Critically assess the relevance of classical management approaches and Essay

Critically assess the relevance of classical management approaches and the human relations approach to understanding present day - Essay Example Centuries ago, the theorists and management experts realized the need of developing some principles and theories to guide the managers in performing their tasks (Kotter and Cohen, 2002, p195). There have been several important management approaches developed and proposed by the theorist from time to time. These theories are based upon different approaches of managing people and work. The classical management and human relation approaches proposed by Fayol, Taylor and Mayo have been regarded as some major management approaches that have also proved their successful implications and practicability to the working organizations. These approaches remained in practice for several decades and also criticise on several grounds due to the weaknesses identified (Beissinger, 1988, p83). The essay aims to examine the relevance of classical management theory and human relation approach to understand the present day organization with the help of relevant literature. The essay examines the key prop ositions of these theories and discusses weaknesses and implications to the work organization. These approaches are also analysed to find their practicability in the modern world. It is unveiled that present day organizations need dynamic management theories and approaches that could be attained through developing set of management practice principles and these theories could not alone work to guide managers towards efficient management of the organizations. Classical Management Approach The classical approach towards management has been regarded as one of the earliest thought of management. It evolved during the industrial revolution era during the problems related with the management of factory system started appearing very commonly and the managers felt the need of system that could provide them guidelines for the solution of their problems. The managers at that time did not had exact ideas about the training of their employees neither they were adequately able to deal with them. As a result there was considerable increase in the labour dissatisfaction and the need to find the solution became even more critical and important (Kotter and Cohen, 2002, p195). In this situation, the classical management theory was developed to provide the best way for forming and managing the tasks. The classical approach was basically made up of two branches including classical scientific and classical administrative approaches. The classical management approach recognizes the defining role of management within an organization. It asserts that the management has the most important role in running any business or factory (Taylor, 1903, p143). There were some early theorists that played role in the development of the classical management theory. For instance, French industrialist Fayol identifies the need of critical responsibility of management in early 1900s. Frederic Taylor – the father of scientific management believes that organizations are required to study the task s in order to develop precise and appropriate procedures for conducting the tasks. He proves that this study will increase the productivity of the plant and then he also developed incentive system to meet the new standards. Later the purely scientific examination of the working environment and organizations conducted by F.W. Taylor and Fayol identified six major functions of an industrial undertaking. These functions include technical, commercial, financial, security, accounting and managerial

Domino’s Sizzle with Pizza Tracker Essay Example for Free

Domino’s Sizzle with Pizza Tracker Essay Abstract The purpose of this case study is to exam how Domino’s pizza uses Information Systems to regain their share of the Home Delivery pizza market. I’ll discuss how Domino’s overcome a bad reputation and improved their product and services. I will also discuss the changes and process systems implemented along with where they currently stand in the market and with their customers. I will finish with the technology Domino’s plans to use in the future. Domino’s Pizza Sizzles with Pizza Tracker This case study discusses the impact that information systems and global e-business has had on Domino’s Pizzas’ reemergence as an industry leader in the home-delivery pizza market. It looks into what kind of systems are used, how the systems improve business performance, how their online pizza ordering system has improved the ordering process and how the systems are giving Domino’s a competitive edge. Domino’s opened in 1960 and grew to 200 stores in 1978 and currently operates almost 9000 stores worldwide and has the largest share of the approximate $15 Billion/year pizza market. They compete with Pizza Hut, Papa John’s and Little Caesar’s along with local pizza shops. Despite being one of the most well-known brands in the United States, between 2006 and 2008 Domino’s Pizza was in crisis. After leaving Pepsi, Chief Marketing Office Russell Weiner joined Domino’s and inherited a brand with plummeting sales and a bad image due to their lackluster product. A month after he joined the company, sales hit a record low of $2.83 a share in November 2008 and today, it’s up around $72 a share. (Jeff Beer, 2014). Trying to overcome the reputation of having the worst pizza, in 2009, Domino’s CEO  acknowledged in a commercial that Domino’s pizza doesn’t taste good. He apologized for its poor ingredients and promised to improve t he recipe. After that statement was made, store sales grew 14.3% the following quarter. (Forbes Magazine, 2013). Domino’s had $1.5 Billion in sales and earned $80 million in profit that year. Domino’s made their customers a promise to provide better ingredients which they did, but the most important ingredient has been the technology and investment in digital and mobile where they’ve made it faster and easier for customers to place and track orders. In 2003, Domino’s implemented a Transaction Processing System (TPS) called â€Å"Pulse† as a point-of-sale system. Pulse helps Domino’s maintain consistent and efficient management functions in each of their stores. The Data from purchases and payments from orders are captured by this computerized system and recorded. Pulse captures the information from the customer’s order such as type of crust, toppings, side dishes and delivery locations. Once the data is collected, pulse will calculate the number of pizzas and side orders sold, cost of ingredients along with delivery and customer information. The stores in which Pulse was installed reported improved customer services, reduced mistakes and shorter training times. Domino’s most recently updated to â€Å"Pulse Evolution† which is faster, less expensive and easier to maintain. From an operational standpoint, you can use Information Systems to gain a cost advantage over competitors or to differentiate yourself by offering better customer service. (Bert Markgraf, 2015). Since January 2010, shares of Domino’s have significantly surpassed the competition rising 750% while Papa John’s grew 193% and Pizza Hut grew 93%. The Story was the same in 2013 with Domino’s shares increasing 51% while Papa John’s shares increased 30% and Pizza Hut shares were flat for the year. (Forbes, 2013). The latest innovation from  Domino’s (Pizza Tracker) allows a customer to watch a simulated version of their pizza being made all the way through to the finished product. This is another way that Domino’s has used Information Systems and E-Business to reach their customers. The Journal of General Management several success factors for e-commerce. Support self-service in which a web user should be enabled to complete transactions with ease. Nurture customer relationships where up front efforts should focus on increasing customer loyalty, not necessarily maximizing sales. Target a market of one where each customer should be treated as an individual market. Build communities of interest. A company should make its web site a destination that customers look forward to visiting, not simply a resource people use because they have to conduct a transaction. Online ordering has become the cornerstone of Domino’s business with IPad apps such as pizza tracker, pizza hero, customer pizza profiles and the newest featuring a 3-D pizza builder. Domino’s research shows customers by pizza 21 times each year; it gets six or seven of those orders and a similar amount might go to Pizza Hut which showed them that loyalty was not strong. (Forbes, 2013). Along with Pizza Tracker, Domino’s Pizza Profiles have helped retain customers and generate more loyalty from customers. Pizza Profiles allow customers who order online to save their information and reorder their favorite order in as little as five clicks, or about 30 seconds. The company now has mobile apps to cover about 95% of smartphones  and says it generates $2 billion in global digital sales per year of which 35% is driven by mobile. (Forbes, 2013). Domino’s locations are opening faster than Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Pizza Hut and McDonalds since 2008 and have used Business Systems to its fullest to rise to the top. The biggest single department at Domino’s headquarters is now IT and they’re starting to also be known as a Tech company. (Jeff Beer, 2014) Coming soon is the â€Å"DomiCopter† which is a remote controlled  drone that delivers their product. Domino’s has run several tests and may soon introduce the delivery service to the market. REFERENCES 1. Touryalai, H. â€Å"Technology, not pizza, helps Domino’s crush competitors and grow faster than McDonald’s overseas.† Forbes 15 Oct 2013; web 2. Beer, J (2014, May 22). â€Å"How Domino’s became a tech company.† Retrieved from http://www.fastcocreate.com/3030869/behind-the-brand/how-dominos-became-a-tech-company. 3. Markgraf, B (2015, January 14). â€Å"Importance of information systems in an organization.† Retrieved from http://www.smallbusiness.chron.com 4. Barnatt, C. â€Å"Embracing E-Business.† Journal of General Management, 2004; 89 – 97.

