King Richard 1 Lion Heart Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

King Richard 1 Lion Heart - Research Paper Example For this reason, King Richard is suspect of being a bad king. Nevertheless, there are some qualities in him to be appreciated. The label of a ‘bad king’ may not fully suit him. As king, he gave much on the behalf of others. Unfortunately, those ‘others’ were not the people of his kingdom. King Richard should be taken as he is and not quickly judged. The conclusion that he was neither a good or bad king, but a king, most correctly suits him. While not perfect, he was not wholly corrupt. An intelligent man, King Richard had a reason for his actions. Surely, the people of his land desired a better life than what he brought them. However, their suffering served a purpose that was to benefit a greater good. King Richard fought on behalf of what he believed to be right. He fought for that right with all that he had; which happened to include everything that the people of kingdom had. It is not amazing in medieval times for the peoples of a kingdom to lack social m obility. The oppression of his people for the sake of financial gain made such mobility impossible for those under King Richard’s rule. In this paper, the evidences that have been presented to label King Richard as either a good or bad king will be discussed and analyzed. The intent is to demonstrate that neither of these labels can fully describe him. Having some qualities from both categories, King Richard does not fit neatly into either. The actions of King Richard often depict a King that was not very interested in caring for his kingdom. He was obsessed with money. The kingdom was no more than a source of revenue to him. King Richard was able to extract large amounts of wealth from his people and land. This money he used for his own purposes. Therefore, his people did not get to enjoy the best of lives. Instead, King Richard pressured the people to pay taxes. He did not seek to enrich the lives of his own people. Their lives were full of work and yet they languished beca use of poverty. It is because of King Richard that the legend of Robin Hood was born. Robin Hood was a bandit, an outlaw, who sought to promote financial equality. The low distribution of wealth was the result of King Richards rule. He raped the land and the people of riches. Many people resented King Richard’s actions; especially since his father was considered to be a much better king. However, King Richard was hardly interested in following his father’s example. In fact, during his younger years, King Richard had actually engauged in war against his father. As it has been reported â€Å"  In 1173 he, the Young King and a younger brother, Geoffrey, backed by their mother, took up arms against their father in a war that lasted eighteen months† (Cavendish 2007). King Richard came to be despised by many of his people. For his greed of gain he is considered to be a bad king. When the thought of a king is someone who is beloved of the people and seeks their best interests arises, King Richard seems to fall nicely into the category of ‘bad king’. His lack of patriotism also helps him to fit into this category. It has been noted that â€Å"historians have traditionally spoken of him as incompetent and destructive, small-minded and incapable† (Heiser 1997; p.1). It was only about five months out of each year of his reign that the king actually resided in his own land. The rest of this time he spent in France. When King Richard made decisions about his kingdom they were often misguided. Being absent from

Descriptive Essay Example for Free

Descriptive Essay Time The living room, or family room, is generally considered the main gathering area in most homes due to the television being located there. However, this is not the case in the more than one hundred year old, light grey, two story home in which I live. The main attraction of this particular living room is the comforting atmosphere and warm fires that take place in the wood-burning fireplace. Upon entering the living room, the golden honey colored hardwood floor creaks underfoot and the fireplace stands out from the roughly textured, earthy green walls that rise up to the textured white ceiling. The long narrow boards that make up the beautifully maintained hardwood floor run lengthwise making this room look even bigger than it actually is. The textured ceiling was done in multi-directional, sweeping, fan patterns that resemble seashells. Hanging in the center of the room is a fifty-two inch brass-trimmed ceiling fan with five dark wood colored blades. Below the fan blades are three frosted glass, bell shaped covers which shade the light bulbs. The massive, seven foot wide, brick fireplace juts outward from the wall as if in attempt to invade the room. Leading to, and as wide as, the fireplace are three rows of eight inch square, red brick colored tiles set into the hardwood floor. The dark brownish red bricks that form the fireplace surround are staggered uniformly, rising five feet high to the white painted wood mantle. The jet black mortar that fills the void between each brick and each tile ties them together. The opening, or firebox, is fitted with a brass frame that holds a pair of glass bi-fold doors. In front of the fireplace doors is a freestanding, flat black painted, tri-fold, wire mesh screen protecting the floor from the popping embers of a hot burning fire on those cold winter nights. To the right of the wire mesh screen are the tools used for tending to the fire and cleaning out the fireplace. They are black wrought iron and hang on a metal rack that matches the screen in front of the fireplace. On the mantle above the fireplace are two matching, and evenly spaced, square ‘infinity’ candle holders, as well as a glass, cone shaped reed diffuser. The candles above the fireplace give off an illuminating glow creating dancing shadows on the wall and ceiling in the evening hours, adding to the natural warmth of the room. The reed diffuser has bright red apple scented oil in it that can be smelled halfway across the room. One of the most interesting things in the room is also on the mantle and that is a nearly rocket shaped, fourteen inch tall by two inch diameter glass Galileo thermometer. Against the wall to the left of the fireplace is the large, grey trimmed, fifty inch screen television which resides atop a five foot long by two foot tall wood stand. The television and stand sits with its back to the front windows of the house that look out to the heavily trafficked Campbell Street that leads into town. On the front of the dark honey colored stand are two oak trimmed glass doors, that neatly frame the open center section, dividing it into thirds. The open middle area holds the black dvr and a dull silver colored surround sound system. On display behind the glass doors, on either side of the electronics, are several video games and movies standing as soldiers in formation. Hanging behind the television are a set of long sheer white curtains that shadow the matching white blinds. The standard horizontal blinds are recess mounted between the wide, off white painted window trim that wraps around the windows. The bright white trimmed, four year old, double pane windows take up about two-thirds of the wall, allowing an abundance of sunlight to come flowing in during the early daytime hours when the blinds are open. On both sides of the windows hanging on the wall, in plain dark wood frames, are family photos that captured happy and joyful times that often bring about stories that surround those times and people. The most favored seating area and best viewpoint for the television and entertainment stand is directly across the room against the opposing wall. This is where the large, three cushioned, cream-colored, smooth and soft feeling micro-fiber couch sits. This thing really looks like it means business when it comes to comfort and relaxation. The overstuffed cushions sink just enough to make accidental napping very easy. The padding in the outward arching arms have the feel of memory foam, soft enough to not reach for a pillow when lying down after a long day at the office or at school. Holding the couch about three inches above the floor are four, black, square, plain looking feet. On each side of the couch, tucked against the wall are a pair of small, somewhat ordinary, dark stained, wooden end tables. Further complimenting the space on the end tables, are a few decorative candles in tall holders. Also on the table to the right side of the couch is a bouquet of brightly colored silk flowers in a short, square, clear glass vase. All of the things in this particular living room are only a part of what makes this house feel like home. It is an area where stories are told, laughter is heard, entertainment is had, and cozy fires are enjoyed by friends and family. The living room is not just another room in the house, it is a place where memories are made.

Essay --

â€Å"We are here in this country to bring peace and harmony through financial stability of people across Pakistan. We are here to promote individual and corporate growth nationwide and we are best at it and yes, we can†¦..† Khan Banking Corporation â€Å"Your financial partner† Khan Banking Corporation Ltd. is such a bank which I feel proud to work for. People keep on dreaming their whole life to be part of such a glorious and significant company that makes you the top priority. Yes we are the Pioneers of Banking. We are â€Å"Your Financial Partners†. We Are Demonstrating Khan Banking Corporation is the bank which is striving for excellence nationwide and also managed to make a deep place in the hearts of the people of Pakistan with their excellent and unique services of banking and finance nationwide. We are proud to announce of becoming one of the most acceptable and appreciated bank not only in Pakistan but throughout the globe. We are here to provide the best we can for our honorable and precious customers nationwide. They are our top priority and the only asset. An Annual Re-Assurance This code of conduct is not just merely a piece of paper but it is our way of living, contributing, dealing and servicing the people of company and people of Pakistan. And we make sure and expect our beloved and respectable employees to follow these codes of conduct to serve the people of Pakistan at its best. Conducting our business with the highest standards of ethics and integrity is essential to living up to the ethical banking promise of our company. By doing things the right way, we can support our customers and clients while holding true to the values we believe in. Asad Ahmad Khan C.E.O Khan Banking Corporation (KBC) Purp... ...Rendering of Services ïÆ'Ëœ Implementation and following of policy document ïÆ'Ëœ Ensuring implementation of policies ïÆ'Ëœ No hidden aspects of policy of advancement of short and long term ‘Loan Financing’. ïÆ'Ëœ Easily understandable policies. ïÆ'Ëœ Clear Whistle blowing criteria (whom to report and confidentiality that is HR department) ïÆ'Ëœ Legal action and compliance against corporate crimes (C.E.O Decision would be ultimate) Last but not the Least: Integrity, honesty, care, morality, loyalty, cooperation ,teamwork are the much needed essentials which will guide your positive actions and behavior towards the company. High aims are guided by high levels of morality and ethics. So do the right thing to make things right for yourself and your company. Make your company proud of you because these things when put together make ‘Royalty’. May all the odds will be in your favor.

