Thursday, November 28, 2019

The Public Value of Urban Parks

Introduction Public administration refers to the execution of government policy and strategies. The concept stipulates how appointed officials ought to conduct themselves in order to enable the control and running of the state.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Public Value of Urban Parks specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More State employees manage public programs and transform politics into tangibles so that citizens can benefit from them. Public administration entails the manner in which the executive administers its decisions and conducts analysis of policies. It denotes formulation of legislation and subsequently, the implementation of the law. It also examines alternative ways of drafting policies and enacting regulations (Henrik Merete, 2012). Public servants manage, implement, and administer state policies. They ensure that the operations of the state run appropriately. This paper examines one of the policie s enacted by the state. The subject involves the recycling of electronic waste as a way of protecting the environment. The study focuses on the political, social and ethical implications of electronic waste to the public. Recycling of electronic waste as a way of protecting the environment Electronic waste also referred to as e-waste; e-scrap, electronic disposal or waste, electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) may refer to discarded electrical and electronic machines or equipments. Governments and environmental experts continuously disagree on whether to resell, reuse and refurbish electronic waste as a way of conserving the environment.Advertising Looking for essay on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Poor handling of electronic waste can result in serious health and pollution challenges. Electronic devices can be reused and repaired. Electronic waste contains harmful disease causing agents. Recyclin g of electronic waste can be dangerous to employees and communities. The state must enact safety measures to safeguard employees that work in recycling companies from exposure to harmful electronic waste materials. Political implications of recycling electronic waste The international community regulates the recycling of electronic waste. According to Coley (2007, p. 39), â€Å"a global body enacted electronic recycling policies during the Basel Convention in 1989 after the Koko row. An Italian investor who operated in Nigeria created international outrage after he disposed of 8,000 leaky barrels in the Nigerian region of Koko†. The Basel Convention’s main goal is to stop wealthy states from dumping e -waste in poor nations’ territories (Department of Parks and Recreation, 2011). Electronic waste may have a number of merits. It may contain precious materials like gold and silver. Many rich nations’ toxic electronic waste always ends up in third world stat es. The leadership of first world countries ought to uphold the Basel Convention in order to protect poor states from the effects and dangers of electronic debris. The government must formulate investigative bodies and monitoring systems to prevent corrupt public servants from allowing the exportation of electronic waste to third world countries.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Public Value of Urban Parks specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Social implications of recycling electronic waste Electronic waste affects people’s health and causes cancer. It also affects the environment, economy and social life of people. Negative environmental impacts of e- waste include air pollution especially the burning of trash. E-waste may include non biodegradable, toxic and radioactive materials that may be harmful to the soil and animals and which may cause blockage of water channels like rivers, pipes and the drainag e system. Electronic waste leads to increased public spending on medical care because of poor health. It also leads to investment on complex and expensive environmental conservation technologies. It affects the ozone layer leading to unpredictable weather patterns like prolonged drought. Lack of water may lead to a shortage of food in any country. This aspect may prompt the government to use additional resources to acquire food for its citizens. The additional resources may be helpful to other sectors of growth and development of any given country. Ethical implications of recycling electronic waste The government ought to guide the public on electronic waste management. It can educate and sensitize its citizens through media programs or curriculum content in schools. All government departments need to focus on the implementation of environmental management policies. This perspective may help in addressing challenges posed by e-waste exports to third world countries (Coley, 2007). In dustries need to use environmental friendly equipments that can be reutilized at the end of their intended purpose or easily broken down after use.Advertising Looking for essay on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The government must set up a special department that ensures that waste management authorities address ethical concerns (Chris, 2011). Waste management companies must adhere to recommended modes of transportation of electronic waste. Waste management companies must package electronic waste in carbon neutral wrappers according to state regulations and policies. Electronic waste management companies must uphold moral standards embedded in international laws on the reuse and repair of e-waste. They should protect private data and information in the equipments. The exporters need to be cautioned against using children to offload electronic waste from cargo chambers. Governments in third world countries need to be informed that the Child Act prohibits against use of child labor. Electronic waste may also harm children by causing diseases like lung cancer. The International Labor Organization does not allow the use of child labor. States must be encouraged to develop curricula, and progra ms that encourage â€Å"green chemistry† in order to promote the invention and use of molecules, equipments and compounds that may not be harmful to life and environment. Electronics industries can be advised to recall their manufactured commodities at the end of their life cycle and process them in respect to the law. The government must enforce audit programs and evaluation structures that verify that electronics are manufactured, reused, repaired, recycled and processed in respect to policies and stipulated regulations. Governments ought to make and implement policies and regulations that conform to moral and international standards. Manufacturers, handlers, transporters and recyclers of electronic waste must adhere to environmental laws. Challenges and effects of electronic waste need to be shared among families, colleagues, friends, employers, public servants and leaders in order to create environmental awareness (Campbell, 2008). Conclusion Public administration entitie s must be managed efficiently in accordance to the law in order to ensure implementation of environmental policies and regulations. The government must integrate waste management as a learning unit in the curriculum, in elementary schools. International environmental conventions must enhance the incorporation of environmental conservation in the curriculum, in all tertiary institutions. All organizations must comply with environmental conservation measures. A special department should be set up to certify companies that conform to electronic waste management strategies. First world governments must create laws that forbid companies, individuals and businesses from exporting, importing and dumping of electronic waste. Governments may also create a special police department that comprises of professional environmentalists. The motive may help in arresting individuals and companies who do not comply with electronic waste management policies. The department may also start legal proceedi ngs against defaulters of environmental regulations. References Campbell, C. (2008). Globalization, Extended Producer Responsibility and the Problem of Discarded Computers in China. An Exploratory Proposal for Environmental Protection, 14(6), 525- 531. Chris, W. (2011). The Public Value of Urban Parks and Understanding Park and Usership. New York City, NY: The Wallace Foundation. Coley, S. (2007). Where does Community Grow? The Social Context created by Nature in Urban Public Housing. Environment and Behaviour, 29 (4), 468 –494. Department of Parks and Recreation. (2011). Park Design Guidelines. California, CA: Institute of Public Affairs. Henrik, J., Merete, K. (2012). Case studies on Waste Minimisation Practices in Europe. Web. This essay on The Public Value of Urban Parks was written and submitted by user Janelle Olson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Come Learn How to Write any Sports Essay

