Saturday, August 31, 2019

Ground Rules Essay

â€Å"Ground Rules are boundaries, rules and conditions within which learners can safely work and learns†. (Gravells A, 2010). This above definition explains that all learners require boundaries and rules within which to work. These must be made very clear and early on in the course; these terms could be set by organisation and/or produced by the tutor himself. In fact setting ground rules will help everyone know their limits. Learners like routine and will expect tutor to be organised and professional. â€Å"Ground rules articulate a set of expected behaviours for classroom conduct. They can be set by the instructor or created by the students themselves (some people believe that students adhere more to ground rules they have played a role in creating)†. (Carnegie Mellon, 2005). These rules must be shaped as soon as possible to help maintain order, underpin behaviour and promote respect. They should lead to a set of guidelines regarding acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and set clear boundaries within which to work. If they are not set, problems may occur which could disrupt the session and lead to misunderstandings. The instructor should explain the purpose to ensure that discussions are spirited and passionate without descending into argumentation, to ensure that everyone is heard, to ensure that participants work together toward greater understanding rather than contribute disjointed pieces. Some instructors ask students to sign a contract based on the ground rules; others simply discuss and agree to the ground rules informally. It is important for instructors to remind students of these ground rules periodically, particularly if problems occur (for example, students cutting one another off in discussion or making inappropriate personal comments). Instructors should also be sure to hold students accountable to these rules, for example, by exacting a small penalty for infractions (this can be done in a lighthearted way, perhaps by asking students who violate the rules to contribute a quid to a class party fund), by factoring conduct during discussions into a participation grade for the course, or by pulling aside and talking to students whose conduct violates the agreed-upon rules. 2. Establish Ground Rules: Classroom management and discipline can make or break a teacher. Even the most knowledgeable teachers can struggle with maintaining an effective and orderly learning environment.   Setting ground rules and consequences early, practicing procedures and enforcing rules consistently can contribute to a teacher’s educational success. Often problems arise with students because of unclear expectations about your role as a tutor and about their role as a student and a member of the class. Establishing expectations or ground-rules at the beginning of semester can help clarify these expectations and help in maintaining a good working relationship between you and the group, individual students, and among the students themselves. 2.1 Setting up the Rules: To set ground rules for student activities a behaviour code which all the class will agree with it. This helps to create feelings of trust when beginning to address the feelings the students may have when thinking and talking about the emotive problem. Getting the students to generate the ground rules themselves can also help to establish rules that will be more likely to be kept by the group, as students will feel like tutor trusted and valued their perspectives. A set of ground rules can be a helpful tool when having to deal with difficult situations at a later date. For example, if some students are dominating discussion or behaving inappropriately, being able to refer back to the ground rules that the students themselves negotiated can be quite powerful in getting back control of the class. It’s also quite useful to review the ground rules during the semester, to get feedback from students on how they think things are going, if there are any rules that aren’t working or any rules that should be added. Some possible ways to generate a set of ground rules with the learners include the following: (1) Use pyramiding to get students thinking about their expectations and what they would like as ground rules. First, ask students to think about (and write down) what kind of expectations they would like set for the group on their own, then after a couple of minutes, they turn to their partner and share their ideas, and then each pair joins with another pair and this group of 4 shares ideas and negotiates a common set of ideas. After a few minutes (say 5 – 10 minutes), ask one member of each group to report back to the whole class and you write each idea on the board. Once a set of expectations/rules has been generated, discuss the list with the class, clarifying if needed and making changes (if appropriate). (2) Start with a short list of rules and expectations that you have created, project this on an overhead projector (OHP) or write on the board, and ask the learners to form small groups (around 4 students) and discuss the list, do they agree, is anything missing, etc? Then ask each group to feed back to whole learners their comments. This then works in a similar way to the last part of pyramiding. (3) Ground rules can also be set up by having a group discussion. It is best to have the ground rules mutually agreed so that both tutor and learner has an opportunity to put their views forward and they must be doable. Once everyone’s views are considered, a set of rules that suit everyone can be designed. Learners are more likely to be committed and adherent to these rules and less likely to be broken, since they were designed by the group itself. After ground rules are agreed, they will have to be written down and distributed to every member of the classroom, and a copy will be displayed in a visible place in the classroom, all through the length of the course. Also it has to be agreed among in the learners how the tutor will react if rules are broken. Learners have to be warned, as to what actions will be taken and disciplinary procedures made aware which will be different for each institution. This will create a safe and respectful environment in which all participants will have the opportunity to benefit from the learning experience. 