Monday, November 25, 2019

Free Essays on The Consequences Of Wishes, Fate Or Fiction, The Monkey’s Paw

â€Å"Be careful what you wish for you may receive it,† describes â€Å"The Monkey’s Paw† a short story written by W.W. Jacobs, in 1908. This story is based on the fairy tale idea of a person having three wishes. This story illustrates how people can become consumed by greed and how curiosity killed the cat. Or in this situation how three wishes can alter your life forever in a negative way, you don’t always get what you wish for, or at least how you expected it. As the story unfolds we are introduced to Mr. and Mrs. White and their son Herbert. The Whites live in an ordinary run down rental house, one of two on their road. ‘â€Å"That’s the worst of living so far out,† balled Mr. White. Of all the beastly, slushy, out of the way places to live in, this is the worst,†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢(1). Living so far out, the White’s got very few visitors and were very surprised by the few they did have. Late one night, an old friend of Mr. Whites arrived. Introducing himself to Mrs. White and Herbert, as Sgt. Major Morris, a tall, large, man with piercing eyes entered the house. A whiskey drunk as he was, the Sgt. Major was content speaking of wars, strange people, and distant parts of the world, as he watched Mr. White pour glass number three. ‘â€Å"I should like to see those old temples, fakirs and jugglers, said the old man. What was that you were telling me the other day about a monkey’s paw or something, Morris?†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢(2) Mr. White was anxious to hear the end of the story the Major had started in days past. Hesitant at first, Major Morris told of the strange paw of the monkey and how it magically (as some though) granted three wishes to its holder. He then began fishing in his pocket and pulled out a dried little trophy. Offering it to the White’s, Herbert took it, looking it over. Mr. White was also curious about why the ugly dried hand was so special. The Sgt Major explained that a holy man cast a spell upon the paw. Showing... Free Essays on The Consequences Of Wishes, Fate Or Fiction, The Monkey’s Paw Free Essays on The Consequences Of Wishes, Fate Or Fiction, The Monkey’s Paw â€Å"Be careful what you wish for you may receive it,† describes â€Å"The Monkey’s Paw† a short story written by W.W. Jacobs, in 1908. This story is based on the fairy tale idea of a person having three wishes. This story illustrates how people can become consumed by greed and how curiosity killed the cat. Or in this situation how three wishes can alter your life forever in a negative way, you don’t always get what you wish for, or at least how you expected it. As the story unfolds we are introduced to Mr. and Mrs. White and their son Herbert. The Whites live in an ordinary run down rental house, one of two on their road. ‘â€Å"That’s the worst of living so far out,† balled Mr. White. Of all the beastly, slushy, out of the way places to live in, this is the worst,†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢(1). Living so far out, the White’s got very few visitors and were very surprised by the few they did have. Late one night, an old friend of Mr. Whites arrived. Introducing himself to Mrs. White and Herbert, as Sgt. Major Morris, a tall, large, man with piercing eyes entered the house. A whiskey drunk as he was, the Sgt. Major was content speaking of wars, strange people, and distant parts of the world, as he watched Mr. White pour glass number three. ‘â€Å"I should like to see those old temples, fakirs and jugglers, said the old man. What was that you were telling me the other day about a monkey’s paw or something, Morris?†Ã¢â‚¬â„¢(2) Mr. White was anxious to hear the end of the story the Major had started in days past. Hesitant at first, Major Morris told of the strange paw of the monkey and how it magically (as some though) granted three wishes to its holder. He then began fishing in his pocket and pulled out a dried little trophy. Offering it to the White’s, Herbert took it, looking it over. Mr. White was also curious about why the ugly dried hand was so special. The Sgt Major explained that a holy man cast a spell upon the paw. Showing...

Friday, November 22, 2019

Employee Training and Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Employee Training and Development - Essay Example Secondly, role-playing orients trainees to the behavioral, situational, and operational expectations that apply in the workplace. In essence, such exercises enable the employee to build courage and confidence appropriate for the job. Most importantly, role-playing during training serves as a motivational practice for the employees under training. This gives them an upper hand to the understanding of the essence of the training and subsequent job execution. On the downside, role-playing in the training process has its disadvantages. This practice could intimidate trainees in one way or another. If the employee or trainee fails to achieve the expected outcome of the exercise, their perception about the training and subsequent outcomes of the training could be in jeopardy (Saks, Haccoun, & Belcourt, 2010). Additionally, these exercises could challenge the self-esteem of the trainee, thereby negating the prospects of the entire process. Therefore, it is important for the trainer to understand the employees and their personalities during

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The principle ,method and applications of fluid pressure measuring Coursework

The principle ,method and applications of fluid pressure measuring - Coursework Example For example, the pressure at the bottom of a dam is equivalent to the ratio of the weight and the area of the column covered by the water. Fluid pressure can be caused by acceleration, gravity or hydraulic systems those results into force thus affecting static fluid pressure. Fluid pressure applies in all directions hence internal pressure of a fluid is equivalent to the external. In this regard, if either pressure is different (internal or external) the object holding the fluid would break. This principle explains the reasons why dams are always constructed thicker at the bottom. The fluid pressure increases as you go deep through the fluid column. The fluid pressure at any point in this case depends on how deep that point is from the surface of the water. If the surface of the water is flat or if the water surface is not tilted to any side, then pressure at point having the same level of depth will always be the same. However, other factors such as can affect fluid pressure. Having described what fluid pressure entails, it is imperative to discuss how this fluid pressure is measured. The theory and principles of fluid pressure measuring Fluid pressure is measured by application of the first principle mentioned in the introduction above that fluid pressure is the force exerted by fluid per unit area. It is also important to note that the intensity of transmission of fluid pressure is equal to all directions. This is expressed in Pascal’s law of pressure Pascal’s law of pressure This law was established by a French Blaise Pascal and states that pressure is exerted and transmitted equally in a confined and non compressible fluid thus the initial variations is always the same (Balachandran 2006, p. 237). In this regard, pressure change at any point of the fluid is transmitted wholly to every point of the fluid. Pascal’s principle is used to derive the equation for measuring fluid pressure and changes in fluid pressure. The following diagram d escribes how Pascal’s principle is demonstrated by the fact that the fluid pressure at any point is equal in all the directions. Fluid static law The fluid static law states that increasing depth of fluid results into the increase in pressure (Balachandran 2006, p. 238). This law is also referred to as hydrostatic law which implies that fluid pressure is directly proportional to the depth of the fluid The pressure depth equation For static fluids, the pressure p at depth h and weight w of the fluid can be expressed as Pressure (p) = height of the fluid (h) x density of the fluid (w) The above equation describes the formulae for fluids that are standing still thus this formula describe the force exerted per unit area. The above equation can be used to derive the equation for the total force that is exerted by the fluid on a horizontal base. Since the above equation simply tells us the force exerted per unit area, to get the total force, we multiply force exerted per unit area by the total area of the horizontal base. F = force per unit area (wh) x area (A) = whA The above equation is used to calculate pressure especially when a horizontal plate is submerged in water. The above equation gives the total force exerted on the upper face as a result of fluid pressure. However, when such plate is submerged vertically, then, pressure will vary depending on the height of the fluid column. Pressure = Force p = F/A Area over which the force is applied In this

