Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Essay

Every piece of literature created is influenced by the time in which it was written. A particular text is a reflection of the era or period in which it was born. An author is contained within a specific time in history, and his writing becomes the result of the social, economic or political milieu of that time. This is the reason why it is extremely important for a reader to determine the context of the story in order to fully understand a piece of literature. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a great example of how a text reflects a particular era. It is a novel written in the 1930s and revealed what was happening during that time in California. Hence, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is a reflection of California during the 1930s. Of Mice and Men is a story about the friendship between George Milton and Lennie Small. The two men are remarkably different from each other. Steinbeck (1994) described George as â€Å"small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features† (p. 4). He depicted Lennie as the opposite of his companion; he was â€Å"a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide sloping shoulders† (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 4). However, their differences were not limited to physical appearances. George is intelligent, but his friend Lennie is mentally challenged (Steinbeck, 1994). The mental condition of the latter forced him to depend solely on the former. While George often expressed displeasure about the burden of being Lennie’s companion, he proved to be a dedicated friend. He served as Lennie’s guardian. Unfortunately, Lennie’s disability caused him to be involved in great trouble. He was unable to discern his own strength, accidentally harming and killing others in the process. In the end, George continues to fulfill his role as Lennie’s protector; he killed Lennie himself to spare him from death in the hands of Curley (Steinbeck, 1994). While the friendship between George and Lenny is the main focus of the story, the history of California plays a bigger and more significant role in the novel. Of Mice and Men is also a story about California and the problems which plagued it during the 1930s. John Steinbeck wrote three books which delved into the situation in California in 1930s; Of Mice and Men is the second book in the trilogy. The other two novels were In Dubious Battle and The Grapes of Wrath. In On Mice and Men, the relationship between George and Lennie is set against the backdrop of 1930s California. Both men are migrant workers with a single dream: they wanted to own a piece of land and farm it themselves. George said, â€Å"Someday—we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs† (Steinbeck, 1994). This dream was influenced, if not completely defined, by the problems of the state at that particular time. In the Introduction of the On Mice and Men, Shillinglaw (1994) described California in the 1930s. During the 1930s, the main problem in California was agricultural labor. Since the 1900s, most of the agriculturally abundant valleys were located in California. Produce such as broccoli, lettuce, sugar beets and strawberries were only some of those harvested in plenitude. The vast farms in California required many laborers for its harvest. Meanwhile, the Southwest region of America suffered from drought. Due to the drought, the once bountiful lands became similar to deserts. As a result, laborers left what was known as the Dust Bowl to try their luck in California. Since 1935, an estimated 350,000 people from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas stormed the Golden State in hopes of finding jobs in the farms. While it was true that California had enormous agricultural fields which supplied most of the country’s produce, the employment of workers were still a problem. There were too many people to accommodate for jobs in these farms. Workers from the Dust Bowl wandered throughout the state in search of crops to farm, as they were desperate for work. By 1936, California was faced with a major problem: the constant flow of poor and hungry migrants from the Southwest. The situation of wandering farm workers was illustrated in Of Mice and Men. The novel began with the arrival of George and Lennie in the Salinas River. George was upset that the bus driver did not drop them off at the proper location. He said, â€Å"Didn’t wanta stop at the ranch gate, that’s what† (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 6). The two men exemplified the situation of all the other migrant workers in California during the 1930s. Agricultural laborers such as George and Lennie were directed from one ranch to another, in search for work. George asked Lennie, â€Å"You remember about us goin’ into Murray and Ready’s, and they give us work cards and bus tickets? † (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 7). Murray and Ready had provided both men with the cards and tickets, then sent them to the next ranch. According to the novel, the last ranch they worked for was called Weed. The plight of the itinerant laborers was best expressed by George’s words: â€Å"They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then they go inta town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they’re poundin’ their tail on some other ranch† (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 15). The novel also portrayed the difficult life of male migrant workers and their need for human company. It was said that majority of the migrant agricultural workers in California were single men. Since the 1870s until 1930, the fruit and wheat crops of the Golden State were harvested by single men. These men were modern day nomads, for they constantly moved from one place to another. They carried bindles whenever they went. George confirmed the situation of male farm workers in California: â€Å"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place† (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 15). The solitude of the farm workers resulted in the constant need for companionship. In the absence of wives and families, the male itinerant laborers develop friendships instead. The friendship between George and Lennie was the kind of relationship created due to the circumstances of the migrant workers. Despite his complaints about having Lennie around, it was apparent that George was just as dependent on Lennie as Lennie was dependent on him. Whenever Lennie threatened to leave, George told him that he wanted his friend to stay. Their bond was so strong that they did not consider themselves as similar to the aforementioned lonely guys. George said: â€Å"With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us† (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 15). The novel revealed how agricultural laborers were marginalized in California society. All of them were misplaced and lived on dire conditions. Despite the unfortunate circumstances which befell them, there are those who remained optimistic and ambitious. However, even the ambitious laborers also fail. They would simply leave the ranch and proceed to another place. In the novel, George and Lennie went to the bunk house of the next ranch they were supposed to work for. When George asked Candy why the former occupant of his new bed quit, this was the response: â€Å"He†¦just quit, the way a guy will. Says it was the food. Just wanted to move† (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 20). George and Lennie were also ambitious. They have grown weary of working from one ranch to another, and working for people like Curley. They dreamt of having a piece of land they can personally attend to. The dream was revealed early on in the novel, and was continuously mentioned throughout the story. Candy overheard the two taking about their desire for their own (Steinbeck, 1994). He responded positively, and even offered his savings to both men so that he could also live on their land. Crooks also learned about the plan to buy land. During one night, Lennie spoke to Crooks about his plan to own land with George. Unlike Candy, Crooks had a different response to the plan. He discouraged Lennie by insinuating that his dream will never come true. Crooks said: â€Å"I seen hundreds of men come by on the road an’ on the ranches, with their bindles on their back an’ that same damn thing in their heads†¦every damn one of ‘em’s got a little piece of land in his head. An’ never a God damn one of ‘em ever gets it† (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 75). The character of Crooks was right; in 1930s California, many workers did not achieve the success they originally hoped to find there. By the end of the novel, George and Lennie proved to be unsuccessful as well. The dream of George and Lennie to obtain their own land did not come true. Lennie has a fondness for petting things which are soft; it was this fondness which guaranteed his demise (Steinbeck, 1994). Lennie and George were forced to leave the ranch in Weed because Lennie’s petting had gotten them in trouble. In the ranch in Soledad, Lennie accidentally killed a puppy because he was too strong. By accident, he pulled the hair of Curley’s wife and also broke her neck, causing her to die. When Curley and the rest of the men in the ranch found out that Lennie killed the wife, they form a mob and went to search for Lennie. Before they arrived at the ranch, George told Lennie to return to the Salinas River in case he got in trouble. George told his friend, â€Å"Lennie—if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an’ hide in the brush† (Steinbeck, 1994, p. 17). After he killed Curley’s wife, Lennie proceed to the brush and George met him there. George began to speak of the land they would own together and the rabbits that Lennie would take care of. Afterwards, he shot Lennie on the back of his head (Steinbeck, 1994). The farm was a representation of every migrant worker’s dream: to own a piece of land and be in control of their own lives. The farm served as a symbol of freedom and independence. For George, the death of his friend was also the end of their dream. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck was truly a representation of California during the 1930s. Through the story of George, Lennie and the other characters, Steinbeck was able to illustrate the agricultural labor problem that existed in the Golden State during that decade. The novel revealed the displacement of workers, the harsh realities of living as a nomad in California, their isolation and need for companionship and the broken dreams that come with the journey. By reading this novel, one is given a glimpse of California in the 1930s. Reference Steinbeck, J. (1994). Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Classics.