Health Paper-Hypertension Essay

Hypertension also known as high blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and a major cause of heart attack. In the U.S alone, more than 30% of American adults have high blood pressure. Hypertension is often called the â€Å"the silent killer† because it rarely caauses symptoms, even as it inflicts serious damage to the body. You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. If your blood pressure is uncontrolled it can increase your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. High blood pressure develops over many years, and it affects nearly everyone eventually. Although high blood pressure is most common in adults, children may be at risk also. For some children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. But for a growing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise contribute to high blood pressure. Most people with high blood pressure have no signs or symptoms, even if blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. Although a few people with early stage high blood pressure may have dull headaches, dizzy spells or a few more nosebleeds than normal, these signs and symptoms typically don’t occur until high blood pressure has reached a severe, even life threatening stage. Thankfully, high blood pressure can be easily detected. Once you know you have it you can work with your doctor in controlling it. There are two types of high blood pressure. First, Primary (essential) hypertension. For most adults, there’s no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, tends to develop gradually over many years. Second, Seconday hypertension. Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension. Various conditions and medications can lead to secondary hypertension. High blood pressure has many risk factors including: age(the risk of high blood pressure increases as you age), race, family history, being overweight or obese(the more you weigh,the more blood you need to supply oxygen and nutrients you your tissues), not being physically active, using tobacco, using to much salt in your diet(too much salt can cause your body to retain fluid which increases blood pressure), too little potassiium in your diet, too little vitamin D in your diet, drinking alcohol, stress and certain chronic conditions. The excessive pressure on your artery walls caused by high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, as well as organs in your body. The higher your blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the damage. High blood pressure can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other complications. Blood pressure is measured with an inflatable arm cuff and pressure measuring gauge. A blood pressure reading, has two numbers. The first, or upper, number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats which is called systolic pressure. The second, or lower, number measures the pressure in your arteries between beats which is called diastolic pressure. There are four general blood pressure measurements. Fist, normal blood pressue. Your blood pressure is normal if it’s below 120/80. However, some doctors recomment 115/75 as a better goal. Once blood pressure rises above 115/75 the risk of cardiovascular disease begins to increase. Second, prehypertension. Prehypertension is a blood pressure measurement of 120/80 to 139/89. Prehypertension tends to get worse over time. Third, Stage 1 hypertension. Stage 1 hypertension is a blood pressure reading ranging from 140/90 to 159/99. Fourth, Stage 2 hypertension. More severe hypertension, stage 2 hypertension is a blood pressure reading of 160/100 or higher. Changing your lifestyle can go a long way torward controlling high blood pressure. But sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough. In addition to diet and exercise, your doctor may recommend medication to lower your blood pressure. Which category of medication your doctor prescribes depends on your stage of high blood pressure and weather you also have other medical problems. It’s never too early to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and becoming more physically active. These are primary lines of defense against high blood pressure and its complications. References: Choosing Health by: Lynch, Elmore, Morgan www.webmd.com www.managingmybloodpressure.com Steadmans medical dictionary 28th Edition

The Importance of Marriage

Running head: MARRIAGE AS AN INSTITUTION The Importance of Marriage Ana Vertz PS301 Mrs. Kathy Erickson August 30, 2009 The Importance of Marriage From Colonial times to present marriage has been an integral part of American culture. The importance is has been evident in that it is one of the few institutions that started with the country and is still very popular. What makes marriage an important institution? This paper will discuss the perceptions of the importance of marriage for men and women, children’s influence in the marriage relationship, the links between psychological distress and martial conflict, attitude towards same sex marriages and the effects of cohabitation and marriage commitment. The first section of this paper examines the importance of marriage from male and female perspectives. Research from the National Survey of Families and Households suggested the following trends: Men and women both feel that marriage is more important to men; women view marriage as optional for both men and women for having a satisfying life; women are more likely to think that men cannot have a satisfying life without marriage; youthful and more educated individuals are less likely to put emphasis on marriage; religious individuals and those married who have children predominantly more inclined to think that men nor women can have fulfilling lives without the institution of marriage. Research from the National Survey listed above also suggests that men get a greater benefit from marriage than do women as stated below from a study conducted on whether or not men need a spouse and the importance of marriage. In the article entitled â€Å"Do Men â€Å"Need† a Spouse more than Women? : Perceptions of The Importance of Marriage for Men and Women† the authors state: â€Å"As Nock (1998:3) states, â€Å"Men reap greater gains than women for virtually every outcome affected by marriage. Research results showing the greater benefit of marriage for men than for women on many dimensions, particularly physical and mental health (Bernard 1972; Grove 1973; Waite and Gallagher 2000), together with research has shown that women provide â€Å"kin-keeping† benefits to men by strengthening their relationships with their children and other relatives (Cooney and Uhlenberg 1990; Rossi and Rossi 1990), have led many to argue that it is men who â€Å"need† marriage more than women. This view is particularly prevalent among theorists of family who focus on its economic dimensions. By implication, they posit marriage to be a â€Å"normal good† for men but an â€Å"inferior good† for women when they argue that increased earnings lead men to â€Å"buy onto† family roles (Becker 1991; Cherlin 1992) while women use theirs to â€Å"buy out† of marriage (Espenshade 1985; Westoff 1986). † In many ways this research supports the fact that marriage meets the need of a man better than that of a woman. Next we will look at research conducted from the female perspective. An excerpt from the same article states: â€Å"The growth of female labor force participation that accelerated in the 1960’s (Goldin 1990), however, appeared to many observers to undermine what were by then conventional reasons for women to marry (Westoff 1986). As a result, women were thought to be questioning the desirability of a domestic life (Friedan 1962) and coming to believe that â€Å"women’s marriage† was less desirable than â€Å"men’s marriage† (Bernard 1972). Feminist theory has reinforced the notion that women and men face very different experiences in the family life and hence have different experiences in family life and hence have different interest’s vis-a-vis family roles, which are said to favor men (Ferree 1990). The benefits of simply â€Å"trading† housework for men’s wages (the basis for the economic argument) have declined, given the longer-term costs in terms of career development and the higher risks imposed by the increase in divorce (Thomson and Walker 1995), and the fact that wives’ expected role has added employment to their traditional household tasks (Hochschild 1989; DeVault 1990). Hence, modern women may have had more reason than men to reevaluate what they might gain from marriage. These speculations are at least partially reinforced by some research that does suggest men expect to benefit more from marriage than do women. The analyses of shifting attitudes make it plausible that men place more importance on marriage than women. While most people believe that the married are happier than those who are not married, this belief is more likely to be held by men than women (Axinn nd Thornton 2000). Indeed, women are more likely to disagree than men that it is better to be married than single (Thornton and Young-DeMArco 2001). These gender differences suggest that women, at least, are less sure that marriage is important, and they are likely to be thinking more about their own situation as women than about men’s. Therefore, we expect that in the 1990’s, men and women will see marriage as more necessary for men than women. These considerations, together with the paucity of research that addresses the question of who needs to be married more, men or women, motivate our research (Kaufman and Goldscheider, 2007). The above referenced article shows evidence that the more learned put off marriage, have less children and view family roles as less important. (This is based in relation to expectations to themselves and their children living in early adulthood). Spiritual or religious associations have also been connected across a vast array of family domains with grater support for the family. These religious cultures encourage marriage, martial stability, especially non-approval of non-martial child bearing, and encouragement for traditional descriptions of marriage. In looking at the importance of marriage from the viewpoint of male and female research conducted for this paper suggest that men and women view marriage as more important to men than women. (Kaufman and Goldscheider, 2007) Children’s Influence in the Marriage Relationship In the article â€Å"Children’s Influence in the Marriage Relationship† the research shows that there are reciprocal effects between children and marriage. The emotional security theory suggests that exposure to martial conflicts improves children’s negative emotions, resulting in emotional insecurity. This emotional insecurity promotes children’s impulses to go between, run away from or in other forms lessens the occurrence of martial discord. (Schermerhorn, Cummings, Mark, DeCarlo, Davies, Patrick, 2007) The article goes on to state: â€Å"Attempts to reduce exposure to discord indicate that the goal of preserving emotional security us activated, serving as a mechanism by which children maintain or achieve emotional security. The first two aims of the present article are to investigate reciprocity between the child and the martial system, including examination of both the influence of martial conflict on the child and child behavioral responses that influence martial functioning. † (Schermerhorn, Cummings, Mark, DeCarlo, Davies, Patrick, 2007) From the research we can see that children are more likely to be negatively impacted by martial discord. Many times the child resorts to mediation to help fix the problems. Overall the findings of my research showed that children engage in behaviors to by some means reduce discord between parents. This in return reduces the child’s exposure family threats. Another behavioral response is Behavioral dysregulation (i. e. , acts of verbal or physical aggression, misbehavior, or hurting oneself). Clinic literature indicates that discord in marriages corresponds to children’s behavior problems including aggressive behavior. Some have suggested that this behavior may show a taking on of the marriages problem to them self in demonstrating agentic behavior. This, from the child’s perspective, would distract parents from marital difficulties giving the child’s negative behavior a purpose to reduce martial discord over time. Schermerhorn, Cummings, Mark, DeCarlo, Davies, Patrick, 2007) The study also showed the effects on psychological adjustment. An excerpt from the article states: â€Å"The third aim of this study is to examine relations between children’s behavioral responses to martial discord and their adjustment. In one of the few studies examini ng this link, Patenaude (2000) found that for girls who believed they could control interparental conflict by engaging in parent-protecting behaviors, higher martial conflict was associated with better adjustment. In contrast, for boys believing in a parentified role in the martial relationship, higher martial conflict was associated with more internalized sysmptoms, albeit non-significantly. † (Schermerhorn, Cummings, Mark, DeCarlo, Davies, Patrick, 2007) The research I conducted on children next suggests that when children react in a proactive nature to interparental discord by attempting to mediate, conflict in fact decrease over time. Even though negative behavior is a form of insecurity concerning the marriage relationship, the present study suggests that children’s usage of negative attitudes and behavior as a constructive coping strategy can actually provide help towards reducing marital discord. In contrast to proactive behavior, children’s negative behavior was linked with more destructive interparental relations over a period of time. It is likely that these behaviors by children don’t take their parents attention away from the marital discord but actually contribute to it by increasing conflict. However the method of the child’s associates is unsure. The outcome of a child’s behavior may be best understood by looking at each situation. For example, parents who are able to see that the child is trying to help may be more inclined to decrease conflict. It’s not that the child solves the parent’s dilemma, but that the child’s actions allow the parent to see the child’s suffering and discomfort. This may guide parent’s ability to solve problems than the child’s ability to constructively cope with the situation. It is not suggested that children should become actively engaged in marital discord because there are findings that show children’s helping behavior can contribute to children’s depression. (Schermerhorn, Cummings, Mark, DeCarlo, Davies, Patrick, 2007) We will next discuss psychological distress and martial conflict in the home. References Avery, A. , Chase, J. , & Johansson, L. (2007). America's changing attitudes towards homosexuality, civil unions, and same-gender marriage: 1977-2004. Social Work, 52(1), 71-79. Fowers, B. , Lyons, E. , Montel, K. , & Shaked, N. (2001, March). Positive illusions about marriage among married and single individuals. Journal of Family Psychology, 15(1), 95-109. Retrieved September 01, 2009, doi:10. 1037/0893-3200. 15. 1. 95 Kaufman, G. , & Goldscheider, F. (2007). Do men ‘need' a spouse more than women? : Perceptions of the importance of marriage for men and women. Sociological Quarterly, 48(1), 29-46. Papp, L. M. , Goeke-Morey, M. C. , & Cummings, M. E. (2007). Linkages between spouses' psychological distress and marital conflict in the home. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(3), 533-537. Rhoades, G. K. , Stanley, S. M. , & Markman, H. J. (2006). Pre-engagement Cohabitation and Gender Asymmetry in Marital Commitment. Journal of Family Psychology, 20(4), 553-560. Schermerhorn, A. C. , Cummings, M. E. , & DeCarlo, C. A. (2007). Children's influence in the marital relationship. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(2), 259-269. Stolz, L. (1941, October). Review of Family BehaviorModern Marriage, and Modern Marriage. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 36(4), 608-610. Retrieved September 01, 2009, doi:10. 1037/h0052788 Neubeck, G. (1959, Sum). Review of Why Marriages Go Wrong. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 6(2), 168-169. Retrieved September 01, 2009, doi:10. 1037/h0039159

