Monday, December 23, 2019

The League Baseball Became The National Pastime - 956 Words

Cardinal’s Win Joe DiMaggio hit in 56 straight games, the longest hitting streak before or since. Ted Williams became the last man to hit .400. And the Brooklyn Dodgers won their first pennant in 20 years. (Burns) This is when Major League Baseball became the National Pastime. Since Major League Baseball has become the National Pastime the St. Louis Cardinals have had a rich history in baseball, for many years there have been many different teams won their respective divisions, have the best record in baseball, and win the amazing World Series. Although Major League Baseball has been around since the early 1800’s, since the year 2000 the St. Louis Cardinals have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball. The St. Louis Cardinals reside in the National League Central Division. There are 5 teams in the division now as of 2016; the Cincinnati Reds, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Chicago Cubs, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Prior to 2013 the Houston Astros were also a part of the Division. From the year 2000 to 2015 the St. Louis has come in first place in the National League Central Division 10 times, came in second 4 times, and third 2 times. (St. Louis Cardinals: Year-by-Year Results) Although the Cardinals have these amazing numbers, it is still thought that the New York Yankee’s have been better. The New York Yankee’s though have been good, but they have the same numbers as the St. Louis Cardinals. They have won their division 10 times, came inShow MoreRelatedHow is baseball Americas favorite pastime1313 Words   |  6 PagesKainoa Higa English 12 Ms. Grimble 10 April 2014 How Is Baseball Americans Favorite Past-Time Imagine you going up to the plate and hitting a base hit to score the winning run in the last inning. I will be talking to you about baseball, Americans favorite pastime. 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Since 1936, the Hall of Fame has immortalized 215 of the most revered men to ever grace a ball diamond. Nearly every era of the game is depicted; with names like Cobb, Ruth, DiM aggio, Williams, and Mantle forever having their likenessRead MoreThe Black Panthers Minor League Baseball Team1259 Words   |  6 PagesBlack Panthers Minor League Baseball team, where he was scouted by Branch Rickey, the President of the Brooklyn Dodgers. He soon joined the Montreal Royals (Brooklyn Dodger’s stepping stone). He was the first black baseball player to play on an all white team. He had to practice and sleep in Daytona Beach, Florida, when the rest of his team played in Sanford, Florida. He was eventually able to train with the team. On April 15, 1947, he played his first Major League Baseball game at Ebbets Field

Sunday, December 15, 2019

A Man For All Seasons Free Essays

The change from night to day (81 ) Is conveyed using a simple change of lighting. Light conveys the notion of change. Many scene changes are followed by the subsequent change in lighting. We will write a custom essay sample on A Man For All Seasons or any similar topic only for you Order Now Like the setting of the sun indicating the change into night. Bolt’s use of light gives the viewers an ability to feel the mood of the next scene and foreshadow the outcomes. The candle is used many times throughout the play and is a source of focused light. It Is small and casts a dim light, bringing the feeling of darkness and conspiracy. When taken away or blown out, it represents a change; the end of something. Wolves exits the stage, † taking most of the light from the stage as he does so† (13) giving the scene a dark and sinister feeling. It foreshadows the change of Lord Chancellor to Thomas More, and how this new position is going to be troublesome and fatal. Cromwell â€Å"[seizes] Rich by the wrist [and] he holds his hand in the candle flame† (46) frightening Rich and Introducing the feelings of cruelty and horror Into the atmosphere. Cromwell frightening action reflects what has happened In that scene; how Rich has now switched sides, ending his relationship with More. Their friendship smoldering away eke a slow burn. Silences are as Important as dialogue in a play?discuss the most significant silent moments In the play and their Importance. There are many silences In the play, such as those of the common Man, who chose to maintain silence Instead of revealing the plotting against More. More had also kept silent as Rich took the silver cup which signifies corruption instead of the teaching Job, a way to benefit society. In Act II, More remains silent about Norfolk until he is sure that the friendship should be ended. When Norfolk states that More should take the oath, More ends his silence s well as the friendship. The biggest silence Is Mere’s, which had kept him alive through the ordeal of King Henrys divorce until the very end. This silence, according to the bible, cannot be seen as dissent towards the king. He wittily uses this silence to his advantage in order to protect himself and his family against the law, as well as to prevent perjuring his beliefs. However, Cromwell argument that silence can signify affirmation with the example of the silent murder witnesses cost More his life. More also protects his family from the law by refusing to answer them. The silence e maintains about his opinions with the Act of Supremacy Is foreshadowed by the takes offence, by staying silent in front of them, they are able to truthfully answer in a court of law that they do not know his opinions. Stage directions convey a great deal: how do the stage directions for the Common Man convey the plays ideas? The Common Man is used by Robert Bolt to change the setting of the stage in the play. Many times in the play, he changes the setting while in character. He also addresses the audience and comments on the action as a character within the play. Robert Bolt uses the Common Man as a narrator through he stage directions to help the play to flow as a story rather than a play. Due to the Common Man’s stage directions, he is meant to draw the audience into the play rather than alienate them. He begins the first act by saying, â€Å"It is perverse! To start a play made up of kinds and Cardinals in speaking costumes and intellectuals with embroidered mouths, with me. (1) The Common Man is to represent the common type of people and through his actions and different characters throughout the play, the Common Man is relatable for the audience members and his reliability is conveyed through his stage directions. The Common Man is also used to highlight the traits of the other characters. As the boatman, he is used to demonstrate mere’s generosity. (15) The Common Man is also used to connect the two acts. At the beginning of Act II, the Common Man is used by Bolt to describe the change of time and setting, he sets up the scene by giving the audience some background. The foreign water is emphasized by the Common Man’s speech at the beginning of Act II, â€Å"a lot of waters flowed under the bridge† (47). The Common Man is used as a tool to help bring the play together and to help develop the other characters within the lay. Thematic Questions: On page 1 5-16–More has a conversation with the boatman. Explore the ethical implications of ;their discussion. How does the imagery of the boat and water reflect those ideas? In the preface to the play, Robert Bolt addresses his usage of water â€Å"as a figure for the superhuman context. The sea is unpredictable, unknown and alien giving it a sense of supernaturalism. He states that his main metaphors are the sea and water; that the â€Å"references to ships, rivers, currents, tides, navigation† (xvi) are all used to create a poetic image with philosophical depth. He compares society by contrast figures as dry land. Although Thomas More grasps onto the safety of the law and la nd, his faith takes him out into the chaos of the sea. Within the play, the symbolism of Mere’s faith in God as water and his belief in the law as the land is explored. Since Bolt intended the land to be considered to be a safe and known concept within the play, it can be compared to Mere’s knowledge in law. More is educated in law and he constantly uses the law to back his arguments. Due to mere’s knowledge of the law, he knows that he cannot be accused of high treason. â€Å"The law s a causeway upon which so long as he keeps to it a citizen may walk safely. † (92) More is comparing the law to a citizen’s walkway, if the law is kept, the citizens should â€Å"When a man takes an oath, he’s holding his own self in his own hands. Like water and if he opens his fingers then- he needn’t hope to find himself again. â€Å"(83) Since More refuses to take the oath towards King Henrys divorce, he is avoiding the law. He is choosing his faith and religion over the law; water over land. By not taking the oath, More doesn’t open his fingers and he doesn’t lose himself. He stays rooted in his faith. Only God is love right through, Howard; and that’s my self. â€Å"(71) In the end, More explores the extent of his faith and he learns to walk on water, by putting all his trust in God and putting God above the law. Character Questions: Compare and contrast Thomas More and William Roper. Thomas More and William Roper were both upright men who had a strong sense of morality and goodness. More and Roper differ in terms of religion. While More is unwavering in his Catholicism, Roper has swayed towards the Lutheran Church before turning back to Catholicism. More is modest in his dress, refusing to change even when the king visited. However, Roper is bold in clothing, changing into a magnificent black robe and cross after his conversion back to Catholicism. Bolt calls More â€Å"a hero of selfless. (xiv), referring to how he keeps his morals intact even when his life is threatened. Both men were well educated in law and put in service of the crown, with More as the lord chancellor and Roper â€Å"[being] called to the bar. † (16) Thomas More is a conservative, sensible man with a solid foundation on his morals and beliefs. He is not outspoken about his ideas, and he tries to guide people in t he eight direction by posing questions and choices instead of being direct. William Roper, however, is more liberal, and energetic. More is older and more experienced with life, careful with his speech and loyal to his conscience. Roper speaks his mind, thinking little of the effects of his words. He is constantly voicing his opinions at every opportunity, leading to Mere’s warning to protect his family. He also stands very firm on his beliefs and what he feels is right. Roper is one to take quick action, doing what he wants to do. However, More is thoughtful about his actions, staying out of harms ay and hiding behind his knowledge of the law and having faith in it. Through Roper’s actions within the play, Roper is Mere’s foil and emphasizes Mere’s strong belief in God and the Church in contrast to his passion for whichever church he was in at the time. Compare and contrast Cardinal Wolves and Thomas Cromwell. Cardinal Wolves and Thomas Cromwell were both key figures in this play, as influential members of government. They were both practical, politically aware men that played important roles in the affair of the kings divorce, and recognized the importance of having an heir to the throne. There are many physical differences between Wolves and Cromwell. Wolves is â€Å"Old. A big decayed body in scarlet† (xx), whereas Cromwell is in his late thirties, and dressed in black. Beyond the physical, the name of effective action† (xx), while Wolves is ambitious and intelligent, although his character is not well-developed before his death early in the play due to pulmonary pneumonia. His death serves as a warning for anyone else that did not follow the wishes of the king, and foreshadows the eventual death of Thomas More. Both Cromwell and Wolves try their best to complete what the King wants. â€Å"When the inning wants something done, [Cromwell] does it. † (21). Cromwell doesn’t stop to question the kings desires, nor does he try to compromise with those who are against the King. He wished to gain power through the affairs of the king despite the immoral consequences. Wolves tries to find alternate paths to the same outcome for the king, he looks at all aspects of the situation before drawing a conclusion. His wisdom is shown when he tells More that â€Å"Letting [King Henry] without an heir and we’ll have them back again. Let him die without an heir and this ‘peace’ you think so much of will go out like that! (12) Wolves takes other’s opinions into account whereas Cromwell only cares for the result that will make himself look best. Wolves failed to obtain the Pope’s dispersion, and therefore did not succeed in fulfilling the Kings wishes for divorce, while Cromwell devised many plans that led to the achievement of the divorce through force. Compare and contrast Lady Alice and Lady Margaret. Alice and Margaret are the ones closest to Thomas More. Both women are intelligent and righteous. This is shown when they agree that Rich was to be arrested when it became apparent that he had betrayed More. Alice is Mere’s wife, an understanding and caring woman that trusts in More beyond simple reasoning. She understands that he values morality over his life,and she feels that â€Å"[More] the best man that [she] ever met. † (86) Alice is sad to see her loved one go, but accepts his final resolution and painfully comes to terms with his decision. Unlike her stepmother, Margaret does not understand his reasons for sacrificing his life. â€Å"Meg [is] under oath to persuade [More]† (83) to choose life over morality. Alice is an impressive woman in her forties with an incredible ability to understand and worship her husband† (xx) as well as society, leading to trouble and defiance towards both. Margaret is a beautiful girl in her twenties with a naivety that is fostered by the care of her father. Both Alice and Margaret possess a unconditional love and care for Thomas More that they act upon in many occasions in the play. For instance, they repeatedly asked him about his conversations with Cardinal Wolves. Also, they prepared a feast for the King’s visit on his behalf. Although More is evasive and silent on his affairs, they think nothing but good of him, and support him to the end. How to cite A Man For All Seasons, Papers