Mandatory Child Development and Parenting Classes

There should be a law prohibiting teenage pregnancy.   It would be impossible to make such a law, since the country’s prisons would be filled with fifteen year-old-mothers. A law should, however, be made requiring mandatory child development and parenting classes before high school graduation. The statistics concerning teenage pregnancy are frightening.   One teenager each minute becomes pregnant, in 2004 420,000 babies were born to teenage mother in the United States, and 67% of teenage mothers drop out of high school (Horizon Solutions, 2006).Three out of ten girls get pregnant before the age of twenty at an average of 750,000 girls per year (National Campaign, 2006). Girls as young as thirteen are becoming parents and often with no support from the equally young and inexperienced fathers.   The grandparents are then either forced to raise their grandchildren or the young unprepared girls are forced to give up their future plans to become parents much too early.  Mos t schools in the nation currently offer child development and parenting classes as electives for those who are interested in childcare.   Since most young teenagers will eventually become parents, however, it should be mandatory to prepare them for their future roles.Most public schools in the United States teach sexual education, which includes ways to prevent pregnancy.   Unfortunately, this has not significantly decreased the occurrences of teenage pregnancy.   When compared to the statistics of teenagers in other countries the united States ranks high in the number of pregnancies, because of the differences in how teenagers are prepared for parenting and the expectations for them (Guttmacher).   Part of the differences are that the young people in other countries are not taught to be ashamed to admit to having sex and are taught to be more responsible about preventing pregnancy.   In this country many adults are uncomfortable talking to their children about sex (Coloro so 228). The better young people are educated about and prepared for male-female relationships in early adolescence the less likely they are to give in to peer pressure (Campbell 51).In most schools, no student can graduate without learning about American History, government, English or science.   Students are taught how to have children and usually how to prevent it, but it is not required for them to learn how to care for the children after they have them.   Unless they come from large families, many young people have no idea how much responsibility is required in caring for an infant.   If they did, maybe they would take more precautions to avoid this until they were ready for the responsibility.   If a law was made to make it mandatory for all freshman high school students to take child development and parenting classes, all teenagers would have a better understanding of the responsibilities involved.   This would make them more likely to take better precautions to avo id teenage pregnancy.Parenting is not easy at any age, but when parenting is combined with dating, and trying to finish high school, it can be overwhelming.   When young girls discover they are about to become a parent, they can go through a range of emotions.   Some do not want to take on the responsibility of parenting.   These girls are faced with the difficult choice of abortion or adoption.   If she chooses to put her child up for adoption, she and the father both have to sign their parental rights over to the adoptive parents (Gay 6).  Ã‚   Some of the girls feel happy about having a baby they may see it as playing house or as an accomplishment (American Academy, 2004).   These girls have no real idea how much responsibility is involved in caring for infants.   They often like the idea of caring for someone.The problem is the people who are currently taking the elective parenting courses are usually the ones who know something about caring for infants and are int erested in the subject.   These people already know a little of the responsibility and often are the ones least likely to be teen parents. By making the classes mandatory, those who think it is like playing house or have no idea about babies will get more information.   Many of these classes teach students what to expect throughout the first few years of life.   Infants especially in the first weeks of life need very much of the parent’s time and can be exhausting, and they cry a great deal (Preston 11).   The average day in the life of a mother with an infant consists of waking at approximately 3:00 a.m. and getting very little rest until late the next night.   It involves diaper changes, feedings and constant attention to someone helpless and fragile (O’Callahan 66). When the young people actually begin to realize what life is like for a parent, they can see the consequences of being careless in sexual relationships.   In recent years a new trend has beco me part of child development class.   Many schools have started using programmable dolls, which cry during the night, need changed, fed and held.   These dolls are amazingly lifelike and can provide young people an idea of what it is really like to be a parent (Memorial Community, n.d.). Teaching young people what parenting is like is sometimes more effective than teaching them methods of birth control or about the risks of disease.   In addition to the dolls, child development and parenting courses teach young people how to cope when they do have children.The good news is the message is getting out.   The number of teenagers age fifteen to nineteen who have reported having sex has decreased by just over 13% since 1991 and the number of teen pregnancies has dropped by 36% in the same amount of time (National Campaign, 2006).   There was a trend in the country for a while where teens were not afraid for parents to know they were having sex, but they did not have enough fact s to keep from getting pregnant.   With the increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, the education about the use of contraception has helped teenagers become more responsible about using birth control to avoid disease and thus pregnancy.If all school districts were mandated to require these classes using the teaching dolls and statistics as a requirement for graduation like they do math and science, students might have a better knowledge of what it takes to be parents.   This would help them know they wanted to wait until they were ready to have children.   It could teach them the financial, emotional and physical requirements involved in having and raising children.   Education is the key to knowledge and knowledge is required to make responsible choices.   In order to teach the teenagers in the United States to make responsible choices, there needs to be a law requiring the system to educate them.Works CitedCampbell, Dr. Ross. How to Really Love Your Child. Wheat on: Victor Books, 1988Coloroso, Barbara. Kids Are Worth It. New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc.,1994Gay, Kathlyn. Abortion Understanding the Debate. Berkeley Heights: Enslow Publishers,Inc., 2004â€Å"MCH Foundation Partners With Schools to Provide â€Å"Baby Think it Over† Dolls.†Memorial Community Hospital and Health System, 1 May 2007http://www.mchhs.org/news/BabyThinkitOver.htmPreston, Penny. What Every Mother Needs to Know About Her Baby’s First Year.Portland, Maine: Ronnie Sellers Productions, Inc. 2006â€Å"Reality Works Infant Simulator and Real Care Parenting Program.† 18 September 2006Horizon Solutions Site, 1 May 2007http://www.solutions-site.org/artman/publish/article_47.shtmlO’Callahan, Kitty. â€Å"A Day in the Life of a Mom.† Baby Talk September 2005: 66-7â€Å"Sex Education: Needs, Programs and Policies.†December2006.TheGuttmacher Institute1 May 2007 The National Organization to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. 1 May 200 7.â€Å"When Children Have Children.† July 2004, American Academy of Child andAdolescent Psychiatry, 1 May 2007

Government Regulatory Agencies Essay

Government Regulatory Agencies and Impact on Consumer Choices By Trisha Robinson, Chastity Hafer, George Ward, Quagina Jackson Serphy HCS 490 Health care Consumer- Trends and Marketing For: Cindy Perkins, DC, MBA 05/01/2011 The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) The Food& Drug Administration is in charge of promoting and the protection of public health safety by the supervision and regulation of food safety, dietary supplements, tobacco products, prescription and over the counter drugs you get from the pharmacy. The FDA also regulates vaccines, blood transfusions, biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, veterinary products, and cosmetics (fda. gov). The FDA is in charge of advancing the public health by the speed of new ideas or methods that make medicines and food affordable and by the producing of strong or desired effect, more safer, and by given the public a more accountable scientific information that the public can use when using medication and foods and to lessen the use of tobacco to improve the quality of life.The FDA makes sure that laws are enforced by monitoring companies of claims that the company makes about their products. If the FDA thinks the company has violated the law a warning letter will be sent to the company. The letter states that the company is in violation and the company has 15 working days to respond and say how this will be fixed. Companies that do not respond will be fined or their product will be seized. The health care product or service category selected Servic e of choice:Â  Regulatory Information Regulatory Information is a service, which The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers an array of information on rules and regulations, which allows consumers, industries, and health care professionals to know the safety, availability, and effectiveness of drugs, biological, medical, and electronic products, and cosmetics. In addition, the service provides information on non-regulated categories such as advertising, consumer products (household goods), alcohol, drug abuse, meat and poultry, health insurance, drugs of abuse, pesticides, restaurants and grocery stores, and water. It offers information on areas such as safety, labeling, product licensing, product approval, manufacturing and performance standards on medical devices and radioactive products, and animal drugs, livestock feeds, and food. Rationale for choosing FDA A. Familiar with the regulations of the FDA. 1. Protecting the public’s health B. Interested in the operations of the FDA and how they develop their regulations. C. The services FDA protects. 1. Responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines more effective.

Nature vs. nurture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Nature vs. nurture - Essay Example Much is random and therefore isn't really "behavior": a flagellating protozoa isn't "looking for" food. When social scientists explain human behaviour they imply purposeful and consequential activities. It is understood that humans are aware of their own acts and those of others. In other words, human behaviours are acquired rather than natural. Instincts, which are activities that are made without learning, altered as adaptations to exact circumstances. But success in adaptation comes at a cost: instincts make organisms "puppets" of their surroundings. Anticipating a rain a frog croaks, just as the rooster crows with the beginning of dawn. Neither the frog nor the rooster had any choice in the matter; their behaviours were simply determined by the environment. Humans have the smallest number of instincts; as an alternative, we have contradictory genetic abilities and capacities to react our environment. For us, consequently, surroundings remain a strong determinant of behaviours. Social scientists are ever more realizing the discourse of the interactions that take place between nature and nurture. The existence of genes does not by itself make sure that a particular feature will be obvious. Genes need the proper upbringing for inborn propensities to be entirely expressed. These "proper surroundings" contain not only natural environment but also of individuals' common and symbolic milieus.According to Richard Dawkins, the final purpose of the game of life is the immortality of one's information. This information is of two types: the genetic, the programming of one's DNA, and the memetic, the elements of intellectual information individuals pass on in their society. "We are survival machines," he writes in The Selfish Gene, "robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes." And "just as genes propagate themselves in the gene pool by leaping from body to body via sperms or eggs, so memes propagate themselves in the meme pool b y leaping from brain to brain via a process which, in the broad sense, can be called imitation."(Dawkins, 1976, p.147) Support of probable genetic factors determining the direction of individuals' lifelong interests and behaviours increases. For instance, Alexander Graham Bell, who unintentionally invented the telephone whilst working on ways to help the hearing impaired, came from a family that was involved in working with problems of speech and sound. Both his mother and his wife were hard of hearing. His paternal grandfather wrote a book on phonetics and created a treatment for those who are loosing hearing, which was supported by his father and uncle.It is worth noting the gloomy history of efforts to connect cultural differences and social deviance to genetic "defects." In the early physiognomic literature on deviance, for example, Cesare Lombroso (Deam, 1989) wrote in the 1870s how deviants had extremely long legs in comparison with rest of their bodies, weird head shapes, absence of a appropriate chin, ingrown ear flaps or large ears. They were, he states, throwbacks to earlier phases of huma n development. In early 1900th was published The Blood of the Nation: A Study of the Decay of Races Through the Survival of the Unfit, an evil work by David Starr Jordon, the first President of

Emerging Network Technologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Emerging Network Technologies - Essay Example The answer was to use VPN over dial-up links, a cost-effective solution. The company did a pilot implementation with a VPN product from Cisco. Implementation: BPCL evaluated various options before selecting Cisco's VPN solution. They had to basically decide between two options, a software-based and an appliance-based VPN solution. Software based VPNs are offered by Computer Associates and CheckPoint and appliance-based solutions are offered by Nortel and Cisco. BPCL implemented Cisco's VPN 3030 Concentrator. It's a VPN platform for medium and large enterprises with bandwidth requirements from T1/E1 through fractional T3. The concentrator supports up to 1500 simultaneous sessions. It offers hardware acceleration and is field-upgradeable to the 3060. Benefits: BPCL has achieved faster deployment, lower cost of operations, and a scalable solution that supports up to 1500 concurrent VPN users and can be integrated with future security initiatives like digital signatures and secure ID cards. BPCL would have had to spend a substantial higher amount on VSAT links or leased lines at remote locations if it had not deployed a VPN solution. University of Minnesotta, is one of the premier universities of America offering a wide range of courses. The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious. Product: University of Minnesota, which serves 60

