Philosophy Of Medicine Essays (3957 words) -

Philosophy Of Medicine The book, the Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman is an objective look into the world of two different cultures and their belief systems. The viewpoints of the Hmong and of the American doctors represent Hmong culture and the root of Western medicine. The book takes into account how two cultures, rather, two completely opposite worlds are "collided" and their impact on each other (Fadiman 1997). The book uncovers the underlying meaning of how different Western medicine can be from different cultures and its challenges and consequences. In addition, Fadiman questions the very basics of philosophy by taking into account the simple metaphysics and moral ethics that face Lia's doctors and parents and what role society plays. The book questions the belief system of Western medicine as well as the Hmong beliefs and cultural practices. Fadiman encourages us to think of the root of Western culture and medicine as well as learning about the Hmong's beliefs. Which is more relevant? When a patient is in a life or death situation, whose opinion and expertise on medicine holds higher ground? In the case of Lia Lee, this was the problem. Why was Hmong culture and practice irrelevant in the eyes of the many doctors and nurses that cared for Lia? Reading this book, it is obvious to see the philosophy of western medicine versus the Hmong culture. This book helps clearly define western culture and its biomedical system by contrasting it to the Hmong's. The book, more than anything, else analyzes the epistemological, metaphysical, and moral viewpoints of both western medicine and that of the Hmong culture and questions their validity and effectiveness. Epistemology is the theory of knowledge(Tauber). In this book, the theory of knowledge can be posed by one question. How did Lea get sick? This question leads to two different viewpoints ? Western medicine and culture and the Hmong. The root of Western medicine is biomedicine. What makes biomedicine unique and sets it apart from other cultures is the idea that there is only one answer and one truth behind that. Simply stated, it is a matter of facts and the question of what, not how(Tauber). This is the primary difference between Hmong culture and Western medicine. In the book, Lia's doctors wanted to know the one problem that was causing Lia to have severe seizures. They neglected to ask how Lia got sick. The view of Lia's parents was the complete opposite. They wanted to know how Lia got sick and if this meant Lia was blessed with a gift and would become a "txiv neeb(Fadiman)." To understand the epistemological perspective of the Hmong, we must first take into account their cultural identity and how they practiced it. The Hmong were adamant in their belief system and were wary of the doctors in Merced in there care of Lia. Under their care, they believed; Lia would have been healed. The Hmong cultures to cure an illness, in Lia's case the quag dab peg, there were animal sacrifices made. Lia's parents say that Lia's soul had left her when her sister had unintentionally slammed the door. This rationalization that the door frightened Lia and was the cause of the series of medical problems she would face, is an example of the epistemological view of Lia's parents. It was interesting to read in the book, as Faddiman recounts, the way the doctors treated Lia's parents. Because of the cultural barrier, communication problems pertained to everything from signing a document to administration of medication for Lia. Because of the cultural barrier, there were problems of moral ethics as well. Did the doctors ever take into account the parents wishes for their child? Lia's parents believed that the only medication they were willing to give Lia would be the kind that would be fast and preferably in a pill. The Hmong culture is against shots and blood being taken in large quantities as well as anything that could affect the dab and cause evil spirits to enter her soul(Fadiman). Epistemologically speaking, the doctors had a completely different viewpoint of what happened to Lia than her parents. From the doctor's point of view, their main concern was not primarily how Lia got sick but rather where the existence of the illness came from. There main goal as Lia's doctors was to stop the seizures that were taking control of Lia's body and to do that they needed to know where the problem was located. Was the uncontrollable epilepsy caused by a neurological deficit in

Peter The Great essays

Peter The Great essays The development of a particular region sometimes relies on the strength and intelligence of an individual. Throughout the years, many have proven themselves worthy of this exhausting task. When Peter Romanov was declared czar at age ten, he never could have guessed that one day, historians and others would refer to him as Peter the Great. 17th century Russia was undergoing tremendous change and modernization, and it Europe was the place people wanted to be if they desired to see the most recent technology and clothing styles. This was true all over Europe except for Russia, a very large country lying right under the Artic Ocean. Time seemed to have slowed down and stopped completely here. Technology was extremely poor compared to her neighboring countries. Nature easily ruled over most of the natives and serfs who lived as peasants or slaves. These are the folks who were relied on for labor, because of the lack of technology. The merciless Russian winters could bring an army to its knees, and deathbeds if supplies were limited. The government was very close to that of a medieval one, as well as Russias military forces. Elsewhere in Europe Holland was constructing a grand empire and Sweden was assembling an invincible army. Then Peter came to absolute power, and his obsession with the modern world outside of Russia brought along a transformation that affected society from all angles. Peter acquired numerous skills and abilities growing up in the Russian countryside. One of these was his ability to battle as soldiers did in wars. He carried this knowledge with him throughout his rule, and it changed the process in which men were selected for rank in his army. Usually, the wealthier a man was the higher his rank as a soldier. Peter disagreed with this law. He altered it to have men of experience, no matter what their social status, have a higher rank than men ...

A Practical Guide to Successful Teaching Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

A Practical Guide to Successful Teaching - Essay Example To do this, facilitating the learning process becomes vital. This is because it is the role of the teacher to interact and professionally relate with the students in a manner that enhances their educational welfare. In so doing, the teaching-learning roles of a teacher are met. To complement this process, teacher responsibilities are factored in. This is done by ensuring that the teacher constantly monitors changes in the teaching and learning environment so that any vital changes are adopted in a timely manner. Most importantly, ethics and professional conduct crown the teacher’s responsibilities. The discharge of the teacher’s role and responsibilities inform the completeness of the teaching cycle. Of course, the cycle is characterized by critical boundaries that have to be observed at all times. While the teaching-learning environment requires student-teacher interaction and professional relations be maintained, the process is subject to boundaries that outline the extent to which such interactions and relations can go. Striking a balance between the issues, concerns, interests, goals, and objectives of teaching and learning maintains a professional perspective of the role, responsibilities and boundaries of a teacher in terms of the teaching cycle (Ingleby, Dawn, & Powell, 2011, p.92). The educational setting is broad in scope and practice. As a result, the applicable legislation and codes of practice vary across differentiated fields of specialization. The education fraternity is made up of numerous subjects, all of which contribute significantly to the success of the education sector. The education organizational setting is regulated and/or governed by numerous current legislation, among them: Equality Act 2010, Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, Data Protection Act 1998,  Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001, and Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (LSC, 2007). Moreover, in specific fields like social sciences, there are applicable legislation that regulates, monitor, and govern the training and execution of examinations.