Come Learn How to Write any Sports Essay Most students are scared of doing essays on games. According to them, such topics are chosen by everyone. These assumptions are built on the idea that there are thousands of sportsmen and women in institutions around the world. However, it should only remain as an assumption. You should understand that not every sport-loving student will do a paper on a sport. There is a high chance that only a few students do these essays since everyone might be assuming that everyone is already doing it. The topic, therefore, becomes deserted. The Truth on How to Write a Sports Essay Here is the truth No two ideas are similar. As a result, two people writing about the same sport might produce completely different contents. You also need to understand that students who engage in games are just like any other individual. They have strong relationships and experiences that might be beyond their love for games. It influences the quality of work produced by different students at any time. Hopefully, you now feel encouraged to handle this task with great excitement. If it is true that there are many people in sports, then why not be among the few who can produce excellent contents? Brilliant Ideas on How to Start a Sports Essay You must have a deeper understanding of what is a sports essay if you are to produce nothing short of excellence. Hopefully, if you are a sportsperson, you already have a clue on this and much more. However, here are tips on how to write a sports essay step by step. They are too simple and can be applied in any paper. The results are magical. Choose a sport There are numerous games that you can write about. These include football, tennis, netball, basketball, golf, and athletics. The wisest thing to do is to choose a game that you are familiar with since you will experience less stress working on it. You will also enjoy researching such a topic since you will know the exact information you need to create a detailed document. Conduct a research Writing a sports essay requires an impeccable mastery of terminologies used in a sport selected. Understand the dos and dons that make the sport what it is to the players, officials, and fans. You also need to master the language used in the game. All this information and much more will be discovered through research. Mention players and non-players All games depend on players. Without these individuals, then there is no action. This is why you need to talk about the roles played by each person in a chosen game. Mention their positions and significance. For instance, when talking about football, you can mention the roles of a striker, right-back, and left-back. Remember to be as professional as possible by using the right words. Non-players include the referees, linesmen, commentators, and cheering squad. These people are also important and thus deserve mention. Talk about the rules All games have rules that are to be followed by everyone. You should discuss these rules in details. For instance, you can explain how a penalty kick occurs in football. You can also state what leads to a red card, yellow card, free kick, or foul. Your understanding of the game will be based on your description of these rules. Mention the regulating authorities Show how different bodies have an impact on the game. State their delegated duties and limitations if any. You can demonstrate how they nature talents and provide funding for different events. You can also talk about how stadiums are built and maintained by these bodies. Just try to uncover as much as you can regarding these authorities. State the impacts Most games have a social impact. Players are financially empowered to live fulfilled lives and support their families. Communities are also supported through community social responsibilities. Games can be used to promote peace and cohesion among fighting communities. It can also be used to inspire generations to keep dreaming. All these are benefits that you can mention in details. Now you know how to write a good sports essay. Be as detailed as possible without repeating yourself. Also, do not miss that professional touch. Important Tips for Writing a Sports Essay Have you understood how to begin a sports essay? It matters a lot as it determines the mood in the paper. Ensure that you take note of that. Also, while you might be having enough content for your paper, there is a need for you to consider the following: Develop a captivating introduction: This gives your readers a reason to read your document to the end. Show them all that they should expect in the paper. Avoid grammar errors by proofreading your work: Such mistakes make your document difficult to understand. Remain relevant to your topic: Focus on the sport you have chosen. Resist the temptation of wanting to be too general. Avoid plagiarism: Sadly, this is a punishable offense. Do not copy-paste someone else’s work and use it as your own. If you have to use direct quotes, then ensure that they are all cited. Use short sentences: This reduces your chances of sounding vague. It also makes your work easily readable. Balance your paper: Know the sections that require more details than others. Don’t focus on one part and forget about the other. Follow the required structure of a sports essay. Meet the required word count. Use a proper format. Hire a Writer Consider our services if you still don’t understand how to make a sports essay. A qualified professional academic writer will handle your paper. You can trust us with any other essay writing needs. Your work will be done and delivered on time. It will also be of the right quality. Place your orders now to enjoy today’s bonuses.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Favorite Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Favorite Research - Essay Example Contact phone numbers and addresses of the association are also given. 2. http://www.prea.org/ this site is hosted by Pension Real Estate Association, the site for institutional investors in real estate ie. Pension funds, endowments, foundations and other funds. The useful information on this site is: b. Research Report under the link "/research/ plansponsorsurvey_2006.pdf" Gives comparative data of 2005 and 2006 on real estate investment actual and targeted. This page also gives the comparative investment strategy of its members. This is very comprehensive information for anyone studying real estate investments. d. The membership is open to institutes (organizations that provide investment management, advisory, consulting, property management, legal, accounting, appraisal or other services to corporate and public pension funds, endowments, foundations, Taft Hartley plans and other institutional investors, not for profit organizations and academic institutions). Rates for membership vary depending upon the status. d. It provides rate information (US Treasuries, repurchase agreements, interest rate swaps, agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, spot FX) and country profiles (country's credit rating, short-term investment alternatives and payment/clearing systems) again for members only.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Recommendation On High-End Electric Ranges Essay

Recommendation On High-End Electric Ranges - Essay Example Both the Maytag and the KitchenAid models feature Sabbath Mode while the Frigidaire does not. (Sabbath Mode is a built-in safety feature that automatically shuts off the oven after 12 hours or so.) This is a sensible feature, but it has proven to be problematic for those of the Jewish faith wishing to keep kosher on the Sabbath and on specific holidays because they're forbidden to turn ovens (or any electrical appliances) on during that time; however, it is permissible to use electrical appliances that are already on. Hence, the need is greater for a Sabbath mode that keeps an oven on at a specified temperature for as long as it's required, rather than turning the oven off after a certain lapse of time. With this type of feature, the cook could prepare a meal prior to the Sabbath or holiday and then leave it in the always-warm oven until it is ready to be eaten. Neither oven provides this type of flexibility. (McFedries, 2005). The Maytag and Frigidaire share the additional features of storage drawers, glass ceramic cooktops, oven lights and oven door windows that are not listed as options within the KitchenAid model. The three ranges reviewed are all of similar price and features. KitchenAid is the only one that is not of brushed chrome construction and is judged by owners to be easier to keep clean because of that. The KitchedAid is also taller in the back and would blend in better with most countertop backing. Appearance is the main factor separating these ranges.

Monday, November 18, 2019

How Personal Can Ethics Get Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How Personal Can Ethics Get - Essay Example 953). Two very different individuals may carry with them two entirely different perspectives of the world. These perspectives possess a viable potential to influence the individuals’ preferences concerning a variety of considerations in the organizational workplace. One area of an organization which is undoubtedly influenced by personal differences and (related differing preferences) is ethics. S.J. Reynolds (2006) finds that â€Å"individual differences can interact with issue characteristics to shape moral awareness† (qtd. Trevino, Weaver, & Reynolds, 2006, p. 954). As such, two different people may perceive an ethical dilemma differently. For example, one person may perceive the existence of nepotism in the workplace as a coincidence in which an employer’s relatives happened to be best suited for a job. Another person may perceive the existence of nepotism in the workplace as a breach of ethics in which fair hiring principles are abandoned in favor of personal interest. Whereas the former may derive their opinion from a personal experience in which a family business proved fruitful, another may harbor grievances concerning high levels of unemployment effecting his or her family, community, or self. The former maintains an ethical preference for directly helping one’s friends and family, while the latter maintains an ethical preference for indirectly helping one’s friends and family by maintaining fair and equal hiring practices. An organization containing both hypothetical individuals is subsequently shaped and form by the shifting dynamic of their conflicting ideals. Discuss how organizational policies and procedures can impact ethics. The ethical preferences of members of an organization are shaped by individuals’ predisposed positions on varying issues as well as externally imposed policy and procedure. As such, an organization’s policies and procedures can impact criterion for ethical dilemmas as well as e thical results substantially. Wotruba, Chonko, and Lo (2001) identify three primary functions executed by codes of ethics in an organization. First, codes of ethics can demonstrate a concern for ethics by the organization. In this manner, an organization may elect to create a code of ethics in an attempt to convey a general awareness and reverence for ethical observation and conduct in the workplace. For example, a company might create a code of ethics which is read and understood by its newly hired employees during their training in an effort to effectively communicate that the company is aware of ethics and embraces ethics as a high priority in the workplace. Second, codes of ethics can â€Å"transmit ethical values of the organization to its members† (Wotruba, Chonko, and Lo, 2001, p. 59). This function is substantially more specific than the former function, which seeks to convey a simple, general awareness of ethics as an existent priority within the workplace. Instead, ethical values transmitted to members of an organization by the organization are designed to create a better understanding of what an organization is and what values it holds most dear. For example, a service-oriented organization might include â€Å"putting the customer first† as an ethical priority in the w