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Report on Ethical Theories & Practices

Question: Write a report on ethical theories practices. Answer: Introduction Business ethics are most o the time those code of conducts, which people assume that the organization would follow, although, there are chances of not following the set of code of conducts. There are certain behaviors within the organization that classifies the organization, either as a good or as a bad organization. There are entrepreneurs who, think that for the success of an organization business ethics is not that much important. Such is not the case because ethics are something that influences not only the stakeholders and the customers but at the same time, it influences the shareholders at the same time. Business ethics is something that affects the whole of the operations in the business in general. The global market has many business scandals, which proves that the organizations that have not followed the business ethics had to suffer a lot. One such business scandal is the Sanlu milk scandal (Branigan, 2009). The scandal got its exposure in the year 2008 on the month of August. According to different reports, the Sanlu Group is one of the most important dairy producers in China, who contaminated milk powder with melamine. The result of this contamination was, 30,000 babies only in China became sick and six babies had to experience the fatalities. Fonterra, the company from New Zealand, was one of the shareholders of the company. Fonterra warned Sanlu group about the contamination that are there in the products (Yan, 2011). The particular incident not harm the reputation of the company or the group but the particular incident harmed the reputation of the country as well. Other countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, banned goods coming from China. The reputation that Ch ina earned as the leading exporter of the product faced a challenge. Theories Utilitarianism with Reference to Sanlu Milk Scandal Utilitarianism is one of the most important moral reasoning that is being used in the business ethics. According to the utilitarian theory, anything or rather any act that brings happiness for the greatest majority of the people in a group or society is considered as the right or the good act (Approaches to the Study of Ethics. 2016). Utilitarianism is a theory that is concerned about the benefit of the majority and for the happiness of the greatest majority of the people; it supports things like coercion and manipulation. During the eighteenth and the nineteenth century the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, for the first time came up with the theory of Utilitarianism (Khan, 2016). After Bentham came up with this particular theory, it went through lots of changes. For example, Bentham supported the fact that the happiness of the majority should be measured in terms of pleasure and pain. In the nineteenth century, John Stuart Mill, another follower of the utilitarianism theory, came up with a little variation in the theory. According to Mill, one should measure the happiness n terms of quality and the quantity of the pain and the pleasure. Thus, one particular theory has gone through lots of changes and in the workplace, the particular theory has two different division. The first division of the utilitarian theory is the Act Theory, or the Act-Utilitarianism. According to this particular theory, if a particular behavior of the organization brings pain to the majority then the act or the behavior of the organization should be considered as right (Zuber Asheim, 2012). If the act of the organization fails to provide happiness to the majority, then the act would not be considered as the right action. Thus, the particular theory actually supports not only, the fairest methods but at the same time, it supports the most ethical decision that the organization could make. The Sanlu Milk scandal does not gets approve even by the act-utilitarian theory, because the decision the organization had taken would have brought profit to the organization but it would not have caused happiness to the majority (Workplace Example of Utilitarianism Ethics | FutureofWorking.com. 2016). The decision of the Sanlu Group actually brought pain to more than one group of people, which includes, the customers, other stakeholders and even the shareholder of the organization. The scandal affected the reputation of the country, that is, China. Rule-Utilitarianism is another form of utilitarianism, which is different from the act-utilitarianism. Rule-utilitarianism, unlike the act-utilitarianism, does not depend on the action carried on by an organization or by a person (Mautner, 2016). The theory depends on the set of rules, which will provide happiness to the majority of the people in the society or in a group. The rule-utilitarianism, considered a certain situation, and there are certain rules against that situation that would give greater happiness to the people. For example, according to the rule-utilitarian theory it is the rule that the manipulation of the price of the goods is not acceptable. Therefore, even if the act-utilitarian theory supports the manipulation of the prices for the greater good of the majority, such is not acceptable by the rule-utilitarian theory. The Sanlu milk scandal of the 2008 is not even approved by the rule-utilitarian theory as well. The group has manipulated with the ingredients of the product and this is something that is not an acceptable rule, which would bring happiness for the majority. Thus, neither the act-utilitarian theory, nor the rule-utilitarian theory approves the actions of the Sanlu Group. Individualism with Reference to Sanlu Milk Scandal The theory of individualism is based on the self-interest of an individual that would help an organization to benefit, at least in the end. The individualism theory gives more emphasis to the personal benefits of the individuals (Business and Economic Ethics Lesson One: Business Society and Normative Ethics. 2016). According to this particular theory if an organization follows the theory of individualism then it could utilize the selfish interest of the people as an instrument of motivation. Thus, according to this theory the personal or the self-interest of the people is given more importance. The particular theory gives more emphasis to the long-term benefits and not much importance is given to the short-term benefits. The The particular theory has one problem and that is although the theory gives more importance to the long-term benefits and not much importance to the short-term benefits; yet, many times, the organization move towards the short-term benefits (Weiss, 2014). Therefore, most of the time the self-interest of the individual or the organization leads to such decision making situations that does not bring happiness for the people; or it can be said that those decisions are not in any way ethical for the people or the society (Quinn, Reed, Browne Hiers, 2016).. Therefore, most of the time, the individualism theory turned out to be fruitful for the organization but most of the time the ethical notion that is attached to it is missed out at the same time. The Sanlu milk scandal can be considered as one such incident, where the theory has been used in the wrong way, to gain maximum benefit (Velasquez, Andre, Shanks Meyer, 2012). The Sanlu Group, like many other organizations emphasized on the short-term benefits and not on the long-term benefits. Therefore, the individual interest of the people served the short-term benefits of the people and the company gained profit as well (Liu, Lee, Hui, Kwan Wu, 2013). The problem aroused when the scandal has its exposure in the global market; and the reputation of the group was hampered at the same time. The individualism theory, therefore, lies in a stark contrast with the utilitarian theory, because this particular theory gives more emphasis to the individual gain and loss (The Chinese Tainted Milk Scandal|Business Ethics|Case Study|Case Studies. 2016). The utilitarian theory on the other hand gives more importance to the collective happiness of the people. The Sanlu milk scandal of the 2008 can be considered as such a case where the decision-making things are individualistic in nature and not collective in nature. It can be seen as a case where the individualism theory has been used to have short-term gains. The individualism theory can only be ethical if the theory is used to serve the long-term purpose. The particular theory therefore, raises a conflict between individual choices and the norms that are there in a corporation. Thus, it can be said that this particular theory is not really an appropriate theory for the modern corporations that are there in the global market. The S anlu milk scandal, according to many scholars and critics, opened up the long-term and short-term orientation that should be there in the organization. Rights Approach with Reference to Sanlu Milk Scandal Another important ethical approach is the Rights approach, where the dignity of the individual and the freedom of the individual are given respect. According to this particular theory or approach, every individual has the right to live freely, and at the same time, they have the right to express their views and their wills. The particular approach depends n the choices that one make, and this choices should ensure not only that person but everyone else has the freedom to live their life, according to their will. The people, who are making the choices, should be responsible enough to make the choices (Donnelly, 2013). The choices should not only be legitimate but at the same time should be morally correct as well. The particular theory or approach can be divided into two parts. One way to interpret the particular theory is the positive way and the second way to interpret he particular theory is the negative way. The German philosopher Immanuel Kant has made the positive way of interpretation of the rights approach, in the eighteenth century. According to Kant if individuals are seen as a means of a purpose then that will not actually, contribute towards the development of the humanity (van Hoorn, 2014). According to Kant, if people want to show respect towards the dignity of the other people and want to save them from moral wrong doings then they should see people as the end of a purpose (Meeler, 2016). If one goes by this definition of the positive approach then it can be said that in case of the Sanlu milk scandal, the babies and the customers are seen as the means to earn the profit for the company. Thus, the company made the free decision of manipulating the ingredients, because they thought that their customers are the means, through, which they will earn their profit (Williams, Galick, Knudsonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Martin Huenergardt, 2013). Thus, they fail to provide respect to a larger amou nt of the individuals and to their dignity and thus ethically could not contribute to the society, nor did it sustained in the global market for a long time. The other interpretation of the rights approach is the negative interpretation. According to this particular interpretation, there are certain rights that are being claimed by an individual, but to ensure that the individual receives what he/she has claimed, certain duties are imposed on the others (McMenemy, 2014). Among all such rights, there is one very important right and that is the right to not be, killed by others. The Sanlu milk scandal violates the particular negative right that people enjoy and want that the others perform their duties in such a way that they do not face any problem in enjoying their right. In case of the Sanlu milk scandal, the people who were working in the organization, and the decision-making body in the organization, fails to perform their duties (Feng, Brewer Ley, 2012). Thus, six babies have to face the fatalities and they were denies the negative right of not to be killed by the others. Justice Approach with Reference to Sanlu Milk Scandal Justice approach again is another important approach, in the business ethics. The particular approach has its roots in the Western culture. The ancient western culture, which includes, philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, has the reference to the theory of justice. The particular approach is being referred as the fairness approach at the same time. The particular supports, neither favoritism nor does it support any kind of discrimination, as well. According to Aristotle, one could only ensure justice if there is an equal treatment for those who are equal and unequal treatment for those who are unequal (Arthur, Ashton Beecher, 2014). Thus, the particular approach is of the opinion that people should be treated equally without any kind of discrimination. The particular approach can be explained as the distribution of happiness and the burden among the people. In deciding the fairness of distributing the happiness and the burden among the people, it is important to take into consider ation the amount of benefits that is being enjoyed by a particular section of people. In the Sanlu Milk scandal, the organization and the decision-making body who was there in the organization enjoyed the profit. On the other hand, the customers or rather the consumers, of this organization are those people who had to suffer because of the manipulation of the ingredients (Sanlu | Homepaddock. 2016). Therefore, here one group is favored over the other and this is something that could not be claimed as the justice that is there for the people. The Sanlu milk scandal, supported favoritism and thus it had negated justice. Justice has been denied in this particular scandal because here there is no equal treatment for the people (Noddings, 2013). If one group has enjoyed profit then the other had not only suffered but it actually took the life of many people as well. In this particular case people who were accused of providing milk powder, contaminated with melamine to the people, or rather to the babies, although received equal amount of justice. The Sanlu milk scandal, according to the reports presented by China, harmed almost 30,000 babies among these 30,000 babies six had to experience fatalities. There are almost 54,000 babies who had been hospitalized and after around four years or so 12 babies, who were being fed the Sanlu milk powder died of malnutrition (Ivey Publishing. 2016). Therefore, the Chinese government conducted a criminal case against the company and two of the officials in the company were executed. Apart from these two officers, other officers had to face or rather experience imprisonment. The other officers of the company received 15 years of imprisonment. Thus, in case of receiving, if one go by the justice approach it can be said that the Sanlu group has been punished in the right way. Thus, it had provided the right justice to the people, who had suffered because they had consumed the products that are being offered by the Sanlu Group. The Sanlu milk scandal, therefore, is a scandal that has actually not provided justice to most of the people. It not only includes the customers and the stakeholders but at the same time it includes other organization in the country. The Sanlu group gained benefit through the manipulation, at least a short-term profit, but the reputation of the other Chinese organization was affected because of the action that has been carried out by the Sanlu group. Countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, did not allow selling those goods in the country that were exported from China. Thus, the Sanlu milk scandal is such a scandal that has unfairly distributed the benefits as well as the burden among the people. The company although, could very easily have avoided it; provided the company adopts those strategies that were ethical in nature and aligns with the four discussed ethical approaches at the same time. Thus, here are few recommendations that would have helped the company to sustain in the market in spite of huge amount of competition that is there in the market. The few recommendations have been discussed below. Recommendation Sanlu group should have listened to the warnings of their shareholder, Fonterra, and should have followed the act-utilitarianism. The particular approach at that moment would have helped the company to take such a decision that would have brought happiness for the majority; in this case for the organization and its employees; the customers and the stakeholders. The adoption of rule-utilitarian theory would have saved the company from taking those actions that are unethical in nature. According to the set of rules, manipulating either price or the ingredients of the products would not bring happiness to the majority of the people. Thus, if this particular theory has been adopted then it would have become easy for the organization to not to adopt any unethical decision. Thus, they could not manipulate the ingredients and thus would have gain competitive advantage in the global market, which is good for the stakeholders, shareholders and especially for the consumers of the products. The company could have adopted the individualism theory for fulfilling the long-term benefit of the organization. Many scholars and critics believe that the individualism theory has been adopted by the Sanlu, but only for the short-term profit. Thus, if the group had adopted individualism theory for the short-term gain then it would have been turned out to be advantageous for the group and for the people living in the society. The Sanlu group should have abided by the negative rights approach, and then it would not have committed the unethical act such as contaminating the milk powder with melamine. Moreover, the company should have provided justice each people, and should not have thought about the benefit of a particular group. If the company would have thought about the justice for everyone then contaminating the milk powder and risking the life of several babies would not have taken place as well. Conclusion The Sanlu milk scandal, which took place in the year 2008, not only risk the life of several babies, but at the same time it affected the international relation between the countries as well. Many countries suspected that the things that are produced in China are not at all good and thus they did not allowed the exported Chinese goods in the country. Thus, the financial economy of the people too, suffered a lot. Moreover, the shareholders of the other countries, such as Fonterra, of New Zealand, who had 43% of its share in the Sanlu group, too had to suffered largely. Therefore, it can be concluded that for the success of a business following business ethics is important. Business ethics is not something that people know that one will follow but it is something that people assumes that one must follow. Therefore, business ethics, and the ethical approaches bring in success to the business and help in the growth and the development of a particular business. References Approaches to the Study of Ethics. (2016). Aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu. Retrieved 18 June 2016, Arthur, L., Ashton, J., Beecher, B. (2014). Diverse Literacies in Early Childhood: A Social Justice Approach. Branigan, T. (2009). China to execute two over poisoned baby milk scandal. the Guardian. Retrieved 18 June 2016, from Business and Economic Ethics Lesson One: Business Society and Normative Ethics. (2016). Docplayer.net. Retrieved 18 June 2016, from Donnelly, J. (2013). Universal human rights in theory and practice. Cornell University Press. Feng, M., Brewer, P., Ley, B. (2012). Framing the Chinese baby formula scandal: a comparative analysis of US and Chinese news coverage. Retrieved 18 June 2016, from Huang, Y. (2016). Forbes Welcome. Forbes.com. Retrieved 18 June 2016, from Ivey Publishing -. (2016). Iveycases.com. Retrieved 18 June 2016, from Khan, Z. H. (2016). A quest for utilitarian approach in research. Indian journal of anaesthesia, 60(1), 6. Liu, J., Lee, C., Hui, C., Kwan, H. K., Wu, L. Z. (2013). Idiosyncratic deals and employee outcomes: The mediating roles of social exchange and self-enhancement and the moderating role of individualism. Journal of Applied Psychology, 98(5), 832. Mautner, T. (2016). Rule-Utilitarianism. The Penguin Dictionary Of Philosophy, (ISBN 0-14-051250-0). McMenemy, D. (2014, August). Advocating a utilitarian profession in a Kantian world? LIS ethical reflection and the challenges of political philosophy. In IFLA World Library and Information Congress. 80th IFLA General Conference and Assembly. Meeler, D. (2016). Five Basic Approaches to Ethical Decision-Making (1st ed.). The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Noddings, N. (2013). Caring: A relational approach to ethics and moral education. Univ of California Press. Quinn, J., Reed, J., Browne, M., Hiers, W. (2016). Honesty, Individualism, and Pragmatic Business Ethics: Implications for Corporate Hierarchy on JSTOR. Jstor.org. Retrieved 18 June 2016, from Sanlu | Homepaddock. (2016). Homepaddock.wordpress.com. Retrieved 18 June 2016, from The Chinese Tainted Milk Scandal|Business Ethics|Case Study|Case Studies. (2016). Icmrindia.org. Retrieved 18 June 2016, from van Hoorn, A. (2014). IndividualistCollectivist Culture and Trust Radius A Multilevel Approach. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 0022022114551053. Velasquez, M., Andre, C., Shanks, T., Meyer, M. J. (2012). Calculating consequences: The utilitarian approach to ethics.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