History The american promise book. Were the americas discovered or Essay

History The american promise book. Were the americas discovered or were the conquered explain - Essay Example gh the Treaty of Tordesillas claimed duopoly of all the non-European lands with the Spanish claiming control over all the lands in contact with the Pacific Ocean. European nations such as France and England disputed the Treaty and thus went ahead and unsuccessfully established their colonies in the Americas in the 16th century, and later together with the Republic of Dutch, permanently established their colonies in the Caribbean Islands and North America. The Spanish together with their Indian allies were able to conquer the Inca and Aztec empires which controlled Central Mexico and Western South America respectively. (Roark, 2006) extensively shows how another Spanish expedition led by Hernan Kortes landed on the Gulf Coast. He allied himself with the Tlaxcallans, sworn enemies of the Aztec .This saw an increase in hostilities witnessed in the City of Tenochtiltan leading to the killings at the Main Temple and subsequent death of Moctezuma II. This led to the Spanish eventually fleeing the city before coming back to lay siege on Tenochtiltan thereby destroying the city. The Spanish then installed puppet rulers such as Andres de Tapia Motelchiuh to further their interests. Another Spanish expedition led by Pizarro Francisco had to travel back to Spain to get the royal approval to conquer the Inca Empire. They were also able to alienate the Tlaxcallans and turn them against the Tenochtiltans. The use of cavalries and cannons made it easier for them to conquer the natives. These elaborate conquests lay credence to the claim that the Americas were conquered. The conquest was resource-driven. The European Nations were interested in the wealth and treasures of the

Accountin information system Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Accountin information system - Coursework Example The main parts of the revenue cycle are the sales order processing subsystem and the cash receipts system. The sales order system includes units such as the sales, credit, billing, warehouse, shipping, billing, inventory control, accounts receivable and general ledger. Another important unit is involved with the sales returns on the basis of the fact that the sales made are not always final. The cash receipts system on the other hand is involved in the financial phase of the revenue cycle (Hall 2004, ch.4). 2. Validity checks, completeness tests and reasonableness tests can be used to ensure accuracy of customer orders on the basis of the principle regarding levels of authorization. Validity of the transaction, completeness of the process involved in the sales made and the reliability of the processes undertaken are included in the factors that can determine the finality of the transaction. In addition, the data that are gathered can be used to determine the expected sales in a particular period rendering the amount of funds that can be collected. 3. The CRM refers to customer relationship management which can be considered as one of the important parts of the accounting information systems. It is generally used for storage of customer data (Encyclopedia of Business and Finance). 4. EDI or electronic data interchange is an input device in the AIS that can help the billing and account receivable process by increasing the speed of the phases involved through automatically adjusting the correct input of data (Encyclopedia of Business and Finance). 7. The credit approval is an important part of the revenue cycle on the basis of the fact that it can be considered as part of the build up for a proper provision for in-debt payments. The said process reduces the risk of over invoicing a non-credit worthy customer, thus, decreasing the risk for unpaid accounts. It serves as a way of counter-checking (Encyclopedia of

The ethical and moral arguments for and against paying college Essay

The ethical and moral arguments for and against paying college athletes - Essay Example Amid this, a pertinent issue of whether college athletes should be paid or not emerged, resulting in intensive, extensive, diverse, and dynamic debates on the matter. Stakeholders in the athletics industry have expressed their concerns over the issue of paying or not paying college athletes, differing in opinions and efforts to favor either side. Ethical, moral, and value-based concerns have been expressed. Every party arguing for or against the remuneration of college athletes present their reasons, all of which significantly have a point to put across. Evaluating and assessing the underlying concerns is essential, in a bid to determine whether indeed these athletes should be paid. Ethics are guided by right or wrong practices in the undertaking of certain activities. Ethical concerns surrounding making payments to college athletes revolve around what is perceived to be right or wrong in relation to such payments. Stakeholders involved have conflicting views over the matter, but the baseline is either the payments are ethical or unethical. The weight given to games and sporting activities is the primary determinant of the underlying concern. On the college level, athletics are part and parcel of the extracurricular programs run by colleges. Importantly, not every college student becomes a college athlete, meaning that there are certain variables that define college athletes. Talent and personal drive to games and sports plays a fundamental role in engaging students in athletics. The formulated and implemented extracurricular activities in colleges are not without their benefits to the institutions. Better performance by students in athletics does not only earn these institutions names, but also economic gains from all aspects related to the gaming and sporting activities involved. Athletics just like any other college program are allocated funds and other resources. Utilization of these funds and resources by students to a point of generating even more of

Taming Disability, Mastering Minds Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Taming Disability, Mastering Minds - Essay Example I don’t wish to call him disabled, because he had a distinctive ability to mimic the teachers and almost all of the popular figures. He was rather short and pudgy when he was a little young boy and his growth was challenged by dwarfism in an early age of eight years. Jestin was excellent as a student and his ability to learn mathematics and physics was always a reference to all of us. He liked to play games with us; most of them were power demanding and involving a lot of athletic abilities. When he walked, it was a curious sight to new people. I met him when I was in the elementary school. Our teacher – Julie – introduced him, told us to look after him and then assigned me as his partner to sit together. He walks towards me, I then realized why Julie told us to look after him – he is disabled. I stared at him with a strange face – I have never been with a disabled person this close before. I think he knew I was staring, but he pretend like he did n ot know. Maybe he was used to strange people’s attention in public, maybe he is just do not want to look at me in the eye and see something he did not want to see – pity. He had his short limbs which were spectacular when he attempted running or boarding the school bus. We always observed him as different existence and that worried him a lot; someone occasionally called him names of goblins and teased him a lot. He was teachers’ pet as he used to be the most punctual and one of the most brilliant students in the school. Though his brain was sharp, his hands were too small to handle the writing board in the classroom and so, he was denied the opportunity of being the leader of the class. Altogether, â€Å"the link between his biological construction and inner self† was established that way (Mossman, 15). His small body contained much appetite and he used to eat a lot. The lunch hour of the school was seemingly inspiring to him as he would eat from a lunch box rather disproportionate to his size. While he attempted opening the lid of the lunch box, it was an amusing scene for other people to watch. The short hands grabbed a lot of food and rhythmically forced it inside his mouth in a rapid phase – he was interesting. I always observed him with absolute attention to understand how his body reacted to his requirements to cope up with the challenges of mingling with classmates and doing experiments in the science lab. He was never discouraged; rather, he developed the habit of exploring the secret abilities that differentiated from normal people. Dwarfism was a curse to him when he liked to play on field games; therefore, he managed to settle himself into mind games and excelled in the feats. His eye contact and the facial expressions were very mature, but they were not supported by his short limbs to give him a perfect identity. Most noticeable fact of his mannerism was the style he used in arguing with someone who is very tall; he would poke and punch the stomach of the contender and make him silly with his witty expressions. As I grow up, I realized that there are so many people who need help, and there is no way I could help them all. The other thing I realized is that there are so many fake beggars and they are just faking it so people would give them money. I have decided to not look at them in the eye when I pass by and continue to walk my way. I used to watch him working so hard on his homework, using his left hand –

Limited Liability Partnerships Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Limited Liability Partnerships - Essay Example Limited liability partnership (LLP) maintains the many characteristics of general partnership but shields the partner against unlimited liability from the creditors of the firm. In a Limited liability partnership the is the advantage of a flexibility of an unlimited partnership coupled with the limited liability of the partner as the business incorporated in this structure is treated as a separate legal entity and makes the entity responsible for any business debts arising thereof. In the US, state registration is required to set up an LLP. Besides the state needs proof that the partnership has reached levels or has enough resources to satisfy potential claims in addition to satisfying insurance requirements. A limited liability partnership is not taxed as a separate entity instead; the profits pass to the hands of the partner who are charged with income tax. (Irwin Mitchel 2008) The above are the basic characteristics of the limited liability partnership entity. Find below a few important drawbacks of limited liability partnerships, which has been a block for many unlimited partnership concerns for conversion: 5. ... The money invested becomes the property of the firm, is not subject to return unless, and otherwise stated in the agreements. 2. All partners of an LLP must consent to the sale of the assets. 2 3. The non-transferable nature of a partners interest where the transferee only the financial benefit but does not become a partner. (Cool lawyer 2008) 4. LLP varies in legal requirements based on the laws of the state. This variable nature of this entity makes it the least preferable. 5. Limited liability partnership has an important handicap it being limited to certain types of businesses only example an association of professional's example: Lawyers, Chartered accountants, architects, doctors etc. Moreover, Limited liability partnership was only founded a decade over and the concept is still young which is subject to changes and bound by the laws of the state. In order to understand the reason for the unpopularity for this legal entity we must look at the features and viability of the other legal entities such as Limited corporations and general partnerships ' LLC LLP Unlimited Partnership What is it' A type of companyA type of companyA type of company Members needed to set up: Between 1-52 or more2 or more Taxation: Single taxation (Income / loss passed directly to members) Single Taxation Single taxation (Income / loss passed directly to members) Assets:Can hold Can hold Can hold 3 Legal entity: Separate entity from partners but members may be held liable for non-fiscal obligations.Separate from those of partners Has separate legal entity Management Level: Only Members and managing members.Decentralized Partners are Managers Legal

