Common Sense by Thomas Paine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Common Sense by Thomas Paine - Essay Example Still, he helped in reforming the British Reform Act and brought liberty to France. In brief, Common sense is a booklet that advocated an instant declaration of the independence, which in turn would postulate a moral obligation to the Americans and the rest of the world. The writing sparked the American Revolution with its great insights that campaigned on freedom and liberty. The pamphlet challenged the leadership of British Government and its Royal monarchy by openly asking for independence. To date, his documentation inspires many as he presented great ideas of how mankind was originally created to be equal and thus, challenged the British Government that the equality could not be destroyed. The booklet â€Å" Common Sense† has been the most influential tract towards American Revolution ever published in English. The main idea was to encourage the colonists to reinforce their resolve to birth the most successful anti-colonial decision of the modern history. Paine’s W ork represents one or more defining American Characteristics as his arguments enhance significance in the â€Å"American Declaration of Independence.† Paine’s writings created a strong ground to the movement that had seldom worked out in past decades. The writing impacted strongly on the sovereignty of people and printed constitutions, which he declared his interests on freedom, liberty, and equality for all people. Still, he insisted on effective checks along with balances in the government as he thought this would transform the economy and better standards of living. In his writting, he inspired many with great thoughts of defining the American characteristics as discussed. In my opinion, this book has resonated with so many different societies and people over the past decades because it presents great thoughts that regard freedom, liberty, and equality. Many identify themselves with Paine’s ideas that mostly majored on defining human characteristics. In other words, his emphasize was to bring a concept that would transform the world with common sense on the need for freedom. To gain a clear understanding, he outlines how the society by its nature is a blessing but regard government in its best state as evil. Paine affirms that the British government destroyed innocent lives thus it was unanswerable to defy human rights. Following this, the writer advocated for an immediate declaration of independence that would regard the rights of people. Therefore, the booklet becomes the leaven for the past decades as it presents great thoughts of freedom, liberty, and equality that most societies and people find it helpful. In his writting, Paine talks at length about monarchy in general and how the British Monarchy was holding back American’s potential. He was successful into bringing the political debate that the British Government merit the attention of other countries with their own governments to form. He captures readers’ attenti on by successfully persuading them that his ideas simply common sense when he relates his ideas in the scripture that disregard the monarchy government as one of the Jews’ sins. He continues to assert that in every instance the monarchy is popery to the government but not to the ordinary citizens. In this regard, he was successful into bring the concept of monarchy into a real political debate by relating it with biblical doctrines that viewed monarchy as evil. Therefore,

Doctorate degree Essay Example for Free

Doctorate degree Essay Completing a doctorate degree in any college or university always presents many challenges and difficulties for every student. Statistics from studies have shown that roughly half of all incoming doctoral students will drop out, two-thirds of whom will do so during their second and third years (Smallwood, 2004). Graduate school demands a lot of focus and determination because it is a focused occupation (Jerrard, 1998). Graduate Studies also require a lot of time and commitment. There are no scheduled breaks for graduate school unlike in undergraduate studies where there are winter, spring, summer, and fall breaks off. Pursuing graduate studies entails that a student must be able to keep up with the academic load that is required while at the same time be able to deal with the other demands off campus (Smallwood, 2004). That being said, it is time to examine the challenges that students face in graduate studies. There are numerous challenges for students who are pursuing graduate studies. One of the major challenges involves the transition from undergraduate school to graduate school and the academic mentality that is required. The academic mentality problem that most students and individuals who enter graduate studies without any real work experience have is that they fail to make the necessary transition from rote memorization in undergraduate education to creative research in doctoral training (Smallwood, 2004). Often times in graduate study, a student is required to provide not merely a recitation of the facts and details but an in-depth analysis of the issue and to provide solutions or strategies that can be employed in dealing with the scenario. This is what causes a lot of students to drop out because they are unable to adjust to the demands to graduate school. The main challenges therefore for any individual pursuing graduate studies are academic mentality or mind set, stress and financial burdens. These challenges however, as shown in this short discourse, do not necessarily have to act as a hindrance to completing a graduate study degree or program as there are certain strategies that can be employed to ensure one’s success. These strategies can be summed up into three key points; learning how to think, time management and saving for a rainy day. If these three strategies can be implemented properly, the success of an individual in Graduate Study is virtually secured.

Magical and Sublime Characteristics of A Very Old Man With Enormous Win

Magical and Sublime Characteristics of A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings      Ã‚  Ã‚   "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings" is a short fiction story written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez in 1955. It has both characteristics of magical realism and of the modern sublime. Therefore, Magical Realism and the Sublime seem to be related in many ways depending on how a person looks at a story. From all of the research I have read, magical realism and the sublime help to explain the characteristics of one another. This story definitely meets the criteria for magical realism and the sublime because of the many elements described. The very old man with wings, the unusual miracles, the woman spider, and the crab infestation, represent elements of the sublime and magical realism. Marquez makes these magical elements seem like the natural thing to occur. Angels, miracles, crabs, spiders, and money -making events are very real, but in this story he makes them sound so real and normal, whereas in real life they would be crazy and hard to believe. I discovered that that this story is based on a spiritual subject rather than something that is just completely not able to be related to some certain thing or place. Longinus talks about different authors stating that "the import of the sublime is clearly that it plumbs the depths of natural, visible reality to evoke an aesthetic and psychological experience of its hidden and invisible dimension of mystery, magic, and spirituality"(461). Sublime, having spirituality as a characteristic, and magical realism, having magic as a characteristic, are mixed in the story. The very old man with wings is sublime and magical because of its spirituality and the magic he made as he lived in the town. It is a r... ...all based on opinion. I know that there will be many people will place the two genres in different categories based on what they see. When a magical element is given, not everyone gets the same view out of it. I stand by my point, though; magical realism and the sublime are more alike than different. Works Cited Arensberg, Mary. The American Sublime. Ed. Mary Arensberg. Albany; N.Y.: State University of New York Press, 1986. 1-5. Faris, Wendy B. "Magical Realism : Post Expressionism. "Magical Realism: Theory, History, Community." Ed. Lois Parkinson Zamora and Wendy B. Faris. Durham; N.C.: Duke UP, 1995: 163-190. Longinus. On the Sublime. Cambridge. Harvard UP, 1995. Shopenhauer, Arthur. The World as Will and Idea! Philosophies of Art and Beauty. Eds. Albert Hofstadter and Richard Kuhns. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1976. 448-468.   

Mandatory Testing Needed for Elderly Drivers Essay

In July of 2003, an eighty-four year old man drove through a crowded farmer’s market in Santa Monica, California, killing ten people, including a seven-month old and a three-year old. He also injured around forty others. According to many news reports, the driver apparently panicked and hit the gas instead of the brake, speeding through the crowded street. This mistake is common among elderly drivers who no longer possess the necessary skills to safely operate a vehicle. Either their vision has become poor, they are no longer able to react quickly, or their cognitive abilities have begun to deteriorate. Some older drivers do not realize they are becoming unsafe on the road, while others simply do not want to give up their keys. Still others are perfectly capable of driving safely well into their eighties or even nineties. Because of the variation in driving abilities and the high incidence of fatal accidents among older drivers, states need to ensure the safety of our streets and highways by passing laws requiring motorists over the age of seventy to pass frequent road and vision tests. Although many people agree that elderly drivers are a high-risk age group, some critics of mandatory testing call it a form of age discrimination. This statement, however, is entirely untrue. Mandatory testing and frequent license renewal are not products of age discrimination, but rather precautionary measures to ensure the safety of both the driver and all others on the road, much like the laws governing teenage drivers. Teen drivers cause more fatal accidents than any other age group; therefore, states have legislation specific to that group of drivers. Those laws, though age specific, are not criticized as discrimination, and laws geared toward senior drivers should not be considered discriminatory either. Elderly drivers are right behind teens in the number of fatal crashes they cause, and statistics show that per licensed driver, the rate of fatal crashes rises sharply at age seventy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2001, elderly drivers made up just over ten percent of the driving population, yet accounted for thirteen percent of all fatal accidents. Also, about half of fatal accidents involving older drivers occurred at intersections, and seventy-three percent involved another vehicle. These facts show that many elderly drivers put both themselves and others at risk by driving when they are no longer able to do so safely. If frequent mandatory testing were required, unsafe elderly drivers would no longer be licensed to be on the road. It is the responsibility of each state to take measures to decrease the number of fatal accidents caused by high-risk groups, and mandatory testing is just such a measure. Many states focus heavily on teenage drivers, raising the minimum driving age or instituting graduated license systems, but statistics show that equal attention needs to be given to elderly drivers. Some states have already instituted frequent renewals and/or mandatory vision and driving tests. In Iowa and Rhode Island, for instance, drivers age seventy and older are required to renew their licenses every two years, as opposed to the five years for all other drivers. In Illinois, drivers over seventy-five have to take a road test at each renewal. In Maine, drivers over the age of sixty-two have to pass a vision test at each renewal, and drivers over sixty-five are required to renew more often. By addressing not only the high-risk teen drivers, but also the high-risk elderly drivers, these states are providing others with an example of what steps can be taken to make our nation’s roads safer. Granted, frequent license renewals and optometry visits can be costly and timeconsuming. But, these problems can be easily addressed. One way to counteract the costs -seniors would incur would be to discount the rate of senior licenses and to have an -optometrist onsite to provide qui ck vision screenings. That way, seniors are not paying more for their license than any other driver, and they do not have to pay for an optometry visit each time they renew. They would still have to receive comprehensive optometric exams on their own time, but not at the requirement of the licensing office. Also, in addition to hiring an optometrist, license offices can make minor adjustments to their normal operations to help -cut back on the wait-time for seniors. For example, there could be a senior day on which all -drivers over age seventy automatically get to go to the front of the line. Another issue that elderly drivers could face if mandatory testing laws were enacted would be finding adequate transportation after they no longer have a valid license. Like the above issues, this problem can be easily addressed. City buses and taxi companies can offer significant discounts for senior citizens. Also, cities can add more bus routes and bus stops, making sure seniors have easy access to public transportation. Local governments or nonprofit organizations can initiate community service programs in which licensed drivers with good driving records volunteer to drive senior citizens to and from work, medical visits, the grocery store, or any other location they may need to visit. Families can also pitch in to see that their parents or grandparents are still able to get around after they are no longer licensed to drive. Drivers should be licensed for as long as they are safe and able, but states must strive to make sure that only safe and able drivers are on the road. It is sometimes hard to identify who is and who isn’t safe, which is why road and vision tests are used. High-risk groups need special laws, and this includes elderly drivers. I know as well as everybody else that there are many seniors who are great drivers, just as there are teens who are great drivers, but there are also many in each of these age groups who are not. States need to make sure that only the capable drivers in high-risk age groups are on the road. In most states, strict laws are already in place for teenagers, but not for elderly drivers. Now is the time for every state to institute mandatory road and vision tests for drivers over age seventy, before any more unnecessary accidents happen.