Organisational behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organisational behaviour - Essay Example Generation Y comprises of people born between 1981 and 1994 with some others extending the period to 2002. They are depicted as ethnically diverse people who are optimistic, achievement oriented, confident, independent, and digitally savvy and dislike being micromanaged (Tapscott, 2009). Millennials are joining organisations in large numbers and may presently contribute to the largest percentage of employees in a company. As they join the workforce, new demands are emerging in order to meet their requirements, which seem to differ from those of the boomers and the Generation X employees. Therefore, companies are creating models based on evaluation of Generation Y’s values, characteristics, and aspirations, then applying them with some well-known theories to incorporate this generation into the workplace (Pepermans and Kerpel, 2008:907). Analysis of the Main Issues facing Management at Rising Entertainment Rising entertainment has a few problems when it comes to the management of Generation Y employees. Firstly, the Generation Y and Generation X employees seem to be in a dispute. The Generation Y wants the Generation X employees to immediately adopt the new ideas that they possess. Josh introduces the idea of marketing the new series on websites, blogs and You tube because he thinks that it would improve sales. Sara, on the hand, nods in agreement but quickly brushes off the idea making Josh feel insignificant. The Generation Y employee has great ideas, but forgets to make further plans like the fiscal capacity needed for implementation. Josh seems to possess a pool of new ideas but in his haste, overlooks planning and protocols, a characteristic associated with the Generation Y. Generation Y employees are creative and forward thinking as depicted in the case of Josh (Erickson, 2008). Generation Y employees are impartial towards protocol and traditional power structures that exist within an organisation. This leads to distrust between employees (Erickson, 2008). Josh meets the company’s C.E.O., Sam, and immediately talks about his marketing ideas and how they would increase sales. Sam tells Josh to give a presentation in a meeting scheduled on the following day. Josh is not even aware of the meeting for he is not scheduled to attend. He is not prepared either. Generation Y employees seem to disregard protocol as Josh did, thus conflicting with the other employees. They are in always in a hurry to get push their ideas and see most of them implemented, therefore, going to the extent of bypassing relevant authority. After finding out that Josh contacted Smithson, Sara gets angry because Josh did not follow the right channels (Erickson, 2009). Generation Y employees await daily feedback about their performance and continuous recognition for their contribution. They feel that they have valuable knowledge and should take credit for it (Erickson, 2008). After getting recognised, Generation Y employees want rewards, which are in this case, promotions and flexible calendars. The flexible calendar ensures that they have some free time off the job to enjoy life (Munro, 2009:7). Josh wanted his ideas taken seriously and implemented so that he could be rewarded. Josh can be seen yearning for some free time to enjoy Los Angeles nightlife. He thinks that he can get a senior position by

Ultra Orthodox versus Secular Jews among the Israeli Term Paper

Ultra Orthodox versus Secular Jews among the Israeli - Term Paper Example The world view also comprises of the knowledge of what is held to be true and what is considered false by the individual or society. The world view also includes the ethics held. This therefore means that people with different world views will have different thoughts and attitudes about a given subject. This can be a potential cause of conflict in a multicultural setting. An example of a community that has diverse world views is the Israeli community. The different world views present in the Israeli society means that there are many attitudes that are held in the society towards issues such as sexuality and intimacy. The different world views present in the Israeli society include the ultra orthodox Israeli Jews and the secular community. The two communities are different in the way that they interpret the world around them, and how they carry on their day to day activities. The fundamental difference between the two groups can be seen in their religious beliefs. The differences in r eligions mean that the two groups will have different codes of behavior and ethics. The differences however extend to the values that they hold in regards to different aspects of life. This means that the two groups have different world views when it comes to their views on intimacy and sexuality. The ultra orthodox community in the Israeli culture for example is very strict on matters of sexuality and intimacy. The boys and the girls are not allowed to mingle freely. They are instead expected to attend separate schools. Interaction between the two sexes is discouraged. In regards to intimacy and marriage, the norm in the society is that the man is introduced to the woman for the purposes of marriage. Intimacy between the sexes is reserved for the purposes of procreation. In this society, there is a rule that specifies that all male ejaculations should be vaginally contained. This is reflected in the big families that are characteristic of the community. Marriages are also expected to take place at a young age. Other than that, all forms of intimacy between the men and the women are discouraged. In all sectors of life, the men and the women remain segregated. The ultra orthodox community does not encourage awareness of one’s sexuality for the community. This is reflected in the restrictions that are placed in access of information from the internet and from the mobile phones. The women are generally looked upon as the lesser sex and some of the ultra orthodox publications even have a policy of not publishing pictures of women. Women are expected to maintain a decent style of dressing which is characterized by long skirts or dresses, high necklines that do not expose their bodies and the married women are expected to cover their head. All forms of intimacy and contact before marriage are forbidden which often prevents the people from forming positive and intimate relationships. In this society, intimacy is accepted in the confines of the marriage institu tion. And most people get into marriage without any prior knowledge or experience in matters of intimacy and sexuality (‘The Status of Jewish and Palestinian woman in Israel’). The views that are held by the orthodox on intimacy and sexuality can be attributed to the ideals that they hold on their religious practices. The ideals of the community are based on the teaching of the torah. They therefore do not