Barriers to Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention

Barriers to Health Maintenance and Disease Prevention Redante Castro Introduction: There are many factors that interfere with health equity and the ability of the patients to get their healthcare needs met. Whether people are healthy or not, is determined by their circumstances and environment. There are challenges that a patient and healthcare providers encounters in securing and providing health services. These social determinants of health, such as income, education, transportation, housing, and race or ethnicity, have powerful influence on a patient’s life long before they arrive at a hospital or clinic. According to literature, persistent social exclusion and inequities in wealth distribution and in access and use of services are reflected in health outcomes. Social exclusions and inequity are obstacles to human development. It poses barriers to poverty reduction strategies. It hinders social unity and improved health conditions of the populations. Social exclusion and inequity are further compounded by racial and gender discrimination. There are health disadvantages due to differences between segments of populations or between societies. There are health gaps arising from the differences between the worse-off and everyone else. Lastly, there are health gradients relating to differences across spectrum of the population. Studies have shown that the poorest of the poor have the worst health. This is also a global phenomenon, seen in low, middle, and high income countries. Within countries, studies showed that a person with low socioeconomic position has worse health- this is the soci al gradient of health. The poorest have the highest mortality rates. Improvements in income and education has a positive effect on health. One’s occupation is also relevant to health in terms of workplace risks exposure and its role in positioning the person along a society’s hierarchy. There is also demographic transition to consider that affects health, i.e., increasing life expectancy, increasing number of youths, growing number of elderly persons in the population, increased migration, and rapid urban growth. Population distribution and population age structure are crucial determinants of social, economic, and health-related services. For example, people in poverty are likely to be exposed to higher level of stress, economic uncertainty, and unhealthy conditions than their wealthier countrymen. It was recognized by some policymakers and stakeholders that the population’s health cannot be sustained by focusing solely on the financing and distribution of medical services. A more comprehensive and integrated strategies are necessary to foster health in all policies. An approach that integrate considerations of health, well-being, and equity in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and services. Determinants of health are being acknowledged and incorporated into health reform processes and policy changes are made. Examples of these policy changes are: regulation of alcohol and tobacco products, the expansion of healthier transportation systems (bicycle paths, pedestrian-friendly roads, and pathways), improvement in air and water quality, expansion of primary health care services, and improvements in nutrition programs. This new focus has helped divert the emphasis away from individual lifestyles and from a focus on disease towards broader determinan ts and actions that created a big impact on population health. However, it is probably fair to say that all community issues are political to some degree. For example, if a factory is poisoning town water system with its effluent and poisonous waste, local officials are faced with the choice of not dealing with the actual cause of the problem, i.e., the dumping of waste and endangering citizen’s health, or addressing the dumping and endangering citizen’s job. Differences of political opinion can have enormous consequences in the health of the community. Health is not merely the absence of illness or infirmity. It is the embodiment of physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing (World Health organization, 2007). Spiritual wellbeing involves one’s religious belief. Religious belief is essentially personal and private matter over which the individual should exercise control and choice. It is of value to understand the relative importance of religious beliefs and practices in protecting and promoting the health of the people of religious faith and the need to protect their rights to practice this belief free from discrimination. There is an abundant evidence in literature that religiousness can generate multitude benefits in health outcomes. For people of faith, their religion and belief system may influence individual health-promoting practices, for example encouraging abstinence from alcohol or not eating pork. They may also influence social environments. Strong social support and participation have been found t o be associated with better health/ longer life and may be offered by some religious communities. To people of faith, prayer is very important while seeking healthcare or undergoing procedures, a prayer of support and encouragement when unfavorable result was received. There are some religious group that blood and blood products are not to be part of any treatment. For some religious groups, contraceptives, abortion and anti-life practices are against their belief system. With these in mind, alternative ways are to be sought to promote the health and wellbeing of the individual without compromising their belief system. Values are criteria that people use to evaluate actions, people and events. What is important to a person may not be important to someone else. Each individual holds numerous values with varying degrees of importance. Values are motivational construct. They refer to the desirable goals people strive to attain. People have different health care value system. There are three ways people will view their health: how they became ill, what made them ill, and how they believed they can be cured. Example, people from the East (China) would value acupuncture for pain management option. This in turn will cause health care providers to look at health treatment plan to accommodate those needs. Among Asian cultures, maintain family harmony is an important value. The interests and honor of the family are more important than those of individual family members. Older family members are respected, and their authority is often unquestioned. Therefore, due to respect for authority, disagreement with tr eatment recommendation by the health team is avoided. (McLaughlin, L. Braun, K. 1998). Ethnic discrimination and exclusion affects all aspects of the individual’s life, including those related to health. Studies show that indigenous working people has low income, low educational level, poor access to healthcare, and has high mortality rate. Health screening, diagnosis, and treatment inequities within and between communities of different race, ethnicity and socioeconomic background are evident. Poverty barriers are linked to lack of primary care physicians, geographical barriers to care, competing survival priorities, comorbidities, inadequate health insurance, lack of information and knowledge, risk –promoting lifestyles, provider-and system-level factors, perceived susceptibility to disease, cultural beliefs and attitudes. Social exclusion can be the result of prejudice, which results in different access to health care, education, or other services. These are social norms of acceptance of particular behaviors or practices. Culture influences how people define illness or wellness, how they understand the causes of illness or wellness, and whom they access to improve their health. Greater support from families, friends and communities is linked to better health. Culture-customs and traditions, and the beliefs of the family, practices and behaviors, and community all affect health and even the outcomes of intervention. Example: smoking, or even alcohol abuse, may be accepted part of the culture of a community. In that case, many more people will adopt it than in a community where those practices are considered health risks. Some people think that health is not having any disease or illness, something that one feels. A paper from a conference of international health experts in 2011 sees health as the ability to adapt and to self-manage (Jocelyn Lowinger 2014).Medical News Today (2014) claims that most people accept that there are two aspects of health, physical and mental health. Most people relates physical health to good body health because of regular physical activity (exercise), good nutrition, and adequate rest. To some people, physical health involves structural health and chemical health. Structural health is associated with one’s height/weight ratio, body mass index, resting heart rate, and recovery time after exercise. Chemical health suggests that there are no toxic chemicals in one’s body and that there is a balance of nutrients needed by the body. Mental health on the other hand refers to people’s cognitive and emotional well-being. People have always found it easier to e xplain what mental illness is, rather than mental illness. Most people agree that mental health is the absence of mental illness. Mental health, to some people includes the ability to enjoy life, the ability to bounce back from adversities, the ability to achieve balance, to be flexible and adapt, the ability to feel safe and secure and making the best of what you have. Some views health as reflecting lifestyle, including a moral dimension and emotional well-being (MacInnes Milburn: 1994). Healthy behavior as not smoking, good diet, exercising, and not drinking alcohol to excess, a positive approach to life. Elderly people concepts of health were identified as the absence of disease, as a dimension of strength, weakness and exhaustion and health as a functional fitness. (Williams, R. (1983)†Concepts of Health: an analysis of Lay Logic†. Sociology 17:185-204). Illness results from negative attitudes, arising from a conflict between the individual and society-lifestyles in its widest sense. Ideas about causes of disease tend to emphasize biological rather than behavioral factors. Some of the agents of disease cited by working class women included infection, hereditary factors and environmental factors. The causes of disease are very much outside the control of the individual. Studies have also shown that people’s ideas about disease causation and vulnerability from illness are also influenced by biomedicine, example, and germ theory. However, people tend to take on beliefs which tend to fit with their lay understandings. (Calnan, M. (1987) Health and Illness: the Lay perspective. London: Tavistock). (Blaxter, M (1983) â€Å"The Causes of Disease: Women Talking†, Social Science and Medicine, 16:43-52). On the other hand, non-Western people views illness into two main systems according to anthropologists- personalistic and natur alistic. Personalistic system views illness to be caused by the active and purposeful intervention of an agent that may be: a supernatural being such as a deity or a god, a non-human being such as a ghost, ancestor, or evil spirit, or a human being such as a witch or a sorcerer. In this system, the sick person is a victim, the object of punishment directed specifically against him, for reasons that concerns him alone. In naturalistic system, illness is explained in impersonal, systemic terms. There is a concept of balance and equilibrium. Health prevails when elements in the body – heat, cold, the humors, etc. are in balance appropriate to the age and condition of the individual in his natural and social environment. (Foster, G. Anderson, B. (1978) Medical Anthropology New York: Jon Wiley). There are also beliefs or superstition that people believes as causative factor of illnesses. An understanding of people’s ideas about health maintenance and disease prevention is crucial to the success of health education and health promotion programs. One’s health beliefs may contribute to the knowledge of informal health care-how people manage their own health and whether they choose biomedical health services. Public attitudes towards health professionals and their authority as medical experts are changing. The days of blind trust in a doctor â€Å"who knows best† is history. Social and cultural processes that have encouraged change in interpersonal trust relations have stimulated changes in institutional trust. Beliefs about the limits of medical expertise together with concerns about the effectiveness of professional regulatory systems to ensure high standards of clinical care, magnified by the media coverage of medical errors and examples of medical incompetence, have eroded trust in health care organizations, in the medical professions in general, and in the health system as a whole. The lower level of institutional trust and the emergence of more informed and potentially demanding patients who are aware that expert knowledge may be contested and who may actively seek further opinions poses challenges for both governments and the medical professions and raises the question of wh ether trust is still relevant and necessary to the provision of medical care in the 21st century. (Trust relations in health care – new agenda/The European Journal of Public Health 2006) There should be policies to improve health in early life, such as equal opportunity of access to education, good nutrition, health education; access to health and preventive care facilities and access to adequate social and economic resources. Legislations to help protect minority and vulnerable groups from discrimination and social exclusion should be implemented. Government should intervene to reduce poverty and social exclusion at both individual and neighborhood levels. There should be policy regarding improvement in conditions of work and employees involvement in decision making process. For individuals who turn to drugs, alcohol and tobacco use – there should be a policy that aims to address the patterns of social deprivation in which the problems are rooted. Effective drug policy must be supported by the broad framework of social and economic policy. Conclusion: Countries, such as New Zealand can develop health policy changes in assembling and promoting effective, evidence based practices, place health equity as a shared goal across governments and other sectors of society, build a sustainable global movement and to turn public health knowledge into political action. Governments should recognize that welfare programs need to address both psychosocial and material needs.