Hot and Cold Essay

Since time immemorial, Indians have been bombarded with snacks-to-go by street vendors; fastfood is neither a modern phenomenon, nor a western innovation. But as increasing numbers of international players enter the domestic market, there are bitter lessons to learn about what local consumers will and will not welcome. just-food.com’s Debasish Ganguly reports from India on the evolving sector and the challenges facing new entrants into the fastfood market. Fastfood is not an alien concept to Indians; roadside shops have offered snacks-to-go since time immemorial and the country has a long tradition of indigenous fastfood served by a variety of street vendors. Whether the southern ‘Dosas’ or the ‘Phulkas’ in the north, the ‘Vada’, ‘Samosas’ or ‘Bhelpuri’, this inexpensive cuisine is still going strong, and street selling is a low-cost method of food distribution. However, since the arrival of established fastfood chains such as McDonald’s, marketing savvy and dollar power have given fastfood a very western orientation. The weekend stampedes outside any McDonalds restaurant are standing testimony to this fact. But the burger behemoths still have a long way to go. Local fastfood is not easily undermined by these interlopers, since methods of mass production have not been perfected and, in any case, they would have to compete with low cost ‘artisan’ production. On the other hand, the reality is that established local fastfood chains, like Nirulas, Wimpys or Haldiram, are sensing competition by the growing popularity of McDonald’s and other international chains. Though Nirulas does not admit to any drop in sales overtly, industry sources reveal that they have lost 18% of their original market share. So far, the fastfood chains have gained their popularity among the major metropolitan cities of India and some smaller cities, such as Pune or Baroda. Before the arrival of these fastfood chains, Nirulas was the market leaderin Delhi. In fact, Nirulas taught Delhi-dwellers what pizzas and burgers were all about. Nirulas was commanding a monopoly until western chains arrived in India.

Wright Brothers First Fatal Airplane Crash

Wright Brothers First Fatal Airplane Crash It had only been five years since Orville and Wilbur Wright made their famous flight at Kitty Hawk. By 1908, the Wright brothers were traveling across the United States and Europe in order to demonstrate their flying machine. Everything went well until that fateful day, September 17, 1908, which began with a cheering crowd of 2,000 and ended with pilot Orville Wright severely injured and passenger Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge dead. A Flight Exhibition Orville Wright had done this before. He had taken his first official passenger, Lt. Frank P. Lahm, into the air on September 10, 1908, at Fort Myer, Virginia. Two days later, Orville took another passenger, Major George O. Squier, up in the Flyer for nine minutes. These flights were part of an exhibition for the United States Army. The U.S. Army was considering purchasing the Wrights aircraft for a new military airplane. To get this contract, Orville had to prove that the airplane could successfully carry passengers. Though the first two trials had been successful, the third was to prove a catastrophe. Lift Off! Twenty-six-year-old Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge volunteered to be a passenger. A member of the Aerial Experiment Association (an organization headed by Alexander Graham Bell and in direct competition with the Wrights), Lt. Selfridge was also on the Army board that was assessing the Wrights Flyer at Fort Myers, Virginia. It was just after 5 p.m. on September 17, 1908, when Orville and Lt. Selfridge got into the airplane. Lt. Selfridge was the Wrights heaviest passenger thus far, weighing 175 pounds. Once the propellers were turned, Lt. Selfridge waved to the crowd. For this demonstration, approximately 2,000 people were present. The weights were dropped and the airplane was off. Out of Control The Flyer was up in the air. Orville was keeping it very simple and had successfully flown three laps over the parade ground at an altitude of approximately 150 feet. Then Orville heard light tapping. He turned and quickly looked behind him, but he didnt see anything wrong. Just to be safe, Orville thought he should turn off the engine and glide to the ground. But before Orville could shut off the engine, he heard two big thumps, which gave the machine a terrible shaking. The machine would not respond to the steering and lateral balancing levers, which produced a most peculiar feeling of helplessness. Something flew off the airplane. (It was later discovered to be a propeller.) Then the airplane suddenly veered right. Orville couldnt get the machine to respond. He shut off the engine. He kept trying to regain control of the airplane. . . . I continued to push the levers, when the machine suddenly turned to the left. I reversed the levers to stop the turning and to bring the wings on a level. Quick as a flash, the machine turned down in front and started straight for the ground. Throughout the flight, Lt. Selfridge had remained silent. A few times Lt. Selfridge had glanced at Orville to see Orvilles reaction to the situation. The airplane was about 75 feet in the air when it started a nose-dive to the ground. Lt. Selfridge let out a nearly inaudible Oh! Oh! The Crash Heading straight for the ground, Orville was not able to regain control. The Flyer hit the ground hard. The crowd was at first in silent shock. Then everyone ran over to the wreckage. The crash created a cloud of dust. Orville and Lt. Selfridge were both pinned in the wreckage. They were able to disentangle Orville first. He was bloody but conscious. It was harder to get Selfridge out. He too was bloody and had an injury to his head. Lt. Selfridge was unconscious. The two men were taken by stretcher to the nearby post hospital. Doctors operated on Lt. Selfridge, but at 8:10 p.m., Lt. Selfridge died from a fractured skull, without ever regaining consciousness. Orville suffered a broken left leg, several broken ribs, cuts on his head, and many bruises. Lt. Thomas Selfridge was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. He was the first man to die in an airplane. Orville Wright was released from the Army hospital on October 31. Though he would walk and fly again, Orville continued to suffer from fractures in his hip that had gone unnoticed at the time. Orville later determined that the crash was caused by a stress crack in the propeller. The Wrights soon redesigned the Flyer to eliminate the flaws that led to this accident. Sources Howard, Fred. Wilbur and Orville: A Biography of the Wright Brothers.  Alfred A. Knopf, 1987, New York.Prendergast, Curtis. The First Aviators. Time-Life Books, 1980, Alexandria, VA.Whitehouse, Arch. The Early Birds: The Wonders and Heroics of the First Decades of Flight. Doubleday Company, 1965, Garden City, NY.

What Is the ACT Fifth Section Answers From ACT, Inc.

What Is the ACT Fifth Section Answers From ACT, Inc. SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you took the ACT on April 9th or if you had friends who did, you might have heard there was a fifth section, which is abnormal. Usually, the ACT has four sections plus an optional writing section: Math, Reading, English, and Science. However, on April 9th, at certain test centers, there were five sections plus an optional writing section: Math, Reading, English, Science, and additional Science. What was this fifth section? Why was it there? I talked to theDirector of Public Relations atACT, Inc., and got the answers! What Is the ACT Fifth Section? This ACT fifth section was an experimental section. This was confirmed by EdColby, the Director of Public Relations at ACT, Inc.If you’re familiar with the SAT, you know that on every test they include anexperimental section, which doesn’t count towards your score.If you took the ACT on April 9th and were panicked about the fifth section (the extra science section), do not fret! The fifth section will not count towards your score. Repeat, this section will not be factored into your ACT score, so do not stress about it. According to Mr. Colby, this isn't the first time the ACT has included an experimental section.While the ACT is not as well known for having an experimental section, ACT, Inc.,includes experimental sections with the ACT a couple of times per year.It’s not done on every test date, and it’s not done at all test centers. Mr. Colby said that, typically, students who take the ACT without the optional essay will be the ones to see the experimental section.The ACT test writersknow that it’s a long test and try to keep the experimental section as concise as possible.The experimental section is usually 30 minutes long.The experimental section could cover questions from any of the four sections:Math, Reading, English, or Science. Why Is It There? The experimental section is there to help ACT, Inc., field test potential new questions.On the April 9th test, it seems the ACT was testing out some new questions for the science section. Think of the experimental section like an experiment.ACT, Inc., is conducting an experiment using you the test-takers.They have new questions that they think are fair, but they want to test that hypothesis.To test that hypothesis, they include the extra section after the normal test is complete. They don’t tell you that the section is experimental or that it doesn’t count because they want you the test-taker to take the section seriously.If every student knew the section was experimental/didn’t count, how many students would just choose to sleep during the section and/or not bubble anything in the scantron?Probably quite a few students would not complete the section. They need students to put as much effort into the experimental section as they would the other four sections, so they can compare how students did on the regular questions to how students did on the experimental section. Based on how students performed, the ACT will decide whether the questions are fair.If they decide the questions are fair, the ACT will likely incorporate them into a future test.If not, the ACT likely tosses out those questions. Mr. Colby noted that ACT, Inc., really appreciate all of the students who take the experimental section and hopes they take it seriously because it will help ensure their peers have a fair test. Students who took the section had varied reactions. What Were Student Reactions? To gauge student reactions, I went to Twitter: So what was that 5th @ACT test for? - Marina (@Marina_faith123) April 9, 2016 Since when is there a fifth part to the ACT test - â“ ¡Ã¢â€œâ€Ã¢â€œ Ã¢â€œâ€ (@renenicole1016) April 9, 2016 Act test was decent that science wasn't even asking questions about the experiment 😂💠¯Ã°Å¸Ëœ © - The Under-under Dog (@DreBryant5) April 9, 2016 Students were generally very thrown off by the fifth section.Also, as I said earlier, students were not told this was an experimental section, and many students were/are afraid this section will count towards their score. Remember, if you took the April 9th test or if you take the ACT in the future and see a fifth section, this section is experimental and will not count towards your score. What Does This Mean For You? This means that if you're planning on taking the ACT sometime in the future, do not be worried if you see a fifth section. Know that this section is experimental and will not count towards your ACT composite score. That being said, you should treat the section seriously since it will affect future ACT test. Try to complete it to the best of your ability, but don't stress about feeling unprepared for the content. You don't need to be prepared for the content since it will not count towards your score. What’s Next? Getting ready to take the ACT soon? Check out our ultimate guides to the Reading, English, Math, andScience sections. Also, make sure you know the rules and regulations. Applying to college? Not sure where you want to go? Read our guideto finding your target schooland our guide to finding your target ACT score. Stressed about your college application? Read our guides to letters of recommendation, personal essays, and the common app. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