3. Appropriate Examples of Ground Rules: 3.1 Examples: Each and every learner is different when it comes to behaviours and respect for others. So agreements have to be made about expected behaviour in the classroom. Ground rules are mutually agreed arrangements between the tutors and the learners, which ensure that the views and needs of all learners are valued and appreciated. It helps learning, easy in the classroom. Learners need to know what the teacher expects from them and what they can expect from the teacher during the course. They need to know where the boundaries lie and what will happen if they step over the boundaries. These rules have to be established by thinking carefully, expressing clearly and enforcing consistently. Ground rules can be set either by the tutor, or by the learner or by the tutor and learners together. Here are some examples of Ground rules: * Listen actively and attentively. * Ask for clarification if you are confused. * Do not interrupt one another. * Challenge one another, but do so respectfully. * Critics ideas, not people. * Do not offer opinions without supporting evidence. * Avoid put-downs (even humorous ones). * Take responsibility for the quality of the discussion. * Build on one another’s comments; work toward shared understanding. * Always have your book/readings in front of you. * Do not monopolize discussion. * Speak from your own experience, without generalizing. * If you are offended by anything said during discussion, acknowledge it immediately. * Consider anything that is said in class strictly confidential. * Everyone will be on time. * Respect each other’s point of view. * Listen to each other, and don’t interrupt when another person is speaking. * Don’t criticise or ‘put down’ another person. * Come prepared for each class. * Turn off mobile phones. * Behave Seriously. * No Violence. * Helps other so everybody can enjoy the lesson. 4. Setting Ground Rules to promote respect for others: Well-defined rules in the classroom can prevent many behavioural difficulties. When learners are involved in the development of the rules, they are more likely to adhere to them and understand why they have been put into place. â€Å"Ground rules are boundaries, rules, and conditions within which learners can safely work and learn. If they are followed, they should promote respect for others and ensure the sessions run smoothly†. (A.Gravells, 2008) So agreements have to be made about expected behaviour in the session. Ground rules are mutually agreed arrangements between the tutors and the learners, which ensure that the views and needs of all learners are valued and appreciated. It helps learning, easy in the session. Learners need to know what the tutor expects from them and what they can expect from the tutor during the course. They need to know where the boundaries lie and what will happen if they step over the boundaries. These rules have to be established by thinking carefully, expressing clearly and enforcing consistently. Ground rules can be set either by the tutor, or by the learner or by the tutors and learners together. Ground rules can be set up by having a group discussion. It is best to have the ground rules mutually agreed so that both tutor and students have an opportunity to put their views forward and they must be doable. Once everyone’s views are considered, a set of rules that suit everyone can be designed. Learners are more likely to be committed and adherent to these rules and less likely to be broken, since they were designed by the group itself. It will instil positive discipline and maximise learning since the rules were set up with them and not enforced. As a tutor, ground rules will be to ensure that tutor will be fully prepared for the session, be punctual with start and finishing times for each session and make sure markings are completed in time. Tutor must make sure not to put down anyone, encourage the learners, assist in team work, help with course completion, be professional and honest, be non-judgemental and will have interactive teaching and no politics. Learners must have to decide on their ground rules like, respect for others, punctuality, confidentiality, honesty, equality of opportunity, learn and listen, no interruption, mobile phones off, no abusive language, self-control, no politics. After ground rules are agreed, they will have to be written down and distributed to every member of the classroom, and a copy will be displayed in a visible place in the classroom, all through the length of the course. Also it has to be agreed in the class how the tutor will react if rules are broken. Learners have to be warned, as to what actions will be taken and disciplinary procedures made aware which will be different for each institution. This will create a safe and respectful environment in which all participants will have the opportunity to benefit from the learning experience. Conclusion: This assignment focus on the ground rules between the tutor and learner. It defines some general ground rules between them, ways to establish and setting up in that way so it could promote respect for other learners. As I have already defined that Ground rules are the boundaries and conditions in which a learner can work and learn safely so these rules should be be established at the beginning of a course, and the tutor should explain the purpose they serve to ensure that discussions are spirited and passionate without descending into argumentation. It is vitally important point behind the ground rules that we could provide safe learning environment which promote respect for among the learner. At the end of this assignment, I conclude that these ground rules are the basic rules which create harmonious and safe environment during session, avoid the disaster situations and create a respective feelings for each other.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Martha’s Vineyard Essay