THE IMMORAL PROPOSAL FOR THE CHANGE OF DRUG LAWS Essay -- Drugs

In the United States the use of illegal drugs is prohibited. If one uses or possesses any type of an illegal substance it is considered a criminal offense. One must know that 15 million Americans use drugs each month (Husak 7). There are various points of view that disagree and agree with this law. An advanced society must realize that the idea of any attempt to allow illegal drugs to be legalized, in any way in society, cannot be morally permissible; a sound minded person cannot allow more addiction in a drug infested country. For our purpose an advanced society is a large number of persons that are morally knowledgeable of human wellbeing. A drug, for our purpose, is described as any substance other than food which by its chemical nature affects the structure or function of the living organism. The idea of changing illegal substance laws started with drug legalization, which stretches back to the early decades of the 20th century, but the contemporary debate emerged in1988. Kurt L. Schmoke called for the debate on drug control and strategies. Schmokes’s argument was that for generations the United States has been pursuing policies of prosecution and repression that resulted in little more than overcrowded courts and prisons, increased profits for drug traffickers, and higher rates of addiction. There are two main view points on the changing of drug laws. One is the Prohibition view point which is against drug legalization. Prohibitionist believe that laws that are set in place are enough and that the legalization of drugs would further disrupt family structure and imply drug use to American youth that would lower perceptions of harms and risks, as well as failing to eliminate drug addiction.( Inciardi 20). The parallel v... ...n illegal substance must consider after addiction free choice is no longer free. The first few times an individual uses an addictive substance, but that choice disappears as addiction becomes an experienced reality (Inciardi 39). Work cited Heath, Samuel . "The Relationship between Parental Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Child Maltreatment ."childabuse,com (2011): n. pag. Web. 15 Apr 2011. Husak, Douglas . The Legalization of Drugs . Cambridge, New York: Cambridge Press, 2005. 198. Print. Inciardi , James A. The Drug Legalization debate . 2nd . Thousand Oaks, California : Sage Publications Inc., 1999. 1-117. Print. University of California - San Francisco. "Prescription Drug Addiction Is Under Investigation." ScienceDaily, 19 Apr. 2007. Web. 15 Apr. 2011. Wills, Suzanne. "Marijuana policy questions ." Drug Policy Forum of Texas (2004): n. pag. Web. 15 Apr 2011.

Education in the Philippines Essay

In psychology, a drive theory or drive doctrine   is a theory that attempts to define, analyze or classify the psychological drives. A drive is an â€Å"excitatory state produced by a homeostatic disturbance†, an instinctual need that has the power of driving the behaviour of an individual. Drive theory is based on the principle that organisms are born with certain psychological needs and that a negative state of tension is created when these needs are not satisfied. When a need is satisfied, drive is reduced and the organism returns to a state of homeostasis and relaxation. According to the theory, drive tends to increase over time and operates on a feedback control system, much like a thermostat. Psychoanalysis Early attachment theory Social psychology Corroborative evidence Evaluation apprehension See Also ReferencesIn Freudian psychoanalysis, drive theory (German: Triebtheorie, German: Trieblehre) [1] refers to the theory of drives, motivations, or instincts, that have clear objects. [citation needed] In 1927 Freud said that a drive theory was what was lacking most in psychoanalysis. He was opposed to systematics in psychology, rejecting it as a form of paranoia, and instead classified drives with dichotomies like Eros/Thanatos drives, the drives toward Life and Death, respectively, and sexual/ego drives. Freud’s Civilization and Its Discontents was published in Germany in 1930  when the rise of fascism in that country was well under way, and the warnings of a second European war were leading to opposing calls for rearmament and pacifism. Against this background, Freud wrote â€Å"In face of the destructive forces unleashed, now it may be expected that the other of the two ‘heavenly forces,’ eternal Eros, will put forth his strength so as to maintain himself alongside of his equally immortal adversary.†. In 1947, Hungarian psychiatrist and psychologist Leopold Szondi, aimed instead to a systematic drive theory. Szondi Drive Diagram has been described as a revolutionary addition to psychology, and as paving the way for a theoretical psychiatry and a psychoanalytical anthropology. In early attachment theory, behavioural drive reduction was proposed by Dollard and Miller (1950) as an explanation of the mechanisms behind early attachment in infants. Behavioural drive reduction theory suggests that infants are born with innate drives, such as hunger and thirst, which only the caregiver, usually the mother, can reduce. Through a process of classical conditioning, the infant learns to associate the mother with the satisfaction of reduced drive and is thus able to form a key attachment bond. However, this theory is challenged by the work done by Harlow, particularly the experiments involving the maternal separation of rhesus monkeys, which indicate that comfort possesses greater motivational value than hunger. In social psychology, drive theory was used by Robert Zajonc in 1965 as an explanation of the phenomenon of social facilitation. [8] The audience effect notes that in some cases the presence of a passive audience will facilitate the better performance of a task, while in other cases the presence of an audience will inhibit the performance of a task. Zajonc’s drive theory suggests that the variable determining direction of performance is whether the task is composed of a correct dominant response (that is, the task is perceived as being subjectively easy to the individual) or an incorrect dominant response (perceived as being subjectively difficult). In the presence of a passive audience, an individual is in a heightened state  of arousal. Increased arousal, or stress, causes the individual to enact behaviours that form dominant responses, since an individual’s dominant response is the most likely response, given the skills which are available. If the dominant response is correct, then social presence enhances performance of the task. However, if the dominant response is incorrect, social presence produces an impaired performance. Corroborative evidence Such behaviour was first noticed by Triplett (1898) while observing the cyclists who were racing together versus cyclists who were racing alone. It was found that the mere presence of other cyclists produced greater performance. A similar effect was observed by Chen (1937) in ants building colonies. However, it was not until Zajonc investigated this behaviour in the 1960s that any empirical explanation for the audience effect was pursued. Zajonc’s drive theory is based on an experiment   involving the investigation of the effect of social facilitation in cockroaches. Zajonc devised a study in which individual cockroaches were released into a tube, at the end of which there was a light. In the presence of other cockroaches as spectators, cockroaches were observed to achieve a significantly faster time in reaching the light than those in the control, no-spectator group. However, when cockroaches in the same conditions were given a maze to negotiate, performance was impaired in the spectator condition, demonstrating that incorrect dominant responses in the presence of an audience impair performance. Evaluation apprehension Cottrell’s Evaluation Apprehension model later refined this theory to include yet another variable in the mechanisms of social facilitation. He suggested that the correctness of dominant responses only plays a role in social facilitation when there is an expectation of social reward or punishment based on performance. His study differs in design from Zajonc’s as he  introduced a separate condition in which participants were given tasks to perform in the presence of an audience that was blindfolded, and thus unable to evaluate the participant’s performance. It was found that no social facilitation effect occurred, and hence the anticipation of performance evaluation must play a role in social facilitation. Evaluation apprehension, however, is only key in human social facilitation and not observed in animals. 1. Mà ©lon, Jean (1996) Notes on the History of the Szondi Movement Text for the Szondi Congress of Cracow, August 1996. 2. Seward, J. (1956). drive, incentive, and reinforcement. Psychological Review, 63, 19-203. Retrieved from https://pallas2.tcl.sc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pdh&AN=rev-63-3-195&site=ehost-live 3. Leopold Szondi (1972) Lehrbuch der Experimentellen Triebdiagnostik 4. Freud, S. (1961). Civilization and its discontents. J. Strachey, transl. New York: W. W. 5. Leopold Szondi [1947] (1952) Experimental Diagnostics of Drives first edition, quotation: 6. Livres de France (1989), Issues 106-109 quotation: 7. Harlow H F; Zimmermann R R. (1959). Affectional responses in the infant monkey Science, vol(130):421-432 8. Zajonc, R. B. (1965). Social facilitation. Science, 149, 269-274. 9. Zajonc, R. B.; Heingartner, A.; Herman, E. M. (1969). â€Å"Social enhancement and impairment of performance in the cockroach†. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 13 (2): 83. doi:10.1037/h0028063 . edit

Reaction Paper on “Matilda” Essay

Dr. Seuss once said; â€Å"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you’ll go.† This is the way on how I can describe Matilda as a reader. Matilda’s life as a kid has not been easy for her. By the age of three, she started to take good care of herself without any assistance made by her parents. I can say that Matilda’s parents are somewhat mean; they don’t know the real essence of education. They are always thinking of ways (bad) on how to have a life with full of money. Harry believes that education is not the key to success; it’s by doing bad and making big money. Zinnia agrees to the belief of her husband. I find the movie very interesting, inspiring, and unforgettable. The most interesting part is when Matilda was finally brought to school by her dad, I felt really happy for her. I also did felt the eagerness of Matilda in going to school. She always pleased her parents for her schooli ng. I find inspiring because at her young age, she was able to appreciate the essence of reading books. And even though without school, she was able to learn many things by her own. The part where I witnessed her willingness to learn is the unforgettable part. It’s true that her parents offer her an easy life where she will not do anything but only to watch TV. But she didn’t accept this offer, instead she wants to prove to her parents that learning through books is much interesting than anyone else. She even got to the point that she disrespectfully answered her dad after saying that Matilda was a cheater (in the part that Harry is asking Michael to solve their income that day). There is also a part when Matilda plays trick to his dad whenever he will do something bad like dyeing Harry’s hair and putting glue unto his cap. Matilda is a booklover. She is willing to do anything and everything for reading and learning. She doesn’t want to be like her parents who grew being a cheater. She is a kind of reader who was able to finish reading all the children books in the library, and was almost finish reading all the references found there. She doesn’t choose books to read, but she wants it all to read. She has a fast level of understanding, she has a retentive memory. And this was proven when Ms. Honey formulates a joke quantity problem; and Matilda was able to answer the question. They were amazed and they thought that Matilda doesn’t know anything yet. Matilda proves them wrong. I am so far to the life of Matilda as a reader, we really are so different. Ever since I was child, reading will be the least and last thing that I would want to do; which proves our differences with each other. She likes to read a lot, and I don’t want to read. She is fond of reading a large number of pages of book, while I’m fond of reading a number of pages. She wants to read books with full of pints, fill of words; while I want to read books which contain a large, colorful pictures, and prints. She appreciates reading, while I’m not. In some way, we also have similarities. I read fast and can comprehend it. I can also feel the emotions present in the texts I’m reading. I also imagine myself into that environment which the writer explains. I can also memorize two to three pages of paper full of prints. And knowing this makes me feel so proud and happy. My family allocate budget for reading materials. My father is very supportive and gallant in giving money for educational materials; you won’t even hear a word from him. He will do everything just to execute his responsibility being a father to us. No questions can be asked for him in our budget for education, he will and he can give to us for it. We have sets of almanac, number of English and Chinese dictionaries, encyclopedia, magazines, short story books, recipe books, volumes of Chicken Soup books, and many more. Almost 10% of our house is books. And it only proves that we really have budget for it. Indeed â€Å"Matilda† is one of a kind movie. It’s very inspiring and educational. It will help you appreciate and somewhat to like and to love reading books. Watching this movie can help you develop likeness in reading. After watching this movie, you will able to define what reading is all about, and what reading can bring in to your life. Developing my reading skills is not easy, nor not an easy job. I’ve been trying hard put reading into my passion, but I guess it wouldn’t be ever. Yes I feel nervous, because my profession needs and requires a lot of reading. I want to be successful teacher to my students. I want them to have a good life because of my teachings. And because of this reason, I’ll not stop pursuing myself to read and read. Reading will not be my passion at all. I will not do reading because of myself. I will do reading for my future students, and I will make the movie Matilda an inspiration and a vision while I’m developing reading.