Rhetorical Analysis Definition and Examples

Rhetorical Analysis Definition and Examples Rhetorical analysis is a form of criticism or close reading that employs the principles of rhetoric to examine the interactions between a text, an author, and an audience. Its also called rhetorical criticism or pragmatic criticism. Rhetorical analysis may be applied to virtually any text or image- a speech, an essay, an advertisement, a poem, a photograph, a web page, even a bumper sticker. When applied to a literary work, rhetorical analysis regards the work not as an aesthetic object but as an artistically structured instrument for communication. As Edward P.J. Corbett has observed, rhetorical analysis is more interested in a literary work for what it does than for what it is. Sample Rhetorical Analyses A Rhetorical Analysis of Claude McKays AfricaA Rhetorical Analysis of E.B. Whites The Ring of TimeA Rhetorical Analysis of U2s Sunday Bloody Sunday Examples and Observations Our response to the character of the author- whether it is called ethos, or implied author, or style, or even tone- is part of our experience of his work, an experience of the voice within the masks, personae, of the work...Rhetorical criticism intensifies our sense of the dynamic relationships between the author as a real person and the more or less fictive person implied by the work.(Thomas O. Sloan, Restoration of Rhetoric to Literary Study. The Speech Teacher)[R]hetorical criticism is a mode of analysis that focuses on the text itself. In that respect, it is like the practical criticism that the New Critics and the Chicago School indulge in. It is unlike these modes of criticism in that it does not remain inside the literary work but works outward from the text to considerations of the author and the audience...In talking about the ethical appeal in his Rhetoric, Aristotle made the point that although a speaker may come before an audience with a certain antecedent reputation, his ethical appeal is exerted primarily by what he says in that particular speech before that particular audience. Likewise, in rhetorical criticism, we gain our impression of the author from what we can glean from the text itself- from looking at such things as his ideas and attitudes, his stance, his tone, his style. This reading back to the author is not the same sort of thing as the attempt to reconstruct the biography of a writer from his literary work. Rhetorical criticism seeks simply to ascertain the particular posture or image that the author is establishing in this particular work in order to produce a particular effect on a particular audience.(Edward P.J. Corbett, Introduction to Rhetorical Analyses of Literary Works) Analyzing Effects [A] complete  rhetorical analysis requires the researcher to move beyond identifying and labeling in that creating an inventory of the parts of a text represents only the starting point of the analysts work. From the earliest examples of rhetorical analysis to the present, this analytical work has involved the analyst in interpreting the meaning of these textual components- both in isolation and in combination- for the person (or people) experiencing the text. This highly interpretive aspect of rhetorical analysis requires the analyst to address the effects of the different identified textual elements on the perception of the person experiencing the text. So, for example, the analyst might say that the presence of feature x will condition the reception of the text in a particular way. Most texts, of course, include multiple features, so this analytical work involves addressing the cumulative effects of the selected combination of features in the text.(Mark Zachry, Rhetorical Analys is from The Handbook of Business Discourse, Francesca Bargiela-Chiappini, editor) Analyzing Greeting Card Verse Perhaps the most pervasive type of repeated-word sentence used in greeting card verse is the sentence in which a word or group of words is repeated anywhere within the sentence, as in the following example: In quiet and thoughtful ways, in happyand fun ways, all ways, and always,I love you. In this sentence, the word ways is repeated at the end of two successive phrases, picked up again at the beginning of the next phrase, and then repeated as part of the word always. Similarly, the root word all initially appears in the phrase all ways and is then repeated in a slightly different form in the homophonic word always. The movement is from the particular (quiet and thoughtful ways, happy and fun ways), to the general (all ways), to the hyperbolic (always).(Frank DAngelo, The Rhetoric of Sentimental Greeting Card Verse. Rhetoric Review) Analyzing Starbucks Starbucks not just as an institution or as a set of verbal discourses or even advertising but as a material and physical site is deeply rhetorical...Starbucks weaves us directly into the cultural conditions of which it is constitutive. The color of the logo, the performative practices of ordering, making, and drinking the coffee, the conversations around the tables, and the whole host of other materialities and performances of/in Starbucks are at once the rhetorical claims and the enactment of the rhetorical action urged. In short, Starbucks draws together the tripartite relationships among place, body, and subjectivity. As a material/rhetorical place, Starbucks addresses and is the very site of a comforting and discomforting negotiation of these relationships.(Greg Dickinson, Joes Rhetoric: Finding Authenticity at Starbucks. Rhetoric Society Quarterly) Rhetorical Analysis vs. Literary Criticism What essentially are the differences between literary criticism analysis and rhetorical analysis? When a critic explicates Ezra Pounds Canto XLV, for example, and shows how Pound inveighs against usury as an offense against nature that corrupts society and the arts, the critic must point out the evidence- the artistic proofs of example and enthymeme [a formal syllogistic argument that is incompletely stated}- that Pound has drawn upon for his fulmination. The critic will also call attention to the arrangement of the parts of that argument as a feature of the form of the poem just as he may inquire into the language and syntax. Again these are matters that Aristotle assigned mainly to rhetoric... All critical essays dealing with the persona of a literary work are in reality studies of the Ethos of the speaker or narrator- the voice- source of the rhythmic language which attracts and holds the kind of readers the poet desires as his audience, and the means this persona consciously or unconsciously chooses, in Kenneth Burkes term, to woo that reader-audience.(Alexander Scharbach, Rhetoric and Literary Criticism: Why Their Separation. College Composition and Communication)

European Trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

European Trade - Essay Example EU adopted this policy as a commitment to the society. Almost 25% of European Union’s trades with other countries include services. It has its most trade with United States. European Union is the second in the world in terms of investments. But the commercial policy of the Union mainly relates to the goods. The EU entertains trades with those countries that are weaker in terms of trade activities. Ensuring smoother trade with such countries contribute to its economic development. Therefore, the Union also has an important role in World Trade Organization (WTO). The major feature of its trade with third countries is the common tariff and other trade charges being charged by the Union. The commission also had a common foreign policy for its trade governance. The policy has three pillars on which the policy is constituted. The three pillars are Community Pillar, Common foreign and security policy Pillar, Police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters pillar. All the three pillars relates to different aspects. The common tariffs and trade charges has enabled many economically backward countries to participate in the trade activities internationally. The three pillars show that the agreements are formed not only for the trade cooperation but also for cooperation in all matters that are concerned with economic development and eradication of crimes. The Union gives preferences to the economically backward countries. The commission has a foreign and security policy that is the second pillar of the commission. The second pillar entails policies regarding cooperation in defence matters. This helps to have a common union in terms of defence. â€Å"The European Union, together with its Member States, is the largest provider of technical assistance to these countries† (The EU’s relations with Eastern Europe & Central Asia. 2001). European Union is one of largest trading partner of Eastern Europe and

Deconstruction of the 1998 movie ''ARMAGEDON'' by Michael Bay Essay

Deconstruction of the 1998 movie ''ARMAGEDON'' by Michael Bay - Essay Example The film ''Armagedon'' perhaps has a primary means of advancing the narrative is through spectacular visual elements. In the first two scenes there are two corresponding explosions – a meteor striking the Earth and extinguishing the dinosaurs and an unidentified source destroying the space shuttle. It is not long before a third explosion occurs as a meteor slams into a man selling inflatable Godzillas; one considers the irony in a meteor destroying replica dinosaurs. It is clear that one of the predominant means of narrative advancement is in the film’s implementation of these explosions. While they are worked seamlessly into the narrative, it seems that Bay implements them in large-part as a means of startling the viewer, just like a horror film might implement a murder. In other instances, the explosions seem to function simply as a means of allowing the viewer to revel in the Hollywood special effects. For instance, early in the film asteroids strike New York City in a highly fantastical manner, resulting in falling buildings, statues, and wide-scale havoc. Although such special effects are intrinsic to the plot, it is clear that in this scene the film dwells on the explosions simply for their fantastical nature. Another prominent structural device is the parallel narrative form. The film regularly cuts between scenes featuring Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck, and those centered in mission control. As the film begins the two narratives are entirely removed, leaving the viewer to question why blue-collar oilrig drillers would have anything to do with an asteroid. The film expertly interweaves the plot lines, however, as the Billy Bob Thornton character eventually states that they must bring in the world’s best deep core driller in order to stop the asteroid. The film largely remains tied to a parallel narrative structure throughout. It isn’t until a significant amount of scenes have passed before the first montage is implemented. This occurs as Harry and Grace begin to discuss the members of the team they will need to accompany them on their Earth saving mission; the film then cuts between various individuals in their place of residence or favored pastime. Another montage is implemented as the team is given psychological evaluations by the NASA scientists. To a degree, Bay’s way of dealing with this scene seems to be influenced by Steven Soderbergh’s approach in the Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve films; namely, funky sounding music is overplayed while rapid-pace editing jumps between different funny quips. Of course, the film’s primary montage occurs as the United States president announces to the nation the upcoming mission. During this time various scenes of world regions are featured looking on. The message is one of global unity and is highly poignant and inspiring. Still, it’s noted that this device was also used in a similar disaster film, Independence Day, as the United State s president called on the world to join in the fight against aliens. This fact further establishes the

