Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Rhetorical Analysis Of The Inquisitor - 926 Words

In this monologue, the Inquisitor is presenting his case against heresy to the church court. He believes that Joan is guilty of heresy and should be executed for her crimes. The inquisitor emphasizes throughout his argument that heresy is the most dangerous threat to society that exists, and that it needs to be â€Å"ruthlessly stamped out† (Line 12), to maintain silence and order in the community. His argument is strung together with the use of rhetorical devices such as ethos, diction, and deceit, to strengthen his case. A large part of what makes the Inquisitor’s monologue so off-putting is his commanding tone and a strong appeal to ethos. The Inquisitor’s diction is dark, violent, and unforgiving towards heresy, and he takes every†¦show more content†¦A gentle and pious girl, or a young man who has obeyed the command of our Lord. . . may be the founder of heresy that will wreck both church and Empire. . .† (Lines 5-12). By claiming this is true, he is directing his argument more so towards heresy, and away from Joan. This makes it easier for the court to justify murdering Joan, because the notion of eliminating heresy from the empire is easier on the conscience of Christian authority than the notion of torturing a young girl. The inquisitor also states that these heretics are not liars or hypocrites, and that they truly believe what they preach. He elaborates by explaining how the road to heresy is a slippery slope, and a simpleton’s failure to conform to blind belief, is always dangerous and can only end in diabolical wickedness. This is, at last, what reveals the Inquisitor’s true enemy: free thought. Free thought is dangerous to the church and empire of this period because the entire belief system of the community is based upon church elites deciphering ancient texts, of which they are to retell to the common people. This way, the clergymen have the right to alter or omit pieces they donâ€⠄¢t want shared with the public. This also establishes a higher status above the common people, who are told they could never dream of understanding the texts on their own; â€Å" The records of the holy inquisition are full of histories we dare not give to the world, because they are beyond the belief ofShow MoreRelatedAp European History Outline Chapter 10 Essay example5639 Words   |  23 Pagestextual analysis and historical logic to prove that the document had been written in the eighth, rather than the fourth, century * Less than a century later, Valla became a hero to Protestant reformers * Civic Humanism emerged out of the belief that education—unlike that provided by scholastics—should promote individual virtue and public service * Three famous civic humanists were Coluccio Salutati, Leonardo Bruni, and Poggio Bracciolini who used their rhetorical skillsRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 PagesReasons ................................................................................................ 236 Deceiving with Loaded Language ................................................................................................... 238 Using Rhetorical Devices .................................................................................................................. 240 Review of Major Points .............................................................................................

Monday, December 16, 2019

Causes of World War vocab Free Essays

The Tsarina, Alexandra, thought he was a miracle and welcomed him to the royal family. That’s when he started Glenn bad advice to Tsar Nicolas. 3. We will write a custom essay sample on Causes of World War vocab or any similar topic only for you Order Now Militarism Militarism is the belief that a country should have a strong military and to be prepared to use it whenever the country needs protection. Militarism is significant because this is part of the main causes of WWW. All the powers wanted to have a good military to be prepared for war. Because of being prepared all the time, WWW was quick to happen; because of just one event. 4. Nationalism Nationalism is the belief that your own county is the best and deserves all the power. Nationalism is significant because it’s part of the base reasons why WWW happened. When Germany became a nation in 1871, it disturbed the balance of power in Europe. The other European countries thought that Germany would be a threat to their power. So all the powers thought they were the best and that caused conflicts, which caused WWW. 5. Imperialism Triple Entente Imperialism is a policy in which a strong nation looks to dominate other countries politically, economically or socially. This is an alliance consisting of Britain, France and Russia in 1907. This is significant because it was one of the earliest causes of WWW. The scramble for Africa to imperialism it caused many conflicts and tensions within the powers. The European powers were competing a lot between each other for African territory. Those rivalries played a big role later in the causing of WWW. This alliance was important because these were one of the biggest powers. All 3 had something in common: they didn’t like Germany Austria. That brought them to make an alliance ND had a common goal of getting rid of Germany and Australia’s power. Soon that became more definite and was on the way to having WWW. 7. Triple Alliance This is an alliance consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy in 1907. This alliance if significant because Germany and Austria were very close and had common ideas. Russia used to be with them (Emperors League) but since they got out because of the Congress of Berlin, Italy took its place. Their ideals were that they had to support previous alliances and provide a defense system against the other European powers. Because of these rivalries, it soon caused WWW. Blank Check The black check is a check that Germany gives to Austria; reassuring them that Germany will fully support Austria, no matter what. The Blank Check is significant because Germany, basically, blindly gives their support to Austria- without considering what’s happen in the future. Since William II says that, it gives Austria an even bigger ego. Later Austria and Serbia have conflicts and are very close to war; at this poi nt Germany can’t back out now because they already gave their word to Austria. 9. Archduke Francis Ferdinand He is the hair to Austrian throne. He was soon to become the king of Austria until him and his wife, Sophia, got assassinated by Gabriele Prince; who was with the Black Hand group. Archduke Francis Ferdinand is significant because this is the event that really started WWW. Because of his assassination, by Gabriele Prince, Austria is furious and automatically thinks that it was Serbians doing; even without proper evidence. It does turn out that Gabriele Prince was with a group from Serbia, so that’s when WWW began. 10. The Balkan states consisted of Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Greece; it made â€Å"The Balkan League†. The Balkan states were under Ottoman control. The conflicts between these states caused Balkan wars. The Balkan Crises is very significant because the Balkan states wanted independence from the Ottomans. So in 1878, Bulgaria was created in the Treaty of San Stefan, it was viewed as a Russian satellite. Then it got reduced and returned to Ottomans in the Congress of Berlin. In 1912, Serbia, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Greece defeated Ottoman provinces (Albania Macedonia) but couldn’t decide how to split it, resulting in the 2nd Balkan war (1913). Then Greece, Serbia Romania and Ottomans defeated Bulgaria. Because of that, Bulgaria got a little of Macedonia- the rest was divided by Serbia Greece. Still, Serbia was unsatisfied of the amount of land. The two Balkan wars created more tensions among the great powers. 11. Black Hand/Gabriele Prince This group was a Serbian terrorist group that wanted to create a pan-Slavic nation. It was made up of military some government officials. Gabriele Prince was part of this group. The Black Hand is significant because Gabriele Prince was part of it. He was a big deal because Prince was responsible for the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand. Since he was heir to the throne, it caused a great deal of fury in Austria. This was the major event that caused WWW. 12. Austrian Ultimatum On July 23, 1914 Austria gave Serbia a set of extreme demands if they don’t want to go to war with Austria. This ultimatum is very important because when Austria gave Serbia the ultimatum, Serbia didn’t agree. Serbia didn’t agree because the demands were very extreme and unrealistic for a country to agree with. That resulted in Austria declaring war on Serbia on July 28. Then that started involving other countries which turned into WWW. How to cite Causes of World War vocab, Essays