Friday, November 15, 2019

Architectural Design Proposal of Reading Space

Architectural Design Proposal of Reading Space 3.1 Historical Purpose Context If we surmise that temporary architecture is, essentially, something that is not permanent, then in one form or another as stated it has existed since antiquity, with examples traced from prehistoric wooden huts and shelters, through medieval stage sets, circuses and world fairs, to the mobile home and post-war pre-fabs, and wartime and disaster relief. Interestingly, as early as 58 B.C.E in ancient Rome, such architecture functioned as a form of revolution ancient Romans circumventing governmental opposition to permanent amphitheatres by building temporary versions with the Metropolitan Museum of Art noting that despite their impermanent nature, this architecture was a rich celebration and an expression of anti-establishment ideals. Together with other classical forms, a revival of temporary architecture was also particularly prevalent during the Renaissance; civic groups would welcome King Henry II of France to their cities with festivals showcasing the best and most elaborate in temporary design of the time, such as the specifically commissioned Fountain de Innocents (1550) a collaboration between architect Pierre Lescot and sculptor Jean Goujan. As the University of Torontos Professor of Art History, Christy Anderson, notes: for designers and architects of the Renaissance  the ephemeral nature of the installations lent themselves to design innovations believed to be too unconventional or extravagant for lasting architecture [and] afforded the opportunity for experimentation. Such events were used as tantalising opportunities for the realisation of a new style, made real perhaps for a single day; the transient enjoyably consumed, creating a taste for the permanent. In contemporary architecture, we have become more familiar with the temporary as expressed at exhibitions and pavilions; Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeannerets LEspirit Nouveau Pavilion (1925), Mies van der Rohes Barcelona Pavilion (1929), and Alison and Peter Smithsons House of the Future for the Daily Mail Ideal Home Exhibition in London (1956) each showcasing their designers stimulating philosophies and ideas on the future of architecture, and advertising these compelling forms via memorable, provocative images. Moreover, these challenges to established or conventional approaches to design were yet further inflamed by Archigram, with mobile, inflatable or temporary projects albeit resigned to paper and remaining unbuilt during the 1960s and 70s. 3.2 Academic Discourse Urban Change However, it was the aftermath of the great recession in 2008, which crippled economies with the construction, architecture and engineering sectors arguably hit the hardest and the inevitable temporary suspension of many large-scale projects that ensued which elevated small-scale, bottom-up spatial interventions from niche to mainstream practice, and subsequently exposed them to more intense levels of critical review. Though this opened up possibilities to test scenarios and subvert preconceptions of what our cities should be like, giving architects and designers, often young, the opportunity to push the boundaries of architecture and [take] the city back into their own hands, as Cate St. Hill writes in her RIBA published book This is Temporary, very soon, and perhaps unavoidably, established companies found they could make use of these strategies too, evaporating [away] any freshness, writes Douglas Murphy in his article for the Architectural Review: The Pop-Up Problem. As a consequence, it has now become utterly commonplace for food drink, fashion or design retailers, for example, to make their inaugural entrance into any given city via a succession of trendy pop-ups before the proper shop opens. Though this could be considered fairly commonplace cool-chasing, it stems from the constant procedure of reducing risk: a temporary shop doesnt require payment for a full lease, and it also has an aura of edgy cool. These types of structure therefore offer us a corporate regurgitation of anti-corporate commerce. Importantly, and perhaps more pressingly, in academic and mainstream media discourse, more original spatial intervention projects, which featured smiling locals and were so often portrayed as joyous and likeable, have also since been subject to a considerable amount of criticism primarily contemplating if the actual impact of these projects is overestimated. Though proponents of the pop-up refer to the wider impact an intervention can have galvanising local communities to change the way their public spaces and buildings are used to the benefit of everyone in practice the actual effect remains limited to the most local scale, involving or reaching out to just a handful of locals. This is due, in part, to the perceived lack of scalability, as Ella Harris highlights in her article for The Guardian: the possibility of scaling up such projects, beyond their immediate surroundings, is often minimal due to the specific local conditions. Therefore, when addressing if temporary architecture can act as a catalyst for urban change in the context of this thesis, a catalyst for urban change relates to the ability of the project or intervention to have an impact on an area wider than its immediate surroundings, stimulating local inhabitants to actively seek to utilise public spaces for betterment of society, or to at least raise the question. 4.0  Formulating a Position 4.1 Understanding Current Trends Despite such criticism into the perceived overestimated effect or corporate commercialisation of temporary architecture projects, there are a plethora of younger architects and designers that are emerging as a new generation of a subversive, socially-minded practices, each combatting these concerns by inspiring new definitions of architecture not just in terms of the physical structure, but in the process of creating them. These practices all share a concern for engaging people and enriching local communities, and their projects are well-considered and endowing ways to create animated, deeply-rooted places in the neglected, disused and sometimes inaccessible parts of a city. Therefore, before attempting to formulate my position within the field of temporary architecture, it was necessary to speak to a few of these firms in order to develop a more succinct, albeit limited, understanding of the temporary situation in this moment in time. Set up by Kevin Hayley and David Chambers in 2009, Aberrant Architecture is a London-based multidisciplinary studio and think-tank who create temporary structures backed up by rigorous research into the history of a place and the construction of whimsical narratives, inspired by the way contemporary lives are evolving, Kevin explains. Featuring projects from a tiny mobile theatre towed by a campervan, to an interactive instillation built in collaboration with local community groups, their work is playful, provocative and interactive. Interestingly, both Kevin and David agreed on the two most prominent driving forces between each of their projects specifically setting and reusability. First is the idea of historical heritage, or setting we always approach a project with attention to the history-we look to engage people, perhaps through participation events, in a way that connects them to a story or history, Kevin stresses, as it is this side of the projects which the public are increasingly embracing, and really enjoy. Also, and equally as importantly, is their desire for temporary projects to have a lasting effect: if something is there for three days or 30 years, does it matter? Surely its about measuring the effect it has on a community. However, though they both agreed that the actual physical thing is temporary but the activity or use should be very permanent, they also stressed that being able to reuse the structure was important if something stays in one place for a long time, weve found it can lose its appeal really quickly. With mobile structures, as soon as you move it to a different context it becomes new again. Contrastingly, Assemble a multidisciplinary collective founded in 2010 and comprised of 16 members each under the age of 30 champion a self-initiated style of building that engage communities in the making process, and rely on collaborative teamwork, as Amica Dall joyfully explained. Fascinatingly, Amica and Jane Hall revealed that this preference of such projects stems from a desire to involve the community in a more holistic way, as habitually, they only participate in a small part of the process of creation, [usually via consultation groups] and involvement often only starts after most of the more critical decisions have been made. Self-built projects such as the Granby Workshop in Liverpool, built in collaboration with local artists and craftspeople afford the chance for everyone involved to be part of the whole life of a project. By collectively working out how to make it possible in the first instance, having to fabricate them ourselves, and then living and working with the outcome whilst running the projects, this method allows them to understand the consequence of our design decisions. This approach to temporary architecture allows the physical structure to underscore some doubts in some areas and give confidence in others, affording a continuously evolving understanding of what a community needs. Ultimately, both Jane and Amica agreed that working with people and for people brings extraordinary opportunity to learn from them, to grow sensitive to new things, and most importantly, to find things you werent already looking for. 4.2 Addressing Systemic Societal Issues Undoubtedly then, pop-up architecture can offer something rare: design that is undiluted. Permanent, traditional architecture often needs to serve multiple purposes and changing surroundings the Shard, for example, is at once an office building, transit hub, hotel and retail space. Contrastingly, temporary architecture, as exemplified by Aberrant and Assemble, can advance a singular purpose and concentrate its impact. However, in completing further research, what also became evident, and highly significant, was that the singular purposes very rarely address some of the real-world systemic challenges we face in society, especially in major cities, with just a handful of examples responding to challenges like social inequality, youth unemployment or public health and wellbeing, for example. Moreover, in the few instances where projects do address such issues, services are regularly provided by unpaid, well-meaning volunteers instead of professionals, often filling the gaps left negligent (local) governments. With pop-up interventions providing services for free, local governments might well be pleased to see that they can get away with formerly expensive services. Further still, as Ella Harris writes for The Guardian, in celebrating these projects, are we simply distracting from the lack of structural public provision in these areas and worse still, normalising, even glorifying, its absence? 