Metric Machine Parts and Supplies Corporation Research Paper

Metric Machine Parts and Supplies Corporation - Research Paper Example The workforce of only 25000 with the limited networking facility could not manage the large customer base. Therefore, the company has decided to outsource (share) the network management facility. The core issue can be summarized as: The Metric Machine Parts and Supplier Corp. is facing issues in network management facility, required for managing heavy network base for the customers. 2. Discussion of the Problem within the Context of the Problem. The company’s heavy network base has now been managed by internal and external networking facilities. Following are some technical problems the company faces: 2.1 Crashed Network As a result of heavy network, the connectivity problems arose, due to which the network periodically crashes. 2.2 Poor Customer Service The crashed network results in an inability to provide up-to-the-mark services to the customers. 2.3 E-mail Interruptions Another major impact of the whole networking problem linked with the poor customer service is the e-mail blockage and interruption. 2.4 High Cost Cost of managing two network bases, i.e. internal and external, and eradication of networking errors has become too high. 2.5 Poor Service by the Telecom Network Management Company The outsourced telecom network management company has proved to be the major business problem for MMPS. The reason is the poor service rendered by the network management company. The company often disagrees that there is even a problem and does not properly address MMPS networking errors. 3. Recommendations in Applications of the technology, Processes and Policies Internal management of overwhelmed network management facility requires highly technical and experienced telecom engineers to manage the network functions of the company (Mayer, Jiang, Xi, McCarron, & Chang, 2010). As mentioned above, the major problem faced by MMPS is the handling of heavy network problems. The most congenial solution to the problem is to develop a system that can easily incorporate the internally managed heavy networking issues. In order to internally manage the networking problem, MMPS should incorporate the Cross Domain Network Management System. 3.1 Application of the Technology The Cross Domain Networking System is one of the most widely used and recommended telecom network management systems (Lu, 2009), that can help companies like MMPS to individually manage the whole networking system without any interruption. 3.2 Process Of Cross Domain NMS: The Cross Domain Networking System functions is a way that allows the operation system of telecom network engineering to gather information and systematically integrate it into the system in a consistent manner so that the large number of different customers can be entertained at the same time without interruption (Etheridge, Chen, Tanaka & Watanabe, 1998). 3.3 Policies Of Cross Domain NMS: The Cross Domain Networking System follows the policies of providing fully secured services for the customer, so the confidential information of the customers can be preserved. 4. Impacts or Risks of the Applied Solutions. The applied solution of the Cross Domain Networking System has some shortcomings or limitations that relate with implementing the solely controlled network managem

Principles of Macroecomomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Principles of Macroecomomics - Essay Example Unemployment can be measured by the claimant count or the standardized ILO unemployment measure. (Abel, 2010) Unemployment can be classified into two broad categories: Equilibrium unemployment and Disequilibrium unemployment. When Aggregate Demand for Labor (ADL) equals Aggregate Supply of Labor (ASL) at market wage rate, the labor market is said to be in equilibrium. The difference between the ASL and the labor force is known as equilibrium unemployment or the natural rate of unemployment. This represents the excess of people looking for work over those actually willing to accept jobs. This can be seen in the graph shown below. (Dornbusch, 2006) As shown in the diagram above, distance AB is the equilibrium unemployment. This type of unemployment may occur due to frictional (irreducible minimum level of unemployment in a dynamic and growing economy), structural (resulting from the mismatch of skills and job opportunities), regional (associated with specific regions often due to the c oncentration of industries in a region) or seasonal (associated with industries or regions where demand for labor is lower at certain times) causes. (Dornbusch, 2006) Disequilibrium unemployment occurs when real wages in the economy are above equilibrium level. This means either the ASL exceeds the ADL or that stickiness in wages prevents wages falling to equilibrium level. The labor market is in a state of disequilibrium, it may be due to real wage (unemployment created when labor wages are deliberately maintained above market clearing level) or demand deficient unemployment (associated with cyclical downturn or recession). (Dornbusch, 2006) Now let us take the consider interest rate. Interest is a rate at which the interest has to be paid by the borrower to the lender apart from the principle amount. Interest rate is a tool of the monetary policy which the government uses in order affect the money supply of the economy in order to achieve macroeconomic objectives. Interest rates a re of two types: real and nominal. Real interest rates are interest rates that are formed in accordance with the rate of inflation. On the other hand nominal interest rate refers to the amount, in money term of interest payable. (Dornbusch, 2006) There are many reasons that may lead to a change in the interest rates. Firstly, it may lead to short-term political gains. Politicians do this in order attain public support; however, it may later lead to problems later on. Deferred consumption may also lead to changes in interest rates. Speculation may lead to changes in the interest rates as well, for instance if consumers think that interest rates are going to rise, the consumers would demand more bonds and thus increase demand for bonds, this would lead to an even higher increase in interest rates. (McEachern, 2008) High levels of unemployment means that the economy is not functioning at its production possibility function, that is, it is underachieving and that it can produce more goo ds but that would require the economy to function more efficiently than it is doing right now. Unemployment imposes private, economic as well as social costs. In that not only does it represent a was of valuable resources but also causes suffering in terms of increased poverty, falling living standards and psychological disorders. Naturally, the costs of unemployment depend on its severity and duration. The costs

Corporate Governance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Corporate Governance - Essay Example Must have the capability and is responsible for individual decision-making Each director must execute calculated and independent judgment in his or her decision making process. Must be able to exercise concern, meticulousness and dexterity In the duties executed by the directors, the directors have the responsibility of exercising significant concern, dexterity and meticulousness. The aspects of ‘significant concern, dexterity and meticulousness’ are weighed according to what is generally expected from a person performing the role of a director. It is also weighed as per the experience, skill and general knowledge of the individual director (Mallin, 2010). Must never accept benefits from third parties. Benefits from third parties can give rise to conflict of interest and make an impact (or affect) on the company. Therefore, Directors must never accept such benefits. Must declare interest in proposed transaction. If a director has a personal interest in the companyâ€℠¢s proposed transaction, then the details of the particular of the interest must be declared to the other directors before the transaction or arrangement takes place. Must act honestly towards the company and must act only within the powers sanctioned to him and use the same only for purposes which would be beneficial to the organisation. Must take charge of all meetings of the Board when a Chairman is not present, and review plans, agendas and information that are sent to the Board for Board meetings and check on the meeting schedules to assure that there is enough time for discussion of all agenda items. Must serve as liaison between the independent Directors and the Chairman of the Board. Must monitor the self evaluations of the Directors in coordination with the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Rights and Responsibilities of the board of directors at the Collective level Primary decision-making body of the company are the board of directors (Hopt & Wymeersch, 1997) . The collective responsibility of all aspects of the company is on the board of directors. The various activities of the company that the board of directors are responsible are: To establish and maintain the company’s motto that can otherwise be categorised as vision, mission, and values. To have full and effective control of the company To establish its structure, strategy, and risk profile by identifying and monitoring key risks and making sure that the company has the necessary control systems to manage risk within permissible levels. To ensure compliance by the company with all laws and regulations and must delegate authority to management, and monitor the execution of the company’s plans – strategic, tactical and operational moves. To responsible and accountable to all the stakeholders of the company which include, shareholder, employees, customers, clients, etc. Be transparent while communicating to the shareholders and explain on the details of resolutio ns that are to be passed at the

Principles of Macroecomomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Principles of Macroecomomics - Essay Example Unemployment can be measured by the claimant count or the standardized ILO unemployment measure. (Abel, 2010) Unemployment can be classified into two broad categories: Equilibrium unemployment and Disequilibrium unemployment. When Aggregate Demand for Labor (ADL) equals Aggregate Supply of Labor (ASL) at market wage rate, the labor market is said to be in equilibrium. The difference between the ASL and the labor force is known as equilibrium unemployment or the natural rate of unemployment. This represents the excess of people looking for work over those actually willing to accept jobs. This can be seen in the graph shown below. (Dornbusch, 2006) As shown in the diagram above, distance AB is the equilibrium unemployment. This type of unemployment may occur due to frictional (irreducible minimum level of unemployment in a dynamic and growing economy), structural (resulting from the mismatch of skills and job opportunities), regional (associated with specific regions often due to the c oncentration of industries in a region) or seasonal (associated with industries or regions where demand for labor is lower at certain times) causes. (Dornbusch, 2006) Disequilibrium unemployment occurs when real wages in the economy are above equilibrium level. This means either the ASL exceeds the ADL or that stickiness in wages prevents wages falling to equilibrium level. The labor market is in a state of disequilibrium, it may be due to real wage (unemployment created when labor wages are deliberately maintained above market clearing level) or demand deficient unemployment (associated with cyclical downturn or recession). (Dornbusch, 2006) Now let us take the consider interest rate. Interest is a rate at which the interest has to be paid by the borrower to the lender apart from the principle amount. Interest rate is a tool of the monetary policy which the government uses in order affect the money supply of the economy in order to achieve macroeconomic objectives. Interest rates a re of two types: real and nominal. Real interest rates are interest rates that are formed in accordance with the rate of inflation. On the other hand nominal interest rate refers to the amount, in money term of interest payable. (Dornbusch, 2006) There are many reasons that may lead to a change in the interest rates. Firstly, it may lead to short-term political gains. Politicians do this in order attain public support; however, it may later lead to problems later on. Deferred consumption may also lead to changes in interest rates. Speculation may lead to changes in the interest rates as well, for instance if consumers think that interest rates are going to rise, the consumers would demand more bonds and thus increase demand for bonds, this would lead to an even higher increase in interest rates. (McEachern, 2008) High levels of unemployment means that the economy is not functioning at its production possibility function, that is, it is underachieving and that it can produce more goo ds but that would require the economy to function more efficiently than it is doing right now. Unemployment imposes private, economic as well as social costs. In that not only does it represent a was of valuable resources but also causes suffering in terms of increased poverty, falling living standards and psychological disorders. Naturally, the costs of unemployment depend on its severity and duration. The costs

