Demand Elasticity of Luxury Automobiles Essay

In the luxury automobile market, there are many vehicles that boast high quality workmanship, luxurious appointments and powerful drivetrains. For this research paper, the midsize luxury sedan segment was chosen because most of the vehicles from the brands in this segment have similar features, power, and most importantly, price tags. The flagship models of the brands were not chosen since the features and amenities are very different from car to car to such a degree that it would be almost impossible to compare the models. The retail prices of the flagship vehicles also vary by a few thousand dollars, making a fair comparison between the models even more difficult. The midsize luxury sedan segment offers consumers a good mix of quality components and craftsmanship, luxurious amenities, and ample power for daily commuting. These vehicles are designed for consumers who want luxurious, high quality vehicles at a fair price. The vehicle chosen for this study is the all-new Lexus GS430 sedan. The Lexus’ two closest competitors are the BMW 545i and the Cadillac STS V8. The vehicles chosen are with all standard equipment but the navigation system option was added to each since the Lexus comes with it already loaded. The engine and transmission options were also chosen to equally match the vehicles in power and price. Since there is no central retail location where one can purchase any brand of vehicle they want, three dealerships were surveyed for price information for each brand of vehicle included in this study. Surveying three dealerships for pricing for the same car allows us to not only see the price differences from one dealership to another but also allows us to compare the price of that vehicle with another from a totally different make. See Appendix I for the results of the survey. The vehicles chosen in this study all boasted high quality craftsmanship coupled with fine materials. The materials used in the interior of the were applied tastefully, and generously. The body panel fit and finish of all three vehicles was good, but the BMW had the tightest tolerances of the group. The paint finish however left much to be desired from all three models. There was a lot of orange peel in the finish of the paint. The interior design of the three models was tasteful, with the Cadillac being the most conservative and the BMW the most radically designed interior. The Cadillac had a good mix of both radical design and conservative styling. The BMW had the iDrive system which has a short learning curve to it, but it is supposed to simplify how you use the systems in the car. There wasn’t enough time to learn how to fully utilize the features of the iDrive system, but, in my opinion, turning on the air conditioner shouldn’t require reading a manual or much less, attending a training session for how to use the device. The training session is provided by BMW to new owners of vehicles equipped with the system. The iDrive system will have an effect on a consumer’s decision to purchase the vehicle since some consumers may find it cumbersome to use. Cadillac’s functions and controls were very simple and straight-forward. The navigation system and radio controls were touch screen and were displayed on a rather large monitor. The controls were easy to use and logically placed. The Lexus had a good mix of conservative and radical styling. The controls were laid out logically and the interior looked very clean. The Lexus had a hideaway drawer that had a lot of controls and buttons in it that was easily tucked away out of view. All three models come standard with passenger and side air bags. They all come with a CD player and heated seats. A navigation system is available with each vehicle, but is standard on the GS430. To even out the playing field, the navigation option was added to the Cadillac and BMW. This change in options actually brought the prices of the vehicles very close together. The Lexus had the most front leg room; however the Cadillac had the most interior volume. All three models have about the same power output with the BMW being the most powerful with a 325HP engine. The Cadillac was a close second with a 320HP engine and the GS430 came last with a 300HP engine. They all achieve approximately the same miles per gallon in the city, but highway mileage varies between the three models with the BMW being the most efficient out of the group. The BMW gets 18 miles to the gallon in the city and 26 on the highway, the Lexus 18/23, and the Cadillac 16/22 miles to the gallon, respectively. The Lexus felt the most nimble because as was suspected, it had a lower curb weight than the other models. The transmissions on all models were super smooth and power delivery was consistent with throttle input. The Lexus had the smoothest ride out of all three, however it achieved this because of how disconnected it felt from the road. The lack of communication from the suspension to the driver in the Lexus leaves the driver uncertain of road conditions and forces the driver to rely on vehicle safety systems to keep the car stable. The BMW had a sport suspension which made the ride a little rougher than the others, but was the most responsive to inputs from the driver and was the best at communicating road conditions to the driver, and because of this offered the most interactive driving experience. The suspension was tight and allowed the sedan to maneuver like a sports car. The Cadillac also had a smooth ride, but road feel was more prominent which made the ride feel a little less smooth than the Lexus. The Cadillac maneuvered well, but a stiffer suspension would make this vehicle a real performer. In conclusion, the quality levels of all three vehicles were near the same level. The BMW had the tightest tolerances in fit and finish with the most responsive ride, though the iDrive system is sure to turn off some prospective buyers. The Lexus had a smooth ride with luxurious appointments throughout, whereas the Cadillac had a good mix of both performance and luxury. The Lexus and Cadillac also had a keyless entry and ignition system which allowed you to get into your car and turn it on without ever taking the key fob out of your pocket. The consumers who purchase these vehicles are mid-upper class citizens. They are price-conscious and would like to get the best bang for their buck when purchasing a luxury car. The difference in the prices of alternate vehicles may be the deciding factor when purchasing a vehicle in this class. I would suggest a slight price decrease for the Lexus so it would be priced below the Cadillac, making it the best bang for the buck all the while providing the same comforts and amenities as the BMW and the Cadillac. My estimation of the demand elasticity of luxury automobiles is that the demand is rather elastic. A slight change in price will cause a significant change in demand for that particular product. If the price of the Lexus, or for any model in this class for that matter, was to suddenly increase a few thousand dollars, that price increase would make consumers consider the Cadillac or BMW instead since they both have the same level of quality and features. â€Å"Consumption of goods and services that are considered a luxury can be easily reduced if the price rises. Hence demand tends to be more elastic for fur coats, luxury cars, extensive vacations, etc. Goods considered a necessity are so important that buyers tend to respond little to a price change. They do respond however, although demand tends to be price inelastic for such goods† (Walbert). Lower priced practical vehicles can be considered necessities since a price increase will not cause consumers to not purchase these products. A price change will not trigger them to wait until later when the price drops to purchase the car. They will purchase the vehicle at the price given since it is absolutely necessary to have the car. However this does not hold true for the luxury automobile market. Luxury automobiles are a much larger purchase than a practical commuter vehicle purchase. A consumer in the market for a luxury automobile can wait until there is a price decrease before purchasing the vehicle, hence making the demand elastic.