Sunday, December 8, 2019

Business and Marketing Strategy

Introduction The Business management sphere is but an operational process involving risks; those may appear from different functional or procedural elements. The case in hand is of the brand Lululemon, where the business seems to be in a damage control mode. The integrity of strategy formulation is under critical evaluation from marketing and product point of views. Thus being a Marketing management consultant the case is evaluated in context of the situations involved along with relevant solutions for those problems in accordance to different theories and models in use to link the business objectives to the business processes, thereby integrating a action based solution to the current issue, targeting 2015s survival strategies. Thus steps like planning, implementation and evaluation along with deficit identification would be done in the case involving 4 distinct objective based tasks, in this assignment. Task 1: a. Identification of the current plans and strategies in light of Mission and Vision objectivities The case of Lululemon is based upon the brand called Lululemon Athletica Inc of Canadian origin inspired by Yoga-inspired athletic apparel and accessories manufacturer created in 1998. However, the 2007s New York Times Business section contained a negative message for the brands VitaSea product line, upon which the value of the entire brand was built. Therefore the strategy was to embark upon the damage control processes as the integrity, marketing strategy ethics and suppliers relation were at stake. The CEO along with the Chairman of the brand decided to establish to lost value and equity in the market so that the future survival and reputations involved can be rebuilt. Therefore the strategies and marketing methodologies have to be re-evaluated to interpret the current position and its effects there off. Business strategies can be viewed as the planned process involving ideas and techniques for implementation those ensures that objectives of the business is fulfilled (). The overall objective of the brand Lululemon is to attract consumers, who are accustomed to athletic lifestyle those are based upon cultural lifestyle selection that has overall health sustained practices involved and integrated in their systems. The goal of the brand was created upon the capacity of integration of its visions with hard working people with ethical lifestyle practices. Nevertheless, the vision and mission statement guided the brand to focus and develop products for healthy living, environmentally conscious, disciplined life style practices like exercises, diet practices with ethical values for nature and natural resources. The brand thus developed an image of Super Girl that had the elements like hard working, gender conscious, self respecting, disciplined life style oriented female, that elaborated t he character of the brand. Thus this communication was strategized and proceeded with to create an image that both the brand and its consumers would associate with. The product VitaSea was claimed to be made out of sea weed linens that in contact with the body of the consumer would have positive health effects for the users. However, the claim was demolished by the news paper report that had adverse effect upon the brands image that it sustained upon. However, due to the report the image got a mark of negative reputation that affected the entire basis that the business was built upon. However the strategic re-engineering of the market and marketing planning was thought necessary to have market sustainability factors alive for the business. The future of the business was under great threat so the strategic drift was necessary to maintain and upkeep the survival in the market. () observed that Strategic drift occurs when a company, even one that has enjoyed considerable success, responds far too slowly to changes in the external environment and continues with the strategy that once served it very well. This is despite the fact that the company is obviously increasingly out of touch with external trends. () observes that there are countless examples of companies that continue to persevere with their once successful business model when it is overwhelmingly evident that the model is increasingly inappropriate in terms of future trends. Thus the strategic drift seems to be added in Lululemons case to make it more appropriate for a different market and segment those have different outlook and product attribute projections. Therefore, the case suggests that strategic outlook needs to changed thereby accommodate and associate new ideas for product promotion and development. Nevertheless, strategic drift also can be included after investigation of internal factors like performance management and evaluation those would be evaluated upon the benchmarks resultant upon which the business objectives were set to achieve. However, an effective performance system needs to be implemented prior to evaluation and furthermore the performance measurement systems are designed as per the organizational Business Objectives and Goals, interpreted in its vision and mission statement. The Goals can be said to the businesss long term effect expectations that the promoters perceive upon which the vision or goal statement is developed. Again, the mission statement can be stated as the pathway for achievement of desired objectives. The vision states the business and its selection of market share client like factors. Mission dep icts those visions in a way that ensures that all stakeholders are guided upon a common path for objective fulfilment. Thus in the case the current strategies of promotion, the brand has failed to achieve the objective to establish itself as a brand with difference to the clients it targeted. Therefore the change of the strategy is required so that the brand develops upon a new image that is associated with the product qualities other than the current image that the brand established. A new image building, positioning and value system needs to be generated in order to re-establish the brand image that may have new set of objectives, build upon different product attribute other than the current one. Thus the process would associate itself with the change in its business planning thus reformulate the goals, if needed be. Therefore the Vision in terms of market reestablishment and new market venture is needed that would associate different mission statement as the new strategies would be focus upon a new goal altogether, for Lululemon. b. Identification and evaluation of Goals and value processes in reference to ethical, cultural, environmental and objective point of view While processing the organizational goals and value processes of the Lululemons current state of business environment a need has been created where re-formulation of goal statement and value processes required. The goal for Lululemon had been to incite the idea about the clothes they wear and its relation to our intrinsic beliefs and life style that have close connection to nature and the healthy lifestyle values and systems. The use of phases and words like athletic induced endorphins, power to take better decisions, I will, Successful people, peace with yourself like phases had been the key to the success story for the brand. Again, the targeted Super Girl image portrays the Power Women Concepts. Bothe the communiqu that were designed by Lululemon portrays the level of value processes in the organization. However, that image was shattered by the news reports and subsequent lab-testing reports. Ethical: The involvement of people with a brand from ethical point of view can be associated with peoples belief systems which have ethical values involved with the way they choose to live and stay like. The segments of the Lululemon were expected to behave as audience were involved with a lifestyle that had enough elements of healthy values and practices involved. The Yoga clothing concept was the kind of image that had the factor of flexibility, style, comfort, health consciousness like elements involved. Further the brand has incorporated the effects of natural ingredients those have health benefits for the users. Cultural: The sporting spirit that involves the health benefits awareness, development of nature friendly habits, involving the exercise as daily routine, positive assertion like elements that encompass the cultural beliefs of an individual is mixed in effective proportion at Lululemons brand messages to the segment with similar cultural beliefs. Environmental: The environment friendly attitude of people that is associated with care and mutual respect to the resources that are available to human for healthy living were incorporated in the product of Lululemon which in turn made the brand familiar and awareness much higher among people who are closer to nature and the natural resources for self development. Objectivity: Thus, the objectivity encompasses all the aforesaid factors those makes the brand image of Lululemon more keenly observed by people who the business targets to accompany as loyal consumers for the brand. c. Evaluation of resource allocation in context of current objectives, goals and strategies Resource allocation is a major management activity that allows for strategy execution in the best ways possible. Those organizations that do not use a strategic-management approach to decision making, resource allocation is often based on political or personal factors, those have no vision and goal. Strategic management enables resources to be allocated according to priorities established by annual objectives. Nothing could be more detrimental to strategic management and too organizational success than for resources to be allocated in ways not consistent with priorities indicated by approved annual objectives. The real value of any resource allocation program lies in the resulting accomplishment of an organizations objectives. However, effective resource allocation does not guarantee successful strategy implementation because programs, personnel, controls, and commitment must breathe life into the resources provided. Strategic management itself is sometimes referred to as a resource allocation process. For the case of Lululemon, right from the start of the business where the goal was formulated for the business that had the futuristic impression about what the business needs to achieve. Thus was done with Vision and Mission statements. The Start of the strategic formulations needs objective wise procedural formulations for organizational success. The manpower, finance, marketability segmentation knowledge, product innovation knowledge are all identified for planning them as required in achieving the targets it has set for itself. However, the case portrays that to create the core elements of the formulation was peoples health knowledge awareness and practice oriented. The Yoga would suggest what exactly the components for such fabric needs. The image developed in communication portrays it as a business that helps people have a longer lifespan by creating a healthier, fun centric lifestyle those ensures a disease free healthy lifestyle. In accordance to the objective the core values were improvised those featured the organizational culture and were executed along the policy lines. The strategic focuses was refined and were redefined along the target lines that were recreated in order to associate the brand with culture and ethics of the market segment. Allocation of finance, manpower, capacity production devises in accordance to the objectives to ensure that the right set of outputs are received with the maximum efficiency that would ensure the right outputs as targeted. The allocation were done in the case of Lululemon by a larger extend based upon the projected outcomes. The marketing communication and the brand image that the product ensured was a healthy energetic lifestyle with the use. In accordance the content was created based upon the kind of segment the business targeted. The targeted audience were the one who associated their ethics, beliefs and values in the way that equates with a belief system embracing Natural resources and People living in it finds harmony of togetherness. The contents stating that the product have effects those are positive for the user generating health benefits associated with strength, decision making power, Quality attributes needed for a healthy living. However, the goal posts changed post the report was published. The market communication media portrays what about what offerings the strategies have in order to achieve a result oriented communication with the stakeholders and customers alike. A strategy that businesses use to determine whether all of their operational expenses are necessary and if they could be operating more efficiently. Process value analysis looks at what the customer wants and then asks if each aspect of operations is necessary to achieve that result. The goal of process value analysis is to eliminate unnecessary expenses incurred in the process of creating a good or service without sacrificing customer satisfaction. Task 2: a. Analysis of changes in Micro and Macro environments with relevant tools and frameworks The micro environment refers to the business itself and to all the challenges that come from inside the business. Businesses can therefore take control over all the challenges and influences in the micro environment. Sometimes, the micro environment is also known as the internal environment. The micro environment refers to the forces that are close to the company and affect its ability to serve its customers. It includes the company itself, its suppliers, marketing intermediaries, customer markets and public. The company aspect of micro-environment refers to the internal environment of the company. This includes all departments, such as management, finance, research and development, purchasing, operations and accounting. Each of these departments has an impact on marketing decisions. For example, research and development have input as to the features a product can perform and accounting approves the financial side of marketing plans and budget in customer dissatisfaction. Marketing m anagers must watch supply availability and other trends dealing with suppliers to ensure that product will be delivered to customers in the time frame required in order to maintain a strong customer relationship. The goals represented the target clients and vision was to involve the clients life processes and beliefs with the product offerings that Lululemon produced. Now with the PESTLE analysis the business managers precede with the job of identification of the objective based relationships in business. The tool is used to determine the following factors for the case of Lululemon: Political: The specified political environment in the case is designed to state the effects that it has on the business process of Lululemon. Canadian government along with LEEDS support stopped the uses age of the Brands claims of product offerings as is the case of Vita Sea. The challenge to the entire existence from ethical point of view had been put under the scanner for the case. The effects were such that the strategic reformulation and product specification redesign process has to start along with new innovation as the copy right infringements were detected. Economical: Lululemon has always placed itself on a higher side of price quotes compared to its competitors. Thus the value addition or the differentiation factor that the brand had was dismantled. Thus as in any other case Economy is hit first and the sustainability comes under threat in this case. Help for better future would also depend upon the economic strength that the business has both in revamping and product based Research and Development. Social: The case elaborates the kind of social influence it had and the dependence of the brands existence was involved with Social Development values among the clients. The value system that the brand developed was shattered which clients must have perceived as a lie thats a crime in social relations. The society as a whole is a diversified and dynamic body in nature. The segment in the society that Lululemon targeted was the one that had deep seeded values and ethics and respect towards Technological: The technology change is a factor in business that had driven the business processes since its inception. The ease of product development and the quality of product involvement with specification along with measures and tools of evaluation had been technology driven. For the case of Lululemon the technological involvement had been the basics of its product mix. The use of marine science, bio-chemistry, innovations in linen making and evolution of personal development for the clients in very scientific principles based models made the Business choices for existence altogether. At Lululemon, even the linen used for clothing material making was a technological innovation in itself called Lunon, which was sea weed based durable flexible, suited for sportive nature of life style for people was involved. The entire Technology cal superiority claims in regard to product technology was threaten in the case having the choices to portray technological superiority were discredite d. Environmental: The factor of environmental awareness and dependence was the core for the business at Lululemon. The relationship that human have with the surrounding nature was key to the brands strategy building measure. The adoption of Environment both in natural and market terms for a competent personality was shattered in this case. Thus the present business environments were challenged as the competing edge to the product was in its association with environment conscious audience. Again, the the reduction in volume of waste generation and Green principals were in use and was maintained somehow. Since the allegation do not change the consumers environmental beliefs or the products environment friendliness. The aspect can be better looked into for Strategy formulation for the next set of activities. Legal: The role of Canadian legislations and the reflections that the Authorities had towards the report made the business change its claims and thus dismantle the marketing and product mix the business generated. Workplace codes of conduct along with the actions those are to be taken are to be made liable. The LEED guidance (Energy and environmental Design) norms have shaped the way to develop future infrastructure such those have Green effects with nearly nil carbon emission, no huge expenses of electricity long with Zero waste policies has made the business a new factor to deal with in its infrastructure capabilities and also shaped the strategic issues like legal norms are considered.. Based upon these the process developed its strategies for future existence thus reframing the aims and objectives that the business had. b. Importance of the Stakeholders relation in business and impact assessment of Current Suppliers on Strategic Planning The stakeholders are those who are involved in the business processes in different capacities that have its own objectives related with the business, mutually beneficial, the consequences. The start of any stakeholder engagement process is stakeholder mapping. Stakeholder mapping identifies the target groups and pulls together as much information as possible about them. Stakeholders are by definition people who have a stake in a situation. Stakeholders can be described in organisation terms as, those who are maybe internal (e.g. employees and management) and those external (e.g. customers, competitors, suppliers etc.). However, the internal customers or employees too are considered as Stakeholders depending upon the nature of the business and the cultural values those have more involvement of the employees in the business processes. For the case, Lululemons supply side was handled by different agencies, may it be raw material, product sourcing or Finance Sourcing and other industrial bodies associated with their business. In Stock exchange denominations Lululemon had been a good performer with a record being in a gross profit margin of 51.7% in place of in respect to the overall Sectors being at 34.1%. Thus the selection of this equity option for Stakeholders became easier at NASDAQ in 2007 becoming a star performer. However, the news report had shattered the broader Brand Appeal thereby in a state of strategic drifts. The case suggests that in 2007 itself the price sensitive market with price elasticity was on decline if compared with 2002, a five year term to analyze the changes. When its 0.4 to 3.8% in few cases for the Athletic Accessory production sector, Lululemon was not bothered with it and had 18.2% on its own, proving the capacity of the segment that the brand serves. The consumers were more sensitive to the price but the level of trust and comfort and faith was the key to it. Again from supply side Lululemon outsourced its linen material from Smartfiber AG SeaSell named German Based small business unit (Supplier). The firm or the supplier in this case specialized in fiber manufacturing process out of Marine Biology research depended innovations, the one unique in itself. The Lyocell cell system technology they used to form Seacell, a patented composition for Fiber manufacturing. The joint strategic alliance provided the material which was declared to have qualities to keep skin firm and smooth, Prevent skin dryness kind of benefits. However, the New York Times destroyed this claim making the ingredient in the promotion communication of Lululemon a hoax. However, the firms cae up with their thesis and lab reports to argue it out technically. The employees of the Business acted as Educators who communicated the offerings of the product to consumers in grass root level with a lot of relationship marketing components involved. Since the most valued item of the brand and its equity was lost, the ethics made the story more problematic to the equity market of the business where the price decrease was a record fall of 8% in value. The report of media made the Canadian Toronto based equity markets loose upon Lululemons values. Thus the strategy to select the right stakeholder was the raise that the business grew from 36.87 USD to 58 USD in just 7 weeks during its lifecycle since its inception. Nevertheless, the press conference with the Swizerland based lab as independent evaluator gave a declaration stating the SeaCell is found to be effective thus helping the brand some of what was left in terms of product superiority. All prties in the process gave example of stake holders strategic importance and participation in the busines s process. Task 3: a. Critical analysis of future risks and sustainability and effects upon strategic business planning For a business manager it is the imperative of detecting long-term financial risks (). For professionally judging the risks lesson of the recent financial crisis requires a heightened perception for unconventional, long-term risk. Nevertheless, () predicts that which can be informed by the better tools and methodologies that the sustainable finance grid of analysis provides, for a manager to make informed decisions. This strategic finance is the job that has been the key of prediction about the financial health of the firm. Further, long-term but steadily growing risks include climate change, resource depletion, social upheaval, and other risks stemming from environmental, social, and governance phenomena. Each one is both the independently or in correlation can be all of which are seldom identified. Thus assessed by financial analysts, and therefore needs the overall market variance criteria involved. For the case of Lululemon the prediction is not based upon totally, however was gi ven in hint perspective by NASDAQ, which dipped 8% on its market Holdings, thereby influencing the future strategic allocations in jeopardy too. Since the financial personnel may not be a market o reviewer in a futuristic sense but effectively a team effort, on strategic grounds, re-engineer the strategies as off the current period. The solution can be got by Lulelemon about how the future is going to be. For the reason they view the future is to make an assessment of the predictability of sustenance and on what grounds those evaluations are to be made. The UK based news daily The Guardians survey on an international level in 2013 of the strategic planning process in future sustainability is suggesting that consumers of developed nations ore keen on product value over price when it comes to lifestyle and nutrition to avail the best. Thus the awareness of consumers in the digital age has grown in leaps and bounds. However, the Lululemon had been the brand that was lesser towards price dependent competency, and more on the value side of consumers perceptions. Furthermore, historically, marketing and consumer insights were driven by majorly broad based survey quantitative techniques such as survey analysis and segmentation studies. However, these techniques have not effectively designed the required models for consumer attitudes and behaviours analysis findings around these highly complex issues related to sustainability for a business in long term. Nevertheless, () argues that statistics-driven segmentation is still the practice in majority. Thus the brands have discovered the value of augmentation techniques built upon the latest social and cognitive science process innovations. Qualitative methods like those used in demographical research, empathy interviews, and applied psychometric science. Thus with more and more factors are getting involved, evolving the ideas surrounding the Lululemon;s brand essence like climate change to understand how they prevent or encourage people to engage with the issue, was successfully achieved as the 2006-2007 FYI (Financial Year) Annual Report indicates. Again when the sustainability issue is recalled the past episodes, engaging employees in sustainability has been the domain of volunteer employees, working through green teams and environmental awareness events, like Lululemon efforts comes to view. However, theres been a shift to more formal initiatives that embed sustainability into organiz ational cultures and specific job functions. Alongside this shift has also been a growing realization of the positive impacts of such engagements on HR metrics like recruitment, employee satisfaction, and long-term retention. As a result, HR and sustainability leaders are teaming up to meet shared goals and address the critical need to build a workforce that can adeptly navigate important domestic and global trends to not only sustain but grow alongside. Again, the strategic approach has to integrate for additions to a more qualitative approach to understanding the target consumer, and new dimensions those can be evolved. Consumers purchase patterns, priority movements and purchasing decisions are few qualitative inputs required prior to strategic formula making. This analysed data will allow the Consultant and the Business leaders to understand its target audience or consumers on a highly personal level and modify products and services to fit your preferences. This positivity of Lululemon still exists as the case suggests, within the personalized Educator named sales personnel. The strategy would may have to start from there. b. Strategies to mitigate risks in the future () defines, risk management is a systematic process of identifying and assessing company risks and taking actions to protect a company against them. Some risk managers define risk as the possibility that a future occurrence may cause harm or losses, while noting that risk also may provide possible opportunities. However, by taking risks, companies sometimes can achieve considerable gains. Nevertheless, a business would need risk management abilities to analyze possible risks in order to balance potential gains against potential losses and avoid expensive mistakes. () comments that risk management is best used as a preventive measure over a reactive measure, for business of profit making nature. Companies benefit most from considering their risks when they are performing well and when markets are growing in order to sustain growth and profitability. Over the past decade, large companies have become increasingly adept and competent at analyzing their supply chains values for environmen tal and social risks. Therefore, in turn they have been extending their responsibility more deeply into the supplier relationship building with consumers. The consumer feedback procedure is of immense importance when judged from a strategic view to predict risks based upon heir discontents. However, a shift has emerged in which companies are upgrading the search for hidden risks in their supply chain. Thus in process is making wider search for shared value via new partnerships, product and process innovations. Nevertheless, the basic objective of cost and profit-sharing models are incorporated for mitigation of risks, measurement calculations. Its been only a decade that the corporate leaders became aware of and devoted attention towards how best to determine the environmental impacts of products and over their entire business cycle. For long term planning thus then made a major shift and drifted towards sustenance. Thus social and environmental benefits regularly considered in new product and service design via Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). Lululemon may use it as technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life from business lifecycle view. Initiating the process from on, raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, and distribution like contains. Nevertheless, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling too needs focus. Lululemons Green Initiatives and Supply chain management information from the case sites so users comfort and valuation review too would be the mitigation tool.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Silkwood free essay sample