Abstract I chose Martha’s Vineyard as the subject of my School Context Paper. Martha’s Vineyard is New England’s largest resort island and lies seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is accessible by ferry or plane only. The island is roughly one hundred square miles with 124.6 miles of tidal shoreline. Martha’s Vineyard has a year-round population of about twenty thousand residents that grows to one hundred thousand in the summer with an additional twenty five thousand visitors coming and going on the ferries every day. There are six towns that makeup the island; Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, West Tisbury and Vineyard Haven (also known as Tisbury). The island is best known for its miles of beautiful beaches, quaint villages and natural beauty. On the vineyard there is only one regional high school which offers a vocational program for its students along with five public elementary schools, one public charter school, several private pre- schools and an active home schooling network. The school system also provides for children with special needs from ages three to twenty two. Assignment 2: School Context Paper I chose Chilmark, a village located on Martha’s Vineyard to write my paper on. Martha’s Vineyard is located about seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod. It is a triangular shaped island that is nine miles wide and twenty three miles long with a total land area of approximately one hundred square miles and 124.6 miles of tidal shoreline. You can travel by ferry to reach the island, which takes about forty five minutes from the mainland, or you can take a plane that will fly you to the only airport on the island located in its center. It is New England’s largest resort island. There are six towns (or villages) on the island; Aquinnah, Chilmark, Edgar Town, Oak Bluff, West Tisbury and Vineyard Haven. There is one regional high school, one public charter school and five public elementary schools serving the Vineyard. These are administered through the office of the Superintendent of Schools. The All-Island School Committee is composed of members from all of the towns. The Up-Island Regional District committee hires the superintendent and oversees shared programs that serve all Island schools. These resources are available through Central Administration: Superintendent of Schools, Assistant Supt. for Curriculum & Instruction, Director of Student Support Services, Assistant to the Superintendent for Business Affairs, Financial Administrative Assistants, Administrative Secretary, Business Secretaries, Treasurer, Grant Administrator, Receptionist/Clerk and Special Education Secretary. Special Services are available such as: Title 1 Coordinator, Early Childhood Coordinator/Consultant, Occupational Therapists, School Psychologists, Speech Pathologists, Autism Specialist and ELL Director. Chapter 766 provides for the educational needs of children with special needs. The school system provides for every child, regardless of handicap, between the ages of 3 and 22. The law requires parental involvement and a network of services including that of a school psychologist, occupational therapist, and psychiatric and nursing services under the direction of a special education administrator. The school system also operates a special needs preschool, called Project Headway (http://www.mvy.com/Vineyard_Community/Public_School.aspx August 2012). I chose Chilmark’s school system and the Up-island Regional District as my area of focus. The Population of Chilmark was eight hundred and ninety four as of July 2009 with the estimated median household income of fifty seven thousand, one hundred and eight dollars. The major business of Chilmark is construction with Carpentry being the most popular occupation. The Chilmark School serves students in grades K-5. Chilmark students in grades 6-8 attend the West Tisbury School and Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School serves grades 9-12 for the whole island. Students can also apply to The Vineyard Public Charter School. The enrollment indicators for these schools are as follows; Chilmark Elementary School enrolled fifty two students, W. Tisbury enrolled three hundred and twenty five students for grades pre k thru 8, Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School enrolled six hundred and sixty nine students and The Vineyard Public Charter School enrolled one hundred and eighty one students for the 2011-2012 school year. Chilmark’s Public Elementary/Middle School Mission Statement states that,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Chilmark Elementary School is committed to equipping students with the tools they need for academic, personal and social achievement. Chilmark Elementary School enables every student to reach their highest potential by establishing a curriculum that meets or exceeds government standards for education; providing extracurricular programs that develop children’s’ mental, physical and social skills; and partnering with parents and the community to create an environment geared to the success of all students†( http://massachusetts.webschoolpro.com/chilmark-elementary-school_MA00707740010/mission.htmlAugust 2012). West Tisbury’s School Mission Statement states that â€Å"The West Tisbury School staff strives to provide a solid academic foundation, to inspire a love of learning for the sake of learning, to foster an understanding of basic human values with a working knowledge of the rights and responsibilities associated with those values, and to promote independent thinking through cooperative and inclusive learning while maintaining the unique values of our diverse, rural island community. We strive: To teach solid academic skills, to instill a love of learning and to promote an understanding of human values† (http://wtisburyschool.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=225325&SID August 2012). Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s Mission Statement states that â€Å"Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School will provide a safe, active teaching and learning environment where students strive for academic excellence and endeavor to achieve the high level of intellectual and interpersonal skills needed for success in a culturally diverse society. Each student’s educational experience will prepare him/her to be a self-confident lifelong learner, able to set and achieve individual goals, and to become a contributing member of a humane and democratic society (http://www.mvrhs.org/pos/POS-2011-2-Eng.pdf1August 2012). The Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School is a K-12 public school. Families do not pay tuition. An application is filled out and then the student body is drawn from a lottery. The mission statement of the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School states that â€Å"It is the mission of The Martha’s Vineyard Public Carter School to create a public school that will  cultivate life-long learners in a multi-aged, project-based setting. To this  end, each student in the K-12 school works from a personal education plan that sets specific obtainable and challenging goals. In addition to meeting the state mandated curriculum frameworks, students experience a rich array of other educational arenas outside of the academic classroom. The entire Island serves as campus where an educational alliance of parents, educators, businesses, artisans and community services is formed† (http://www.mvy.com/Vineyard_Community/Marthas_Vineyard_Public_Charter_School.aspx August 2012). The chart below shows some of the MCAS ratings for the school year 2010-2011: Massachusetts Elementary School Rankings 3rd, 4th Grades Combined MCAS English Language Arts & MCAS Mathematics 2010-2011 Rank* (of 895) School District City Tisbury Elementary Tisbury Vineyard Haven HighGrade Total students (2010) Student/ Teacher Ratio (2010) MCAS, avg Mathematics** (2011) 8 305 8.2 88.5 MCAS, avg English Language Arts** (2011) MCAS Combined Rank Change from 2011) 86.5 175.0 up 23 School District City W. Tisbury ElementaryUp island Regional West Tisbury HighGrade Total students (2010) Student/ Teacher Ratio (2010) MCAS, avg Mathematics** (2011) 8 276 7.8 79.5 MCAS, avg English Language Arts** (2011 MCAS Combined Rank Change from 2010 82.0 165.9 down 19 (http://www.schooldigger.com/go/MA/schoolrank.aspx August 2012 Reference List http://www.mvy.com/Vineyard_Community/Town_Information.aspx http://www.mvy.com/Vineyard_Community/Public_Schools.aspx http://www.mvy.com/Vineyard_Community/Education.aspx http://www.mvrhs.org/pos/POS-2011-2-Eng.pdf http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/state_report/enrollmentbygrade.aspx http://www.city –data.cim/city/Chilmark-Massachusetts.html http://massachusetts.webschoolpro.com/chilmark-elementary-school_MA00707740010/mission.html http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/mcas/performance_level.aspx?linkid=32&orgcode=07740010&orgtypecode=6& http://www.schooldigger.com/go/MA/schoolrank.aspx http://wtisburyschool.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=225325&SID http://www.mvy.com/Vineyard_Community/Marthas_Vineyard_Public_Charter_School.aspx