Mao and Stalin essays

Mao and Stalin essays Through out history the world has seen strong and powerful individuals and revolutionary ideas that have come to have a major affect on a country. Leaders are usually driven by what they see as a desire to create a better and more perfect country. It seems that these leaders appear to have the peoples best interest at heart. But, there is always one tremendous obstacle standing in the way and that is their personal interest. They get so wrapped up in satisfying their egos and operating by harsh methods, they seem to move away from the realization of the goals they first set out to accomplish. Every country on this earth has had the privilege to have at least one great leader at one point or another. When this occurs a country can realize it and take advantage of it in terms of watching the changes that take place and maintain them, or just let the leader slip away not to be heard from again. Without a doubt a great leader will always have an impact on its country whether it is posit ive or negative and it will act as a long lasting example for future generations down the line. Joseph Stalin, of the Soviet Union and Mao Tse-tung, of China were great leaders of their time. Mao and Stalin had similar objectives, ideas, and influences on their country. Both leaders believed that Communism was the ideal system for their countries. Mao and Stalin were both very much aware of their countries economic and industrial needs. They both believed that to achieve a strong economic structure peasants must be empowered and have total control. But, there is a big difference as to how they both went about these ventures. Joseph Stalin simply wanted a rapid development of industry in the Soviet Union. It seems that he was constantly observing the more powerful and capitalist countries outside of the Soviet Union. He took notice of how economically and technologically advanced countries like Germany and France were and how much his country wa...

summary of Linda Hogans Power essays

summary of Linda Hogans Power essays In Linda Hogans 1998 novel Power, much is learned about Native American culture. The main characters, Omishto and Ama help reveal this culture. The novel is divided into nine chapters. In Chapter 1, Omishto, a girl is in a boat that is floating on a pond. She notices that there is a storm coming in. She describes the pond and the area around it. A snake tries to enter the girls boat, but she pushes it out with a pole, and then she moves the boat to land. As she does this, she feels something watching her, but does not want to look in the direction. A woman named Ama has told the girl that she is in the territory of the cat (3). The girl says that she has never seen the cat, but Ama saved one when some boys had it treed. Ama took away the boys rifle. The girls father named her Omishto, which means one who watches. Omishtos grandmother says that Omishto has a wind inside her called Oni. Omishto is careful on her way home because she can still feel something watching her. Chapter 2, Stormlight, opens with a story about a man named Abraham Swallow. People believe that he died from fear or magic in some trees near a canal. As Omishto walks toward Ama Eatons house, she recalls this story. Near Amas house there is a tree called Methuselah that is 500 years old and was planted by the Spanish. Methuselah is the only tree of its kind in the area. The tree and Amas house sit on the edge of the Taiga land. Taiga is the name of the Indian tribe to which Ama and Omishto belong. Amas house is old and looks like it is decaying. As Omishto reaches Amas house, Ama tells Omishto to come into the house. Omishto tries to sneak up on Ama, but Ama always hears her. Ama and Omishto then sit on the porch together and discuss Abraham Swallows death. Omishto tells Ama that she does not think magic killed Abraham. Abrah...

How 9/11 changed people’s life in the USE

How 9/11 changed people’s life in the USE A devastating event that would forever alter our everyday lives. On September 11, 2001-a day that will never be forgotten- the United States experienced one of the worst terrorist attacks. 19 radicalist associated with al-Qaeda carried out a suicide attack at the world trade center, pentagon and pennsylvania killing approximately 3,000 people. (9/11 attack) Out of the three attacks, the planes that flew into the twin towers at the world trade center in New York City was the most destructive. The whole nation was in a state of shock as many watched the horrific event happening on live television. The smoke coming out of the buildings, people jumping out of windows in desperate hopes of escaping the fire, and people crying on the streets as they watch everything happen. It called for a time of togetherness and support for one another. Although it is its 16th year anniversary, we can still see its effect today. Americans perspective changed on muslims, creation of homeland security and the constant war on terror are some of the long lasting effects the 9/11 attack had on America. It’s no question that 9/11 changed Americans perspective on muslims in a negative way. According to Ohio State University’s nation poll, about 20% of americans said they are unwilling to have a muslim friend (Sirota). It increased by more than double from previous poll which was 9%. They have also concluded more Americans are likely to oppose restrictions on muslim Americans. Although the dictionary definition of terrorism is â€Å"the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims, its connotation has changed. Now people think of terrorism as a violent act that is committed by muslims. For example the travel ban, also known as the muslim ban, is a bill that allows the president to stop â€Å"certain groups of people from six majority-Muslim countries from entering the United States† (Lind). According to Jennifer Williams, â€Å"Between 2001 and 2015, more Americans were killed by homegrown right-wing e xtremists than by Islamist terrorists†,( Lind) This shows that we automatically associate muslims with terrorists activities but when an American does a horrific act we usually oversee it as a mental issue. According to polls conducted by Reuters/Ipsos, with nearly a majority of the poll, 49 percent â€Å"strongly† or â€Å"somewhat† agreed with the ban, while 41 percent â€Å"strongly† or â€Å"somewhat† disagreed and ten percent of them were undecided (Giaritelli). More people decide for it than against it which shows Americans view on muslims and their civil liberties. Like the travel ban, the U.S has many agencies and bills that help with the overall safety and security of the country. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Transportation Security Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are amongst the 22 agencies under Homeland Security which was created in 2002 under president Bush. Homeland security was created as a direct aftermath of the terrorist attack. These agencies have become a part of an everyday American lives when traveling, dealing with cyber security issues or simply a natural disaster. According to Homeland security’s yearbook of immigration statistics, after 9/11 deportation doubled, from 200,000 before the attack to 400,000 (Green). The transportation Security Administration has changed the way people traveled forever. Before 9/11 and homeland security was created, liquid was allowed on flights and full body scanners were like science fiction. Now, we have occasional pat-downs, full body scans, thorough search on people and their belongings. That used to be done by private companies of the airport but now that is a federal responsibility. Now it has grown so much that not only do they try to prevent terrorist attacks but they also prepare for any man-made or natural disasters. The most important long lasting effect of 9/11 is how the war on terror affected the country in many aspects. In 2001, same year as the attack, President Bush declared war in Afghanistan to find justice on Osama Bin Laden. A year later, he declared war on Iraq for mass destruction. This has been one of the longest wars as it only came to an end in 2011. According to a study by â€Å"The Balance†, U.S economy section, the cost of the two wars for homeland security is approximately $1.146 trillion under Bush, 807 billion under Obama, and budgeted 156 billion under Trump (Amadeo). In total it was $ 2.126 trillion, a big increase in spending, which resulted in the U.S debt crisis increase. This war on terror is still an ongoing fight as terrorism seems to be never ending. In may of 2011 the leader of the Al-Qaeda group that was behind the attack, Osama bin Laden, was confirmed dead. The U.S SEALS six team under President Obama, were able to successfully find and kill the terrorist leader. The countries deep involvement in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq have created an even bigger problem like ISIS. ISIS stands for Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. The creators of ISIS focused mainly on the unwanted involvement of the U.S in the middle east. They have made propaganda videos saying just that and have been able to recruit many including American citizens. According to research from the New America foundation, ISIS has claimed 7 attacks in the U.S that lead to 82 deaths. The director of counterterrorism, Nick Rasmussen, expressed his concern about the growing number of recruited ISIS American members and stated according to the U.S intelligence â€Å"150 American citizen and residents have traveled or attempted to travel to Syria’s foreign fighters†(Alfred). It’s not only people who travel to Syria that have become a concern but especially those who living on U.S soil and fully support the beliefs of ISIS. Myre of the two-way breaking news stated â€Å"Virtually all the deadly attacks since Sept. 11, 2001, have been carried out by homegrown extremists†. N ow the effort is not just war on terror in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq but also to stop Americans from joining or committing such an act. One thing we can’t forget, the soldiers. Because of this long war on terror, there have been thousands dead and many suffering physical or mental issues. In total, there were 2 million deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. According to U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations, 6,000 soldiers were dead and 44,000 were wounded. (Green) From those 18% of them suffered from Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) and about 20% suffered from Traumatic brain injury(TBI). The war on terror would not just affect the veterans but their families too. Many would have never imagined that the 9/11 attacks would still affect everyday lives 16 years later but it surely is. President Bush handled the attack well by taking action and creating Homeland Security and declaring war on terror in efforts to protect the country in the future. Security has become so much tighter at so many places especially when traveling. Many places around the country have emergency preparedness plans in place for all types of disasters because of the agencies under Homeland Security. A big accomplishment was made on Bush’s war on terror when the SEAL 6 successfully killed Osama Bin Laden under president Obama. The war on terror has been ongoing ever since the 9/11 attack and will continue until terrorism is stopped. The war on terror affected the economy negatively, changed America’s perspective on muslims and caused physical and mental injuries to many soldiers. The biggest problem it created is ISIS which doesn’t like U.S involvement i n the middle east. Although 9/11 had many negative impacts, it did not break the country but unite and make it stronger.