Silkwood took a big risk when she decided to blow the whistle on Kerr-McGee in 1946 for health and safety violations. Silkwood was concerned about her and her coworkers’ health and safety as she witnessed various health and safety violation acts that management ignored. Whistle blowing can be very dangerous for the one that is blowing the whistle as witnessed by the mysterious death of Karen Silkwood on the night of November 13th. Up until her job with Kerr – McGee, Silkwood lived a normal life and didn’t do anything in her life to make her stand out. It wasn’t until her investigation began, that Silkwood was starting to become more noticeable. According to friends that were close to her, Silkwood became more and more involved in the investigation and wouldn’t let the investigation go until all evidence and facts had been reported. However, Silkwood’s evidence and findings never did make it to the appropriate people due to the mysterious car crash that led to her death. We will write a custom essay sample on Silkwood or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Officers and scene investigators never did find the manila envelope containing the evidence, but Silkwood’s death brought to light the seriousness of the investigation and eventually, the closing of the Kerr-McGee Cimarron plant where Silkwood was last employed. While there are many rewards to whistle blowing, there are also many risks to whistle blowing as well. One of the rewards of whistle blowing is that the laws or acts being violated will be corrected by the correct regulation agencies. Whistleblowers are even able to submit a confidential report online through National Whistleblowers Center website where attorneys review the information and give advice on the best ways to proceed with the investigation. There are also information and additional resources available for those who are thinking about blowing the whistle on their company. A risk of whistleblowing on the company can lead to alienation between the whistleblower and their employer, boss, and co-workers. Some may fear retaliation if seen helping those gain evidence against the company or organization practicing unethical practices. They may also lose their job by blowing the whistle and family and friends may also be affected by the act as well because of their relationship to the whistleblower. As employees, it is our responsibility to protect the company or organization values while at the same time, also following our own moral values as well. Every company and organization has their own morals and values that they established, but if an employee witnesses or comes across evidence that does not uphold those values, than the employee has a responsibility to report those unethical practices. Employees also have their own person moral values that they usually use as standards when finding a company or organization to work for. When dealing with unethical practices, an employee bases their decision to report the company against their own personal moral values. It is than the employee’s responsibility to make that tough decision on reporting their company’s unethical practices and risking everything or leaving it up to someone else to make that decision. References Karen Silkwood. (2013). The Biography Channel website. Retrieved 05:47, Apr 28, 2013, from http://www. biography. com/people/karen-silkwood-9542402.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The Rich Heritage And Culture Of Penang Tourism Essay Essay Example