War Of 1812 Essays - War, American Revolution,

War Of 1812 The War of 1812 was a conflict between the nations of Great Britain and The United States. This was a war fought over the rights of non-combatant, neutral nations. Issues of this conflict included impressment, rights to limit the navigation of soverign nations, and how a nation could cope if these rights were violated. In the late 1700's and early 1800's there were a series of conflicts between Great Britain and France. Both of these countries trampled the rights of non-combatants during the conflict. For example, Britain forbade any American ship to sail to a port in the Napolianic Empire. Likewise, the French government reciprocated with similar laws against ports within the British Empire. Due to very harsh conditions on those serving in the British Naval Service, many men deserted. This forced the British to turn to the practice of impressment. This is a process by which the British effectively abducted servicemen to fill their ranks. The British argument was that many of their men deserted and began serving in the American Merchant Marine. This, in their opinion, justified them in boarding American ships, and abducting their crew. At one point, British impressment led to the Chesepeak Incident. During this incident, when the American frigate refused to be boarded, it was fired apon. In order to deal with these maters, the American authorities tried several peaceful interventions. In order to prevent confrontations, the Embargo and Non-Intercourse Acts were passed. These acts were in accordence with both British and French wishes. However through all of these steps, the disrespect of American soverignty continued. After exhusting all peacful options, the Americans entered the War of 1812 with great hopes for a successful outcome.

Monday, November 25, 2019

buy custom Cooperative Wireless Communication essay

buy custom Cooperative Wireless Communication essay The mobile wireless channel suffers from fading, in other words, the signal attenuation can vary significantly over the course of a given transmission. When transmitting independent copies of the signal, it generates diversity and can eff3ectively combat the deleterious effects of fading. In particular, spatial diversity is generated by transmitting signals from different locations, thus allowing independently faded versions of the signal at the receiver. Cooperative communication generates this diversity in a new and interesting way. Consider two mobile agents communicating with the same destination. Each mobile has one antenna and cannot individually generate spatial diversity. However, it may be possible for one mobile to receive the other, in which case it can forward some version of overheard information along with its own data. Because the fading paths from two mobiles are statistically independent, this generates spatial diversity. Cooperative communications exploit the spatial diversity inherent in multiuser systems by allowing users with diverse channel qualities to cooperate and relay each others information to the destination. Each transmitted message is passed through multiple independent relay paths and thus, the probability that the message fails to reach the destination is significantly reduced. Without having the knowledge of the channel conditions or even the amount of resources available, each user is given a fair opportunity of utilizing the cooperative relaying channel. However, if the channel state information is available to the users, one can redistribute the resources usage or traffic load to improve the communication efficiency. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The basic ideas behind cooperative communication can be traced back to the ground breaking work of cover and EL Gamal on the information theoretic properties of the relay channel. This work analysed the capacity of the three-node network consisting of a source, a destination, and a relay. It was assumed that all nodes operate in the same band, so the system can be decomposed into a broadcast channel from the view point of the source and a multiple access channel from the view point of the destination. Many ideas that appeared later in the cooperation literature was first exposited in. However, in many respects the cooperative communication that we consider is different from the relay channel. First, recent developments are motivated by the concept of diversity in a fading channel, while cover and EL Gamal mostly analyse capacity in an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. Second, in the relay channel, the relays sole purpose is to help the main channel, whereas in cooperative communication the total system resources are fixed, and users act both as information sources as well as relays. Therefore, although the historical importance is indisputable, recent work in cooperative has taken a somewhat different emphasis. BASIC CONCEPTS OF COOPERATIVE COMMUNICATIONS Cooperative communication typically refers to a system where the user share and coordinate their resources to enhance the transmission quality. This idea is particularly attractive in wireless environment due to the diverse channel quality and the limited energy and bandwidth resources. With cooperation, users that experience a deep fade in their link towards the destination can utilize quality channels provided by their partners to achieve the desired quality of services. This is also known as the spatial diversity gain, which is similarly achieved in multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems. In cooperative wireless communication, people are concerned with a wireless system for the cellular or ad hoc variety, where the wireless agents, who are identified as call users, can enhance their effectual quality of service- which can be calculated at the physical layer through rates of bit error, rates of block error, or outage possibility-through cooperation. In the system of cooperative communication, every wireless user is supposed to shift informtion with the act as a cooperative agent for different user Cooperative methods apply the broadcast style for wireless signals through assessing that a source signal aimed for an important place can be overheard at neighbouring areas node. These nodes, known as partners, relays, or supporters, process the signals they hear and shift towards the place. There are two features that differentiate cooperative transmission schemes from conventional non-cooperative schemes: The use of multiple users resource to transmit data of a single source. A proper combination of signals from multiple cooperating users at the destination. This is evidenced where we have two users transmitting their local messages to the destination over independent fading channels. Suppose that the transmission fails when it enters a deep fade, this is to mean when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the received signal falls below a certain threshold. If the two users cooperate by relaying each others messages and the inter user channel is sufficiently reliable, the communication outage only occurs when both the users experience poor channels at the same time. The main advantages of the cooperative communications are: Higher spatial diversity Higher throughput/lower delay Reduced interference/lower transmitted power Adaptability to network conditions Detect and Forward Method This method is close to the idea of a traditional relay. In this method a user attempts to detect the partners bits and then retransmits the detected bits. The partners may be assigned mutually by the base station, or via some other technique. The most important factor is that each user has a partner that provides a second data path. The easiest way to visualize this is via pairs, but it is also possible to achieve the same effect via other partnership topologies that remove the strict constraints of pairing. This method of signal has the advantage of simplicity and adaptability to channel conditions. This method has the limitation that the base station needs to know the error characteristics of the inter user channel for optimal decoding. In order to avoid the error of propagation, Lanemanet al proposed a hybrid decode and forward method where at times when the fading channel has high instantaneous signal to noise ration, users detect and forward their partners data, but in case the channel has low SNR, users revert to a non cooperative mode. Amplify and Forward Method Another simple cooperative signal method is the amplify-and-forward method. In this method, receives a noisy version of the signal transmitted by its partner. The user then amplifies and retransmits this noisy version. The base station combines the information sent by the user and the partner, and makes a final decision on the transmitted bit. In amplify and forward method, it is assumed that the base station knows the inter user channel coefficients to do optimal decoding, so some mechanism of exchanging or estimating this information must be incorporated into any implementation. Another potential challenge is that sampling, amplifying, and retransmitting analogue values is technologically nontrivial. Coded Cooperation Method Coded cooperation is a method that integrates cooperation into channel coding. Coded cooperation works by sending different portions of each users code word via two independent fading paths. The basic idea is that each user tries to transmit incremental redundancy to its partner. Whenever that is not possible, the users automatically revert to a non cooperative mode. The key to the efficiency of coded cooperation is that all this is managed automatically through code design with no feedback between the users. The users divide their source data into bblocks that are augmented with cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code. In coded cooperation, each of the users data is encoded into a codeword that is partitioned into two segments, containing N1 bits and N2 bits, respectively In general, various channel coding methods can be used within this coded cooperation framework. For example, the overall code may be a block or convolution code, or a combination of both. The code bits for the two frames may be selected through puncturing, product codes, or other forms of concatenation. The users act independently in the second frame, with no knowledge of whether their own first frame was correctly decoded. As a result, there are four possible cooperative cases for the transmission of the second frame: neither user cooperates. Analysis of the effects of these four cases is beyond the scope of this article, and we refer the reader to the literature for more comprehensive treatment. We only note that the performance curves shown in this article include all the effects of the inter user channel. Performance evaluation The figure above give some examples of the performance of cooperative communication using the three classes of signalling described in the previous section. For comparisons one must take note that, unlike amplify-and-forward and detect-and-forward methods, coded cooperation is inherently integrated into channel coding. In order to present equitable comparisons, we consider a coded baseline system with the same overall rate of for all cases: non cooperative, amplify-and-forward, detect-and-forward, and coded cooperation. For both hybrid decode-and-forward and amplify-and-forward, the users initially transmit a RCPC code word punctured to rate 1/2. This code word is subsequently repeated by the relay, resulting in an overall rate of . For coded cooperation, a cooperation level of 25 percent is used. The two users transmit a code word punctured to rate 1/3 in the first frame. In the second frame, the relay transmits the bits punctured from the first frame such that the total bits received for each user form a rate 1/4 code word. The plot above illustrates a case in which the mean uplink SNR for user 1 is 10 dB higher than that of user 2, while the inter user mean SNR is equal to that of the uplink channel for user 2. Two significant results of cooperation can be noted. First, user 2, as one might expect, improves significantly by cooperating with a user that has a better quality uplink channel. More interestingly, however, user 1 also improves significantly, despite cooperating with a user having a poorer quality uplink channel. This result illustrates that even a user with a good uplink channel has strong motivation to cooperate. Second, we note that the difference in performance between users 1 and 2 is significantly reduced by the cooperation methods. This shows that cooperation inherently reallocates the system resources in a more effective manner. In comparing the three cooperative transmission schemes, we see that both amplify-and-forward and hybrid decode-and-forward are not very effective at low SNR. This is due to the fact that their signalling is equivalent to repetition coding, which is relatively inefficient at low SNR. Coded cooperation, however, has graceful degradation and performs better than or as well as a comparative non cooperative system at all SNRs. In addition, coded cooperation generally performs better than other cooperative methods for moderate to high SNR. This tutorial describes wireless cooperative communication, a technique that allows single antenna mobiles to share their antennas and thus enjoy some of the benefits of multiple antenna systems. Several signalling schemes for cooperative communication are presented. Practical implications and requirements on system design are discussed, as well as extensions to the basic idea. Results to date are indicative of a promising future for cooperative communication. Buy custom Cooperative Wireless Communication essay