Monday, November 18, 2019

The website have the right to choose the topic Essay

The website have the right to choose the topic - Essay Example Hence, being a multi-cultural country, it is difficult to pinpoint one dominant group (majority) in the US which has an advantage or edge over minority groups. However, it must be noted, that while the Native Americans were the very first people populating the USA, the very first settlers who brought â€Å"civilization† to the US were the Europeans who travelled with Christopher Columbus. Hence, they are termed as â€Å"Americans† and are also referred to as â€Å"the white race†. These settlers can be termed as the dominant group prevalent in the US as they were the supposed founders of the empty land back in Christopher Columbus’s time (Pasell, 1995). While the USA has opportunities for all ethnicities, religions, and cultures and laws prohibit discrimination upon the basis of race, gender, disability, and other factors, some people are still discriminated against or were discriminated against when they first immigrated to the US as part of a minority group. Minority groups are subject to unequal treatment by dominant groups and may be the victims of racism. They are in a minority in the suggested area and do not have as much power as the dominant groups may have. It takes ample time for them to be recognized, given equal opportunities, and lead a better and free life in the said place. Dominant groups or majority groups, on the other hand, and have power and authority in their area and may have racist feelings against other minority group settlers. Moreover, they have the most opportunities and the easiest access to their place of settling (Winnant, 1994). As mentioned before, while the percentage of majority and minority residents in the US is rapidly changing, the analysis of this paper will be based upon two groups: the Europeans (white) as the dominant group and the immigration of Chinese settlers into the US as the non-dominant group (Calavita, 1994). Immigration policies differed in various time

