control. The initial description of the lion seems to match the dominant characteristics of that of the Machiavellian prince; however, as Machiavelli says himself, a prince needs both natures of man and beast, since â€Å"one without the other is not lasting. † The prince, hence, is still governed by both the man with virtue of reasons and the lion with courage and nobility. He uses the virtues of reason to acquire other virtues to become a prince, but he is still driven by the instinct of the noble lion to achieve glory and conquer others. As the human is the â€Å"best part of [a human soul]† it is still best to have the human part be in control over the bestial parts, because then, the â€Å"entire soul settles into its best nature, acquires moderation, justice, and reason. † Thus, people should seek to achieve this state of the soul where the human part is in control, it then takes care of the multicolored beast â€Å"as farmer does his animals†, and tends to the lion so that â€Å"the lion’s nature [becomes] his ally. This form of goodness of the soul is â€Å"the last thing to be seen, and it is reached only with difficulty. † Hence, the people will want and need the help of a philosopher-king. Since â€Å"a democratic man like a city ruled by a democracy, and similarly with the others†, the life under the rule of a philosopher-king will be similarly to the life which the philosopher-king rules himself. He will ensure by laws or otherwise, that his subject citizens will b e â€Å"the slave of [the philosopher-king] who has a divine ruler within himself. A philosopher-king does not wish to enslave the people to exploit from them, but only to help nurture and bring out the best of the people. When the people are ready, are equipped with â€Å"guardians and ruler similar to [the philosopher-king],† then the people will be set free. It will be ideal for everyone to be ruled by his own divine reason within himself. In conclusion, it is better to be ruled by a philosopher-king because one should goes after the values that the philosopher-king promotes. That is, one should find the virtue of reasons, and by the power of this virtue and the help of the philosopher-king, pursue the ideal balance of the soul, where the human part governs his consciousness and reins in the beasts. The Machiavellian prince is still governed by both the lion and the human, and he lets the people indulge themselves in their desires, hence, the prince is not the best choice of ruler, for himself and for his people alike.

Free Essays on Greek Hero

Greek Hero’s and Their Society The Greek heroes served society by demonstrating the morals and values of the Greek Gods in humanistic terms. All Greek heroes had similar characteristics and qualities. These qualities are an essential part of the hero’s make-up. Without them, the hero would not be able to overcome the challenges that life presented him. Along with specific qualities, Gods always played an important role in the creation of heroes. In fact, many of the hero’s fathers were Gods. Greek heroes shared the human condition of mortality. This quality of mortality made the heroes easier to relate to from a human standpoint. The quest was the heroes right of passage into glory. Every Greek hero needed a quest to become a champion among the Greek people. I believe Peruses is an excellent example of a hero meeting the needs of society by demonstrating qualities that where present in a hero. In the story of Peruses his immortal father was Zeus. Zeus was the fat her of many Greek heroes. Danae, Piraeus’s mother, was locked up in a golden chamber where no man would go. Acrisius, Danae’s father, did this because an Oracle had told him that Danae’s first born would kill him. Zeus, being very promiscuous, transformed himself into a liquid stream of gold. â€Å"Just as a shower of rain falls and becomes absorbed by the earth, so this golden shower penetrated the ceiling of the golden room. Danae found these riches pouring onto her lap.† pp.199 With out Zeus, Peruses would have never been born. Zeus then protected his family by carrying them across the sea and letting them survive their inevitable fate brought on by Acrisius. I feel that this helps teach society that your family should always be there for you when you need them. Being mortal helps Peruses by letting him experience poverty and other human conditions. This differs from many of the gods, and helps the story relate more to the reader. â€Å"Feeling self-c onscious about hi... Free Essays on Greek Hero Free Essays on Greek Hero Greek Hero’s and Their Society The Greek heroes served society by demonstrating the morals and values of the Greek Gods in humanistic terms. All Greek heroes had similar characteristics and qualities. These qualities are an essential part of the hero’s make-up. Without them, the hero would not be able to overcome the challenges that life presented him. Along with specific qualities, Gods always played an important role in the creation of heroes. In fact, many of the hero’s fathers were Gods. Greek heroes shared the human condition of mortality. This quality of mortality made the heroes easier to relate to from a human standpoint. The quest was the heroes right of passage into glory. Every Greek hero needed a quest to become a champion among the Greek people. I believe Peruses is an excellent example of a hero meeting the needs of society by demonstrating qualities that where present in a hero. In the story of Peruses his immortal father was Zeus. Zeus was the fat her of many Greek heroes. Danae, Piraeus’s mother, was locked up in a golden chamber where no man would go. Acrisius, Danae’s father, did this because an Oracle had told him that Danae’s first born would kill him. Zeus, being very promiscuous, transformed himself into a liquid stream of gold. â€Å"Just as a shower of rain falls and becomes absorbed by the earth, so this golden shower penetrated the ceiling of the golden room. Danae found these riches pouring onto her lap.† pp.199 With out Zeus, Peruses would have never been born. Zeus then protected his family by carrying them across the sea and letting them survive their inevitable fate brought on by Acrisius. I feel that this helps teach society that your family should always be there for you when you need them. Being mortal helps Peruses by letting him experience poverty and other human conditions. This differs from many of the gods, and helps the story relate more to the reader. â€Å"Feeling self-c onscious about hi...