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Beginning Thinker Essay

I would say that I am a beginning thinker, I have control of all of my own personal thoughts I know that I am not always correct most of the time during each step of the thought process but I feel that I have a really good understanding of how to fix some of the issues that I have when in thought. Although some of the conclusions that I come to either workout for the short-term or long-term issue or have a tendency to be the opposite of the outcome that I was hoping for. I sometimes catch myself making a quick decision without fully thinking through the whole concept or the outcome that it will have on the issue that I am working on. I think that I can fix this by not jumping to conclusions when I am in thought, having a system to make sure that I get to the best possible outcome is something that I think I will implement going forward just to make sure that the outcome for my decision is one that I will be happy with and not regret. Critical Thinking I would say that my current critical thinking skills could be a little better, mainly because I have a tendency to over think when I am trying to come to a resolution to a specific problem. My strategy mainly consists of me thinking about the different ways that I can get to the best outcome but I also have a tendency to throw in my own assumptions or bias when coming to a resolution, this is what I feel makes me to either make an incorrect decision or make a decision based off only what my own personal feelings are towards the situation. A way that I feel I can develop better skills as critical thinker is to take all bias out of my decisions and make sure that what I do is not only best for me but will also help me keep on a path to reach my ultimate goal.

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Why Alcohol Is Good for You Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Why Alcohol Is Good for You - Essay Example The aspect of risk taking can result in discovering new subjects and broadening opportunities towards learning the reality. One of the major types of risks in writing is avoiding the sense of safety. However, safety is not a preferred component in writing. In relation to the article, it can be observed that the author i.e. Jonah Lehrer has taken the risk of revealing the beneficiaries of alcohol consumption in human life where most of the people know the evil aspects of the same (Centrinity Inc., â€Å"Newspaper Article Expectation Sheet†).  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Risk can appear in the form of choosing highly controversial topic or subject. Writing on controversial topic can raise significant risks in terms of raising arguments from the readers on any opinion or oversight of the writer. The author also undertakes this risk of writing on a highly debatable topic and dared his viewpoint about how alcohol can provide benefits to people. Biasness is the other aspect of writin g which can generate risk in writing. Any sort of writing must demonstrate both positive as well as negative aspects of a chosen issue or subject so that it can avoid any misperception or prejudice. In the article of Jonah Lehrer, it can be observed that the author has described both favorable and unfavorable aspects of consuming alcohol. He also described alternative approaches for improving the lifestyle of the people. A good article demonstrates both aspects of a subject without making a final judgment. Hence, it has been observed in the article, that the author.... sort of writing must demonstrate both positive as well as negative aspects of a chosen issue or subject so that it can avoid any misperception or prejudice. In the article of Jonah Lehrer, it can be observed that the author has described both favorable and unfavorable aspects of consuming alcohol. He also described alternative approaches for improving the lifestyle of the people. A good article demonstrates both aspects of a subject without making a final judgment. Hence, it has been observed in the article, that the author did not provide any judgment and delivered impartial standpoint about the merits and demerits of alcohol consumption (Centrinity Inc., â€Å"Newspaper Article Expectation Sheet†). There exists significant difference in written language and oral language (Ferraro and Palmer, â€Å"Differences Between Oral and Written Communication†). Since 19th century, there has been comprehensive change in language both in written as well as in verbal communication modes. In 21st century, as several new social classes begin to utilize written mode and their requirement for reading and writing increased, the demand of written language has been increased at large. There are several language norms which are related with different societal layers prevailing in a culture. In this regard it can be said that there pertain three language norms namely standard language, regional language and local language. Among these three languages, standard languages are directly associated with ordinary written standard. The execution of standard language has strengthened throughout the period of 20th century. The local languages had lost their importance during this period because of increasing standardization in schools and universities. Furthermore, the rising geographical and social