The Psychological Effects of Change Management

The Psychological Effects of Change Management An organization is a system of interacting subsystems and components set within wider systems and environments which provide inputs to the system and which receive its outputs (Senior, 2002, p.5). That is why each organization affects the system but is being modified by the latter as well. According to Armstrong (2009, p.404), as there is no such thing as ideal organization the change is vital. The author argues that by facing each problem, the organisation should be modified in order to achieve the best fit between the structure and the circumstances (2009, p. 405). On the other hand, an organization has different components such as employees which are the essential assets for a company, highly likely they will be affected from the change management of the organization in different ways. There is no doubt that the most important impact is the psychological one for the employees which is considered as resistance to the new management system. These effects should be managed carefully in order to facilitate the change process. Contrary to those who believe that change can only be successful through coercive measures, this paper argues that change must be implemented through a positive approach which consists of a dialogue process with employees. The communication and the presentation of the change management plan will allow employees to express their thoughts and feelings about it. Because their reaction is taken into account, they will feel part of the change process, and they will be more likely to adapt to a given change. This, at the end, will ease the implementation of change, and will help the company to finalize this process in a more peaceful and successful way. Firstly, the concept of change management concept will be explained briefly. Secondly, the concept of resistance and the psychological effects on the employees such as shock of the new, inconvenience, fear of failure will be discussed, and finally, the mitigation methods which depend on the choice of change management programme will be enum erated such as communication, presentation of the change management plan, and bargaining which will be discussed with their effects. THE CONCEPT OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT The change management is the way of dealing with a possible change process since that every company should be ready for a potential modification in the system in order not to be effected by it in a negative way. The concept is defined by Armstrong such as the process of achieving the smooth implementation of change by planning and introducing it systematically, taking into account the likelihood of it being resisted (2009, p.424). Although the change is the only thing that stays constant in the organization (Armstrong, 2009, p.424), and that is the reason why the change management has a vital place in the organizational life. Change starts with a need of modification in the system and happens during a process. Even though nothing disturbs the organizational life, change will happen in a range of time (Senior, 2002). The reason why the change emerges can be internal or external. The former consists of a revision of the administration, redesign of group jobs, external factors can be ei ther social-cultural or political (Senior, 2002, p.5). There exist three types of change: strategic change which is a long term modification, operational change which is related to a change of a part of an organisation and transformational change which affects dramatically the structure, the process and behaviours of the organization (Armstrong, 2009, p.425). In either way a change management programme is highly required to companies. There is a variety of change programmes, and everyone has its own approach, but five characteristics are common between these according to Binney and Williams : vision, telling people what that vision is, top management determination, planning and programming and adopting the best practice (2005. p.296). The management process aims success by decreasing the resistance against the change. The PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF THE CHANGE MANAGEMENT The change management has psychological effects on employees because of the fact that every modification creates a resistance to the organization. As the former will create a new system for them, it can be said that every change management programme is the change itself. As psychological impacts, shock of the new (Armstrong, 2009, p. 431) can be cited, it means that employees will go through a process that they do not know, and they are afraid of it since it is unknown: the new situation will be distinct from the routine. There is also inconvenience (Armstrong, 2009, p.431) because they may think that their life may be more difficult than the previous one. Moreover, the change causes economic fears and uncertainty of the new situation and the latter symbolises a threat to interpersonal relationships that they build during their former organizational life. The new system will probably bring new rules, and they will need to integrate themselves to the new procedures: as to Steers and Black, they may doubt about their competences and they may have a fear of failure (1994, p. 669). Furthermore, it is also the fact that group norms and role prescriptions can be changed and their status may not be the same as the former. As it has been enumerated before, the employees will face a different aspect of their own organization, their habit and their group norms will change and there will be multiple effects on their psychology. That is the reason why employees will show some kind of a reaction called individual resistance (Steers, Black, 1994, p. 668) to the implication of the change management. The resistance can even cause the failure of the im plementation since employees are the most important assets of the organization. The psychological impact has been covered of five stages by Carnall (1990), which can be helpful to understand the resistances change. These five steps are general ones which employees pass through during the process of change. The first stage is denial (1999, p.211) where the employee does not admit that he needs a change in the organization and tries not to accept any changes with a disbelieve to his employers. Carnall argues that it is a warning period and there will be no decrease of performance. The second stage is the defence(1999, p.212) where the employee gets the new position or the new environment but does not want to do it and find excuses related to the new situation. The third one is discarding (1999, p. 212) when employee starts to let go the past, and starts to getting used to the new procedure. This is where employee accepts that the change was inevitable (1999, p.213). Stage four is adaptation (1999, p. 213) where the integration of the employee is realized and every thing works according to the plan. The last one is the internalization where the new change management plan has been became a normal one (1999, p.214): it is the phase where the normalization of the behaviour occurred. The MITIGATION of THE PSYCOLOGICAL IMPACTS The psychological impact should be mitigated in order to realize the change management aimed. Human element is the prime benchmark at this point, it means that every effort must be made according to the interests of those who have been affected by change (Senior, 2002). Mitigation will help to make the employees accept the change management more easily and adapt them to the new sturucture that they are willing to face. It should be underlined that the mitigation effect depend on the change management nature that has been chosen by the administration. Overcoming the psychological effects can be done in multiple ways, the best is to present the change management programme to the employees and try to get them into the project in order to reach a better level of integration. The communication is essential at this point (Armstrong, 2009), it does not mean that the employee will have influence on the change, but at least they will be able to predict their future, which will bring the decrease of the fear that they feel. It is not necessarily an active participation of employees, but an explanation of the reasons why the company choose to make a modification on the current model of management, and its plan in order not to make frighten employees. Every affects that will be faced depend on the introducing method; it may make people a part of the plan and will push them to collaborate with the company. After communication process, the company should also identify the possible fears and their reasons, and after, the administration should find ways to resolve the problems which may occur during the process (Armstrong, 2009). This kind of an attitude will not only help the integration of the employees to the new system but also will provide more credit to current the administration. On the other hand this communication phase can be done as participation to the decision making. The administration can listen to the employees carefully and take them idea as well for understanding in a better way their point about the change (Beech, Kenna, 2008, p. 95). In that case alienation of employees to the change will be less. The company could choose a step forward of communication: bargaining. In that case the employee is having a role in the process. Thurlys model is a well example, this plan has five steps as directive, bargaining, heart and minds, analytical approach and action based. In this case, the change management is imposed to the employees by the management power at first, but then the process is negotiated between the employee and the employer which will help the administration to understand the possible psychological effects of the change, and modify the plan according to it. A brain storming is being done and the management power will find the best way to adapt the new system. In that model the employee is not only a part of the plan but also is facing the administration which will give the feeling of importance to the employee. Moreover, Beech and Kenna share the same idea, according to them when the administration choose a bargaining method (2008, p.95) the company can attract more people to collaborate in an easy way and employees who had been helped the administration can have a better position in the change management process. Furthermore, training and skill development programmes (Beech, Kenna, 2008) can be used in order to decrease the psychological impacts as fear of failure or inconvenience. On the other hand, the physiological effects can be managed by coercion (direct threat), manipulation, withholding negative data (Beech, Kenna, 2008, p. 95). There is no doubt that the administration will show it force on the employees by these methods but is should be underlined that the fear will be more in long term, and additionally the employees will lose their thrust to the administration. Beer et Al argue that people can adopt to a new organizational system and the change should be done in a sharply way but showing the overcome is always a better way, since the behaviour and conscience are related to each other (Armstrong, 2009, p. 428), and more the employee will see the outcome, the more he will adapt itself to the new situation. CONCLUSION As a conclusion, change for every company is a must since it is interrelated to the system and because of the inputs and outputs, change becomes inevitable. Every organization needs to have a change management plan for being prepared to a new organizational system. There are multiple change management programmes; their common point is their aim which is to decrease the effects of change. Additionally, to every plan there will be a resistance; it is result of fear, prejudice, anxiety and ignorance (Calmon, Paton, 1992, p. 9) the change management plan has psychological impacts on employees such as shock, inconvenience, fear of failure. They live it in five stages as denial, defence, discarding, adaptation, internalization according to Carnall. The psychological effects can be mitigated by communication, participation of the employees to the management plan and bargaining. On the other hand coercion can be a way as well, but the best way is to handle the process by a positive way becau se of the fact that the employee is the most important asset of the company moreover the programme will be more efficient, and easy to adapt.