4.3 Formulating my position Therefore, as discussed, in conducting interviews with specialised practices, there were several reoccurring key themes which became immediately apparent, and naturally proved decisive in narrowing my research scope chiefly, involving the public in an aspect of building or completing the structure, and using a specific element(s) of a sites historical heritage as a way of engaging the public in a larger story. However, following further research, the noticeable lack of projects, events or constructs attempting to address some of the systemic societal issues we face in modern society and the possibility that even the minority that do may simply be masking the absence of appropriate structural public provisions in those areas was highlighted, again adding to a more refined research scope which could look at the possibility of using architecture to address one such challenge directly. As a consequence, formulating my position came as a direct result of twinning these two key themes, and attempting to address them simultaneously. Firstly, building forms expressive of context styles that embrace the environment they inhabit have always stimulated my interest, so in meeting Aberrant and Assemble and understanding that the uniqueness of a design can be found in the particular embedded in the lives, the people, and in the history of a city the first theme lay in a specific alchemy of Architecture; using the combination of distinctive physical, societal and/or cultural contexts to produce innovative, site-responsive design. The second, in identifying a lack of contemporary projects addressing real-world societal challenges, lay in endeavouring to understand if temporary architecture could be used to do just that, or to at least promote such issues into the public domain. The more defined scope for this thesis therefore became an investigation into if/how Temporary A rchitecture can act as a catalyst for urban change by specifically addressing real-world problems through a contextual approach to design. 5.0 Project narrative alchemy 5.1 City + Site Specific Investigations Embracing Aberrants view that temporary architecture projects can lose their appeal if they remain in one place for an extended period of time, and our joint view that such projects can, and should, be representative of, or embrace their local historical heritage, the decision was subsequently made for the project to move around a selection of sites in Canterbury with each site located in appropriate open public spaces, or pockets of disused, inactive, space to test the structures relative success in various locations (as outlined on the site locations map, left). Therefore, in order to conceive a design taking a combination of Canterburys distinctive historical, physical, societal and/or cultural contexts as its inspiration, studies were conducted into each of the prospective sites so that it could appropriate itself in each site, whilst also being representative of Canterburys heritage as a whole to produce a holistic theme for the project. Following these investigations, one overriding theme became immediately apparent Canterburys vast, enduring, and continuing affinity with literature. Throughout recent centuries, Canterbury has proved home to several authors, poets and playwrights, and the city has been an inspiration to the writers of English literature. Playwright Christopher Marlowe, after whom the Marlowe Theatre is named, was born in a house in St Georges Street, Canterbury in 1564, and despite being a contemporary of Shakespeare, was the most popular playwright of his day, and is often acknowledged as the Father of English drama. Furthermore, Charles Dickens also regularly visited Canterbury, and the protagonist of one of Dickens most loved novels, David Copperfield, has strong connections with the city. Canterbury is also incredibly famous for Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales collection, which have stood the test of time for more than 600 years and are known throughout the world. Additionally, the instantly recognisable Rupert Bear (which features in the Canterbury Heritage Museum), and Ian Flemmings James Bond book You Only Live Twice, were both conceived in Canterbury, whilst Flemmings Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was based on Canterburys colourful, local character, Count Zborowski. Moreover, Canterburys Buttermarket situated directly opposite the Cathedral entrance in the heart of Canterburys historical town for more than 800 years features in the wartime classic film A Canterbury Tale. In addition to current and historical contextual ties, it was also important to consider links which may have been lost especially those concerned with the built environment a collection of which are remembered in Paul Cramptons Canterburys Lost Heritage. In Canterbury, numerous buildings disappeared in the twentieth century a century, of course, of vast changes and technological progress. However, though the famous Blitz of Canterbury is one of the main tributaries of this, it has now been widely accepted that the City Councils ruthless post-bombing clearance policy accounted for many more properties than the Luftwaffe, as the city fathers were seduced by the ideas of Corbusier and the contemporary styles exhibited at the Festival of Britain. Interestingly, though there was no special reason why they should disappear one of the most lost building typologies was Schools (and School Buildings). Demolished, with the site sold for other uses such as the Simon Langton Boys School which occupied the current Whitefriars site in 1959 or in more recent years, closed and amalgamated with adjacent schools the majority of Canterburys principal Schools are now located on the outskirts of the city. This prompted teachers like Frances Bingham to initiate her own one-room schoolhouse, which has since been converted into a family home. Teaching children from the ages of 4-10, Frances taught 32 students over a period of 6 years in Canterbury, achieving the same results as students who were educated in separate classrooms, with some of her students going on to become lawyers, engineers, teachers and nurses. Therefore, given the citys, and each respective sites, respective affinity with literature expressed in all forms and education, via the loss of School building and the resulting captivating story of Frances, the contextual narrative of the project was to draw on Canterburys historical literature and educative ties as a way to draw activity to a space. 5.2 Identification of Associated Real-World Problem Upon identifying a contextual narrative, sequentially, the next step was to identify a real-world problem associated with both literature and education, and, naturally, the logical bridge between these two themes is reading. Interestingly, though reading is a pleasurable pastime for many, following further research into current discourse around reading in schools, in recent years the UK has seen a serious decline in the number of parents reading with their children, as the headlines in Figure XX demonstrate, to the point where several studies have found the situation to be one of the fastest growing systematic societal challenges faced in the current climate. In a survey conducted by the Oxford University Press, it was found that more than half of primary school teachers have seen a least two children begin formal education with no experience of being told stories at home, whilst another study managed by YouGov found that only 51% of children said they love or like reading books for fun, compared to 58% in 2012, and 60% in 2010. Moreover, according to the report, only 54% of children up to the age of five are read to at home at least five days a week, with this declining to 34% of six to eight-year-olds, and drastically, just 17% of nine to 11-year-olds. The studies also discovered that the main causes of this issue stem from the home-life, with parents often finding a lack of available space at home, being too busy with other commitments, unable to afford appropriate literature, or simply feeling embarrassed at their own inability to read to their children. However, Pie Corbett, an educational advisor to the government, stated that: This isnt just an economic thing its not just people who come from poor backgrounds, its across the whole of society. You get a lot of children coming from very privileged backgrounds whove spent a lot of time in front of the TV and not enough time snuggled up with a good book. The TV does the imagining for you and it doesnt care whether youre listening or not. This is despite research clearly demonstrating that children who are read to on a regular basis before, and after, they start school are most likely to succeed its a key predictor in terms of educational success, Corbett continued, as children who are told stories are the ones who first form abstract concepts across the curriculum- [and though] parents may have lost faith with this idea, education is the way out of poverty. Furthermore, these studies have shown that regular access to books has a direct impact on pupils results, irrespective of parents own education, occupation and social class, as keeping just 20 books in the home can boost childrens chances of doing well at school, it was claimed. Finally, YouGovs study of over 17,000 young people also revealed a strong correlation between childrens literacy and what goes on outside school specifically that being raised in a household with a large amount of literature would result in a child remaining in education for an average of three years longer than those with little or no access, which could be the difference between leaving school at 18 and going to university, which can be worth up to  £200,000 more in lifetime earnings. 