Saturday, November 16, 2019

An Adoption Of Ebusiness In Thai SMEs

An Adoption Of Ebusiness In Thai SMEs Chapter 1: Dissertation Introduction Background to research In order to increase business opportunities, many large companies invested in information systems (IS). Because the high return from investment have seen in many cases. Also, Porter (2001) claims that the e-business which one kind of information systems can term as the way to management business by applying the Internet to support business activities. However, in small and medium sized enterprises have only small amount of evidences to prove those benefits (Levy, Powell Yetton, 2002). However, presently the internet was changed the way of running business, the small and medium enterprise (SME) have higher opportunities to survive in various markets (Levy Powell, 2005). Consequently, these researches are inspired this research to explore how to improve SME in Thailand which is one of the most significant business sectors in the country. Therefore, the idea of improving Thai business by integrating an e-business into SMEs has been studied. Furthermore, there are some amount of resear ch for developing e-commerce in Thailand but rarely seen for e-business. In my opinion, e-business could change and improve the way of running business better than ever due to it supports the coordination between suppliers and partners, operation performance, and also included e-commerce (Beynon-Davies, 2004). Aims and objectives Research objectives To discover which kind of small and medium companies should integrate e-business and what are the critical success factors in adopting it. This research also aims to develop the road map of e-business integration for the case study company. Research questions How to adopt e-business to Thai SMEs? Why only some companies should integrate e-business? What are the characteristics that specify the appropriation? How e-business can improve the company performance? What are the critical success factors? What are the main barriers for these kinds of small size business? Do suppliers or customers of the company agree with integrating e-business? Do they have significant influent to change? What are the case study tell us about the literature? How the business can apply in the future? Area of Focus Structure Chapter 2: Literature Analysis and Dissertation Questions Value chain Dynamics of SMEs to information systems Important of e-business E-business integration Thailand SMEs Critical susses factors Chapter 3: Context and Methodology After the previous chapter critical analysed various relevant academic literatures. This chapter illustrates the qualitative research methodology applied in this dissertation in order to analyse and design the roadmap for adopting e-business system in SuperBag Company. In this context and methodology part is combined with three main sections: paradigm and research methodology, research design, and research ethic. The chapter explains the process of research planning in the same logical with the research onion in figure 3.1 (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2008 cited in Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill 2009, p.108). By the reason that this model possible to show the approach of management research clearly. Figure 3.1: The research onion (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009, p.108) As can be seen in figure 3.1 the research onion divided to two colours in order to distinguished the layer of thinking method. In the first two layers are philosophies and approaches which can be thought of as paradigm and research methodology. The next three levels are strategies, choices, and time horizontals. These three layers are concerning on research design process (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). In the innermost layer, data collection and data analysis are discussed in the next chapter. Paradigm and Research Methodology This research has the purpose to investigate the critical success factors in applying e-business in Thailand SMEs. Consequently, to get the richness of information and enhance the validity of the outcome, the research will utilise interpretive philosophy (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). In addition, the philosophy results in inductive approach. To begin with first layer, this qualitative research applied an interpretivist philosophy. Referred to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) explain that interpretivism suitable for the research topic that has some particular interests and difficult to understand such as human being. For this reason, to comprehend the case study is aligning with interpretivism that supports to view the situation in-depth. Additionally, Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) suggest three views to clarify the research philosophies including with ontology, epistemology and axiology. In interpretivism, ontology represents the nature of reality as subjective that varies to change. Next, epistemology explains that the details of subject contexts are important to the research implication. Lastly in interpretivism paradigm, axiology shows a value-laden and research is part of the research that might lead to biased outcome (Blackmon and Maylor, 2005). In conclusion, interpretivism is appropriate with this research as this philosophy demonstrates the richness of data and subjective as well as high validity (Harwood, 2010). Moreover, as Greener (2008, p.17) stated, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“an interpretivist researcher aims to see the world throught the eyes of the people being studied, allowing them multiple perspectives of reality, rather than the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“one realityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? of positivismà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. This statement supports the idea that interpretivism is ultimate for business research which supports to generate the framework from the many participants views. In the second layer is inductive approach was used in this research as parallel way of interpretivism. This approach is more appropriate to deal with a small sample size. As it spotlights attention to the contexts of subject. In addition, a number of researches support inductive approach is closer understanding of social word than deductive approach (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). Research Design This sub section explains three layers of research onion; strategies, choices, and time horizontals. Firstly, as the dissertation topic analysed SuperBag Company, the research design was fixed as a case study. As well as the Research Philosophy and approach those were devised to find the most appropriate paradigm to produce the reliable outcome. The strategy used in the research is a single case study. According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) state that this strategy can be explained descriptive, explanatory and exploratory research types. However, this research is concerned as exploratory more than others because it discovered new knowledge for the case. More details about the case study company are described in the chapter 4. Secondly, reference to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) reveal that while using case study strategy, both qualitative and quantitative should be collected. This technique called as triangulation and it is possible to reduce the bias decision from the point of researchers view. Therefore, this research used mixed-method design in order to increase the research reliability. The qualitative data were collected by using semi-structured interviews and the quantitative data were gathered from internal and external company data resources. Thirdly, the time horizon that was used in this paper is cross-sectional study. Main reason of selecting the cross-sectional study instead of longitudinal study is the research question (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). The research question is about to develop the implementation plan in the particular time, so that cross-sectional study would be more suitable than longitudinal time horizontal. Moreover, as Greener (2008) point out, when the research faced with time limited same as this dissertation case, cross-sectional study would be more preferable too. Ethic Consideration The ethic is one of the main concerns in producing this research. As Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) have indicates that ethically research should be performed since the authority to access the participants, gathering process, analysis, and the way to present research data. For example, the voice record are started after the interviewees were consent to do. Moreover, researcher used the natural tone while interviewing in order to reduce the interviewees stress. In addition, interview time was selected by the interviewees to provide the most convenience time for them. Furthermore, both interviewees and companys name are anonymous due to the privacy concern. Hence, instead of its read name, this case study company referred as SuperBag. Chapter 4: Data Collection and Data Analysis As mentioned in previous section, this chapter explains in the innermost of the research onion that is techniques and procedures of the research. Those discussed in this chapter are highlighted as (1) case description, (2) sampling method, (3) Data collection; secondary data and primary data, and (4) data analysing technique. Case Description This dissertation focuses on SuperBag Company as a case study. This company was selected for examination since it is a Small and Medium Enterprises in Thailand. Thai SMEs is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. SuperBag Company is a filter bags manufacture. The company was established since 1983 and it is a first expert manufacture of filter bags in Thailand. As the first company and its size and profit are increasing continuously that made SuperBag is the leader of this market. Recently, the firm has a client base of over 100 companies including Thailand and some neighbour countries. Additional, the numbers of customers are constant growing. However, SuperBag has not converted to big company yet. The company was owner and formed by an enthusiastic entrepreneur. In addition, SuperBag operated as family business which has 40 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" 50 employees. Also, the main communication ways are using the traditional ways such as fax and telephone The company provides a full range of associated filter products and accessories. The main product is filter bags which are using for dust control in various industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and mining quarrying cement. SuperBag offers an assortment of services included; designing suitable bags, onsite fitting, producing made to order products, maintenance, and advice for problem solving. Majority of the products SuperBag manufactured are mainly sold in Thailand. On the other hands, SuperBag imports raw material from many countries included; Germany, Taiwan, Korea, and China. The materials from different country of origin are significantly affected to the product quality and profit margin. The aims and visions of SuperBag are promised to high standard filter bags, fast service, made to order by specialist, concern the customer relationship, in order to achieve the highest customers satisfaction. (SuperBag, 2010) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“most management and organisational researchers suggest that you are more likely to gain access where you are able to use existing contactsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Buchanan et al. 1988; Easterby-Smith et al. 2008; Johnson 1975 cited in Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill 2009, p.176) Sampling Method After the sample case was explained, this section describes the sampling technique that was applied to this research. According to the research question that what to know how to adopt e-business to Thai SMEs which are a numerous number of this kind of enterprise in Thailand. Therefore, the entire population cannot be collected and analysed, the sample case is necessary. Additionally, an alternative of probability, this dissertation decided to use non-probability sampling technique. As Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) indicate that non-probability sampling techniques are allowed to choose the sample purposively. With this reasons the research question could be answered from rich information that usually gains from small sample size. Finally, when combined various supported reasons and the opportunity to access the SuperBag Company data, made this research applied a non-probability with purposively selected SuperBag Company as a case study to simplify the general idea of how to ado pt e-business in Thai SMEs. Data Collection Data were collected from two major types included secondary data and primary data. Firstly, secondary data which are the existing data could be collect from either external or internal company database. Referred to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) internal data are data that can be obtained from the firm. External data could be conducted from many sources such as internet, library, and some publishing media (Harwood, 2010). Another data source is primary data which is data that first collect in the research. As mentioned in sampling method that the research will use a single case study, which will be the good source of primary data. Secondary data As McQuarrie (1996) suggested that before planning to spend time and money to collect data, the researchers should look for secondary data first. Even though the secondary data were gathered for different purposes, they were ready to be used. Moreover, secondary data can be the firm internal data such as investment plan, company annual report. Also, wide ranges of existing knowledge are provided, in this dissertation was focused in four areas consisted; information systems (IS) and information technology (IT), e-business adoption, Thai SMEs, and business strategy. There are a choice of sources to review such as public and university library, and opened online sectors. These secondary data were valuable to the research if they are related, reliability and validity (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009). Primary data This type of case study suits when the case provides authorities to access their data (Yin, 2003). The information was gathered from two interviewers that are the owner and the successor of the company. Furthermore, the interview will use face to face and virtual face techniques. In detailed, these qualitative interviews will be prepared as semi-structured interviews. According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009), the semi-structured interviews useful when new aspect from the interviewers are very significant to the research outcome. Because new questions can be added or omitted depends on the conversation. Moreover, the conversions would be recorded by audio-recorders and paper notes. Data Analysis Technique Data Analysis All records will be transcribed into word files and then get through the data cleaning process. Next, these data will be answered the research questions. Nevertheless, the process of data collection and analysis will be repeated until all questions were answered. Resources Although, various secondary data can be found in opened online sector such as Webcat and TDnet, some of useful information has to pay for. Moreover, this research was prepared by individually, so the researcher has to pay for all cost which happens during this project. The free online articles and journals which involve in the topic will be used in this research that can find from intranet at Library of University such as TDnet, Webcat. Time management and location Location Location could have significant impact to the data that was collected, so this research will conduct the information as virtual face and face to face. For virtual face means the interviewee and interviewer can see each other and have real time communication (Skype, 2010). In this research will use the software called Skype. Also, international call will be used in emergency situation. An Adoption