How to Calculate Your Heat Index Temperature

How to Calculate Your Heat Index Temperature You check the high temperature to see how hot the day will be. But in summer, theres another temperature besides air temperature thats just as important for knowing how hot you should expect to feel the Heat Index. The Heat Index tells you how hot it feels outdoors and is a good tool for determining how at risk you may be on a given day and time to  heat-related illnesses.  How can you find this summer temperature? There are 3 ways (other than looking at your forecast) to find out what your current Heat Index value is:   look at a Heat Index chart,use a Heat Index weather calculator, orcalculate it by hand using the Heat Index equation. Heres how to do each. Reading a Heat Index Chart Use your favorite weather app, watch your local news, or visit your NWS local page to find the current air temperature and humidity where you live. Write these down.Download this NWS Heat Index chart. Print it in color or open it in a new internet tab.To find the Heat Index temperature, put your finger on your air temperature. Next, run your finger across until you reach your relative humidity value (round to the nearest 5%). The number you stop at is your Heat Index.   The colors on a Heat Index chart tell how likely you are to suffer heat illness at specific Heat Index values. Light yellow areas indicate caution; dark yellow areas, extreme caution; orange areas, danger; and red, extreme danger. Keep in mind that Heat Index values on this chart are for shaded locations. If youre in direct sunlight, it can feel up to 15 F hotter than whats listed. Using a Heat Index Weather Calculator Use your favorite weather app, watch your local news, or visit your NWS local page to find the current air temperature and humidity where you live. (Instead of humidity, you could also use dew point temperature.) Write these down.Go to the online NWS Heat Index Calculator.Enter the values you wrote down into the correct calculator. Be sure to enter your numbers in the correct boxes either Celsius or Fahrenheit!Click calculate. The result will be displayed below in both Fahrenheit and Celcius. Now you know how hot it feels outside! Calculating Heat Index By Hand Use your favorite weather app, watch your local news, or visit your NWS local page to find the current air temperature (in  °F) and humidity (percentage). Write these down.To approximate the heat index value, plug your temperature and humidity values into this equation and solve. Resources Links National Weather Service. What is the heat index? National Weather Service Amarillo, TX. Accessed 30 July 2015.

11 Main Challenges Faced By Admin Assistants

11 Main Challenges Faced By Admin Assistants Administrative assistants work in every industry, and their jobs are  extremely demanding. If youre not one, you might not know how hard they work, but don’t underestimate the grueling nature of their day-to-day or the amount of education they needed to get there! And if you are one, you know all too well the struggles that come from this often underappreciated job.Here are a few challenges admin assistants face on the regular.1. Difficult PersonalitiesEver had a bad boss? Yeah, well, administrative assistants are tasked to those bad bosses 24/7. Their whole job is to deal with those demanding, aggressive, socially awkward, self-important, micromanaging lunatics. So show a little respect.2. Devaluation of their JobIf you’re an admin assistant, everybody just assumes you’re not qualified enough to get a real job. That’s mostly because they have no idea what your job actually entails. No one multitasks or juggles better. But admin assistants are too humble to correct you. They know what they know.3. Clean-up Responsibilities for AllThe task of office clean-up, and also the general putting out of everybody else’s fires and fixing of everybody’s messes, almost always falls to admin assistants. Next time you see a handwritten sign taped over the festering sink, think of how many weeks of suffering in silence went on before that sign even went up.4.  Youre Always on CallEven though admin assistants have little authority, they are expected to know almost everything and they can be blamed for almost everything that happens to go wrong. And they are expected to be available whenever anybody needs them.5. Inconsistent Whims and DemandsAdmin assistants aim to please and are always trying to carry out a boss’s wishes and anticipate his or her needs. But so often bosses keep moving the goalposts and changing the rules. It can be enormously frustrating to keep up.6. Inappropriate RequestsIt’s bad enough having to ba bysit your boss and your colleagues. Sometimes you’re asked to actually babysit children when a coworker or your boss brings theirs to work. Or you’re asked to go get someone’s dry cleaning (someone you dont report to) or run another ridiculous errand.7. Shooting the MessengerEven if you didn’t screw up, you’re the one who usually gets yelled at- by everyone. Admin assistants are constantly in the direct line of fire.8. Lack of Trust and TimeYou could either end up with a boss who rides you on every little detail, or even worse, one who doesn’t have any time for you. It’s very hard to do your job if you don’t get at least a few minutes a day of face time to make sure you know what’s needed of you.9. Theres Rarely a ThanksOf all the things you’ll hear said or shouted at you as an admin assistant, â€Å"thank you† is almost never one of those things. Even and especially when you were the one who saved the day .10. No Time to Do It AllAs an admin assistant, your list of tasks- and the stack of papers on your desk- is gargantuan. You make deadlines just fine, but the to-do list never seems to shrink.11. No MoneyPerhaps the biggest injustice done to admin assistants is the egregious lack of compensation. Nobody gets paid less given their work and worth.So next time you feel like yelling at an assistant- or just dumping some thankless jobs on their desk, don’t! Imagine what their day must be like first and show a little love. And if you are one, thanks for all you do. We appreciate you.

Example Sentences of the Verb Bring for ESL Learners

Example Sentences of the Verb Bring for ESL Learners This page provides example sentences of the verb bring in all tenses in English. Study examples of positive and negative sentences, as well as questions. Make sure   Infinitive: To Bring Use the infinitive form to bring when combining with verbs that take infinitives as an object: She hopes to bring that up at the meeting. Base Form: bring Use the base form bring together with helping verbs in the present simple, past simple, and future simple: Do you usually bring your homework to class?They didnt bring any news of the situation.They wont bring anything to eat. Past Simple: brought Use the past simple brought in positive sentences with the past simple: Peter brought his racket last weekend.   Past Participle: brought Use the past participle brought in past, present, and future perfect forms: Hes brought a number of friends to the party. They hadnt brought anything to eat, so they went out.She will have brought enough food for everyone. Present Participle: bringing Use the present participle, or ing form, for present, past, and future continuous tenses, as well as for all perfect continuous tenses: Shes bringing the drinks tonight.Tom was bringing up the idea when she interrupted him.They have been bringing a lot of new information to the discussion. Each of these forms is used with different tenses. Bring is an irregular verb and should be memorized.   Present Simple She often brings friends to work.How often do they bring their children to work?Peter doesnt usually bring anything for lunch. Present Continuous Mary is bringing Jack to the party. Why are they bringing up that topic?We arent bringing our friends to the show.   Present Perfect I havent brought much food today.How much money have they brought to the table?She hasnt brought any homework with her. Present Perfect Continuous She has been bringing her friends along for years.How long have you been bringing up that topic?They havent been bringing much to our potluck lately. Past Simple Alice brought a new friend to the party.When did you bring that subject up with him?She didnt bring any luggage with her last weekend. Past Continuous I was bringing out the present when she burst into the room.What were you bringing up when he interrupted you?He wasnt bringing about any change when they let him go. Past Perfect The others had brought the food before they arrived.How many books had you brought to the study session?She hadnt brought up that topic until you mentioned it.   Past Perfect Continuous She had been bringing different friends to work for years before her boss told her to stop.How long had they been bringing their lunch to work before they started eating in the cafeteria?She hadnt been bringing many friends around when he asked her to stop bringing anyone.   Future (Will) Janice will bring the dessert.What will you bring to the party?She wont bring that up at the meeting.   Future (Going to) I am going to bring the drinks to the party.When are you going to bring your friends around for a visit?They arent going to bring her instrument to the concert.   Future Continuous This time next week we will be bringing about a number of changes.What will you be bringing up at the next meeting?She wont be bringing anything to eat, so were going out.   Future Perfect They will have brought enough food by six oclock.How many times will you have brought a dessert by the end of the year?We wont have brought enough steaks, so Ill go shopping. To continue learning, make sure you study other irregular verbs and practice using a variety of tenses. Continue your focus on irregular verbs and practice using a variety of tenses. Continue your focus on bring with the following quiz. Bring Quiz Use the verb bring in the correct tense in the sentences below: I __________  the cake to the party before he arrived.We  __________  the product out twenty years ago.Who  __________ the wine to the party?I think Tom  __________ his girlfriend to the party, but Im not sure.Alex always  __________  work home with him.She ______________ up the topic when he rudely interrupted.They  __________  many friends to dinner since they moved here two years ago.Susan ____________ a few friends over before I arrived.She  __________ the list right now. Dont worry.My neighbor  _______ up a few topics at the meeting last week.   Answers: had broughtbroughtwill bring/is going to bringwill bringbringswas bringinghave brought  had brought  is bringingbrought