Anthropogenic and Natural Causes of Global Warming Essay

Anthropogenic and Natural Causes of Global Warming - Essay Example This research will begin with the definition of global warming is defined as the result of the accumulation of CO2 and other emissions that trap heat in the atmosphere. Moreover, it is considered as â€Å"the worst and most complicated issue† that world leaders have to deal with nowadays. Basically, global warming affects all people on earth, especially those in areas with extreme air pollution. Global warming also further affects the human race through increase in the occurrence of infectious diseases because those microorganisms that thrive only in high temperatures are supported by the increasing heat. According to Trimarchi, this and the other calamities that global warming brings with it will further lead to various other negative effects like famine, war and starvation. Global warming will also affect the environment itself through the occurrence of various storms and hurricanes, extreme drought in some parts of the world while abnormally increased precipitation in other s, heat waves, melting of the polar ice caps, rise in sea levels and the eventual destruction of the tundra and freshwater ecosystems. Such effects will not only destroy ecosystems but will also eventually cause a series of events that ultimately leads to chaos in and destruction of the human society. Based on a report by the U.S. National Research Council in 2006, â€Å"The Earth is the hottest it has been in at least 400 years†. Furthermore, according to the same report, the latest global temperature increase of 0.3 °C to 0.6 °C is in fact the â€Å"largest† increase in surface temperature in 1,000 years.... Furthermore, according to the same report, the latest global temperature increase of 0.3 °C to 0.6 °C is in fact the â€Å"largest† increase in surface temperature in 1,000 years (â€Å"Global Warming,† Stanford 2008). The main culprit behind this, according to most scientists and publications, is greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases that cause global warming include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, but among these, carbon dioxide has the most volume in the atmosphere at 55%, and is therefore regarded as the main cause of anthropogenic or man-made global warming (Ganesh 2011). There is, however, the question of what is the exact cause of global warming and how much of it is brought about by nature and how much is caused by man. Does present research and scientific literature shed light on these issues or do we need further research on them? In order to remedy the situation and prevent its dire effects, there is therefore undoubtedly a g reat need to know the exact causes of global warming as well as how many of them is contributed by man and how much by nature. There is also a need to know the issues surrounding these causes. Literature Reviews The Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Factor One of the causes of global warming is the release of carbon dioxide, or CO2, especially from the industrial processes involved in the burning of fossil fuels (â€Å"Global Warming,† Geowise.com, 2006). Among these fossil fuels, coal, which is increasingly being used in the United States and China, contributes the greatest percentage of CO2 to the atmosphere because of potentially large emissions compared to oil or natural gas (Hansen et al. 2000). CO2 has a long shelf-life that makes it stay in the air for the

Three Monkeys Tea and Cofee House - Strengths and Weaknesses Essay

Three Monkeys Tea and Cofee House - Strengths and Weaknesses - Essay Example Otherwise, the location of Three Monkeys can be characterized as ideal, offering options of coffee/ lunch both inside and outside. Indeed, the Coffee Shop has an impressive patio, a feature that has been available mostly because of Three Monkeys Coffee House’s location, as presented in pictures (Photo 1, Appendices). Interior and exterior design features In terms of interior and exterior design, Three Monkeys cannot be characterized as an ordinary cafe. The Coffee House’s decoration is full of Mediterranean features, as it is made clear through the photos 2, 3, 4, and 5, which were taken during my visit in the particular cafe. In its inside the cafe resembles like a Mediterranean Coffee House; there are many decorative items of different size and color; in any case, dark colors are preferred giving to the place, at least in its inside, the sense of limited space. It should be noted that walls are almost totally covered with frames incorporating a wide range of themes, s uch as advertisements of movies, personal photos, paintings and so on. Large jars are used for storing cakes and other types of food; these jars are used as decorative items, as storage places but also as tools of marketing, i.e. for showing the food available (i.e. cakes, biscuits etc.) to the customers. From this point of view, the internal decoration of Three Monkeys can be characterized as quite effective, giving the sense of house-like environment, i.e. reminding family. Still, the over-use of decorative items may be considered as a negative aspect of the place’s interior design. There are possibly customers that would prefer less decorative items in the cafe’s inside, so that they would be less depressed when enjoying their coffee; the above view is based on the fact that decoration when it is based on the excessive use of decorative items, so that all free areas, including walls, are covered, can decrease a place’s attractiveness. This is possibly a reaso n that in modern architecture open and empty spaces are quite common as parts of buildings of different use. In the cafe’s exterior, a similar approach has been used; however, here the use of decorative items is quite limited, as showed in Photo 1 (Appendices). As in the cafe’s interior, in its exterior also a sense of international decoration is clear (Photo 1 and 1a); however, in its exterior area, the cafe seems to emphasize on the provision of green spaces, as indicated by the plants placed near to tables (Photo 1). Decorative items of Mediterranean style have been also added here but they are limited; in any case, the exterior area of the cafe has the advantage of open space (Photos 1 and 1a), an issue that was highlighted as a problem in regard to the cafe’s interior, as noted above. Therefore it is mainly the exterior area that adds in the cafe’s value in terms of ambience, as analyzed further below. Theme and ambience As explained earlier, in Thre e Monkeys emphasis has been given on the excessive use of decorative items so that the place achieves an advantage, compared to the other cafes of the West End. It seems that the specific target has been achieved; the cafe has a unique ambience, based on the use of decorative items related to the Mediterranean and eastern cultures (Photos 2 – 5). This is a characteristic, which is welcomed by the cafe’

Prohibition in Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Prohibition in Texas - Essay Example The citizens under the influence of alcohol formed temperance leading to a nationwide cry of alcohol prohibition. Various laws were passed by the congress in favor to the prohibition of alcohol consumption, but the laws started being in effect in 1920s. The prohibition in Texas was wanting because it led to the creation on unethical jobs like smuggling of products and services leading to reduction in government taxes and revenues as potentials business men dealing in liquor were evading taxation. The rise of a drinking problem in Texas led to the formation of various groups known as temperance movements. These groups were instituted to control the high drinking that was a social and an economic menace (Roth 20). Individuals who were heavy drinkers did not contribute to the economic development since they spent most of their time unconscious. Secondly, the individuals involved in criminal activities caused pain to the citizens as they robed citizens of their sweat and hard work. The g roups taught the citizens on the importance of staying sober and disadvantages of getting intoxicated. They first approach group came with the idea to create moderation in the use of intoxicants, but as time passed, they changed their campaigns and focused on complete prohibition of alcohol consumption. ... The Act also constituted fines and sentences for those found deviating from the laws (May 19). Prohibition in Texas was, however, not a success as it did not curb the citizens from drinking alcohol in the region. Individuals who promoted the sell of alcohol in Texas were gangsters who hired individuals to ferry alcohol from other parts like Germany into Texas. The Drys who were appointed in Texas were not efficient enough as they did not lead to a complete prohibition of liquor consumption in Texas (Baker 161). This was because the law was not enforced leading to the continuance of alcohol consumption in various parts of Texas and in large North America. The prohibition led to conflicts in the national and Texas politics. This was because the government was divided with regard to the law of prohibition as a majority of them feared that prohibiting liquor consumption would lead to closure of employment opportunities to the citizens within the country. This was because a section of the citizens had resorted to the sale and manufacture of liquor as their main source of livelihood and snatching this from them meant taking their main source of livelihood. Prohibition in Texas was more of a moral than a political issue. Although politics contributed heavily in the Texas prohibition, this was majorly inspired by a few politicians who took the task of crusaders and campaigned on the impacts of intoxication and benefits of prohibition. Governor Colquit was an example of a political crusader who proposed the Texas prohibition law on the Democratic Party in the United States. Individuals were influenced by the instincts to propose the Texas prohibition as it was a source of misery to many families. In addition, abuse of liquor did not improve their economic status rather

Has Football Become a Global Game Dissertation

Has Football Become a Global Game - Dissertation Example In a more progressive deregulated world of football, the organizations that generate spectator sports championships are being focused on and privatized under the pressures of an established market growth. This ideology for globalizing football and its promotion to Southeast Asia has been the momentum for new location approaches that influence all the different parties in football, private and public investors, governing bodies, public authorities, the common public and the leagues themselves. The features of each country's entertainment football industry are emphasized and employed to discard light on a social development that is underway since the inferences of global alteration in sports certainly go beyond football. The examination of developments football in Southeast Asia, in fact, seems to be a suitable means to gain insight into wider society and culture. After presenting the development and professionalization of football in Southeast Asia, this study will also examine the future plans of Fifa in Asian football industry. The study will then look at the significance of Southeast Asian football industry to the globalization of football as sports. The first part of the study is the literature review which features the different published materials regarding the changes in Football since 1990, the different football association like the Manchester United, TV coverage of European football across Asia, and Fifa’s plans in Southeast Asia. The second part will be the research methodology, after the data gathering, the data were analyzed in the third part that has given a strong conclusion in the final part. In the 1990’s Asia has its six countries participating in the football league and these are China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan and yet in football terms, only two Asian countries, Japan and Korea, are in the top 50 countries of the world (Kang, 2002).

