Children of Polygamy Essay Example for Free

Children of Polygamy Essay With reasonable guidelines in place to prevent human right violations, should polygamy be legal in Canada? First of all, a clear definition of the term is required: â€Å"Polygamy occurs when one husband is married to two or more wives† (Ozkan,M et al,215) . This scenario is not common in North America however has been known to occur in the past. To gain an insight to the world of polygamy, it seems that research has been undertook investigating its effects in areas of the world where it is more common, for example, the Muslim world. The decision as to whether Polygamy should be legal in Canada will be based on the research found on the effects of Polygamy on both the children of the senior and junior wife. â€Å"A senior wife is defined as a woman who was followed by another wife into the marriage. A junior wife is the most recent wife joining the marriage† (Al-Krenawi,447). In-depth research has taken place into the emotional, psychological and behavioural effects on children from polygamous families, as well as the effects on academic achievement compared to that of monogamous families. Most experts agree that children from Polygamous families are negatively affected by polygamy in terms of their academic achievement, behaviour, and their emotional and physiological stability. Therefore, Polygamy should not be legal in Canada, in order to protect children from the harmful effects associated with it. An Investigation into the effects on education on Bedouin-Arab school children showed significantly higher scholastic achievement in the children from monogamous families when compared with children from polygamous families, based on grades in Hebrew, Arabic, Arithmetic and reading comprehension, recorded in their school files. (Krenawi Lightman, 350) As for behavioural problems, Krenawi, Graham et al describe how the â€Å"Competition for support and resources among wives in polygamous families may lead to tensions between co-wives and between the children of different co-wives† (456). The conflicts between the wives are often fuelled by jealousy which, in turn, increases the chances of conflict between the siblings of the wives. The increase in conflict and violence is likely to result in earlier drop out from school and higher probability of succumbing to other social problems such as drugs. (Krenawi Lightman,353). Al-Krenawi’s journal links the children’s behavioural problems with their emotional state: â€Å"Jealousy, competition and fighting among the different wives leads to the children regarding the children of the other wife not as siblings but as enemies. The resulting hatred and hostility affected the children both emotionally and socially. † (37). Research has shown that â€Å"Such problematic maternal psychosocial dynamics, in turn, may adversely influence adolescents’ self-identity, self-esteem and psychological well-being† (Shek 159). Self-esteem is looked at in great deal throughout the research. Krenawi and Graham define self-esteem as a wish to think well of one’s self; It also relates to self-respect and the person’s perception of worth. Children from polygamous families are especially prone to this, due to low-interest from their fathers, especially children of senior wives. Studies showed lower parental interest, lower interest when compared with other siblings contributed to low self-esteem among children in polygamous families. (457). Another table from this journal has results which show children from Polygamous families scored higher in areas including depression, anxiety, hostility, paranoid ideation and psychotism and scoring lower in family functioning (which includes relationships, functioning and communication within their family) as well as the self-esteem test. (452), We see that these psychological problems that polygamous children face are the major contributor to their lack of academic achievement, it is not as first thought a direct consequence of polygamy. It is more of an indirect consequence of polygamy. Observing from another perspective, evidence is found by Cherian that reveals â€Å"A positive and statistically significant relationship was found between parental interest and children’s academic achievement, regardless of whether the family was monogamous or polygamous† (736). Throughout the research into polygamy there were occasions where interviews were conducted with members of polygamous families, first hand evidence can be very powerful however we see contrasting views here first we will look at those in favour of polygamy. In the paper ‘Polygamy and its Impact on the Upbringing of Children’ by M. Khasawneh et al, we see a mother asked about the impact of polygamy, to which she answers â€Å"Did not affect the children† (577). There is also a statement from a child who states â€Å"Polygamy is a very appropriate process†. Clearly displays that both the mother and a child of polygamy both seem to support polygamy. However, if we look at the experts’ opinion of the mother Khasawnehs’ paper, we see that they believe that the wives views may not be accurate. Since the families would be aware of their responses, it made it difficult for the wife to make an honest declaration, as this could negatively affect her family life (572). Although there is little doubt that the child’s statement was not an honest one, we see that there are other responses which do not show the children in favour of polygamy. Although a number of children believed that their fathers did not discriminate between or separate them, several also did not approve of polygamy and seen it as â€Å"something they were forces to adapt to† (572). This view is further supported by a child who is asked their opinion and views on polygamy to which he answers: â€Å"Polygamy is for necessity only, and with conditions to be just and fair. I do not support polygamy at all no matter what the reasons are. † (577). Another child answers the same question with: â€Å"I encourage polygamy because there is a large number of girls. † (577) This brings up the condition which is very important for polygamy: If there is an imbalance in the ratios of male to female then it is a valid argument that polygamy is a solution to spinsterhood. However Referring back to the question on Canada, we find from Statistics Canada online that the population of males and females is approximately equal 17. 6 to 17. 