Criticize the article Francis Fukuyama "The end of History" Essay

Criticize the article Francis Fukuyama "The end of History" - Essay Example Prior to the release of his article, Francis Fukuyama was an unknown state department official but after the posting of his journal titled â€Å"The End of History?† he was regularly mentioned and attracted various responses. His interpretations were heavily borrowed and adapted from G.M.F. Hegel, a German philosopher. Hegel was of the idea that history had reached its end in the year 1806 after Napoleon defeated the Prussian Monarchy. It is along these lines that Fukuyama identifies the main hurdles to liberal democracy, and they are Fascism and communism. Fukuyama states that these two ideologies have ended with fascism facing its end after the defeat of Italy, Germany and Japan in the Second World War. On the other hand, communism met its end after the recent economic and political concessions in China and the Soviet Union (Herwitz, 2005). After all the ideologies, Fukuyama affirms that Western liberal democracy is the outright winner. The only remaining adversaries are religious fundamentalism and some aspects of nationalism. Fukuyama stated that history was full of struggles meant to realize the freedom idea that is etched on our consciousness. His thoughts must have been heavily influenced by the end of the Cold War, and this led him to assert that it marked the end of history. The end of the Cold War was an apparent triumph of capitalist and liberal ideologies of western nations. The events of the Cold War had shown a clear win by the United States and her allies. He used this to conclude that it was the universalization of Western liberal ideologies and also marked the end of humankind’s ideological evolution (Herwitz, 2005). By the time when this article appeared in the National Interest, people could not disagree with Fukuyama. The Soviet Union was about to disintegrate, and so was the Berlin Wall. Everything that was happening at that time suggested that it was only liberal capitalist democracies that

Martin Luther King Essay Example for Free

Martin Luther King Essay â€Å"I have a dream that one day my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character† (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). These wise and upholding words of confidence and determination changed the face of America during a time of hate and discrimination. King’s inspirational leadership and speeches helped make a local bus protest into a historical event (â€Å"King, Martin Luther Jr. †) He gathered thousands of people, both black and white, to many encouraging protests and meetings to bring a hateful and racist world to peace. His strategy of â€Å"encouraging nonviolent protest and interracial cooperation helped him to fight effectively again the southern system† (King, Martin Luther Jr.†). These strategies were also based on the belief of Indian pacifist Mohandas Gandhi. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ambition to seek a perfect world was extravagant; he will always be in the minds and hearts of Americans in years to come. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). His birth name was Michael, but he later changed it to Martin (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). His parent’s names were Alberta and Martin Luther King, Sr. Alberta was a homemaker and Martin Sr. was a minister (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). Martin Jr. also had an older sister, named Christine, and a younger brother, named Alfred Rogers 2 (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.). Young Martin grew up in Atlanta to a very loving family highly devoted to service and faith. When Martin was young, he first encountered racism when his friends’ mother (who was white) did not allow him to play with her white son (Darby 8). Martin was too young to understand completely the meaning of why he was not allowed but the message he was simple, blacks were different from whites (Darby 9). Martin’s knowledge was known at a young age. He began reading at a very early age; his favorite books were about black history and the people who made it (Darby 13). He went to school at local segregated schools in Atlanta. He went to school when he was only five years old, but at the time it was only legal for kids to start school at the age of six. After officials found this out, he was forced to wait another year and start again. Martin attended Young Street Elementary and David Elementary Schools. When Martin was a junior in high school he was taking college exams that showed how advanced he was (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). He was able to go to college at the age of fifteen, skipping two years of high school. Martin attended Morehouse College, an all boy’s school and one of the finest black colleges in the country at the time. He studied sociology and received his bachelor’s degree Morehouse in 1948 (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). At the time Martin was thinking about becoming a minister. His father being a key role model on his decision to become a minister, he described his decision as an â€Å"inner urge,† calling him to â€Å"serve God and humanity (Carson 501). He was ordained during his final semester at Morehouse (Carson 502). At this time and point in his life, this is also where Martin began to precede his first steps towards his political spotlight. After departing Morehouse, King increased his understanding of liberal Christian thoughts while attending Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania from 1948 to 1951 (Carson 502). King had interest in Reinhold Niebuhr neorthodoxy which emphasized the impact of social evil. Martin added he didn’t begin a quest or method to eliminate social evil until he attended Crozer (Darby 20). Even as he continued to question and modify his own religious belief, he was performing outstandingly and graduated at the top of his class (Carson 502). He won the Plafker Award for the most outstanding student and received the J. Luis Crozer fellowship to study at any university of his choice (Darby 21). His parents gave him and hug and bought him a brand new Chevy. After graduating from Crozer, King began his doctoral studies in systematic theology at Boston University in School of Theology (Carson 502). The paper King had written during his time at Boston University had showed little originality but much plagiarism but had also formulated a decent perspective (Carson 502). By the time King had completed his doctoral studies in 1955, King had a strong view upon a wide range of theological and philosophical texts to express his views with precise information (Carson 502). His new and increased theological insights became known as he expanded his preaching activities at local Boston churches where he had assisted his father at masses. Also during King’s stay in Boston, he had met Coretta Scott, an Alabama born Antioch graduate who was then a student at the New England Conservatory of Music (Carson 502). On June 18, 1953, the students were married in Marion, Alabama, where Coretta’s family lived (Carson 502). During the following academic year, King began work on his dissertation which he completed during the spring of 1955. Thus finishing his dissertation, he was awarded a doctorate (Ph.D.) I theology and became Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Darby 23). Although he had thought about pursing an academic career, King decided to accept an offer to become the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama (Carson 502). In 1955, King was selected by the Montgomery Improvement Association to protest the arrest of NAACP official Rosa Parks for refusing to give her bus seat up to a white man (Carson 502). With King as their leader, the association led a year long boycott. King gained his leadership abilities through his religious background to gradually form a strategy that involved black churches to gain white support (Carson 502). Many of King’s beliefs were also mixed with the concepts on Indian pacifist leader Mohandas Gandhi to enforce non-violence during his protests. During King’s speech at a local segregated black church, he had gathered four thousand people to hear the story of Rosa Parks (Darby 34). After Martin’s speech, people cheered and stomped their feet as their reaction. The Civil Rights Movement had begun with King as their leader (Darby 35). King had led the MIA’s plan to the use of blacks not using buses until they were legal to have the right to sit anywhere they would please. During the time when blacks did not ride buses, Martin would preach too many to â€Å"not boast or brag,† and if struck, â€Å"do not strike back† (Darby 43). One evening Martin was pulled over by an officer on his way home, he said he was speeding (Darby 29). The officer had told Martin that he was to be taken to the Montgomery Police, but the way he was taking him was a way through Klansman land. Klansman land was where many African Americans were taken, beaten, and hung without anybody knowing (Darby 40). Martin was very scared but soon relieved after seeing the sign: Montgomery Jail ahead (Darby 40). King was soon released from jail too good news; Alabama had passed the new desegregation law, this meant victory for the blacks and the beginning of change for both races (Darby 42). With the victory, Martin cautioned black people to accept their victory with dignity and to resist violence. When King had time away from his social life, he liked spending time with his three kids. Spending time with his kids had made him stronger and more ready mentally for what was to come (Darby 61). King’s campaign to end segregation at lunch counters and in hiring practices drew nationwide attention when police turned dogs and five horses onto demonstrators (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). King was jailed with hundreds of supporters, many of them being schoolchildren (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). After being released from prison, Martin and other Civil Rights Leaders began organizing the historic march in Washington D.C. A mix of races of about 200,000 gathered peacefully at the Lincoln Memorial to demand equal justice for all citizens (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). Here crowds were  intrigued by King’s uplifting â€Å"I have a Dream† speech (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). His speech emphasized his faith that all men, someday, would be brothers (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). His speech encouraged national opinion that resulted in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). The act enforced desegregation of public accommodation and outlawing discrimination in public owned facilities (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). The eventful year awarded King the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo in December. Opposition hit within the Civil Rights movement during March of 1965 at a demonstration in Selma, Alabama. The opposition was aimed at giving blacks federal voting rights that would provide legal support for the African Americans in the south (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). King organized the initial march from Selma to the state capital in Montgomery but did not lead it himself. The marchers were turned back with tear gas and night sticks. Determined for a second march, King set out with fifteen hundred marchers, black and white until the group came to a barrage of state troopers. Instead of forcing a confrontation, he led his followers to kneel and pray then unexpectedly turn back (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). The country was amazed by there actions resulting in the passage of Voting Rights of 1965 (â€Å"Martin Luther King Jr.†). In 1957, he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization formed to provide new leadership for the civil rights movement (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). His ideas were based from Gandhi in the organization. In a period from 1957-1968, King traveled our six million miles and spoke over twenty five hundred times (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). He was arrested at least twenty times (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). He was assaulted at least four times (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). He was awarded five honorary degrees; was named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963 (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). His strategy of encouraging nonviolent protest and interracial cooperation enabled him to fight against the Southern system (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). King’s inspirational leadership and his speeches helped to evaluate a local bus protest into a historical event (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). He was not only the symbolic leader of African Americans but also a world figure. He was the youngest man ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize (thirty five years of age). He also turned down the prize money of $54, 123 and it would go to the civil rights movement. He delivered his famous speech of â€Å"I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,† April 3, 1968 (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). This had been King’s last speech. At 6:01 p.m. of April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tennessee, where he lead a protest for striking sanitation workers, he was assassinated (â€Å"King, Martin Luther, Jr.†). Martin was a man, he was not God. His charismatic and powerful way of speaking had changed American lives until present day. He was a man of vision and determination. He was often overworked and overtired, but this had never stopped him of dreaming what could be.