Why New York University Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Why New York University - Essay Example At New York University, more than 50% of full time undergraduates are offered some form of need-based funds and the average need-based grants or scholarship awards amount to $18,459. Fees payment is not devastating or strenuous in the University. Academics in NYU are highly valued with students motivated by high expectations. Professors are experts in their respectful fields and thus I am hopeful that my business skills will be polished (Northrop 89). Additionally, professors are available at all costs, be it office hours or via email. Most of them are pioneers in different specifications, making it beneficial for students in terms of providing letters of recommendations and for significant academic opportunities (Northrop 68). New York University dormitories are pricey but really cheap city apartment. It has Off-Campus Housing Staff that works excellently in helping students find apartments and roommates. Residing in the campus will help me choose friends that I am comfortable with. Computer services in this University are outstanding. However, the most effective way is having a laptop. Interestingly, printing in computer labs is free and unlimited, thus students get an easy time producing their

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Organization and Organizational Change Assignment - 1

Organization and Organizational Change - Assignment Example The solution might require instituting drastic changes in policies or purchase of new machinery to facilitate the work process. However, as common in contemporary organizations, difficulties in the economic condition make financial resources scarce. As such, organizations usually resort to proposed changes which could be unconventional but feasible – if only in the short run. The article discussed the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Presbyterian Hospital’s strategies for implementing change with regards to the implementation of the Electronic Health Records (EHR) project; especially ways to address resistance to change (Sesack). One is convinced that overcoming resistance to change requires understanding of the need for the change that is to be instituted and communicating the relevance of implementing that change in the work setting. If the need for the change is justified to benefit various stakeholders in the work setting, over and above the current system, inevitably, implementation for change would ensue in a smooth and conflict free manner. It was therefore commendable that the key to overcoming resistance is the ability of leaders to communicate the need for change and allow the personnel to be affected by the change process to see the benefits of the change that would be implemented. The article therefore asserts that there really is nothing to fear with proposed changes. Managers should be able to motivate workers to see that changes would ultimately benefit all concerned in the long run. The article focuses on reasons why implementing change in the work setting fails (Ashkenas). The author evaluated the change theories and ways of implementing change to discern if there is a need to change a crucial facet in the process. As asserted, â€Å"the content of change management is reasonably correct, but the managerial capacity to implement it has been woefully

Monday, August 26, 2019

Older People, Dementia & Policy in Scotland Essay

Older People, Dementia & Policy in Scotland - Essay Example It is becoming clear from both public debates and academic and policy maker discourse in the UK that many older people (i.e., those over the age of 65 years) much prefer to live their lives within their own homes. With aid from family and friends, an aggregate of the senior community seek to maintain their autonomy, independence and active well being (Audit Commission 5). However, a number of errors have been found in the reporting of expenditure of public care services, and these are attributed to the nature and parameter of service delivery across different areas of the UK. For example, evening and weekend home care in most areas, whilst others are consistently unable to receive night home care. Further, home-care workers trained in mental health were only available in 7 of 58 areas in a national study. Also, many older persons and their informal carers have not received additional support from community care agencies, as do older persons and trained carers within hospitals and nur sing homes. In the future, older people with mental health problems are to receive an equally good response regardless of where they live. This is one of the ways by which government and volunteer agencies seek to develop home-centered care, and to support informal carers and service users (Audit Commission 32). Equality and Diversity A feminist approach to the ethical care within social work for the older person is of recent intense focus in discourse. This school of thought encourages the professional social worker to actively reflect on concepts of social justice, autonomy and human rights, as well as extending investigation in to how aging is understood (Lolyd 1171).