3 million (StatCan) . As for the argument on education, although we have observed that parental interest influences both monogamous and polygamous children’s academic achievement, equally, it is clear that other behavioural, emotional and physiological factors contribute and can potentially have a harmful effect on academic achievement too. In conclusion it is clear, from studies on Polygamy in Muslim countries, that there is overwhelming evidence to show that Polygamy has a detrimental effect on the upbringing of children, and this is made clear in the research surrounding its negative effects on the wives, the senior wives in particular. Krenawi and Graham make that point that in order to reduce problems which associated with polygamy arising, early interventions by school officials and other services may help improve academic achievement, socioeconomic status as well as improved family functioning. (455) . Referring back to the idea of parental interest being a big contributor to the academic achievement of the children no matter what family structure they belong to however it is clear to see that a father will have a certain about of time available to give to his children if this time which was once for one family alone is not split between 2 families in 2 different households, it becomes obvious that it will become impossible for the father to give an equal amount of his time that he was able to give in the past. Therefore even with reasonable guidelines put in place ,possibly similar to the one practiced in Muslim countries, where the husband must prove he can financially look after his wives and children, I still feel there are a far greater number of disadvantages to this and therefore it should not be made legal in Canada. Word Count (1,442) Bibliography Al-Krenawi,A. Graham. J. R Sonim-nevo, V. (2002) Mental Health Aspects of Arab-Israeli adolescents from polygamous versus monogamous families. Journal of social Psychology, 142, 446-460. Al-Krenawi, S. Lightman, (2000). Learning, Achievement and Family conflict Among Bedouin-Arab children from polygamous and monogamous families. The journal of social psychology 140(3), 345-355. Cherian,V. I. (1993) . The Relationship between Parental interest and academic achievement of Xhosa Children from Monogamous and Polygamous families. The Journal of Social Psychology, 133, 733-736. M. Khasaweh,o,Y. Hijazi, H. Salman. N( 2011). Polygomy and Its Impact on the Upbringing of children. A Jordanian Perspective, Journal of Comperative Family Studies. 563-577 Ozkan,M,Altindag,A. ,Oto R Sentunali,E (2006) . Mental Health Aspects of Turkish Women from Polygamous Versus Monongamous Families. Turkey. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, (52), 214. Shek,D. T. L (1998) A Longitudinal Study of the Relation between Parental-adolesent conflict and adolescent psychological well-being. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 159, 53-67.

The Epic Of Gilgamesh | Analysis

The Epic Of Gilgamesh | Analysis The epic of Gilgamesh, is one of the oldest pieces of literature still read to date and the themes are still some that society can relate to. The trials and tribulations the main characters in this epic poem go through can easily be used to interpret challenges in peoples everyday life today. Gilgamesh the hero in the story who is also king to the great city of Uruk is blessed with strength, wisdom, beauty and is two-thirds god like. Gilgamesh is also very arrogant, self-absorbed and most certainly, lonely. The people of the city of Uruk pray to the gods for help with Gilgamesh and the gods send Enkidu. Enkidu is a wild, natural and carefree man who has subsisted in the woods. On a day when Gilgamesh is on his way to do what he feels is his birth right and sleep with a bride to be of one of his men Enkidu blocks him and challenges him to a fight. Gilgamesh who is undeniable the more powerful one of the two wins. Enkidu praises the king instead of being upset and causes Gilgamesh in r eturn to embrace Enkidu as his friend. This is the beginning of a bond of friendship in which both are opposites but they balance each other out. This is also where the transformation of Gilgamesh begins we see how meeting his complement teaches him to appreciate humanity and the bond of brotherhood that grows between them. Gilgamesh finally realized that the feeling of loneliness that he felt was the yearning of his soul for a true friend. Although it is a very primitive way but Gilgamesh begins to show signs of selflessness as soon as he brings his new found friend Enkidu home. Gilgamesh introduces his new friend to his mother, Gilgameshs mother adopts Enkidu he becomes not only the servant, confidant, and friend of Gilgamesh, but also he is referred to as a blood brother. The first journey that Gilgamesh proposes is an attempt to lift his friends spirits because he had noticed his weeping, Gilgamesh speaks, why are your eyes full of tears, why are you listless, your strength turned to weakness? (Gilgamesh, Tablet 2, 136-137). Gilgamesh has failed to get to know his friend and his action seem careless and selfish. When his intentions are to share what he feels would be a good time with Enkidu. Gilgamesh is not aware of the dangers in the forest and tells Enkidu they should journey into the forest and kill Humbaba. Enkidu attempts to speak some sense into Gilgamesh about the dangers of the wild but of course Gilgamesh still being selfish does not see his friend is trying to protect him. They set out to the forest Enkidu is entrusted to take care of the king of Uruk and bring him back home safe. Thought these two men just met there bond is immediate and while in the forest the trust Gilgamesh has in Enkidu is so great that when he wakes from sleeping tells his friends his dreams and feels comfort in his interpretation of them. When they finally reach their goal and confront the monster Humbaba in the forest the influence they have on each other is obvious. Gilgamesh the never wavering strong one has second thoughts and here come Enkidu and tell him those words of encouragement he needs to hear and Gilgamesh kills Humbaba. The men return home and are content for a while. As time progresses the loyalty Gilgamesh and Enkidu have towards each other grows. Almost childlike the way Enkidu responds to the princess and also goddess Ishtar who attempted to kill Gilgamesh in a fit of rage because he refused to marry her. Enkidu says to Ishtar If I could vanquish you, Id turn you to this, Id drape the guts beside you! (Gilgamesh, Tablet 6, 154-155). Enkidu is referring to the guts of the bull of heaven the princess had released to kill Gilgamesh but