Anthropogenic Factors Leading To Climate Change Environmental Sciences Essay

Anthropogenic Factors Leading To Climate Change Environmental Sciences Essay There is great uncertainty surrounding the science of global warming and climate change. The Earths history is full of abrupt climate changes [1]. The Intergovernmental panel on climate change at the Kyoto protocol determined in 2007 that most of the observed increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations [2]. Furthermore, based on the assumption that significant anthropogenic warming has taken place over the past 50 years over each continent except Antartica, it has been concluded that anthropogenic climate change is having a significant impact on physical and bilogical systems globally [3]. Climate change is occuring on all continents and in most oceans. Changes in the natural system since 1970 have been occuring where temperature increase has taken place. These changes cannot be explained by natural climate variations alone. This implies that climate change is primarily attributable to anthropogenic factors. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) conclude that the earth is warming and that humans are probably the cause. Technologies to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and strategies for carbon sequestraion have been found to be essential as species extinction has been found to be related to climate warming [4]. German Biologist Josef Reichholf contradicts the conclusions of the IPCC stating that there have been much faster climate changes in the past and that these did not automatically lead to a global extinction of species [5]. However the IPCC found that climate change is primarily based on anthropogenic factors but with the help of technologies, the effects could be minimized. This essay will focus on four aspects of anthropogenic factors believed to be contributing to climate change. These will explore factors such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. Some of the natural factors which may cause climate change will be described, such as the effects of volcanoes. Introduction: Climate change has become one of the major global issues of our times. The Earths climate is changing rapidly, due to a rise in the average temperature of the global which has a subsequent impact on a variety of geographical factors. These include rising sea levels, melting of polar ice caps, flooding of land, hotter days and colder nights, and heat waves. All these phenomena bear a threat to the Earth, its ecosystems and its inhabitants, most importantly the human race. Problems such as global food shortages, natural disasters and health risks are on the rise posing severe threat to millions of lives. The risk of floods, hurricanes and heavy rains leaves major chunks of population living in potential danger of becoming homeless at any time. Changing weathers render portions of land arid and foodless, creating food security threats. A growing population only aggravates the problem. The impact of climate change is thus extremely hazardous, and it becomes important to ide ntify the root of this problem. Climate change is a direct product of global warming. As heat from the sun reaches the Earth, some of it is absorbed by the surface and the atmosphere, and the rest is reflected back into space. However, due to global warming, more and more of this heat is being trapped into the Earths atmosphere, resulting in high temperatures. The Earths surface has warmed by more than 0.8 degree Celsius in the past century and almost by 0.6 degree Celsius in the 1970s-2000s [5]. Causes: The rise in temperature is attributable mainly to human activities which are termed anthropogenic factors. Global warming has increased over the years due to human activities of burning of fossil fuels which release harmful gases, deforestation and emission of chemicals. Other concerns are the use of gases such as Chlorofluorocarbons in refrigerators and aerosol sprays and the means of transport. Most of this damage has occurred after to the heavy industrialization over the past three centuries, from 1750 the time of industrial revolution. The impact was scientifically proven and presented by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) in a series of reports. In 2007, the IPCC published its last assessment on the subject in which it asserted that human factors have in fact contributed widely to the resultant climate change. It is very likely that human factors are responsible for sea level rise, changing wind patterns, risk of heat waves and droughts. In fact, had it not been for the anthropogenic factors, the solar waves and volcanoes would more likely have cooled the Earth rather than warming.[6] The IPCC incorporates into its findings the concept of radiative forcing, a term which empirically measures the impact of each factor on the climate change. Radiative forcing is defined as How the energy balance of the Earth-atmosphere system is influenced when factors that affect climate are altered. The word radiative arises because these factors change the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation within the Earths atmosphere. This radiative balance controls the Earths surface temperature. The term forcing is used to indicate that Earths radiative balance is being pushed away from its normal state.[7] Thus, if a factor has a positive forcing, it means that it is contributing to an increase in overall temperature. Typically, carbon dioxide has a forcing measure of more than 1.5 watts per square meter, which is the largest forcing caused over this period. GHGs:Greenhouses gases have increased by about 70% ever since 1750, bearing direct relation with the problem of global warming.[8] These include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide. The emission of carbon dioxide gas has contributed 80% to the heating up of the Earths atmosphere.[9] Carbon dioxide is produced due to the burning of fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal. Humans burn fuel for cooking, for deforestation, for protection from the cold. The industrialization has led to the use of fossil fuel in industries, for running of machines, and in cars. In fact, the burning of fossil fuel contributes towards 80-85% of the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Methane is another gas being emitted in the process which all have served to increase the greenhouse effect. Methane is produced from the cultivation of rice, from the burning of coal and from cattle, It has increased by 145% due to human activity. These gases increase the concentration of particles in the atmosphere, which prevents heat from the sun to reflect back into the space. As a result, most of the incoming radiation becomes trapped in the atmosphere, heating up the Earths surface. Deforestation: Deforestation is another issue created by the needs of fossil fuel, agricultural land, food and space. In most developing countries, the basic need for fuel is satisfied by forest wood. Hence, forests are being burnt down by rural families on a daily basis. In addition, as agricultural land becomes less and less for the needs of growing population, people extend their space by clearing up the forests. However, the land beneath forests tends to be unproductive and devoid of natural chemicals of fertile lands. It serves as source of food for a few years, after which it becomes unfertile and useless, its nutrients get depleted, and exposure to heavy winds leave it deserted. Forest removal results in various problems such as destruction of natural ecosystems, wildlife extinction and aggravation of floods and natural hazards [10]. Forest removal not only contributes to warming due to increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, but also, it decreases the evapotranspiration efficiency, and decrease roughness of earth surface. Both of these factors contribute to warming of the Earth. Climate change as a natural phenomenon: There is another school of thought which repudiates the claims made by IPCC regarding the climate change. According to this school, anthropogenic factors cannot be held responsible for the overall climate change, which is infect a natural phenomenon. Kininmonth in his book Climate Change: A Natural Hazard provides an alternative explanation for climate change by saying that the IPCC in its global warming model ignores the regional variation in Earths climate. Earth is a sphere, and radiation from sun is absorbed differently by different portions. The tropics absorb more incoming heat, whereas outgoing radiation is far greater than incoming radiation at the poles. Hence, the Earth is not heating up as a whole due to the effect of radiation. Moreover, circulations of the ocean current and atmosphere help distribute this energy through Earth, leaving tropics cooler as well. The excess heat in the tropics is also absorbed by the enormous ocean laye r of the tropical oceans which serve as an energy reservoir. Therefore, the resulting climate change is not caused by the anthropogenic factors, rather it is a natural variation which Earths atmosphere is prone to. Kininmonth has argued that it is a flaw in the computer models of research that has led us to blame human activities as the causal factor.[11] Similarly, it is also asserted that deforestation actually leads to both negative and postive radiative forcing. If forests are replaced by grassland, it has a cooling effect which counters the heating effect discussed earlier. Thus, deforestation may or may not be a negative concern.[12] It has also been a finding that volcanic eruptions may be a natural factor contributing to climate change. Research models developed at the Max Planck Institute of Technology showed that while volcanoes have a cooling effect on global troposphere, they may lead to a clear winter warming pattern of surface air temperature over Northern Hemisphere continents.[13] Implications and Solutions: Yet, despite the debate on the real cause of climate change, it is evident that the change is in fact occurring and the threats it poses are very real. They have strong implications, and the future may be very tumultuous for many regions of the Earth.These particularly leave developing countries vulnerable to the problems of agriculture and population growth [14]. In order to cope, it is necessary to adapt ourselves to the situation. This does not only require measures to prevent global warming, such as banning CFCs but also to become less vulnerable to its impacts by eliminating factors that aggravate the situations. Some of such measures proposed include improving agricultural management, development of efficient irrigation systems, access to sanitation and health facilities for everyone, and development of buffer systems against floods and rising sea levels. Preventive measures include development of greener technology, environment-friendly means of tra nsportation and technology for efficient utilization and redistribution of energy [15]. Conclusion: In order to mitigate and solve the problems of global warming, it is essential to identify the realistic measures that can be taken. Given the current state and rate of industrialization in our globe, it ibis very difficult to curb the production of greenhouse gases and the process of deforestation. Population growth is another factor which needs to be plugged into the overall equation of sustainable growth. In addition, and more importantly, we should identify exactly where the problem lies, and if in fact some other factor aside of anthropogenic factors is responsible for climate change. Further research needs to be carried out to understand the natural causes of climate change, as promoted by the second school of thought. References: [1] Carey, J. Shapiro, S. (2004) Global Warming Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_33/b3896001_mz001.htm. [2] Aldy, J.E. and Stabins, R.N. (2008) Climate Policy Architectures for the Post Kyoto World, 50, 7-17. [3] Rosenzweig et al (2008) Attributing physical and biological impacts to anthropogenic climate change, Nature 453, 353-357 http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v453/n7193/full/nature06937.html. [4] Thomas C. D. et al (2004) Extinction risk from climate change, Nature 427, 145-148 http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v427/n6970/abs/nature02121.html. [5] Stampf, O. and Traufetter, G. (2007) German Biologist: Global Warming Is Good ForUS. http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/may2007/090507germanbiologist.htm. [5] Campbell-Lendrum D. et al. (2007) Global Climate Change: Implication For International Public Health Policy. Bulletin of the World Health Organization (BLT) [6] Pachauri, R.K. and Reisinger, A. (2007) Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report: Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Geneva, Switzerland: IPCC, 104. [7] How do Human Activities Contribute to Climate Change and H ow do They Compare with Natural Influences? (2007) http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/pd/climate/factsheets/howhuman.pdf [8] Meyer, M. D. (2010) Greenhouse Gas and Climate Change Assessment. Journal of the American Planning Association 76, 402-412. [9] Hamburg S. P. et al. (1997) Common Questions about Climate Change. United Nations Environment Program- World Metereological Organization. [10] Boyd D. The race to save   the worlds forests.http://www.fanweb.org/patrick-moore/dboyd.html [11] Kininmonth, William. (2004) Climate Change: A Natural Hazard. Multi-Science Publishing Co. Ltd. [12] Edouard, D. L.(2010) Climatic Impact of Global-Scale Deforestation: Radiative versus Nonradiative Processes. Journal of Climate 23, 97-112. [13] Wolfe J. Volcanoes and Climate Change. http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Volcano/ [14] Mintzer, Irving M. (1993) Confronting climate change: risks, implications, and responses. Victoria, Australia: Press Syndicate of the University of Cambridge. [15] Hardy, J. T. (2003) Climate Change: Effects, Causes and Solutions. John Wiley Sons Ltd.