why everyone should own 1 punk cd Essay -- essays research papers

Outline for Persuasive Speech Topic: Why everyone should own one Punk CD. 1. a. By a show of hands I would like to see how many of you listen to Punk Rock. Today I’d like to talk to you about this genre of music that was created in reaction to other forms of music, and hopefully influence you to check it out and maybe even buy a CD. i. I’ve been listening to punk since as early as the 5th grade. â€Å"Punk† (make quote sign) is a term applied to a child or teenager who acts in an antisocial way. Punk music is a form of rebellion, and it turned against all other musical forms and influences at its time of creation. Punk music is as much cultural as it is musical. It is anarchic, against society, and against everything in established order. ii. I’d like to give you a brief history, the philosophy behind the music, and how what you hear today on the radio isn’t quite the same. I’ve included a few of the bands that I like to give you an idea what I’m talking about. Punk rock is much more than just music as music is just expressions of what people hold dear to them. Transition statement: But since I don’t have all day to talk lets go to a brief history. A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY Most of the first wave of British punk were born from art schools. Members from The Clash, Sex pistols, Damned, Wire, Adam and the ants, and Siouxsie and the Banshees had all come from such places in and around London. A large contingent came from in and around the Kings road area of west London, and a lot of the first wave knew of each other first hand- Tony James (Gen X), Mick Jones (Clash). Topper Headen (Clash) and Keith Levine (Clash, Public Image) had all been in the London SS, a Proto-punk band featuring the aforementioned all-star line-up. Shortly after The SS split, Tony James went to form Chelsea with future Generation X member and MTV pop star Billy Idol. In addition they recruited future Damned Guitarist and leader Brian James. The Clash's Leader, Joe Strummer had been plying his trade in the pub rock scene, which was instrumental to the rise of punk, with his previous band the 101'ers. As soon as he saw the Pistols, he knew his band was outdated. Strummer was actually an ex public schoolboy, and his dad was a worker in the national treasury of some sort. Other bands, such as the UK subs had also evolved from pub rock- Charlie Harper was in the marauders prior to forming the sub... ...e people its all about who out punk or be more hardcore than the next punk. People who disregard other punks for the type of punk they listen to. The most disregarded punks are the ones who listen to some commercialized music. This in general to me is ok to a certain degree. If you love the music and it means something to you it is ok with me, but if you are just listening to it because other people do or you are just radio oriented for any band I dislike it. Punks shouldn't deem those who listen to some commercial music and love it posers. That is wrong to me. Everyone knows that for how many punks there are in an area there are usually just as many posers. The people who I think qualify as posers are radio oriented, do things or listen to a band just because other true punks are and have no love for it, people who just do it for the style, and people with a punk attitude with no beliefs to back it up. You will never see a person listening to rap or techno listening to punk musi c, but as a punk, we are taught to be more open to different styles of music, because punk is not a contest, it is unity, love for the music, an attitude, a lifestyle, and many other things to be true to.