Child Care College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Child Care College - Essay Example In contemplating the kind of assistance parents should resort to for child care, it is essential that the requirement of a safe and happy environment that fun, educational and nurturing is met. Baby sitters are often among the top choice of parents in their decisions on which kind of help they would embark for their child. Though this is the case, it does not in any way conclusively suggest that it is the best practice. I would argue that child care from a licensed child care center is undeniably better than care from a baby sitter which is also fondly called as nanny. A child care center provides care for groups of children. They often provide entertainment and activities for all of the children to take part in. In child care centers, the space and equipment is designed strictly for the intended use of the facility (www.childcarehelp.org). Children tend to be grouped with others their own age and activities can be designed to meet the needs of each classroom of children. Most caregivers in a center are required to have education in child development or early childhood education, and all staffs are required to have annual in-service training in child development. ... In exchange for a bed, food and allowance they will look after the child or children while the parents go to work (www.babycenter.com). A live out nanny, on the other hand, will live in their own home and come to the house as and when arranged to look after the children. Either form of nanny would be considered an employee of the family (www.nannysource.com). The individual care offered to a child is the primary reason that many people select this service for their infant care needs. Parents are also able to have almost complete control over activities, feeding times and any other factor of the child's daily lives. Obviously in home care is the most expensive form of day care or any other care that is available but does offer a one on one service in exchange. There are a lot of disadvantages of babysitting though parents may think that it is the best care since there is a one to one interaction. Nanny care is unsupervised and our parents must do careful screening of any potential caregiver. The most glaring disadvantage is the expense, because, after all, our parents are paying someone's salary, and they are likely to be working a long day. Nanny care is the most expensive form of child care that I think our families could have, with most of us paying 18K - $40K per year for nannies (www.nannysource.com). Nannies are in high demand and there is a lot of competition in the marketplace for the qualified nanny. Lack of socialization may be an issue for an only child. Not all child care logistical problems are magically solved by nanny care. There may be issues on how to cover days when the nanny is ill or if there are weather emergencies which I

Studio Art Essay Example for Free

Studio Art Essay Graffiti originated in New York in the late 1970s. It started off with locals writing their names on walls and subway train just for fame. Before and after that though there were other types of graffiti such as political statements. Graffiti these days is mostly tagging which is the act of marking a surface with a quick scrawl, stencils are common in the city and large aerosol pieces are usually found alongside train lines. The main issue dealing with graffiti these days is how to prevent it. At the same time there are parties that argue we need graffiti and it is an important form of art. Most people trying to prevent graffiti are usually only against the art being produced illegally, that is on private property without permission of the owner. The main argument against graffiti is that it is mainly tagging and it has no brains behind it all. None of it has any meaning. It is so called art that is only for the hip-hop community. The tags make everything look disgusting because it is messy and unreadable. It gives the impression that the councils do not care. It costs around $200,000 a year to remove from walls and public transport, this money could be better spent. Graffiti is a crime and attracts more crime and gangs. Owners that have had their property vandilised by graffiti artists would want to move some where else. Graffiti on shop windows is bad business. There have been a range of ideas presented to support graffiti in a good way and prevent it from occurring illegally. Ideas already in practice are ? Designating high tolerance zones in lanes in Melbourne CBD (Central Business District), such as Hosier Lane. The purpose of high tolerance zones is to keep graffiti on the streets and not remove it. Artists will be attracted to use the lane to exhibit their art instead of commercial and public buildings. ?Legal murals have been encouraged by councils. This aims keep people interested in the graffiti style of art but on a legal level. ?Exhibitions are held frequently at places such as Kent Street Cafes Early Space and the Meatmarket that show graffiti related art work and art done by present and former graffiti artist. Artwork on exhibition is hardly ever tagging, but other forms of graffiti such a stencils, stickers, posters and aerosol pieces. This is aiming to move graffiti art from a street level to a professional level that can be used in the art industry. Councils aim to remove fresh graffiti from public transport within 24 hours. This aims to lower vandals moral and send the message that what they do will not stay so there is no point in doing it. Debates on whether or not graffiti is an actual art and what to do to prevent arise in newspapers. In articles such as Graffiti Crimes from The Age (Melbourne) magazine and Graffiti Plan Ridiculous from the MX paper the writers have very aggressive and unfriendly tones. In Graffiti Plan Ridiculous the writer is actually attacking a writer of a previous letter that suggested everyone entering the CBD must show ID and proof of address. The idea goes with out saying that is ridiculous. There was really no need to lunch an attack just for suggesting it. This shows that tempers are wearing thin on the issue and it is creating a lot of hostility. The article A Display Of Culture by Renae Payne shows the contention of graffiti artists that consider the art as an important part of youth and hip-hop culture. All the artists are in favor of getting legal support from councils. PERSONAL OPINION ? James Borg I think that graffiti is an art, always has been and always will be. The same can be argued about Marcel Duchamps Urinal as it is not a traditional form of art and can be seen as an insult. If a urinal or scribble on a wall can be art then any thing can be art. Something becomes art when it is taken out of context. In the case of graffiti, in all its forms, text and images that are made to be contained on paper and private places are put onto public surfaces. Just because I think graffiti is a form of art does not mean it is not ugly. I think some art in galleries can be very ugly, just because I dont like the look of it doesnt mean everyone does not like it. I have very high expectations of graffiti art. The placement of graffiti art is crucial. The high-tolerance zones are a good idea because all the good art is concentrated in one spot, any one can add their own work to it and no one gets in trouble. Legal murals everywhere are the best because the graffiti does not have to be secluded to a small lane and it encourages more legal murals. Legal murals hardly get vandalised. Illegal graffiti in certain areas definitely destroys the area in a lot of ways. If a wall gets crowded with graffiti it will attract more graffiti, some times of much lower quality. Some times better artists will add their work. Either way the public do not want to see it. I can not say I would like or not. If it were just tags I wouldnt, depends on what it looks like. Fences that run parallel with train lines are constantly being graffitied. Artists want their work on these walls because people hundreds of people catch the train everyday and see their work. If these walls were legalised the amount of illegal graffiti would probably be reduced by more than half. There are a lot of already legal walls on the train line and most of the time artists ask the owner if their wall can be painted. This should be encouraged. I like the whole style of the graffiti pieces and the elements used. I am not concerned about trying to get illegal graffiti recognised as a professional art form in the industry. Graffiti was meant to be illegal, thats the whole point of it. Illegal work will never be appreciated totally by critics because there are too many negatives. Art works in galleries that are based on graffiti might look good but technically it is not graffiti. I will support it as long as it stays creative. I have pretty much grown out of liking graffiti anyway because it is all the same really. I realised that it does more harm than good and it has lost its meaning, even though it started off putting a name up for fame. Stencil art is good but a lot of it lacks skill and originality. The only way illegal graffiti artists will get properly recognised is by doing legal work.