The Rich Heritage And Culture Of Penang Tourism Essay Essay Example The Rich Heritage And Culture Of Penang Tourism Essay Essay The Rich Heritage And Culture Of Penang Tourism Essay Essay Penang frequently referred to as Pearl of the Orient is one of Malaysia s most visited tourer finishs. The rich heritage and civilization of Penang is really much reflected within its beautiful edifices and landmarks. Backpacker travel has become a favourite travel form for those who are capable of going independently. However, small has done so far in the backpacking land. The motive factors for travel will so be explored in two specific attacks. First, motive is examined more closely with mention to the demands and wants to go ( the push factors ) and 2nd, in footings of the appealing properties of Penang ( the pull factors ) . Goossens ( 2000 ) stated that push motivations have been utile for explicating the desire to travel on a holiday, while pull motivations have usefully explained the pick of finish. The formations of backpacker motive leads to a better apprehension of how push and pull factors influence Penang growing as an international touristry finish. Problem statement Harmonizing to Sorensen ( 2003 ) , South East Asia is the most popular part for international backpacker and that backpackers are ( future ) pillars of society. Even so, few figures document the growing of backpacker touristry, although it is estimated that backpackers account for 8 % of international tourers to Australia classs of conventional touristry statistics ( Loker-Murphy and Pearce 1995 in Sorensen, 2003 ) . However, in stead of quantitative verification, backpacker development can be seen turning with a figure of backpacker guidebooks such as Alone Planet and service substructure such as budget adjustment. Despite the fact that backpackers market in Penang can be developed into going an international backpacker touristry finish, small is known about the factors that influence tourer s trials, more specifically, backpackers determination to see Penang. Almost wherever it is feasible, authorities are actively prosecuting touristry growing in their states ( Scheyvens, 2002 ) . Governments are peculiarly interested in international touristry, believing that international touristry brings their states legion economic benefits including employment chances, concern development and foreign exchange net incomes. In footings of developing new markets in Malaysia, the focal point has been on international mass tourers. Musa and Lee ( 2008 ) suggested that touristry governments in Malaysia should happen ways to section its market and place new niche market sections so that the demands of tourers can be better satisfied. Herein, a section that has been mostly discouraged by touristry contrivers, no n merely in Malaysia, but besides in a figure of South-east Asiatic states is the backpacker section. This is supported by Ateljevic and Boorne ( 2004 ) , saying that authoritiess were frequently negative or impersonal every bit far as encouraging backpacker touristry was concerned. It has besides been hard to pull out backpackers from arrival statistics in order to gauge accurately the size and importance of this market. This probe seeks to foreground the demand for national and international research on backpackers by supplying some historical apprehension of this signifier of budget touristry and some nucleus informations on what motivates a backpacker to go. Furthermore, an scrutiny of the current literature on backpacker emphasiss that surveies tend to concentrate on the economic significance and impacts of backpacker touristry. Small systematic empirical research has been conducted to lend to an apprehension of the features, motives and behaviors of backpackers. Harmonizing to Richards and Wilson ( 2004 ) comparatively small empirical research was done on the immature independent traveller or the backpacker market. Besides, surveies have tended to associate to finishs such as Australia and South Africa. To aim Penang as an international backpacker touristry finish, it is hence critical to understand the motive of backpackers, specifically on what are the factors that pushed them to go and at the same time, what factors pushed them that create their purposes in taking Penang as their favourable backpacking finish. The fundamental of their motives which draw their perceptual experience of Penang as their finish lead to their travel determination devising. And this in return contributes to the state s development. Traditionally, push motivations have been usefully explained the desire to travel on a holiday, while pull motivations have usefully explained the pick of finish ( Cook, Yale A ; Marqua, 2006:43 ) . Analyzing the push and pull factors promises a better apprehension for touristry participants to advance and market Penang as an international backpacking touristry finish. The push and pull factors provide a utile attack for analyzing the motivational factors underlying tourer a nd trial behavior ( Kim, Lee A ; Kleosky, 2003 ) and therefore, resulted in their travel finish pick. Research aims To find the push factor that motivated a backpacker to go. To find the pull factors that Penang has that motivated backpacker to go. To place the relationship between finish pick and determination devising. Research inquiries What are the push factors that influenced backpackers determination to take a finish as their travel pick? What are the pull factors of Penang that influenced backpackers determination in taking Penang as their finish? What are the relationship between finish pick and determination devising? 1.3 Variables and suggested relationship among variables Independent Variable Determinants of travel ( Push factor ) Destination property ( Pull factor ) Destination-choice Dependent Variables Decision-making Made by backpackers whether to take Penang as their backpacking finish Figure 1: Variables used in this survey Definitions of footings Backpacking touristry Defined as an drawn-out, multi-destination travel, enduring several months or old ages, and is typically undertaken by Western young persons ( Noy, 2004 ) . Backpacker Tourism Research Australia defines a backpacker as a visitant who stayed at least one dark in backpacker/hostel adjustment during travel in Australia . Backpacker is characterized by budget-conciousness and a flexible touristry manner, with most participants going entirely or in little groups ( Scheyvens, 2003 ) . Motivation Can be described as the drive force within persons that impels them to action. This driving force is produced as a consequence of an unrealized demand ( Schiffman A ; Kanuk, 2000 ) . Push factors These factors describe how persons are pushed by motives variables. In other words, push motives are related to the tourer s desire, internal or emotional facets ( Yoon A ; Uysal, 2005 ) . Pull factors Pull factors refer to those forces that influence a individual s determination about of which specific finish is selected. Pull factors may be extremely personal every bit good as more generalised ( Kim Lee A ; Klenosky, 2003 ) . Finish attributes A uniquely complex merchandise of the touristry industry, consisting among other factors, an country s clime, substructure and superstructure, services and natural attractive forces ( Kim, 1998 ) . Decision doing Leads to the concluding pick of a travel finish which is influenced by a figure of psychological ( internal ) and non-psychological ( external ) variables ( Dellaert, Etterma A ; Lindh, 1998 ) . Destination pick Tourist s choice of a finish from a set of options which is determined by assorted motivational factors ( Hsu, Tsai and Wu, 2009 ) . Boundary lines Small sample size due to miss of work force and limited fund This restriction occurred when samples are targeted entirely at backpackers at Penang and hence, the surveies represent merely the motives of a little group of backpackers peculiarly in Penang merely. Data aggregation could non done with a large sample size as deficiency of work force to roll up informations and to administer questionnaires could non be done. As a consequence, generalisation could non be made and holistic consequence could non be achieved since the sample size is non diversified. In future, a survey possibly conducted in a larger population. Very few information on backpackers arrival in Penang every bit good as in Malaya Tourist reachings Numberss normally do non include backpacker reachings. In a statistic from the hotel tenancy rate, informations were merely gathered from hotel evaluation of one to five stars which excluded budget adjustments such as backpacker hostel and guesthouse. As a consequence of this, the exact figures of backpacker reaching in Penang could non be retrieved. Cooperation from budget adjustment proprietor seems to be hard Guesthouse proprietor sometimes do non give cooperation and they do non allow research to be done with their invitees in regard of their guest privateness. Cooperation from guesthouse proprietor is earnestly needed as targeted respondents would be backpackers and that research is conducted in the guesthouse if allowable. 1.6 Significance of survey The determination of this survey is indispensable because: It provides a agency for authorities to advance Penang as an international backpacker touristry finish. It is of import to analyze the push and pull motive factors in order to understand the demands and wants and therefore, advancing Penang consequently. Determine the best property of Penang that can pull backpackers. Acknowledge the factors that contribute to backpacker determination in taking Penang as their backpacking finish. Identify the parts of backpackers to Penang s local development. This survey is an geographic expedition that will assist academicians, practician, every bit good as determination shapers to be after effectual and efficient pattern to supply practical service quality solution toward run intoing client s satisfaction, demands and wants. 2.0 Review of related literature This chapter reviews the literature in the context of this survey. It presents the literature and information about travel motives specifically in this survey, push and pull factors which motivated backpackers to take up backpacking trip. These relationships are farther explored into how the factors influence their determination devising. The relationships between destination-choice and determination devising are farther explained below and eventually with a decision. 2.1 Motivation Motivation has been referred to as psychological or biological demands and wants, including built-in forces that arouse, direct, and incorporate a individual s behaviour and activity. This is strongly supported by Lee, Chen and Hua ( 2005 ) , saying that there must be a motive for each traveling form since it guides the activities of an single since motive maintain the activity traveling toward a certain accomplishment to predate interior bosom tracking. Different type of travellers exhibit important differences. Assorted people embark on journey for different grounds, and these experiences mean different things for them ( Uriely, Yonay A ; Simchai, 2002 ) Therefore, motive is considered to be the driving force that dominate the traveling form in order to fulfill one s desire and to increase self value. Peoples travel with different intents harmonizing to their demands and wants, and these demands and wants affect their motive to go. Correia et Al. ( 2007 ) agreed to this point and farther elaborate that people decide to go for different grounds and motivations which is perceived as forces to cut down a province of tensenesss. Determining the factors that influence people s pick of finish derived from the motive that one has. Harmonizing to Hsu et Al. ( 2009 ) , travel motive has been an of import country of survey in the touristry literature. The survey in this paper is based on the motive construct of push and pulls factors. As motive is a dynamic construct it may change from one individual to another, from one finish to another and from one decision-making procedure to the following. The push and pull factors provide a utile attack for analyzing the motives underlying tourer motive and how it influences the determination doing procedure as to whether take a peculiar finish as their backpacking finish pick. Lam A ; Hsu ( 2006 ) identifies that the underlying thought of the push and pull theoretical account is the decomposition of an person s pick of a travel finish into two forces. The first force pushes a tourist manner from place that derived from the general desire to travel and be someplace else, without stipulating where that may be. The 2nd force is of a part specific enticement that pulls a tourer towards a finish and are chiefly related to the sensed attraction of a finish ( Bansal A ; Eiselt, 2004 ) . These forces describe how persons are pushed by internal variables and how they are pulled by travel finish attributes. Lam and Hsu ( 2005 ) illustrated that the several push and pull factors of travel are due to the internal motivations of an person and the external forces of a finish. These factors guide people s attitudes and these attitudes so lead to behavioral purposes of taking a travel finish. The push motives have so been utile for explicating the desire for travel, while the pull motives were used to exemplify the existent property of a peculiar finish pick. 2.1.1 Determinants of travel as push factors Push factors have been conceptualized as motivational factors or demands that arise due to a disequilibrium or tenseness in the motivational system ( Kim, Lee A ; Klenosky, 2003 ) and they had since became the determiners of travel. Push factors are internally generated thrusts doing tourer to seek for marks in objects, state of affairss and events that contain the promise of cut downing prevailing thrusts ( Gnoth, 1997 ) . Yoon and Uysal ( 2005 ) confirmed the old statement, lucubrating that push motives are related to tourers desire either internally or emotionally. The force of push factor pushes an single off from place and efforts to develop a general desire to go without stipulating where that may be. The basic push motives for travel among tourers are a mixture of geographic expedition, exhilaration and relaxation. Richards and Wilson ( 2004 ) , nevertheless, argued that backpackers are motivated by experiential factor, unlike tourers who are more likely to be in hunt of rel axations. Backpackers in peculiar tend to underscore on points related to see seeking and are less concerned about relaxation. Push motives can be seen as the desire for flight, remainder and relaxation, freshness seeking and exhilaration. As Yoon and Uysal ( 2005 ) stated, tourers may go to get away everyday and hunt for reliable experiences. The thought that tourers may go to get away modus operandi of mundane life may presume their trip as a ground to get away from personal or interpersonal environment ( Kim, Lee and Klenosky, 2003 ) . Backpackers frequently report feelings of dissaisfaaction with their place societies and the force per unit areas of mundane life ( Maoz, 2007 ) and they by and large