Self Reflective Course Concept Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Self Reflective Course Concept - Essay Example A brief recap on the old concept of business that dictates the main essence of establishing a business is to maximize profits. These old concept discouraged organizations against social responsibility as the accountability of the social responsibility on the part of the organizational profit could not be viewed. It is on these basis that the new concept of business was entailed which necessitated that the business carries out its activities, becomes socially responsible and maintains its customers. This was a crucial aspect for various business ventures as most of them sustained the business venture with confidentiality and loyalty from their customers. The aspect of Social responsibility can never be over-emphasized in any organization. Sir Immanuel Kant a deontologist suggested that in order for people to act morally they must act from positions of duty. He also added that it is not the various action consequences that make them either right or wrong, but the intensions or rather motives of the person carrying them. Deontological ethics refers to the ethical normative stance that determines how moral an action on the adherence of the rule and finally rules. To the business organization morals are determined by what is generally right. Aspects of giving consumers the right product quantity, disclosing enough information about the various goods and services, giving quality products are all issues covered in deontological ethics. Teleological ethics touches on morality that dictates the moral obligations and duties and distinguishes it from what is desirable or good. Ethical egoism can generally be referred to as the position accorded to the agents of morals. Those at positions that necessitates their exercise of morals. These are determined by what is in their own self interest. Their relationship to business ethics is that they all contribute to the topic on ethics and guide the ethical profession Teleological ethics touches on

What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage Assignment

What Shamu Taught Me About a Happy Marriage - Assignment Example The theory of approximation or rewards on positive behavior which Sutherland uses on her husband to train him to keep things in place reminds me that the same can be used to teach kids good habits. Sutherland’s description of the â€Å"American husband† is truly commendable and it really creates an animal-like image of Scott in the mind. The LRS training, which she uses on her husband to avoid any kind of behavioral response, works towards lowering the negativity between them. She successfully trained her husband to do what she expected of him just like the trained exotic animals she had been writing about. However, what is amusing is the fact that in the end Scott started training the American wife which reveals the fact that even animals can alter behavioral pattern of their trainers or masters. It is true that the behavioral pattern of any animal maybe altered with the help of ignorance, reinforment etc and description of how Sutherlands uses the same at home makes one laugh. However it made me think whether Sutherland’s initial intention was trying to improve her relation with Scott or simply try the animal tricks on humans? Is it right to actually train someone, especially an adult to alter behavior for the sake of saving a relation? Wouldn’t training make the trained person fake and disguise his/her true

The Effectiveness of Smoking Ban at the American University of Sharjah Research Paper - 1

The Effectiveness of Smoking Ban at the American University of Sharjah - Research Paper Example Smoking ban refers to measures which are likely to protect people who do not smoke from the dangers of tobacco smoke (passive smoking). Tobacco smoke is harmful, not only to persons who actively smoke tobacco but also for all who breathe the smoke of others. The threats of passive smoking are well known and need to be addressed. This is why this ban had been established. This paper focuses on the implementation of this ban, and the extent of its success. The research aims to assess the perspectives of the students of AUS about this ban and wants to investigate their responses. Smoking ban refers to measures which are likely to protect people who do not smoke, from the dangers of tobacco smoke (passive smoking) (Guerriero, 2010). Tobacco smoke is harmful, not only to persons who actively smoke tobacco but also for all who breathe the smoke of others (Kincaid, 2010). Even the smoke of a single cigarette causes damage to the health of all in the same room. Therefore, the harm of passive smoking is a broad consensus of the professional associations of physicians on the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations and the Cancer Research Centers of different countries. There are 161 States which acceded to the Framework Convention of the World Health Organizations Tobacco Control, including Austria and Germany (Kolodner & Barbarino, 2011). The tobacco industry has been trying for decades to negate the effects of passive smoking on health through specially funded research. In the "Social Report 2006/07 - Responsibility in Dialogue" by British American Tob acco Institute, it is shown that it is in support of catering to the establishment of Smoking and Non Smoking areas as well as to improve the indoor air quality to take an ethically and morally sound action through the mode of corporate social responsibility (Johnson, 2011).

Comparison between Dead Man's Path and A Tale for Children Research Paper

Comparison between Dead Man's Path and A Tale for Children - Research Paper Example Obi has an intention of closing the path that leads to the burial grounds of the village; however, the villagers contest this action because it puts their heritage, as well as culture into compromise. A person's approach, along with his character in compelling modernization over traditional beliefs is capable of giving rise to conflicts, while, at the same time, resulting into consequences. In Dead Men's Path, the author uses symbols in the setting, as well as characterization in expressing the theme (Achebe 10). In Dead Man’s Path, Obi closes the path to the road that is capable of taking away an opportunity, something that makes this story is a tragedy with a number of symbols. Living in a world that is full of hatred is uneasy, however, living in a world full of happiness happens to be the entire package. In Dead Man’s Path, Obi the chief director of the school makes a wise decision of closing this road since the majority of people in this area go there. Immediately after closing this path, residents begin to get angry; Obi is terrified by the unfolding of these events, especially when people begin coming up to the school, while, at the same time, tearing down everything, not sparing even the school (Elizabeth, Susan & Robert 25). There are a number of horrific things happening within this short story thereby making it a tragedy; being in possession of a school whose path leads to the dead turns out to be an idea that is that amusing. Initially, there is a rise to power when Obi obtains the promotion, which results in him erecting the fence around the school. These actions infuriate the people living in the town; the following day, a pregnant woman, goes into labor, but dies while giving birth, something that infuriates the villagers even more since they think that it is as a result of the closing of that path. It is possible that the baby’s spirit was to exit from where the fence was hence the death of both the mother and baby. After th e woman’s death, people assume that if the path was still open, both the woman, as well as the child, would still be alive and safe. When night falls, they take distinctive items and go ahead to tear down the fence, together with the school. These actions lead Obi to think twice concerning this situation; however, he still does not understand what he did wrong that led to the tragic fall of the fraying down of the fence. In this case, there is a perception of death or death symbolism as following the death of the woman, as well as her baby (Achebe 35). Dead Man’s Path turns out to be a tragedy comprising of a number of symbols. Living for the duration of that time was probably the hardest thing; however, the people of the town succeed in getting through these hard times. Obi fails in understanding that every person in life is in need of a path to walk on, as well as a place to set off in the future. Although Obi’s intention was to help the people in the village, in reality he did remarkably little in helping them, thereby ended up hurting them even much more (Elizabeth, Susan & Robert 68). A Tale for Children is quite different compared to Dead Man’s Path; considering that it is distinctive of a style referred to as magic realism, which is closely incorporated with its author, the Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who is a Colombian novelist. This imaginative style brings together realistic, daily details with

Bullying at school Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Bullying at school - Article Example Among girls, however, physical bullying is not common and they indulge more so in subtle and indirect means. Also, around 15% of students between 8 to 16 years of age had some kind of an involvement in bully-victim issues regularly. There are several myths and assumptions made regarding the issue of bullying which actually have not gotten any kind of support from researches, as stated by (Olweus, 2003). For instance, it is thought that bullying occurs in a large class or when the school is very big, when the students are competing for grades, and when a person feels insecure or lacks self-esteem. There is also a very common assumption, which is also very often used in books and movies, that victims of bullying tend to be fat, wear glasses, and talk in a very different or weird manner. None of this, however, is true and victims cannot be generalized into this category; at least not in light of the evidence that