it failed to do so instead the two friends join together and kill it taking its horns as a trophy. The men caring spirit towards each other even though the response is playful in nature it brings comfort to the other to know that they have each others back. Unfortunately the gods felt that the insult towards Ishtar was enough and decide to punish the two friends. In the mist of all their adventures Gilgamesh has still never experienced a loss and still he feels that he is invincible. In spite of all of Gilgameshs p ower, he is incapable of preventing Enkidus death. Enkidu the great friend of Gilgamesh dies a death he considers to be a curse, he would have much rather a glorious death in battle but instead he lays in bed and waste away from an illness. This is the first time that Gilgamesh feels lost and helpless even his mighty strength cannot save his friend. Also Gilgamesh will get in touch with his human side and feel fear for he finally has come to the realization that he is human and death comes to all even him. Gilgamesh says, The fate of mankind has overtaken him, Six days and seven nights I wept for him, I would not give him up for burial, until a worm fell out of his nose. I was frightened (Gilgamesh, Tablet 10, 58-61) Gilgamesh referring to his friend Enkidu, that even after his death he was holding on to the hope that just maybe hes friend would wake up somehow. It took him seven days to finally realize that he is powerless against death. Gilgamesh gives his friend a lavish burial ceremony, lays him to rest in what he describes as a perfect resting place. The king also serves many offerings to the rulers of the underworld so that his friend is taking care of. Gilgamesh also calls on his craftsmen and has them build a statue in the image of his great friend covered in gold and other precious metals and stones to forever immortalize his friend. The fact remains Gilgamesh realizes his full humanity when Enkidu dies and he decides to go on a quest to search for immortality. Gilgamesh still consumed with pride will go on one last journey to seek eternal life, for he fears that his death will one day come just like it did for his friend Enkidu. Gilgamesh has become more aware of the vulnerability that comes along with being human. Without knowing he has also learned to care for another human being other than himself. Gilgamesh still full of pride refuses to give up and begins his journey. Along the way Gilgamesh encounters a few obstacles, first it was a pair of serpents that guard the entrance of the mountain he intends to pass. He pleads with them to let him through and tells them he is searching for eternal life, even though they tell him that he will never find it he is relentless and refuses to give up so they let him through. Next, he encounters Siduri the tavern keeper who tell him again immortality is not for humans but Gilgamesh refuses to listen, he pleads saying he is heartsick for his friend and to please allow him to cross or he will never ha ve peace within. But Siduri advises him and tell him that he should be content and enjoy his life and tells him This, then, is the work of mankind (Gilgamesh, Tablet 10, 90). The king of Uruk has ability to live life to the fullest to be merry, but instead he refuses and continues his search for something that is not attainable to human beings. Gilgamesh reaches the sea which is the last obstacle he believes he needs to cross to reach Utanapishtim the oldest human known to man and the only human who has been granted immortal life by the gods. Gilgamesh believes that by reaching him he will find the answer hes looking for and be granted eternal life. After finally crossing the waters of death Gilgamesh finally reaches Utanapishtim and tells him the purposes of his journey is to seek eternal life. Gilgamesh says Enkidu, my friend whom I loved has turned into clay! Shall I not lie down like him, and never get up, forever and ever?(Gilgamesh, Table 10, 265-267). In an effort to gain compassion from Utanapishtim this great King of Uruk will go into great detail in telling him of all the hardships he had to endure in his journey to reach the only person that may be able to tell him how to obtain immortality. Utanapishtim, does the opposite of what Gilgamesh expect him to do, instead of feeling pity for Gilgamesh he points out that all the hardships he has endured are by choice. Gilgamesh does not want to hear that instead he presses to know the reason why he has been granted immortality; finally he learns the story of the flood and why the gods granted Utanapishtim everlasting life. Utanapishtim gives Gilgamesh one chance to everlasti ng life and challenges Gilgamesh to stay awake for a week, he fails when he wakes Gilgamesh says What then should I do, Utanapishtim, whither should I go, Now that the Bereaver has seized my [flesh]? Death lurks in my bedchamber, and wherever I turn there is death! (Gilgamesh, Tablet 10, 246-249). With nowhere else to go with his quest of eternity Utanapishtim sends Gilgamesh home not before telling him to count his blessings and enjoy his life. He also gives him a plant of everlasting youth that again Gilgamesh fails to take care of and drops it allowing a snake to eat it. Gilgamesh weeps and finally realizes that although he searched far and wide for the secret of immortality, he found nothing and lay exhausted. Gilgamesh returns home and for the first time he looks at his great city of Uruk with pride. The Epic of Gilgamesh showed the reasons of Gilgameshs grief and why his attempt to do the impossible was so important to him. In a way Gilgamesh was looking to see if there was anything he could do and maybe be able to bring his friend Enkidu back to life. Enkidu shows Gilgamesh true friendship and love. It also showed how loyal friends could be to each other and how fast a friendship is born. The two friends learn from each other and support each other through all their journeys together. As Enkidu becomes more civilized by leaving his wild nature behind him, Gilgamesh was becoming a more selfless human being and leaving the tyrant king he used to be behind him Even though the two men had nothing in common in the surface they took notice of each others kindred spirits. Friends on impulse who formed a bond for no apparent reason but in return give us a glance at what it means to have a best friend and confidant. This also tells us that it doesnt matter how much humanity evolves the bonds we form with friends or family are just as important today as they were centuries ago.