High School Credits and Graduation Requirements

Noemi Robles English 101 Arguing a Position Rough Draft High School Credits and Graduation Requirements â€Å"In 1997, Chicago raised its graduation standards to well above what Illinois then requires, asking all students to complete all of the courses necessary for entry to competitive state universities†(1). Many people believed that this may cause many students to drop out, but in reality, the graduation rates improved. Now, we are currently facing a nationwide dilemma. Many high schools are cutting graduation requirements and taking away classes that are important to both the students and teachers.I propose that every high school nationwide should have at least seven courses to take and that every student will graduate with a minimum of twenty-six credits. The most credits a student can obtain is twenty-eight which will be applied in the system. Some schools such as a high school in Santa Ana, California have their students graduate with at least two-hundred and forty cred its essay writer reviews. In 2009, the district wanted to reduce the credits to two-hundred and twenty so more students will graduate. â€Å"By lowering them its just like saying we don't want to put our students to their full potential†(2).Although two-hundred and forty seems like a lot, a course is worth a lot of credits as well which averages out neatly. It would be easier to have every school change the number to twenty-eight and twenty-six so there isn't any confusion. The state of Texas already has this standard and in the past, the graduation requirements have changed many times. Reducing graduation credits will not make things easier for students, but it will affect their performance when they are preparing for college.This issue should be addressed to everyone so every generation can prepare for their futures and be successful. Many schools want to lower their graduation requirements so more students will finish school and so others won't have the urge to dropout. An other reason why lowering these requirements could benefit us is because it will cost less money if some courses are taken out which means fewer teachers as well. â€Å"Twenty-five percent of all students, nearly forty-percent of Black and Hispanic kids fail to graduate†(3).This could also help schools raise their attendance and raise the graduation rates. Since many believe that lowering the graduation requirements is a good thing, they don't realize how much it could actually affect the students who are taking fewer courses. The reason we have schools is to prepare us for college and to prepare for adulthood. Schools benefit us mentally, physically, and emotionally. We learn to interact with others, we learn about ourselves, and we learn different materials to help us understand the way things work and why we do them.Lowering the amount of credits needed to graduate isn't going to make us smarter or help us prepare for our futures. There are many hardworking students who wa nt to learn and taking away a few courses can affect many especially if it was a course students wanted to take. One disadvantage of lowering the graduation requirements is not being prepared for college and it could be harder to be accepted into a good college or university. â€Å"According to a recent national survey, an overwhelming eighty-one percent of high school students expect to attend college†(4).Now a high school diploma isn't enough to find a good job and live on your own. A college graduate will have a better chance of obtaining that job which will make finding a job a lot more difficult, which is the second disadvantage. Students need those extra classes that are being taken away to prepare them for college. â€Å"Because too many students are not learning the basic skills needed to succeed in college or work while they are in high school, the nation loses more than $3. 7 billion a year†(4). A higher education can help lead to a rewarding career and a hap pier life.Students attending any high school should have many opportunities to succeed therefore we shouldn't even consider taking away any courses or lowering the amount of credits needed to graduation. Another reason why we shouldn't lower the credits, is because many classes that students want to take as an elective may not be in the curriculum therefore, they won't have the opportunity to learn something they were looking forward to. Although there should be a number of required courses students should take, electives help students feel more excited to attend school and that elective could be something that they want to study in the future.Some AP courses may also be taken away if they were to lower the graduation requirements. Lastly, lowering the requirements will cause students to slack off in school because they will find it easier to graduate especially incoming freshmen who don't fully understand the importance the first year of high school, and can influence colleges and universities to decline their admission. â€Å"Another high school in Scott County in Kentucky realized that they needed to make reforms after analyzing statistics that showed that forty-five percent of their incoming freshmen were likely to fail at least one ninth-grade class†(5).Students should be inspired to achieve and if we lower their credits they won't have the opportunity to go as far as they are willing to go. Most public high schools in California get their money to pay for teachers and programs through the state. The state pays for schools through revenue, funds, and grants. The money comes directly from 21. 8% state revenue, 38. 4% state general purpose revenue, 1. 6% state lottery revenue, 9. 2% federal, 21. 4% local property taxes and fees, and 7. 6% from other local revenue.The funds that are used are unrestricted funds which can be used for any purposes and earmarked funds which can be used for specific purposes. The grants that are given to schools consist of the base grant (funding for ordinary classroom operations), special education grant (additional flexibility in the use of special education funds), opportunity to learn grant (funding for compensatory instructional services for disadvantage students), instructional improvement grant (funding for staff development and instructional services such as arts and technology programs), and charities (6).Money shouldn't be a big issue because schools can receive money in many ways. â€Å"Morton High School District 201 officials have cut the number of credits students need to graduate and lengthened class periods in what the board president calls ‘the most effective and practical way to save the district money'†(7). Even though they are lengthening the school day, the graduation requirements have dropped which means students will be taking less classes then before.Since money seems to be the biggest issue, schools should encourage students to improve their attendance and get be tter grades because the school can receive more money from that. This obstacle can be solved with just a little hard work and dedication. â€Å"Most children who attend public and private schools in the U. S. Spend between 175 to 185 days in the classroom a year and enjoy a summer break between the months of June and September. The average length of the school day is six hours. U. S.Students spend approximately 30% less time in school than students in other industrialized nations, putting them at a disadvantage as they compete in the global arena†(8). This is extremely important because we as a nation constantly want to become the best but yet the next generation is having a hard time competing in ‘the global arena' because America isn't providing longer school days and more classes for our students. High school shouldn't be as long as six hours because many students work and others are in extra-curricular activities.Students need that gap in order to complete any assig nments and to get enough sleep for the next day. Summer vacation is also a benefit to students because students can relax, be with family, and do many other activities that they wouldn't be able to do if they were attending school. We believe that schools should not be lengthened but in order to prevent students from forgetting what they learned before school ends, they should complete some summer work, especially for math. AP courses give summer work to prepare students, but the work they receive will not be as much, so students won't become stressed.Students will still be able to enjoy their long break from school but have the opportunity to learn as well. If we lowered our graduation rates, there would be less high school dropouts, less classes being failed, more high school graduates, and school districts will be able to save more money if they cut classes that they thought weren't important. If the requirements were made easier for students, they may be inspired to try more cha llenging courses as well. Although there are several key points to the opposing argument, students can still be challenged by having more courses to choose from.If the requirements are higher to graduate, they will try harder to achieve and students who enjoy participating in sports will be motivated to achieve because they have to be passing a certain amount of classes to be eligible. Overall, keeping the credits to at least twenty-six can benefit students in many ways. We should support students to try their best and to achieve their goals. Bibliography 1. Will Raising High School Graduation Requirements Cause More Students To Drop Out?. 25 March 2013. ;http://www. achieve. org/files/ImproveGradRates. pdf;. 2.Barboza, Tony. â€Å"Santa Ana seeks to ease high school graduation requirement. † Los Angeles Times. 08 Feb. 2009:1-2. 27 March 2013. ;http://articles. latimes. com/2009/feb/08/local;. 3. Downey, Maureen. 26 March 2013. ;http://blogs. ajc. com/get-schooled-blog/2010/0 6/02;. 4. Paying Double: Inadequate High Schools and Community College Remediation. 27 March 2013. ;http://www. allyed. org/files/archive;. 5. McCallumore, Kyle M. , and Ervin F. Sparapani. â€Å"The importance of the ninth grade on high school graduation rates and student success in high school. Gale Student Resources in Context. Web. 29 March 2013. 6. How California Schools Get Their Money. 29 March 2013. ;http://www. cbp. org/pdfs;. 7. Ruzich, Joseph. â€Å"Morton High Schools Cut Graduation Requirements to Save Money. † Chicago Tribune. 10 June 2010. Web. 28 March 2013. ;http://articles. chicagotribune. com/2010-06- 10/news/ct-met-0611-morton-bells-20100610_1_president-jeffry-pesek-number-of-credits;. 8. ProQuest Staff. â€Å"At Issue: School Schedule. † ProQuest LLC. 2012: n. pag. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 29 March 2013.

Analysis of fate of a cockroach

Analysis of fate of a cockroach Fate of a Cockroach is one of Al-Hakim’s plays that conform to the theatre of the absurd in Egypt. The play which was published in 1966 consists of two shorter, connected plays. The first was published in Al-Ahram newspaper in 1964 and consists of the second and the third acts spoken by humans under the same title, Fate of Cockroach. The second play, which is spoken by the cockroaches, appeared in the same newspaper in 1965 under the title The King cockroach sakhsookh,A (2002 P. 143). In Fate of a Cockroach Al-Hakim satirically creates the cockroach characters to symbolize the political disillusionment with the socialist revolutionary regime under Nasser’s. He later criticized this period in his account entitled ‘Awdat Alwa’ey’ (the return of consciousness) Badawi, M, M (1987: p.82). The parallelism in the play runs at the level of the cockroaches and humans. The King and the Queen Cockroaches have a similar issue as the human couple Samia and Adil who woke up and began to have an argument. In both instances in the play, though the topic of argument is different, the female has the upper hand. The discourse in both cases alludes to conflictive roles between the sexes which could be taken as a reflection on the case of the roles of women and men in Egyptian society at that time. To illustrate further, the King blames the Queen for trying to underestimate his power and worth. He also blames her for asking him to find a solution to the problem of the ants which is as old as time. Similarly, Adil blames Samia for putting her interests and herself before her husband. He is angry with the fact that she always asks him to do extra chores at home. Samia, who is a round character in the play, is represented as a domineering wife to her husband Adil. Her personality is stronger than his; yet he refuses to accept the fact, pretending that he tolerates her and puts up with her orders as she is of the ‘weaker sex’. Her attitud e towards Adil changes to that of a caring wife after the Doctor tells her that Adil has psychological problems because of the pressures of home, work and study, which led him to identify himself with the cockroach in the bath tub. However, at the end of the play, she is back to the role of the domineering wife after she finds out that the Doctor’s diagnosis is not accurate and that her husband’s desire to protect the cockroach is only because he admires the cockroach’s endless persistence to save his life; an attitude which is shared by the Doctor. Going back to the other cockroach characters such as the Minister, Savant, and Priest; we learn that these characters play secondary roles to the development of the events in the play. Their role is played because each of them has an odd talent to qualify them for the positions they hold. The Minister’s talent of bringing bad news to the King is what qualified him for his position. It is also the completely in comprehensible things that the priest says that made him suitable for his position. As for the Savant, it is the strange information about things that he presents to the king that made him good for his post.

Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 7

Exam - Essay Example The most prevalent theory of buyer behaviour in respect of marketing activities is the ‘Utility Theory.’ This theory proposes that; buyers make decisions based on the expected result of their decisions (Bray, 2012). Buyers employ a rational behaviour when choosing commodities to consume; that is, they are concerned with self interest. Marketers are always aware that buyers will only consider the products and services that achieve the highest level of satisfaction. With this knowledge, companies produce products that meet the buyers’ needs. This theory views a buyer as ‘a rational man.’ Companies are influenced by this behaviour to design a product or service that will be desirable to the buyers. Marketing activities tend to focus on research and pricing domain of the product or service. There are various factors that influence consumers; according to contemporary research on buyer behaviour. Buyer behaviour arises from the objective of satisfying a need. This stage advances in information search; on a product that satisfies the need. The buyer then evaluates various alternatives obtained from information search. A purchase intention arises from the evaluation of alternatives. The purchase intention triggers the buyer to buy the product or service, consumes it, and then disposes it. This is the complete view of buyer behaviour. Marketers are aware that buyer behaviour advances from; a need to the actual transaction. Marketing activities will tend to focus on promoting their products and services. This promotion creates awareness; that is, it sensitizes the potential buyers about a particular product or service being offered. Buyers tend to apply a cognitive approach when deciding on which products or services to consume. This approach focuses on the buyers’ observed behaviour to intrapersonal cognition. The experience achieved from the previous use of a product or service

The role and structure of IASB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

The role and structure of IASB - Essay Example This group formulating and developing accounting standards turned out to be the basis of the establishment of an independent accounting body for the purpose of issuing accounting standards to be used worldwide, which was named as International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) (Knowledge Guide to International Accounting Standards, accessed 14.02.06). The International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) was formed in the year 1973 in the pursuit of international community towards the development of accounting standards capable of being used throughout the world and IASC focused on this mission soon after its creation. Initially ten countries collaborated their efforts for the formation of International Accounting Standards Committee. During the reign of IASC, several accounting standards were developed but the goal of harmonisation could not be achieved due the lack of implementation of those standards. Furthermore, those standards provided great room for the manipulators to play around with the rules and regulation. It was in 1997 that IASC realised the significance of harmonised accounting standards and the increasing need for comparability of financial statements at a global level leading to the restructuring and remodelling of IASC. In the year 2001, the standard setting responsibilities of International Accounting Standards Committee was taken over by the new International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) with a view to restructure it to meet the challenges of the 21st century (Accounting: Introduction: background to the introduction of International Accounting Standards: a brief history, accessed 14.02.06). The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) works under the supervision of International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation (IASCF), which was created in March 2001. The existing new structure consists of IASB, being given the responsibility to formulate and

Freedom, I Write Your Name Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

Freedom, I Write Your Name - Essay Example Some of libertarians uphold the perspectives of economist Friedrich August von Hayek. Hayek concluded that the rules of conduct in a society are evolving, that they survive because they are useful and help that society survive. To his mind, the free market had survived the test of time, in that most successful societies were market based in some way. Hayek considered free market capitalism to be superior to other economic systems because it handles human ignorance by passing information in coded form through the price mechanism, which indicates areas where profits could be made and resources efficiently used. Additionally, it allocates resources without being predicated on any specific objectives or assuming what the objectives of individual people are. It also facilitates freedom, in that for it to work there need to be rules demarcating â€Å"protected domains† for each person, where no other has the right to interfere. This facilitation manifests in private property rights. Hayek viewed strong property rights and the free market as the best way of protecting liberty. But, Hayek did not argue for the total abolishment of tax, or even that it should be restricted to law enforcement and defense. Hayek thought taxes, levied rightly, could be used for welfare—a kind of â€Å"bleeding heart libertarianism†Ã¢â‚¬â€or to provide certain goods which the market might fail to adequately supply. However, in practice Hayek believed it would hardly ever be necessary to use taxes in this way.