5.3 Project Narrative Construction Therefore, given the systemic societal issue currently faced in the UK with the number of children reading with their parents being in sharp decline, and that several studies have repeatedly, and explicitly, identified that reading at home and access to books has a proven, positive impact on a childs future life, the project would aim to address this issue specifically either by attempting to solve the issue directly, or simply raising awareness of it via a contextual approach to design which would use Canterburys historical, and continuing, affinity with literature and education as its main source of inspiration. 6.0 Design response and realisation 6.1 Design Response Out of this defined project narrative and a subsequent series of design iterations and developments (for which Kevin from Aberrant kindly provided assistance and advice, and are shown in the Appendix), and scale and structural models was born the Fun-Size Story Box of Canterbury, as shown. The final design was a 2.5 meter cube, constructed entirely of softwood and corrugated cardboard (as they are low-value, easy to source and condition materials), featuring both recessed and projecting volumes inspired by stacked books, and the nature of Canterbury High Streets various building facades. The structure was also to open up to the public, much like a book opening along the spine, to reveal the interior performance and open reading spaces. Via a series of these fun and colourful reading corners, story creation + performance spaces, and open seating areas, the design aimed to provide parents and children with a safe and fun architectural intervention in which to read together. The projected volumes were also to be transparent, so as to make the bookshelves visible from the exterior, creating a sense of intrigue, and the selection of books available would be free for children to take home, donated from local retailers and charity shops, such as the Demelza Childrens Hospice, and HMV. The recessed reading corners and story creation + performance spaces come as a direct result of twinning classroom reading techniques with brain development in children research data, outlining where, why and how children like to read. According to the Centre on the Developing Child at Harvard University, traditional reading corners employed in schools do not conform to childrens actual reading habits, with most spaces tailored instead to improving scores in assessments. Alternatively, children actually prefer smaller, more interesting and inviting reading spaces a small space, often hidden away, where children can enjoy a book therefore, the Story Box features recessed areas where children can do just that with their parents. Furthermore, in early years, children learn best through active, engaged, meaningful experiences, and research suggests that learning is easier when experiences are interconnected rather than compartmentalised into narrow subject areas. This is echoed by ground-breaking kindergarten architect, Takaharu Tezuka, who states in The Guardian that designing for children involves recognising their right to play as well as learn, as from these experiences, they construct their own knowledge and apply their taught knowledge by interacting with their environments. Therefore, rather than having all reading material collected in one space, the Story Box has books arranged throughout the structure, with the provision for interconnected interior and exterior story creation + performance spaces, where children can imagine their own story with their parents, and then act it out, engaging them in a playful experience. 6.2 Council + Legislative Influence In addition to research data, council guidance and legislation were hugely influential on the design. Prior to any formal discussions with representatives of the council, a Planning Analysis was conducted to identify any legislative and/or planning requirements which the project may or may not have to adhere to forming a paper trail. This study found that as this projects Temporary Structure would be classed within the Building Regulations Exemption as a Class 4 Temporary Building, it would subsequently be exempt from several, if not all, regulations, providing it did not (amongst other possible objections) remain where erected for more than 28 days, and the floor area did not exceed 30m ². The project was subsequently designed following these requirements, however, the design continuously evolved following feedback from council representatives David Kemp (CCC Property Asset Manager), and Andy Jeffery (CCC Emergency Planning Events Officer) all of which is collated in the appendix Council Correspondence. This correspondence tackled many issues, such as; ensuring children didnt get their fingers caught in hinges, impeding pedestrians or emergency services vehicles, proximity to any highways, gaining relevant liability insurance, and proving the projects structural integrity. Once these issues were satisfied, and all required documentation was completed and accepted (Event Application Form, Events Policy Terms + Conditions, Event Management Plan, Events Risk Assessment and Public Liability Insurance Certificate) permission was granted to stage the event in the Buttermarket and Marlowe Theatre Forecourt on the weekend of the 11th-12th February 2017. 7.0 Implementation and feedback 7.1 Placement Despite a fully designed and rationalised scheme, like many temporary architecture structures, the project was affected by time and financial constraints, and as a result, only one of the two sides to the Story Box project was fully realised and constructed as outlined in the appendix Construction + Realisation. Yet, despite the unfortunate inclement weather conditions, the project was implemented on site (in the Buttermarket, between 11th-12th February 2017), acting as a prototype to test the validity or relative success of each part of the design, and project. Furthermore, though the event only lasted for two days (running from 10am to 5pm both days), and adverse weather ultimately hampered opening times and the possibility to set-up in more than 2 of the prospective sites, there was sufficient opportunity to engage with members of the community, and to receive valuable feedback. 7.2 Representative Data Movement Firstly, due to the stated limitations, it is important to note that the data collected doesnt represent a statistically significant number, therefore cannot be wholly accurate (this data was recorded by myself, and the 2 other staff members present throughout the day). However, one of the main ambitions of the project was to attempt to attract people to (or activate) pockets of often neglected or disused space, to highlight that these spaces can be re-invented and used for something more and in this sense the project was successful. Due to the weather conditions on the first day, the project was set up under the arcade of arches on Burgate Road, and though this was not envisaged, it meant that the project was truly located in dead space as, on average, only 20 people pass this location every 10 minutes (throughout the day), and of that number less than 10% (2 out of 20) stop in the immediate area for more than 30 seconds. However, whilst the event was held, though the people traffi c remained fairly constant, the amount of people stopping for more than 30 seconds trebled to 30% as people stopped to inspect, or engage with, the structure. On average, parents and children who stopped spent 17 minutes with the structure a significant increase. On the second day, when set up in the more exposed Buttermarket Square (in considerably better weather), on average, the amount of people passing through the site was much higher, at around 120 every 10 minutes, whilst people stopped for around 13 minutes. Again, though traffic remained constant, persons who stopped at the structure spent an average of 37 minutes there almost a 300% increase in time spent in the site. 7.3 Community Engagement + Feedback Aside from statistical data, the design featured tell us what you think message boards and Post-it notes, whilst several interviews were video recorded (stills of which can be found in the appendices) affording parents and children opportunities to express their opinions, either written or verbally. As shown in Figure XX, the written feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with parents agreeing that in attempting to raise awareness of declining reading levels the structure was a good idea-[and] interesting for architecture. One user wrote that she though the project was a really creative idea, imaginative and engaging- [with] fairy tales brought to life before your eyes, before, interestingly, adding that it captures your dreams with your child which may be lost on a busy shopping day, and stating that nothing is more important than a parent seeing their childs imagination grow. Similarly, a mother, Jane, who took the time to read with her 6-year-old daughter, Emma, stated that the structure was a really great use of space showing that you can create engaging and creative spaces for public engagement without costing loads! This sentiment was also echoed in the video interviews, with one mother stating that its nice to have somewhere to sit and read because they [her children] get fed up around the shops, giving a little bit of time for them before adding that its such a simple idea, but no-one else has ever thought of it before. In another interview, Adam, a father of two girls added: Its very homely and cosy. We took the girls to visit the Cathedral, but they got a bit bored, and kept talking about coming back to the Story Box the whole way round. As you can see, theyre having a whale of a time drawing all over the walls. I think the durability of it, and the fact you can just scribble all over it is great because they cant do that at home! Fascinatingly, though blank create your own story pages were placed on the interior walls as a place for children to draw and write, most children drew directly onto the cardboard walls, an unintended feature that another parent appreciated: Great portable pop-up s pace ideal to give kids somewhere to be free and creative to draw on the walls (like they cant do at home!) Moreover, during the event, I had the opportunity to observe if the project was actually attracting parents who werent necessarily reading wi