Implementation Of Clustering Algorithm K Mean K Medoid Computer Science Essay

Implementation Of Clustering Algorithm K Mean K Medoid Computer Science Essay Data Mining is a fairly recent and contemporary topic in computing. However, Data Mining applies many older computational techniques from statistics, machine learning and pattern recognition. This paper explores two most popular clustering techniques are the k-means k-medoids clustering algorithm. However, k-means algorithm is cluster or to group your objects based on attributes into K number of group and  k-medoids  is a  related to the  K-means  algorithm. These algorithms are based on the k partition algorithms and both attempt to minimize  squared error. In contrast to the K-means algorithm K-medoids chooses data points as centres. The algorithms have been developed in Java, for integration with Weka Machine Learning Software. The algorithms have been run with two dataset Facial palsy and Stemming. It is having been shown that the algorithm is generally faster and more accurate than other clustering algorithms. Data Mining derives its name from the similarities between searching for valuable business information in a large database (for example, finding linked products in gigabytes of store scanner data) and mining a mountain for a vein of valuable ore.[1] Both process requires either sifting through an immense amount of material. Or intelligently probing it to find exactly where the value resides. Data Mining Data mining is also known as knowledge mining. Before it was named DATA MINING, it was called data collection, data warehousing or data access. Data mining tools predicts the behaviours of the models that are loaded in the data mining tools (like Weka) for analysis, allowing making predicted analysis, of the model. Data mining provides hands-on and practical information. Data mining is the most powerful tool available now. Data mining can be used for modelling in fields such as artificial intelligence, and neural network. What does it do? Data mining take the data which exists in unrelated patterns and designs, and uses this data to predict information which can be compared in terms of statistical and graphical results. Data mining distil / filters the information from the data that is inputted and final model is generated. Clustering What is cluster analysis? Unlike classification and prediction, which analyse class-labeled data objects, clustering analyses data objects without consulting a known class label. A 2-D plot of customer data with respect to customer locations in a city, showing three data clusters. Each cluster center is marked with a +.[6] Clustering is the technique by which like objects are grouped together. The objects are clustered or grouped based on the principle of maximizing the intra class similarity and minimizing the interclass similarity. i.e. clusters of the objects are made so that the clusters have resemblance in comparison to one another, but are very divergent to objects in other clusters. Each cluster that is made can be viewed as a class of objects, from which rules can be derived. [6] Problem overview The problem at hand is able to correctly cluster a facial palsy dataset which is given by our lecturer. This section will provide an overview of dataset being analysed, and description about dataset that we use in this implementation. Data Set 1.3.1.1 Facial_Palsy_svmlight_format Facial Palsy data is for binary classification. +1 severe facial palsy faces -1 Non-severe or normal faces 66 Principal components generated from 5050 Hamming distance images 1.3.1.2 A6_df2_stemming__svm: Attributes: 100 A6_df2_stemming__svm_100.dat +1 Open question -1 Closed question Section 2 Methodology This section will firstly discuss the methodology behind K-means k-medoids algorithm. It is than followed by steps to implement k-means and k medoids algorithms. How many input, output and what are the steps to perform k-means and k-medoids. 2.1 K-mean K-means clustering starts with a single cluster in the centre, as the mean of the data. Here after the cluster is split into 2 clusters and the mean of the new cluster are iteratively trained. Again these clusters are split and the process goes on until the specified numbers of the cluster are obtained. If the specified number of cluster is not a power of two, then the nearest power of two above the number specified is selected and then the least important clusters are removed and the remaining clusters are again iteratively trained to get the final clusters. If the user specifies the random start, random cluster is generated by the algorithm, and it goes ahead by fitting the data points into these clusters. This process is repeated many times in loops, for as many random numbers the user chooses or specifies and the best value is found at the end. The output values are displayed. The drawbacks of the clustering method are that, the measurement of the errors or the uncertainty is ignored associated with the data. Algorithm: The k-means algorithm for partitioning, where each clusters centre is represented by the mean value of the objects in the cluster. Input: k: the number of clusters, D: a data set containing n objects. Output: A set of k clusters. Method: (1) Arbitrarily choose k objects from D as the initial cluster centers; (2) Repeat (3) reassign each object to the cluster to which the object is the most similar, based on the mean value of the objects in the cluster; (4) Update the cluster means, i.e., calculate the mean value of the objects for each cluster; (5) Until no change; Where E is the sum of the square error for all objects in the data set; p is the point in space representing a given object; and mi is the mean of cluster Ci (both p and mi are multidimensional). In other words, for each object in each cluster, the distance from the object to its cluster center is squared, and the distances are summed. This criterion tries to make the resulting k clusters as compact and as separate as possible.[2] Clustering of a set of objects based on the k-means method. (The mean of each cluster is marked by a +.) 2.2 K- Medoids This report recommends a new algorithm for K-medoids, which runs like the K-means algorithm. The algorithm proposed scans and calculates distance matrix, and use it for finding new medoids at every constant and repetitive step. The evaluation is based on real and artificial data and is compared with the results of the other algorithms. Here we are discussing the approach on k- medoids clustering, using the k-medoids algorithm. The algorithm is to be implemented on the dataset which consist of uncertain data. K-medoids are implemented because they to represent the centrally located objects called medoids in a cluster. Here the k-medoids algorithm is used to find the representative objects called the  medoids  in the dataset. Algorithm: k-medoids. PAM, a k-medoids algorithm for partitioning based on medoids or central objects. Input: k: the number of clusters, D: a data set containing n objects. Output: A set of k clusters. Method: (1) Arbitrarily choose k objects in D as the initial representative objects or seeds; (2) Repeat (3) Assign each remaining object to the cluster with the nearest representative object; (4) Randomly select a no representative object, o random; (5) Compute the total cost, S, of swapping representative object, oj, with o random; (6) If S (7) Until no change; Where E is the sum of the absolute error for all objects in the data set; p is the point in space representing a given object in cluster Cj; and oj is the representative object of Cj. In general, the algorithm iterates until, eventually, each representative object is actually the medoids, or most centrally located object, of its cluster. This is the basis of the k-medoids method for grouping n objects into k clusters.[6] 2.3 Distance Matrix An important step in most clustering is to select a  distance measure, which will determine how the  similarity  of two elements is calculated. Common distance metrics: Euclidean Manhattan Minkowski Hamming etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Here in our implementation we choose two distance matrix that you can see below with description. 2.3.1 Euclidean Distance Metric The  Euclidean distance  between points  p  and  q  is the length of the  line segment. In  Cartesian coordinates, if  p  =  (p1,  p2  pn) and q  =  (q1,  q2  qn) are two points in  Euclidean  n-space, then the distance from  p  to  q  is given by: 2.3.2 Manhattan Distance Metric The Manhattan (or taxicab) distance,  d1, between two vectors  in an n-dimensional  real  vector space  with fixed  Cartesian coordinate system, is the sum of the lengths of the projections of the  line segment  between the points onto the  coordinate axes. Section 3 Discussion In this section we are discussing about how Weka Machine learning work and how we implemented both k-means and k medoids algorithm. To implement these two algorithms we use Java and we are explaining how we implemented in java which function we use in order to implement these two algorithms. 3.1 Weka Machine Learning Weka is a machine learning software made using Java and many other languages. Weka has a collection of tools that are used to analyse the data that the user inputs in the form of dataset files. Weka supports more than four different input data formats. Weka uses an interactive GUI interface, which is easy for the user to use.  Ã‚  Weka provides the functionality for testing and visual aid options that can be used by the user to compare and sort the results. 3.2 Implementation In this section, we discuss about implementation of 2 clustering algorithms: K-Means and K-Medoids. Here, we use Object Oriented Programming to implement these 2 algorithms. The structure of program as below: There are 3 packages: K-Mean, K-Medoid, main. Files in K-Mean package: Centroid.java Cluster.java KMean_Algorithm.java KMean_Test.java KMean_UnitTest.java Files in K-Medoid package: KMedoid_Algorithm.java KMedoid_UnitTest.java Files in main package: Attribute.java DataPoint.java DistanceCalculation.java FileFilter.java MainFrame.java Utilities.jav There are some main functions implemented for clustering activity as below: 3.2.1 read_SVMLightFile_fill_up_missing_attribute() This function is about reading the SVM Light data file (.dat) and fill up all the missing attributes/values in data file before returning a Vector of data-points for clustering activity. 3.2.2 calculate_distance() This function is providing calculation according to the distance metric input in order to calculate distance between data objects for clustering activity. Overall, this function provides calculation for 3 different distance metrics as: Euclidean, Manhattan and Minkowski. 3.2.3 startClustering() This function is about running a particular clustering algorithm and returns a Vector of Clusters with their own data-points inside. All the steps of a particular clustering algorithm is implemented, here we implement K_Means and K_Medoids clustering algorithms. 3.2.4 calculateSumOfSquareError() This function is about calculating the total/sum square error for all the output clusters. By calling the function calculateSquareError() inside every cluster and sum up, the sum of Square Error will be calculated as long as the clustering activity finished. 3.2.5 calculateSumOfAbsoluteError() This function is about calculating the total/sum absolute error for all the output clusters. By calling the function calculateAbsoluteError() inside every cluster and sum up, the sum of Absolute Error will be calculated as long as the clustering activity finished. 3.2.6 toString() and main() The toString() function will return a string which represents the clustering output, including: total objects of every cluster, percent of object in every cluster, the error (such as: sum of square error or sum of absolute error), the centroid of every cluster and all the data-points clustered in the clusters. The main() function inside MainFrame.java class will allow to execute the GUI of the program, so users can interact with system by GUI instead of console or command-line. In this GUI, users can choose type of distance metric (such as Euclidean and Manhattan), Clustering algorithm (such as K-Means and K-Medoids) and enter input parameters such as number of clusters and number of iterations for clustering activity. Besides, users also can open any data file to view or modify and save before running clustering as well as export the original data file with missing attributes/values to new processed data file with all missing values filled up by zero (0). Section 4 Analysis In order to access the performance of the K-means k-medoids clusters, two dataset of analyses was carried out. The aim of this set to tests was provide an indicator as to how well the clusters performed using the k-means and k-medoids function. The tests were involved comparing the cluster to other cluster of various types provided within Weka cluster suite. The results are summarised throughout the remainder of this section. 4.1 Experiment (Facial Palsy dataset) results vs. Weka Here In this section how we did a comparison with our application algorithm vs. Weka you can see below. In this pattern we give iterations when we run a dataset with our application and Weka. Iterations: 10 >> 30 >> 50 >> 100 >> 200 >> 300 >> 400 >> 500 In this pattern we give a cluster when we run a dataset with our application and Weka. Clusters: 2 >> 3 >> 4 >> 5 After we run dataset with this format than each and every run we get result we combine that result, compare with Weka, we make a total of each and every column and come with average and we are displaying in table that you can see in below table. This Symbol is object. To see a result please click on this object it will show you result. We put as object because result is too big in size so we are not able to put in this A4 page. 4.2 Experiment (Stemming Question dataset) results vs. Weka Here In this section how we did a comparison with our application algorithm vs. Weka you can see below. In this pattern we give iterations when we run a dataset with our application and Weka. Iterations: 10 >> 30 >> 50 >> 100 >> 200 >> 300 >> 400 >> 500 In this pattern we give a cluster when we run a dataset with our application and Weka. Clusters: 2 >> 3 >> 4 >> 5 After we run dataset with this format than each and every run we get result we combine that result, compare with Weka, we make a total of each and every column and come with average and we are displaying in table that you can see in below table. This Symbol is object. To see a result please click on this object it will show you result. We put as object because result is too big in size so we are not able to put in this A4 page. Section 5 Conclusion In evaluating the performance of data mining techniques, in addition to predicative accuracy, some researchers have been done the importance of the explanatory nature of models and the need to reveal patterns that are valid, novel, useful and may be most importantly understandable and explainable. The K-means and k-medoids clusters achieved this by successfully clustering with facial palsy dataset. Which method is more robust-k-means or k-medoids? The k-medoids method is more robust than k-means in the presence of noise and outliers, because a medoids is less influenced by outliers or other extreme values than a mean. However, its processing is more costly than the k-means method. Both methods require the user to specify k, the number of clusters. Aside from using the mean or the medoids as a measure of cluster center, other alternative measures are also commonly used in partitioning clustering methods. The median can be used, resulting in the k-median method, where the median or middle value is taken for each ordered attribute. Alternatively, in the k-modes method, the most frequent value for each attribute is used. 5.1 Future Work The K-means algorithm can create some in efficiency as; it scans the dataset leaving some noise and outliners. These small flaws can be considered major to some of the users, but this doesnt means that the implementation can be prevented. It is always possible that sometimes the dataset is more efficient to follow other algorithms more efficiently, and the result distribution can be equal or acceptable. It is always advisable to make the dataset more efficient by removing unwanted attributes and more meaning full by pre-processing the nominal values to the numeric values. 5.2 Summery Throughout this report the k-mean and the k-medoids algorithms are implemented, which find the best result by scanning the dataset and creating clusters. The algorithm was developed using Java API and more Java classes.  