Synergy between law and business ethics Dissertation

Synergy between law and business ethics - Dissertation Example men intent on trying to maximise profit in business present a disposition for resisting illegal or immoral conduct based only on a fear of sanction imposed by law. Ethics, morality, virtue and that which is good means little, if nothing, to bad men. Because profit is important for business, and laws are rules that emerge after compromise between conflicting ideologies and ethical points of view to present grey areas and loopholes, creative attempts at circumvention are always possible. However, business itself cannot remain aloof from ethical conduct to remain unconcerned about business ethic because to do this presents a risk of damage and loss arising out of a lack of harmony with stakeholders. Thus, it makes sense for business to emphasise on an ethical culture in addition to compliance with law, and it makes sense for a government to enact and to implement fair laws to regulate business while emphasising on the ethic in business to deliver for all stakeholders. History has demons trated that law alone cannot deliver good business, and business depends on those that are well versed in both business and ethics to make the right decisions. For Aristotle, virtue, and personal integrity mattered most and this is still significant in the present day and age. Thus, a need exists for a synergy between law and business ethic to deliver ethical business in a society, and this dissertation examines this synergy of law and business ethics. (This page intentionally left blank) CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES ______________________________________ Business ethics derive from a broader concept of ethics that attempts to examine what is right and wrong behaviour for the conduct of business under a set of impressed circumstances. 1 Ethics is a branch of philosophy that tries... The author of the dissertation "Synergy between law and business ethics" considers that business ethics derive from a broader concept of ethics that attempts to examine what is right and wrong behaviour for the conduct of business under a set of impressed circumstances. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that tries to understand better morality, the derivation of moral principles and the application of morality to conduct of business or individuals. Within the context of business, no special set of ethical principles applies only to the world of business, and immoral acts are wrong regardless of whether or not a businessperson has committed them. Business ethics helps decide about what is right and wrong within the context of business settings to understand better moral issues arising from business practice, decision-making and the working of institutions. The conduct of business presents many challenges to those involved in business and reports of insider trading, fraudulent earning s tatements, and manipulation of corporate statements. demonstrates ethical challenges associated with the conduct of business. Ethical conduct must prevail in employment relationships, in relationship between business and customers, product safety, compensation of workers, sustainability in business operations and commitment of business to the uplift of a society in which it operates, etc. Failure of a business to act in an ethical manner damages parties that deal with a business, the society in which a business operates and the business itself.

Integration of marketing communications has been a hot topic for the Essay - 1

Integration of marketing communications has been a hot topic for the past 25 years - Essay Example ntrast to views of IMC as nothing other than an inconsequential fad whose popularity is predicated on media hype rather than on its realised, or potential, contribution to marketing communications. Focusing on this debate, this research will begin by defining IMC, following from which it will critically analyse both sides of the issue, ultimately arguing for the long-term value and importance of IMC. â€Å"Integrated communications are like a band. The different communications instruments - advertising, public relations, database marketing, media specialists, sponsorship, interactive, event marketing and the rest - are like different musical instruments: piano, trumpet, trombone, violin, clarinet, percussion and the rest† (Fletcher, 1998, p. 22). Other terms that have been used to describe IMC are â€Å"one-stop shopping,† â€Å"orchestration,† â€Å"seamless communication,† â€Å"whole egg,† and â€Å"the new advertising† (Duncan & Everett, 1993, p. 30). These terms signify the integration of specialized communications functions that previously have operated with various degrees of autonomy. Duncan and Everett argue that the basic concept of IMC is synergy, in which the individual efforts are mutually reinforcing with the resulting effect being greater than if each functional area had selected its own targets, chosen its own message strategy, and set its own media schedule and timing (Duncan & Everett, 1993). Proceeding from the stated, Duncan and Everett (1993) define IMC as â€Å"the strategic coordination of all messages and media used by an organisation to influence its perceived brand value† (p. 35). In comparison, Schultz, Tannenbaum, and Lauterborn (1993) define IMC as  "a new way of looking at the whole, where once we only saw parts such as advertising, public relations, sales promotion, purchasing, employee communications, and so forth. Its realigning communications to look at it the way the customer sees it - as a flow of information from

Women like Chanel Bags Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Women like Chanel Bags - Essay Example In a period when luxury products have been the subject of intensive discussion and debate, current consumers are willing to offer considerably higher amounts of money for luxury products as a display of a particular product brings prestige to the owner apart from the functional utility. Luxury items are becoming a necessity as more than 51 percent women in Tokyo purchase Chanel bags. It is further important to mention that luxury consumption is influenced by factors such as brand image, quality, fashion, store atmosphere and patron status. There are contrasting views from Vigneron and Johnson who believe that categorization of luxury products, hedonist and perfectionists are more interested in pleasure derived from the use of luxury products and less interested in price rather than the quality of product, and its performance which leaves the debate open for discussion whether luxury products are bought for quality or just for the sake of prestige. The market for a luxury product is increasing with increasing income among the middle and high society which forces the manufacturers to provide fashionable items to its consumers which are durable and utilized optimally. Schroeder (1291) mentioned that typical turns in an art, artists, and aesthetics in management and marketing often involve ill-defined groping for innovation, creativity or play. The viability of a fashion brand is dependent upon the efficacy and appropriateness of the decisions of those responsible for its management.

Evaluate the training Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Evaluate the training - Essay Example iduals to provide better customer services, there are some sound principles that the evaluation process must be based upon and some four levels of evaluation that need be considered. Sometimes trainers fail to address the importance of having the evaluation process fit the specific standards and levels of training. Drawing generalizations from a single evaluation design fails to identify the strengths and weaknesses of training given there are different objectives. Level one- results/impacts: this level measures the effectiveness of the evaluation initiative. While this level is the most difficult to consume while compared to the other three, it is evidently the most important as it underscores the whole process. Measurement of results of the learning process might be looked at in the following perspectives: Level three, on the other hand, looks at leaning in the extent to which the learners were able to improve their knowledge and skills and where they also had a change in attitudes after going through the learning process. The last levels measure how the learner perceives and maybe react to both the learning and performance process. The level, known as motivation, makes use of attitude questionnaires passed out after the completion of the learning