Friday, November 22, 2019

A Single Needle; Single Handily Changing the Game Essay Example for Free

A Single Needle; Single Handily Changing the Game Essay ? America’s Pastime has been the true root of sports in the United States of America. Baseball blew up in the late 19th century towards the end of the American Civil War. Before there were TV’s, internet, or DVD’s, baseball is what kids did for fun. It became the thing to do if you were a white male going into the 20th century, and that was just the beginning of a long bittersweet road of the game of baseball. Up until the 1990’s many greats had walked in between the lines showing off their pure god given talent, then an era came along that makes every baseball fan cringe, the â€Å"Steroids Era.† Steroids started to spread throughout the league like wildfire, and sadly no one was doing anything about it. The only thing administration, owners, authorities, and fans had were suspicion no one knew for sure if these record breaking seasons were real or all just a fluke. The greats like Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Lou Gehrig, and Ted Williams all have been being surpassed in the record books by Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, Mark McGuire, and plenty more players due to the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs. The use of illegal Steroids in baseball has single handily degraded and disgraced the great game that once was proud to be known as America’s Pastime. The man who started it all and really brought Performance Enhancing Drugs (PED’s) to the baseball scene in the late 1980’s was Oakland Athletics outfielder, Jose Canseco. Once Canseco starting showing his teammates how influential these drugs were to their performance through his own personal achievements it wasn’t long before a large amount of players were using PEDs. Canseco states in his book, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big that, â€Å"About 85% of Major Leaguers have used it† (Canseco). The MLB rarely, if at all tested for steroids during this time of the â€Å"Steroids Era† and if they did there was no penalty for testing positive. At the time it was virtually a win win for the players, they could juice up, exceed the stats they could only dream about, and never get in trouble during the process. Performance Enhancing Drugs became an epidemic in the world of baseball, but not only was it enhancing players performance, it was enhancing every aspect of revenue a ball club could ever imagine. The Record books were once again open and ready for business. Athletes such as Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, Mark McGuire, and so forth were smashing homeruns and going up on the charts little by little for the all time homerun record holder, Hank Aaron. This excitement on the field attracted more fans through these steroid years than baseball had ever seen, and when there are fans there is money, and when there is money there is no concern. The Major League of Baseball had been oblivious to the illegal use of Steroids over the years. Until 2002 there were no penalties for testing positive for PEDs. The new rules stated, â€Å"A first time offense would only result in treatment for the player† (Baseball-Almanac). Not one player was sentenced to any suspensions for this crime, until the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO) steroid scandal came to light, and brought out many of the All-Stars of the MLB to the top of the list. Victor Cante the founder of BALCO was a god to the sports world. He was the guy that not only supplied athletes wit h their steroids, but also had ways to cheat the tests so they could come up clean. Testing companies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the U.S Anti Doping-Agency (USADA) are always trying to improve the efficiency of the tests to make cheating near impossible if not totally full proof, but as those agencies are working to stop the cheaters workers at BALCO labs are finding ways once again come up with a new way to slide by the new and improved tests on the market (Quinn). So in 2005 The MLB created a new testing policy that was accepted by the players and owners that said, â€Å"The first positive test will result in a suspension of up to ten days. The second positive test will result in a suspension of thirty days. The third positive test will result in a suspension of sixty days. The fourth positive test will result in a suspension of one full year. Finally, the fifth positive test will result in a penalty at the discretion of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. Players will be tested at least once per year, with a chance that several players can be tested numerous times per year† (Baseball-Almanac). That wasn’t the last adjustment Bud Selig, the Commissioner of the Major League of Baseball, was going to make to the steroid testing policy. On December 13, 2007, Greg Mitchell, an investigator who was appointed by Bud Selig in 2006 to investigate the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in the MLB, presented a 409 page report to Selig showing his investigation and revealing 89 alleged players who used steroids during their career (Healey). Once Bud Selig had been shown the report, his 3rd written drug testing policy came in to play which was known as the â€Å"Three strikes and you’re out approach† (Verhaeghe). This final policy stated that, â€Å"The first positive test would result in a fifty game suspension. The second positive test would result in a one-hundred game suspension. Finally, the third positive test would result in a lifetime suspension from Major League Baseball† (Baseball Almanac). Bud Selig and the rest of the administration inside of the Major League of Baseball had finally seen the light, and properly taken action on how to cut down the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs throughout the MLB. Once the â€Å"Mitchell Report† was released many super stars and role models for fans all around the world were printed in black under the category of the illegal use of steroids throughout their career. The most popular player named in the Mitchell Report due to his court and trial issues would have to be 7 time Cy Young winner, Roger Clemens. Once he saw that his name had been brought to light in the report he went to Capitol Hill to clear his name off the list that he felt he didn’t need to be on. Little did he know that when made the statement, â€Å"I appreciate the opportunity to tell this Committee and the public-under oath-what I have been saying all along: I have never used steroids, human growth hormone [HGH], or any other type of illegal performance enhancing drugs. I think these types of drugs should play no role in athletics at any level, and I fully support Senator Mitchell’s conclusions that steroids have no place in baseball. However, I take great issue with the report’s allegation that I used these substances. Let me be clear again: I did not.† (Healey) That he was entering a world of charges when committing perjury in a court of law. Many of the players claimed their innocence like Clemens did, but in the end they all served the types of charges. The original group of all time Baseball greats like Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Cy young, etc. set a high standard for the Players after them to strive for and gave them something to achieve. Never in their minds would they of thought that the game of baseball would have turned out the way it is today. These modern day All-stars who cheated and used Performance Enhancing Drugs for a shortcut just to go ahead of someone’s hard work and love for the game as well to achieve their personal and selfish desires should be punished and have their awards and accolades stripped from them and taken out of the record books as if they were never there to begin with. The use of Performance Enhancing Drugs has put a permanent stain on the name of Baseball and what it is truly about. Bud Selig and the Major league of Baseball has come a long way regarding minimizing the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs by enforcing harsher penalties and consequences for testing Positive for steroids. As the years have gone by thanks to the leagues stricter policies on testing positive for PEDs the amount of players getting suspended for steroid use has decreased on a year to year basis. The Major League of Baseball will never be able to completely take Performance Enhancing Drugs out of the game, but with the right consequences, and appropriate policies they will be able continue to keep the use of Steroids at a very low rate and never re-enter the once dreaded time known as the â€Å"Steroids Era† ever again. Healey, Daniel. â€Å"FALL OF THE ROCKET: STEROIDS IN BASEBALL AND THE CASE AGAINEST ROGER CLEMENS.† Marquette Sports Law Review 19.1 (September 2008): SPORTDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011. Roger â€Å"The Rocket† Clemens is known to be one of the best of all-time to step on the rubber in the game of Major League Baseball. The Seven-time Cy Young winner was ultimately unstoppable in the last half of his career. He was just another great phenom in the baseball world until December 13, 2007 when the â€Å"Mitchell Report† was released, revealing a 409-page report that was sent to the commissioner of baseball (Bud Selig) that investigated the illegal use of steroids and Performance Enhancing Drugs used by players in Major League Baseball. There were over 80 players put on this report, but the one who stood out the most was Roger Clemens himself. On February 13th 2008 he went to Capitol Hill to argue the allegations against him saying, â€Å"I appreciate the opportunity to tell this Committee and the public-under oath-what I have been saying all along: I have never used steroids, human growth hormone [HGH], or any other type of illegal performance enhancing drugs. I think these types of drugs should play no role in athletics at any level, and I fully support Senator Mitchell’s conclusions that Steroids have no place in baseball. However, I take great issue with the report’s allegation that I used these substances. Let me be clear again: I did not.† Once Clemens had stated that it put a rather large target on his back not only by investigators but also the judicial system. They were trying to get him to admit using illegal steroids, but now as well they were going after him on counts of perjury. After 2 years of gathering enough evidence and testimonies on August 19, 2010 a Federal Grand Jury Indicted Roger Clemens on six counts, one count of obstruction of congress, three counts of false statements, and two counts of perjury. On July 13, 2011 Clemens’ first trial began, but on the second day the judge ruled a mistrial due to prosecutorial misconduct. For now Roger Clemens is a free man, but legal sources say that he will be retried. I will be using the â€Å"Mitchell Report† and the Roger Clemens trial to portray that not only is the use of steroids extremely risky and unhealthy but also that it’s against the law and you will get caught one way or another. 1991 to 2002 was known as the â€Å"Steroid Era† in professional baseball. Over those years particularly in 1995 after the cancellation of the 1994 playoffs and World Series the statistics of a majority of the players skyrocketed, which in retrospect played a huge role in filling the empty seats back up after the 1994 strike. I’ll be explaining that up until to this point in time the MLB did not have strict regulations on testing for the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) Kuenster, John. â€Å"Major League Player Records Dishonored by Steroid Users.† Baseball Digest. 