Sunday, August 25, 2019

International Business Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

International Business - Assignment Example Currently, Coca Cola faces competition from other soft drink producers that is not all that substantial but the threat from substitute products is growing. These are only but a few o the challenges that the company may have to face – both now and in the future. The soft drink industry may be strong for now but this does not mean the consumers will remain marred to it. Coca Cola should pursue a strategy that will reduce the overall cost of its products. This strategy will give Coca Cola a much competitive advantage over its rivals who have already adapted methods of lowering the cost of their products. This is one of the many recommendations that the company should adopt if it has to enjoy continued success in the international market. International Business is the terminology that generally describes the business activities that occur across the boundaries of countries for both profit making and political reasons (Daniels & Radebaugh, 2007). This article will explore one such company doing business internationally namely the Coca Cola company, and identify a few significant issues related to its international operations. Coca Cola, which is the symbolic American soda company, is among the companies that have operated internationally for a lengthy time period, having first gone international in the year 1902. It is currently a market leader in terms of soft drinks sales worldwide given that its products sell up to one and a half billion servings on a daily basis. The company can also boast of having the world’s largest production, distribution and marketing system of syrup and non-alcoholic beverage which is in fact double in size of its nearest competitor. For numerous reasons, the Coca Cola Company holds the belief that it will maintain its international growth. Among these reasons are its rising disposable income and the global

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Analyzing Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Analyzing Change - Essay Example ld scenario is also redefining the political and economic equations that may have significant impact on the socio economic front of America in the near future. The probability cannot be discounted because history has been a witness to total extinction of great empires of the world and the civilizations that have perished without leaving any trace. Learning survival techniques from the history is not only important but necessary if we are to maintain our socio-economical supremacy in the fast changing socio economic values across the countries. According to the author, there are five factors that may have been responsible for complete disappearance of the civilization in the past: damages that the people have inflicted on their environment; climate change; enemies; changes in friendly trading partners; and the society’s political, economic and social responses to these shifts. The author has quoted the cases of fall of Polynesian and Maya civilizations. Maya civilization of Yucatan peninsula and Central America, has been one of the most advanced and highly sophisticated but by 910 A.D their societies collapsed as a result of power struggles among the various kings resulting in damages to the environment and poor management of natural resources that culminated in total wipe out of the civilization. The Polynesian societies in Pitcairn and Henderson islands, despite having vast natural resources, were destroyed mainly because of the fact that they depended on their import of canoes, crops food etc. on Mangarevan island and once the Mangarevan island trade collapsed due to environmental damages, Polynesian societies suffered the same fate and perished. On the other hand, societies in Japan, Tonga, Tikopia, New Guinea, Central and north-east Europe survived and flourished through the centuries. The main reason for this was that they anticipated the changes in environmental degradation and made efforts to combat that with appropriate strategies and innovative

Friday, August 23, 2019

Case Study 3 - TechSoup Global and NetSquared Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

3 - TechSoup Global and NetSquared - Case Study Example According to Greenberg (2009) NPOs particularly benefit from social media as compared to traditional communication methods mainly because communication via social media brings prospects for the organization costs getting lowered along with the lowering of cost of delivering services. Also the idea of being a part of the emergence of new social patters is highly promising for the Non Profit Organizations as compared to association with the conventional traditional communication means. Merilainen (2011) narrates that since the main aim of NPOs and NGOs is to make their point of views prevalent into the public and to political agendas communication is extremely essential for them. The main aim is to involve public opinion into their proposed changes and thoughts and gain favor from the masses. This purpose is served without the involvement of any finances via social media. The propagation via social media is also thought to get more responses since people can affirm their opinions and s upport free of cost and they do not have to physically get involved in the scenario. This flexibility of use promotes the involvement of public. ... Social networks are forums where all kinds of individuals and organizations make the impression of their virtual entity. Entertainment personnel and politicians make use of the popularity and widespread reach of the Social Networks and social media. They are usually active on these communication mediums and can therefore be reached very easily via it. Common public is also one of the potential audiences that the NPOs would try to reach. The promoting of their causes would be done well if the support of the common masses is with them. Regarding the potential means of accessing NPO audiences via Social Networks and Social Media Lassila (2010) mentions that Social Network Services incorporate viral marketing as one of their main marketing strategies. It is via viral marketing only that Non Profit Organizations are enabled to reach massive number of audiences. The author quotes the example of American Red Cross who incorporated the SNS viral marketing strategy and spread their messages t o their audiences via their celebrity followers on twitter. Inside Facebook.com's author Smith advises the NPO's marketers that the trusted referrals within social media are the most powerful marketing message. Via viral marketing available in Social Media NGOs and NPOs can segment their target audience groups based on persons' interests. This way the audience feel the messages of the NPOs to be more personalized and get inclined towards them. Via the viral messaging to all kinds of audiences on social media the NGOs can also tell about their donation possibilities (Regan, 2011). One advantage of this strategy is that personal presentations of the NPOs get enhanced as a result of it

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Life Frankenstein Essay Example for Free