see travel as a signifier of flight and as a opportunity for personal growing and a hunt of significance. By get awaying their mundane environment, a individual can go forth behind the personal and/or interpersonal universe with assorted grounds, such as personal jobs, problems, troubles and failures or the day-to-day interpersonal universe ( Ross and Iso-Ahola, 1991 ) . Mansfeld ( 2002 ) explained the causal relationship between stimulations, in this instance, push factor and determination on where to travel based on an analysis of the motivational phase which reveals the manner in which people set ends for their finish pick and how these ends are so reflected in their finish pick. In a survey of motive of backpackers in South Africa, Niggel and Benson ( 2008 ) confirmed that push factor of flight was extremely important in which it ranked the 3rd most of import push. Harmonizing to Maoz ( 2007 ) , backpackers besides attempt to get away from a really mercenary, stressed and rough society to happen safety in an reliable, pure, relaxed and aboriginal finish. Complexity, freshness and diverseness are every bit good of import actuating factors in the pick of activities and finishs ( Atljenic A ; Doorne, 2004 ) . For case, the public-service corporation acquired by a determination as a consequence of its ability to elicit wonder, supply freshness and/or to fulfill a desire of cognition can be seen reflected in a sustained civilization of North American pupils desire to research Europe in a back pack travel manner during summer vacations ( Bansalt A ; Eiselt, 2004 ) . Benson ( 2008 ) stated that the demand to research and larn as wonder and the hunt for the significance of the universe as innate and cardinal thrusts proved to be most important to backpackers. Lepp A ; Gibson ( 2004 ) clarified that sing a fresh finish may be one manner of reconstructing psychological balance. Freshness seeking might be associated with an person s life style or environment features. Besides freshness seeking, backpackers primary motive for travel may every bit good be to seek experiences of escapade and genuineness. The hunt is construed non as a affair of leisure, but as a meaningful, experiential desire that may indue the person s individuality with a richer and fuller experience. As Noy ( 2004 ) discussed in his surveies, backpacker is besides be viewed as an authenticist tourer as they insist on seeking untasted and good finish. 2.1.2 Destination attributes as pull factors Kim, Lee A ; Klenosky ( 2003 ) conceptualised the facts of pull factors as associating to the characteristics, attractive forces, or properties of the finish itself. The pull factors force an single towards a finish due to specific enticement ( touchable and intangible cues ) that attract people to recognize the demands of a peculiar travel experiences ( Lam A ; Hsu, 2006 ) in which it measures the finish s ability to pull attractive forces. Each finish has its ain properties to offer from a broad scope of merchandises and services that acts as a enticement. Emotions and feelings about finish attributes likely motivate tourers to be after a trip ( Goossens, 2000 ) . Destination attributes may excite and reenforce push motives because people are pushed by motive variables into doing travel determinations. Harmonizing to Gnoth ( 1997 ) , pull factors are generated by the cognition about end properties which an person holds. The usage of the listing of finish properties harmonizing to Bansalt and Eiselt ( 2004 ) from which travel motivations are inferred act as an external force to an person and it influences where people travel, given the initial desire to go. Destination attributes could be many and differ from one finish to another and tourers were granted the chance to take from the set of finishs. The comparative importance of finish properties varies consequently to the initial motivational factors, in footings of their travel intent ( Kim, Lee A ; Klenosky, 2003 ) . Preference sets and finish properties harmonizing to Kozak ( 2002 ) can be matched to specific psychographic profiles of tourers. For illustration, the flight relaxation backpackers may fit their finish pick with penchant for finish with night life and amusement. Mansfeld ( 2002 ) noted that it is good documented in surveies that on the travel motive of tourers that random and irrational motive can alter the full manner of measuring properties that eventually leads to destination choice. The image of a topographic point is an holistic concept which derived from attitudes towards the finishs perceived touristry properties. Backpackers do non take, but instead, the properties are possessed and backpackers use perceptual experience of properties as input factors to measure public-service corporation ( Um A ; Cromp ton, 1990 ) . Practical concerns such as increased media exposure and safer, speedier and more comfy travel may be the factors act uponing the entreaty of finishs. Ads are directed towards possible tourers trying to prise and entice these tourers out of their places at the same clip, advancing a specific finish. The utility of this construct is to pattern the intangible intrinsic desires of a tourer to travel on holiday ( Kozak, 2002 ) and to excite and reenforce built-in push motives. 2.2 Relationship between destination-choice and decision-making Most surveies of tourers travel pick reference tourers finish picks as the cardinal component in decision-making ( Dellaert, Ettemas A ; Lindh, 1998 ) . Richards and Wilson ( 2004 ) emphasised that decision-making procedure of backpackers is significance for touristry market as a whole. Harmonizing to Gnoth ( 1997 ) , consumers based their determinations about finishs on the properties, installations and experiences that they anticipate. At the really root of every finish pick is the assignments of public-service corporation values to assorted parts of the finish option and these parts are so referred to as finish property. The image and attitude dimensions of a topographic point as a travel finish are likely to be critical elements in the finish pick procedure, irrespective of whether or non they are the representations of what that topographic point has to offer ( Um A ; Crompton, 1990 ) . As a cardinal component in the travel decision-making procedure, tourers determinations are complex multi-faceted determinations in which the picks for different elements are interrelated. Assorted forms of tourer flows yield consequences from a differential choice-process that derives from a assortment of tourer demands, outlooks and background ( Mansfeld, 1992 ) . The determiners of whether to take depend on their perceptual experience that in the terminal, act upon their pick. Harmonizing to Hsu, Tsai A ; Wu ( 2009 ) , finish pick can be conceptualised as a tourer s choice of a finish signifier a set of options and that choice is determined by assorted motivational factors. Therefore, finish pick is the apogee of a combination of the thrust and anticipation factors. Goossens ( 2000 ) pointed out that push and pull factors have to be incorporated in the motivational mechanism that triggers the finish pick procedure. In add-on to motive, causal factors such as the handiness of clip, economic resources and old experiences may every bit good act upon the procedure of finish pick. This reflects the demand to optimise benefits within the restraints of disposable clip and money. The destination-choice of tourers as with many other sorts of picks involves a grade of uncertainness. One can leave a more realistic importance of both rational and irrational elements that influence the determination procedure and its effects. Mansfeld ( 1992 ) explained the holiday sequence which is really much controlled by both push and pull factors, where tourer is foremost motivated by given push factors to take a holiday. Having been so motivated, the person has to do a determination whether to travel on jaunt or to remain at place. This determination is based on an appraisal of single restraints as good the predominating economic state of affairs. If the determination is to set about a trip, the remainder of the determination procedure is channeled through the phases of information assemblage, riddance of options and eventually, the existent finish pick. An analysis of motivational phase can uncover the manner people set ends for their finish pick. Destination direction could either advance properties that best lucifer tourer motives or concentrate on a different market where tourer motives and finish resources match each other. Therefore, the determiners of touristry info hunt procedure comprise the grade of assorted push and pull factors associated with the finish during the decision-making procedure. The comparative importance of motivational factors resulted from assorted forms of tourer yielded consequences from a differential pick procedure that derived from a assortment of tourer demands, outlook and backgrounds ( Mansfeld, 2002 ) . 2.3 Decision Push and pull factors should non be viewed as being wholly independent of each other, but instead as being basically related. In peculiar, internal factors drive travel while external factors attract backpackers. In make up ones minding where to travel, backpackers should take in to consideration assorted pull factors which correspond adequately to their push motives. Therefore, placing influential factors is indispensable in make up ones minding where the finish of one s travel will be. The finish pick procedure is hence related to tourers appraisals of finish properties and their sensed public-service corporation ( Kozak, 2002 ) . 3.0 The analysis of informations The intent of this chapter is to supply an apprehension of the method of aggregation and the relevant analytical issues to be addressed. It presents informations needed and informations aggregation technique, questionnaire design, trying technique and information analysis. 3.1 Data needed and the agencies to obtain informations Data needed in this survey was far making whereby it needs to fit several aims. First, it must be able to supply penetrations into understanding of travel motive ( push and pull factors ) on tourers. Second, it must be able to prove the relationships between variables utilizing the statistical agencies. Finally, the chosen research design must run into cost and clip considerations in position of types of information required and the handiness of resources. For the intent of this survey, different methods of informations aggregation have been utilised such as the assemblage of secondary informations and primary informations through questionnaires study. 3.1.1 Secondary Data Collection The aggregation of secondary informations for the survey was chiefly from published articles, studies, diaries or books relevant to the field of survey. The information include one-year studies, known published paperss from earlier surveies and relevant authorities paperss. Huge and dependable sum of electronic informations through had been easy retrieved from the cyberspace. These informations were downloaded from reputable and dependable resources to help research worker in the readying of this survey. 3.1.2 Primary Data Collection The aggregation of primary informations for this survey involves an on-site self-administered questionnaire at three different vicinities. The questionnaire consists of three subdivisions, viz. subdivision A, B and C. Section A covered demographic inquiries of backpackers sing Penang. Close-ended inquiries are used to obtain background information such as age, gender, monthly income, educational makings, matrimonial position and business position. Section B covered inquiries on push factors while Section C covered inquiries pull factors that influenced backpackers trial to Penang with a five- point likert graduated table. 3.2 Sampling Technique 3.2.1 Study population and sample size This survey will be conducted at Batu Ferringhi, and in between the territory of Chulia Street and Love Lane. These vicinities are chosen because they are located in the town country and can be accessed easy. The targeted population of the study is invitees remaining in budget adjustment, including international and domestic backpackers, who stayed in guesthouse, backpackers lodge and inn during the informations aggregation period. The targeted population of this survey involves entirely backpackers sing Penang and the survey will be conducted within a month. The population chosen will be indiscriminately selected from invitees remaining at any budget adjustment within the mentioned country. A sum of 900 questionnaires will be distributed and 300 questionnaires are to be distributed in the mentioned three vicinities which are ( one ) Batu Feringghi, ( two ) territory of Chulia Street and ( three ) Love Lane. 300 questionnaires will be distributed indiscriminately at each country, doi ng a sum of 900 questionnaires at the three cumulative countries. Out of the 300 questionnaires given at a peculiar vicinity, merely 169 will be used every bit sample as for some questionnaires may be uncomplete and hence, those questionnaires will so be excluded. 3.2.2 Sampling technique The trying method that will be used in this research is convenience trying choice ( unrestricted chance trying ) . The choice of participants for a survey is based on their propinquity to the research worker and the easiness with which research worker can entree the participants. Questionnaires were distributed at random at the three vicinities. The first 10 yearss, questionnaire a figure of 225 questionnaires are to be distributed in within the vicinity of Chulia Street. The undermentioned 10 yearss a figure of 225 questionnaires will be distributed in the vicinity of Love Lane whereas the staying 225 questionnaires will be distributed during the last 10 yearss at Batu Feringghi. Datas Analysis To place both push and pull factors that influence decision-making as stated in sub-problem one and two, informations will be analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences ( SPSS ) . Descriptive statistics such as simple frequences and average evaluations will be computed on travel motives amongst backpackers going to Penang. To analyze the overall differences between degrees of socio-demographic variables in push and pull factors, a multivariate analysis of discrepancy ( MANOVA ) process will be conducted. Is statistical analysis is found, a follow-up one manner ANOVA trial will Bonferroni multiple comparings rectification or t-tests will be later undertaken to analyze the important differences between social-demographic subgroups ( stand foring different degrees of age, business, instruction, gender and income ) on the push and pull factors. However, if important differences in one-way trials occur, Duncan s multiple scope trial will be used to analyze the beginning of differences across the respondent subgroups. Finally, to analyze the 3rd bomber job which is placing the relationship between finish pick and determination devising, Pearson s correlativity coefficients will be computed to place the grade of interrelatednesss among the two dimensions.