Study Of Philosophical Assumption Analysis

Study Of Philosophical Assumption Analysis This chapter depicts reflexivity the way of carrying research and figuring results -, and addresses philosophical reflexivity, methodological reflexivity, and disciplinary reflexivity (Hardy, 2001; Holland, 1999). Reflexivity particularly illustrates the philosophical assumptions, and the executive steps toward the objectives. Thereby, the chapter discusses how the tentative model is refined according qualitative evidences and validated by quantitative supports (Bryman Bell, 2007, p. 648; Churchill, 1979; Eisenhardt, 1989; Jick, 1979). Figure below briefly illustrates this chapter content. This section addresses the ontological and epistemological philosophy behind the study. It is necessary to crystallize the philosophical assumptions as the foundation of academic research, which is required to choose applicable methods (Annells, 1996). Given paradigm question, research topic associates with a particular meaning in specific circumstances (Goulding, 2002, p. 36). CEM resembles a complex management approach based on marketing philosophy that utilizes some components such as dealing with brand, interface, employee, and relationship to delight customers. Schembri (2006) assume realism to construct the meaning of services experience in ontological perspective. In this ontological position, understanding the customers service experience needs to reflect the customer as the subject that is conjoined with services as the object (Schembri, 2006). Likewise, services experience must be regarded holistically rather than only as performance, process, or outcome. Prahalad and Ramaswamy (2000; 2004) similarly believe all sources of experience are objects that confirm realism in ontology. On contrary, the earlier implicit underlying assumptions indicate a rationalistic philosophy (Vargo Lusch, 2004). Identification of customer desires in a rationalistic logic keeps us away from a holistic understanding of the customers experiential meaning (Schembri, 2006). Schembri (2006) argued the rationalistic assumptions are limiting the advance of marketing theory since experience ontologically is a relation between customer and world. Given epistemology, understanding of human nature in social worlds is acquired by conducting research to capture and interpret the complex ever changing social world. Here, the research methods are applied to interpret social world in terms of meaningful model. Epistemology in connection with the research objectives leads study to get realistic but interpretive understanding about the management role in orchestrating customer experience regarding internal process and proper response. It means subjective factors (experiential modules) should be concerned in epistemological reflexivity (Hirschman Holbrook, 1982). It thus intensifies the subjectivism in epistemology. Generally, there are three schools of thought based upon different combinations of epistemological and ontological assumptions (Alvesson Deetz, 2000; pp. 60-74; Johnson Duberley, 2003): Neo-empiricism (Thesis) (Epistemic: Objectivism Ontological: Realism) Critical theory (Synthesis) (Epistemic: Subjectivism Ontological: Realism) Postmodernism (Antithesis) (Epistemic: Subjectivism Ontological: Subjectivism) Epistemological subjectivists are researchers who assume it is not possible to observe the behavior of social phenomena neutrally without subjective interpretation of perception (Economic Social Research Council, 2008). Realism is about the ontological status of the phenomena that assumed to constitute social reality (Economic Social Research Council, 2008). In the qualitative study, we assume realistic postulation about the ontological status to constitute social reality that they exist independently of our perceptual or cognitive structures (Goulding, 2002, p. 13). Simply, we might not already know all aspects of the phenomenon but we know this reality exists and it can be discovered. Critical theory thus can be the best nominee to be a philosophical underpinning. Critical management study depends on researcher because of subjectivism in epistemology. However, similar to neo-empiricism view in ontology, there is a chance of unbiased and objective data collection and analysis (Alv esson Deetz, 2000), since social construction lead us to the reality (Myers, 1997, p. 241). Interpretive epistemology (Subjectivism) is a phenomenological, hermeneutic approach to reveal meaningful structure by stepping in social phenomenon within the context (Boland Day, 1989). However, it requires observation in natural setting to gain apt understanding (Anderson, 1986; Neuman 1997, p. 68). In addition, interpretive epistemology underlined following issues: Revealing the complexity by gaining in-depth understanding around the phenomenon Reflecting the reality based on close participation and high sensitivity to all elements Capturing the subjective experience of each individual Addressing the subjectivity by, for example, openness to alternative explanation Interpretive methods are utilized for exploring and explaining since (Desphande, 1983): Previous research may not obtain complete understanding The positivist approach is not proper to cover CEM as a new multi-facets discipline Lack of understanding necessitates the research of a phenomenological nature Quantitative approach is not appropriate since cannot figure out inclusive picture CEM is composed of a series of multiple realities that entirely should be taken into account In the quantitative phase, testing the model is necessary as far as it is a comparison between reality and the recommended model. Data is rendered as an objective external reality to come up with truth and therefore, it might be perceived as positivism (Charmaz, 2000). Positivism is based on three facts: logicality (mathematical facts; Smith, 1983), objectivity, detached manner (Burrell Morgan, 1979, p. 21). Epistemology relies on searching regularities and casual relationship between constituent elements of research to test theory and increase prediction power (Neuman, 1997, p. 63). It is also necessary to turn the phenomenon into generalized measurable fact (McGrath. 2008). This approach is acceptable only in case of success. That means, if we fail to verify the model, it is not appropriate and needs to revise (Hindess, 1977, p. 18). Therefore, epistemology can be interpretive in qualitative phase and positivism in quantitative stage (Yin, 1994). Methodological Consideration Nancy and Bradley (1999) hinted theory building begins with a general research question in stage one and ends with a theory and hypotheses that will be tested in more controlled studies in the future. Regarding philosophical assumption, hybrid methodology can be proper for the model building and given objectives. It is appropriate since it simultaneously concentrates on theory building and theory verification. Next section broadly brings some evidences to support this decision. Why Hybrid Methodology Academicians portray CEM as an imperative approach for modern marketing, which leads to business success. Despite the importance, the concept has begun to flourish without any discipline (Bitner et al., 2008; Holbrook, 2007; Verhoef et al., 2009) because of insufficient formal academic investigations, lack of empirical direction and theoretical foundations (Caru Cova 2003; Gentile et al., 2007; Poulsson Kale, 2004; Pullman Gross, 2004). Besides, CEM has a complex setting due to impacts of many different factors. In such complex and undeveloped subject, Nachmias and Nachmias (1981) noted multiple data collection techniques are preferable to reliance on only one. Morgan (1998) declared, Using either qualitative or quantitative methods in isolation can easily lead to mistaken conclusion. That means the combination of inductive and deductive methods is necessary to enhance the confidence in the results (Eisenhardt, 1989; Jick, 1979). The variety of qualitative methods, in addition to quantities study, reasonably helps to figure out research objectives in more natural setting with comprehensive depiction (Furlong, Lovelace, Lovelace, 2000, pp. 543-544). Eisenhardt (1989) posed, grand theory requires multiple studies an accumulation of both theory building and theory testing. Moreover, new categories (not initially anticipated) can arise because of creative potential of mixed method (Eisenhardt, 1989). This methodological approach refers to hybrid methodology that suggests combining qualitative and quantitative methods in logical order or combination. We benefit the potency of one method to improve the fulfillment of the next method (Morgan, 199 8). There are some others motivations for using multiple methods (Jick, 1979): To help to uncover the deviant dimension of a phenomenon To facilitate refashioning theory and model by looking to different viewpoints To enrich explanation of the research problem To ease a synthesis and integration of theories To serve as the critical test, by virtue of its comprehensiveness, for competing theories Given convolution of subject matter, it seems hybrid methodology is much more practical than other approaches to build a novel construct and figure out comprehensible model. Likewise, successful studies with similar approach in the context of study (e.g. Pullman Gross, 2004; Brakus et al., 2009) or in other discipline (e.g. Liao, Murphy Welsch, 2005; Wilson Vlosky, 1997) can be references for reasonableness of adopted methodology. Combing the different dataset can be also synergistic (Pandit, 1996). Eisenhardt (1989) asserted, When a pattern from one data source is corroborated by the evidence from another, the finding is stronger and better grounded. The use of multiple data enhances construct validity (Pandit, 1996), when the results are validated on the same question by multiple methods (Carson, Gilmore, Perry, Gronhaug, 2001, p. 69; Morgan, 1998). Developing the Construct The importance of construct development as the key part of theoretical explanation is underlined in marketing literature (Churchill, 1979; Diamantopoulos Winklhofer, 2001; Jarvis, Mackenzie, Podsakoff, 2003; Peter, 1981). There is emphasis on introducing precise and measurable constructs as a basis for strong theory, which is facilitated by a prior pattern in the opening step (Eisenhardt, 1989). Thus, to discover CEM construct, we initially mull over several theoretical and practical evidences earlier than qualitative investigation to crystallize a former tentative construct. Developing construct can be reflective, formative or both (Jarvis et al., 2003). In reflective model, measures should be correlated, while dropping an indicator from measurement model does not change the whole construct (Jarvis et al., 2003). In contrast, in formative model, the direction of causality is from measure to construct (Jarvis et al., 2003). Developing multidimensional construct for CEM involves two levels; first order is reflective and second order is formative (Type III in Jarvis et al.s study). CEM is assumed reflective construct consists of reflective components, namely brand experience and interface experience, which are composed of multiple formative indicators. Research Setting Research Population Current study focuses on private service sector. There are three main reasons behind this resolution. In the first place, scholars put extra emphasis on practicality of CEM in service context (see Error: Reference source not found). Secondly, there is tremendous flourish in service industry in Malaysia especially in private sector while it has significant contribution in economy (see Error: Reference source not found). Finally, service sector in Asia have faced lot of difficulties during these years, particularly in dealing with increasing expectation, changing lifestyle, tide competition, and commoditization issues (Lovelock et al., 2002). On the other hand, service sector furnishes us with apposite data to analyze and draw a conclusion; since, customer experience is more meaningful in service context due to following reasons. First, service experience includes more interactions and accordingly provides more opportunities for customers to experience and become engaged. Second, service experience is more flexible than goods experience because of high customer involvement; hence, the brand experience can be more likely to remember. Third, the numerous touchpoints enrich experience in service context. Fourth, experience is more likely to differentiate the service offering. Finally, in service, co-creating experience, social and relational experience, and personalized experience are more achievable than goods experience. These evidences enrich the result of investigation and subsequently enhance the comprehensiveness. Unit of Analysis Unit of analysis usually refers to the level of aggregation of the data during conducting analysis. In the present study, organization level as the lowest independent level is chosen as unit of analysis. Although, experience is investigated in individual level, CEM is practiced by organization, derived by organizational capabilities, and it enhances organization outcomes. This option in line with Kenny (2003) has two characteristic: appropriate level of analysis and independence. The unit of analysis also keeps results away from officious impacts such as compositional effects (Kenny Judd, 1986). Hybrid Research Design (mixed methods strategy) The initial step of research design is the division of labor to integrate the complementary strengths of methods (Creswell, 2003, p. 211), which is accomplished via two primary choices (Morgan, 1998): Priority: which method is a principal method and which is a complementary one Sequence: whether the complementary method precedes or follows the principal method In hybrid methodology, prioritizing and sequencing of qualitative and quantitative methods are crucial to conduct a successful research (Morgan, 1998; Tashakkori Teddlie, 2008, p. 161). By combining these two, four options are yield: (1) Preliminary qualitative methods in quantities study, (2) Preliminary quantitative methods in qualitative study, (3) Follow-up qualitative methods in quantitative study, and (4) Follow-up quantitative methods in qualitative study. The Priority Decision Morgan (1998) illuminated The first research-design decision determines the extent to which either the qualitative or the quantitative method will be the principal tool for gathering the projects data. Conducting research leads to the high range of difficulty by exploiting both quantitative and qualitative methods with same weight or in same time (Morgan, 1998). In traditional triangulation, the results gained from the two methods because of complicated linkage and no effective instruments may be either incommensurate or absolute conflicting (Morgan, 1998). Therefore, the more practical approach is to assign one of the methods as the principal tool and then to allocate the second one as the complementary to effectively assists the principal one (Morgan, 1998; Tashakkori Teddlie, 2008, p. 161). This division of labor is more realistic and convenient. The Sequence Decision Morgan (1998) stated, The more practical strategy is to use the two methods in sequence so that what is learned from one adds to what is learned from the other. That means which method based on its strengths, or probable results should be used first (Creswell, 2003, p. 212). This approach optimizes the effectiveness of the principal method (Morgan, 1998; Tashakkori Teddlie, 2008, p. 164). Hence, it is valid to use preliminary output to improve the next method. It maximizes the worth of results, when it upgrades the next method, which uses a different data set. The Priority and Sequence in the current Research