Life Frankenstein Essay Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818. Frankenstein was a gothic novel and the book was based on Mary Shellys life as she had a lot of death in her life as her mother died giving birth to her she and she lost her only baby. Mary Shelly want to bring her back as that is what Frankenstein did when his mother die giving birth to his brother. There was a lot of increase of science at time which drove Frankenstein to make the monster. Chapter 5 is the most important chapter as it is when he brings the monster to life but when the monster comes to life Frankenstein would not take responsibility and would not go back to his house I did not dare return to the apartment which I inhabited. It shows that man should not play god if they are not willing to take responsibility for their action which Frankenstein didnt do. He runs out of his house seemingly to detain me, but I escaped, and rushed down stairs. Just because he didnt want to take responsibility for the  Monster. This chapter shows that he is a coward as he made the monster but when he saw it he was scary to him even though he was the one who made it. It also show he is very selfish as he doesnt think of the monster he only thinks of him self and what would happen if one of his friends sees it I dreaded to behold this monster but I feared still more that Henry should see it this show that he thinks more about him self then he does about the monster as he dont want Henry to see it as it would damage his reputation. Shelley used the language to create atmosphere like at the start it is depressing as Frankenstein realises that making the monster was morally wrong it was on a dreary night of November that I behold the accomplishment but at the end it becomes a scared atmosphere as he doesnt want to think of the monster could he allude to an object on whom I dared not even think. The time of day is night my candle was nearly burnt out.  The chapter talks about appearance and reality I behold the wretch the miserable monster whom I had created he called the monster a wretch which means he doesnt see him as a human and he thinks of him as a thing that he can just throw away when he feels like it and make something else just because he look different to every one else when really Frankenstein is the monster. The chapter also talks about isolation and loneliness as  During all that time Henry was my only nurse when he isolated him self he when insane as he wanted to finish his work and not to rest, but he doesnt ask his friends for help.  The chapter shows man should not play god as it is too much responsibility for them to take. Dreams that had been my food and pleasant rest for so long a space were now became a hell to me this show that mortals react to they emotions. Humans emotions change very quickly and this shows that they should not play god if they are not willing to play it out to the end and that no human can control they emotions. Studying this chapter has showed that man should not push science too far as it can cause very dangerous things that can hurt people but if we are going to play god which means we should not be allowed to change our emotions and take responsibility for what they have made or done. It also shows that just because you love someone you are aloud to give them a new life as this is going against god.

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Sales & Distribution Management under the guidance of Prof. Jaydeep Mukherjee Essay Example for Free