Concept of Discipline Investigation in the Accounting Field

Concept of Discipline Investigation in the Accounting Field Introduction This discipline investigation is a process of examining the trends, responsibilities, and possible career paths in the accounting field. By conducting the discipline investigation, my expectations are clarified. I am encouraged to add courses that will increase my employability.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Concept of Discipline Investigation in the Accounting Field specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More I chose to pursue a Bachelors degree in accounting because of the social recognition that financial managers have in public. Financial managers have the likelihood to become general managers or CEOs in a company if they have an accumulation of work experience from different firms. Most career paths allow employees to attain managerial positions depending on their contribution and experience. My perception was that accountants start at a rank that is very close to the top most position. It could be two or t hree steps to the top depending on the size of the company or department. It increases possibilities of being the general manager or CEO, and a higher salary package. Those who study commerce or marketing have to go through many stages. I thought for accountants to succeed, the skills needed are numerical accuracy, and paying attention to detail. An accountant does not have a sales target like some business-related careers. The first job may also start with an attractive paycheck. My expectations before the discipline investigation were that financial analysts have less work but receive a higher pay than most careers. I believe I am observant enough to recognize small changes in trends. The US has conformed to IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) standards from GAAP (U.S generally accepted accounting principles). International accounting standards were found necessary as part of adapting to the global market structure (Paul Burks 3). Globalization has resulted in orga nizations setting business in several countries. Organizations operating in several countries need standardized financial statements and reports. The chances of getting a job in any country increase because accounting policies have been standardized globally. There is a global market requiring the services of accountants. I believe I will always be employed. My subject is known as Christine Tamura. Currently, she is an electronic banking analyst at the Bank of Hawaii in Honolulu. She has over 20 years experience in the financial sector. Tamura chose to study accounting because she had recognized her mathematical skills in high school.Advertising Looking for report on accounting? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More She points out that written communication skills provide an advantage. I have gained the inspiration that written communication skills are very important in the financial field. Ability to handle accurately lar ge quantities of numerical data is necessary for a satisfactory work performance. Critical thinking and problem solving skills may be necessary for an exceptional performance. Background and career path Tamura’s first job was to work as a staff accountant in the Prudential’s Western Home Office Department of Treasury from March 1994 to April 1997. The first job position was an opportunity which matched her qualifications. She obtained a B.S., Business Administration (Accounting major) from the California State University. She has computers skills in programs such as Excel, Access, and Lotus among others. The first job provided her with 3 years of work experience in the accounting field. Sweeney, Bame-Aldred Thornburg elaborate that an accountant who exchanges firms â€Å"before attaining two years of experience may be viewed with suspicion† (9). Tamura had the 3 years work experience with the first organization. She was exposed to the Billing Department, and r econciling accounts which gave her an advantage to fill the quality auditor position with an insurance company. In the first job, she knew she could adapt quickly to fit in areas that needed additional training. She said, â€Å"There is no training, you just dive in.† Adaptability was a very important skill as much as it is today. The first job provided a financial analysis career path which she had followed consistently to the current job position. Sweeney, Bame-Aldred Thornburg discuss that â€Å"employment with a big firm is an indicator of quality† (9). She has more than 20 years experience with a big proportion of the time spent in financial analysis. Her education qualifications and her experience in financial analysis make her fit her current position. I learn that I will need to find general accounting staff positions before seeking specialist positions. Tamura made me recognize that the most important requirement to enter the field is an accounting degree. An accounting degree is the minimum requirement to be considered to fill a position in the financial field with a medium-sized or large firm. Other qualities and skills such as analytical skills and communication skills are essential for better performance after meeting the minimum requirement for education level. In a job interview, having some analysis experience promotes a candidate’s employability. According to Tamura, the banking industry is much concerned about analysis skills. Tamura explains that she had to lift a 25 lbs weight in an interview. It shows that physical fitness is also valued in the workplace.