Comparison between Dead Man's Path and A Tale for Children Research Paper

Comparison between Dead Man's Path and A Tale for Children - Research Paper Example Obi has an intention of closing the path that leads to the burial grounds of the village; however, the villagers contest this action because it puts their heritage, as well as culture into compromise. A person's approach, along with his character in compelling modernization over traditional beliefs is capable of giving rise to conflicts, while, at the same time, resulting into consequences. In Dead Men's Path, the author uses symbols in the setting, as well as characterization in expressing the theme (Achebe 10). In Dead Man’s Path, Obi closes the path to the road that is capable of taking away an opportunity, something that makes this story is a tragedy with a number of symbols. Living in a world that is full of hatred is uneasy, however, living in a world full of happiness happens to be the entire package. In Dead Man’s Path, Obi the chief director of the school makes a wise decision of closing this road since the majority of people in this area go there. Immediately after closing this path, residents begin to get angry; Obi is terrified by the unfolding of these events, especially when people begin coming up to the school, while, at the same time, tearing down everything, not sparing even the school (Elizabeth, Susan & Robert 25). There are a number of horrific things happening within this short story thereby making it a tragedy; being in possession of a school whose path leads to the dead turns out to be an idea that is that amusing. Initially, there is a rise to power when Obi obtains the promotion, which results in him erecting the fence around the school. These actions infuriate the people living in the town; the following day, a pregnant woman, goes into labor, but dies while giving birth, something that infuriates the villagers even more since they think that it is as a result of the closing of that path. It is possible that the baby’s spirit was to exit from where the fence was hence the death of both the mother and baby. After th e woman’s death, people assume that if the path was still open, both the woman, as well as the child, would still be alive and safe. When night falls, they take distinctive items and go ahead to tear down the fence, together with the school. These actions lead Obi to think twice concerning this situation; however, he still does not understand what he did wrong that led to the tragic fall of the fraying down of the fence. In this case, there is a perception of death or death symbolism as following the death of the woman, as well as her baby (Achebe 35). Dead Man’s Path turns out to be a tragedy comprising of a number of symbols. Living for the duration of that time was probably the hardest thing; however, the people of the town succeed in getting through these hard times. Obi fails in understanding that every person in life is in need of a path to walk on, as well as a place to set off in the future. Although Obi’s intention was to help the people in the village, in reality he did remarkably little in helping them, thereby ended up hurting them even much more (Elizabeth, Susan & Robert 68). A Tale for Children is quite different compared to Dead Man’s Path; considering that it is distinctive of a style referred to as magic realism, which is closely incorporated with its author, the Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who is a Colombian novelist. This imaginative style brings together realistic, daily details with

UPS Company Strategy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

UPS Company Strategy - Case Study Example It goes without saying that drivers of organizational change vary across organizations and businesses. However, the main drivers of organizational change can be summarized as follows: (1) information availability and distribution; (2) the pace of technological advancement; (3) the growing availability of technologies; (4) increased business competition; (5) rapid shifts in the global labor and product markets; (6) changes in environmental responsibility and requirements; and (7) changing customer expectations and demands (John, Cannon & Pouder 2001). More often than not companies operating in the present day business environment pursue change to align their strategic goals with the emerging information capabilities and, consequentially, use them to meet the rising consumer demands. As the number of companies in the logistics industry increases, the ability to satisfy customer satisfaction in the most cost-effective manner becomes the main source of companies’ competitive advantage. Nevertheless, the number of challenges faced by companies in the global market does not decrease. â€Å"Integrating activities both within and beyond organizational boundaries has become a major challenge at century’s end and will likely continue for the foreseeable future† (John, Cannon & Pouder 2001, p.145). ... The diversification of companies in the logistic market had the potential to distract UPS consumers with more attractive rates, prices, and services. Second, before the 1990s discipline and efficiency had always been the company’s top strategic priorities. According to Garvin and Levesque (2001), along with discipline and efficiency, continuous improvement had been the company’s principal legacy. The company had historically operated in the atmosphere of constructive dissatisfaction, which further instilled the values of continuous improvement and service excellence on company employees (Garvin & Levesque 2001). The historical commitment to efficiency and discipline and continued attention towards operations left many customers dissatisfied. Apart from the fact that UPS failed to envision changes in customer preferences and demands, discipline and efficiency left little room for monitoring changes in the external business environment. Finally, UPS had never had a formal strategic planning process, which made the implementation of strategic innovations difficult and problematic. As the entire world was changing, UPS definitely needed a fresh breath, and the new CEO had to restructure the company’s basic operations. Since the beginning of the new millennium UPS was constantly trying to define how exactly it could develop and sustain a competitive advantage. The creation of the new strategic planning process became part of the strategic innovations within UPS. Looking further into 2017, UPS anticipates that understanding the factors and forces affecting its market position will become its main strategic goal for years ahead (Garvin & Levesque

Transparency In Government Essay Example for Free

Transparency In Government Essay Introduction. Government organs and state owned enterprises are major buyers and sellers having a great impact on international trade. According to an OECD estimates, the total government procurement worldwide was estimated to be roughly equivalent to 82.3% of world merchandise and commercial services exports in 1998 alone[1]. Such public spending is essential in running government welfare programs such as, health, education, and pension and managing the infrastructure for future development. In order to obtain cost effective prices for contracting the services to run these projects, an efficient public procurement policy that incorporates elements of transparency and competition needs to be established to ensure that the tendering process is open to all interested parties. Besides, knowledge about a country’s contestable shares is important not only for investors, but also governments and trade negotiators. The Chairman of the WTO Working Group on Transparency in Government Procurement Practices, established after the 1996 WTO Ministerial Conference in Singapore, identified Transparency in Government Procurement as one of the twelve issues around which discussions on procurement matters at the WTO have been organized. This paper analyses in depth this issue with a view to improving market access and national welfare. For this purpose, we present the following structure. (SECTION II) The relationship between public procurement, market access and national welfare: Traditionally, public procurement is viewed as a sovereign domain of governments except when it is relinquished in favour of international trade agreements such as the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. Though it’s easy to agree on a policy for ensuring transparency in Public Procurements, the implementation of such a policy depends on, among other factors, whether such an agreement will improve market access for suppliers at the same time cater for the county’s national welfare. Hence the main objective of this paper is to answer the question on whether transparency in Public Procurement can achieve both objectives. Here, we confirm that lack of transparency in PP reduces market access and national welfare only in the short run where the government’s demand is initially more than the total domestic supply but does not affect prices in the long run under perfect market conditions. {Baldwin and Richardson (1972)} at the same time, we examine the trade impact of transparent procurement policy and support the view that non-preferential procurement policy results in huge gains in national welfare. {Lowinger (1976) and Deardorff and Stern (1979)} (Section III) Actual data on the size of government procurement practices: Though the Data on government procurement markets are both scarce and non-standardized, we intend to measure the quantity of government procurements markets in the international trade. We shall also analyze the methodology used in collection and calculation of data from various countries with emphasis on SNA, WTO notifications, EC study based on EU official journal and the â€Å"bottom up approach[2]† The role of the OECD Trade Committee in respect of its analysis of government procurement practices shall also be examined.[3]. Section IV Rationale for discriminative practices: Cost effectiveness, geographical proximity especially for non-tradable goods[4] nationalism, corruption,[5] and protectionalism are some of the rationales that we shall discuss. We shall review the Keynesian theory associating procurement discrimination to macroeconomic development. Some projects that are prone to preferential treatment such as the aviation industry and defence contracts are also discussed. forms of discrimination such as the â€Å"outright exclusion† in which foreign bidders are excluded from tendering process, â€Å"preferential price margin† in which local bidders are preferred as long s the price difference doesn’t exceed specific margin and the concept of   â€Å"domestic content requirement† in which foreign suppliers are automatically disqualified from bidding unless they commit to purchase some components from domestic firms[6] have been reviewed. Section V Summary of the effect of preferential treatment: We present that procurement policies favouring domestic firms and products can impede international commerce especially when there is an outright ban for foreign suppliers. But at the same time local firms will greatly benefit thereby boosting national income. A liberalized policy on the other hand may achieve the WTO aim of market access, which in turn will positively affect national welfare, but transparency reform need not improve market access and welfare simultaneously[7]. We shall also highlight the importance of transparency in PP to global trade initiatives. Section VI Measures to improve transparency in procurement policies: We shall review reform initiatives and the factors aiding or hindering such reforms. International commitment in improving market access and national welfare shall also be discussed. We shall provide an overview of the achievements and failures of the following agreements in this regard. GATT 1947 The Tokyo round 1979 The Uruguay round 1994 The Singapore ministerial conference (1996) The Doha ministerial declaration (2001) Beyond the Cancun collapse The concluding remarks are given in section VII.   ACRONYMS OECD WTO World Trade Organisation SNA EC European Commission EU European Union PP Public Procurement GATT General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs. [1] OECD, The Size of Government Procurement Markets 11-Feb-2002, Available at http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/14/1845927.pdf [2] This is a method of gathering national data on procurement expenditure directly from the national procurement agencies of various countries. [3] Please study OECD Draft instrument on Government Purchasing Policies, Procidures and Practices forwarded to GATT in 1976 for better understanding. [4] Breton and Salmon, (1995) [5] Corrupt officials expand expenditures (Hines, 1997). For a detailed political economy rationale for reform see Hoekman (1998) [6] OECD, The Size of Government Procurement Markets 11-Feb-2002, Available at http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/34/14/1845927.pdf [7] Government procurement: market access, transparency, and multilateral trade rules Simon J. Evenett, Bernard M. Hoekman