Death of a Salesman Essay Outline

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (1915-2005) Explore the ways in which Miller constructs the identity of Willy Loman and what is suggested by his interactions with his work and his wife in this extract. Thesis Statement:In the passage, Miller criticises society for being stifling and breaking down youths once full of passion into meek workers resigned to their fate. To convey this, Miller uses Loman, an exaggerated version of what the population is going through. They are battered from exhaustion, too accommodating as they are afraid of change and also mentally crushed.Topic Sentence 1Miller constructs the identity of Willy Loman as one that largely comprises of him being â€Å"the Salesman†. The entire dialogue in the passage was dedicated to work, although they were placed in a homely setting, showing that it is hard to separate the private self with the public working self. Evidence from passage: The identity â€Å"the Salesman† is one that identifies Loman the m ost accurately. The title, â€Å"death of a salesman†, also shows that the identity of being a salesman triumphs over all his other identities and even his name. He is also depicted to be living a very rigid, robot-like life.Evidence from passage: Each action is stated clearly in a mechanical manner. â€Å"He closes the door† â€Å"then carries his cases out into the living room† or â€Å"unlocks the door† â€Å"comes into the kitchen† â€Å"thankfully lets his burden down† â€Å"feeling the soreness of his palm† Topic Sentence 2Loman is also seen to be, after 60 years of his life in this stifling capitalism system, resigned to his fate. He is beaten down and is dubious of new prospects as he is much too comfortable and familiar to his current life. Evidence from passage:â€Å"You’re too accommodating, dear. â€Å"I couldn’t make it† â€Å"his massive dreams and little cruelties, served her only as sharp reminde rs of the turbulent longings within him, longings which she shares but lacks the temperament to utter and follow to their end. This inability to change his life in real life seems to manifest into wild imaginations, where he lives out his dreams. Evidence from passage: â€Å"But it’s so beautiful up there† Speaks of his dream-like imagination with wonder, although it was a dangerous situation. Topic Sentence 3Much like his name, â€Å"Willy†, Loman is seen to be much of a willy-nilly and seems disordered and haphazard.Miller constructs this through the use of the Loman’s erratic dialogue with his wife. The constant repetition of phrases and restating his points Evidence from passage: â€Å"I couldn’t make it. I just couldn’t make it, Linda†, â€Å"I stopped for a cup of coffee. Maybe it was the coffee. † Conclusion:Loman criticises society for breaking down a man, stripping him of his individual identity as a person and giving him the identity of a worker. This life manages to drive Willy to slight insanity, and self-doubt so serious that he is unable to provoke any change in his life.