Of Ebusiness In Thai SMEs An Adoption Of Ebusiness In Thai SMEs Chapter 1: Dissertation Introduction Background to research In order to increase business opportunities, many large companies invested in information systems (IS). Because the high return from investment have seen in many cases. Also, Porter (2001) claims that the e-business which one kind of information systems can term as the way to management business by applying the Internet to support business activities. However, in small and medium sized enterprises have only small amount of evidences to prove those benefits (Levy, Powell Yetton, 2002). However, presently the internet was changed the way of running business, the small and medium enterprise (SME) have higher opportunities to survive in various markets (Levy Powell, 2005). Consequently, these researches are inspired this research to explore how to improve SME in Thailand which is one of the most significant business sectors in the country. Therefore, the idea of improving Thai business by integrating an e-business into SMEs has been studied. Furthermore, there are some amount of resear ch for developing e-commerce in Thailand but rarely seen for e-business. In my opinion, e-business could change and improve the way of running business better than ever due to it supports the coordination between suppliers and partners, operation performance, and also included e-commerce (Beynon-Davies, 2004). Aims and objectives Research objectives To discover which kind of small and medium companies should integrate e-business and what are the critical success factors in adopting it. This research also aims to develop the road map of e-business integration for the case study company. Research questions How to adopt e-business to Thai SMEs? Why only some companies should integrate e-business? What are the characteristics that specify the appropriation? How e-business can improve the company performance? What are the critical success factors? What are the main barriers for these kinds of small size business? Do suppliers or customers of the company agree with integrating e-business? Do they have significant influent to change? What are the case study tell us about the literature? How the business can apply in the future? Area of Focus Structure Chapter 2: Literature Analysis and Dissertation Questions Value chain Dynamics of SMEs to information systems Important of e-business E-business integration Thailand SMEs Critical susses factors Chapter 3: Context and Methodology After the previous chapter critical analysed various relevant academic literatures. This chapter illustrates the qualitative research methodology applied in this dissertation in order to analyse and design the roadmap for adopting e-business system in SuperBag Company. In this context and methodology part is combined with three main sections: paradigm and research methodology, research design, and research ethic. The chapter explains the process of research planning in the same logical with the research onion in figure 3.1 (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2008 cited in Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill 2009, p.108). By the reason that this model possible to show the approach of management research clearly. Figure 3.1: The research onion (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009, p.108) As can be seen in figure 3.1 the research onion divided to two colours in order to distinguished the layer of thinking method. In the first two layers are philosophies and approaches which can be thought of as paradigm and research methodology. The next three levels are strategies, choices, and time horizontals. These three layers are concerning on research design process (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). In the innermost layer, data collection and data analysis are discussed in the next chapter. Paradigm and Research Methodology This research has the purpose to investigate the critical success factors in applying e-business in Thailand SMEs. Consequently, to get the richness of information and enhance the validity of the outcome, the research will utilise interpretive philosophy (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). In addition, the philosophy results in inductive approach. To begin with first layer, this qualitative research applied an interpretivist philosophy. Referred to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) explain that interpretivism suitable for the research topic that has some particular interests and difficult to understand such as human being. For this reason, to comprehend the case study is aligning with interpretivism that supports to view the situation in-depth. Additionally, Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) suggest three views to clarify the research philosophies including with ontology, epistemology and axiology. In interpretivism, ontology represents the nature of reality as subjective that varies to change. Next, epistemology explains that the details of subject contexts are important to the research implication. Lastly in interpretivism paradigm, axiology shows a value-laden and research is part of the research that might lead to biased outcome (Blackmon and Maylor, 2005). In conclusion, interpretivism is appropriate with this research as this philosophy demonstrates the richness of data and subjective as well as high validity (Harwood, 2010). Moreover, as Greener (2008, p.17) stated, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“an interpretivist researcher aims to see the world throught the eyes of the people being studied, allowing them multiple perspectives of reality, rather than the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“one realityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? of positivismà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. This statement supports the idea that interpretivism is ultimate for business research which supports to generate the framework from the many participants views. In the second layer is inductive approach was used in this research as parallel way of interpretivism. This approach is more appropriate to deal with a small sample size. As it spotlights attention to the contexts of subject. In addition, a number of researches support inductive approach is closer understanding of social word than deductive approach (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). Research Design This sub section explains three layers of research onion; strategies, choices, and time horizontals. Firstly, as the dissertation topic analysed SuperBag Company, the research design was fixed as a case study. As well as the Research Philosophy and approach those were devised to find the most appropriate paradigm to produce the reliable outcome. The strategy used in the research is a single case study. According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) state that this strategy can be explained descriptive, explanatory and exploratory research types. However, this research is concerned as exploratory more than others because it discovered new knowledge for the case. More details about the case study company are described in the chapter 4. Secondly, reference to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) reveal that while using case study strategy, both qualitative and quantitative should be collected. This technique called as triangulation and it is possible to reduce the bias decision from the point of researchers view. Therefore, this research used mixed-method design in order to increase the research reliability. The qualitative data were collected by using semi-structured interviews and the quantitative data were gathered from internal and external company data resources. Thirdly, the time horizon that was used in this paper is cross-sectional study. Main reason of selecting the cross-sectional study instead of longitudinal study is the research question (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill, 2009). The research question is about to develop the implementation plan in the particular time, so that cross-sectional study would be more suitable than longitudinal time horizontal. Moreover, as Greener (2008) point out, when the research faced with time limited same as this dissertation case, cross-sectional study would be more preferable too. Ethic Consideration The ethic is one of the main concerns in producing this research. As Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) have indicates that ethically research should be performed since the authority to access the participants, gathering process, analysis, and the way to present research data. For example, the voice record are started after the interviewees were consent to do. Moreover, researcher used the natural tone while interviewing in order to reduce the interviewees stress. In addition, interview time was selected by the interviewees to provide the most convenience time for them. Furthermore, both interviewees and companys name are anonymous due to the privacy concern. Hence, instead of its read name, this case study company referred as SuperBag. Chapter 4: Data Collection and Data Analysis As mentioned in previous section, this chapter explains in the innermost of the research onion that is techniques and procedures of the research. Those discussed in this chapter are highlighted as (1) case description, (2) sampling method, (3) Data collection; secondary data and primary data, and (4) data analysing technique. Case Description This dissertation focuses on SuperBag Company as a case study. This company was selected for examination since it is a Small and Medium Enterprises in Thailand. Thai SMEs is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. SuperBag Company is a filter bags manufacture. The company was established since 1983 and it is a first expert manufacture of filter bags in Thailand. As the first company and its size and profit are increasing continuously that made SuperBag is the leader of this market. Recently, the firm has a client base of over 100 companies including Thailand and some neighbour countries. Additional, the numbers of customers are constant growing. However, SuperBag has not converted to big company yet. The company was owner and formed by an enthusiastic entrepreneur. In addition, SuperBag operated as family business which has 40 à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" 50 employees. Also, the main communication ways are using the traditional ways such as fax and telephone The company provides a full range of associated filter products and accessories. The main product is filter bags which are using for dust control in various industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and mining quarrying cement. SuperBag offers an assortment of services included; designing suitable bags, onsite fitting, producing made to order products, maintenance, and advice for problem solving. Majority of the products SuperBag manufactured are mainly sold in Thailand. On the other hands, SuperBag imports raw material from many countries included; Germany, Taiwan, Korea, and China. The materials from different country of origin are significantly affected to the product quality and profit margin. The aims and visions of SuperBag are promised to high standard filter bags, fast service, made to order by specialist, concern the customer relationship, in order to achieve the highest customers satisfaction. (SuperBag, 2010) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“most management and organisational researchers suggest that you are more likely to gain access where you are able to use existing contactsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Buchanan et al. 1988; Easterby-Smith et al. 2008; Johnson 1975 cited in Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill 2009, p.176) Sampling Method After the sample case was explained, this section describes the sampling technique that was applied to this research. According to the research question that what to know how to adopt e-business to Thai SMEs which are a numerous number of this kind of enterprise in Thailand. Therefore, the entire population cannot be collected and analysed, the sample case is necessary. Additionally, an alternative of probability, this dissertation decided to use non-probability sampling technique. As Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) indicate that non-probability sampling techniques are allowed to choose the sample purposively. With this reasons the research question could be answered from rich information that usually gains from small sample size. Finally, when combined various supported reasons and the opportunity to access the SuperBag Company data, made this research applied a non-probability with purposively selected SuperBag Company as a case study to simplify the general idea of how to ado pt e-business in Thai SMEs. Data Collection Data were collected from two major types included secondary data and primary data. Firstly, secondary data which are the existing data could be collect from either external or internal company database. Referred to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009) internal data are data that can be obtained from the firm. External data could be conducted from many sources such as internet, library, and some publishing media (Harwood, 2010). Another data source is primary data which is data that first collect in the research. As mentioned in sampling method that the research will use a single case study, which will be the good source of primary data. Secondary data As McQuarrie (1996) suggested that before planning to spend time and money to collect data, the researchers should look for secondary data first. Even though the secondary data were gathered for different purposes, they were ready to be used. Moreover, secondary data can be the firm internal data such as investment plan, company annual report. Also, wide ranges of existing knowledge are provided, in this dissertation was focused in four areas consisted; information systems (IS) and information technology (IT), e-business adoption, Thai SMEs, and business strategy. There are a choice of sources to review such as public and university library, and opened online sectors. These secondary data were valuable to the research if they are related, reliability and validity (Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009). Primary data This type of case study suits when the case provides authorities to access their data (Yin, 2003). The information was gathered from two interviewers that are the owner and the successor of the company. Furthermore, the interview will use face to face and virtual face techniques. In detailed, these qualitative interviews will be prepared as semi-structured interviews. According to Saunders, Lewis and Thornhill (2009), the semi-structured interviews useful when new aspect from the interviewers are very significant to the research outcome. Because new questions can be added or omitted depends on the conversation. Moreover, the conversions would be recorded by audio-recorders and paper notes. Data Analysis Technique Data Analysis All records will be transcribed into word files and then get through the data cleaning process. Next, these data will be answered the research questions. Nevertheless, the process of data collection and analysis will be repeated until all questions were answered. Resources Although, various secondary data can be found in opened online sector such as Webcat and TDnet, some of useful information has to pay for. Moreover, this research was prepared by individually, so the researcher has to pay for all cost which happens during this project. The free online articles and journals which involve in the topic will be used in this research that can find from intranet at Library of University such as TDnet, Webcat. Time management and location Location Location could have significant impact to the data that was collected, so this research will conduct the information as virtual face and face to face. For virtual face means the interviewee and interviewer can see each other and have real time communication (Skype, 2010). In this research will use the software called Skype. Also, international call will be used in emergency situation.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