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Hawaiian History :: Hawaii

Hawaiians should have rights to their own land and not let foreigners disrupt their daily habits and life. If a foreigner takes allegiance to Hawai’i they not only have the accessibility of a citizen but also the perks that go with citizenship. Foreigners would be able to marry the women of Hawai’i while they have wives back home in their previous motherland. Foreigners that are aiding to Hawai’i can stay as aliens and be just as effective. There is no need for them to gain citizenship and take an oath of allegiance for their help. If a foreigner wants a piece a land all he needs to do is take an oath of allegiance and he is able to have a piece of land. If too many foreigners enter Hawai’i, their culture will take over. The majority will consist of the foreigners and their government will take over. Too many foreigners will cause much more damage to the native Hawaiian population. The number of full Hawaiians will decrease if foreigners continu e to enter the island of Hawai’i. Foreigners also brought diseases over to Hawai’i and the Hawaiians did not have a sufficient immune system therefore they died. The population went from one million people to 134,000. This was in a span of forty-five years. Since the haoles were immune to the disease they were able to carry on and grow stronger. Hawaiians thought that since the foreigners were not getting sick they must be considered gods. Lies were repeated over and over by the haole and this is how they built there civilization. Not only did they bring diseases but they also brought merchants. These ruthless, money hungry traders wanted land and ports for shipping. As more foreigners came to Hawai’i, more problems occurred. Priest preached the word of God, Christianity, but this was contradictory to the Hawaiian religion and their way of life. The Hawaiians believed that every single thing in the world had a god. The palm trees had a god, the grass had a god, the ocean had a god, the sky had a god, etc. So when Christianity came, the idea of one God was amazing and absurd to them. I despise the fact that foreigners came here and changed almost every aspect of Hawai’i.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Cvs – Web Strategy