Research Strategy of Service Quality Assessment

Research Strategy of Service Quality Assessment Methodology: For this study survey, strategy will be used in order to collect data. Survey researchers are quite distinct from the general surveys conducted for different purposes, including marketing survey. According to Tanur(1982) surveys are generally meant of collecting data related to characteristics, actions, or opinions of a large group of people, referred to as a population. The surveys conducted for research purposes are focused on advancement of knowledge within a specific domain. Research survey data can be collected through different methods, including interviews, questionnaires and observations. In terms of questionnaires, the data can be collected either through open-ended questions in which participants need to provide details answer or closed questions in which participants need to provide select single or multiple answers from the choice of answers. According to Groves et al. (2013) survey data will be biased if the process of the survey is not properly followed, which includes designing, writing, collecting and analysing sub-processes. Figure 1 presents the typical data collection process as describe by Groves et al.(2013)   Ã‚   Figure 1: A survey from process prospective (Groves et. al. 2013,pp.149) For the research survey, strategy will be used and data will be collected through set of questionnaires which respondent will be able to complete themselves. The reason for using questioner as data collection method was because, firstly, this research is using survey strategy and according to Saunders et al. (2012) questioner is one of the most widely used data collection methods within survey strategy. Secondly, since this research will be providing the closed answers which will be used for quantitative data analysis, therefore, questionnaire data collection method is more suited for this research. In terms of sampling, since its pilot data collection and research is focused on general consumer perception about the service delivery and expected quality evaluated through the prism of culture, therefore, as describe by Saunders et al. (2012) probability based sampling technique will be used to identify a group from population for data collection. For quality of data, research has applied stratified random sampling by using the one attribute that has the basic level of experience in terms of service delivery from the population. The validity or according to Saunders et al. (2012) content validity, questions in a survey provide adequate representation for research questions. As describe by Saunders et al. (2012) validity of the content can be evaluated through literature review, which has been provided for this research. For the reliability and consistency in response to the questionnaire, the research is confined to only closed questions with multiple-choice single selection answe rs, and questions are all design using simple language. The questions on the survey are design based upon the research questions, and all the questions in the survey are closed question that is multiple-choice single selection in order to collect consistent data. The order and flow of the questions are carefully design to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. Similarly, in order to avoid blank or missed questions the questions are presented on the same page, Please see the Appendix for actual questionnaire in the survey. Although the research is evaluating the research question using qualitative research methodology, but the data collected through a survey is processed by quantitative data analysis. The data collected through a survey is considered to numerical data, and exploratory data analysis(EDA) approach will be used to process it. According to Saunders et al. (2012) EDA approach for data analysis emphasis on using diagrams and tables for understanding and exploring data. Sin ce this is pilot research, therefore, as describe by Saunders et al. (2012) EDA approach is useful for initially stages of the research. Research instrument and data collection: The survey is divided into two sections first section contains demographic questions two get more understandings about the respondent and their classification. The second section contains the statement about the service encounter which participants had to rate using 7-points Likert scale starting from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Before attempting to rate the statements participants were asked to think of the service they have received from the industries like banks, retail, etc. and use the experience to rate the statements. The survey is conducted electronically by creating the questionnaire on a free online survey conducting website which provides functionality to share a link to the survey. The link to the survey is shared through email and also via different electronic forums, The data collected through the survey is analysed and evaluated after downloading it from the website. Sample data comprised of two sources that is the student of universities and colleges. A total of hundred responses was received out of several hundred survey requests. As the research aims to analyse the effect of culture on customer perception of service, therefore, the sampling framework was clustered into two major group based on their ethnicity that is white and non-white. Population targeted for this research was local consumers living in UK and had received service from industries like banks, retail, etc. in last few months. Participants from the sample are chosen using researchers own intuition and chosen with purpose. (Tellstrom et al., 2006). In order to further evaluate participant demographic information like age and education has also been collected. Measurement: In order to measure a perception of service quality and evolution process, in this SERVQUAL scale will be used, which was developed by Parasuraman et al. (1991). SERQUAL provides 22-items scale, spanning five dimensions (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy), of service quality expectations and, which has been evaluated and validated in numerous studies (Donthu and Yoo, 1998). Although researchers have identified some shortcoming in using SERVQUAL, but the model is most widely referenced and practiced among various industries. The questionnaires in this study were design to capture the customer perceptions of service quality based on five quality dimension of SERVQUAL. For gauging the culture of the survey participant, the study will use the Hofstedes framework of cultural dimensions. Several scholars have proposed alternative frameworks to conceptualize and operational culture to overcome the shortcoming of Hofstedes framework. However, Hofstedes framework is still the most widely used cultural framework in different fields of study, including psychology, sociology, marketing, or management (Soares et al., 2007). The research has used the approach of grouping the participant according to their individual scores on Hofstedes cultural dimension scale resulting in better understanding the role of culture in shaping service perception (Guesalaga et al ., 2016). The survey has been conducted within UK, and participants predominantly belong to western culture but some of the participant involved has a different culture which can give better understand of cultural effect on service quality perception. References Guesalaga, R.; Pierce, M. and Scaraboto, D. (2016), Cultural influences on expectations and evaluations of service quality in emerging markets, International Marketing Review, 33(1), pp. 88-111 Parasuraman, A.; Berry, L. and Zeithaml, V.A. (1991), Refinement and reassessment of the SERVQUAL scale, Journal of Retailing, .67(4), pp. 420-450. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2012) Research methods for business students. 6th edn. Harlow: Pearson. Tanur, J.M.(1982) Advances in methods for large-scale surveys and experiments, in R. Mcadams, N.J. Smelser, D.J. Treiman (eds.), Behavioral and Social Science Research: A National Resource, Part II. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Groves,R. M., Fowler, F.J., Couper, M.P. Jr., Lepkowski, J. M., Singer, E. and Tourangeau, R. (2013), Survey Methodology, First Edition,John Wiley Sons Donthu, N. and Yoo, B. (1998),Cultural Influences on Service Quality Expectations, Journal of Service Research,1(2), pp.178-186 Soares, A. M.; Farhangmehr, M. and Shoham, A. (2007), Hofstedes dimensions of culture in international marketing studies, Journal of Business Research, 60, pp. 277 284

Conflicts in the Epic of Beowulf Essay -- Epic of Beowulf Essay

Beowulf – the Conflicts  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   J.D.A. Ogilvy and Donald C. Baker in â€Å"Beowulf’s Heroic Death† comment on the hero’s culpability in his final conflict:    . . .the author describes Beowulf and the dragon lying dead side by side and observes rather sententiously that it was a bad business fighting with a dragon or disturbing his hoard. Beowulf, he adds, had paid for the treasure with his life. Some commentators seem to consider this passage, combined with Wiglaf’s remarks about Beowulf’s insistence on fighting the dragon alone, as a criticism of Beowulf’s conduct (69).    Beowulf contains considerable conflict, both external and internal. Conflict is how one describes the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist in a literary work (Abrams 225). There is also another type of conflict which takes place within the mind of a given character. These two types of conflict occur within this poem.    H. L. Rogers in â€Å"Beowulf’s Three Great Fights† expresses his opinion as a literary critic regarding conflicts in the poem:    The superhuman forces are Fate, the heathen gods, or the Christian God; conflicts between them and the hero’s character are frequently found. . . .The treatment in the three great fights of the motives of weapons, treasure and society implies a moral idea in which the poet believed: that a man should not trust in the things of this world, for they will fail him. Another aspect of this idea comes out clearly in the account of the first fight: that a man should trust rather in God and in the natural powers God gives him, for these will not fail him(234-37).    King Hrothgar’s construction of Heorot and the subsequent enhancement of the joy of the Danes precipitated t... ...with repeated conflict!       WORKS CITED    Abrams, M. H. A Glossary of Literary Terms, 7th ed. New York: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1999. BEOWULF. From The Harvard Classics, Volume 49.   P.F. Collier & Son, 1910. Translated by Francis B. Gummere. http://wiretap.area.com/ftp.items/Library/Classic/beowulf.txt Clover, Carol F. â€Å"The Unferth Episode.† In The Beowulf Reader, edited by Peter S. Baker. New York: Garland Publishing, 2000. Ogilvy, J.D.A. and Donald C. Baker. â€Å"Beowulf’s Heroic Death.† In Readings on Beowulf, edited by Stephen P. Thompson. San Diego: Greenhaven Press,1998. Clark, George. Beowulf. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1990. Rogers, H. L. â€Å"Beowulf’s Three Great Fights.† In An Anthology of Beowulf Criticism, edited by Lewis E. Nicholson. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1963.