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Concept of Discipline Investigation in the Accounting Field specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Knowledge on using computer software, such as Excel, Word, Outlook, and Access, is necessary for job consideration. A ‘ten key by touch’ indicates high speed typi ng skills. Koumbiadis, Conway Angel explain that â€Å"accountants face the challenge of standards overload, and the need to keep pace with the explosion in technological advances† (2). Analysts use assistive software which requires them to update their training on a regular basis. The standards overload was a retaliatory action from the accounting standards board and organizations to avoid unethical behavior committed by accountants in the past. I recognize the need for continuous training in upcoming technological devices, and software. Financial analysis is generated at the end of a particular period such as quarterly or annually. The complexity increases with changing accounting policies that approve one approach after another. Jesswein (3) discusses that financial analysis involves complex and large volumes of data. The management team uses the financial analysis reports to find reasons for good or bad performance. They give direction on how to enhance good performance or correct the bad performance. Problem-solving capabilities may increase a financial analyst’s work ratings among the management team. There is a need to capture the audience’s confidence through financial reporting. The job expectation in the field is that I need to have good communication skills to give good presentations. I need to do a thorough analysis, and make proper preparations to gain confidence in front of the top management team who will be my superiors. One of the surprises in the financial analysis field that Tamura met is the lack of additional training by the company. The company expects a financial analyst to use his/her accounting knowledge to adapt to any new job descriptions that may occur. Tamura encouraged me to take many courses that are related to accounting to minimize the effect of surprises. Another surprise is found in salary distribution. There is no significant difference in the salary amount earned between those with undergraduate degree s and postgraduate degrees (Sweeney, Bame-Aldred Thornburg 10). The remuneration ranges from $40,000 to $80,000. It means one can have a high salary but low salaries are also possible. I expect a wide range of salaries. Roles and responsibilities Tamura’s currently works as an electronic banking analyst. Her job description includes analyzing ATM performance, providing interpretation of results, and giving strategic direction. She provides insight on the automated billing system to increase efficiency.Advertising Looking for report on accounting? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More She researches and resolves financial discrepancies that occur with other financial institutions, and processing networks. She prepares and processes checks and internal GL tickets to clear/offset settlement, billings, and write-off on various electronic-banking products. Bales Fox state that â€Å"to combat fraud, prevent it by understanding the early signs of fraud† (2). They elaborate that it is necessary to detect fraud early to be able to deal with it properly. This calls for a continuous monitoring and analysis process. An e-banking analyst has to pay a high attention to detail to detect discrepancies. It also requires use of assistive software to detect irregularities. Tamura holds the second highest job position in the financial section of her branch. The Bank of Hawaii is organized in six sections. These are retail, sales, operations and technology, administration and legal, accountancy, and risk management. The accountancy section has only one department known as c ontrol accounting (Bank of Hawaii, chart). Accountants may fall under four groups. These are management accountants, government accountants/auditors, public accountants, and internal auditors (A look at accounting careers, par. 5-8). Tamura position falls under management accountants. She provides the management team with an analysis for decision-making process. For a financial analyst, the minimum requirements are the 4-year-course accounting degree, and 2 years of experience in a banking sector. Tamura has more than 13 years in the banking sector. She has spent most of these years playing roles that relate to financial analysis. The basic computer training application packages required is Excel, Access, and Word. Microsoft Outlook may also be needed for the Local Area Network (LAN) system. Cory Huttenhoff (5) explain