Running head: CASE ANALYSIS – CVS: THE WEB STRATEGY Abstract CVS decided to expand its services by opening a Web -based drugstore. Initially, there were many doubts concerning how to do it â€Å"right†; building it from start, or acquisition were the options on hand. After studying the possibilities CVS decided to acquire Soma. com and gradually (less than 3 months) turn it into CVS. com. There were many challenges during the process: coordinating a bicoastal organization (Soma. om headquarters were in Seattle and CVS headquarters were in Rhode Island), determining how the reimbursement were going to be handle for online purchases, building brand awareness and increasing traffi c and sales on the new channel (the Web). This paper intends to analyze CVS’ Web strategy and provide some recommendations on that area. 1 CASE ANALYSIS – CVS: THE WEB STRATEGY 2 CASE ANALYSIS – C VS: THE WEB STRATEGY After carefully studying how to venture in a new distribut ion channel (the Web), CVS decided to acquire an established company (Soma. com). The goal was to re -launch Soma. com as CVS. om, in just a few months. The pressure was high since the competition was fierce and constantly increasing. By the time CVS acquired Soma. com there were already strong competitors in the market: Drugstore. com and Planet Rx. Venturing on a Web-based drugstore was based on the fact that â€Å"the market for drugstore products was four times the combined sales of books and CD’s, two sectors that had flourished on the web† (Shah, 1999, p. 1). Everyday more and more drugstores were thinking about the possibility of venturing with online presence, the Internet was flourishing and everyone wanted to take advantage of it.According to Shah (1999), CVS decided to acquire Soma. com for several reasons: speed, human resource quality, fully automated warehouse, and similar health -care-focused beliefs. Speed was crucial to respond to the fast -growing com petition, â€Å"it would have taken [them] 3 to 4 months to build what [they] bought for the same cost† (Shah, 1999, p. 6). In fact, Soma. com used top notch technology to operate and control its business, managing up to 3,000 SKUs of just prescription medicines. Moreover, Soma. com’s huma n resource was a great asset that came ‘with the price’.Soma. com was especially careful about hiring people â€Å"with mail order prescription backgrounds† (Shah, 1999, p. 6). Therefore, hiring qualified employees to manage the new distribution channel was not a concern for CVS. The following table was design to summarize the analysis of the provided information about CVS web venture. The table summarizes the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and the opportunities and threats of its environment. CASE ANALYSIS – CVS: THE WEB STRATEGY 3 Table 1 CVS Web-based Drugstore SWOT Analysis Strengths ?CVS brand equity: second drugstore in the US, Weaknesse s ? Bicoastal organization: Soma. com and the one with more number of stores. Detailed and well-design operation process from headquarters were in Rhode Island. Time dispensing to shipping: registration required, ? headquarters were in Seattle and CVS difference is a challenge. specified reimbursement need from the customer, ? Privacy issues: user sensibility to sharing different options to present the prescription, free shipping of orders that included prescription reminders were not in sync with brick -and- edicines. ? medical information online, e-mail prescription mortars drugstores. â€Å"E-mail prescription refill reminders for registered ? Making a product available on cvs. com was users, and 24-hour access to pharmacists via email or telephone† (Shah, 1999, p. 6) Top-notch automated technology in the can click on the dosage, indications and description of ingredients† (Pigott as cited in prescription medicines. ? to web-enable each product to make sure you wareh ouse, able to deal with up to 3,000 SKU of ? time consuming: To add a new SKU â€Å"we haveShah, 1999, p. 8) Xtra! : CVS’ frequent shopper program, which ? Difficulty to agree on joint developing could be implemented online. Making cvs. com a tool to facilitate physic ians’ enable more products for purchase through the jobs: â€Å"A physician could visit cvs. com site to website (such as cosmetics, other related prescribe, confirm a prescription or learn a healthcare products, greeting cards), but the patient’s formulary†¦ [CVS] need[s] to make it website team management constantly wa s in easier to prescribe through CVS than elsewhere† ? trategies for the website: CVS wanted to disagreement with this idea. (Shah, 1999, p. 7) ? ? Different delivery options: â€Å"an order could be mailed to the customer’s home or picked up at the Undefined long-term pricing strategy for the website. ? Inability to successfully draw customers to use local CVS † (Shah, 1999, p. 8) Cvs. com site was treated as a SBU. It had its own strategies implemented for it (free shipping, marketing team and manager, who responded to ? the website, despite the different marketing lower prices, 24-hour service, etc. ). CVS marketing director. Online pricing strategy: lower than in stores. CASE ANALYSIS – CVS: THE WEB STRATEGY 4 Opportunities ? Great market possibility: four times as big as Threats ? Online drugstores were a novelty. No one books and CD’s, products that successfully were being sold online. ? knew how profitable and feasible they really were. Increased negotiation power due to mergers and ? There was a risk of losing the reimbursement acquisitions in the drugstore industry, leaving only to online drugstores: PBM’s have threatened four major drugstores and the rest as industry with that. ndependents. ? ? Strong and increasing direct competition Possibility of being able to have an ‘online (Drugstore. com, P lanet Rx, Walgreens. com pharmacy’ built within the PBM’s dispensary and e-pharmacy. com), as well as indirect (Shah, 1999, p. 9). (healthcare sites without prescription filling such as WebMD, which later became Healtheon). ? Mail-order companies created by PBMs to fill long-term prescriptions created a conflict of interest between suppliers and online drugstores. CVS had everything figured out for a smooth launching and operation of cvs. om: detailed and careful design purchasing process, differentiated prices, and quality customer service. All these were supported on CVS’ brand equity. However, they forgot to truly integrate both companies not only technol ogically but functionally. Even though it appeared to be the best way to do it, having different marketing teams on different time zones created an issue for the company. That was onl y one of CVS integration issues, another one was that the website database was not synchronized with the stores database, whi ch made the e – mail reminder tool ineffective.It appears to be that the main cause of cvs. com issues was the rush of launching the site; no long-term strategies were planned. There was uncertainty in pri cing strategies for the CASE ANALYSIS – CVS: THE WEB STRATEGY 5 website, as well as expansion in product offerings. I t was challenging to look for common ground between CVS and the team managing cvs. com. To make cvs. com a successful distribution channel, CVS needed to start working on long term strategies for growth. CVS needed to take advantage of the great amount of product possibilities available under the drugstore market.There were already other online healthcare sites without prescription filling services (WebMD or Healtheon) offering rela ted products. Hence, more products needed to be introduced for online purchase, and the frequent -shopper program ‘ Xtra! ’ should have been implemented online as well. It was a fact that the â€Å"hybrid ord er -and-delivery offering create[d] an advantage over pur e online competition† (Foulkes as cited in Shah, 1999, p. 8), however, i f they offered different delivery options, they should offer different pricing strategies.Therefore, a discount based on the amount purchased could be designed to increase the website traffic, or a double-point system could be developed for those customers that were Xtra! users. Another major issue that needed attention was the PBMs’ relationship. Conflicts of interest were rising due to the similarities in the delivery process between the PBMs’ mail -order prescription program and the online drugstores. Contract’s liabilities with the PBMs were at risk under this new distribution channel. In conclusion, cvs. com built its foundation but forgot to plan for growth.More efforts need to be made on long-term, consistent marketing strategies; strategies that are a ble to attract loyal customers to the site. Moreover, CVS’ lac k of planning is putting at risk the relationship with the suppliers (PBMs). To avoid failing and committing greater mistakes, CVS should set a marketing plan that allows them to know the profile of the online customer, their needs and wants. Based on that r esearch, they should r e-design a nd implement features on the website. Moreover, they need to develop strategies to keep their suppliers ( PBMs) satisfied, withoutCASE ANALYSIS – CVS: THE WEB STRATEGY 6 feeling at risk of losing business from their mail -order programs. For that specific issue, maybe a joint strategy could be implemented to increase awareness among their customers about whom their PBMs are. By doing so, all the 30 -day refills could be made through them. I f CVS is able to design a nd implement a long-term marketing plan for cvs. com, the website as a new distribution channel would be a complete success. CASE ANALYSIS – CVS: THE WEB STRATEGY 7 Reference Shah, A. (1999). CVS: The web strategy. Harv ard Business School.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Absolutist Governments essays

Absolutist Governments essays The rise of absolute monarchs in the seventeenth century was a result of numerous unrelated things and events. The development of the idea of the Divine Right of Kings, and the publishing of Thomas Hobbes work, Leviathan, provided the justification the Monarchs needed to further their pursuit of wealth, land, and trade opportunities. It also provided the way to appease their conscience, as they overtook and abused indigenous peoples. The breakdown of the feudal system was throwing country after country into unrest. This also helped to make this idea of absolutism popular, even within the general population. In France around the middle of the seventeenth century, a revolution against the current monarch, Cardinal Mazarin, threw France into disarray. When the Cardinal died in 1661, Louis XVI (whom the Cardinal had been governing for), took power and became the strong absolute ruler that France had been looking for. He took hold of the country and put himself at the head of the government, and as a result order was restored. In this way, Louis XVI instigated an absolutism that was popular with the citizens of France (p. 432-433, Textbook). There were many absolutist monarchs throughout Europe during this time period, including Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. Although England had not tended towards an absolute monarchy, eventually when James I came to power, this idea prevailed there as well (p.420, Textbook). This absolutist government was justified by Jacques-Benigne Bossuet, who believed in a theory called the Divine Right of Kings. He argued that kings ruled because they were chosen by God to do so, and that these kings were accountable to no person except God. The king ruled by virtue of Gods authority, so he should be obeyed in all things. No group, whether the nobles, the people on the street, or even Parliament, had the right to question this rule, for to do so was to rebel against God (p.43...