Motivation and Leadership Effect on Job Performance Essay Example for Free

Motivation and Leadership Effect on Job Performance Essay Introduction Leadership and motivation traditionally play a very important role in the functioning of organizations. Nowadays, the role of leadership and motivation increases even more significantly because of the growing competition and the increasing significance of human resources for the progress of organizations. In fact, it should be pointed out that leadership and motivation are closely entangled concepts which constitute an important part of the success of an organization. It is obvious that the effective leadership and motivation can contribute to the progress of an organization, while poor leadership and the lack of motivation can weaken the normal functioning of an organization and lead to the crisis within an organization that will naturally affects its performance. In this respect, it is important to underline the fact that leadership and motivation affect considerably the organizational behavior and culture and they define the formation of the effective relationships between the personnel of an organization. In such a situation, it is necessary to fully reveal the significance of leadership and motivation in the current business environment in order to assess adequately perspective of the improvement of the effectiveness of leadership and motivation within an organization. At the same time, the analysis of theoretical framework only, it appears that insufficient for the understanding of the significance of leadership and motivation for the performance of an organization. Consequently, it is also necessary to pay a particular attention to the practical aspects of leadership and motivation  that means that it is necessary to analyze some practical examples that could reveal the significance of leadership and motivation for the performance of a n organization Review of Literature Motivation and Job Performance * The level of performance of employees relies not only on their actual skills but also on the level of motivation each person exhibits (Burney et al., 2007). * Motivation is an inner drive or an external inducement to behave in some particular way, typically a way that will lead to rewards (Dessler, 1978). * Over-achieving, talented employees are the driving force of all firms so it is essential that organizations try hard to motivate and hold on to the best employees (Harrington, 2003). * The quality of human resource management is a critical influence on the performance of the firm. Concern for strategic integration, commitment flexibility and quality, has called for attention for employee’s motivation and retention. Financial motivation has become the most concern in today’s organization, and tying to apply Maslow’s basic needs, non-financial aspect only comes in when financial motivation has failed. * According to Greenberg and Baron (2003, 2000) definition of motivation could be divided into three main parts. The first part looks at arousal that deals with the drive, or energy behind individual (s) action. People turn to be guided by their interest in making a good impression on others, doing interesting work and being successful in what they do. The second part referring to the choice people make and the direction their behavior takes. The last part deals with maintaining behavior clearly defining how long people have to persist at attempting to meet their goals. * Motivation can be intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic motivation concerns behavior influenced by obtaining external rewards (Hitt, Esser, Marriott, 1992). Praise or positive feedback, money, and the absence of punishment are examples of extrinsic or external rewards (Deci, 1980). Intrinsic motivation is the motivation to do something simply for the pleasure of performing that particular activity (Hagedoorn and Van Yperen, 2003). Examples of intrinsic factors are interesting work, recognition, growth, and achievement. *  Several studies have found there to be a positive relationship between intrinsic motivation and job per formance as well as intrinsic motivation and job satisfaction (Linz, 2003). This is significant to firms in todays highly competitive business environment in that intrinsically motivated employees will perform better and, therefore, be more productive, and also because satisfied employees will remain loyal to their organization and feel no pressure or need to move to a different firm. * Deci and Ryan (2000) conducted and replicated an experiment that showed the negative impact of monetary rewards on intrinsic motivation and performance. A group of college students were asked to work on an interesting puzzle. Some were paid and some were not paid for the work. The students that were not being paid worked longer on the puzzle and found it more interesting than the students being paid. When the study was brought into a workplace setting, employees felt that their behavior was being controlled in a dehumanizing and alienating manner by the rewards. It was discovered that rewards would seriously decrease an employees motivation to ever perform the task being rewarded, or one similar to it, any time in the future. Another observation of the study was that employees would expect a reward every time the task was to be completed if the reward was offered at one time. Employees would require the reward in order to perform the job and would probably expect the reward to increase in amount. If the rewards were not increased or if they were taken away they actually served as negative reinforcement. * Deci and Ryan (2001), in collaboration with two of their colleagues, conducted a study to examine the effects of performance-contingent rewards on an employees intrinsic motivation. * (Cameron, Deci, Koestner, and Ryan, 2001). These types of rewards are very controlling since these rewards are directly associated with an employees performance of some task. In that respect, performance-contingent rewards undermine intrinsic motivation; however, if the reward given to the employee conveys that the employee has performed on a truly outstanding level, the reward would serve to solidify that employees sense of competence and decrease the negative effect on that employees intrinsic motivation. Also significant in the study was the importance of the interpersonal atmosphere within which the performance-contingent rewards were distributed. * When Cameron et al. (2001) compared the administering of rewards in a controlling climate and in  a non-controlling climate, they discovered that the performance-contingent rewards given in the more controlling interpersonal climate undermined intrinsic motivation. To prevent the decrease in employees intrinsic motivation, the interpersonal climate when distributing performance-contingent rewards should be more supportive. * Vroom (1964) proposes that people are motivated by how much they want something and how likely they think they are to get it he suggest that motivation leads to efforts and the efforts combined with employees ability together with environment factors which interplay’s resulting to performance. This performance interns lead to various outcomes, each of which has an associated value called Valence. * Adams (1965) on his part suggests that people are motivated to seek social equity in the rewards they receive for high performance. According to him the outcome from job includes; pay recognition, promotion, social relationship and intrinsic reward. To get these rewards various inputs needs to be employed by the employees to the job as time, experience, efforts, education and loyalty.He suggests that, people tend to view their outcomes and inputs as a ratio and then compare these ratios with others and turn to become motivated if this ratio is high. Leadership Effectiveness and Job Performance Leadership, or more specifically effective leadership, is every bit as crucial (if not more so) in African Organizations as it is throughout the world. African organizations are no different from others Worldwide in terms of striving for performance in order to be globally competitive. The South African situation, however, is incredibly complex as many organizations are caught in the middle of a web of authoritarian hierarchies and traditional leadership approaches, as well as bureaucratic hierarchies mixed with modern approaches to leadership * (Grobler, Wà ¤rnich, Carrell, Elbert and Hatfield, 2002). It is argued that effective leadership has a positive influence on the performance of organizations (Maritz, 1995; Bass, 1997; Charlton, 2000). Ultimately it is the performance of many Individuals that culminates in the performance of the organization, or in the achievement of organizational goals. Effective leadership is  instrumental in ensuring organizational performance. * (Cummings and Schwab, 1973; Hellriegel, Jackson, Slocum, Staude, Amos, Klopper, Louw and Oosthuizen, 2004). As a result, many leadership theories have been proposed in the last fifty years which are claimed to have influenced the overall effectiveness of the organizations where they have been employed. In the competitive world business environment it is vital that organisations employ leadership styles that enable organisations to survive in a dynamic environment. * (Maritz, 1995; Bass,1997) Performance has been defined by Hellriegel, Jackson and Slocum (1999) as the level of an individual’s work achievement after having exerted effort. * Cummings and Schwab (1973) and Whittenand Cameron (1998) believe that performance is ultimately an individual phenomenon with environmental variables influencing performance primarily through their effect on the individual determinants of performance – ability and motivation. * Behling and McFillen (1996) confirmed the link between high performance and leadership in the United States by developing a model of charismatic/transformational leadership where the leaders’ behaviour is said to give rise to inspiration, awe and empowerment in his subordinates, resulting in exceptionally high effort, exceptionally high commitment and willingness to take risks. It has been widely accepted that effective organizations require effective leadership, and organizational performance will suffer in direct proportion to the neglect of this (Maritz, 1995; Ristow, Amos and Staude, 1999).

The writers presentation of conflict and power between men and women Essay Example for Free