62.2 (March 2008): SPORTDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011. John Kuenster touches on a very valuable subject when it comes to records, and honors given in the MLB. Back in early in mid 1900’s the greats of the game like, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller, and Ernie Banks. They all set legitimate records that should never be shadowed by the players who eventually broke them. These few players all had something in common. That was hard work and love for the game. They didn’t use PEDs to up there stats or to get to a higher number in a certain category. These historic greats earned their records off pure talent that was god given and worked hard to mature. The greats of our time such as, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, or Mark McGwire also hold records like men mentioned earlier. The only difference between the past greats and the current greats is that these new all-stars were accused of using Steroids to achieve their records. Not only are the players the ones to blame for the whole â€Å"Steroid Era.† Stricter steps should have been taken from the get go through the league to enforce steroid testing to ensure the safety and fair play in professional play of baseball before the use of steroids spread like wildfire through the MLB. Will records and awards be stripped from players who’ve been tested positive for performing enhancing drugs? We don’t know for now, but who knows what the future holds. This article about dishonoring the awards given to players who have achieved them unfairly will allow me to voice my opinion on the topic of record breakers involving steroids. I personally am against the use of steroids solely because all it does it degrade the great game of baseball. Even though these cheaters didn’t use PEDs their whole career and achieved some of their record off pure talent doesn’t change the fact they broke the rules that is stated in the contract that’s signed by every professional player. It’s not fair that history’s greatest baseball players prior to the steroid era should be passed up in the record books by players that made themselves better by an illegal drug. Not only is it a disgrace to the violators name, but more importantly it’s a disgrace to the game of baseball. Rutecki, Jared. â€Å"A Study of Media Impact on Public Opinion Regarding Performance Enhancement in Major League Baseball.† Open Sports Sciences Journal 3 (2010): SPORTSDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011. A chart in the article, A study of Media Impact on Public Opinion Regarding Performance Enhancement in Major League Baseball shows the percent of the coverage on specific sports and PEDs through 1968 to 2006 in Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, and Time. Baseball ranks number one in all 3 magazines with 43 percent, 39 percent, and 39 percent. Coming in second was football with a significant lower percent of 19, 14, and 15. Over the year’s magazine articles about PEDs have increased by a huge amount due to the popularity in steroid use among professional athletes. With the widespread use of steroids in sports particularly baseball, it’s apparent that the talk of it in magazines and media in general has shot up too. When something isn’t a public issue the media obviously isn’t interested in it which is why steroids in the earlier years weren’t written and talked about much. When the â€Å"Steroid Era† came into play that’s when the number of articles in magazines skyrocketed year by year and it all of sudden became a huge topic in our society. I will also be touching on the fact that even when people knew that steroids were an issue media didn’t start writing about it like crazy until the 104 MLB players tested positive for PEDs in 2003. From that year on the number of articles per year were above 49. The media writes what sells and in this day and age information and insider news about the world of baseball and steroids will always sell. Solberg, Joe. â€Å"Performance-Enhancing Drug Use in Baseball: The Impact of Culture.† Ethics and Behavior 21 (April 2011): 91-102. Philosopher’s Index. Web. 8 November 2011. Joe Solberg explains that once the steroid era of baseball blew up and became steady that it wasn’t out of the norm anymore, it became part of the culture. Once everyone was doing it the person below them had to use PEDs in order to get to the next level. The use of Steroids is a ladder that started in the pro’s and worked its way down to the minors. Major League Contracts are more than less based off offensive performance rather than defensive performance. To be more specific on offensive performance homeruns are what really can land you a big money contract. Over the years the biggest category that PEDs have helped is homeruns. Of course players want a lot of money, and in order to get that money is to hit homeruns, and in order to increase the amount of homeruns is to take performance enhancing drugs. Players will do what they have to do in order to make the money that they are satisfied with, and as a result for most players it is to partake in using steroids to increase their status as an all-star. The information I gathered in this article will help me explain the player’s motives for wanting to use PEDs. It’s not only used just to break records and be known as an all-star even though that is a plus that comes with it, but it’s the fact that if the person above you is using these substances then in order for you to excel above him and potentially take his spot you almost feel obligated to take PEDs as well. It was once a bad thing to be associated with the group known to take steroids back when it was a rare thing to do. Now days it’s such a common thing to partake in its part of the culture, it’s fairly normal in the MLB now to use PEDs. Sommers, Paul. â€Å"The Changing Hitting Performance Profile in Major League Baseball, 1966-2006.† Journal of Sports Economics 9.4 (August 2008) SPORTSDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011. Paul Sommers showed charts over the decades of average years played by an average starter in the pros. It went from 5.2 years in the 60’s to 6 in a half years in 2006. That shows that the use of steroids in the MLB increased a player’s career by almost 2 years. He also explains that the use of PEDs in baseball lets you peak at a higher level of skill. A persons overall skill level will increase by a big number while using steroids. Someone hitting .267 without the use of steroids could jump anywhere from a .324 to .378 average depending on the person. With all the statistics shown throughout the article it’s proven that Performance enhancing drugs increase a player’s batting average, peak, years played, MPH, and overall skill level. Before the 1960’s after a player’s peak their batting average tended to decline steadily due to falling off from their prime, but after the 1960’s a large amount of players started to excel past their peak year and raise their batting averages past their prime which was unusual. As we know now the reason for that was the use of PEDs. After 2004 the statistics seemed to start trending again like the 1960’s due to the random and mandatory drug tests which disabled the players to partake in using Anabolic Steroids of HGH. I will be using this information to show how all PEDs have been proven in many to not only better athletes, but make them more durable and tack on extra years of successful productivity past their prime. PEDs aren’t physically making them younger, but they sure are making them produce younger aged stats in a past prime aged body. Stone, Brad. â€Å"Another Poison Pill† Newsweek 146.7 (August 15 2005): Academic Search Complete. Web. 8 November 2011. The MLB is by far the top sport when it comes to the abuse of Performance Enhancing Drugs, but yet it holds the weakest punishment in the sports world for testing positive. Rafael Palmeiro in 2008 tested positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs in early August of 2008 just months after he testified before a U.S congressional committee stating that he had never used PEDs in his life. Not only did he test positive for steroids, he failed the test after lying under oath in a court of law, and all he was punished with through the MLB was a 10-day suspension and a $164,000 fine. Due to the particular steroid Palmeiro took, Stanozonol, which travels through your digestive system within 2 weeks, makes it hard for the court to prove that Palmeiro was lying when he testified. Baseball wants to stop the abuse of Steroids, but at the same time it seems like all these players that test positive these substances just get slaps on the wrist and are told not to do it again. If you want a problem to come to a halt you have to go the extra distance in order to get the results you’re looking for. PEDs have been persistent in the MLB for decades now; telling a player to stop will ultimately not stop them. There needs to be an ultimatum put into action to make the abusers consider that these PEDs aren’t worth the loss of their career. Every other sport that has extremely harsh penalties if tested positive for PEDs don’t have a very high percent of positive tests because the players don’t want to take the risk to put their career on the line. In the MLBs case they aren’t putting a severe enough consequence for the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs. My main point I’ll be using from this article is that if you want the use of PEDs to lower then you have to put consequences that the players don’t want to deal with out there in order to produce more negative resulting drug tests. Quinn, Tom â€Å"BASEBALL’S STEROID ERA.† Men’s Fitness 23. (August 2007): SPORTSDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011 Throughout the history of baseball testing for either steroids or street drugs really hasn’t been a big part of the games policy. Player’s played the game and what they did off the field was their own business. Once the early 80’s hit, and PEDs came on the scene the use of them among players got out of hand. It became an almost regular regime for a majority of the MLB. Tests were eventually being given, but that didn’t stop the players. When there’s motive to do illegal substances there’s always the backup plan to keep these athletes out of trouble. There were plenty of ways to come up clean on a test, and when the testers would find a way to stop it, Victor Cante and his crew at BALCO labs would just simply find another way to cheat. Even when the few unlucky players’ get caught all they have to do is admit it and simply explain they were told it was something else. For Example, Barry Bonds, when he spoke in front of the BALCO grand jury he came clean about all the PEDs he had taken, but the catch was he stated that he was oblivious to what he was actually using. People of this stature will make their illegal decisions, but don’t think they don’t have all the answers for when the going gets tough. I’ll be using Quinn’s article â€Å"BASEBALL STEROIDS ERA† to inform how little baseball can really do to not only catch these users, but to actually put a stop to the Performance Enhancing Drugs. If not cheating tests to save their own ass’ these professional athletes will just find a perfect window of time to where they know they won’t be tested in the offseason to fit in a couple cycles here and there to maintain the gains through using PEDs. Testing companies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the U.S Anti Doping-Agency (USADA) will never stop trying to improve the efficiency of the tests to make cheating near impossible if not totally full proof, but as those agencies are working to stop the cheaters don’t think the cheaters at BALCO labs aren’t finding ways to break through and find loop holes in their tests. Verhaeghe, Dan. â€Å"Bud Selig Lays Down the Hammer on Performance Enhancing Drugs†. Bleacher Report. (January 2008): Web. 30 November 2011 A Single Needle; Single Handily Changing the Game. (2017, Aug 13).