Marketing Performance Metrics: Coca-cola

Marketing Performance Metrics: Coca-cola Marketing Performance Metrics Abstract The purpose of the study was to investigate the marketing performance metrics with a specific reference to Coca Cola Company and Net Marketing Contribution over the Life Cycle. The study will assist many companies in formulating strategies to be used as benchmark or the strategies to improve NMC. Marketing Performance Metrics Introduction Measuring marketing performance is an external activity that helps to understand the customer’s perception and the competitor’s position in the industry. Many organizations sets different tools to use as benchmarks so as to identify the staffs’ performance and the rate of income. ROA and ROI are the main used financial measures to measure the internal financial statues. Part 1: Discuss Three Measures of Marketing Performance Marketing metrics are the numeric data that allows the marketers to analysis their performance against the organizational objectives. The metrics help to take corrective measures in case there is a deviation between the targeted plans and the achieved performance of staffs (Neely, 2001). They have various measurement elements that includes number of produced products, net sales billed, design registrations and a research on the brands to determine to determine the brand’s awareness. Metrics makes it easy for marketers to justify their budget that is based on sales returns. Three Measures of Marketing Performance The activity-based metrics among the popular metrics used in analyzing performance. It involves statistical calculating and reporting. The main type of activity-based metrics includes tracking website visitors, downloads and attendees at the firm’s events. This approach rarely link the marketing operations to the business outcomes. Instead, the business results like the customer value, market share and adoption of a new product provides an improved correlation. The main focus of MPM is to measure aggregated efficiency and effectiveness of the marketing firm. These specific metrics have some categories that includes the marketing effect on the preference shares, the average order quantity, the rate of customer acquisition, the growth of consumer’s buying rate, business share, loyalty and net advocacy, margin, growth rate compared to market competition and the total customer engagement. MPM is also used to determine the rate at which operational efficiency and the outside performance. If Coca Cola Company decides to manage its marketing activities it uses the operations performance metrics. The firm will hire extra personnel to work as marketing finance directors and marketing operations director. Basically the marketing team will collect data about program-to-people ratios, cost-sales, awareness-to- demand rate and the rate of conversation. This metrics primarily provides the firm with different ways of rationalizing the marketing investments but this strategy fails to correlate marketing to business performance and strategy. The approach helps marketers to find out how the firm’s resources are utilized. The external performance are aligned with the firm’s outcome and helps to determine the firm’s value to its customers and the firm’s performance in relation to its competitors (Neely, 2007). If Coca Cola Company wants to determine the key performance indicator (KPI), top-down approach is the best approach to use. The first step in this approach includes making decisions that defines the scope. To come up with KPI and metrics, the marketers predicts on the likely results they are trying to influence. Asking opposite questions follows (Shaw et al, 1997), the answers help to determine the relationship between the questions and the outcome. The data that is required to answer the question is then determined. Marketers then searches for this data and determines the corrective measures to be taken. The measures undertaken aims at making it possible to achieve the goals. The organization needs to continuously monitor and analyze its marketing performance metrics. This gives the organization intelligence in competition, have a chance to assess their market weaknesses and strengths and come up with a calculated budgetary opinions through the marketing mix. This will give the organization competitive advantages over its competitors. The profits of the firm will also increase. The Major brands use return on marketing investment (ROMI), return on marketing objectives (ROMO) and the marketing return on investment (ROI) to prioritize and distribute their marketing investments. They help them to decide on the most profitable portfolio. A firm needs to analyze the ROMI, ROMO and ROI of a project for more than a year. This will protect the firm’s investigations. The method selected in monitoring the marketing process must be easy and cheap to implement. Training should be carried out to train the staffs on the best benchmark and how it is used. Staffs should take part in determining the best benchmark to use. This brings a sense of belonging and appreciation of the worker to the company and management when you nvolve them in management roles. Part 1: Analyze Metrics Used to Evaluate the Measures The above measures can be measured using the following metrics (Leroy, 2011): Correct quantity, measuring the weight, counting the units and weighing the contents are the main used types of measurement. Supplying customers with the right quality will strengthen the level of trust with your customers hence making it easy to retain them. An independent team is set aside in an organization to measure the products quantity and to make sure the customer gets what they specify in terms of size. Elasticity to respond to unanticipated demands, this refers to the ability of a firm to adjust so as to meet the current demand. A metric will be used to measure the degree of change, this makes it easy to identify the level at which the firm is flexible. Quality level, TQM is a tool to measure quality. The metrics will make sure the level of a product’s level is standardized. Controlling quality can also be done by the state authority to ensure a firm offers its customers with quality products. Firms that offer less standardized products are fined for the same. The total quality management is employed to control the quality of a good or service. The staffs who produce quality products are rewarded with gifts and appraisals. The staffs whose products are below the standard are trained and encouraged to produce quality products. Existence of accreditation or other certification, after completion of a training a firm is issued