The writers presentation of conflict and power between men and women Essay In Thomas Hardy’s â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge†, â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles† and William Shakespeare’s â€Å"King Lear†, the writers portray the lives of women and men during their time. One could argue male characters are generally seen to be stronger and powerful than female characters in each of the texts. In â€Å"King Lear†, we are introduced to Lear’s three daughters, â€Å"the eldest† Goneril, â€Å"dearest† Regan and â€Å"more opulent† Cordelia. In the story, Lear is seen to break natural order by dividing the kingdom into three for each of his daughters. He orders them to â€Å"say doth love us most†, making Goneril speak first. Our reaction to Goneril’s speech is one of strong dislike, which is caused by her desire for power. The blend of power and femininity demonstrated in this speech from the Jacobean society is one of the main contributing factors to our disdain for Goneril. This is an idea which holds true today. It is interesting that for a male character this trait is not be so offensive. This is due to the gender differences and expectations in society. Similarly in the novel â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge†, we clearly see the treatment of women in Victorian society. The novel begins with Henchard auctioning off his wife to the highest bidder at Weydon Fair, â€Å"I’d sell mine this minute if anybody would buy her†, showing how in early nineteenth century England country women of this class, were viewed as nothing. They could be disposed of if their ‘owners’, namely their husbands or fathers, wished, â€Å"it has been done elsewhere†, illustrating just how common these auctions were. This is similar to â€Å"King Lear†, where Lear has the power to order his daughters to speak. Equally in the novel â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles†, Hardy portrays the way in which men dominate women, presenting their greater control and power in society. Alec, for example, recognises how morally corrupt he is for seducing Tess for his own brief pleasure. This displays his power over her and his ability to take advantage of it. In reverse, Tess’ parents ask her to work in the D’Urbervilles and she refuses. When her mother asks why she replies, Id rather not tell you why, mother; indeed, I dont quite know why. This shows us how aware Tess is of the differences in gender. She tries to use her power, even though it does not do much good. â€Å"King Lear† is in the form of a play, where speech is a main aspect. Notably the daughters speeches to Lear, particularly those of Goneril and Regan, present authority and greed, â€Å"I am made of that self-mettle†¦Ã¢â‚¬  proving to Lear, Regan is â€Å"made† of gold or silver, as she begs Lear with her â€Å"highness’ love†. Proving to Lear she wants money and wealth, Cordelia on the other hand refuses, â€Å"Nothing, my lord.†, as well as mocking her sisters explaining how she loves her father â€Å"no more nor less†, presenting Cordelia to be a fair and reasonable character. Likewise in â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge†, Susan has no control over Henchard and his rash decision making, â€Å"dropping her eyes again, and saying nothing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . The word â€Å"nothing† here is different to â€Å"King Lear†, as the meaning of nothing here means no hope or words to fight back. However in â€Å"King Lear†, the word â€Å"nothing† is used metaphorically as no money or no love. The word â€Å"nothing† is used in another sense in â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles†, â€Å"look here; I won’t walk another inch with you if you say any jokes about him†, confirming Tess’ loyalty towards her father, she proves â€Å"nothing† in another meaning. Tess depicts how she will exclude herself from the group if they talk bad about her father, presenting female characters in the novel to be faithful and independent. â€Å"King Lear†, as a play, has no direct description of the settings and environment. Although we see the action taking place, we are also guided through the stage directions, â€Å"Sennet† meaning a ceremonial entrance as well as â€Å"one bearing a coronet†, presenting a formal mood to the act. We are also aware of the â€Å"attendants† who are involved in this large event. The female roles in this royal occasion are classified as the King’s daughters, giving them a higher status than other women in the time. Hardy begins the novel in the â€Å"late summer† with the â€Å"valleys and woods† and the â€Å"sight of several horses†. He displays how women have a connection to nature, â€Å"she becomes part and parcel of outdoor nature†, that men cannot share as they are more involved with business â€Å"than of the systematized religion taught their race at later date†. Hardy portrays how men are more linked with a â€Å"systematised† world and the development taking place in the Victorian time. Similarly, Hardy uses natural imagery in â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles†, â€Å"a swallow†¦flew to and fro in quick curves above their heads†, presenting a strong symbolic image. Swallows were often the first to land on a ship that had been out to sea for long periods of time, which relates to the buyer of Henchard’s wife, Newson who was a sailor. Foreshadowing the future, Hardy relates the swallow to Susan. One of â€Å"King Lear’s† recurring themes focuses on sight, where Lear has a lack of insight, as we see â€Å"how full of changes his age is† suggesting he is too old and making bad decisions. Unlike the female characters such as Goneril and Regan where they have strong insight towards Lear’s actions, â€Å"he hath ever but slenderly known himself.†, this shows how generally male characters are have greater power over women however one could argue the female characters have a greater insight to the people and actions around them, such as Goneril and Regan recognising Lear’s doom. Similarly in â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles†, Tess has a large amount of insight to the world around her, this may possibly be connected to the daughters of Lear. However, Tess’ misfortunes and fate create tragedy’s which eventually destroy her insight â€Å"Why it was that upon this beautiful feminine tissue†¦ been traced such a coarse pattern as it was doomed to receive†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . As Tess is raped, Hardy uses the word â€Å"doomed†, where one could suggest it is Tess’ â€Å"doom† or â€Å"fate† to be raped. The meaning of â€Å"doom† is slightly different to â€Å"King Lear† as we see Tess’ â€Å"doom† from the beginning whereas we see Lear’s by a gradual build up. Differently â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge†, the word â€Å"doomed† could be placed in another sense as one could say Henchard shares the same characteristics to Lear with his rash decision making and again his lack of insight, causing the village and the people who are around him to be â€Å"doomed†. However the female characters such as Susan can see clearer into Henchard’s wrong actions and goes with Newson the sailor, â€Å"I’ll try my luck elsewhere.† A justifiable opinion could be Susan’s â€Å"luck† is far from â€Å"doom† by going with Newson, as one visualises Henchard’s personality from the beginning of the novel. In â€Å"King Lear† one could argue Lear does not notice his own faults, â€Å"I am a man more sinned against than sinning† presenting Lear to self-pity himself as he displays himself to be the victim. However on the other hand Lear’s favouritism for Cordelia makes Goneril and Regan despise Lear â€Å"He always loved our sister most†¦Ã¢â‚¬  showing how Lear could possibly be â€Å"sinned against† by his daughters. This portrays how women who are more â€Å"opulent† have more chances of being liked. Similarly in â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles†, â€Å"Tess was now carried along upon the wings of the hours, without the sense of a will.† As Hardy relates back to the theme of â€Å"time† in the novel, Tess has waits â€Å"passively† for the wedding to take place as it is not under her responsibility anymore. One could say Tess is â€Å"more sinned against† as Hardy uses another theme of fate and free will as a symbolism for Tess’ life. She uses her free will to choose or determine her own actions; however these actions she makes, seems like fate always brings her down. In comparison Henchard in â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge† could possibly be seen as â€Å"more sinned against† as well as â€Å"sinning†. Henchard had sold his wife displaying him â€Å"sinning†, however on the other hand one could possibly argue how it was not his fault as it was his fate and he cannot change his actions, making him â€Å"more sinned against†. This could create sympathy for Henchard although he has done wrong, where usually the sympathy is for the female characters. In â€Å"King Lear†, Shakespeare uses pathetic fallacy by using a storm in Act 3 to conclude Lear’s insightful decisions. The storm is presented as a microcosm of Lear’s madness, as he encourages the storm to continue he shouts â€Å"Blow winds and crack your cheeks!†. Lear personifies the wind as he asks the elements to destroy him, â€Å"his little world of man† as he sees no importance of man or nature after his death. This shows how the word â€Å"man† is the centre of importance and how the power of the storm is imagined to be originating from Lear, a male character. The â€Å"fretful elements† are metaphors for Goneril and Regan where Lear is contending with his family. Kent being disguised gives the knight â€Å"a ring† for Cordelia, being symbolic as the shape of a circle is seen with the â€Å"one bearing a coronet†. This could also be seen with Edmund using a dramatic device, holding a â€Å"letter†. This follows a theme of a cyclical story with the letter being passed around as well as the circular shape from the theme of fate and destiny. Likewise Hardy uses the Ring in â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge† to be a Roman amphitheatre, where he invites Susan to meet. Hardy uses this setting as there were ghosts of the past rumoured to be a wife and her husband, where a woman â€Å"murdered her husband was half-strangled and then burnt †¦ of ten thousand spectators.† The ghosts of the past were metaphors for Susan and Henchard, who both have the past haunting them. This shows how although the woman was seen to be powerful to be able to murder her own husband, men are still seen to be stronger as she was â€Å"half-strangled† and â€Å"burnt† for what she had done. In contrast â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles† Hardy uses the past and compares it to the present â€Å"Phases of her childhood lurked in her aspect still.†, one could argue Hardy uses the past and the present similarly to Shakespeare and â€Å"Mayor of Casterbridge† as the circular shape is used not visually but literally. Hardy describes Tess as an image of femininity â€Å"As she walked along to-day, for all her bouncing handsome womanliness, you could sometimes see her twelfth year in her cheeks†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Similar to Lear with Cordelia’s looks being â€Å"opulent†, Hardy presents his female characters to be feminine and attractive. Hardy uses Tess’s appearance to be the only powerful aspect of her, similar to Cordelia in â€Å"King Lear†. The power which is usually seen in male characters could be seen as â€Å"defeated†, as in â€Å"King Lear†, Shakespeare uses hyperbole to make the event seem larger than it is as Lear tragically says to the storm â€Å"I stand your slave† where we see Lear as a â€Å"weak† and â€Å"poor† â€Å"old man†. Ironically Lear says â€Å"I will say nothing† which could suggest Lear thinking of Cordelia as well as continuing this theme of â€Å"nothing†. One could say Lear’s power has been destroyed from himself â€Å"sinning† and becoming â€Å"nothing†. Lear’s daughters had more power than Lear from Act 1 however it is seen clearer in Act 3. Similarly the idea of being a â€Å"slave† continues in â€Å"The Mayor or Casterbridge† where â€Å"His old feeling of supercilious pity for womankind in general was intensified†¦Ã¢â‚¬ . Henchard is seen to be a tall and strong, male figure, as he tends to feel more dominant and controlling over women. Since women are physically weaker, he feels a â€Å"pity† for â€Å"womankind† because of their weakness. This could possibly be argued how women were portrayed as â€Å"slaves† as men have the physical and stereotypical power to rule against them. In contrast Tess in â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles† could be seen as a â€Å"slave† to her own family, as she goes to work in the D’Urberville household to collect money for her family at home, â€Å"she ought to make her way with en, if she plays her trump card aright. And if he dont marry her afore he will after.. Tess’ mother sends Tess away for work, however she realises Alec’s love for Tess and hopes for marriage. One could suggest her mother wants her to be married to Alec for the money which could present Tess to be a â€Å"slave† in another meaning. However she includes â€Å"if she plays her trump card aright.†, which is ironic for Tess as it seems as if she has no â€Å"trump† card in her pack. In â€Å"King Lear†, Shakespeare relates grown men to compare with â€Å"babes† â€Å"†¦to shake all cares and business from our age; conferring them on younger strengths, while we unburthen’d crawl toward death†. It seems as if Lear is ready to retire, as he adopts the â€Å"royal we† making the event seem important. Shakespeare has displayed Lear as a â€Å"weak†, â€Å"old man†, however he gives another mental image of Lear â€Å"crawling toward death† like a baby. One could argue old age is similar to being a baby as it leaves you â€Å"weak† and powerless. Goneril and Regan’s distaste to Lear humiliates him as they say â€Å"O, sir, you are old†¦Ã¢â‚¬  showing how they as female characters have greater power and order over Lear. The image of a baby in seen in â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles†, however it is used in another sense. Tess’ baby could be seen as a symbolic feature for Tess’ bad luck which Tess could not control. The baby could symbolise innocence like Tess as she has done nothing wrong however she is still punished by society, for an act she could not control. This is ironic as a baby could suggest new beginning, purity and usually visualised with a mother figure. In comparison a baby is presented in â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge†, where Elizabeth-Jane is the step daughter of Henchard, as the previous baby died, â€Å"the little one too – the more the merrier!† The baby could symbolise the past and change, as when she died another baby was born – Elizabeth- Jane which could suggest a new beginning. Hardy used Elizabeth-Jane’s hair colour to foreshadow the future how she was not Henchard’s legitimate daughter. As Hardy’s novels were in the form of serialisation the theme of â€Å"foreshadowing† became present in most of his novels. Differently in â€Å"King Lear† there is no mother figure for Lear’s daughters. Goneril and Regan are seen to be violent female characters in the play; it raises the question would they be more feminine and caring if they had a mother to look out for them? Women are seen to be able to nurture and care for their children whereas one could say Lear caused his own downfall by failing to provide a mother figure. As Lear says â€Å"Come on, my boy. How dost my boy? Art cold?† this is the first time Lear is aware of the suffering of others, and acts like a â€Å"mother figure† to the fool, however it is the wrong time. Similarly the absent role of a mother figure is seen in â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge†, as Susan dies Elizabeth- Jane is left with Henchard. Elizabeth –Jane begins to like Farfrae as she believes he seemed to feel exactly as she felt about life, presenting how although she has no mother figure to look out for her, her strong insight helps her to continue her life. As Susan left Henchard a letter explaining how Elizabeth-Jane was not his daughter, it seems as if he â€Å"disowned† her by making her leave his house. The mother figure was seen to have a responsibility which Henchard as a male could not adapt to although Elizabeth-Jane was seen to be a step daughter to him. Differently Hardy uses the mother figure in â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles† however she is not present too often. We see her control Tess unlike in â€Å"King Lear† and â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge† where there is a father figure with no sense of control. Tess is made to go to the D’Urberville’s house by her mother, where one could say Tess’ misfortunes began. She could represent time as although she is seen to be uneducated she still believes in â€Å"old superstitions†, â€Å"Between the mother, with her fast- perishing lumber of superstitions, folk-lore†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Mrs Durbeyfield could also represent pre-industrial England with the â€Å"folk-lore† at that time. Both writers discuss the theme of women, however they are portrayed differently. â€Å"King Lear† focuses on women gaining power and having control over the male characters. The female characters in â€Å"The Mayor of Casterbridge† again have different roles, although this is mainly because the novel is set in the Victorian period where women’s roles were to take care of their husbands and children. Lastly â€Å"Tess of the D’Urbervilles† displays how male characters have a strong control over women, and how this affects their overall lives.