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

The relation between assessment practices and outcomes of students in Essay

The relation between assessment practices and outcomes of students in foreign language learning - Essay Example The importance of assessment in the process of education cannot be overemphasized (CERI, 2008). Although prior knowledge affects students’ performance positively, yet the effects primarily depend upon the way they have been assessed (Dochy, Segers, and Buehl, 2010). Ensuring equity in the assessment of students’ performance and its interpretation is fundamental to getting the students motivated to achieve high standards in education (ncrel.org, 1997). To identify the performance assessment methods commonly used by teachers for foreign language learning, first a thorough review of literature would be done. Students would be required to mark the importance of the identified performance assessment methods in determining best learning outcome on a scale of 1 to 5 where the values represent â€Å"not important†, â€Å"less important†, â€Å"important†, â€Å"very important† and â€Å"most important† respectively. The performance assessment methods would be classified using the relative importance index. This research would produce useful results both for the teachers and the students. The teachers would be able to identify and implement the best performance assessment method according to the students’ perception whereas the students would be able to optimize on their academic performance. between Classroom Activities, Motivation, and Outcomes in a University Language-Learning Environment. Carnegie Mellon University. Dietrich College Honors Theses. Paper 74. Retrieved from

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Strategic Analysis of Acer Incorporation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Strategic Analysis of Acer Incorporation - Essay Example Acer Inc. is the third largest manufacturer of PC in the world that uses transnational strategy in procuring it components for the purpose of maintaining cost leadership. In this respect, we have used PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces model, and SWOT analysis for a comprehensive analysis of the external and internal Acer environment. From this, we have made a series of recommendation to Acer in order to retain its ranking. It is however recommended that Acer adopts Blue Ocean against its competitors by using product premium branding regardless of whether its with Ferrari or any other luxury brand. It is also recommended that Acer uses balance scorecard together with its alliances to drive innovation so as to increase the market share of Acer. Introduction This paper seeks to review in general terms the growth and performance of Acer over the past decade. The paper will analyze the environment in which Acer functions and identify the opportunities and threats to which it might expect to have to respond, and how are these factors likely to impact on the company in the near future. This will be done through environmental analysis (PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, and SWOT). The report will also make analyses of the resources and key capabilities of the company plus the factors that give the company its competitive advantage. This will be done through assessing the Industry Critical Success Factors, analyzing resources and capabilities and link the generic strategy. Background of the company Acer Incorporated is a multinational electronics manufacturer based in Taiwan. Its product includes desktops, laptops, servers and storage, peripherals, personal digital assistance (PDA), peripherals and e-business services for business, governmen t, education, and home users. Acer Inc is the third largest computer manufacturer in the world after HP and Dell (Shaw & Kotler, 2009). Acer Company owns the largest franchised computer retail chain in Taiwan, Taipei. The company was founded by Stan Shih, Carolyn Yeh his wife, and a group of five others in 1976 as a Multitech. Acer has since been the third largest computer manufacturing company in the world holding 9.5% of the market share, with its growth being experienced outside USA mature market, largely in emerging nations. The peripherals and PC industry is very competitive and Acer has maintained growth since 1999 with significant growth in revenues. The key competitors in the market include Dell, HP and Lenovo; however there is a fragmentation of the market with 46% of it owned by brands which have market share of less than 4% each. Acer seeks to increase its market share through release of premium PCs under Ferrari brand and expansion in LCD TVs with BenQ brand (Unruh & Ett enson, 2010). Growth and performance over the past decade Acer has adopted various strategies to ensure that it remains competitive and retains its ranking at number 3. Acer strives to find a Blue Ocean against its competitors by using premium branding of its product from Ferrari or any other premium luxury brand and make determinations if

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Economy Oil and gas Essay Example for Free