that the most preferred degree for private firms was the 120-hour bachelor’s degree in accounting rather than the 150-hour bachelor’s degree. An accou nting degree is more preferred than a degree in finance, business administration or information systems. CPA is considered the most relevant certification for accountants though it may require 150 hours in some states. It is obtained after a degree in accounting in some states. Employers think that increasing the number of learning hours after the 120-hour training does not have an impact on an accountant’s quality. Newly signed accountants may generate positive ethical perceptions from their audience. Newly staffed accountants have a good rating because studies indicate that there is â€Å"no relationship between ethical perceptions of newly staffed accountants and unethical behavior of corporate leaders† (Koumbiadis, Conway Angel, 10). It gives confidence to newly staffed accountants during presentations. Cory Huttenhoff (6) claim that ethics is the second most important topic to cover in college after intermediate accounting. Without ethics, the entire profession is at risk. Integrity is essential. Otherwise, accounting reports would lose their credibility. From this part, I learnt that an accountant’s ethical behavior is the second most important quality after accounting knowledge. The respondent faces the biggest challenge when they are going through a system conversion. They are required to develop new reports within a short period. Changing the system means changing the vendor system or procedures in electronic banking. It involves analyzing and transferring reports from the old system into the new system. Despite the challenges of shifting into a new system, they are meant to provide better solutions. Burks, Lewis, Paul Daniel (4) discuss that monitoring software may solve the problem of documentation required by the legal system. By updating electronic banking tools, the procedures are able to enhance security, and avoid losing the documentation. The amount of work during system upgrade is large but it is aimed at increasing wo rk performance. It also reduces the effort needed to meet exceptional work performance. Her team has to ensure that the new system functions as planned. When an automated system is faulty then it keeps on generating faulty results. It requires multiple test runs. An effective system is good for workers. Customers’ satisfaction level also improves with a new operating system. In the ATM and e-banking section, the banking sector faces high competition. A bank may lose its competitive edge if it does not upgrade to match emerging trends. I learn that a system change may involve a lot of work but it is necessary for better services. Financial analysts may face the challenge of delivering bad news. Bad news is a finding that portrays that business opportunities may decline or profitability may reduce. The problem of delivering unfavorable findings is likely to happen with non-professional investors. Li McDowell (9) explain that investors may judge an analyst’s attribute, s uch as investment-banking relationships, rather than the findings of his/her report. The investors who are already in business respond more commonly with the attribute effect than prospective investors. They may ignore important factors such as causes of the outcomes. It may require a good report that emphasizes the study of a trend, outcomes, and causes among other factors that create a situation rather than the conclusion of the report. Reports are presented to the management team/board. The management team has an average sophistication level that is higher than the average consumer sophistication level. A higher sophistication level means higher demands for better explanations. They also require more facts and references to win their approval. Tamura works for a highly competitive market segment. Tamura presents her findings to a group of professional investors. This may not always be the case, sometimes a financial analyst may work for non-professional investors. I need to be pr epared to distinguish my audience, and highlight the most important parts of an analysis report. Communication skills Most financial analysis is based on periods which may reduce everyday’s work. Daily work may include making updates about changes in financial statements. Financial analysis is generated at the end of a particular period. The target for writing communication includes other financial institutions, and the management team. She needs to develop researches, and resolve discrepancies that may emerge between the bank and other financial institutions. It may require documentation which can be printed or present as a soft copy. She may be required to prepare PowerPoint presentations to summarize matters to the top management team. They may be used as an aid to her presentations. Cory Huttenhoff claim that critical thinking is â€Å"given the highest priority followed by written communication† (6). One of her roles is to investigate, analyze and report on chang ing trends to management to minimize losses on ATM related issues. She is mainly involved in developing