Friday, November 22, 2019

Who to Ask for a Grad School Recommendation Letter

Who to Ask for a Grad School Recommendation Letter Recommendation letters are a non-negotiable part of every graduate school application. Nearly all applications to graduate school require at least 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who can discuss your competencies in a coherent way and recommend that you be admitted to graduate school. Many students find that it is not difficult to select one or two people to approach for letters of recommendation. Others arent sure of who to approach. Who Is the Best Choice?   Who can write the best letter? Remember the main criterion of the letter of recommendation: It must provide a comprehensive and positive evaluation of your abilities and aptitude. It should not be surprising that letters from professors are highly valued by admissions committees. However, the best letters are written by faculty who know you, from whom you have taken multiple classes and/or have completed substantial projects and/or have received very positive evaluations. Professors provide insight into your academic competencies and aptitude as well as personality characteristics that may contribute to your potential to succeed in graduate schools, such as motivation, conscientiousness, and timeliness. Should You Ask Your Employer for a Letter? Not always, but some students include a letter from an employer. Letters from employers are useful if you are working in a field that is related to that which you intend to study. However, even a letter from an employer in an unrelated field can be useful to your application if he or she discusses skills and competencies that will contribute to your success in graduate school, such as the ability to read and integrate information in order to draw conclusions, lead others, or carry out complex tasks in a timely and competent fashion. Essentially its all about spin- spinning the material so that it matches what committees are looking for. What Makes for an Effective Recommendation Letter? An effective recommendation letter is written by someone who meets some of the following criteria: Is aware of your field of interest and the schools you are applying to.Is able to evaluate your performance in your field of interest.Is able to discuss your personal characteristicsIs able to discuss your capacity to work with othersCan discuss your leadership skillsCan evaluate your level of professionalism (e.g., punctuality, efficiency, assertiveness)Can discuss your academic skills- not simply experience, but your potential to succeed in graduate-level studyEvaluates you positively relative to othersHas some recognition and whose judgment is highly valued within the field.Has the skills to write a helpful letter. Many students become nervous when they see this list. Remember that no one person will meet all of these criteria, so dont fret or feel bad. Instead, consider all of the people who you might approach and attempt to compose a balanced panel of reviewers. Seek individuals who will collectively fulfill as many of the above criteria as possible. Avoid This Mistake The biggest mistake most students make in the recommendation letter-phase of the graduate school application is to fail to plan ahead and establish relationships that lead to good letters. Or to not consider what each professor brings to the table and to instead settle for whoever is available. This is not the time to settle, choose the easiest path, or be impulsive. Take the time and make the effort to consider all of the possibilities- each professor you have had and all persons you have come into contact with (e.g., employers, internship supervisors, supervisors from settings in which you have volunteered). Dont rule anyone out at first, just make a long list. After you have created an exhausted list, rule out those who you know will not give you a positive recommendation. The next step is to determine how many criteria those remaining on your list might fulfill- even if you have not had recent contact with them. Continue evaluating each person to choose potential referees.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Reflection Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Reflection Paper - Essay Example Further adding to the present factual, it has been envisaged that by the year 2030, the only source of population development for Canada will be by attracting more international citizens to permanently settle in Canada. The multicultural acceptance of the state along with a legal frame work positively contributing the adaptation of cultural and social diversity within the country has made life more easy and secure in Canada for people from across the globe. The high rate of social security and the quality of life in the state has always encouraged a high rate of immigration. However the immigrants, especially those who have made their entry not much before are facing problems in getting established in the country. The major problem in them getting established is in getting a job which is however related with other factors like language, culture, local experience and domestic contacts. The studies done on the status of immigrants in Canada, has reiterated that in the primary years of their arrival, they face limitations in getting properly established with the country. The Daily, on September 10, 2007, in their report titled Study: Canada’s immigrant labor market’ has revealed that the immigrants, who migrated not before than five years, faced immense problem in finding a job. The study reveals that they had difficulty in adapting with the Canadian job market. Their rate of unemployment counted to a bit more than eleven percent, when the unemployment percentage of the local Canadian people was less than five percent. Further adding to the statistics it has been found that on an average the educational qualifications of the immigrants were comparatively better in relation with the academic achievements of their local counterparts in the process of job hunt. Thirty six percent of the immigrants were proud graduates where the percentage of people with a degree among the local citizens was merely twenty two

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Social Theories Of Development And Learning Essay

Social Theories Of Development And Learning - Essay Example Despite the great number of strategies and techniques which have been developed to assist a teacher, a today’s educator often feels frustrated because of the inability to control his/her learners and/or teach them the required material. Knowledge of classroom and behavior management is essential for having a well-structured and effective study session. The relationship based on mutual respect and understanding between a teacher and a child is the essential part of good instructional program realization. A teacher can take up various roles, but the major one would be that of an instructional leader and classroom manager. It has to be stressed that effective classroom managers are not born, but made.According to the numerous studies, dual language or dual immersion program has a number of advantages, especially if to speak about the one which is being employed from early years. Many educators who teach children within dual language program start from kindergarten. According to S oderman, the research in this area has proven a number of cognitive advantages for early exposition to second languages. Unlike unilingual children in the educational environment, bilingual children "are driven to higher levels of cognitive flexibility". Learning a second language in dual language program is different from that of regular learning a foreign language which can be found in the regular school. This program can give much more than mere acquisition of vocabulary, a set of grammar rules or practical syntax.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Drugs Are Bad Essay Example for Free

Drugs Are Bad Essay It’s a common known fact that drugs are bad, but yet they are still used recreationally, especially among teenagers and young adults. Some of the most popular drugs used today are marijuana, ecstasy, tobacco, and alcohol. Marijuana has many nicknames. Weed, mary-jane, chronic, hash, etc. It is usually smoked, but can also be made with food or as tea. Scientists have learned a great deal about how THC acts in the brain to produce its many effects. When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body. THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called cannabinoid receptors, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the high that users experience when they smoke marijuana. Some brain areas have many cannabinoid receptors; others have few or none. The highest density of cannabinoid receptors are found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thoughts, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement. Users experience slower reaction times, extensive hunger, poor memory, and lack of motivation. In personal experiences, weed has had no worth-while positive outcome on people that I know have used it, especially regularly. Known users have been arrested, expelled from school, suffered with their grades, or made poor decisions. People have told me that the feeling of being high actually does not feel good at all, and that it makes them depressed or that they are being pulled downward. Consistent use of marijuana can lead to addiction, lung cancer, anxiety, depression, and dependence. Ecstasy is a drug that has stimulant and psychodelic properties. It is taken orally as a capsule or tablet. It is also known as X and MDMA. Short-term effects of taking the drug include feelings of mental stimulation, emotional warmth, enhanced sensory perception, and increased physical energy. Adverse health effects can include nausea, chills, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, and blurred vision. It is a rumor that exercising, or doing any other activity that would cause the body to heat up such as sex, would cause the body to overheat while on ecstasy and thus would result in death. Personally, I have seen some crazy things while people were on ecstasy. I have heard that taking a shower feels really good, but coming down from a high of mass endorphins is especially painful. A girl I know was coming down from the high so fast and so hard that she was banging her head on the cement in the parking lot because she was feeling so terrible. She then destroyed her phone by throwing it against the wall. Alcohol, although legal over a certain age, is still considered a drug. When a person drinks alcohol, the alcohol is absorbed by the stomach, enters the bloodstream, and goes to all the tissues. The effects of alcohol are dependent on a variety of factors, including a persons size, weight, age, and sex, as well as the amount of food consumed before drinking. The disinhibiting effect of alcohol is one of the main reasons it is used in so many social situations. Other effects of moderate alcohol intake include dizziness and talkativeness; the immediate effects of a larger amount of alcohol include slurred speech, disturbed sleep, nausea, and vomiting. Alcohol, even at low doses, significantly impairs the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely. Low to moderate doses of alcohol can also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including domestic violence and child abuse. Hangovers are another possible effect after large amounts of alcohol are consumed; a hangover consists of headache, nausea, thirst, dizziness, and fatigue. Some long term effects of alcohol are liver failure, addiction to alcohol or alcoholism, damage to the brain, damage to the fetus of a pregnant woman, and depression. There are ways to prevent severe hangovers. There is a saying that goes, â€Å"Beer before liquor, never sicker. Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear. † A hangover is a result of dehydration because of the effects of alcohol on a person’s system. Tobacco is another legal substance that is considered a drug. Tobacco is typically smoked but can also be chewed and absorbed by way of the gums. When a person smokes a cigarette, the body responds immediately to the chemical nicotine in the smoke. Nicotine causes a short-term increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and the flow of blood from the heart. It also causes the arteries to narrow. Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen the blood can carry. This, combined with the effects produced by nicotine, creates an imbalance in the demand for oxygen by the cells and the amount of oxygen the blood is able to supply. This imbalance causes a tobacco high, and most of the times, light headedness. It is now well documented that smoking can cause chronic lung disease, heart disease, and stroke, as well as cancer of the lungs, larynx, esophagus, mouth, and bladder. In addition, smoking is known to contribute to cancer of the cervix, pancreas, and kidneys. Researchers have identified more than 40 chemicals in tobacco smoke that cause cancer in humans and animals, some including things like rat poison. Smokeless tobacco and cigars also have deadly consequences, including lung, larynx, esophagus, and oral cancer. The harmful effects of smoking do not end with the smoker. Women who use tobacco during pregnancy are more likely to have adverse birth outcomes, including babies with low birth weight, which is linked with an increased risk of infant death and with a variety of infant health disorders. The health of nonsmokers is affected by environmental tobacco smoke, or second-hand smoke. Each year, exposure to second-hand smoke causes many people to die of cancer. The temporary feeling that these drugs give the user does not outweigh the consequences that come with the choice to use these things. Although alcohol and tobacco are legal over a certain age, it doesn’t mean that they aren’t harmful. They still do a lot of damage to the user’s body. Marijuana and ecstasy are illegal in the United States and yet are still widely and popularly used. The word drug carries a negative connotation for these reasons.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