The Battle Between Heart and Conscience in Mark Twains Huckleberry Fin

The Battle Between Heart and Conscience in Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Society can have a huge impact on an individual's moral growth. Sometimes the impact is positive but other times the learned habits and set morals of society have a negative effect. In Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, the main character, Huck, struggles with what society teaches him and with what he knows to be good and true. During different conflicts concerning either the king and duke, various women or Jim, Huck's sound heart wins the battle over his conscience, which the reader knows to be ill-formed. Right from the first time Huck hears the story of the king and duke's amazing pasts Huck knows, "these liars warn't no kings nor dukes at all" (Twain 166). However, Huck also does not want to make any trouble so he goes along with the lie. Society may have taught Huck's conscience that lying is wrong but in this case the truth would have caused unnecessary danger and havoc. Another time that Huck sees right through the king and duke, is during the Wilks' inheritance situa...

Monday, November 11, 2019

Super Size Me

The movie starred and was directed by independent filmmaker Morgan Spurlock[1].   Spurlock undertakes to explain the rampant obesity in America as a function largely of overdependence on convenience food and dining in quick-service restaurant chains. Spurlock strove to make his point by undertaking to consume only McDonald’s products for a whole month.   His stated goal was to investigate the impact of fast food, of which McDonald’s is the archetype, on the epidemic of obesity (and associated diseases such as hypertension and diabetes) plaguing America. Prior to starting the experiment, Spurlock was physically fit but in the end, he had gained considerable weight and was showing early signs of health problems.   The film presented its thesis in stark fashion: eat excessive fast food, get sick. â€Å"Super Size Me† employs the documentary format that â€Å"The Blair Witch Project† and â€Å"March of the Penguins† made famous. Basically, a camera followed Spurlock around wherever he went, chronicling his activities and feelings every so often. The film followed a chronological format that showed Spurlock’s descent from fit and bright-eyed to miserable and overweight. Also included were interviews with nutritionists, doctors and other people who helped shed light on the question; â€Å"Why is America obese?† The device of eating nothing but fast food may seem unrealistic.   Or perhaps not; how many of us would rationally avoid convenience foods if there was no one to cook breakfast or dinner?   Do parents know what children eat all day long when they are away at college? Spoofing the fast food habit this way does serve to compress the timeframe, create shock value and teach by entertaining.   One doubts that the audience would be as attentive if a physician had delivered a lecture on video about the ill effects of eating fast food for 20 or 30 years. Spurlock essentially consumed over 5,000 calories per day of nothing but obviously fattening McDonald’s staples: Big Mac’s, French fries and soda. In his defense, Spurlock[2] said he was mimicking the diet of a â€Å"super-heavy user†, Marketing lingo for an avid patron. At the same time, Spurlock satirized the slothful habits of many Americans who do not care to exercise. Even if they did not consume McDonald’s foods in the amounts he did, it is unlikely that they eat a balanced, nutrition-dense diet anyway. Despite the criticism level against it, â€Å"Super Size Me† remains shocking and relevant. Millions of Americans are undoubtedly ‘addicted’ to a diet of fast food that contains unhealthy levels of sugar and cholesterol. As shown by Spurlock’s own transformation, such relaxed eating compounds the problem by lowering the desire to exercise and be active. Naturally, the most shocking scene in the movie is when a complete physical examination reveals the extent of his physical deterioration. The domino effect does not stop there. Obesity and lack of activity causes numerous health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Already, a largely overweight generation of â€Å"baby boomers† has begun to overwhelm the health care system. For a nation built on the industry and creativity of its people this truly bodes ill. [1] Super Size me Directed by Morgan Spurlock Spurlock, in audio commentary track [2] Spurlock, in the movie, and again on the DVD commentary track

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Does the Euro Crises prove that any of these member states: Greece, Ireland and Portugal should have not been allowed to join the euro?