Project Saturn Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Project Saturn - Case Study Example Saturn was to be a plant to produce a brand new car; GM had not been introducing a brand new car for some time. The name Saturn bears the name of the rocket ship the astronauts used to go to the moon. Saturn was to combine innovative technique in labor relations and innovative manufacturing technique. Roger Smith said that Saturn was the key to GM's long-term competitiveness, survival and success, and its mission was "to develop and produce an American-made small car that will be fully competitive with the best of the imports ' [and] affirm that American ingenuity, American technology and American productivity can once again be the model and the inspiration for the rest of the world." (Ingrassia) After careful planning, with intervention from governors of different states to have the plant built in their jurisdictions, Smith proceeded with the project in Spring Hill, Tennessee. More than two decades later, a new brand of recession hits the world. GM has a pending application for a bailout by the White House. And Saturn is about to be sold out to whoever wants it. What happened to the GM savior after all these years' It was Smith's dream - the savior concept of Saturn to put GM back on track. In the 1980s, GM was still struggling or was just recovering from the harsh realities of the recession. Yet, it was threatened by other auto giants of the time, like Ford, and the Japanese automakers Honda and Toyota. These companies had their own brand competitive cars and a distinct but effective management. Issue No. 2: How effective was the new brand of management and new technology on Saturn to bring GM to its desired leadership in the industry' The innovative technique in labor relations indeed materialize, but not the technology that Smith envisioned. Smith and the UAW agreed on a Memorandum of Agreement to implement plans for innovative technique in labor relations. Smith and UAW head Donald Ephlin signed the MOU which stated this principle: "We believe that all people want to be involved in decisions that affect them, care about their jobs and each other ' and want to share in the success of their efforts." This kind of effort proved effective and beneficial for the plant employees. They were now part of the management of the plant and even in hiring new employees. They felt they were part-owners of Saturn. But this produced resentment inside GM. Other GM brands viewed Saturn as unfair to them. The first Saturn cars went on sale in the fall of 1990 to great fanfare. When the Japanese auto makers bought one Saturn car and opened it up, they all laughed to what they discovered: "the dashboard had overlapping plastic panels that made it look cheap, and a harsh-sounding engine that stemmed from inferior motor mounts." (Ingrassia) Issue No. 3 - Did Saturn bring GM financial successes, and otherwise' Saturn was behind arch-rival Ford in earnings, quality and every other measure. GM's financial performance was lagging. The quality or different kind of car that Saturn was to build as envisioned by Smith did not materialize. Smith had bought whole companies, like Ross Perot's

Prohibition in Texas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Prohibition in Texas - Essay Example The citizens under the influence of alcohol formed temperance leading to a nationwide cry of alcohol prohibition. Various laws were passed by the congress in favor to the prohibition of alcohol consumption, but the laws started being in effect in 1920s. The prohibition in Texas was wanting because it led to the creation on unethical jobs like smuggling of products and services leading to reduction in government taxes and revenues as potentials business men dealing in liquor were evading taxation. The rise of a drinking problem in Texas led to the formation of various groups known as temperance movements. These groups were instituted to control the high drinking that was a social and an economic menace (Roth 20). Individuals who were heavy drinkers did not contribute to the economic development since they spent most of their time unconscious. Secondly, the individuals involved in criminal activities caused pain to the citizens as they robed citizens of their sweat and hard work. The g roups taught the citizens on the importance of staying sober and disadvantages of getting intoxicated. They first approach group came with the idea to create moderation in the use of intoxicants, but as time passed, they changed their campaigns and focused on complete prohibition of alcohol consumption. ... The Act also constituted fines and sentences for those found deviating from the laws (May 19). Prohibition in Texas was, however, not a success as it did not curb the citizens from drinking alcohol in the region. Individuals who promoted the sell of alcohol in Texas were gangsters who hired individuals to ferry alcohol from other parts like Germany into Texas. The Drys who were appointed in Texas were not efficient enough as they did not lead to a complete prohibition of liquor consumption in Texas (Baker 161). This was because the law was not enforced leading to the continuance of alcohol consumption in various parts of Texas and in large North America. The prohibition led to conflicts in the national and Texas politics. This was because the government was divided with regard to the law of prohibition as a majority of them feared that prohibiting liquor consumption would lead to closure of employment opportunities to the citizens within the country. This was because a section of the citizens had resorted to the sale and manufacture of liquor as their main source of livelihood and snatching this from them meant taking their main source of livelihood. Prohibition in Texas was more of a moral than a political issue. Although politics contributed heavily in the Texas prohibition, this was majorly inspired by a few politicians who took the task of crusaders and campaigned on the impacts of intoxication and benefits of prohibition. Governor Colquit was an example of a political crusader who proposed the Texas prohibition law on the Democratic Party in the United States. Individuals were influenced by the instincts to propose the Texas prohibition as it was a source of misery to many families. In addition, abuse of liquor did not improve their economic status rather

Project Saturn Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Project Saturn - Case Study Example Saturn was to be a plant to produce a brand new car; GM had not been introducing a brand new car for some time. The name Saturn bears the name of the rocket ship the astronauts used to go to the moon. Saturn was to combine innovative technique in labor relations and innovative manufacturing technique. Roger Smith said that Saturn was the key to GM's long-term competitiveness, survival and success, and its mission was "to develop and produce an American-made small car that will be fully competitive with the best of the imports ' [and] affirm that American ingenuity, American technology and American productivity can once again be the model and the inspiration for the rest of the world." (Ingrassia) After careful planning, with intervention from governors of different states to have the plant built in their jurisdictions, Smith proceeded with the project in Spring Hill, Tennessee. More than two decades later, a new brand of recession hits the world. GM has a pending application for a bailout by the White House. And Saturn is about to be sold out to whoever wants it. What happened to the GM savior after all these years' It was Smith's dream - the savior concept of Saturn to put GM back on track. In the 1980s, GM was still struggling or was just recovering from the harsh realities of the recession. Yet, it was threatened by other auto giants of the time, like Ford, and the Japanese automakers Honda and Toyota. These companies had their own brand competitive cars and a distinct but effective management. Issue No. 2: How effective was the new brand of management and new technology on Saturn to bring GM to its desired leadership in the industry' The innovative technique in labor relations indeed materialize, but not the technology that Smith envisioned. Smith and the UAW agreed on a Memorandum of Agreement to implement plans for innovative technique in labor relations. Smith and UAW head Donald Ephlin signed the MOU which stated this principle: "We believe that all people want to be involved in decisions that affect them, care about their jobs and each other ' and want to share in the success of their efforts." This kind of effort proved effective and beneficial for the plant employees. They were now part of the management of the plant and even in hiring new employees. They felt they were part-owners of Saturn. But this produced resentment inside GM. Other GM brands viewed Saturn as unfair to them. The first Saturn cars went on sale in the fall of 1990 to great fanfare. When the Japanese auto makers bought one Saturn car and opened it up, they all laughed to what they discovered: "the dashboard had overlapping plastic panels that made it look cheap, and a harsh-sounding engine that stemmed from inferior motor mounts." (Ingrassia) Issue No. 3 - Did Saturn bring GM financial successes, and otherwise' Saturn was behind arch-rival Ford in earnings, quality and every other measure. GM's financial performance was lagging. The quality or different kind of car that Saturn was to build as envisioned by Smith did not materialize. Smith had bought whole companies, like Ross Perot's

Schoolyard Bullying Essay Example for Free

Schoolyard Bullying Essay A feature article dad sues school over bully attacks published on the 14th of February 2010. which is an article on a young boy who has been repeatedly attacked by children at his primary school and nothing has been done about it, there is also a editorial Bullied teenager receives $290,000 published on the 1 lth of march 2010. this is an editorial about a young girl who has been repeatedly bullied over the years and won her case with the court. l three articles have the same contention, they want the laws to be implemented and making parents aware that bullying can become out of hand if it is not resolved. beyond the schoolyard, into the home. this case study was written by Dina Halkic, the mother of the child who committed suicide because of cyber bullying. a 17 year old teenager committed suicide by Jumping off the west gate bridge after being repeatedly bullied at school and at home over the internet and text messages. he mother of the Allem blames herself for his death as she didnt realise the dangers of yber bullying. he was in his room, in our house with us, and he was safe, or so we thought this quote shows us the regret in her voice and makes us feel sympathy for her and her husband. she follows on by saying how could someone hurt him? Just like his mobile, why didnt we check it? the reader becomes involved in her story by giving us rhetorical questions that we start to question ourselves and our family values. Dina has written a case study of her ordeal day when she found out her son nly son has committed suicide that is confronting for parents, this makes the readers aware of the potential harm that lies in cyber space. she is urging for children and teens to use their computers in the open, where parents can see. the family dont want other children to go through what their son did, this is an informative piece that is confrountating. the parents are also trying to implement the laws for cyber bullying, there has been no case in australia to date where an individual has ben put to trial for cyber bullying. his case will play a role in toughing the laws against cyber bullying. this article is disturbing and sympathetic towards Allem and his parents this appeals to family safety. the newspaper has set out the article with the photos and the text at equal value, they have been placed in a certain way for the readers eyes to move through the photos going through the victim, who seems confiden t before his death. The victims parents, looking confused and sad, and then the victims friends crying, this shows the impact his death has done to the people around him who love him.