In Opposition of an Amendment to Ban Flag Desecration :: Argumentative Persuasive Argument Essays

In Opposition of an Amendment to Ban Flag Desecration In 1876 a Constitutional amendment was proposed that would eliminate the Senate. In 1893, there was an amendment proposed that would get rid of the Army and the Navy, and another one that would rename the country the United States of the Earth. They all share one common dominator: they would do absolutely nothing to benefit the United States or its citizens. To this list another proposed amendment can be added: the amendment banning desecration of the American flag. There have been less then 200 reported flag burnings in the more then 200 that America has existed. Congress is trying to protect the flag from something that’s not even threatening it. In actuality, Congress’s bill would threaten the flag more than any match ever would. The American flag stands for freedom, and in this Land of the Free, what could be more important then the right to express ones opinions? America is the only country in the world where citizens are guaranteed the right to protest the government! If this protest happens to involve the desecration of the flag, then celebrate the fact that we live in such a country where we can do this without fear instead of condemning the action! Not only would this bill undermine everything the constitution stands for, it would also destroy America’s Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights has survived for more than 200 years without being altered in any way. Making flag burning illegal would be the first change ever to the first ten amendments, and would open the gateway to more changes in the future. Supporters of the bill have

Monday, November 11, 2019

Mis Credit Card

How much do How much do credit card companies know about you? 1. What competitive strategy are the credit card companies pursuing? How do information systems support that strategy? Credit card company keep tracks of their cardholder‘s credit usage and classified them into different category. This allows credit card companies to learn a great deal about each of its customers at a glance. Overall, the credit card company uses various methods to understand all of the cardholder’s spending habits.Information systems enable credit card companies to collect the data and analysis it easily. 2. What are the business benefits of analyzing customer purchase data and constructing behavioral profiles? Analysis of the information in the credit usage record enables credit card companies to evaluate the purchasing power of different customers. Credit card companies can use the important information to control the credit card user credit usage and therefore lower the company loss 3.Are these practices by credit card companies ethical? Are they an invasion of privacy? It is not ethical. The privacy of the cardholder is directly violated if the credit card usage is being tracked. The cardholder’s credit record could be abuse and used to harm the cardholder. companies know about you? 1. What competitive strategy are the credit card companies pursuing? How do information systems support that strategy? Credit card company keep tracks of their cardholder‘s credit usage and classified them into different category.This allows credit card companies to learn a great deal about each of its customers at a glance. Overall, the credit card company uses various methods to understand all of the cardholder’s spending habits. Information systems enable credit card companies to collect the data and analysis it easily. 2. What are the business benefits of analyzing customer purchase data and constructing behavioral profiles? Analysis of the information in the cred it sage record enables credit card companies to evaluate the purchasing power of different customers. Credit card companies can use the important information to control the credit card user credit usage and therefore lower the company loss 3. Are these practices by credit card companies ethical? Are they an invasion of privacy? It is not ethical. The privacy of the cardholder is directly violated if the credit card usage is being tracked. The cardholder’s credit record could be abuse and used to harm the cardholder.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Book Summary: the Bible Among the Myths by John N. Oswalt Essay