Smaller Public Companies and Sox

Should Smaller Public Companies be Exempted from Complying with SOX Section 404(b)? ABSTACT On July 21, 2010 the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act provided the non-accelerated public companies (those with a market capital below $75 million) a permanent exemption from complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Section 404(b). The Section 404(b) would have required these smaller companies to do what larger companies over the $75 million market cap are currently doing; requiring an external auditor to audit their internal controls over financial reporting.However, what may seem like a huge win for the smaller companies who long have complained about the cost out weighing the benefits of complying with the standard, does not appear that way to everyone. INTRODUCTION Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act Section’s 404 (a) and (b) were created to help restore the public’s trust in what public companies are reporting in their financial statements, as well as the opinio ns on the reports that the auditors are providing on the financial statements.SOX 404(a) implies that managements of public companies assess and report on whether their internal controls over financial reporting (ICFR) are effective (United States Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC], 2009); in order to ensure that those requirements in Section 404(a) are being met, public companies are required to have an external auditor attest to management’s assessment over the ICFR (SEC, 2009). While SOX 404(a) is required by all public companies, Section 404(b) was required only by large companies (those with a market cap greater that $75 million).As for the smaller public companies (those $75 million and under), they were granted numerous extensions and were eventually permanently exempted. The main purpose of SOX 404 was to alleviate the growing tension between investors, government agencies, and public companies. While the public trust is continuing to be restored, according to r esearch and studies; unintended circumstances of the SOX 404 implementation caused massive financial burdens for smaller public companies (Garrett, 2009).The outcries from the small public companies were answered by numerous extensions on the compliance of SOX 404(b). This was in order to give these companies more time to get their internal controls in place for external auditors to attest to them. Finally, on July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) was passed. The Dodd-Frank Act provided permanent exemption from complying with the SOX 404(b) for non- accelerated public companies (those with a market capital below $75 million) (Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform, 2010, pg. 83). As a result of this Act, another issue surfaced as to why permanently exempt the smaller companies from SOX 404(b). All public companies, to include smaller public companies, should be held to the same standards and be subject to the rules under SOX 404(b). Ins tead of permanently exempted them, the SEC should have came up with a way to make it more cost effective to comply. This paper will address arguments from both sides of the Dodd-Frank Act, and why smaller firms should be required to comply with SOX 404(b).ANALYSIS The permanent exemption comes as a relief for the small public companies as complying with SOX 404(a) has been very expensive and time consuming. By adding to the cost associated with complying with SOX 404(b), it would be more than they would be able to handle. A study conducted by Financial Executives International, showed that the cost of complying with SOX for those public companies whose market cap was under $100 million was approximately $824,000 compared to $1. million for those who market cap is between $100 million to $500 million, at the time the article was written (Wolkoff, 2005). Furthermore, Wolkoff (2005) goes on to say that at the AMEX median, the median revenue for its companies are $57 million, which mean s that for these companies to comply with SOX 404(b) it would cost close to 1. 5% of its median revenue(Wolkoff, 2005). Specifically, Wolkoff states that this could â€Å"severely† have a negative impact on these companies operating margins and â€Å"in many cases to near zero — and depleting funds available for a reinvestment† (Wolkoff, 2005, pg. ). In addition, resources that could be used for other more important business needs would be diverted to costly â€Å"tedious documentation requirements†, and would not be worth the benefits derived (Garrett 2009, pg. 1). Even after the creation of Auditing Standard No. 5 (AS5), a study done by George Washington University, found that the decrease that larger public companies found with the relief provided from AS5 was not the case for smaller public companies (Garrett, 2009).Furthermore, NASDAQ research showed that based on revenue percentage it would cost 11 times more for smaller companies than larger compan ies to comply with SOX 404 (b), which creates an â€Å"unfair competitive advantage for larger companies† (Garrett, 2009 pg. 1-2). Not to mention that these smaller companies believe that the cost associated with SOX 404(b) far outweighs the benefits of compliance (Wolkoff, 2005).On the other hand, opponent’s of the Dobb-Frank Act believes that despite the George Washington University and NASDAQ studies, SOX 404 costs are still expected to go down and that the reduction is not only due to the implementation of AS5, but because of other factors. For instance, the cost of complying with SOX 404 is expected to continue to go down as companies continue to implement and document effective controls and move into the â€Å"maintenance phase of monitoring and reporting† (How Potential Changes in Small-Company, 2006, pg. 7).As this relates to SOX 404(b), this could also mean that once the external auditors have completed their first audit of the company’s internal controls and improvements are made based on the outcome of the audit, audit fees should go down because the audits will become easier since any ineffective internal controls should have been or is being addressed. Another SOX 404(b) obstacle that proponents of the Dobb-Frank Act believed threatened the small companies was that the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) was trying to take a â€Å"one size fits all† approach.Meaning, the SEC was trying to use the same standards for both large and small companies when regulating corporate governance. Proponents felt that this was unfeasible because larger companies were in a better financial position to handle the expense for consultant and external audit fees that came with the SOX 404 regulations. For example, an increased auditing bill to $500 thousand for a company who has a $10 billion market cap would not have the same effect on a company with a market cap of $100 million (Wolkoff, 2005).Conversely, an analysis done by CRA International for the Big Four, reported that audit fees did not make up the majority of the cost associated with SOX 404. Specifically, the smaller of the larger companies that had to comply with all sections of SOX 404 (i. e. , those with market caps between $75 and $700 million); 35% of those costs were related to audit cost (How Potential Changes in Small-Company, 2006) as it relates to SOX 404(b). Additionally, those companies with a market cap over $700 million, only 26% were related to audit cost (How Potential Changes in Small-Company, 2006).Although the compliance with SOX 404(b) was implemented to restore investor’s confidence, Wolkoff (2005) states that in doing so caused a deterrent in the number of small firms that would go public both domestically and overseas. The Amex has seen the impact as the number of small companies that have delisted from the Exchange has increased (Wolkoff, 2005), and those that would have joined decided not to, which reduces the number of initial public offerings in the United States.The SOX Act, specifically, Sections 404(a) and (b), didn’t take into account that large companies have a more complex business structure, which makes for more complex accounting practices (Wolkoff, 2005). For example, the segregation of duties obstacles that many smaller companies are faced with and do not have the resources to fix this control problem. According to Wolkoff (2005), the SEC should have taken that into consideration the â€Å"market cap† or â€Å"minimal revenue† that a company generates and apply different standards accordingly (pg. 1).Another point that proponents of the Dobb-Frank Act made was that scandals like Enron are least likely to happen in smaller public companies. The reasoning behind this is that smaller companies are not normally out to cheat themselves. This is because these smaller companies are usually run by the people that founded the companies or closely related (Wolkoff, 2005). However, by requiring smaller public companies to comply with SOX 404(b), will not only ensure that they are in compliance with SOX 404(a), but it will also help these companies by uncovering inefficiencies in some processes.This in turn will help the companies because it will â€Å"†¦makes fraud harder to commit and easier to detect† (Aguilar, 2010, pg. 33). Especially since smaller companies are in a better position and at greater risk for committing fraud and accounting manipulations (Aguilar, 2010). Furthermore, who is to say those smaller companies’ investors do not deserve the same level of confidence and â€Å"financial reporting safeguards† that larger public companies’ investors are receiving (Solnik, 2010).In addition, studies have shown a correlation between â€Å"weak internal controls and poorer earnings relative to effective internal controls† (Hamilton, J. , 2009). In time of a declining economy, the temptations for fraudulent r eporting is increased and by having smaller companies comply with SOX 404(b) serves as a deterrent for those temptations (Hamilton, J. , 2009). Lastly, smaller public companies feel that they have already spent a lot of money just to be in compliance with SOX 404(a), and do not feel the need to be monitored by external auditors.This is because they feel that are capable of monitoring, finding, and remediating deficiencies through internal audits (Solnik, 2010). However, as previously mentioned, SOX 404(b) was not only put in place to ensure that public companies were in compliance with SOX 404(a), but to also have it attested by an independent auditor. This not only helps restore investor’s confidence, but also provides the public companies beneficial information as to whether or not they have proper controls in place and/or additional controls are needed.Moreover, small companies may be putting themselves at risk especially, if the investors penalized them for not meeting th e â€Å"transparency norms† that is projected by external auditors (Silverstein, 2008 pg. 26). Especially since there are approximately 7,300 smaller public companies, which accounts for 65% of the overall public companies (Hamilton, J. 2009). CONCLUSION While there are good cases made from both sides of the Dobb-Frank Act, permanently exempted smaller companies doesn’t solve the issue of ensuring compliance with SOX 404(a) is being followed.More importantly, it doesn’t provide the smaller public investors with the same confidences as large public investors as to whether or not the proper controls are in place, and/or whether the controls are effective. By having external auditors attest to ICFR it will provide the smaller companies’ investors the same boost of confidences as its larger counterparts. Instead of permanent exemption, other means should be looked at in order to make it to where it is cost effective to comply with SOX 404(b).Also, as recommen ded by the Key Advisory Committee, â€Å"[e]xempt some smaller public companies entirely from SOX 404 reporting requirements, but add stricter corporate governance requirements for those companies† (How Potential Changes in Small-Company, 2006, pg. 6). That way we will not have to wait until another scandal is made public to scramble and make these changes; as the old saying goes, â€Å"It’s not if, but when†. REFERENCES Aguilar,  M. (2010,  May). Small filers struggle with internal controls over fraud. Compliance Week,  7(76),  33,74.Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Conference Report to Accompany H. R. 4173. House of Representative , 111th Cong. 583 (2010). Garrett, S. 2009. Garrett introduces SOX exemption for small businesses, Press release, Oct. 8,2009. Hamilton,  J. (2009, June). Section 404 works and is important for small companies, Aguilar feels. SEC Filings Insight,1,4. Retr ieved from ABI/INFORM Global. How potential changes in small-company SOX regulations could affect your firm. (2006,  February).Accounting Office Management & Administration Report,  06(2),  1,6+. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry Silverstein, M. (2008,  December). (Sarbanes-Oxley Revisited:) The Good, the Bad, the Lessons. New Jersey Business,  54(12),  26. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Dateline Solnik, C. (2010,  July). Small companies push to gain permanent exemption from Sarbanes-Oxley requirement Silverstein nts. Long Island Business News. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Dateline. United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Economic Analysis. 2009). Study of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Section 404 Internal Control over Financial Reporting Requirements. Retrieved from http://www. sec. gov/news/studies/2009/sox-404_study. pdf Whitehouse,  T. (2009,  April). SOX 404 Compliance Improves for All but the Small. Compliance Week,  6(63),  42-43. R etrieved from ABI/INFORM Trade & Industry. Wolkoff, N. L   (2005,  August). Sarbanes-Oxley Is a Curse for Small-Cap Companies. Wall Street Journal (Eastern Edition),  p. A. 13. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global.