reports. The reports may be generated according to regular intervals set by the company. Her performance improves by providing possible strategic direction for her organization. It requires critical thinking and problem solving skills. From her description and nature of her work, speaking and listening are the most important oral communication skills. They are used during presentations about reports, and findings. Her advice was to attend speech classes to be able to give good presentations after making analyses, and developing reports. Listening skills are important for one to be able to cope with criticism. Listening is also necessary to identify parts that require adjustment in a report. Cory Huttenhoff (6) discuss that oral communications was ranked fourth in the priority list. That is, after critical thinking, written communication, and interpersonal skills. Tamura describes that one should expect criticism from co-workers and the management. Interpersonal skills help an individual to respond positively to criticism. They assist employees to achieve good work performance within the teamwork. Reading skills are also important in the financial analyst position. A financial analyst should be aware of market trends, and changes in consumer preference to get some ideas about solving business problems. It is necessary to go through recent market descriptions from specialists in journals, magazines, newspapers, and websites. From reading reports from other analysts, the financial analyst is able to understand investor behavior, and consumer preference (Li McDowell 9). For example, the analyst may understand the investors’ reaction to unfavorable reports, and analysts’ responses to nonprofessional investors’ subjective judgment. Investment requires continuous learning. A good part should involve learning from other people’s experie nces. Investment mistakes can be very costly, and may act as a barrier in an analyst’s career path. There are benefits of pioneering in a trend before the idea diffuses to the entire market. Learning trends early may be beneficial when making decisions. Conclusion The discipline investigation has provided more insight on the roles and responsibilities of a financial analyst. Tamura had fewer responsibilities in her first job compared with her current job. As one gets higher in the rank, roles and responsibilities increase. I have learnt that critical thinking and written communication are given the highest priority in the recruitment process. Tamura has been successful because of numerical skills, skills in computer systems, and work experience. I have also learnt that computer knowledge in Excel and Word are essential for a beginner in the workplace. With the remaining time in college, I will try my best to add related courses that may enhance my level of adaptability. Organ izations expect accountants to change to new systems, sometimes without providing training for the change. Tamura’s career path has been progressive. She started in the general accounting staff before becoming a financial analyst. Her experience at the Treasury made her work easier at the insurance company. Afterwards, she has always done some financial analysis for firms that she joined. From these, I learn that financial analysis may start among other roles before one becomes known fully as a financial analyst. A look at accounting careers 2011. Web. investopedia.com/articles/financialcareers/08/accounting.asp. Bales, Kimberly Terry Fox. â€Å"Evaluating a trend analysis of fraud factors.† Journal of Finance and Accountancy. 5.6 (2011): 1-12. Web. aabri.com/manuscripts/10495.pdf. Bank of Hawaii n.d. Web. theofficialboard.com/org-chart/bank-of- hawaii. Burks, Eddy, Stanley Lewis, Amanda Paul Lee Daniel. â€Å"Using technology to satisfy the material participation requirement of IRC Sec.469.† Journal of Finance and Accountancy. 9.7 (2012): 1-7. Web. aabri.com/manuscripts/111004.pdf. Cory, Suzanne Thomas Huttenhoff. â€Å"Perspectives of non-public accountants about accounting education and certifications: An exploratory investigation.† Journal of Finance and Accountancy. 6.6 (2011): 1-14. Web. aabri.com/manuscripts/10688.pdf. Jesswein, Kurt. â€Å"Analyzing financial statements with the potentially misreported cost of goods sold figures.† Journal of Finance and Accountancy. 6.1 (2011): 1-10. Web. aabri.com/manuscripts/10662.pdf. Koumbiadis, Nicholas, Grace Conway Jack Angel. â€Å"Ethical perceptions of newly staffed accountants: an exploratory study.† Journal of Finance and Accountancy, 6.8 (2011): 1- 12. Web. aabri.com/manuscripts/10731.pdf. Li, Wei Evelyn McDowell. â€Å"Investor affect, investor status and the influence of analyst reports.† Journal of Finance and Accountancy. 8.7 (2011): 1-14. Web. aab ri.com/manuscripts/11951.pdf. Paul, Amanda Eddy Burks. â€Å"Preparing for international financial reporting standards.† Journal of Finance and Accountancy. 4.9 (2010): 1-8. Web. aabri.com/manuscripts/10530.pdf. Sweeney, John, Charles Bame-Aldred Steven Thornburg. â€Å"Pricing in the accountant labor market.† Journal of Finance and Accountancy. 4.7 (2010): 1-24. Web. aabri.com/manuscripts/10536.pdf.