Business Essays London Cinema Plan

Business Essays London Cinema Plan West London Gold Class Cinema Business Plan. Executive Summary Negotiations have been undertaken to purchase the West London cinema in Hammersmith. This is a small, family run cinema which has been having trouble competing since a new multiplex cinema opened in the new shopping centre in Shepherds Bush. The purpose of this business plan is to seek funding for the purchase of the West London cinema and for the transformation of part of it into a Gold Class or VIP type cinema. This transformation will involve the renovation of one of the screens, decoration in a classy, movie theme style and the building of a kitchen and bar area. Gold Class will give patrons the opportunity to watch blockbuster movies from the comfort of luxurious, reclining lounge chairs while enjoying food and drinks brought directly to them. If this concept works, then the prospective owners intend to repeat their success in other run down cinemas across the country. Business Summary The business objectives are to develop one of the current cinemas (which has capacity for 250 patrons) into three Gold Class cinemas each having seating for 30 patrons, decorate the lobby area in a movie theme style and build a kitchen and bar area. Once the necessary renovations have been completed, the owners will need to obtain the necessary licensing permissions, hire staff and market the concept. Current Situation and Background At present West London Cinema is a small, three-screen, family run cinema in West London. While it has seating capacity for 750 patrons, the run down nature of the cinema means that on most nights it fails to realise its potential. The cinema has had a relatively steady customer base, but the recent opening of a multiplex cinema complex in Shepherds Bush has meant that patron numbers have been down. Even before the opening of the new multiplex cinema, the cinema had already been suffering a downturn since its heyday in the mid-1980s due to external factors. These have included a rise in property prices slowly changing the demographics of the people who live in the area, shifting customer entertainment habits (people have many more entertainment options available to them today) and the fact that the window between a release in the cinema and subsequently on DVD has been shrinking and movie piracy issues. While these issues have affected the cinema in a negative way, these are also the issues on which the prospective owners believe they can capitalise. This downturn in patron numbers has meant that the cinema is unlikely to make a profit this year and with the current owners not having the funds to invest into upgrading the cinema, it is likely that the this year will be only the start of a downward earnings trend for them. In light of this, the current owners have decided to sell the cinema while it is still showing some profit. This has created the opportunity which is set out in this business plan. Financial Situation and Legal Requirements West London Cinema has been owned by the same family since 1975. It has always prided itself on its friendly atmosphere and reasonable prices. Unfortunately, the owners have not always ploughed the cinemas profits back into the business and as such, it has become a little run down with increasing numbers of complaints about uncomfortable seating, poor screen resolution and a unimpressive sound system. The owners wish to borrow  £250,000 pounds to achieve their business objectives. With respect to legal requirements, the owners will need a liquor licence, building approval from their local authority, a hygiene inspection of their kitchen and advice from a solicitor as to whether or not they are able to trademark the Gold Class name. Industry Analysis Industry Description The cinema industry as a whole is facing challenges from many sides. Consolidation within the UK market means that four groups (Terra Firma, Blackstone, Vue and National Amusements) now own over 70% of UK screens. This consolidation means that the larger cinemas are better placed to meet the challenges of a quickly changing marketplace. Unfortunately, the losers in this consolidation of the marketplace and the emerging challenges to the cinema have been the small, family run cinemas. Industry Growth Across the industry, revenue growth has been quite strong with exhibitor revenue rising by 59% from 1998 to 2004 to over  £900 million (made up of  £650 million net box office sales,  £204 million net concession revenue and  £63 million cinema advertising). Most of this revenue growth was in the multiplex part of the market where it was noted that the four leading cinema groups had been able to raise their prices even in the face of declining DVD prices. This shows that demand for the cinema experience is more than just the watching of a movie and that a market does potentially exist which the larger multiplexes fail to cater for and that can be exploited by the more agile, smaller cinemas. Future Industry Developments The increase in other entertainment options, for instance computer games, pubs, home cinemas and the ever shrinking window between the release of a movie in the cinema and then onto DVD means that the future of the cinema industry is uncertain. The trend towards consolidation will no doubt continue, but it is interesting to note that the number of multiplexes opening has plateaued, with an average of 25 a year opening between 1998 and 2002, only 6 were opened in 2004. This perhaps signals that the multiplex market has reached its full potential and that the marketplace is stabilising. However, the stabilisation of the market at the top end does not as yet seem to have filtered down to the smaller cinemas and as such, many continue having trouble turning a profit. It is the owners belief that the current market is ideal for the development of a new concept which gives movie patrons an entirely unique cinema experience Gold Class. Market Summary Market Analysis The four possible ways in which the market can be defined are: multiplex cinemas; all cinemas; all ways of watching films (including cinemas, DVDs and pay-television); and all ways of using discretionary spend (including films, going to pubs, clubs or other ways of spending time and money in or out of the home). As noted above, it is the prospective owners view that cinemas can no longer focus on the narrow definition of the market. Some guidance can be taken from the multiplexes which offer patrons an experience. Often these cinemas are attached to shopping centres and as such going to the cinema is simply part of a persons shopping day. Multiplexes, like the shopping centres to which they are appended, rely on the principle that if something is large and loud, no one will dare to think that it is anything but the best and it must be said that they do this well. Teenagers are particularly impressed by this logic. However, to the same extent that teenagers are drawn to large and loud multiplexes, older patrons are repelled by them. Market Segmentation Cinema patrons generally fall within the 15-24 year age group with over 53% of people surveyed in this age group having attended the cinema once a month or more. This declines within the 25-34 year old age group to 34% and further within the 35+ age group to 16%. These figures reflect perhaps the fact that older cinema patrons who do not enjoy the nature of multiplexes have limited options with respect to indulging in a cinema experience. Furthermore, along with work and family commitments, older cinema patrons have less free time available to them and more options with respect to how to spend that time. This means that they are more likely to want to spend more money when they do go out to make sure that they utilise their time optimally. Market Research The purpose of the market research undertaken was to determine whether the Gold Class concept has been successful elsewhere, to gauge whether or not Hammersmith is the best location for a Gold Class cinema and to establish a price point for Gold Class tickets, food and drinks. The market research allowed the prospective owners to establish that the Gold Class concept has proven successful in Australia. While it was not possible to obtain financial figures, the prospective owners were able to determine that the concept has been around for several years and they were able to test it for themselves (a sample menu from an Australian Gold Class cinema is attached at Appendix A and can also be found here: http://www.greaterunion.com.au/goldclass/moviemenu.asp). In order to determine whether or not Hammersmith was a reasonable location for a Gold Class cinema, the prospective owners researched the demographic trends and the types of new businesses that were opening in the area. They found that many new business were opening and established businesses were being renovated to meet the tastes of the new residents moving into the area. As such, it was concluded that Hammersmith was a suitable location for a Gold Class cinema. Establishing price points for Gold Class tickets, food and drinks was quite difficult as the measures against which these price points can be determined are not perfect substitutes for each other (ie does a portion of fish and chips in a Gold Class cinema equate to the same meal in a pub?). It was decided that the only feasible approach was to go for higher price points, but offer various promotions which would mean that most people would not end up paying the full advertised price. Competition Analysis As noted, the market is extremely concentrated with the multiplexes taking a lions share of box office receipts. At the other end of the cinema market, are small, family run cinemas which are often seen by the public as being run down and in need of renovation, but priced competitively. There is little between these two extremes. However, while the multiplexes offer a certain type of experience, the prospective owners believe that there is still a potential untapped niche which small cinemas can exploit and which the multiplexes would have trouble competing with in the short term. Other potential competitors are similar niche cinemas which focus on selling a lifestyle (eg cinemas which only screen independent movies). Taking a broader view of the market in which cinemas compete, the market would be the entertainment market generally. People have a limited amount of disposable income and a limited amount of time which can be spent on entertainment. As such, cinemas are also competing with bars, sporting events, home cinemas, travel and restaurants. It is submitted that Gold Class cinemas would be a strong competitor in the general entertainment market at a niche level. Competition Strengths The main competitor for the proposed Gold Class cinema is the multiplex cinema in Shepherds Bush. The multiplexes strength lies in its buying power and the cinema chains ability to obtain the latest blockbusters at the earliest possible opportunity. Due to the multiplexes size, it has the flexibility to offer promotions and tie-ins beyond anything that a small cinema can offer. In the broader sense, the cinemas other competition comes from the various restaurants and pubs found in the surrounding vicinity. However, they are not necessarily direct competitors and are not mutually exclusive unlike the multiplex (ie a person may go to Gold Class and then a pub, but they are unlikely to go to the multiplex and then Gold Class). That said, the fact that Gold Class will offer food and alcohol means that competition between the cinema and restaurants and pubs in the vicinity will increase. Competition Weaknesses The multiplexes main weakness is that it does not cater particularly well to the older market of cinema patron. Furthermore, at present it does not offer a Gold Class experience and due to its business model of trying to fill large cinemas, it is unlikely that it would move towards a model which relied on creating smaller, more intimate cinemas. Likewise, it is difficult to imagine restaurants and pubs being able to compete directly with a cinema. They both offer sufficiently different experiences to customers and it is more difficult for restaurants and pubs to add on a movie-like equivalent than it is for a cinema to offer food and alcohol. Development and Production Sales and Marketing Unique selling point At present cinemas in the UK do not offer a dedicated Gold Class or VIP cinema going experience. In cases in which such an offering has been tried in the UK, for example, the UGC chain, the idea has met with problems due to the fact that a single cinema isnt dedicated to the Gold Class experience, rather, premium seating is attached to the back section of a standard cinema. In this case, the intention is for the West London cinema to have three cinema screens dedicated for premium customers. The prospective owners recognise the demographic shift in the area around the cinema. With house prices steadily rising, the area around Hammersmith has transformed into a hub for city working people with large amounts of disposable income. This change has been mirrored in the types of new shops and eateries opening up to cater to them. These new residents are willing to spend money for a premium and individual experience. Media and promotion strategy The intention would be to choose high headline price points but at the same time offer promotional offers which would ensure that most customers never pay the full rate. The media and promotion strategy would focus on teaming up with local businesses and newspapers to offer special promotional packages (for example, the local florist could offer a two for one deal with each bunch of roses sold). Advertising campaign The advertising campaign would be highly targeted and local. It is assumed that people are unlikely to travel a long way to attend a cinema (especially if they have a local one close by). As such, the goal would be to focus on local customers and to ensure that they remained regulars. Budget A large marketing budget would not necessary as the focus would be on offering promotions such as half price tickets during the day and/or two for the price of one deals can be offered in conjunction with various local business/newspapers reducing marketing costs substantially. As the Gold Class cinema experience is unique, and marketed as an indulgence, it is suggested that many local businesses would be willing to be involved in such promotional activities. While actual advertising costs will be low, printing and distribution costs will still need to be considered. Management The prospective owners of the cinema are the brothers James and Jack West. James West has recently completed his MBA and is working for one of the UKs largest cinema distribution companies. Jack West currently works as an advertising executive. In anticipation of a sale, the current owners have taken the last three months to show James and Jack the operational side to running a cinema. Both Jack and James intend to invest  £250,000 of their own money and take on this project full-time. In addition, James and Jack have already approached a friend who runs a small restaurant to assist them with the preparation of a suitable menu and have had plans for the refurbishment prepared. It is intended that James manage the operational side of the cinema while Jack concentrate on the marketing. Projected sales and pricing strategy Pricing strategy A regular ticket at West London cinema is currently  £4 during the day and  £6 in the evening for an adult. Gold class tickets will be priced at  £8 during the day and  £12 in the evening. In addition patrons will be able to buy food and drinks which will be brought into them while the movie is playing. The average price of food items and alcoholic drinks will be approximately  £5  £10. Financial Considerations The current owners hold a long-term leasehold interest over the premises at which the cinema is located. The main costs incurred by a cinema relate to the percentage of box office takings that go to the film distribution companies. The intention behind the Gold Class concept, along with offering patrons the ultimate cinema experience, is to try to increase revenue from those areas of the business which are not subject to distribution company payments (ie food and alcohol). Projected Sales At present West London cinemas three screens have box office sales of  £174,000 to which can be added sales from the kiosk and advertising, taking annual turnover for the cinemas to  £228,000. 25% to 50% of the box office takings go to the film distribution companies. Along with running costs and wages, gross profits for the cinema last financial year were  £56,000. As one cinema will be converted into three Gold Class each having 50 seats, projected box office receipts are expected to remain the same or rise slightly (less seats at a higher price) but more income is expected to be generated from food and alcohol sales. It is anticipated that food and alcohol sales will add  £25,000 to the cinemas turnover with  £10,000 of this going on higher staff wages meaning that gross profit will be an extra  £15,000 per annum. Appendix 1 Three Years profit and loss accounts 2008 2009 2010 Sales 300,000 500,000 1,000,000 Costs of Sales (112,500) (187,500) (375,000) Gross Profit 187,500 312,500 625,000 Expenses: Advertising 25,000 15,000 10,000 Bank Charges 100 100 100 Insurance 1,000 1,000 1,000 Interest 20,000 20,000 20,000 Legal Accounting 3,000 1,000 1,000 Office Expenses 500 500 500 Postage 250 250 250 Rent 15000 15000 15000 Wages 60,000 60,000 60,000 Telephone 1,000 1,000 1,000 Utilities 1,000 1,000 1,000 Total Expenses 126,850 114,850 109,850 Net Income 60,650 197,650 515,150 Appendix 2 Three years Balance Sheets Assets 2008 2009 2010 Current Assets: Cash 675,000 870,000 1,365,000 Inventory 15,000 15,000 15,000 Other Current Assets 10,000 10,000 10,000 Total Current Assets 700,000 895,000 1,390,000 Long Term Assets 20,000 20,000 20,000 Fixed Assets 50,000 50,000 50,000 Property, plant and equipment 25,000 25,000 25,000 Accumulated Depreciation 5,000 10,000 15,000 Total Assets 800,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 Liabilities and Stockholders Equity Current Liabilities: Accounts Payable 112,500 187,500 375,000 Current Borrowing 250,000 200,000 150,000 Other Current Liabilities 126,850 114,850 109,850 Total Current Liabilities 489,350 502,350 634,850 Long Term Liabilities 60,650 60,650 60,650 Total Liabilities 550,000 563,000 695,500 Total Equity 250,000 463,000 804,500 Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity 800,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 Appendix 3- SWOT Analysis of Business Strengths: The obtaining of a liquor licence gives the cinema a competitive advantage which is sustainable to a degree. It is unlikely that planning permission for a new cinema would be given by the local Council. As such, as far as cinemas go, a customers only option is to either attend this cinema or the multiplex. Weaknesses: It is not possible to protect the intellectual property behind the concept of a Gold Class cinema. Patrons are only likely to pay a premium price for a movie when blockbuster movies are released. A lack of hit movies could make it difficult to sell tickets. Opportunities: There are plenty of small, family run cinemas which are currently struggling. The depressed market and the Gold Class concept give the owners the opportunity to purchase cinemas at a reasonable price and turn them back into profitable enterprises. Threats: The Gold Class concept relies on people willing to spend a little more to enjoy a more luxurious cinema experience. If the economy was to falter, value added businesses like Gold Class cinemas would be the hardest hit. If the concept proved to be a success, there is nothing stopping the multiplexes from offering a similar service. There is a threat that by offering alcohol in the cinema, the problems associated with anti-social behaviour could follow. Appendix 4 Market Segments When assessing the market segments, it is important not to focus too narrowly. While the Gold Class cinema concept may seem to appeal to only a niche market, the fact that most, if not all, adults in the country have been at some point in their lives been to a cinema to see a movie means that those potential customers already share a common conceptual language making it much easier to appeal to them. It is much more difficult to appeal to someone and have them try something they have never done before. As noted above, the percentage of people who often go to the cinema drops off sharply from the age of twenty five. One of the reasons for this is that the choices of entertainment available as people become older increases and the impression of cinemas is that it is the haunt of teenagers who arent old enough to get into bars. However, this is the segment of the market with the most disposable income, who have happy recollections of going to the cinema as youths and are now expect a more grown up experience when going to the cinema. This is the market segment to which Gold Class aims to appeal. BIBLIOGRAPHY Corrigan, P. (2006), The Sociology of Consumption, Sage Publications, London