French Noun Endings Can Be a Telltale Sign of Gender

French Noun Endings Can Be a Telltale Sign of Gender French gender  is a headache for many students of French. Why is manteau masculine and montre feminine? Why is  tà ©moin  always masculine and  victime  always feminine? As vexing as this subject is for nonnative speakers, we simply have to accept that French gender is here to stay. In fact, consider yourself lucky that youre studying French; in German and Latin, for instance, youd have to learn three genders (masculine, feminine and neuter), and in still other languages, it gets even more complicated. It might help to know that grammatical  gender (what were discussing here) has nothing to do with natural gender, which is actual, physical gender of living beings. Linguist Andrew Livingston tells us grammatical gender is a way of classing nouns thats older than recorded history. Its deeply embedded in the DNA of an array of Indo-European languages that trace their lineage to a common ancestor, which probably needed to differentiate between the animate and the inanimate. In French, theres simply no way to know the gender of every single noun other than by memorizing the gender of each. There are, however, certain patterns in suffixes and word endings that are a tip-off. As you can see by the number of exceptions here, these gender patterns are not foolproof indicators, but they can help. Before we begin, a couple of notes: We try to list the most common and, thus, most useful exceptions; we avoid obscure exceptions. Also, to avoid confusion, we do not list  dual-gender nouns.   French Masculine Nouns Here are some suffixes that usually indicate masculine nouns, as well as some important exceptions. -ageExceptions: la cage, une image, la nage, la page, la plage, la rage -b -bleExceptions: une cible, une à ©table, une fable, une table -cException: la fac (apocope of la facultà ©) -cleException: une boucle -d -deExceptions: la bride, la merde, la mà ©thode, la pinà ¨de; -ade, -nde, -ude endings -à ©Exceptions: la clà ©, la psychà ©; sà ©, tà ©, and tià © endings -eauExceptions: leau, la peau -à ¨geException: la Norvà ¨ge -et -eurNote:  This applies mainly to names of professions and mechanical or scientific things; also see -eur in the list of feminine endings. -fExceptions: la soif, la clef, la nef -iExceptions: la foi, la fourmi, la loi, la paroi -ing -isme -k -lException: une roseval -mException: la faim -meExceptions: une alarme, une à ¢me, une arme, la cime, la coutume, la crà ¨me, là ©cume, une à ©nigme, une estime, une ferme, une firme, une forme, une larme, une plume, une rame, une rime, -mme ending -mentException: une jument -nExceptions: la faà §on, la fin, la leà §on, la main, la maman, la ranà §on; -son and -ion endings -oExceptions: la dactylo, la dynamo, la libido, la mà ©tà ©o, la moto, la steno (most of these are apocopes of longer feminine words) -oir -one -ou -p -rExceptions: la chair, la cour, la cuiller, la mer, la tour (see feminine -eur) -sExceptions: la brebis, la fois, une oasis, la souris, la vis -steExceptions: la liste, la modiste, la piste; names for people like un(e) artiste, un(e) nudiste, etc. -tExceptions: la burlat, la dent, la dot, la forà ªt, la jument, la mort, la nuit, la part, la plupart, la ziggourat -treExceptions: la fenà ªtre, une huà ®tre, la lettre, la montre, la rencontre, la vitre -uExceptions: leau, la peau, la tribu, la vertu -xExceptions: la croix, la noix, la paix, la toux, la voix Feminine Noun Endings Here are some suffixes that usually indicate feminine nouns, as well as some important exceptions. Remember, we list here the most common endings, because these will be the most useful for you to know. -aceExceptions: un ace, un palace -adeExceptions: le grade, le jade, le stade -aleExceptions: un chà ¢le, un pà ©tale, un scandale -ance -beExceptions: un cube, un globe, un microbe, un tube, un verbe -ceExceptions: un artifice, un armistice, un appendice, le bà ©nà ©fice, le caprice, le commerce, le dentifrice, le divorce, un exercice, un office, un orifice, un prà ©cipice, un prince, un sacrifice, un service, le silence, le solstice, le supplice, un vice -cà ©Exception: un crustacà © -eNote:  Most countries and names that end in e are feminine. -eeException: un pedigree -à ©eExceptions: un apogà ©e, un lycà ©e, un musà ©e, un pà ©rigà ©e, un trophà ©e -esse -eurNote: This applies mainly to abstract qualities and emotions, except le bonheur, lextà ©rieur, lhonneur, lintà ©rieur, le malheur, le meilleur. Also see -eur  on the list of masculine endings. -feException: le golfe -ieExceptions: un incendie, le foie, le gà ©nie, le parapluie, le sosie -ià ¨reExceptions: larrià ¨re, le cimetià ¨re, le derrià ¨re -ineExceptions: le capitaine, le domaine, le moine, le magazine, le patrimoine -ionExceptions: un avion, un bastion, un billion, un camion, un cation, un dominion, un espion, un ion, un lampion, un lion, un million, le morpion, un pion, un scion, un scorpion, un trillion -iqueExceptions: un graphique, un pà ©riphà ©rique -ireExceptions: un auditoire, un commentaire, un dictionnaire, un directoire, un horaire, un itinà ©raire, livoire, un laboratoire, un navire, un pourboire, le purgatoire, le rà ©pertoire, le salaire, le sommaire, le sourire, le territoire, le vocabulaire -ise -iteExceptions: lanthracite, un ermite, le granite, le graphite, le mà ©rite, lopposite, le plà ©biscite, un rite, un satellite, un site, un termite -lleExceptions: le braille, un gorille, un intervalle, un mille, un portefeuille, le vaudeville, le vermicelle, le violoncelle -mmeExceptions: un dilemme, un gramme, un programme -ndeException: le monde -nne -oleExceptions: le contrà ´le, le monopole, le rà ´le, le symbole -rreExceptions: le beurre, le parterre, le tonnerre, le verre -seExceptions: un carosse, un colosse, le gypse, linverse, un malaise, un pamplemousse, un parebrise, le suspense -sà ©Exceptions: un exposà ©, un opposà © -sion -sonExceptions: un blason, un blouson -tà ©Exceptions: un arrà ªtà ©, le comità ©, le comtà ©, le cà ´tà ©, un dà ©putà ©, un à ©tà ©, le pà ¢tà ©, le traità © -tià © -tionException: le bastion -udeExceptions: le coude, un interlude, le prà ©lude -ueException: un abaque -uleExceptions: le prà ©ambule, le scrupule, le tentacule, le testicule, le và ©hicule, le ventricule, le vestibule ï » ¿-ureExceptions: le centaure, le cyanure, le dinosaure, le murmure