Role of Self Control in Juvenile Delinquency

Role of Self Control in Juvenile Delinquency Introduction A common issue in the behavioral science field is attempting to determine who is in need of services, determining where best to spend resources, and in general trying to determine a model of prediction to determine juvenile delinquency in order to apply prevention techniques. It is the goal of this proposal to show that the General Theory of Crimes concept of self-control and the influence it has on determining juvenile delinquency is the better method than other more common models. Research has shown that self-control moderates some (if not all) of the relationships other theories have with delinquency. One of the more recent theories, the general theory of crime (Gottfredson, Hirschi. 1990), suggests that the concept of self-control is the single best forecaster of crime. Self-control refers to a person’s ability to think of the long-term consequences of antisocial behavior, (Hirschi, 2004). Substantial attention to this theory has resulted in remarkable empirical support for its direct effects on delinquency, yet various external factors (i.e. friends) still appear to have significant additional effects as well, (Pratt, Cullen, 2000). In contrast to relying upon a particular viewpoint, for example those used in the general theory of crime; others suggest using multiple theories at the same time, (Messner, Krohn, Liska, 1989). Researchers have been investigating the extent to which self-control moderates the association between a variety of outside factors and criminal behaviors; however it is only recently that researchers have started to look at how much self-control influences criminal behavior. Some studies have found that outside factors, such as the area they live in, will have a more significant influence for those with a greater level of self-control, (Wikstrà ¶m, Loeber, 2000). In other words, some have suggested that outside influences are simply insignificant for those with low self-control, (Gottfredson, Hirschi, 1990). As a result, those with some level of self-control will have an influence by outside factors. On the contrary, others have found that social influences (i.e. delinquent peers) have definite effects for those most at risk. For example, Wright and colleagues (2001) suggest that those with little self-control have a greater tendency towards deviant behavior and therefore harmful social influences serve only to worsen that tendency. In contrast, those with high self-control are able to defy the temptation of these negative social influences. However, it has been suggested that certain individual characteristics could possibly moderate the effects of factors such as those found in social learning theory, (Agnew, 2006). Social learning theory has achieved a rather large amount of empirical support. Current theories may need to look at their concepts, and policies aimed at criminals who don’t have self-control may need to refocus their efforts on social issues that may not be as important for those criminals that show signs of superior levels of self-control. As mentioned above, it remains uncertain how strong the connections are, and in what way their effects present, however it is believed that the General Theory of Crime presents a more defensible viewpoint to be the best predictor of juvenile delinquency, since it includes self-control. Moreover, the purpose of this proposal is to attempt to provide a greater insight into which of these theories best predict juvenile delinquency, in order to provide better treatment/prevention for this population (i.e. better management with impulses). Literature Review The behavioral science field has for a long time searched to find the best way to explain the broad ranges of criminal behavior. Numerous theories have developed due to this most often with distinct and more often than not incompatible suppositions to explain criminal behavior. These explanations vary from sociological factors and individual characteristics, to the more recent interaction between the two effects. Before describing these potential interactive relationships, a few theories will be discussed to show the important contribution each has made on its own. Social Learning Theory: Akers presented one of the best known social learning theories, and over the years has been given substantial support. Akers re-examined the theory of differential association put forth by Sutherland, in an attempt to explain criminal behavior that looked at the idea of differential reinforcements, imitation, definitions, and differential associations. The conforming or nonconforming of these factors will be determined by whether or not the behavior is balanced, (Akers, 1998). Differential associations are perhaps one of the most important parts of the social learning theory. The concept of differential association refers to the interaction with different groups, and how antisocial people associate more with each other than they do with those that would be considered pro-social, (Akers, 1985). Differential associations happen first and provide the context for the conceptualization of definitions, introduction to reinforcements, and models to copy, (Akers et al., 1979). The rewards and punishments of recognized associations will influence the capability to create new associations and uphold the old ones, (Akers, 1998). The common groups with whom one differentially associates include, family, peers, church, neighbors, schools, and teachers, however they are not limited to just these, (Akers, 1985). The priority, duration, frequency, and intensity of each relationship establish its strength, (Akers, 1998). Specifically, those relationships that happen most often, begin earlier, last the longest, and involve those with whom one is closest will have the greatest sway on the behavior. The number of delinquent friends that one associates with is the best forecaster of criminal behavior, (Akers et al., 1979). In the end, it is this balance of these reinforcements (either as rewar ds or punishments) that provide to increase or decrease delinquent behavior. The General Theory of Crime: The General Theory of Crime unlike the previous theories seeks to explain delinquent behavior as the result of a single individual trait, (Gottfredson, Hirschi, 1990). This single trait, i.e. self-control, refers to a person’s ability to think about the long-term, negative consequences of antisocial behavior, and all of the possible consequences of a individual’s actions, (Hirschi, 2004). With the understanding that pain is experienced differentially and that pleasure is equally enjoyed by everyone, a person’s level of self-control will have an effect on how much a person works out consequences. Therefore, the less a person ponders prospective consequences, the greater the chance they will commit delinquent acts when the opportunities to do so arises, (Gottfredson, Hirschi, 1990). Hirschi and Gottfredson (1994) felt that their theory explains not only delinquent acts, but also a number of behaviors concerning instant gratification at the risk of long-term pain. M oreover, if one lacks self-control they are often described as impulsive, short-tempered, having risky behaviors, insensitive, and selfish, (Gottfredson, Hirschi, 1990). Delinquent acts are committed in order to satisfy ones self-interest, and their immediate satisfaction. For those lacking self-control, these delinquent acts tend to satisfy their impulsive desires, and are often harmful to others, (Gottfredson, Hirschi, 1990). Additionally, because those low in self-control are more inclined to look for acts that offer instant satisfaction at the risk of long-term pain, one can assume that they will engage in delinquent behaviors (i.e. drinking and drug use. Furthermore, those committing one type of delinquent behavior are more likely to commit another type of delinquent behavior, which means ones past delinquent behavior is the best forecaster of future crime, (Hirschi, 2004). On top of variety, delinquent behaviors will be committed more often by those lacking self-control, (Gottfredson, Hirschi, 1990). According to Hirschi and Gottfredson, everyone is prone to deviate in the beginning; however it is through good parenting that self-control is acq uired, and will remain somewhat stable throughout a person’s life (Hirschi, Gottfredson, 1994). Though, Gottfredson and Hirschi (1990) felt that opportunity was necessary along with self-control they did admit that there were numerous opportunities to commit delinquent acts, and therefore diminished the part they play. Summary Research has shown that important concepts resulting from social learning theory (i.e. associations, definitions, and reinforcements), and the general theory of crime (i.e. self-control) are linked to antisocial behavior. Concepts from each of these theories have shown to have an effect on delinquent behavior; however there is also evidence that shows that there are interactive effects as well, though they have failed to agree on the exact way this interaction takes place. The theories discussed earlier attempt to show why people commits deviant acts through direct and independent measures, and can be considered as either a social causation or social selection model. Social causation proposes delinquent acts are the result of deviant social relationships, which social learning would fall under since it suggestions factors outside the person lead to antisocial behavior. On the contrary, social selection suggests delinquent acts are the result of individual characteristics, which the general theory of crime is a good example of since it proposes that self-control predicts a person’s involvement with deviant peers or having attachments that are weak to other people that are more generally open. Looking at only social causation or social selection model has led to a partial description of delinquent behaviors, and has been shown that the effects of outside factors remained considerable when individual measures (i.e. self-control) were included, (Wright, Caspi, Moffitt, Silva, 1999). For that reason, a model that includes both processes would present a more defensible viewpoint, (Wright et al., 1999). Methodology The aim of this research project is to target adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years in both middle school and high school in the Lexington, KY area. Two surveys, one based on social learning theory and another based on the general theory of crime, will be designed to examine crime and delinquency in both middle and high school students. Two weeks before the surveys will be distributed to the students and an informed consent form will be passed out detailing information about the researcher, that the surveys are voluntary and not required by the school to be taken, their purpose, and explaining how the surveys and their collections will be confidential. Both parents and students will need to sign the consent form indicating that they have acknowledged the above and give consent for the student to participate in the survey, which the student would be required to turn in at the time of the surveys. Multiple (4+) team members will be required to be on hand in order to assist th e students with any questions, and to insure that the survey sheet is placed in a sealable envelope and that there are no identifiable markings on the survey. All surveys once completed would then be gone over and any with identifiable marking would then be destroyed and the rest would be shuffled to insure that someone could not tie a particular survey to a particular student. Delinquency, the dependent variable, would then be measured by asking the students how many different crimes they have ever committed; spread over multiple different types of delinquent behavior questions, i.e. have you ever used alcohol, have you ever stolen something worth $50 or less, and as such. The independent variable social learning theory would then be comprised of three items, which are reinforcements, peer associations, and definitions. Definitions are defined as the student’s attitude towards a behavior that they recognize as positive, negative, or neutral. Peer associations, would then be measured by asking the number of their friends that had committed any of the acts of delinquency previously mentioned. Finally, reinforcements would then be measured by asking whether or not their friends would respect the student getting away with any of the acts of delinquency previously mentioned. The independent variable general theory of crime would then be broken down into two measures of self- control, which are behavioral and attitude; with self-control being defined as being impulsive, insensitive, physical, risk-taking, short-sighted, and nonverbal (Gottfredson Hirschi, 1990). Behavioral would then be measured by behaviors similar to crime (i.e. I’m more likely to hit vs. talk when mad), and attitude would then be measured by the students character traits (i.e. I often act on the spur of the moment without stopping to think). After all of the data has been completed I would then compare the two results to each other and see which of the variables showed the greater correlation. Works Cited Agnew, R. (2006). General strain theory: Current status and directions for further research. In F. Cullen, J. Wright, and K. Blevins (Eds), Taking Stock: The Status of Criminological Theory (pp. 101-123). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction Publishers. Akers, R. (1985). Deviant behavior: A social learning approach, 3rd ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Akers, R. (1998). Social learning and social structure: A general theory of crime and deviance. Boston: Northeastern University Press. Akers, R., Krohn, M., Lanza-Kaduce, L., Radosevich, M. (1979). Social learning and deviant behavior: A specific test of a general theory. American Sociological Review, 44, 4, 636-655. Gottfredson, M., Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. Hirschi, T. (2004). Self-Control and Crime. In R. Baumeister and K.Vohs (Eds.), Handbook of Self-Regulation: Research, Theory, and Applications (pp. 537-552). New York: The Guilford Press. Hirschi, T., Gottfredson, M. (1994). The generality of deviance. The Generality of Deviance (pp. 1-22). New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction. Magnusson, D. (1988). Individual development from an interactional perspective: A longitudinal study. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Messner, S., Krohn, M., Liska, A. (Eds). (1989).Theoretical integration in the study of deviance and crime: Problems and prospects. Albany: State University of New York Press. Pratt, T. Cullen, F. (2000). The Empirical Status of Gottfredson and Hirschi’s General Theory of Crime: A Meta-Analysis. Criminology, 38, 3, 931-964. Wikstrà ¶m, P., Loeber, R. (2000). Do disadvantaged neighborhoods cause well-adjusted children to become adolescent delinquents? A study of male juvenile serious offending, individual risk and protective factors, and neighborhood context. Criminology, 38, 4, 1109-1142. Wright, B., Caspi, A., Moffitt, T., Silva, P. (1999). Low self-control, social bonds, and crime: Social causation, social selection, or both? Criminology, 37, 3, 479-514. Wright, B., Caspi, A., Moffitt, T., Silva, P. (2001). The effects of social ties on crime vary by criminal propensity: A Life-course model of interdependence. Criminology, 39, 2, 321-351.