with a certificate to show its participation. The certificates act as a measure of qualification and experience attained. Customers prefer to contract a firm that has experience and is highly rated in the industry. On-time delivery can be used to measure how a firm values its customers. If a firm supplies its products on time this shows the supply chain is well managed. In a case of failed or late delivery, less care is taken on the customer and the likeliness to loss the customer is high. Part 1: Case Study that Exemplifies Best Practices of each Measure. Coca-Cola Company is an example of a company that demonstrates the best practices of the above measures. According to the company’s website they put their customers to be the king and aims at providing the best so as to retain the customers and to attract new customers. Coca-Cola Company has an independent department that deals with quality control. The unit makes sure quality is maintained through the supply chain from when raw materials are obtained from the supplier to when they are delivered to the customer. The team tests the product at each level of manufacturing to make sure the right contents and composition are used. The team is also involved in ensuring quality services are offered to the customers. They establishes feedback programs as a way to allow the customers to get back to them. The company parks its drinks in containers of different sizes. A team is established in the company to make sure only the correct quantity is supplied to the users. The team weighs at random the already packed products and in case of a deviation the whole pack is weighed and repacking is done. Customers have trust in Coca-Cola because there products are correctively packed. Elasticity to respond to unanticipated demands, the company produces its products in great volumes. The products are then stored in its outlet’s warehouse. If the demand is low the supply is kept low but if the demand changes and more of their products are demanded the firm supplies more. They have special facilities to store their products for a long period. The firm is certified and customers are confident in its products. It has been in the market for a long time hence gathering more experience on the type of products to produce. The company has learnt different ways of surviving in the market and how to win more customers. They now provide different types of soft drinks. Coca-Cola Company has set outlets all over the world. This makes it easy to meet the buyer’s order on time with no dely. Transportation of the product from their warehouse to your premises is very fast. The drinks will be transported in crates or packed in cartons to avoid breakages and maintain a deliverable state. Part 2: Short-Run Marketing Strategy Short-run marketing strategy refers to a duration of time which only few factors can be changed as there is no enough time for changing the other variables in marketing strategies. Marketing Strategy is a detailed and specific tactics that are established and designed to be used over a period of time depending on the range of the plan (Neely, 2001). Advertising and media relations strategies used by the Coca Cola Company have an effect on the net marketing contribution both in short-term and in long-term. In short-term, once the firm has decided to increase its efforts in advertisements commercial so that it reaches many people. There will be an increase in the product awareness and hence increase in the sales level. Once the sales are high the NMC will be high. In case the public fails to respond in a positive manner the firm will suffer loss as the advertisement costs will be very high compared to the income from the goods sold (Tanzania Society, 1966). In short-term a lot of advertisement will be profitable to the firm as the sales will be high. The media relation refers to how a firm uses the media including the social media to market its products. In short-run using the media will be expensive as it needs time to gain publicity. This in return will lead to a fall in NMC. Many large beverage companies like Coca Cola were late in entering the product-markets of bottled water, fruit drinks, sports drinks, iced coffee, and energy drinks due to SHORT-TERM VISION. Part2: Analyze Net Marketing Contribution in the Introductory Stage During the product introductory phase the net marketing contribution is negative as no profits are made from selling the product. The income obtained is used to cover the high costs of advertisement and promotional costs incurred. The firm incurs loss (Louw, 2012). With proper advertisement the product survives this stage and the NMC start to raise as the product has gained customers. The advertisement costs are now low. Part2: Analyze Net Marketing Contribution in the Late Growth Stage As the product moves through its lifecycle, NMC will reach the break-even point, then grow, to peak, flattens and then starts to decline due to decrease in the market demand. At the end-growth stage the NMC starts to flatten as the product is now in the market and has gained its customers. When a new substitute product is introduced into the market, many customers will shift their preference. This will lead to decrease in demand of the product causing NMC to start falling. If the firm fails to add flavors to the product it might die and overtaken by the new product (Northern Marianas College.). The graph below shows the movement of the NMC along a product lifecycle. Conclusion In conclusion we can summarize the above by saying that a firm must choose the most profitable portfolio to invest. Investment affects both the profitability and the NMC of a firm. The firm needs to understand the product cycle so that it determines the type of advertisement to use. References Neely, A. (2001). Business performance measurement: Theory and practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.  Ã‚   Top of Form Neely, A. D. (2007). Business performance measurement: Unifying theories and integrating practice. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Bottom of Form Shaw, R., Mazur, L., FT Retail Consumer Publishing. (1997). Marketing accountability: Improving business performance. London: FT Retail Consumer Publishing Tanzania Society. (1966). Tanzania notes and records. Dar es Salaam: Tanzania Society. Louw, A. (2012). Ambush marketing and the mega-event monopoly: How laws are abused to protect commercial rights to major sporting events. The Hague: T.M.C. Asser Press. Northern Marianas College. (n.d.). Performance report on strategic master plan implementation and assessment of institutional effectiveness. Saipan, MP: Northern Marianas College, Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Leroy, G. (2011). Designing user studies in informatics. London: Springer. Books.google.com,. (2015). isbn:1607522330 Google Search. Retrieved 8 January 2015, from https://books.google.com/books?isbn=1607522330 Electricity and Transportation: Decreasing Energy Consumption Electricity and Transportation: Decreasing Energy Consumption Consider one of these two sectors: electricity or transportation. What policies do you suggest for the sector to decrease energy consumption? What is the rebound effect associated with each of the suggested policies? How would you quantify these rebound effects so that you are certain that the suggested policy results in a net benefit? How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your suggested policy with respect to the generated rebound effect? What policies do you suggest for the sector to decrease energy consumption? In 2008, transportation accounted for 28% of the energy consumption and 33% of the CO2 emission, but a much larger 71% of the consumption of liquid fuels in the US [1]. To reduce the magnitude of energy consumption from the transportation sector and help prevent its bad effect on the environment, a proper policy must be put in place. US Congress specifies that CAFE standards must be set at the â€Å"maximum feasible level given consideration for technological feasibility, economic practicality, effect of other standards on fuel economy, and need of the nation toconserveenergy [2]. In this term paper, I would suggest combination of CAFE standards combined with carbon tax on fuel price. What is the rebound effect associated with each of the suggested policies? One advantage of CAFE standards over fuel is that the standards provide a quantitative target whose effects on energy consumption can be reasonably well predicted [1]. However, the standard has rebound effect. The rebound effect refers to the social and behavioral responses to the introduction of more energy efficiency technologies and processes by which there is a corresponding increase in energy service demands. In general, rebound is thought of as a ratio of the lost energy savings as it might compare to the total expected savings from efficiency. A comprehensive measure of rebound includes both direct and indirect effects which can occur at both the micro level (within households, businesses and organizations) and at the macro level (economy-wide effects). Direct rebound effects are those that result from an increase in the use of a device that is deemed more energy efficient. Cars provide the best examples. When a more efficient car results in an increase in vehicle miles traveled, the lost energy savings are considered to be direct rebound effects. Indirect rebound effects are those that have less direct causal chains and result from increases in consumerism (acquisitiveness) by buying new vehicle, increased vehicle production, and increased air pollution [3]. How would you quantify these rebound effects so that you are certain that the suggested policy results in a net benefit? Some studies in macro and micro economic have shown that rebound effect value range is between 0% and 100% with formulation expressed below. Value of rebound effect 0% means that the expected savings were achieved through reduced consumption, whilst 100% means that no energy savings were realized and energy efficiency program was failed. The backfire effect happen when consumption has been increased more than extent or in other word rebound effect more than 100%. It is also possible to have a negative RE, such that the energy savings are greater than originally anticipated, for behavioral or technical reasons, or both [4]. Based on the above formula, the rebound effect measurements can be made à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹directly and indirectly. Direct measurement is based on a survey of how big the success rate of the CAFE program. One study by Sorrel in 2009, the rebound effect estimation is between 10% and 30%. Meanwhile other study by Greening, Greene and Difiglio in 2010 show rebound effect for transportation below 10%. Geller and Attali study in 2005 also support this number as shown in Table 1 [5]. CAFÉ standards and fuel tax could reduce 10%-30% value range when the fuel price is taxed according to released carbon emissions. This is equal to externalities generated by fossil fuel. High fuel price with tax could suppress the rebound effect due to need of having energy efficient car. In addition, changes in behavior based on strong motivation to reduce energy consumption become appropriate step anticipating rebound effect [5]. For indirect estimation, the rebound effect with energy price elasticity is defined as the change in demand according to the decrease in price. To calculate elasticity, transportation energy use, price and income of buyer are required. It is important to know that there is limitation of the calculation since it doesn’t consider the capital outlay of the technology that would lower rebound effect [4]. Research that estimates indirect and economy-wide effects is limited. An often cited source of economy-wide rebound analysis is the National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) designed and implemented by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Using NEMS, a scenario of accelerated technology whereby the national energy intensity is 6.5 percent lower than in the base case, produces a total energy demand that is 5 percent less (Greening 2000, citing Kydes 1997). This suggests that improved energy efficiency (part of the accelerated technology assumption) leads to an economy-wide reb ound in the order of 25 percent [6]. Many researchers suggested that RE on CAFÉ standard should be balanced with other policy. The other policy should account many factors affecting RE value and incorporate RE value into the target. The RE is not always detrimental. RE could stimulate economic growth in developing countries rather than developed ones. The rebound effect can be reduced when the CAFE standards coupled with carbon tax policy, where the price of fuel is taxed according to the carbon emissions released [7]. This is equivalent to externalities generated by fossil fuel. The key of rebound effect is the behavior of driver tends to driver more because of fuel saving car. The carbon tax would increase the price and make consumers drive less [8]. It is important to realize that all taxes can be invested to public transportation. Energy efficiency get from each car and energy efficiency resulted from mass transit can be benefit to reduce