John Oswalt, in his book The Bible Among the Myths, presents his position to the reader that the bible is different and separate from other writings of the Ancient Near East. He asserts the Bible is both historically accurate and theologically sound. He makes the defense the Bible was divinely inspired and revealed to humanity and unique from other Ancient Near East literature. There was a time when the Bible, and the Israelite religion was different from its neighboring societies. But as times have changed, many people now lump the bible with other Ancient Near East myths. The book is broken up into two sections. The first half of the book, â€Å"The Bible and Myth,† Oswalt takes the time to define what a myth is and what differentiates the Bible from a myth. He then describes the different between the worldview of the Ancient Near East and continuity is different from the Bible’s transcendence. The second half of the book, â€Å"The Bible and History,† examines several philosophical thoughts proposed by others that attempt to explain the Bible’s relevance separate from historical validity. Oswalt provides excellent arguments against the new age philosophies. Oswalt provides an articulate argument for the veracity of the Bible’s history and theology by providing several convincing points to affirm the Bibles varicity. Introduction John N. Oswalt, in his book The Bible Among the Myths, provides the reader with a brief, yet comprehensive view of the differences and similarities between the Old Testament and Ancient Near East religions. In the introduction, he provides a brief overview of scholarly thought regarding the Old Testament literature and Ancient Near East literature and how perspectives have changed in nearly 50 years. Oswalt states at the time he was introduced to the subject, scholars believed the Old Testament and its theology stood alone from other Ancient Near East religions. He now contends that present day scholars believe the Old Testament is just one of many Ancient Near East religions. Oswalt states it was the differences between the Old Testament and other Ancient Near that separated the two. But today, scholars are taking the same data and looking their similarities (11-13). He states that this is a â€Å"vital philosophical distinction between â€Å"essence† and â€Å"accident.†Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Essence† has to do with the essence of the subject whereas â€Å"accident† is those things that are not essential to the subject (13). He insinuates that scholars of today are centering their attention on the â€Å"accidental† attributes of the Old Testament and Ancient Near East religions and not centering on those things that are the essence of the subject; those things that make the religions different. It is these similarities and differences Oswalt states he will center his attention (14). Oswalt then turns the attention of the reader to the definition of a myth. He states there are different definitions of a myth but the Bible is not one of them. He states when people start to think of this word as â€Å"typical of a myth,† then four things happen: 1) The individual is devalued; 2) There becomes a disinterest in history; 3) People become open to the occult; and 4) People do not take responsibility for their actions (14). Oswalt believes what makes the difference between the Old Testament (OT) and the Ancient Near East (ANE) literature is how God makes himself divinely known to his people. The next premise Oswalt boldly states is that if we believe in Scripture theologically, then we can also believe that the Bible is historically true. He states, â€Å"the veracity of the theological claims of the OT is inseparable from the veracity of the historical claims† (16). The Bible maintains a â€Å"unique worldview† and is one that has been revealed by God to his people, Israel. He states there are things we must wrestle with when it comes to investigation the Bible historically from its theological stand but the Bible can uphold its claim to be theologically and historically viable. Chapter 1 Chapters one through five discuss the differences and similarities of the Bible compared to ANE literature. The premise of chapter one is the Bible has had a major impact on the world, especially with its contributions to Greek philosophy and thought. Greek philosophers believed there was one â€Å"unifying principle in the cosmos† (21) and that everything could be identified and reasoned with through logic. As Oswalt states, this brought into conflict the thought of a myth based polytheistic society to a monotheistic mindset. Oswalt states that the Hebrew thought survived through the exilic period in Assyria and Babylon even though they were in direct conflict with the societies in which they were captive. Israel brought into these societies the thought that there was only one God and He was the creator of the world and humanity. In addition, Oswalt states the Israelites brought the unique ideas that God was not dependent upon humanity but himself and that God revealed himself to humanity and gave them specific understandings of what he expected from his people. It was only by God’s design that the people of Israel were able to maintain their religion in a foreign land. Greek and Hebrew thoughts combined into a complementary way of thinking about the universe and the world. The Hebrew religion of one creator who created the world found a place in the Greek philosophy of a unifying principle to the universe. On the other hand, Greek philosophy could combine itself by to Hebrew ideas by linking the cause and effect of the world (26). Oswalt states that there was a necessity for the biblical worldview. Without it liking itself with the Greek philosophy, we would not have a need for reason, understand the importance of history and have value of the individual (27). Chapter 2 Oswalt, in chapter two, attempts to define the word myth but prior to his discourse, he revisits the divergence of scholars going from believing in the OT as a separate piece of literature from all other ANE mythological literature to being placed in the mix of ANE literature as mythology. Oswalt contends the job of defining a myth is challenging especially in a climate the Bible is being placed with other ANE literature. He states there are two definitional problems. The first problem has to do with the definitions of myth. He states there has been a breakdown in providing an accurate definition. The other problem has to do with the definition itself. It may not accurately describe the members of a class (32). Two primary definitions are provided for the reader. The first is the historical-philosophical definition which attempts to â€Å"describe how the myth operates in society† (40). Subdivisions of the historical-philosophical definition are the etymological, the sociological-theological and the literary. The second is the phenomenological. Etymological definition attempts to identify the false nature of an event or story. The sociological-theological definition is a form of story in which conveys some truth about the world. Literary definition of a myth is the narrative attempts to use the source of symbolism to convey truth or meaning (33-39). The phenomenological definition regarding a myth is to look at the common characteristics of the story and how it relates to the society. Oswalt states that all these definitions have a commonality of continuity. No matter their defined variations, they are interrelated. Oswalt states, â€Å"Continuity is a philosophical principle that asserts that all things are continuous with each other† (43). Myths are to have a common approach to the world (45). Chapter 3 The idea of continuity in myths is continued and expended in chapter three. Continuity can better be defined as all elements of a myth are interrelated physically and spiritually, in a circular motion, to each other. In a story, there are no distinctions between humanity, nature and the divine. This also includes the thought of pantheism, â€Å"the divine is everything and everything is divine† (49). The problem with this is that there are no absolutes, and people and nature are equal to god. Oswalt state, there are a number of â€Å"far-reaching implications† with regard to continuity. The first is that myths only look at the here and now, the present, and keeping things as status quo. Myths are not in interested in the future or moving forward. Second, myths do not look at the involvement of humanity and the choices they made. Third, myths also perpetuate the actualization of a â€Å"timeless reality.† Maintenance of the system is needed. This is accomplished through sexual relations in order to maintain fertility of the earth and living creatures as well as performing other ritualistic acts in order to ensure the gods and goddesses maintain the cycle of fertility. Fourth, nature is used as an important â€Å"expression of the divine.† The gods were personified in nature. Fifth, mythology used magic in order to accomplish something in nature or in the divine realm. Finally, because of this continuity, there are no boundaries which cause a blurring o f the natural, human and divine (44-56). Once both sides of continuity are explained, Oswald provides what he believes are common features of myths. There are always elements of polytheism. There are multiple gods. Gods are always represented by some natural element such as wood, stone or other natural element. The gods are not multidimensional and are stereotyped. The gods are not valued nor are humans. The gods are appeased by certain acts and humans are subject to the gods. There is always an element of conflict in the myth either with the gods or other human conflict. Eternity, both before and after the establishment of the world, was and is chaotic. Because humanity is at the whim of the gods, there is no standard of ethic. Finally, the cycle of life is cyclical. Oswalt states that the cycle goes from â€Å"nonexistence to dependence to independence to dependence to nonexistence† (57-61) Chapter 4 Biblical transcendence and the transcendence of God are the major themes of chapter four. While chapter three centered on the identifying factors of what constitutes a myth, Oswalt provides several key elements that make the Bible, especially the God of the Bible, unusual and exceptionally different from other ANE mythological literature and religions. As mentioned before, there is only one godly source of the OT (64). God who is spirit is separate from his creation and cannot be created in any form (65). Once created, the conflict ended with created order both in heaven and on earth (67). God created man in his image and therefore gave him importance by being in his likeness (69). Oswalt interesting notes that God is â€Å"supra-sexual.† Meaning, God is not known by his sexual identity but his roles. In addition, creation is not directed by sexual activity (73). God in all his activities can be relied upon to do all that he said he would do and not deviate as those gods of myths. God prohibited magic was as a method of manipulating Him into some type of action (75). The final element is in regard to the Sinai covenant God made with the people of Israel. They were obligated to live a certain lifestyle whereas there were no restrictions for the other who lived outside of the covenant (76). Comparing and contrasting the biblical worldview from those of a mythological perspective provides some understanding of how radically different and distinctive they are from each other. Transcendence verses continuity; God is above all and separate from the universe, nature and humanity. God interacts with humanity through his covenant relationship. Chapter 5 Oswalt continues his discussion between the differences between the Bible and mythology however he looks at it in light of their similarities. Before he does looks at those similarities, however, Oswalt digs deeper into the ethic as it relates to human relationships with God and man. He states that there are two offences, which are offenses against the gods and offences against other people (85). The mythic ethic, offences against the gods in literature were â€Å"cultic or magical† where offences against people were against society, (85-86). Oswalt points out offences against the gods had nothing to do with their treatment of each other. The biblical ethic was something different, more wholistic. Behavior on every level, social and personal was out of obedience in the covenantal relationship with God (88). God and his relationship with the covenantal people maintained the same standard. The author provides a few examples where it would seem as though the Bible is a similar to myth. He provides examples of the creation story in Genesis and in Psalms to point some similarities in the Enuma Elish (Babylonian creation account) and other literature. Oswalt acknowledges that similarities and disputes them as something the Bible took from mythos but that they were similar practices not intended to make the Bible like other biblical literature as much as identifying the differences that stood apart from other literature. Chapter 6 Chapter six marks the second half of the book as it discusses history and the Bible. Like before in the attempts of defining myth, Oswalt attempts to accurately define history. He defined history, in summary, as a narrative that records events which is recorded for â€Å"human self-knowledge† and used as a means of evaluation in order to capture important events. According to Oswalt, there are several factors that are dependent upon when understand history. The first thing is that people are â€Å"free and responsible.† The second item is that there are causes and effects in everything that happens. The recorded information must be true is the third element. The fourth key is history can be used as a learning tool for other to grow. Fifth thing is that what happened yesterday is just as relevant today and that there is significance in their â€Å"relationships.† Finally, there must be a standard in which the information is evaluated (113-115). There are several ways ancient people of the Near East recorded events of their lives. They are omen texts, king lists, date formulae, epics, royal annals, and chronicles. Omens were documents that contained something that predicted the good or bad of an event or circumstance. The kings’ lists contained the genealogy of the names and duration of the kings in power. Date formulae contained the yearly accomplishments of the kings. Epics were a narrative of events in a hero’s life which attempted to convey life’s philosophy. Royal annals were recorded events of a king and existed to â€Å"glorify the king† not so much to accurately chronicle what really happened. Chronicles were recordings of what actually happened, both positive and negative. They are about as accurate a historical record then the rest. In all, they were specific in the information they contained (116-122). Unlike our historians today or even the historical view of the Bible, the peoples of the ANE perspective was different than ours today. They were generally focused on the here and now and not future orientated. Their orientation included making sure they maintained the status quo in order to maintain the good in their lives. The best for everyone was to maintain the order of their society. They believed that everything was outside their control with a multiciplicity of causes determining their fate. This provides reasons why they were not interested in recording for the future and concerned about seeing the relationships of the events that took place in their lives. The Bible, on the other hand, provides a different perspective. As Oswalt states, â€Å"They [characteristics of the Bible] are clearly presented to us as unique individuals, firmly rooted in time and space† (125). The events which took place were recorded whether they were positive or negative. The events were recorded showing the interrelationships between the events and persons as well as showing the results of human choices and the impact those choices had on the lives of those people. The Bible connects all the pieces together in a way that transcends â€Å"the events themselves† by showing the divine interaction with humanity (127). Oswalt asks the question how then could the Israelite nation be different without myth. He indicates it is because there was only one God who kept â€Å"breaking into their experiencing and smashing their easy interpretations† (134). God kept involving himself in their lives and these events were recorded. Chapter 7 Chapter seven unpacks Oswalt’s position that the Bible is historically accurate and theologically sound. Oswalt debunks the idea that history must be recorded without divine involvement in order for it to be historically accurate. In fact, he indicates that is what differentiates the Bible from any other work (138-139). The author states that it is the unique working of God in the lives of people to reveal his divine purposes, which is nowhere else in any literature other than the Bible (142). It is what he calls â€Å"revelation through Human-Historical experience† (149). God revealed himself and was divinely involved in the lives of the Israelites. Oswalt notes that he Bible did not â€Å"bifurcate between revelation and witness to revelation† (140). The author goes on to state that if we fail to acknowledge God in the history then how can we accept the â€Å"acts† of God presented in the literature. There is also the question of how can God be known if we take him out of the equation. Although many maintain that one cannot have an accurate account of history with God. Owalt maintains that without God there cannot be an accurate history without God. Israel had a different and unique perspective of God in literature. Chapter 8 Chapter eight is an extension of chapter seven although Oswalt moves forward on his conviction that the Bible is both historically accurate and theologically relevant. He critically reviews two popular scholars’ works that have attempted to separate history from the Bible. The first is Rudolf Bultmann’s Existentialist Foundation and the other is Alfred North Whitehead’s Process Thought. The Existentialist Foundation is the way one sees self relevant to history. As Oswalt explains, â€Å"Instead of seeing the self as an entity shaped by history and a human â€Å"nature,† this way of thinking sees â€Å"existence as the most fundamental aspect of historic consciousness† (156). Oswalt states there are several problems with this philosophy; the first major issue is the use of the term â€Å"history.† He says that the term must be narrowed even further. He introduces the reader to the separation of the â€Å"narrative Geschichte from the event Historie. Geschichte is what is â€Å"going on and is in the domain of the theologian.† Meaning what is in the narrative of the story. Historie defines â€Å"what happened and is in the domain of the historian† (157). Historie centers upon what is the event that is actually happening in the story. Oswalt identifies several flaws with the Existentialist philosophy but the major ones are, 1) God is removed from the process; and, 2) The historical narrative excludes the past there is no acceptance of any standard of evaluation or appreciation of past events. Process Thought is seeks to take the events of the Bible and create together the events that take place into a new event. The events are integrated of the past, present and future. It is interested in the event not so much the substance. This too has its faults, one being that it also removes the transcendence of God in the narrative (167). Chapter 9 Oswalt provides alternative views concerning the biblical worldview in chapter nine. He maintains his stand that the biblical narrative has not changed but thoughts about it have and the biblical narrative is different than other mythological narratives. The author provides four alternatives concerning the biblical narrative. The first alternative is from John Van Seters. Seters stand is that several documents were pieced together and then priests rewrote what we now have today. The document was a work by someone using works similar to Thucydides and Herodotus. The second alternative is from Frank Cross. Cross work asserts that the bible came out of rewriting a poetic epic. The third alternative is from William Dever. Dever does deny archeological evidence of biblical history nor does he believe in the bible’s â€Å"religious explanation of Israel’s existence and nature† (178). Dever stand is Israel’s religion was no different than that of the Canaanite religion until after the exile and the religion has been inaccurately perceived. The fourth alternative is from Mark Smith. Smith suggests that Israel’s religion originated from the polytheistic religion of the Canaanites (181). Oswalt argues that not one of these alternative thoughts of the biblical narrative has proved the unique nature of the Bible. Chapter 10 Chapter 10 concludes the book by summarizing Oswalt’s main points he expressed throughout the book. The bible is both historically accurate and theologically sound. The Bible is unique and separate from myth literature but their similarities should not stand in the way of perceiving it as different. What makes it markedly different is that a transcendent God come to involve him into the lives of humanity is radically different means than that of the other cultures which overrode the continuity of myths.