Oil In April 2000 :: essays research papers

W A S H I N G T O N, April 6 — The good news for consumers is gas prices are anticipated to drop this summer. But the bad news is the decline will be slow. With an increase in international oil production as a backdrop, the Energy Department today dramatically revised its forecast for summer gasoline prices. The agency said prices should peak later this month and begin dropping sometime in May, averaging about $1.46 a gallon throughout the summer. Even Cheaper Fall Prices And there’s even more good news: Gasoline prices may dip lower still by fall, according to the agency. Prices may fall to a national average of $1.39 after Labor Day, the department’s Energy Information Administration said in its revised short-term forecast. â€Å"By then I expect we will have started to see some economic growth deterioration and I think from there we probably will see demand start to come under some pressure,† said Peter Beutel, president of Cameron Hanover, an energy ri sk management firm in Connecticut. â€Å"So, I think we probably will see prices closer to $1.30 or maybe even $1.25.† What Happened to the $2 Estimate? Just a month ago, the Energy Department said even with increased oil production, gasoline prices were expected to soar to a national average of as much as $1.80 a gallon and likely reach $2 a gallon in some places by July. So what’s changed between now and then? A key international oil meeting in Vienna, Austria. The EIA in its latest forecast assumed additional oil would begin hitting the U.S. market by June as a result of a decision March 28 by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. OPEC agreed to boost production by as much as 1.7 million barrels a day. Other non-OPEC producers also have said they would increase production. And production increases mean refilled petroleum stocks and lower prices for oil products including gasoline. †We are more optimistic today. Some of the tightening of the market has improved,† said EIA Administrator Jay Hakes. Nationally, the average cost of regular grade gasoline was $1.52 a gallon in March, with the average for all grades, including premium, a nickel higher, the agency said. Revisions Still 25 Percent Higher But don’t get too excited just yet. The agency’s latest revision is still 25 percent higher than summer prices a year ago. The average motorist is expected to pay about $170 more for gasoline this summer than last, according to the EIA.

Is Samsung Both Low Cost and Differentiated If Yes, How Does It Do Both?

Samsung is low cost and differentiated. According to exhibit 7a-7i, it can be seen that Samsung has a lower operating cost of $8. 50 as compared to industry average of $11. 03 as well as higher profit margin 6. 6 times that of its competitors. This reflects Samsung ability to deliver desired value to customers using lean and effective design and production. Samsung is able to maintain the low cost largely because of lower labor, R&D and raw material cost. Samsung has a relatively lower labor cost for each production unit because its meritocratic hiring and evaluation system, reward policies, employees’ welfare and benefits to employees’ family allow employees to focus on innovation and productivity. Hardworking employees are always ready to work overtime, thereby eliminating wastage of resources needed to source for additional help or last minute hire. Also, its strategic location in Korea translates into some savings in labor cost compared to companies that operate in Japan and US. Samsung’s collocation of its main R&D facility and fab lines is estimated to have saved an average of 12% on fab construction costs. Living together at the Samsung’s primary campus, R&D and production engineers solve design and production engineering problems together and, indirectly encouraged good rapport. This may explain the lower R&D cost that Samsung incurs. Samsung’s innovative technology contributed to lower raw material costs and higher yield rate. Samsung currently uses the smallest process technology of 0. 11Â µm which enables them to have a higher net dice per wafer compared to their peers who uses 0. 13Â µm. Samsung needs less materials than others to produce the same product, reducing overall production cost. Its innovation not only reduced cost, but also formed its differentiated core competency. Noticeably, its innovation has reduced defects in its product also help to lower wastage and hence lower cost of production. Samsung is also innovative in customizing to their customers needs by designing different offer for each segment. The strategic fit of the different activities formed Samsung’s differentiated core competency that is definitely valuable, rare, costly to imitate and nonsubstitutable. The activities include the presence of a productive and innovative human resource, strategic location, social complexity, good leadership and trusted band name. With these synergistic factors, Samsung is both low cost and differentiated.

Symbolism in William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’