Religious Revival of the 1950s Essay

After Americans endured two decades of continuous depression, war and crisis through the 1930’s and 40’s, they sought a return to normalcy and longed to focus on the more private details of existence. Instead of national objectives, the public concentrated on family, home, and career, while becoming increasingly absorbed in religion. As the 1950’s saw America in a state of national exhaustion, religion-in-general experienced a surge in popularity. Many critical views were silenced or ignored as people became more accepting of a wide variety of beliefs. While the revival was unexpected and unstructured, several events fueled the movement. World War II left the country weary and drained. During the four seemingly-endless years of conflict, almost all churches had rallied behind the war effort. Post-war America a burst in prosperity, and with this support, churches expanded. Church attendance soared while their purpose and goals shifted. As all denominations gained a more powerful voice, they used it to increase their role in society. In 1950, several of the oldest Protestant denominations formed the National Council of Churches in order to improve relations with the government, encourage interchurch connections, and promote projects such as Bible translation.1 This organization also helped to do away with the harsh attitudes and antagonism aimed at Catholicism after the war. Toleration and acceptance seemed to be the key to deepened communication between both church and state as well and Protestants and Catholics. Following World War II, an era known as the Cold War shook American faith in the possibility of a peaceful nation. A war with the Soviet Union looming overhead, the threat of a communist takeover, and the potential for nuclear disaster sent Americans rushing to churches in part to find a sense of stability and security. Survey data shows that Church attendance reached an all-time high 49% of the American population in the mid-1950’s2 while nearly 96% claimed ties to some religious affiliation or another.3 Religion helped them cope with the uncertainty of having to live one of two opposing ways of life; a poverty-stricken, war torn country, or a thriving, peaceful nation  with an economy to support their growing families. Beneath the surface of mainstream optimism due to the booming economy, America’s crises with other countries instilled a sense of urgency concerning salvation. Moral values became somewhat self-indulgent, and self-absorption became characteristic of the religious movement, explaining in part the lack of conflict due to varying beliefs. While foreign affairs helped to shape religion in the 1950’s, it was perhaps the more informal networks that anchored public interest and in turn became more influential. A small organization called the National Association of Evangelicals, founded in 1942, united several theological groups in an effort to spread the message of the gospels. They promoted such campaigns as that of Billy Graham, perhaps the most popular evangelist in American history. Graham both warned the nation of the peril they faced due to communism and failing American foreign policy, while also providing them an escape through salvation in Jesus Christ. His combination of religion and public concern set Protestants to action in the effort to â€Å"save† America. His rallies attracted crowds upwards of a half million in the mid-1950’s.4 Another man offered a much more relaxed message concerning one’s role in society in relationship to religion. Norman Vincent Peale, a minister from the Reformed Church of America who pastored a church in New York City, preached to large crowds using â€Å"psychological, therapeutic, and scriptural elements.†5 Peale encouraged people to practice their faith and visualize how they wanted to live their lives in order to achieve their goals. This approach to religion caused many to call him â€Å"the rich man’s Billy Graham.†6 He wrote the book The Power of Positive Thinking, in 1952. â€Å"Positive thinking† eased the minds of Americans who remained uncertain about war with the Soviet Union and the permanence of economic expansion in the states. Catherine Wood Marshall also wrote a book offering realistic insight and moral inspiration. Women were contributing more directly to public life in  the 1950’s, and when her husband, minister Peter Marshall, died, she gathered his journals and sermons to publish A Man Called Peter. Not only were women writing religious books, but Post-war America saw women entering the ministry. Women had made up the majority of members in church congregations for centuries, but few denominations had recognized them as leaders before the 50’s. Conservative churches limited leadership to Bible studies and social programs, but many major denominations joined the Quakers and Pentecostals in ordaining them as ministers. With an endless reserve of new students and a thriving economy to fall back on, theological schools flourished. Seminaries and other Bible-based schools saw record enrollment. New faculty was added and new areas of study were introduced into the curriculum. Most of these schools became part of the evangelical enterprise, with traveling ministers or radio broadcasts, like those of the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. These schools sought to guide the church leaders of the future while also creating a positive public image for evangelism and religious education. With these new advancements in the Protestant and Catholic churches, also came the growth of other religions. A network called the â€Å"Beat Movement† connected young writers who demonstrated a care-free, often reckless approach to both literature and religion. They joined small religious communities called ashrams, where Eastern religions, including Hinduism, Daoism, and Zen Buddhism were explored. Meditation and yoga were widely practiced. Like other groups of their time, they used their religious beliefs as a social stance. Their opposition to government policy and their desire to separate themselves from mainstream social activity was somewhat evident in their religious preferences. These movements and individuals of the 1950’s have all altered the America in which we live today. One of the most obvious changes that is so often overlooked was the adjustment of the Pledge of Allegiance. In 1954, following a crusade led by the Knights of Columbus,(a Catholic mens’ society), Congress added the words â€Å"under God.† Their desire was for the  pledge to serve both as a patriotic oath and a public prayer.7 Politicians, however, argue to this day about the constitutionality of endorsing religion in the nation’s pledge. Many of these decisions were made before there was substantial concern surrounding the relationship between church and state, and how much each side should be involved in the other. At the same time in Washington, after President Eisenhower was elected, the prayer room and the prayer breakfast were established in the Capitol building. Then in 1955, with the support of the president, Congress added the words â€Å"In God We Trust† to all paper currency. One year later, the same phrase replaced â€Å"E Pluribus Unum† as the nations official motto. Legislators even began to submit Constitutional amendments that ordered Americans to obey â€Å"the authority and law of Jesus Christ.† The government directly fueled the revival in the 1950’s, and the American public fell deeper and deeper into their own interests all the while believing â€Å"what is good for one’s own private interest is good for all,†8 as was mentioned to the country by General Motors’ Charles E. Wilson. National needs began to fall by the wayside as personal improvement took over top priority in the American household. Still, spiritual rebirth was the topic of concern in the minds of the American people. Southern revivalism got a boost with the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. Thousands of black and white Americans alike took part in the movement for justice. The â€Å"Southern Christian Leadership Conference,† attended by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., sought to end racial segregation and was fueled by Christian ideals rather than political agenda. Dr. King, a Southern Baptist minister, lead the non-violent undertaking, which lead to a civil rights movement that extended well into the 60’s and 70’s. He urged Americans to â€Å"stand up for justice, stand up for truth.†9 Americans felt a sense of moral responsibility in the 1950’s. The revival of the decade, if nothing else, proved there was a civil religion in the nation. Most Americans at the time put faith in four basic points. First, the existence of God; second, a life to come; third, they would be rewarded  for the good and punished for their sinful actions; and lastly, that there was no room for religious intolerance if there was to be peace in the nation.10 A change in the religious tone of the country was perhaps most evident in Washington. Even the government and its leaders recognized a â€Å"higher law,† and evidence of their dedication to the fusion of religious principles and democratic ideals is evident still today. They believed that a nation with strong values and beliefs would lead to a responsible social system, a strong sense of patriotism and common ideals around which to base strong communities. Such beliefs created an atmosphere that encouraged religious pluralism and as a result the 1950’s saw some of the most rapid spiritual growth in American history to date.