The Emergence of Globalization and the Marketing Mix Essay

The Emergence of Globalization and the Marketing Mix - Essay Example The marketing mix that is appropriate for all this multicultural world market for multinationals must converge to achieve the same goal of expanding the market while at the same time saving the firms cost of operation. Different regions or countries have a specific social framework and any marketing strategy and the communication strategy need to conform to this diversity factor lest it realizes insignificant publicity and product promotion. The cultural factors are closely attached to the economic policies of the specified regions, their religious beliefs, political ideologies and the level of economic development. An effective marketing communication plan needs to be designed to promote the image of the firm at the local level with a global view. It is therefore imperative that market research is thoroughly carried out to develop a communication plan that is in line with the demands of cultural diversity and political environment (Smith, Pulford, & Berry, 2009, pp.75). In reporting this subject a case study of two firms is important to bring out the real concept of integrated market communication strategy. Some examples of multinational companies include Coca-Cola, Toyota, Nokia Inc and others. These firms have central headquarters in a given country but their operations are decentralized in different regions like the Middle East, West Africa, North America, and Europe, East and Central Africa and many other regions. In this report, Middle East market is to be compared with Europe such that appropriate marketing plans can be observed by the multinationals to capture a substantial market share through the market (Bjerregaard, Lauring, Klitmoller, 2009, pp.55). One product that would serve best to be used for comparison is the Coca-Cola soft drinks which are consumed at international level. Comparing the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia would provide the best results in terms of the best-integrated marketing communication plans viable across two market environme nts. The choice of these two states is based on their cultural, taste, behavior and the general spending pattern differences across the consumer body. This would facilitate designing of a customer-focused marketing communication strategies for Coca-Cola Company and other multinational counterparts operating in the same product line like Pepsi (Egan, 2007, pp.134). To establish this comparison, the local cultural model of the two states need to be discussed and the prevailing marketing communication environments in each provided by the aid of graphs and charts. Some of the key marketing focal points that will provide comparison grounds comprise of the culture of the citizens of the two countries, their political system, consumer behavior, level of media activity and effectiveness and the overall competition within each country’s local market.

Politics course work Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Politics course work - Essay Example The Prime Minster basically looks upon the policies that have been formulated by various members, such as the minister of transportation or minister of defense, and he decides what should be sent to the House of Commons to be presented as a bill, or if a draft should be passed or not. Election took place in the UK in May 2010 and it was between the Conservatives, headed by David Cameron, Labour headed by Gordon Brown, and Liberal democrats headed by Nick Clegg. This was the first time that all three candidates, none of the leaders had led a general election campaign. In 2010 after the election in which the conservative party emerged victorious, there arrived a situation in which conservatives were not of an overall majority. It needed twenty seats to form an overall majority (General Election 2010: the top 20 Conservative target seats, 2010), thus it resulted in hung parliament and so there were talks of a coalition government. (Election 2010: First hung parliament in UK for decades, 2010) After Gordon Brown’s resignation following the humiliating defeat in the elections (Gordon Brown resigns, 2010), Queen Elizabeth invited David Cameron to form a government. since he was already short of twenty-two seats he decided to form a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats. the reason behind David Cameron opting to form a coalition government with Conservatives was the manifesto of the conservatives, which was extremely anti ­-labour. Here the role of liberal democrats was extremely important since it did not agree with both the parties on a majority of issues; it was in a catch-22 situation as to with whom they shall form the government. After the invitation by Queen to David Cameron to form the government, there were coalition talks between Liberal democrats and conservatives as to what shall be the strategy to form the government or if they should just go ahead forming a hung parliament. The problems of forming a coalition government with the conser vatives were regarding their manifesto. If they formed a coalition with the Liberal Democrats they will not be able to fulfill their party manifesto. But at this point in time they had no choice because if they became part of a hung parliament, every other resolution would be vetoed by a joint action of labour and liberal democrats. And if they formed a coalition government with liberal democrats, they would have to follow a policy of give some and take some. The coalition dialogue took a total of five days and in the end David Cameron came out and successfully announced that the coalition talks have been â€Å"overwhelmingly approved†. Both the coalition parties agreed on the basic 11 principles on which they would act in one voice and there shall be no compromise on the following issues (Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition deal, 2010): - 1. Deficit Reduction The deficit would be reduced and a total of 6 billion pounds worth of cuts would be made to decrease the budget d eficit. 2. Spending Review - NHS, Schools and a Fairer Society National Health Service would be looked into to increase the benefits it gives to the people who need them the most, as well as a review of the replacement of the trident system for the British defense (Trident replacement decision 'after 2015 elections', 2010). This