overall consumption. At the same time, public transportation will reduce private vehicles. How do you evaluate the effectiveness of your suggested policy with respect to the generated rebound effect? The rebound effect can be evaluated based on the percentage of the success rate of the policy. Direct rebound effect could be seen directly from the increased mile travelled or increased sales of the vehicles. Indirect rebound effect or wide economy effect can be seen from the increase in the gross domestic product (GDP) and an increase in private income in the transportation sector. Moreover, the success of this policy can be observed by comparing the desired CO2 reduction with the actual result during the policy implementation period. If there is a difference of more than the desired decrease, it means that the rebound effect takes place [9]. The evaluation of the rebound effect also works indirectly as a result of the additional energy demand for the energy efficient equipment or services. For example; the energy cost saving may be used by the producers to increase the output, thereby increasing consumption of the capital, labor and materials, all of which require energy. Another example is that energy efficiency and reduction in energy costs may disproportionately reduce the cost of energy-intensive goods and services, encouraging consumers to disproportionately increase their demand for such products and services [3]. The combination between the fuel standard and the Carbon tax with the encouragement of public transportation will anticipate the rebound effect and specifically reduce the energy consumption in transportation. In addition, the policy will reduce the GHG emission. The small rebound effect could not reduce the order of magnitude from the reduced energy consumption that give more benefit compared with the rebound itself. References http://www.rff.org/Documents/Features/NEPI/RFF-BCK-Small-AutoPolicies.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_Average_Fuel_Economy http://www.aceee.org/files/proceedings/2010/data/papers/2142.pdf http://www.erc.uct.ac.za/Research/publications/10-Davis_Rebound_effect.pdf http://eng.sut.ac.th/transportenergy/data/paper4web/Energy%20policy%20in%20transport%20and%20transport%20policy.pdf http://policyintegrity.org/files/publications/The_Rebound_Effect.pdf http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421509005187 http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07921.pdf http://www.unternehmenssteuertag.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Redaktion/[emailprotected]/Projektpartner_Ergebnisse/macroeconomicRebound.pdf http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/conf_proceedings/2009/RAND_CF256.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_tax http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_miles_traveled_tax http://aida.econ.yale.edu/~nordhaus/homepage/documents/small_dender_rebound.pdf Appendix

The Teaching Styles of the Apology of Plato an the Gospel of Luke Essay

Socrates and Luke are both considered to be great educators. They have both influenced countless people with their teachings. However, comparing the two is slightly strange since Socrates is the subject of the story, which is told by Plato, and Luke is the teller of the story of Jesus. A comparison can be made between the two as Socrates is a great teacher while Plato is mostly silent and Luke, while not overly prevalent in the his story can be compared to other accounts of the story of Jesus among which his by far the most didactic. But when you are comparing the two you must keep in mind that you are in actuality comparing four and also that while the story teller is supposed to only be telling you what he saw, he is also telling his personal vision of what he saw. Therefore he has a personal bias, which affects the purpose behind his style.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A strong parallel exists between the two storytellers Plato and Luke in that they are both biased to a great degree. While they both teach a wonderful perspective they teach solely their perspective with no room for any other. Luke asserts that when Jesus died â€Å"the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two,† (Luke 23:44) thus giving divine testimony that Jesus is indeed the son of the Almighty. Whenever Jesus is questioned the people who do so are inevitably wrong, there points being made to look stupid as Jesus transcends the question with a new concept. For example, in Luke 20:34-40 Jesus is asked about a wife who has been widowed and remarried several times and to who she should be married in heaven. This is a difficult question in Jewish tradition where the concept of the resurrection is that of a physical rebirth and the continuation of life on earth. However, Jesus comes up with an new and controversial idea of an i mmortal soul. He uses the rational that since God only spoke to the living in the Torah, he only deals with the living; so since God still represents you after death, you must still be alive after you die. This is a questionable argument at best however the obvious leaps of logic here are never examined because the questioning scribes â€Å"no longer dared to ask him another question.† (Luke 20:40) This obviously must be because Jesus is the Son of God who speaks with divine and unquestionable authority, or so Luke seems to imply. In much the same way,... ...awesome strength and believability. So while martyrdom may not actually say anything about the truth of what they say, it is very still very convincing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overall, it is probably better to look at the teaching styles of Socrates/Plato and Jesus/Luke as being less instructional and more as a form of propaganda. The ways ideas are presented in both the accounts seem to be meant to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint rather than enlighten him. Biased accounts in both cases use manipulative and emotional methods such as leading and fantastic situations to influence the reader. This is not surprising since both accounts are apologies or defenses of a particular view. The goal is therefore not to educate but to persuade the reader to agree with the beliefs of the author. This is of course not to say that there is nothing of educational value in either of these accounts. Both contain monumentally important ethical principals such as wisdom comes from realizing that you are not wise, and love your neighbor as yourself. However, the actual teaching style that is used by both Plato and Luke is one that has a purpos e beyond the reader’s own education.