Freudian Analysis of Marigolds Essay -- Marigolds

Freudian Analysis of Marigolds  Ã‚   Most of the time there is a moment in life where one realizes they have lost all innocence and gained some compassion.   â€Å"Marigolds† shows how one young girl transferred from a child to young adult through her life experiences.   Throughout this story another young, but at the same time old in her prime, lady’s experiences are revealed:   the author’s.   In this short story, â€Å"Marigolds,† Eugenia Collier’s subconscious is unmasked through symbolism, diction, and Lizabeth’s actions. In the beginning, the author explains how this young girl, Lizabeth, lived in the culturally deprived neighborhood during the depression.   Lizabeth is at the age where she is just beginning to become a young woman and is almost ready to give up her childish ways.   Through this time period she was confused and could not quite understand what was happening to her.   In the end she rips Miss Lottie’s marigolds among the ugly place in which she lived.   The marigolds were the only things that make the place a bit beautiful to the eye.   In this scene the marigolds represent the only hope the people had for themselves in this time of depression.   This could reveal how the author has experienced a loss of hope in times of need.   In her explanation of how Lizabeth had torn up the flowers and destroyed all hope in that time of depression, might explain that she has also destroyed hope in a time of pain and grief.   Later she writes, â€Å"And I too have planted ma rigolds.†Ã‚   This could mean she has learned from her experiences and that she has finally found hope and always tries to seek the good within the bad and the ugly.   On another note, it could mean she just wants to act out on something, but she can’t, so she writes about her... ...her and even her mother because she says â€Å"†¦nor did I notice my mother’s absence, for she always worked until well into the evening.†Ã‚   Since she had Lizabeth go to her brother instead of her parents, it may have described the way she dealt with her problems.   Not wanting to go to her parents for help.   As one can see, the actions of Lizabeth can tell a lot about the author. Finally, the impact of harsh times during the depression affected Eugenia Collier considerably.   Through that experience she did grow up and made a realization that may have taken others a very long time to conceive.   I did learn more about the author just by reading what she had to say through â€Å"Marigolds.†Ã‚   The symbolism, diction, and Lizabeth’s actions and reactions to things helped to reveal her subconscious and could make one aware of the difficulties and hardships during this era.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Comparing Macbeth, Hamlet, and Othello Essay -- comparison compare co

Comparing Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Hamlet, and Othello  Ã‚      Shakespeare’s tragedies were extremely popular in Elizabethan times and today. A tragedy is described as â€Å"a sad, serious story or play, usually ending with the death of the hero. A disastrous, fatal or dreadful event.† By comparing the three plays, Macbeth, Hamlet and Othello it is possible to see how he has used techniques appropriate to tragedy and how he applied them to his plays. The opening of the play is significant because it sets the scene and the preceding atmosphere. When looking at the start of many of Shakespeare’s plays the audience generally discovers the protagonist by other characters. The audience also become aware of where the play is performed, together with important events contained in the play’s plot. In order to compose the openings of the plays it is necessary to examine the way in which Shakespeare uses setting, imagery, language, theme and structure. In doing this it will be possible to understand Shakespeare engages the audi ence attention in his opening scenes. The setting of a play is very important. The setting creates the mood and can say a lot about the characters in that scene, following scenes, and often introduces characters we have not yet met. In Othello a dubious character Iago is introduced in a dark alley. Dark, shady pathways are synonymous with wrong doings and give the audience a hint that the character is bad. Shakespeare does this therefore, to create a picture of the character. He puts that character in a stereotypical environment. There is a degree of mystery surrounding the dark as it limits your senses. This helps accentuate the idea that Iago is a dubious character. In Macbeth the witches appear amidst thunder and li... ... Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Macbeth. http://chemicool.com/Shakespeare/macbeth/full.html, no lin. Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Norton Critical ed. Ed. Cyrus Hoy. New York: Norton, 1992.   Shakespeare, William. Othello. Clayton: Prestwick House Inc., 2005

Free Essay on Miltons Paradise Lost - Paradise Lost as an Epic :: Milton Paradise Lost Essays

Paradise Lost as an Epic  Ã‚   The Oxford English Dictionary defines "cosmos" as "the world or universe as an ordered and harmonious system," from the Greek, "kosmos," referring to an ordered and/or ornamental thing. Though Pythagoras is credited with first using this term to describe the Universe, probably since he is also the one most commonly cited for ideas of harmony and the Musica Mundana, cosmos is generally a contrast to "chaos"-"the first state of the universe." In explaining the theology and cosmology of Paradise Lost, Milton writes, "the heavens and earth/ Rose out of Chaos," describing the move from the formless mass to the ordered whole. (I:9-10) As much as this delineates the structure of the world, however, its culmination seems to appear in the Spirit, as Milton has conceived it-the free, reasoning, integrated Consciousness. Though many have found a hero in the English epic from its dramatis personae-from Adam to Satan to God/Son himself-the most encompassing heroism seems that of Milton himself, a s a manifestation of this most supreme of creations: the wholesome mind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An instance in which Milton's views on the sovereignty of the Spirit appear in some of the conversations of the Arch Fiend himself with his fellows-which is quite ironic, considering that the story is an extrapolation upon Christian Scripture. One of Satan's "compeers" says, during a discussion after their exile from Heaven: Too well I see and rue the dire event That, with sad overthrow and foul defeat, Hath lost us Heaven, and all this mighty host In horrible destruction laid thus low, As far as Gods and heavenly Essences Can perish: for the mind and spirit remains Invincible, and vigour soon returns, Though all our glory extinct, and happy state Here swallowed up in endless misery (I:135-140).    The invincibility of "the mind and spirit" is something which even the foes of God understand. Though the fallen angels corrupt their "heavenly Essences" with disobedience and revolt, they still have a keen understanding of the powers of perception, of personal reaction to one's environment-"for neither do the Spirits damned/ Lose all their virtue" (2:482-483). Satan boldly speaks to his fellows, asking What though the field be lost? All is not lost-the unconquerable will . . . And courage never to submit or yield (I:105-108).    Like a true hero, Satan refers to conquest and courage, a response to the tyranny he and his cohorts have received from the hand of God.