The preferable hybrid approach can be qualitative investigation that follows by quantitative study. This pattern will be implement by preliminary qualitative study provides complementary assistance in developing a larger quantitative study. Scholars recommended the exploratory research as the prior approach for the majority of descriptive studies to build a theoretical model (Churchill Iacobucci, 2002, p. 92; Creswell, 2003, p. 215; Yin, 1994, p. 138). On the word of Kotler (2006, p. 122), The objective of exploratory research is to gather preliminary information that will help define problems and suggest hypotheses. Along with the objectives, exploratory study in early stage expand understanding, provide insight, and develop hypotheses until it lets us to continue the study by testing the hypotheses and validating the construct in a deductive study (Churchill Iacobucci, 2002, p. 93). This approach is against traditional triangulation as comparison between different methods, researcher, theory, or results. Priority and sequence decision emphasizes on complementarily characteristic of each method as well as flexibility, manageability, productivity, and lack of difficulty (Morgan, 1998). The data collection begins with a qualitative method to crystallize the definition, and domain, improve the model, and develop the content of the questionnaire. The qualitative results must be treated as tentative until they are confirmed by quantitative research (Morse, 1996). The strengths of qualitative methods are utilized during exploratory study to conduct more fruitfulness quantitative research later. Further, we make use of the quantitative data to verify and expand on what is learned through the qualitative study. Then the quantitative inquiry covers a much larger sample than in-depth qualitative research to explore the generalizability, and transferability of the results ( Morgan, 1998). Why Qualitative Approach is Chosen in the First Phase? The most common design in hybrid methodology is preliminary qualitative studies plus complementary quantitative research (Morgan, 1998). Qualitative research has been arisen in response to limitations in conventional quantitative management research. Scholars recommend the qualitative study in the initial stage of research to overcome insufficient understanding around unfamiliar phenomenon (Churchill, 1991, p. 132). For example, qualitative study is recommended in service and social experience context (Otto Ritchie, 1996; Verhoef et al., 2009). Morse (1991, p. 120) also highlighted some characteristics of subject matter in qualitative research, which have close agreement with our research objectives. Regarding that, inductive method can be applied when: The concept is immature due to lack of theory or theoretical researches The available theory may be inaccurate, incorrect, inappropriate, or even biased There is need to explore and describe the phenomena or develop the theory The nature of the phenomena may not to be suited to quantitative investigation It seems qualitative approach can be the best nominee to overcome immaturity in CEM concept and generate formal theoretical understanding. Moreover, because of inconsistency in the subject matter, it will be practical to use inductive methodology to explore the phenomenon and integrate the various options into more comprehensive definition. Flexibility is another reason behind choosing preliminary qualitative approach (Churchill, 1991, p. 132), since we can take advantage of data to come up with novel themes and restructured the model (Eisenhardt, 1989). Researcher Function and Time Horizon Researcher has active role in data gathering, data coding and interpreting. In general, it is tried to be skilful in collecting and summarizing data in appropriate manner and self-critical accounts. Moreover, to have accurate data, we try to conduct research in bias-free situation and have precise estimation. In qualitative stage, the researchers role as an instrument for data collection is yielding maximum knowledge to accomplish holistic understanding in natural setting (Creswell, 2003, p. 200). Therefore, it requires direct involvement not only in analysis but also in all data collection steps. Given time horizon, the study will be conducted as cross-sectional study and data are gathered just once, over a period of three months in first phase and another three months in second phase. Qualitative Study Success of hybrid methodology highly depends on qualitative phase (Jick, 1979). Qualitative data contributes as the critical counterpoint to quantitative methods, which drawn from firsthand records to characterize the phenomenon, crystallize holistic picture of research topic and report relevant details. The upshots ameliorate the initial propositions to hypotheses (Carson et al., 2001, p. 42). According Creswell (2003, pp. 198-199), we consider following reflection in conducting qualitative research. Firstly, we more emphasize on the process, rather than outcomes. Secondly, researcher works as an instrument for data collection and analysis to reach holistic understanding. Thirdly, qualitative research needs fieldwork and direct involvement. Fourthly, we have to be descriptive with a sense of gaining deep understanding. Finally, the inductive process has to lead the research to build concept, tentative hypotheses, and model from details in realistic way. The qualitative study, based on exploratory research design, intends to investigate the phenomenon, and provide the rigorous insights (Churchill, 1991, p. 130; Yin, 1994). Churchill (1991, p. 130) recommend exploratory research to discover vague problem and discover the possibilities of conjectural statement that here is called tentative model. To build a proper foundation for quantitative study, based on Selltiz, Wrightsman, and Cook (1981, p. 21) and Yin (1994), we justify the applicability of exploratory case study (analysis of selected cases) in the initial phase of research: It is a proper way to answer research question, study contemporary event, and investigate a phenomenon prior to theory development; The concept novelty necessitates submitting some propositions before developing hypotheses; In respect of the various possible variables for CEM construct, antecedents and consequences, we require setting priorities to purpose the model; Given limitation in literature, we crucially should gain enough insight into the problem; Exploratory study helps to capture the domain and generate the right items (measurement) Our approach in qualitative research is in line with exploratory study, which is based on Experience Survey and Analysis of Selected Cases (Churchill Iacobucci, 2002, p. 95). Churchill (1991, p. 135) defined experience survey as the key informant survey, which figures out valuable insight through who has association whit a particular marketing effort. The target of this approach is coming up with relationship and overall variables picture or tentative explanation (Selltiz et al., 1981, p. 94). Analysis of selected case is an approach to explore for explanation or features that can be common with other cases (Churchill, 1991, p. 143). Thereby, we start qualitative study by choosing convenient cases, which are potentially capable to run CEM (see, 5.4.2). Then, we collect data about the construct and domain, examine the tentative model, and explore the alternative characterization via experienced interviewees. Qualitative data analysis package NVivo 8 will be used to enable effective d ata management. The qualitative study procedure is summarized in Figure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ½5 -2. Figure à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã… ½5à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Ëœ2: Qualitative Study Procedure Qualitative Research Design and Data Collection Interview can be a practical instrument; since, it results sensible inference through more controllable procedure (Yin, 1994, p. 80). Interview is also the foremost source of data collecting toward theory building (Lillis, 1999). In our case, in-depth interview with non-probability sampling is an applicable technique (Churchill, 1991, p. 135). Interview is carried out face-to-face (one-to-one conversations) in the interviewees self-setting (Denzin Lincoln, 2005, p. 661; Morgan et al., 1990). To make best use of in-depth interview, we design semi-structured questionnaire with following characteristics. According to Furlong et al. (2000, p. 536), semi-structured interview is a proper technique while we have prior idea about questions. Semi-structured questionnaire thus can extract maximum relevant information in specific time because of existing tentative pattern (Yin, 1994, p. 85). It also aids to examine the authenticity of tentative model and prior understanding about propositions. Additionally, to know what is beyond the tentative mode, some open-ended questions empower the interview to have necessary flexibility for further exploration (Furlong et al., 2000, p. 536). The significant advantageous of this method are the modification and completeness (Silverman, 2000). It also systematically saves time and offers specific elaboration in text production and analysis. The standard theme of interview is adopted from Kohli and Jaworski (1990). After a brief description, interviews start open-ended and finalize with more relevant probe questions (Dick, 2005). Thus, there are two kinds of questions. First, the opening questions investigate whether the concept elements are significant and to what extent they are meaningful and practical (Sekaran, 2006, p. 236). Then, interview follows by semi-structured questions to examine, and validate the propositions in details. The respondents are also asked to tell their own stories and experiences (Yin, 1994, p. 84). This kind of information associates with informants experience (Dick, 2005) and leads to find out memories, meanings, and interpretations might be hard to discover in other ways (Carson et al., 2001, p. 73). It is also predictable that after or before some questions a brief explanation is necessary to clarify the intention of questions (Kohli Jaworski, 1990). Interviews are conducted separately and they last 60-120 minutes. The Interview Protocol Appendix 4 is set up to have a systematic procedure. Due to get access to useful information, it is essential to render the right image and convince interviewees the study is non-threatening. This issue can be handled by give the overall summary of the research procedures and objectives in order to minimize the risk of defensive or self-conscious behavior (Waddington, 1994). Additionally, offering some motivations can be practical to encourage respondents for more commitment and collaboration. We consider providing a short report to the participating firms as prospective motivation. It supposes to let them to benchmark themselves within the industry. Keeping with ethical issues, we utilize direct approach and disclose the purpose of study. Choosing Appropriate Cases in Qualitative Stage In private service, consumer banking is nominated as the sample frame for qualitative study. In the retailing of financial services, customer behavior is characterized by full range of possible experience, which leads to achieve results that are more comprehensive. The focus on personal banking is also reasonable to analyze because of various possible interactions and accordingly various meaningful experiences. Moreover, specific characteristics of consumer banking and Malaysian banking perspective are likely to generate more holistic result (see, Error: Reference source not found). The study is set along with a similar research in financial service (e.g. OLoughlin Szmiginthe, 2005) with multiple cases (Yin, 1994, p. 45). It is based on conducting a series of interviews with key informants in banking (Gummesson, 2000, p. 179). Non-probability sampling is preferable, because it is convenient to meet sampling goals. The samples are chosen through purposive and snowball sampling (selective sampling; Patton, 1990; Sandelowski, Holditch-Davis, Harris, 1992, p. 279) as one kind of theoretical sampling (Eisenhardt, 1989). Purposive sampling is nominated for choosing banks (Sekaran, 2006, p. 277; Denzin Lincoln, 2005, p. 378) and snowball sampling for finding branch managers as representatives of the banking (Oloughin Szmigin, 2005). This approach intensifies the diversity of sampling to find different properties (Charles, 1994, p. 99; Dick, 2005). At least three or four sets of data are essential to come across the concept (Martin Turner, 1986). Accordingly, we plan to conduct 12 interviews in six data sets. Five of these sets are part of initial data collection attempt and the sixth one for cross-validation. This is in line with Perry (1998) and Eisenhardt (1989) who respectively suggested four to fifteen and four to ten cases for interview. We project theoretical saturation by five data sets, albeit the openness to increase cases. If there is any contrast between two respondents in a data set, we add another interview session to enhance validity. We nominate five local banks from Bank Negara list as our sampling frame (see, Appendix 6) as well as one foreigner bank for cross-validation. According a study by Goh in 2005, Maybank is the largest commercial bank in Malaysia in terms of asset, net profit, shareholder equity, and number of employees while CIMB holds the second place. Public Bank is the second rank in terms of profit and shareholder equity. RHB bank and Hong Leong Bank also have notable asset as well as considerable development in customer management. Additionally, HSBC is the largest foreigner bank regarding asset, profit, shareholder equity, and number of employee (Goh, 2005). In light of these information Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB Bank, and Hong Leong Bank are chosen as the first set of data source and HSBC is selected for cross validation. HSBC is leading banks in CEM; thus, verifying the qualitative result with HSBC would be reasonable decision (Lee, 2008; Wing, 2008). The interviews will be conducted with the managers of major branches, since they have close interaction with customers, they have extensive familiarity with consumer banking, and they are well updated with bank marketing strategy regarding consumer banking  [i]  . In this case, snowball technique is utilized to facilitate sampling. The technique suggests the initial respondents recommend other potential interviewees who can contribute to the study (Bryman Bell, 2007, p. 200). Recommending conversant is applicable in financial services (Oloughin Szmigin, 2005). However, to refine the process, a purposive approach prioritizes the recommendations (Schmidt Little, 2007). Subsequently, by saturation we move to sorting and coding in the clearest way. Data Capturing, and Coding in Qualitative Stage During qualitative research, we anticipate mass of detailed material. Ensuring about the capturing and recording relevant data would allow us for easy retrieval in analysis. Miles and Huberman (1984) expressed initial coding is compulsory to linking data and weave a story. In order to have systematic coding, some tools from Grounded Theory are utilized. In spite of GT, we do not begin with field data and allow the theory to emerge from the data; instead, we begin with tentative model from previous studies. That means core category does not emerge from data set. The role of literature review is also unlike GT, especially in developing categories. Instead, we follow preferable method by Miles and Huberman (1994) to set provisional codes, namely start list, which is based on the tentative model. To reduce the risk of observer bias, initial data capturing is fulfilled by field remarks throug