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Sesxism Essays - Liberalism In The United States, Abortion

Sesxism Essays - Liberalism In The United States, Abortion Sesxism Feminism And Gender Equality In The 1990's Overall, the rights and status of women have improved considerably in the last century; however, gender equality has recently been threatened within the last decade. Blatantly sexist laws and practices are slowly being eliminated while social perceptions of women's roles continue to stagnate and even degrade back to traditional ideals. It is these social perceptions that challenge the evolution of women as equal on all levels. In this study, I will argue that subtle and blatant sexism continues to exist throughout educational, economic, professional and legal arenas. Women who carefully follow their expected roles may never recognize sexism as an oppressive force in their life. I find many parallels between women's experiences in the nineties with Betty Friedan's, in her essay: The Way We Were - 1949. She dealt with a society that expected women to fulfill certain roles. Those roles completely disregarded the needs of educated and motivated business women and scientific women. Actually, the subtle message that society gave was that the educated woman was actually selfish and evil. I remember in particular the searing effect on me, who once intended to be a psychologist, of a story in McCall's in December 1949 called A Weekend with Daddy. A little girl who lives a lonely life with her mother, divorced, an intellectual know-it-all psychologist, goes to the country to spend a weekend with her father and his new wife, who is wholesome, happy, and a good cook and gardener. And there is love and laughter and growing flowers and hot clams and a gourmet cheese omelet and square dancing, and she doesn't want to go home. But, pitying her poor mother typing away all by herself in the lonesome apartment, she keeps her guilty secret that from now on she will be living for the moments when she can escape to that dream home in the country where they know what life is all about. (See Endnote #1) I have often consulted my grandparents about their experiences, and I find their historical perspective enlightening. My grandmother was pregnant with her third child in 1949. Her work experience included: interior design and modeling women's clothes for the Sears catalog. I asked her to read the Friedan essay and let me know if she felt as moved as I was, and to share with me her experiences of sexism. Her immediate reaction was to point out that Betty Friedan was a college educated woman and she had certain goals that never interested me. My grandmother, though growing up during a time when women had few social rights, said she didn't experience oppressive sexism in her life. However, when she describes her life accomplishments, I feel she has spent most of her life fulfilling the expected roles of women instead of pursuing goals that were mostly reserved for men. Unknowingly, her life was controlled by traditional, sexist values prevalent in her time and still prevalent in the nineties. Twenty-four years after the above article from McCall's magazine was written, the Supreme Court decided whether women should have a right to an abortion in Roe v. Wade (410 U.S. 113 (1973)). I believe the decision was made in favor of women's rights mostly because the court made a progressive decision to consider the woman as a human who may be motivated by other things in life than just being a mother. Justice Blackmun delivered the following opinion: Maternity, or additional offspring, may force upon the woman a distressful life and future. Psychological harm may be imminent. Mental and physical health may be taxed by child care. There is also a distress, for all concerned, associated with the unwanted child, and there is the problem of bringing a child into a family already unable, psychologically and otherwise, to care for it. In other cases, as in this one, the additional difficulties and continuing stigma of unwed motherhood may be involved. (See Endnote #2) I feel the court decision of Roe v. Wade would not have been made in 1949. Even in 1973, it was a progressive decision. The problem of abortion has existed for the entire history of this country (and beyond), but had never been addressed because

Monday, November 4, 2019

The Business Environment in Relation to Morrisons Essay

The Business Environment in Relation to Morrisons - Essay Example The details further establish the salient use of the variables in rebuilding the supermarkets’ strategic framework. The company’s factors of success Morrisons has competently claimed its position in the U.Ks retail market through the lead in delivery of quality food and groceries. The supermarket chain has grown tremendously after merging with Safeways Company. Morrisons currently has the capability to make on-point deliveries effectively than the competitors. The outlet discovered that, some of its drawbacks resulted from poor distribution and delivery channels. Therefore, it strategized accordingly, and in the modern day, the company has a neat flow of goods to reach the final consumer via the outlets it established. The company has reduced the overall overheads through the procurement of privately owned transportation means, and outlets. The company enjoys customer loyalty through the delivery of quality goods satisfactorily at the time that the consumer may perceive the need (Henry, 2008: 66). Morrisons Company seeks to deliver value profitably to the consumer for mutual benefits. It first establishes customers’ needs and determines the most pressing that call for immediate attention. The company wins over the competition through intense research to ascertain any changes in the markets and the availability of new markets. Suppliers’ core value to a business is to deliver materials and inventories. Morrisons realized that, their suppliers were incompetent and the costs of sourcing them were relatively high. Therefore, the supermarket has established supply chains thus, resulting to reduced costs of materials and effective distribution of products to its various chain stores. The main factors towards the growth of supermarkets are; customer satisfaction, reduced costs hence considerably low prices, and effective delivery of quality products (Bensoussan & Fleisher, 2008: 68). The supermarket has continuously erected food stores in a n attempt to reach all entire market, which still remains inadequately catered for. Through the strategic mission and vision statements, the company propels the set plans and strategies to achieving its goals and objectives. Morrisons’ vision and mission statements express their practices inertly, and more emphasis relates to customer satisfaction. The company enjoys economies of scale by the fast and the effective rate of diversification of investment.  

Friday, November 1, 2019

Effect of Television on language development Essay

Effect of Television on language development - Essay Example Modern life is a haven of myriad issues that subject humanity to series of arguments and researches that seek to demystify and define these complex occurrences. Television, though relatively old, is a device that totally revolutionized the social lives of humanity. It brought into focus several issues of concern and continues to elicit heated debates regarding its effects on various aspects of human development and social life. Indeed, it must be emphasized that any technological invention must have its special repercussions on a particular sector of human life. Children today make up much of the population that spends much time in front of the television sets. Perhaps this occurs due to the ample time that children will usually have contrary to their parents and other adults. In that manner, several researches have been conducted with an aim of establishing the influences of television on children and establishing whether these effects are positive or detrimental. One particular iss ue regards the influence of television on children’s language development and the ascertainment of the myriad hypothesis that abound regarding this heated topic. It must be remembered that this concern actually arose out of the noticeable differences that were established after several years of observation that necessitated the commencement of this search of facts. Television programs are very many today with particular programs specifically meant for children through adults. For children, such programs mostly include comedies and other comical scenes that are meant for a child’s enjoyment. In most cases, these programs inhibit language development since the language used is never proper. In several cases, children organizations have raised concerns on the type of language used in some of these situations. The ability of a child to internalize basic concepts like language is normally very high in the early stages of development. As such, a television program that uses improper English may impart a lifelong discrepancy in a child. It is therefore appropriate that the concerned parties be very vigilant in their effort to ensure effective language use in television programs meant for children. In adults, this is never an issue, since most adults watch mostly news and documentaries, which are normally addressed in good languages. In most developed countries, it is established that by the time most children join high school, they shall have spent 15000 hours watching television. Well, that demands serious attention. The effect of such addiction emerges considering that in most of these countries; family planning has reduced most families to have two children. It then implies that a child will spent almost half of their pre-high school waking hours completely alone or with a brother or sister watching television. Indeed, the actual speaking of the language mostly enhances the development of proper language in children. The failure to frequently practic e the language will mean that a child will limit their ability of learning a language and will therefore be impaired in a way. Without doubt, television influences the mental occurrences of children as they simply sit and watch without stimulating their minds and subjecting themselves to reasoning that enhances their aptitude. The several arguments regarding the effects of television on language development majorly revolve around the lack of social interaction in children because of being too much glued to the sets. However, the role of parents in children development is an important aspect that needs much analysis. Several cases abound where parents also become addicted to watching television and thereby spent several hours alongside their children glued to their sets. In such a case,