For music consumers, the shift to the computer-file medium

For music consumers, the shift to the computer-file medium happened years ago. This is particularly true with demographics that have essentially come of age through the evolution of the personal computer, the internet and ecommerce.   Over the course of the early 21st century, â€Å"online buying was most popular among 25-34 year olds and least attractive to the 65+ seniors.† (Vargas, 1)   This same demographic is composed of individuals who, over more than half a decade of unrestrained music downloading access, have come to expect a number of opportunities.Specifically, there is an immediacy to this access that transcends traditional music buying methods, with the click-and-download process bypassing the need to go to a store or wait for an online-ordered item to arrive in the mail.   Songs instantly appear on the consumer’s hard-drive and may subsequently be listened to and burnt to a Compact Disc.   With literally infinite peer-to-peer communities emerging co nstantly to improve the organization, presentation and reliability of such acquisition methods, users still have countless ways to find music for free.Students   at the University of Maryland reflect this exact pattern, and have thus become part of a pattern which runs afoul of music industry needs and legal perceptions.   The proposal here will seek to resolve the impasse by researching the prospects for a partnership with legal music downloading services which will allow students to continue to download for free but under more lawful terms.2. Introduction and BackgroundThe University of Maryland, like all major universities and campuses across America, is faced with an interested and difficult challenge with regard to the issue of illegal music downloading.   It is a well-recognized fact that many students use the high-speed internet provided by the campus itself in order to use peer-to-peer trading programs that allow for the free downloading of pirating music, movies and o ther unauthorized digital items which are characterized as intellectual property.The opportunity for students to engage in this activity represents a distinct conflict of interest for the university, which does not permit the use of its channels for the piracy of music, but which also supports the entitlement of individuals to use the computer technology at their disposal with relative freedom within the limitations of the law.   This proposal will call for a research investigation which effectively determines the best way for the university to improve the legal adherence of its students while simultaneously preserving the student body’s ability to use downloading services according to their desires.The background history of this problem concerns the expansion of technological opportunities and a relative inability of music companies and campuses alike to remain abreast of resulting expectations amongst average music consumers such as those spotting college campuses.  Eve n prior to the complicating arrival of internet technologies, the issue of preserving intellectual property has long been a morass of legal and philosophical entanglements for both the originators and the consumers of said property.On the college campus and in the music industry, this issue takes particular precedence as we struggle today to find balanced ways to compensate artists, entertainers and the portals through which they are delivered to us while simultaneously serving our appetites as consumers who are not being treated well by music gatekeepers.   Bootlegging, a term used throughout history to describe all manner of counterfeiting and marketing of ill-gotten or illegal contraband, today almost automatically conjures up thoughts of the internet.This new frontier for the exchange of intellectual properties has evolved into an abyss of piracy forums and file-sharing operations, as online discussion forums, weblogs and business reports on the subject, culled from the intern et, will reveal in the resulting research project.   As we seek to devise an appropriate mode for study, we can note that there is a very clear sociological divide on how parties involved perceive the implications of this music downloading frontier.For music retailers, who to this juncture have offered hard-copy packages of music at ever-growing industry controlled rates and in the medium defined by current industry standards, the sudden transition to a setting where this content could be acquired for free and at a bypass of conventional media and gate-keeping channels was a shocking one for which most were wholly unprepared.   On the opposite end of the spectrum, the independent ability for users to develop digital exchange technology and to compile digitally stored data such as that available on purchased compact discs represented a new and desirable means of obtaining music.In part a direct product of the evolution of information technologies and in part a natural response to a music industry where output was increasingly over-priced and diminishing in artistic quality, consumers have begun not only to expect but to actively claim a new means to acquiring music.   The new digital medium, which compresses songs into computer files called MP3s, has become the commonly accepted medium for music possession amongst consumers.   In contrast, the industry is struggling only now to catch up.   The proposal here will seek to devise a university approach that inherently acknowledges this gap, and attempts to play a mediating role in bringing only presently emerging paid file-sharing programs into contact with student populations.Key terms which will be considered in the proposal are those of ‘file-sharing,’ ‘intellectual property,’ and ‘online piracy.’3. Proposed Program or Plan of WorkIn the current online file-sharing context, everyday university students have essentially become bootleggers, according to legal resear ch and assertion by both the music industry and the United States Congress.   These are sources which appear to favor the music industry institutions, but in actuality, take a narrow perspective that is damaging to compromise for all parties.   The program proposed here will be informed by a desire to overcome this hindrance to cooperation through a carefully constructed mediation whereby the university determines the best possible way to initiate an ability for students to continue to download music for free without sacrificing a relationship to industry and law.Namely, this process of information gathering and research examination will require a consultation with the music industry in particular.  Ã‚   The music trade, represented by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has insisted that downloading communities are costing the industry millions of dollars in declining sales.   Since the inception of the Napster online music swapping forum in popular culture , there is a broad awareness and exploitation of new and limitless internet resources for the acquisition of free music, with millions of American students logging on everyday to take part in the newly proliferated field of bootlegging.If one is to take the music industry as a case study of the changing nature of commerce with the integration of internet technology, there may be evidence to suggest that the retail approaches traditionally taken by many industries may be subject to extinction.   This is a fact that informs the focus of the study on the best way to court involvement of many music industry players to participate in campus programs designed to streamline downloading opportunities for students.Data gathering will be conducted through a close consultation with such pay sites as Rhapsody and iTunes, which offer users the opportunity to pay either subscription fees or monthly charges.   The University will investigate the potential for partnership with such services, ma king one or multiple downloading sites accessible to students as a part of the university enrollment package.The research process will therefore be structured around a correlation between the apparent downloading practices of students, which can be considered by way of a thorough literature review on current university piracy patterns, and the various terms upon which music industry players are willing to participate in programs which increase user access across university settings.   One expected challenge in this research process is the likelihood that gatekeeper based file downloading programs will not offer a sufficient alternative to many students who already enjoy the benefits of peer to peer trading.   This is an issue which inclines us to enter the proposal with an intent to evaluate and promote the distinct benefits of legal downloading where both options are available to individuals at no cost.4. Qualifications and ExperienceThe process of developing this experimental research process will primarily be based upon the dispatching of university personnel to effectively navigate the marketing aspects which are likely to take a center stage in the resolution of mutually beneficial programs for industry players and students.   Likewise, one who is familiar with the subject of student behaviors in this context will be dispatched to conduct the literature reviewer on habituation.5. BudgetThe cost of the process will be relatively modest, with major resources being limited to those required to conduct research on present behaviors.   It is the proposed ambition here that partnership with many of these services will be directly based upon the presence of agreed-upon sponsorship arrangements in which students are granted unfettered access to programs in exchange for the university’s promotion of service brand names.   Thus, the cost should be no greater than an estimated $10,000 required for the time and personnel used to conduct basic researc h.6. AppendicesThe task schedule will be centered on the start of a new fall semester, with the summer months employed to gain the partnerships needed to implement a trial program for incoming students.Bibliography:Borland, John.   (April 9, 2003).   Music Industry:   Piracy is choking sales.   CNET News. Online at .Garrity, Brian.   (2004).   MP3 Blog sites cause concern.   Billboard Magazine.  McClintock, Pamela.   (March 14, 2004)   Copyright Piracy Draws Anti-Terror Scrutiny.   Washington Variety.Timms, Dominic.   (July 9, 2004).   Online piracy dogs movie industry.   The Guardian.Vargas, Melody.   (2005).   Cyberspace Vs. Parking Mall Space.   About the Retail   Industry.   Online at   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   .

Piaget’s Developmental Psychology Essay

Piaget (1896-1980) believed that there was a quantitative difference between the intelligence of adults, young children and older children. He believed adults have better knowledge of the world and because children do not use the same logic in there thinking. He believed that children’s logic changed as they developed through their four stages of life Piaget came to this conclusion after completing his cognitive development test. Unlike psychologist Siegler and Huges, Piaget is a theoretical psychologist and carried out many experiments to illustrate his theories. These stages have been critisied by many psychologist including Hughes, Siegler, Rose, Blank. Sensorimotor Stage Piaget believed that a new born had basic biological motivations, and acquired knowledge by accommodation and assimilation, and once a child has acquired these schemas it would be at equilibration. It has been argued that Piaget underestimated the intelligence of a newborn. Piaget’s sample did not illustrate a wide variety of children therefore his experiment cannot be related to every child at that relevant age. His study was also only preformed on his own children therefore results could have been bias. Similar experiments were devised by other psychologist giving different conclusions, indicating Piaget’s results were not always reliable. Piaget’s first stage stated that a baby (0-2) first explores the world using motor and reflex actions. For example a child reaches towards an object and after many attempts will be able to eventually grasp the object and then bring the object to its mouth and will continue to explore it uses the senses of taste and smell. A child is said to have completed this stage of development once they have obtained object permanence (a child understands that an object still exists even when it is not visible). This theory was tested by giving a 5-6 months old child a toy to play with, the toy was covered with a cloth and the baby’s behavior observed. Results showed that a baby immediately lost interest as if the object never existed. However when tested with a 10 month old child it would continue to reach for the toy although it could not see it. Another explanation is that the child did not think the toy had seized to exist but was distracted by the movement of the cloth, which is why the child looks away and appears to have ‘forgot’ the toy. Bower and Wishart (1972) argued that it does still exist in a babies mind even when it may not be visible. There experiment was done on a baby less than four months; the baby was offered a toy but as it reached for the toy the lights were switched off this showed that even when the lights were off the child continued to reach for the toy. It can be argued that the child was not reaching out for the toy but was just reaching due to the discomfort of the sudden darkness. This study could also go against the ethics as the child could have been experiencing fear from the sudden loss sight. Pre-operational Stage At this stage a child develops symbolic thinking; another characteristic of this stage is egocentrism. Piaget devised a three mountain task to test this theory. A child was sat in front of a three mountains model, a doll was then placed at varies positions in the modeled mountains and pictures were presented, they were asked to pick the picture that represented what the doll could see. Four and five year olds selected the picture showing what they could see, this suggested that they thought the doll could see what they could identifying egocentrism. However most seven years old were able to identify the correct picture. Due to Piaget’s selection of children it was very difficult to apply his findings to others, his own children were used throughout most of his experiment and any others were from well educated backgrounds. It can be argued that this experiment lacked ecological validity as the child could not relate to the situation they were presented with. Hughes devised a task to test egocentrism in a child but relating to an everyday situation, children as young as three and a half answered the question correctly, and 90% of children tested altogether were able to give the correct answer. Concrete operational stage A child enters this stage when they understand the appearance of something may change although the item itself remains the same. Piaget tested this stage by setting out a row of counters in front of each child, than asking the child to make another row the same as the first one. Piaget would than spread out his row of counters and ask the child if there were still the same amount of counters. This experiment tested a child’s conservation of numbers. Most seven year olds were able to answer this question correctly concluding by the age of seven children are able to conserve numbers. To test the conservation of liquid Piaget collected two identical glasses A + B and a taller thin container C and asked the child which container held more, he then transferred the liquid from A+B to C and asked the child again. When a child was able to identify that both containers held the same amount of liquid they had achieved the concrete operational stage. Many aspects of this test have been criticized, including the social context of the child’s understanding. Rose and Blank argued that when a child is asked the same question twice they assumed there first answer was incorrect and changed their answer. When Rose and Blank replicated this experiment and only asked the question once most six years olds gave the correct answer. McGarriglr and Donaldson (1974) argued that as the adult changed the appearance children would assume this was significant so devised an experiment were the appearance of the items were changed accidently. Children tested were between four and six, results showed that more than half tested gave the correct answer. Confirming children conserve at a younger age than Piaget claimed. Formal Operational Stage A child shows logical thinking but generally needs to be able to work through sequences with actual objects. Once a child can manipulate ideas in their head it has entered the formal operational stage. Piaget tested this by giving each child string and weights and told them to find out which factors affects a complete swing of the pendulum they could vary the weights, length of string and strength of push. Piaget found children who had entered the formal operational stage approached the task systematically testing one variable at a time. Psychologist Robert Siegler (1979) tested children aged five and upwards, by using the balance beam test. Results showed that eventually the child would take into account the interaction between the weight and the disc but would not achieve this ability until they were between 13 and 17. This concluded that children’s cognitive development is based on acquiring and using rules in increasingly more complex situations instead of stages. Conclusion Piaget tested his children and well-educated professionals therefore making his findings ungeneralised and potentially bias. Subsequent questions relating to the child’s individual answer may have led children to give the answer researchers were looking for. Piaget underestimated the ability of children’s social understanding. A child’s perception of an adult the importance of a familiar context and the meaning of a second question all affect a child’s performance. Weaknesses in Piaget experiment prevent children from showing what understood. Piaget overestimated the age at which children entered the formal operational stage (Siegler). As Piaget focused on individual children he failed to take social settings into account. He failed to show that development is continuous and not in stages Evidence suggests that environmental factors, ethics and gender could alter a child’s development. Small samples and controllability of variables were not taken into account. Piagets had very little evidence to support his findings and believed that his finding could be applied to every child. Piaget’s focus on qualitative development has played an important role on education. Piaget opened the opportunities for others to learn and discover more on how children development.