Abstract The creation of the Eurozone following the Maastricht Treaty led to the region becoming one of the largest single currency areas in the world. However, at the heart of this project lay a series of inherent weaknesses. This paper discusses these weaknesses from the perspective of three countries: Ireland, Portugal and Greece. Each of these countries had their own particular economic and fiscal issues which would have exposed them to economic shock should the Eurozone experience a financial downturn. This was the case in 2008 when the US led financial crisis spread to Europe. This paper assesses that none of these countries were sufficiently prepared to join the Eurozone but also that they also possessed their own unique structural weaknesses which would perpetuate any financial crisis. It is for this reason that these three states would not have been allowed to join and also that they all sought bailouts in order to stop their domestic governments from bankruptcy. Introduction The development of the Eurozone represented a further attempt in the European Union to create increased economic and fiscal convergence and integration. The recent financial crisis has provided this new project with its first major test. This paper begins by reviewing the development and evolution of the Euro and the Eurozone. In doing so, it looks at the considered need for fiscal stabilisation at the international level. This section also highlights the various fiscal and economic mechanisms which were put in place prior to allowing any country to join the project. Subsequent to this the eligibility of three countries, Ireland, Portugal and Greece is considered. Here, the rationale for these countries joining, as well as reviewing the structure of their respective economies, is taken into consideration. Further to this, the question of whether these countries met the stabilising mechanisms prior to joining is assessed. This paper then highlights various other reasons why it may hav e been beneficial for them not to join the Eurozone. Finally, this paper reviews the recent meltdown in the Eurozone area and highlights that this event was precipitated by a structural weakness in both US as well as global financial markets which left these three countries exposed to debts sufficient for them to require bailouts and restructuring programmes which were indicative of shock therapy. This paper concludes that Ireland, Portugal and Greece should have been allowed to join the Eurozone since neither of these countries had met the eligibility criteria. In addition each of these states possessed their own structural weaknesses that ultimately would have exposed them to an economic downturn, regardless of the causation. Euro Evolution The Euro is the common currency which is used by the majority of member states of the European Union (EU). It originated in 1992 following the signing of the Maastricht Treaty which contained three aspects to combining and increasing EU governance. The Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM), as a vehicle for economic integration and financial convergence, was first muted in the late 1970s as a vehicle for furthering economic integration (Civitas, 2013), and represented the latest international drive towards economic stability. Originally known as the European Monetary System, it was wound up in 1992 with the development of the ERM (Civitas, 2013). Progression towards the ERM included the creation of an independent central bank, which was mandated to achieving and maintaining price stability across the Eurozone space; a Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) which consisted of an intergovernmental agreement which was conjoined with the EU legal framework, the aim of which was to limit member state fiscal deficits; and a no co-responsibility (in layman terms, a no bail out clause) which was enshrined within Article 125 of the Treaty (Europa, 1992). These mechanisms were considered to be decent fiscal instruments for EU and Eurozone governance and, as a result, member states did not consider that it was important to coordinate their economic policies. This latter aspect was forwarded by powerful member states such as the UK, France and Germany, which did not consider that they would have any benefit from these policies. For them, any subsequent domestic policy changes were considered to have a detrimental impact upon their finances (Campaign against Euro Federalism, 2013). However, as a precursor to Euro membership, aspiring member states need to comply with a pre-set series of fiscal guidelines. EU Member states which join the Eurozone must meet a series of convergence criteria (European Commission, 2014). These criteria are based on a series of fiscal; mechanisms which are utilised to restructure the economies of member states in order that the transition to conversion to the Euro are based upon macroeconomic indicators which are used to measure The convergence criteria are formally defined as a set of macroeconomic indicators which measure stability of prices and inflationary pressures; sound and sustainability public finances which includes an imposed limit on government borrowing as well as national debt in order that member states avoid possessing an excessive national deficit (European Commission, 2014). However prior to this, aspiring member states need to conform to the exchange-rate stability mechanism, through which participation in the ERM takes place for at least two years prior to membership without there being any evidence of a strong deviations from the ERM cr iteria (European Commission, 2014). A further factor in the progression towards joining the Eurozone for any aspirant state is an assessment of long-term interest rates. Indeed this latter criterion was a mitigating factor in the UK’s failure to adhere to ERM controls in the early 1990s (Civitas, 2013). More recently the Eurozone has been engulfed in a global financial crisis which began in the USA and spread to Europe via Iceland (this is discussed in greater detail later in the paper). The fallout from this particular crisis is yet to fully land. However, the Eurozone has progressed through a series of crises since the idea was first muted in the later 1970s and, more recently, via the sovereign debt crises of recent years. It is evident that the Eurozone is not an exact science and that there exist a number of structural issues at the heart of this project. Economic and Political Reasons for the Three joining the Euro The aforementioned group of PIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain) joined the Euro at its inception. This section discusses three of these states, Ireland, Greece and Portugal. Bardhan, Edelstein and Kroll (2011) noted that Ireland benefitted from a number from Eurozone membership. Additionally, it is noted that the period of economic convergence provided the country with an array of stabilising fiscal factors which led to the country becoming known as tiger economy (Bardhan, Edelstein and Kroll, 2011; BBC, 2011) but in 2008 the country was the first Eurozone country to fall in to recession (BBC, 2011). However this outcome was the end of a dream which, for Arestic and Sawyer (2012), was based upon a political aspiration of economic success as well as personal and national prosperity for the Irish population. Greece joined the Eurozone in 2001 (BBC, 2001). EU membership was previously extremely popular in Greece and its populace had experienced tough austerity measures in order to comply with the economic and fiscal mechanisms which were needed to ensure a successful transition to the new currency. Similarly, there was a political determination to join the new currency since it was seen that progression would provide increased international scope for the country (BBC, 2001). Lynn (2011) argues that the historic role, in terms of political development, of Greece was a contributory factor in the national rush to join the Eurozone and considered that this outcome was to be achieved at all costs. Schadler (2005) suggests that the at all costs caveat was provided by the austerity measures and the near compliance with pre-set regulatory fiscal criteria which ensured membership of this exclusive group. In effect, whilst Ireland had hoped for increased economic wealth and prosperity, Greek aspira tions largely concentrated upon gaining increased international respect and recognition. With regards to Portugal, it is noted that this country did not join the EU space until 1986 and, effectively, was a late comer to this political institution. This is of particular importance to its membership of the Eurozone since wholesale economic change first began thirteen years later as a precursor to Eurozone membership in 2002 (Porter and Prince, 2012). Porter and Prince (2012) argue that the country’s membership of the Euro came at the behest of a political leadership that had a largely uneventful foreign policy. They link the convergence with EU policies such as membership with the Eurozone with the decreasing influence within its former colonies (Porter and Prince, 2012). This includes the return of former territories to China during the same period as the shift in focus towards its near neighbourhood was taking place. To summarise, it can be evidenced that there were numerous reasons why Ireland, Greece and Portugal joined the Eurozone. These include increased pros perity and wealth as well as increased political clout and international recognition. Was the Convergence Criteria met by the Three? It is of particular concern that Ireland, Greece and Portugal required mass fiscal stimuli packages and bailouts in order to shore up their economies and protect the respective states from going bust. A central factor in this outcome, it can be argued is a failure of these three states to adhere to the fiscal criteria that membership of the Eurozone required in order to provide a secure transition to the new currency. As stated previously, aspirant Eurozone states were required to attain to a number of preset economic and fiscal controls which would have indicated their capabilities and successful transition to the Eurozone. Maduro (2012) holds a perspective which states that structural failings within the ERM, as well as the wider EU, failed to address the excessive cross-border flow of capital which was a contributory factor in the subsequent economic crisis. Mauro also highlights that a particular failure of the EU to implement the then existing rules relating to EU budgetary frameworks also impacted upon states abilities to progress to the Eurozone successfully. For Maduro (2012) this particular outcome was important to the success of the Greek model, as well as its subsequent economic crash, since it revealed that both the local and supra national system for monitoring public finances was not working as effectively as it should have. It is noted that Greek economic perfor mances were outside of the considered ERM requirements and that from 2000 to 2008, the budget deficit given to the European Commission was nearly three per cent of the country’s GDP. In 2001, it is also noted that Greece was warned by the European Central Bank ECB, that the country still work to do to if it was going to successfully be adpted into the Eurozone. This included developing the structure of its economy and bringing inflation under control (BBC, 2001). Nevertheless Greece did join the Eurozone despite having a series of noted failings within its central fiscal requirements. Bardhan, Edelstein, and Kroll, (2011) note that the Irish economy had been inflated by a large housing bubble. This helped inflate the Irish economy to a status of having near full employment by the turn of the century (Bardhan, Edelstein, and Kroll, 2011). However a party to this success proved to be the Irish commitment to the controls which had been placed upon it by the ERM. Regling and Watson (2010) argue that a failure of the ERM structure had a detrimental impact upon the Irish economy since the loss of fiscal independence was a mitigating factor on both the creation of the bubble as well as the failure of the Irish government to combat increasing inflationary, and other fiscal pressures. Regling and Watson (2010) blame this outcome on the structure of the ERM and highlight that a small nation requires having, as full as possible, fiscal controls. Portuguese compliance with ERM criteria provided a greater economic stimulus that had first been thought was possible (Constancio, 2005). This produced a similar outcome to the Irish economic experience of the ERM and realised a booming Portuguese economy. Constancio, (2005) also notes that subsequent pay increases outstripped inflationary pressures and this outcome provide to be decisive in the battle to retain control of this area of fiscal policy, particularly where an economic downturn would result in the possibility of rampant inflation. These outcomes, Constancio (2005) argued led to pay increases in Portugal outstripping their EU partners. Essentially this outcome was borne of the structural failings discussed earlier into this paper and were only exposed when these state were impacted by the financial crisis. In terms of the Eurozone qualifying criteria, it is to be noted that none of these three countries met the criteria for joining the Eurozone. Ireland, Portugal and Greec e, therefore were in good company and were aligned to the German, Spanish, Austrian et al experiences of convergence criteria which all failed to meet qualifying critiera. Indeed, , of all the member states only two, France and Luxembourg, were the only countries to satisfy all the convergence criteria (Arestis, Brown, Sawyer, 2001). Any other Reason why any of the Three should have not Joined the Euro The earlier discussions as to the reasons why these three states, Ireland, Portugal and Greece joined the Eurozone produced divergent responses and listed from economic reasons to political vanity and reshaping of foreign policy. These issues alone are not sufficient to realise the potential pitfalls should they experience an economic downturn, as was the case in 2008 onwards. Arestis and Sawyer (2012) noted that in the case of Greece the risks far outweighed the benefits. They compared Greece with Austria and recognised that both economic models were similar apart from Greece having a far lower wage economy that Austria. Austria, therefore, was capable of resisting economic shock. Had the Greek government recognised this potential risk then it is recognised that it would not have been in their benefit to join this monetary union. With regards to Portugal and Ireland, Constancio (2005) argues that these economies had not resolved the structural issues of boom and bust. AS a result ec onomic recession was a highly probable outcome in the event of an economic bust. In essence, therefore for reasons of due diligence it is arguable that neither of these staes should have joined the Eurozone. One other potential reason for not joining the Eurozone is the philosophical argument of losing sovereignty. After the ERM had its first crisis in the early 1990s, Palm (1996) noted that the loss of state sovereignty also meant the loss of fiscal control. Whilst this particular issue is discussed elsewhere in this paper, Palm (1996) specifically discussed the loss of fiscal control in terms of an absence of asymmetric county-specific economic shock which, he argued, would be a thing of the past. Instead Palm (1996) stated that it is entirely feasible that or counterbalancing methods would be needed in order to stop economic contagion since all member states would be affected in one way or another. With hindsight Palm (1996) is discussing the response to the Eurozone crisis of 2008 to the present day. It is unfortunate, therefore, that the three countries were unable to consider due diligence when considering their membership of the Eurozone. Had they have done so they would have r ecognised the exposure to the potential banking failures and acted accordingly. Euro crises The recent fiscal crisis in the Eurozone has highlighted that it is exposed to the international financial climate. The recent fiscal crisis began in earnest in the USA with a series of regulatory changes to the US banking system in the early 2000’s (Jickling, 2012). The collapse of US subprime lending facilities impacted on Europe, firstly in Iceland where its ballooning financial sector had been exposed to the debt crisis in the USA (Lewis, 2009), and latterly on other Eurozone member states which had been exposed to large banking debts and bad practices . This has included Cyprus and the PIGS group of nations, Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain. The latest crisis occurred in Cyprus where experiences there were in line with similar financial and economic failings within the Eurozone space. In each case, it can be evidenced that a number of structural failings as well as an inordinate exposure to risk have been causal factors in their particular fina ncial collapses Menendez, 2013). Indeed, Iceland subsequently possessed a national debt which was ten times its national GDP (Glitner, Landbanksi and Kaupthing, 2009). Jickling (2012) Argues that the underlying causal factors of the recent crisis in both the USA and in the Eurozone were structural and that, as a result, it can be evidenced that there were four factors which needed to be addressed. These factors are: imprudent mortgage lending, bursting of housing bubbles, the structural imbalance of global debt as well as issues relating to securitization (Jickling, 2012). Menendez (2013) notes that following the financial crisis the three countries, Ireland, Portugal and Greece were impacted further when they were faced within increased demand for higher interest rates on borrowing as well as reduced fees from issued bonds. This particular outcome also impacted upon the three mechanisms which were available to these countries (renegotiation, bond issues and monetization) when attempting to relieve themselves of the economic and fiscal burdens (Menendez, 2013). The resultant outcome was that the reform processes which they were able to utilise led to reform of their respective public sectors. Prior to this, Klein (2007) had argued that such an outcome would be indicative of the new model of international crisis management. Indeed with subsequent remedies for filling the vacuum caused by financial shortfalls becoming more autocratic and oppressive it is arguable as to whether the EU space witnessed for the first time a Bolivian style response to a financial crisis (Klein, 2007). Janssen (2011) argues that one possible solution could have been that the Euro is devalued however this would not have been beneficial to Germany since its economy is export driven. As such, the political shenanigans which led to the creation of the Eurozone, and which failed to realise the preset criteria for the vast majority of countries has continued to perpetuate the structural issues that reside at the heart of this institution. For Ireland, Portugal and Greece, however, the economic and fiscal issues remain. Conclusion In conclusion, the creation of the Eurozone has been some thirty years in the making and has been considered as a regional attempt at satisfying the need for a cross border fiscal control system. The ERM was developed in order to progress this ideal but failed to address a number of structural issues that resided within the international monetary system. As a party to this, the resultant exposure of the UK to fiscal issues resulted in this country leaving the ERM some twenty years ago. Since this time the project has developed and went live with a number of nations converting their currency to the Euro. As such the Eurozone was created. However the qualifying criteria of the Eurozone was not met by all but two countries and the subsequent exposure to the US banking crisis by Eurozone members left a number of them in need of financial bailout packages. This included Ireland, Portugal and Greece. These three countries were heavily exposed to this crisis as a result of their own structu ral issues which included booming economies and exposure to a credit bubble. When these bubbles burst, the Eurozone project was in crisis and, today, a number of issues remain unresolved. This includes how to restructure the economies of states that reside within the Eurozone. However as a result of the exposure of these three countries to the recent crisis, the failure to restructure their economies prior to joining, as well as their failure to adhere to all the preset compliances evidences that they should not have been allowed to join in the first place. This issue aside, with only France and Luxembourg satisfying the qualifying criteria the question of whether any other state should have been allowed to join remains a matter of debate. In conclusion, the Eurozone crisis which engulfed these three countries typifies the weakened global fiscal structure which led to the crisis in the first place. Bibliography Arestis, P., Brown, A., Sawyer, M. (2001) The Euro: Evolution and Prospects, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. Arestis, P., and Sawyer, M. (2012) The Euro Crisis, London: Palgrave McMillan. and Institutions, London: John Wiley & Sons. BBC (2001) Greece joins the Eurozone, (online), available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/1095783.stm, (accessed on 29/10/14). BBC (2011), Europe’s PIGS: Country by country, (online), available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8510603.stm, (accessed on 29/10/14). Campaign against Euro Federalism (2013) What is to Happen?, London: Campaign against Euro Federalism. Civitas (2013) European Monetary System, London: Civitas. Constancio, V. (2005) European Monetary Union and the Portuguese Case, (online), available at http://www.bportugal.pt/en-US/OBancoeoEurosistema/IntervencoesPublicas/Lists/LinksLitsItemFolder/Attachments/9/interv20050727.pdf, (Accessed on 29/10/14). Europa (1992) Treaty of Maastricht on European Union, (online), available at http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/institutional_affairs/treaties/treaties_maastricht_en.htm, (accessed on 28/10/14). European Commission (2014) Who can Join and When, (online), available at http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/euro/adoption/who_can_join/index_en.htm, (accessed on 28/10/14). Glitner, Landbanksi and Kaupthing (2009) Joint Quarterly Report, Reykjavik: Glitner, Landbanksi and Kaupthing. Jickling,M. (2012) CausesoftheFinancialCrisis,(WashingtonDC:CongressionalResearchService). Klein,N.(2007)ShockDoctrine,Toronto: KnopfCanada. Lewis,M.(2009)WallStreetonthetundra,(online),availableathttp://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2009/04/iceland200904?printable=true¤tPage=all, Vanity Fair, (accessedon28/10/14). Lynn, M. (2011) Bust: Greece, the Euro and the Sovereign Debt Crisis, London: John Wiley and Sons. Maduro,M.P.(2012)Democracy and Justice: The formula for a new EU and Euro governance, (online)availableathttp://network.globalgovernanceprogramme.eu/democracy-and-justice/, Network, (accessedon29/10/14). Menendez,L.(2013)TheSpreadoftheEuropeanSovereignDebtCrisis,University ofIowa:CentreforInternationalFinanceandDevelopment. Palm, F. (1996) The European Exchange Rate Mechanism and The European Monetary Union, (J), De Economist, Vol. 144, (2), pp. 305 – 324. Porter, D., and Prince, D. (2012) Frommer’s Portugal, London: John Wiley and Sons. Regling, K., and Watson, M. (2010) A Preliminary Report on the Sources of Ireland’s Banking Crisis, Dublin: Ministry of Finance. Schadler, S. (2005) Euro Adoption in Central and Eastern Europe: Opportunities and Challenges, New York: International Monetary Fund.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Beowulf Christian or Peagan Influences Essays