Bushs Inauguration Essay examples -- essays research papers

In his first speech as the nation's chief executive, President Bush delivered a stunning address capable of reuniting a nation bitterly divided, many say. A plethora of flags hanging behind the U.S. Capitol stage, Bush spoke to a crowd of thousands after being sworn in to office Saturday. And it was a speech lined with obvious passion and a call for all Americans to unite, especially since the Florida ballot melee has left a sour taste in the mouth of much of America. "I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity," he told a crowd so Republican that it heavily booed both President Clinton and Vice President Gore when the pair were introduced before the swearing-in ceremony began. "We are confident in principles that unite and lead us onward. America has never been united by blood or birth or soil. We are bound by ideals that move us beyond our backgrounds; riches above our interests and teaches what it means to be citizens." During his two-year long campaign, Bush several times claimed to be a "uniter, not a divider." Now, with ceremonies over and the world's most premiere job already in his control, the ultimate test begins. And many legislators, Republicans and Democrats alike, say the former Texas governor is up to the challenge. "The speech really had a good tone, I thought," U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint, said Saturday night at the Michigan State Society Ball. "It sound as if he wants to reach out and solve this nation's problems." Meanwhile, members of the GOP couldn't agree more, saying it's time to put aside the bitter partisanship that some say has occupied the capital city -- and the nation -- for much too long. "He has a great record in Texas," U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-St. Joseph, said before exiting a party breakfast early Saturday morning. "He got started out on the right foot there. But Bush will have to work "very hard" to unite Americans now, Upton said. And while the congressman insists he's optimistic both parties will rally behind the nation's 43rd president, "the proof will be in the pudding," Upton said. Rusty Hills, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, said Bush clearly has the ability to accomplish great things while working in Washington. "The man has come in there and said, 'I am going to do something.' And h... ...ands of people packed the Mall between the Washington Monument and the Capitol to hear the speech, only to be standing on increasingly muddy turf. But it didn't seem to matter, as this capital district was clearly no less patriotic. Very little seemed to dampen the spirit of the nation's first 21st century inauguration. Most those attending the speech arrived early -- standing in a sea of people-congestion for more than two hours just to get a glimpse of the U.S. Capitol. As for seeing the president take the 35-word oath of office, those in standing-room only sections had no chance without binoculars. Yet many sported smiles throughout the entire address, despite weather or poor view. Meanwhile, Bush uttered words seemingly aimed at proving to the country and the large crowd in attendance for his speech that he's willing to work for all Americans -- and not just pick and choose who thrives. "We have a long way yet to travel, and the ambitions of some Americans are limited by failing schools and hidden prejudices and circumstances of their birth," Bush told the crowd. Just paragraphs later, he boldly insisted that "no insignificant person is ever born."