The Hurt Locker Essay -- Film Analysis

â€Å"The rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction, for war is a drug.† This quote is the first thing that flashes across the screen as viewers begin their journey into The Hurt Locker, a critically acclaimed war movie written by Mark Boal and directed by Kathryn Bigelow (Hurt). The quote was written by former New York Times war correspondent, Chris Hedges and it perfectly sets the stage for a story that depicts just how potent and addicting war can be (Corliss). The 2008 movie won six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Actor in a Leading Role (â€Å"Nominees & Winners†). The Hurt Locker is an exceptional movie that contains everything one would expect from an award-winning film: an intriguing plot, heart-wrenching tragedy, breathtaking visuals, top-notch acting, believability, and even a bit of controversy. An intriguing plot is the first thing people look for in a movie. War is a complicated subject so in a film about war, while it is important for the plot to be interesting, it is even more important that it is sensible and flows smoothly. This allows the audience to be entertained and keeps them from getting lost in too many complicated details. The Hurt Locker is the story of three men who are part of a United States Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (E.O.D.) team stationed in Baghdad in 2004. Sergeant First Class William James is a daring specialist who knows everything there is to know about bombs, inside and out. He begins his rotation with Bravo Company after the former team leader is killed while attempting to disarm a roadside bomb. Bravo Company has just 38 days left on rotation and since James has arrived, those days are fraught with tension. James d... ...es." Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Web. 01 Mar. 2011. . Ryzik, Melena. â€Å"A Lawsuit for ‘Hurt Locker,’ in Time for Oscars.† The New York Times. 04 Mar. 2010. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. Schmidt, Michael. â€Å"Fatal Bombs in Iraq Seemed Aimed at Militia.† The New York Times. 09 Feb. 2011. Web. 26 Feb. 2011. Seal, Karen H., Daniel Bertenthal, Christian R. Miner, Saunak Sen, and Charles Marmar. "Bringing the War Back Home: Mental Health Disorders Among 103 788 US Veterans Returning From Iraq and Afghanistan Seen at Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities." Archives of Internal Medicine 167.5 (2007): 476-82. Print. Zoroya, Gregg. "In 'The Hurt Locker,' war is like a drug." USA Today n.d.: Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 24 Feb. 2011.