Beowulf Christian or Peagan Influences Essays Beowulf Christian or Peagan Influences Paper Beowulf Christian or Peagan Influences Paper Essay Topic: Beowulf The epic poem Beowulf is a tale of a warrior, named Beowulf, and the events that lead to his death. One of the main concerns of the epic poem was whether or not it is of pagan or Christian origin, or whether it has pagan or Christian influences. Even though the poem appeared to be originally a pagan story, there are many clues in the text that point to Christian influence and tradition. Beowulf is essentially a Christian story with Christian customs: that mans survival depends on the protection of God, that earthly gifts come from God, and also that Beowulf is a Christ-figure. Throughout the poem, there are numerous references to Christianity, mostly referring to God, or the Almighty. These references begin right from the beginning of the poem. The story starts with Grendel hearing the bard telling the story of creation. The reader hears how the Almighty has made the earth and all that is beautiful, lovely, and full of life. The Almighty making the earth, shaping these beautiful plains marked off by oceans made quick with life(7-12). This shows how God has given his people great gifts like the earth they live on, and the most precious gift, life. There are also other instances where the notion of God giving his people gifts is made obvious. This is when Beowulf is dying and Wiglaf finds the dragons treasure. Beowulf clearly thanks God for his grace in giving him the treasure. This once again shows the Christian influence in the poem because Beowulf recognizes the importance of God in his life. Another display of Christian influence in the poem is how the people believe in the protection of God. This is first seen when Grendel dares not to touch Hrothgars throne because of its protection by God. This is also seen when Beowulf is speaking about fighting Grendel. He is not afraid of the beast because he says that God must decide who will die in this fight. This shows how Beowulf has faith in God because he knows God will protect him, or if he dies it will be with honor. This is also seen when Hrothgar is speaking about what Grendel has done to his people. Surely, the Lord Almighty could stop his madness, smother his lust! (212-213). This portrays how Hrothgar has faith in Gods protection because if nobody can defeat Grendel, God will protect Hrothgar. This undoubtedly shows the Christian influence in this poem. Drawing parallels between Grendel and Satan also displays Christianity. Grendel is referred to as a demon and a fiend throughout the poem. He is the epitome of evil and is associated with the family of Cain. Conceived by a pair of those monsters born of Cain, murderous creatures banished by God, punished forever for the crime of Abels death(20-23). This is a clear Christian reference straight out of the Bible. Grendels lair is also similar to hell. The water at his lair burns like a torch at night symbolizing the fires of hell. Grendels lair is where evil lives and thus is like hell. The ultimate portrayal of Christian influence in Beowulf is that Beowulf himself can be seen as being a Christ figure. There are some significant similarities between Jesus Christ and Beowulf. Jesus is called upon by the Almighty King (God) to give his life for the purpose of defeating evil. Only Jesus could get rid of sin and evil, and nobody else. Like Jesus, Beowulf is called upon by the King of the Danes, Hrothgar, to defeat evil (Grendel). Only Beowulf could defeat Grendel. Jesus was prepared and willing to die for the sake of good and righteousness. The same can be said about Beowulf. He realized that he could die but was willing to give his life in the quest for righteousness. Also, both men were ethical. My hands alone shall fight for me(172-173). Beowulf wanted the battle between good and evil to be fair and equal, so he wanted to fight with only his hands. Jesus was also an ethical man. He is the model of ethics for Christians of all time. Both men met their death in the defense of goodness and in the battle against evil. Finally, for both men, after their deeds to defeat evil were finished, they had their stories retold. For Jesus, the apostles spread the news of Jesus victory over evil. For Beowulf, the people were so joyful from his victory over Grendel, that they retold his bravery all over the land. In conclusion, although showing signs of being a pagan story, Beowulf is primarily a Christian story. There are many Christian elements in the poem such as: earthly gifts come from God, Grendel being connected to the family of Cain, God offering protection to his people, and Beowulf being seen as Christ-like. Beowulf is a poem filled with Christian customs that show man believes in God and there is good in the world, and Beowulf is a man who is willing to die to defend the world against evil.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Personal Development and Careers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Personal Development and Careers - Essay Example This relates to the first quote specifically by showing that there are a variety of processes which can be used for learning and which lead to changed behaviors. The style and process which is created is based on how one responds to a given situation as well as how this is associated with the learning which they have. The theory by Kolb then creates a psychometric analysis of how one can learn and change behaviors according to the learning style (Ciantis, 1996). When relating this statement to my personal learning style, I can also see the relevance which takes place. The experiences which I have constitutes most of my behaviors and reactions in given situations. For instance, a past job which I had was filled with high pressures, the need to respond to customers in a given manner and continuous ways in which the managers looked at employees to get high – end results. While this particular job was difficult, there was a specific thought process and emotional response which I c arried. The thought process was based on my understanding of the regulations while continuously trying to match them. The emotional responses came from the customers which I was working with and the associations which they had to the regulations that were followed. This instantly changed my behaviors, specifically in given situations. After a certain period of time, these behaviors and patterns were associated with other jobs, relationships with friends and expectations in society, specifically because there was an understanding that these regulations could help to solve problems and achieve compromises in given situations. This not only came from the basic learning and expectations of regulations, but also a... This paper approves that change management is another aspect which relates to changing employee attitudes and the approach which is used within the work space. Without the right attitude, the organization will not be able to go through necessary changes which occur. It is known that the environment is dynamic meaning new trends in society will continuously pressure a business to change. More important, the life cycle of products in a business and the approach to working in the business is also dynamic. The attitude which is necessary with this is to continue to adjust to the alterations which are in the work environment while understanding that the concept of change is required in the work place. This leads to the inability to transform the work environment while hindering the organization because of employee attitudes. This essay makes a conclusion that the specific approach taken with a given environment is based on finding problems, recording the difficulties and in changing the gaps that are within a given area. By doing this, there is the ability to create a more diverse response while approaching specific needs that are a part of the organizational environment. More important, this will help individuals and team members to have less resistance to change while continuing to implement communication methods that help to lessen gaps and to change the organizational environment. The use of communication in the right manner then becomes the main area of importance in assisting with the building of a company from a managerial level.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