‘God’ is nothing but the Supreme Truth Essay

Differing from world’s other great religions Buddhism, is not based on any conception of a Supreme Being or Godhead (Myss, 2006). Buddhism relies on human effort to relieve suffering, â€Å"These wise ones, meditative, persevering, always using strong effort attain Nirvana – the supreme peace and happiness† (Buddha, 5th Century B. C). The Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, is a human being who achieved great enlightenment or ‘Nirvana’; but, even the Buddha is not ‘God’. The acceptance of a Supreme Truth is the closest to the concept of ‘God’ in Buddhism. This Truth is to be realized by every individual, by following â€Å"Dharma†; one â€Å"who with clear understanding perceives the four noble truths: namely suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the eightfold holy way that leads to the cessation of suffering†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Buddha, 5th Century B. C). By being righteous and practicing ‘ahimsa’ or non-violence, the misery-filled human life can be transcended to a state of Nirvana or ‘Self-Realization’. In this enlightened state, there is neither happiness nor misery; when questioned by a disciple about the state of ‘Nirvana’, Buddha is said to have answered â€Å"I am the State of Pure Consciousness, that is reflected in all beings† (as cited by Swami Sukhabhodanda, 1997). Buddhism initially evolved as a repudiation of Hindu God and God-heads. Hence, even the so-called god-heads have to attain perfection. Supreme State of Enlightenment is achieved only by the individual’s efforts and thus the soul undergoes the cycle birth-death-and re-birth according to its â€Å"Karma†- or its doings in adherence to the path of Dharma, until it reaches ‘Nirvana’. While accepting the Karmic cycle of Hinduism, the eight-fold path of Buddhism are very similar to the Biblical sayings; for example Buddha’s Dharma of Right Action is very similar to â€Å"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead† (James 2:17). But differs from Christianity in that, 1) there is no ‘God’, 2) there is no Judgment Day, and 3) the acceptance of the concept of re-birth. ‘That Thou Art’ The Vedas or the Holy Scriptures are the basic foundation on which Hinduism stands. And in the Upanishads, which are a part of the Vedas, one finds a numbers of instances in which the concept of the Supreme Being or ‘God’ is analyzed. The Atharva Veda says â€Å"Verily He is One/ Single, Indivisible, Supreme Reality† (Atharva Veda 13/4/20). In fact, the Rg Veda, the oldest of the existing Vedas, elaborates the concept of ‘God’ thus: â€Å"He is One Brahma/ The Creator of the cosmos/ Who pervades and protects/ And enlightens aft beings/ He is One Supreme Entity/ Whom sages call by various names/ Such as Indra, the glorious/ Mitra, the benign friend/ Varuna, the greatest, the noblest/ Agni, the resplendent, the bright/ Yama, the dispenser of justice/ Matarishwa, the almighty† (Rig Veda 1/164/46). ‘God’ is neither male, nor female, the Supreme Sovereign of all creation, animate and inanimate, Mother and Father. It is important to note, that ‘God’is all this but not limited to this. Therefore, it is not possible to merely say ‘God’ is ‘He’ or ‘She’, or ‘It’. Nameless and formless, infinite and incomprehensible, pervading all things yet not confined to anything. The various names by which ‘It’ is addressed denote the names by which human beings identify ‘It’, the name â€Å"Brhaman† including. The Kenopanishad (2/1/3), puts the concept as difficult to comprehend for the limited human mind, â€Å"He who thinks that he knows (Him) really, does not understand anything and proves himself ignorant. He who realizes that he cannot know (Him) has best understood†. The same concept is further explained in the Bhagavad Gita (2/25) too, â€Å"This Atman (the ParaBrhman) is beyond the comprehension of the five senses; Unconceivable by the mind; Unchanging. Hence, O Arjuna, perceive the Atman truly as such, since it does not become you to grieve†.

Strategic Plan

Using what you have identified in DQ 1 as a base, what elements are important when attempting to change an ingrained behavior in a company (e. g. improve customer service). (Hint: Insert the strategic planning process in your answer). How does identifying the best plan for this involve aspects of scientific and human management? Improving customer service is the one of the keys to success in healthcare facility. Ingrained behaviors of the healthcare professionals can hinder success. If the patients, families, community, and the list goes on are not happy with a healthcare facility it can cause some real problems for the facility. Any facility that has problems with ongoing ingrained behaviors need to revise their strategic plan and fix the problem. The key elements to strategic planning is the mission, objectives, plan of action, resources needed, plan how to measure the performance, and evaluation plan. The mission statement needs focus on the expectations of how the employees will act when working in the organization. The objective should be produced by the staff that will be monitoring it. The objective needs be attainable and clear on the focus of behaviors. The action plan is coming up with steps on how to reach goal of the objectives. This is good place for coming up with ideas on how to change the ingrained behaviors and throw out the old plans that are not working. The resources is a big part of the strategic plan because this where the facility comes up with resources they may need to complete the action plan. The resources for changing ingrained behavior could be education, money needed for the changes, and so forth. The evaluation system is where the strategic plan is being monitor for effectiveness. Ways to evaluate if the strategic plan is successful for changing ingrained behaviors is through random audits in the facility watching employees, doing a survey, talking with the stakeholders of the facility to see if they have noticed a change (Liebler & McConnell, 2008 5th ed. ). The scientific management examines improving work place performance with using easy elements and systems. This type of plan should be used when it comes to changing work place behaviors because one of its focuses is on performances in work place (â€Å"Scientific Management Progression in Hr†, 2008). Strategic Plan Using what you have identified in DQ 1 as a base, what elements are important when attempting to change an ingrained behavior in a company (e. g. improve customer service). (Hint: Insert the strategic planning process in your answer). How does identifying the best plan for this involve aspects of scientific and human management? Improving customer service is the one of the keys to success in healthcare facility. Ingrained behaviors of the healthcare professionals can hinder success. If the patients, families, community, and the list goes on are not happy with a healthcare facility it can cause some real problems for the facility. Any facility that has problems with ongoing ingrained behaviors need to revise their strategic plan and fix the problem. The key elements to strategic planning is the mission, objectives, plan of action, resources needed, plan how to measure the performance, and evaluation plan. The mission statement needs focus on the expectations of how the employees will act when working in the organization. The objective should be produced by the staff that will be monitoring it. The objective needs be attainable and clear on the focus of behaviors. The action plan is coming up with steps on how to reach goal of the objectives. This is good place for coming up with ideas on how to change the ingrained behaviors and throw out the old plans that are not working. The resources is a big part of the strategic plan because this where the facility comes up with resources they may need to complete the action plan. The resources for changing ingrained behavior could be education, money needed for the changes, and so forth. The evaluation system is where the strategic plan is being monitor for effectiveness. Ways to evaluate if the strategic plan is successful for changing ingrained behaviors is through random audits in the facility watching employees, doing a survey, talking with the stakeholders of the facility to see if they have noticed a change (Liebler & McConnell, 2008 5th ed. ). The scientific management examines improving work place performance with using easy elements and systems. This type of plan should be used when it comes to changing work place behaviors because one of its focuses is on performances in work place (â€Å"Scientific Management Progression in Hr†, 2008).

The Russian Revolution

a) From source A I can learn that the Tsar was incompetent and disorganised, as source A states â€Å"Nicholas II was very poorly prepared for the responsibilities of being the Tsar.†. I can also learn that due to the Tsars ignorance of politics and the people of Russia, he couldn't make the right decisions to help the country. Source A suggests that Tsar Nicholas II wasn't very popular, due to the fact he didn't know how to run the country or help the people in need of financial and medical support (the lower classes and peasants). I can also suggest from Source A that the whole country was in disarray, that no-one was equal because Tsar Nicholas II didn't know how to run the country or make the desperately needed decisions that would benefit the country as a whole. b) Source C and A support each other because both state that Tsar Nicholas II was unfit to reign Russia. They say that he was ignorant of the necessary knowledge required to rule the country, this ignorance was the key reason for his downfall. However they both differ slightly. Source C says that the fact Tsar Nicholas II was useless as a ruler was not his fault; he was apparently â€Å"intelligent, faithful and courageous† but was â€Å"wholly ignorant of government matters†. The source was taken out of the Tsars sisters' diary, so she, no matter how bad things got with the Tsar, would still stick up for him. Whereas Source A is taken from a textbook written about Russia, therefore they need not show any compassion for the Tsar so they can write just the facts. Source C and B support each other because in source C the Tsars sister says that the Tsar â€Å"was still popular in the years before 1914† and in source B it shows a photograph of Tsar Nicholas II with is many supporters celebrating the 300 years of rule of the Romanov family, showing that he still had support when the picture was taken in 1913. Source C and B differ from each other because in Source C, the Tsar's sister says that Nicholas wasn't a good ruler of Russia, and that he was trained as a soldier not as a statesman. Yet in Source B, he is shown surrounded by his many supporters cheering him and his whole family. Surely if they didn't like him then they wouldn't be happy he was in power, (however, there are probably only the upper classes involved in the celebration as the Tsar hasn't done anything to anger them whereas he didn't treat the lower classes well at all.) Overall I think that that Source A and C support each other the most as both say that the Tsar was incompetent as a ruler of Russia, and differ from each other only very slightly. Furthermore I think that Source B and C differ from each other the most because in Source C the Tsar's sister says that he wasn't a very good ruler and in Source B he is being shown as a great ruler surrounded by his cheering supporters. c) I can learn from source D that the way Tsar dealed with those who opposed his way of ruling the country was with violence and death. As Source D shows strikers killed by the police. This Source is reliable because it is a photograph, and you can see the workers â€Å"dead† on the ground and police members standing round them. It could be a hoax, with people pretending to be dead, but is highly unlikely to be one. I can learn from Source E that the people felt that the government was not making the right choices, and that they were being forced into forming revolutionary groups by the government. This source's reliability could be questioned as it was written by a party opposing the Tsar as a speech, so the aim of the speech was to turn people against the current Tsarist government and to support theirs. Also, as it was written as a speech its meant to persuade and motivate the listeners, so some aspects of it may have been exaggerated. Overall, I think that Source E is more useful in telling us how discontented the people were with the Tsarist government, as it's more detailed in its explanation and shows human emotion on the situation. However, I believe that Source D is the more reliable of the two as, because it's a photo, we can be sure the events captured on film actually happened.