Symbolism in William Golding’s ‘Lord of the Flies’ Definition: A symbol is something that is itself as well as something else. In literature it means literal or objective sense coupled with abstract meaning. Symbolism refers to serious and extensive use of symbols in a work of literature. Symbolism in Lord of the Flies: The novel is rich in symbolism. A host of different interpretations of the novel’s symbolism – political, psychological and religious – exists. We will look at some of the prominent symbols employed by Golding and try harmonizing the different interpretations. Since symbolism is an evocative device to communicate the theme of a literary piece, we must first agree on the theme of Lord of the Flies. Theme: Evil inherent in man seems to be the central idea of the novel. It may recall the Christian notion of the ‘original sin’ or the idea of the failure of civilization as seen during the Nazi Holocaust or a general pessimistic view of human nature. It may be all the three combined. A group of boys aged 6 to 12 find themselves alone on an island, without adult supervision. At first they try to organize themselves on the pattern of the civilized world they have known. The attempt fails and most of them regress into savagery and animal existence. The novel was deliberately patterned on the children’s classic ‘The Coral Island’ by R. M. Ballantyne. Only, it turns Ballantyne’s theme on its head. Whereas Ballantyne made the children’s isolation on the island a pleasant interlude in a continued life of civilized existence, Golding shows how thin the veneer of civilization really is and how the animal nature of man breaks through in just a few weeks. It is not so much moral judgment as recognition of the essential tragedy of mankind – its intellectual and spiritual nature losing out to its animal nature again and again. Important Symbols: 1. The Scar: The novel starts with the mention of a scar in the jungle. We learn (or rather, surmise) later that it is a swath cut by the falling ‘passenger tube’ in which the children were travelling. The word scar appears in the text without this preliminary information and serves to create atmosphere. The metaphor prepares us for the horrible things to come. In itself it is also the symbol of man’s disruptive influence on his world. 2. The Conch: It makes its appearance as an accidental find of Ralph and Piggy on the beach. It soon assumes importance as Ralph, on Piggy’s advice, blows it to gather the survivors. Ralph is elected leader of the group mainly because he was the one in possession of the conch. From here onwards the conch becomes a symbol of law and order. At meetings the speaker has to hold it in his hands. It gives him the privilege of being heard uninterrupted. Order starts breaking down in the fifth chapter when Jack speaks without holding it. Later, breakdown of order is signalled by Jack snatching it from Ralph in the eighth chapter. In the tenth chapter Jack raids the shelter occupied by Ralph and Piggy to rob Piggy of his glasses. But he does not bother to take the conch away. It is no longer important. In the eleventh chapter the conch is destroyed, symbolizing the complete rout of order at the hands of chaos. 3. The Man with the Megaphone (Grown-ups): When Piggy meets Ralph, his first question is, â€Å"Where is the man with the megaphone? A few pages later the question is repeated by Jack, â€Å"Where is the man with the trumpet? † This, we can assume, was the man in charge of the boys in the aeroplane He stands for authority and control which has suddenly been removed by the crash. A grown-up appears again only at the end in the form of the naval officer who saves the life of Ralph without realizing the fact and brings an e nd to the chaos. But conversely, the adult is the cause of the boys being there in the first place. The war raging outside is nothing but the conflict on the island on a much grander scale. The appearance of the naval officer at close suggests that civilization has been given another chance, despite the bleak outlook. 4. Beast from Air: In the sixth chapter another adult appears on the scene – a dead parachutist. He has apparently evacuated himself from a warplane that has been hit. The man crashes to his death at the top of the hill on the island. He, with his parachute, is taken to be a mysterious supernatural beast by the boys among whom the talk of a snake-like beast of the jungle is already rampant. The dead parachutist is not, however, just an extension of the ghost metaphor. He also represents the historical past intruding on the scene and influencing it in a profound manner. For the boys the historical past is the war they left behind. For humanity it would be the past of man as an insidious influence in his present. 5. The Beast – Lord of the Flies: The title of the novel is itself symbolic. The phrase is a literal translation of the Hebrew ‘Beelzebub’, one of the demons named after a philistine god. Later the term was often used in Christianity as a name for the Devil. The metaphor is one of regression (in its original sense of paganism) and evil (in its later meaning of the Devil). In the novel one of the younger boys, who is referred to as ‘the boy with the birthmark on his face’, tells the others about having seen a snake-like beast on the trees. Though Ralph tries to allay their fears as unfounded, the belief in the beast persists. It is strengthened by the unexplained disappearance of the boy with the birthmark. It is reinforced by the ‘beast from air’ mentioned above, so mush so that even Ralph and Piggy start entertaining the possibility of a beast. Jack, half believing himself, uses the fear cleverly to keep his followers under control. He makes the ritual sacrifice of a wild sow to the beast and lets the head of the animal hang on a stick, ostensibly to appease the beast. Only Simon does not believe in the existence of a beast. In his wanderings in the forest he comes across the head of the sow and the entrails of the animal which have attracted a lot of flies by now. He has a hallucination in which the head appears to him as lord of the flies and speaks to him. The symbolism of the beast is also stated in this imaginary conversation in so many words, as follows: â€Å"You knew, didn’t you? I am part of you?†¦ I am the reason why it’s no go? Why things are what they are? † The beast is within man, not without. It is the darkness in men’s hearts. It is their primitive nature, hidden behind a thin layer of civilization. 6. The Signal Fire and the Shelters on the Beach: The signal fire and the shelters symbolize ordered society, civilization and hope. They are contrasted with the barbaric and blood-thirsty hunts. The signal fire is Ralph’s idea. He believes that the children will be rescued soon and therefore there should be a smoke signal going all the time for a passing ship to spot. Piggy, who is more of a realist, realizes that those who were expected to know about the children are all dead and it may be a long time before rescue comes. So he suggests the building of shelters. Though both symbols together stand for civilization against barbarism, there is this subtle difference between them, arising as they do from their originators’ differing perceptions of the situation. 7. The Hunts and Mock Hunts: Together with painted faces and long hair the hunts and mock hunts symbolize regression into primitive savagery. The hunters not only seem to have lost all hope of returning to civilization, but they seem to actually enjoy the prospect and neglect to keep the signal fire burning. The hunts can be interpreted as symbolizing the boys' primal urges or even anarchy. Soon after the hunts start, they cease to be a necessary activity aimed at gathering food. The lust for blood becomes more important. Ceremonies and chants invented by the hunters similarly denote regression. The mock hunts of Chapters 4 and 7 are manifestations of regression too. The mock hunts serve another purpose. In Chapter 4 the mock hunt is a mild affair, performed largely for fun. In the seventh chapter it turns into a violent affair in which the boy playing the hunted animal suffers injuries. Thus the mock hunts define the regression of the hunters as civilized humans. The scene in Chapter 7 also shows the good and sensible Ralph feeling the excitement of the mock hunt, thus showing how evil can take hold of any human, unless resisted. 8. Painted Faces and Long Hair: This is the heading of Chapter 4. The degeneration of the boys' way of life is symbolized by clay-and- charcoal masks and long hair. When concealed by masks, the hunters, especially Ralph, seem to have new personalities as they forget the taboos of society that once restrained them from giving in to their natural urges. When Jack first paints his face to his satisfaction, he suddenly becomes a new, savage person. â€Å"He began to dance and his laughter became a bloodthirsty snarling. He capered toward Bill, and the mask was a thing of its own, behind which Jack hid, liberated from shame and self-consciousness†. The feeling of liberation that results from wearing the masks allows many of the boys to participate in the barbaric pig hunts, the savage ceremonies and the mock hunts. 9. The Island: Those who incline towards a religious interpretation of the novel’s symbolism maintain that the island is the symbol for the Garden of Eden, which is touched by original sin on contact with the human race. This interpretation may have some merit. But the symbolism can be equally validly interpreted as the state of nature to which the civilized children have been returned. It provides the setting for the opening up of their fundamental urges. 10. The Characters: The principal characters – Ralph, Piggy, Simon, Jack and Roger – symbolize certain attitudes and qualities. Ralph and Piggy are on the side pf law and order. Jack and Roger represent primitive urges and tyranny. Simon is a mystic who has clearer view of reality than the intellectual Piggy, the sensible Jack or the manipulative Jack. But we have to be careful not to over-emphasize the point. Otherwise the realistic and believable quality of the characters will be compromised. The symbolism lies more in how the characters grow or regress rather than in their basic make-up. Jack’s character is the most significant from this point of view. From the leader of a choir group he regresses into the leader of a violent and primitive group which calls itself a ‘tribe’. The above list of symbols is by no means exhaustive. The novel is replete with metaphors and symbols. Lord of the Flies is called a twentieth century allegory. It is also one of the most carefully crafted novels of the century. In consequence the careful reader can find a symbol on almost every page. s

Functional Areas Of Business Essay

There has been an ongoing debate between enlisted members and commissioned officers of the United States Military about effective leadership and the scope of control. Enlisted Service Personnel are usually the worker bees, are not managerial in nature, with combat and field experience. Commissioned Officers are the leaders of the enlisted members. Commissioned Officers usually are the ones that can be personified as managers, with little to no field or combat experience. This debate stems from Commissioned Officers executing their managerial roles, how it affects the enlisted member, and how it effects the overall mission. Leadership, strategic planning, law, human resources management, will be utilized to analyze the role of a manager within the functional areas of business. Leadership Most employees will follow an effective leader if the manager exudes confidence, is not a hypocrite, and believes in the organization’s mission statement wholeheartedly. The adage, † If a manager has to claim to be a leader, it almost seems as though he or she is trying to convince themselves that they are a leader, instead of showing that the manager is capable of leading. Motivation, inspiration, and being levelheaded are great attributes in being a great leader. Managers do not have to be an efficient leader in order to get things done, however, they should know how to manage those effective and efficient leaders in order to see the project or mission through. Most effective leaders are effective by being prepared and knowledgeable with some strategic planning. Strategic Planning As the adhesive that was so meticulously put there to hold up that model ship which is encased in a glass bottle, there is a plethora of minutia detail that goes into planning. With regards to the military, it takes an almost insurmountable amount of planning just to execute even the smallest of missions. This component is imperative to have in the manager’s toolbox, in order to maintain the survivability of the organization. A person that fails to plan, he or she plans to fail. Managers have to stay on top of planning, even if it means that sometimes coming into the organization on weekends, or coming in earlier than their standard start time. The organization also depends deeply on the legal department to ensure that the organization will not fall privy to legal troubles. Read more:  Functional Areas Of Business Law There are legal boundaries that dictate what can or cannot take place in the business world. Businesses hire witty, educated, and self-starting legal individuals to interpret the laws. There is a ton of small laws that can get an organization in or out of legal calamity. It could be a zoning law issue, or a morality issue, or what is common with big organizations is an environment issue. Managers have to be cognizant and stay on top of these issues in order to be a successful manager. In order a successful manager, there have to be some exceptional employees. Those employees hire through Human Resources. Human Resources Management Filtering out among the mass applicant pool to hire the best employees that are most suited for the position, rectifying current employees pay if needed, ensuring equal opportunity to the employees are all components of what it means to be in the human resources department. Managers have a few components to deal with when it comes to human resources. According to an a Forbes’ article, administrative director at a law-firm wrote that she needed some advice. The administrator’s employee was pregnant and she wanted to find a way to fire her before the employee tells anyone. She further stated that the pregnant woman would cost the organization a temporary hire, adding that after the baby is born the pregnant woman is sure to miss work due to baby illness. (Ryan, 2014) Managers have to be aware that it is illegal to fire someone for pregnancy, and need to have the wherewithal to be firm, but understand that employees have a choice of motherhood as well as having a  career . Managers in human resources can sometimes be the epitome for the managers throughout the entire organization that set the tone for the organization. When a manager from human resources has to fire an individual, if they are not careful the methods that are used can be detrimental to the entire organization. If the manager calls, emails, or texts the individual that in two weeks time that the person will be fired or laid off, that individual now has time to sabotage, slack-off, give trade secrets to competitive organizations or do something physically harmful to himself or the people at the organization. If the manager tells the individual that is to be fired to come into the office and let’s discuss some of the options that a person may have face-to-face, makes that terminated employee somewhat at ease. The terminated employee will not have to tackle this daunting situation alone. Supply Management In order to stay relevant in business, managers understand that they must have quality products at a reasonable rate from their suppliers. However, when the rates are unreasonable, managers should seek out other suppliers that will accommodate the organization’s budget. â€Å"Mooney agrees that managers will usually be keen on a purchasing department that is good at finding savings. But, he warns, even this can be a double-edged sword, because they can be expected to be much less enthusiastic when it is their area of spend that is being touched upon.† (Wheatley, 2005) Managers have to be diligent and understand that the purchasing department, if not fully understood, can break the financial infrastructure of an organization. Conclusion Being a great leader will comprise of attributes such as not being temperamental, inspirational and having the ability to motivate. Being able to strategically plan has to be in the manager’s repertoire, in order to efficiently run the organization. Laws are meant to be interpreted by the legal team to ensure the organization does not end up in legal trouble. Human resource managers have to be careful with the way they handle terminating employees. Finding the best supplier with a quality product, for a reasonable price is what managers should reach for in order to have a thriving organization. References University of Phoenix. MBA Overview Module. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, MGT/521 Website Wheatley, M. (2005, May). Supply Management. 10-11. Ryan, L. (2014, April). You Think Your Manager is Slimy? Check Out These Guys. Forbes, (), . Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2014/04/08/you-think-your-manager-is-slimy-check-out-these-guys/