An External Cost Is a Produced-to-Producer or Consumer-to-Consumer Cos Assignment - 7

An External Cost Is a Produced-to-Producer or Consumer-to-Consumer Cost - Assignment Example Through profits, businesses have the capacity to reward its employees, who in turn get the ability to cater to their needs. For instance, through online jobs, I find some extra income for my upkeep. The other principle is economic viability. This enables businesses to have the capacity to cater for the needs of individuals in the society in future. For this to occur, businesses need to avoid the depletion of their resources and save for future usage. 5. The life cycle costs allow a business to undertake a lifetime comparison of the available options in making a purchase. This allows the conversion of future costs to their present value to account for inflation, and that has the lowest cost in its lifecycle is the most viable. 6. Effective EPR policies ensure that businesses have a liability of future external costs that for instance, relate to land contamination. Companies will internalize the costs in the form of business decisions that results in the pricing of raw materials commercially. This leads to the reduction of the external costs. 9. Ecological footprint relies on the fact that the earth produces all the renewable resources. It is the reliability of such resources for the production of goods and services, in order to sustain a particular lifestyle. 10. External costs lead to an increase in credit risks that cause a decrease in opportunities due to the limitation of resources such as bank loans. Therefore, businesses have a constraint in competing effectively in the market. 12. Third-party certifiers subject the products of a given company to sustainability tests. They determine the sales of certain products due to strict conditions that only certified products should be available in the market. 13. It is cheaper to purchase products that have negative impacts on the environment, as compared to the products that have a less environmental impact. Businesses do not have a strict obligation to pay the taxes on their operations on a full scale. Therefore, it has been hard to define equity in most businesses and this has led to the maintenance of external costs.