Economy Oil and gas Essay Qatar occupies a small peninsula that extends in to the gulf from the east side of the Arabian Penisula countries bordering it are Saudi Arabia to the west and the United Arab Emirates to the south it’s located in the Middle East and borders Persian Gulf and Saudi Arabia. Its population is approximately 907,229 with a population growth of 2. 4 %. The birth rate is 15. 6/1000 and has an infant mortality of 17. 5/1000. The life expectancy is 74. 1 and the population density per square meter is 214. Males from 0-14 years and 15-64 years are more than females and generally males are more than females. The death rate is currently 4. 82/1000. The total fertility rate is 2. 75 children per woman. Life expectancy is 76 years for women and 71 years for men. The population is under threat as women are marrying later in life and the abortion rates are increasing The official language in Qatar is Arabic and English is the second common language. The highest percentage of its population is Arab that forms approximately 40% the Pakistan and Indians constitute each 18% of the total population while Iranian and other races form 24%. 95% of its citizens are Muslim. Qatar’s total area is 11,437 km2 all of which is on land. The climate is arid mild and has pleasant winters but very hot and humid summers. The terrain is mostly flat and barren desert that is covered with loose Island and gravel. The natural resources in this state are petroleum and natural gas. Qatar territories include a number of islands and the most renowned Island is Hawar Island. Halul is the export terminal for the offshore oil fields. (http://www. infoplease. com/ce6/world/A0840678. html) It consists of flat rocky surfaces but has some hills and sand dunes, which reach an altitude of 40m above the sea level, in the western and northern parts. It has a rainwater-draining basis in the North and Central areas. The climate is a desert one with hot summers and mild winter. Coral reefs along the ports and shallow waters make navigation difficult especially on those areas where channels have not been dredged. Long summers from June through September have intense heat and alternating dryness and humidity with temperatures exceeding 55 degrees centigrade. From November through May there are moderate temperatures. Winter temperatures can fall to 17 degrees centigrade. The country receives very little rainfall that fills small ravines and the dry wadis. Water is saline and hence unsuitable for drinking or for irrigation purposes due to the high mineral content. Desalination of seawater is a common practice in Qatar. Through desalination In the North West there are jagged limestone outcroppings that rise over 40 meters high. To the South, impressive sand dunes rise up to 60 meters. Other notable features include coastal salt pans that are elevated by limestone formations along the west coast where Durkhan Oil fields and massive sand dunes surrounding Khor al Udaid which is an inlet of the gulf in the South East known as inland sea. Halul, the most important island, lies about 90 kilometers east of Doha and it serves as a storage area and as a loading terminal for oil from surrounding offshore fields. Qatar is limestone and dolomite peninsula of both flat and rocky surfaces and extreme desert conditions. The coasts are generally low with marine terraces and Sabkhas in several places. The sand dunes have moved progressively southwards due to the effect of the prevailing winds. Major Sand dunes are situated in the south eastern parts while limestones are to the western and northern parts of the country. Most land is quiet, uncultivated and scenically beautiful. It contains geographical features that are peculiar to the western side of the Arabian Gulf. There are the rainwater draining basin to the north and central parts which are considered the most fertile and attract heavy agricultural investment. Khor al-Udaid is a deep inlet from the sea on the south east coast. It is a ‘water sanctuary’ and fishing for commercial purposes is banned. It is a sea bay that harbors sea animals like sea turtles, water fowls, and sea birds. It is also an important breeding ground for dolphins. Flamingos also gather there during winter. It also has ponds like the Umm-Said sewage pond and Salwa road ponds. Al-Aliyah Island is also an important feature. It is located 13kilometers to the north east of the capital, Doha. It consist weathered limestone rocks and has uneven patches of salt tolerant bushes. It is an abode of shore birds, gulls, and* Al-Dhakita mangrove located 7 km north Al Khor consist of a group salt water bays. With dense mangrove growth with broad mud flats and salt marshy vegetation. It has valuable fish and shrimp stocks and is important destination for wintering birds and water ducks and flamingoes. Sabkha refers to flat saline areas of sand or silt lying above the water table and often containing soft nodules and veins of gypsum and a hydrite that was deposited over a long time by the action of wind blown sand. They have a crust of halite and gypsum. Caves or dulus are also widespread in Qatar. Ground water and rainwater reaction with soft surface and subsurface dissolves in limestone and gypsum creating cavities and the ceilings may collapse exposing the interior. It contains ten substantial caves although most have collapsed to form depressions and dolines of the northern Qatar. Sand dunes are also prominent features in Qatar. They have a crescent shape as the wind ward face is ripped off by the wind action. The leeward side collapses under the driving wind. Qatar has an interesting plateau of tertiary limestone standing out in the desert about 20meters high. This is between Dukhan through Umm Bab towards the Saudi Arabian border. Low hills are mushroom shaped due to erosion of underlying softer rocks. Gypsum crystals are also common. They are found south of Umm Said and are formed when high tides bring sea water into Sabkha. As the water evaporates, it forms gypsum crystals that appear as low crystalline forms. To the western side Geodes are found. Natural hazards that are dominant here are haze dust storms and the common sand storms. Most of its population is literate and the illiteracy levels are very minimal. Political system The government type of Qatar is emirate. The capital city is Doha. There are 10 municipalities that include. Al Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumaliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan, Al Batinah, Madinat ash Shamal, Umm Said and Umm Salal. The 3rdSeptember is the national holiday when people commemorate their independence. The capita city Doha is located on the central East Coast and it’s major functions are administrative, commercial and it is a population center. It is located on a harbour. Other ports include Umm Said Al Khor and Al Wakrah, Umm Said and Doha handle commercial shipping . The legal system is based on Islamic and civil law codes and the Amir controls the discretionary system of law. However civil codes are being implemented. The Islamic law dominates family and personal matters. Amir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani has been the chief of the state since 27th June 1995 after a bloodless coup. His father was not able to handle the country’s economic reforms. Since it is a monarchial government the father did not lose his title as much power was already in his sons. Crown prince Jassim did not want to be king and he abdicated in favor of his younger brother. He rose to power after outdoing his father Amir Khalifa. The government is constitutional monarchy and the president’s fourth son Tamin bin Hamad is the selected heir. Amir Hamad was the Armed forces commander and defense minister when he seized power from his father who was out of the country. He retains that title to date. He survived an attempted coup in 1996. He had also taken his father t court on alleged state fund misappropriation. However this matter was solved outside the court. Amir Hamad Khalifa father had deposed his cousin Emir Al-Thani family continued to hold power after independence in 1971. Government departments are responsible for ensuring economic and social progress. The emir’s leadership is influenced by consultation’s consensus and personal appeal. He is not accountable to anyone and he cannot violate the Islamic laws sharia. In per taking his functions he must seek the opinion of the leading notable and religious leaders. Expatriate and residents are excluded from elections. The role of municipal council is not executive but offering advice to the minister. . The prime minister is Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabir al-Thani since April 3rd 2007. His deputy is Abdullah bin Hamad al-Atiyah. He replaced Abdullah bin Khalifa who resigned April 2007. The cabinet comprises of council of ministers all of which are appointed by the monarchy. Elections are rarely done since the system of ruling is monarchial. However in April 2003 it held nationwide election for a 29-member central municipal council (CMC). The CMC has consultative powers geared to improving the efficiency in provision of municipal service. The advisory council or Maljis al-shura has 35 members who are appointed by the monarchy. Council members have their terms extended after every four years. However since the establishment of a new constitution in 2005, 10 more positions were to be introduced and the public had a chance to elect 2/3 of the seats while Amir the president appoints the other 1/3. Introduction of the first constitution would guarantee freedom expression assembly and religion and increment of parliament seats. Elections are to be conducted late this year. Amir appoints all judges based on recommendations of supreme judiciary council. The branches of the judiciary are courts of first instance appeal and cassation. Since it’s a monarchial government there are no political leaders or parties and political pressure groups. Women were allowed to vote for the first time in 1999 and municipal consisted of 29 members. Democracy is being incorporated ever since Amir brought liberal changes in to the economy. Economy Oil and gas are the dominant trade goods. They both account for more than 60% of the countries GDP. They also contribute to a tune of 85% of the country’s export earnings and 70% of the government’s revenue. They are the reasons the country is one of the world fastest growing countries. They have seen it’s per capital rise to equal that of European Union. Due to sustained high oil prices the country is able to build its budget trade surpluses and foreign reserves. The oil reserves in this country are more than 15 billion barrels and they can sustain continued surplus for more than 20 years. Natural gas reserves are also abundant. They exceed 25 trillion cubic meters, which is more than 5% of the word total and 3rd largest in the world. The country is undertaking measures to develop its gas field in ensuring that the country becomes the world’s top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter. Foreign investment is also being encouraged so that non- energy projects can be improved by liberalizing the economy further. The country’s GDP real growth rate in 2006 was 7. 1% and the per capita GDP was $29,800. Composition of the GDP is mainly industry, which is 75. 8%, and service sector, which is 24. 1%. The unemployment rate was 3. 2% in 2006 and the inflation rate was 11. 8%. The major trading partners with Qatar are Japan, South Korea, Singapore, India, France, U. S, Saudi Arabia, united Arabs emirates, Germany and UK. Major imports are machinery and transport equipments manufactured goods, food and live animals. Japan receives the largest proportion of Qatar exports. Other important trading partners include South Korea and France. The service sector accounts for approximately a ? of the total GDP and creates employment for the Qatar people. The government is promoting the tourism sector in an effort to trying to make it match other industries in the economy. Qatar is the richest country in the Islam-dominated countries rising global demand for oil ensure increase prices of oil and this leads to increase economic growth. The economy of this country is not diversified it depends so much on oil and gas. Qatar’s industrial plants are located in Umm Said. There is a fertilizer plant for urea and ammonia a steel plant and a petrochemical plant. These industries use gas as their source of energy ands they are owned by state or European and Japanese firms. http://www. nationsencyclopedia. com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Qatar. html To control the influx of expatriate workers Qatar is tightening the administration of its foreign manpower programs. Foreign educated Qatar’s are returning back home to develop their home country. Development of other industries will enable the economy to withstand future possible negative oil shocks. Real economic growth had slowed down in 2002 after OPEC enforced oil output cuts. The gas industry was however not affected. Private investment is encouraged to ensure that the country’s economic growth does not decline with changes in the market. Steel industries have been making profits for the past 10 years, non-oil sectors in Qatar are building and construction, real estate communication, agriculture, fishing water and electricity and banking. The state provides incentives to foreign investors, which include security loans from Qatar Industrial bank QIB eliminates quantitative quotas on imports no income tax on salaries of expatriates no export duties and no taxes on corporate profit for pre determined periods. The country has a comparatively high public sector external debt. Debt has been incurred to finance LNG and other industrial products. The GDP is raising and thus the ratio of public external debt to GDP is declining. http://www. nationsencyclopedia. com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Qatar. html The economic challenge that the country faces is to maintain global competitiveness. There is need to improve on the macro-economic management and the public sector institutions. Absorption of new technologies ought to be done at a faster rate. This translates to more revenues being redirected in imports over reliance on one industry is an issue that needs to be addressed. Diversifying the economy is a safe approach of ensuring toast hock ups in oil industry will not adversely affect the countries economy. Investment in quality education will also be a wise approach of addressing the country’s issue. It will reduce the number of foreign employees in the country by substituting them with the locals. Leadership or quality of government also ought to be changed. Democracy will go along way in maintaining economic stability in the long run. The monarchial system needs to be reformed. Levels of unemployment ought to be completely eradicated investing heavily in human capita and education city project sponsored by the Qatar foundation has seen worlds top universities and research centers to the country. Qatar joined other emirates of the Tricia coast in forming the United Arab Emirates but together with Bahrain they disagreed about the merger but instead formed independent nations. (Crystal Jill,1995) A border dispute with Saudi Arabia was settled in 1992 although the dispute with Bahrain remains unsolved. It signed a defense pact with the US and it became the third country in the Gulf to do so. It is home of the immensely popular but controversial Arabic Satellite Television Network Al Jazeera. Contraversial because it is accused of not being free and fair in its broadcasts. Al Jazeera is not only popular in the Arab world but also globally. It was the only channel allowed to operate from Afghanistan and the first to air Osama bin Laden’s statement in October 2001. It favors those who are its allies and does not criticize or air anything negative about its own Government. (El-Nawawy et al, 2002) Pollution from oil and gas industries has negative impact on the diversity of species. It is an issue that ought to be addressed. Qatar is surrounded by sea on three sides and its territorial waters encompass 35,000 square kilometers. Marine life has to adapt to the harsh conditions of salty water and soaring temperatures.