Statistical Estimation of Healthy Life Expectancy Research Paper

Statistical Estimation of Healthy Life Expectancy - Research Paper Example Model selection was performed using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.01. Values for Mallows' Cp were computed manually based on values derived from the computerized models. Scatter plot of the models are, however, performed in Microsoft Excel (2003) for more presentable rendition. To facilitate estimation of the most significant predictors of healthy life expectancy (HALE), one-variable linear regression was performed on each of the 22 predictor variables. To assist in the refinement of the first multi-variable model, a scatter plot of p vs. Mallows' Cp is shown in Figure 1. It may be gleaned from the scatter plot in Figure 1 that four predictor variables X2, X9, X20, and X22 are outliers, while the rest of the other predictor variables were concentrated in the area on the plot encircled in red. The predictors were divided into three blocks: (1) block 1 variables consist of those assumed from the results of the one-variable regression models which can most significantly predict HALE; (2) block 2 variables were those assumed to be moderate predictors of HALE; and (3) block 3 variables were those assumed to be least significant predictors of HALE. Criteria used in grouping the results of... Model selection was performed using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 11.01. Values for Mallows' Cp were computed manually based on values derived from the computerized models. Scatter plot of the models are, however, performed in Microsoft Excel (2003) for more presentable rendition. Preliminary Analysis To facilitate estimation of the most significant predictors of healthy life expectancy (HALE), one-variable linear regression was performed on each of the 22 predictor variables. To assist in the refinement of the first multi-variable model, a scatter plot of p vs. Mallows' Cp is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. Scatter plot of p vs Mallows' Cp It may be gleaned from the scatter plot in Figure 1 that four predictor variables X2, X9, X20, and X22 are outliers, while the rest of the other predictor variables were concentrated in the area on the plot encircled in red. Modeling and Analysis The predictors were divided into three blocks: (1) block 1 variables consist of those assumed from the results of the one-variable regression models which can most significantly predict HALE; (2) block 2 variables were those assumed to be moderate predictors of HALE; and (3) block 3 variables were those assumed to be least significant predictors of HALE. Criteria used in grouping the results of the one-variable regression models were: (1) computed values of Mallows' Cp which most closely approached the value of p; (2) coefficient of determination (R2), delimited to those capable of predicting the variance in HALE by at least 50% (R = > 0.500); (3) highly correlated, based on the Pearson correlation coefficient (0.70 < r < 1.00); and (4) values of the sum of squares of the residuals are to be less

Russian literature Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Russian literature - Research Paper Example The history of Russian literature is quite old and the ‘Old Russian Literature’ includes masterpieces produced in old Russian languages. Many anonymous works illuminate the history of the Russian literature during this era and the works like ‘The Tale of Igor’s Campaign’ and ‘Playing of Daniel the Immured’. The popular entity by the name of â€Å"Lives of Saints† evolved as a distinct genre of literature in Russian language during this period. ‘Life of Alexander Nevsky’ stands as an exemplary creation of this era. Old epics blended with the literary elements and traditions of Christian and Pagan elements illuminate the literary pieces of this period. Medieval Russian literature bears religious overtones in excess and the adaptations from Church Slavonic languages with major influences from many South Slavic elements have been widely incorporated in the literature during this period. ... Suicide happens to be an infallible theme of all the major works of the period and needs a wider exposition in this regard. Thesis Statement The essay intends to explore and discuss the major theme of suicide is pertinent in almost all the works of the â€Å"Golden Age† of the Russian literature of the nineteenth century evolving as a distinct cultural dimension dissipating men and women in the society. Golden Age of Russian Literature and the Theme of Suicide Nineteenth century literature in Russia is also known by the name of â€Å"Golden Era† of literature in Russian language. Romanticism inspired poetry and the names of the luminaries like Vasily Zhukovsky and afterwards his protege Alexander Pushkin came into prominence. Pushkin instrumented both crystallization and manifestation of innovative parameters of artistic excellence and artistry in Russian literature. His most popular novel written in verse form is â€Å"Eugene Onegin†. This precise period in Russ ian literature witnessed the evolution of a fresh new set of poetic talents in the works of Mikhail Lermontov,  Yevgeny Baratynsky,  Konstantin Batyushkov,  Nikolay Nekrasov,  Aleksey Konstantinovich Tolstoy,  Fyodor Tyutchev and  Afanasy Fet. All these poets followed the creative style of Pushkin and are known in the history of Russian literature as his ardent followers. In the domain of prose, considerable contribution was notified during this period and keeping parity with the development of poetry, prose was also flourishing its canon well. The great Russian novelist of this period was Nikolai Gogol and following him were the names of the luminaries like Nikolai Leskov, Ivan Turgenev, Mikhail Saltykov-Shchedrin, who appeared in the monumental history of Russian literature during this era. All