Why the Tsars Power Crumbled in March 1917 :: Russian Russia History

Why the Tsar's Power Crumbled in March 1917 Why do you think the Tsar's power crumbled so swiftly in March 1917? Nicholas II ruled Russia from 1894-1917 and was to be its final tsar. He ascended the throne under the impression that he would rule his whole life as it's undisputed leader. Accompanied by his wife, Alexandra, they lived a comfortable life of luxury while the country suffered around them. Nicholas was determined to rule as harshly as his father; however, he was a very weak and incompetent character who did not posses the qualities capable of guiding Russia through its time of turmoil. It was a time of great upheaval. Peasants were demanding that the land of the great estate owners be turned over to them because there was not enough land to provide food for all the villages. This caused the migration of many peasants to the factories. Russia's industries were beginning to develop and the number of people living in towns was increasing. These people were the urban working class of Russia and they were not as eager to accept the poor wages and conditions as the peasants were. For centuries, autocratic and repressive tsarist regimes ruled the country and population under sever economic and social conditions; consequently, during the late 19th century and early 20th century, various movements were staging demonstrations to overthrow the oppressive government. Poor involvement in WWI also added to the rising discontent against Nicholas as Russian armies suffered terrible casualties and defeats because of a lack of food and equipment; in addition, the country was industrially backward compared to countries such as Britain, France, Germany, and the USA. It had failed to modernize, this was to do with the tsars lack of effort for reforms. The country was undergoing tremendous hardships as industrial and agricultural output dropped. Famine and poor morale could be found in all aspects of Russian life. Furthermore, the tsar committed a fatal mistake when he appointed himself supreme commander of the armed forces because he was responsible for the armies constant string of defeats. While the tsar was off defending the country, a strange 'monk' named Rasputin made his way into governmental affairs. Because of his ability to ease the pain of the tsar's sick young prince, Alexandra gave him great political control in the affairs of state. Rasputin had dismissed twenty-one ministers and replaced them with men of great incompetence.

Rhetorical Analysis on the Scarlet Letter Essay

Hawthorne successfully portrays the use of extended metaphors, foreshadowing and language throughout the Scarlet Letter to easily grab hold or grasp the reader’s attentive minds. First of all the utilization of the extended metaphors-the lengthening of the average metaphor was developed in this passage to thoroughly describe Pearls reaction to Reverend Dimmesdale’s approach. â€Å"The child, with bird-like motion which was one of her characteristics, flew to him, and clasped her arms about his knees,† is an extraordinary example of the portrayal of an extended metaphor. By saying that one of Pearls characteristics was having bird-like motion tells the reader she is moving swiftly or gracefully. Then for Hawthorne to say she â€Å"flew to him,† humans can’t fly, therefore extends the metaphor. The effect of this rhetorical device was to amplify the effect of both Pearls and Reverend Dimmesdale’s connection and create an emotional stirring for Hester’s husband, disguised as Old Roger Chillingworth. Hawthorne also developed a successful way to portray sensory details throughout the excerpt to predict, or foreshadow, the coming horror of Dimmesdale’s confession. â€Å"†¦for my own heavy sin and miserable agony-I withheld myself from doing so seven years ago†¦Ã¢â‚¬  helps the reader to connect the dots, they are able to tell what comes next. Dimmesdale is finally coming clean about the sin he committed, created, seven years ago and agrees that he deserves the correct and rightful punishment for his wrongful doing. Hawthorne used this to put the reader in shock and ask questions. The reader can easily predict that the townspeople are going to be furious because the so called â€Å"Man of God† has committed a sinful crime. Finally the way Hawthorne told the story creates a very dark and gloomy setting. Using words such as â€Å"heavy sin†, â€Å"miserable agony†, and â€Å"sin-born† produce a very negative environment and feeling and gives the reader a sense of curiosity and a fearful type of wonderment throughout the passage. Hawthorne uses language to grasp the reader’s attention to make an emotional connection on a more personable level to the reader mind and imagination. Hawthorne effectively demonstrates the purpose of the Scarlet Letter by proficiently portraying the use of extended metaphors, foreshadowing Dimmesdale’s unlawful resignation from the church, and he also uses language to help alter the reader’s mind about the environment or the situation being discussed in the passage.

Eating Home or Eating Out Essay

To human, eating now is not only an action to survive. But it has also become one kind of culture. People now are not only care of what or how they eat. But where they eat is also important. Nowadays, people are too busy with school and work. So, most of the people think that it is more comfortable to eating out than eating at home. But in my point of view, I’d still prefer eating at home than eating out. First, your family know what you eat. I meant that if you have allergy with something or you can’t eat specific thing like spicy, your family know that and they can put that out in your dish. But if you’re in a restaurant even if you told the waiter to put out, most of them usually don’t listen to what you say. So when the dish come out and you can’t eat it, it will be a waste of money. Second, the food at home is much cheaper than the food at the restaurant. For example, if you eat a bowl of Pho at a restaurant, it will cost about 30000 dong at least. But if you buy the ingredients and make it your own it will be way more cheaper about 10000 dong. The reason of this is because the restaurant has to pay extra fees like the worker’s salary, restaurant’s renting, etc. And because they have to cut down the fee to make more profit so the food might no be as healthy as the food you make at home A survey in US show that a family can save up to 2000 dollars a year by reducing the times of eating at a restaurant. And helping your mom with the food is also fun thing to do. Third, that your family knows your taste. Somebody like to eat fried egg with onion, some like to eat with tomatoes. Because we’re family so our taste might be the same so your mom can easy know your taste. Furthermore, the one who cook a lot or a good cooker usually have a a secret cooking technique of their own that you can find no where else. Finally, eating at home can be a chance to enhance the family relationship. Life keeps getting busier so people don’t have time to share their feeling to each other. A family meal is a good chance to express your feeling. Family member can talk about their own work. This could cut your stress down. My family always eating dinner together, this make us feel warmer and happier.