Sales Distribution Management under the guidance of Prof. Jaydeep Mukherjee Essay Introduction This report is a part of our Project submission for the subject â€Å"Sales Distribution Management† under the guidance of Prof. Jaydeep Mukherjee. The Company which we have selected for our Project is MondelÄ“z International, formerly known as Cadbury India. As the first part of submission of our project this report includes the details of distribution channel of three product category, which are as follows: Extensive Intensive Perishable This report focus on product level analysis which includes the economics of business, the paradigm of service output desired by the customer and the service provided, decision making elements of the intermediaries, challenges faced, skill required by the sales and KRA’s of the sales team. As sales and distribution management is a subject which is highly practice oriented, we visited and interacted various shops in nearby markets within new old Gurgaon along with our visit to M/S Chandana Enterprise, a re-distributor of Cadbury India and sales marketing office of MondelÄ“z International, Vatika Tower, Golf course road, Gurgaon. This report is prepared on the basis of face to face interviews conducted with few retailers, store managers of Modern trade like Le Marche, SRS Value bazaar, along with that face to face interview with the distributor and the sales team of Mondelz International. Some of the information like company’s background and factual details has been gathered through internet. The reference of those sites has been given at the end of the report. Background About MondelÄ“z International MondelÄ“z International, Inc., is an American multinational confectionery, food, and beverage company based in Illinois which employs about 107,000 people around the world. It consists of the global snack and food brands of the former Kraft Foods Inc after the October 2012 spin-off of its North American grocery operations. The MondelÄ“z name, adopted in 2012, was suggested by Kraft Foods employees and is derived from the words mundus (Latin for â€Å"world†) and delez (a proxy for the word delicious). Name: MondelÄ“z International Type: Public. Industry: Food Processing. Predecessor: Kraft Food Inc. Founded: October  2, 2012. Founder: Thomas H. McInnerney Head Quarters: Chicago suburb of Deerfield, Illinois. Area Served: World Wide Brand Owned: Belvita, Chips Ahoy!, Nabisco, Oreo, Ritz, TUC, Triscuit, LU, Club Social, Barni, and Peek Freans (cookies and crackers); Milka, Terrys, Cà ´te dOr, Toblerone, Cadbury, Freia, Marabou, Frys, Lacta (chocolate), Trident, Dentyne, Chiclets, Halls, Stride (gum and cough drops) and Tang (powdered beverages). Products: Baby Food, Coffee, Dairy Products, Breakfast Cereals, Confectioneries, Bottled Water, Pet Foods etc. Revenue: US$25.92 billion (2016) Website: www.MondelÄ“z international.com About Cadbury: Cadbury, formerly Cadburys, is a British multinational confectionery company wholly owned by MondelÄ“z International (originally Kraft Foods) since 2010. It is the second-largest confectionery brand in the world after Wrigleys.[2] Cadbury is internationally headquartered in Uxbridge, West London, and operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. It is famous for its Dairy Milk chocolate, the Creme Egg and Roses selection box, and many other confectionery products. One of the best-known British brands, in 2013 The Daily Telegraph named Cadbury among Britains most successful exports. Cadbury was established in Birmingham, England in 1824, by John Cadbury who sold tea, coffee and drinking chocolate. Cadbury developed the business with his brother Benjamin, followed by his sons Richard and George. George developed the Bournville estate, a model village designed to give the companys workers improved living conditions. Dairy Milk chocolate, introduced in 1905, used a higher proportion of milk within the recipe compared with rival products. By 1914, the chocolate was the companys best-selling product. Cadbury, alongside Rowntrees and Fry, were the big three British confectionery manufacturers throughout much of the nineteenth and twentieth century. Cadbury was granted its first Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria in 1854. It has been a holder of a Royal Warrant from Elizabeth II since 1955.[5] Cadbury merged with J. S. Fry Sons in 1919, and Schweppes in 1969. Cadbury was a constant constituent of the FTSE 100 on the London Stock Exchange from the indexs 1984 inception until the company was bought by Kraft Foods in 2010 Cadbury in India: The operations of Cadbury India initiated in 1948. The head office is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra with 4 sales offices at New Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai Chennai. It has five manufacturing units all over India at Thane (Maharashtra), Induri (Maharashtra), Malanpur (Madhya Pradesh), Bangalore (Karnataka), Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) and Hyderabad (Telengana) . The Company is planning to open its seventh manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh. It has one cocoa operations office at Dharapuram (Tamil Nadu) Cadbury India has a share of over 67% in the market, which is the highest Cadbury brand share globally.Cadbury India’s one of the most popular brands, Cadbury Dairy Milk is a benchmark for other chocolates in India and is regarded as the â€Å"gold standard†.Some of the other popular brands are 5 Star, Perk, Bournville, Celebrations, Halls, Éclairs, Tang and Oreo. The main brand in the Milk Food drinks segment is Bournvita, which is known as the leading Malted Food Drink (MFD) in the country. In the medicated category, Halls is a favorite candy while Cadbury India has also entered the biscuits category by launching Worlds no.1 biscuit brand Oreo.Cadbury has also been the leaders in the development of cocoa cultivation in India since 1965. The research work has been carried out in collaboration with the Kerala Agricultural University. The team from Cadbury also conducts training sessions for the cocoa farmers on cultivation aspects to have an increased cocoa productivity. In India Cadbury reaches to 1.2 million retail stores and 490, 00,000 RD’s. Its traditional trade to modern trade ratio is 90:10. Intensive Product: Cadbury Éclairs Extensive Product: Cadbury Silk Praline Intensive Distribution: A marketing strategy under which a company sells through as many outlets as possible, so that the consumers encounter the product virtually everywhere they go: supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations etc. Exclusive Distribution: Situation where suppliers and distributors enter into an exclusive agreement that only allows the named distributor to sell a specific product. Product: Cadbury Éclairs About the product: Cadbury Éclairs  are a confectionery currently manufactured by  Cadbury. Introduced in the United Kingdom in 1965, they were adapted into a  Dairy Milk  version of Éclairs after Cadbury was acquired by the privately owned company  HYPERLINK https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascall_(company) \o Pascall (company)Pascall  in 1922.  They are available in bags or rolls and can be found in the  Cadbury Heroes  selection. Éclairs are currently available in  South Africa,  United Kingdom, Ireland,  Kenya,  Hong Kong  and  India; where they are known as Dairy Milk Éclairs. In 2013 MondelÄ“z International updated the UK ingredients list to add in the inclusion of  palm oil  in the recipe. Éclairs was launched in 1971 in Indian market. In 2013 Cadbury rebranded its product to Choclairs in India. Distribution System: Intensive Distribution System Cadbury Éclairs is manufactured at xyz manufacturing unit of Cadbury India. This is the only facility which manufactures the product to meet the demand of several regions across India. Once ready the product is transferred to the State depot of various states the country through roadways /airways. Product form these state depots is then transferred to various CF located at different cities/districts. These CF’s acts as a warehouse for the company. MondelÄ“z appoints some private firm as its CF agent. CF agent further supplies the product to the redistributors. MondelÄ“z employs employees either on direct pay role or on an indirect payroll through the CF agent for operating these CF agencies. The RD or the re distributor receives its supply from the CF agency. An area sales manager is appointed to manage and monitor the RD centers in his/her area. The distributor is supposed to have its own sales team, which is groomed and trained by the Sales Team of MondelÄ“z . Usually 12 to 15 sales executives are appointed by the distributors. Each sales executive is designated to a particular territory known as â€Å"Beat†. Each such beat comprises of 30 to 40 outlets. Distribution Flow Chart- Cadbury EclairsCF State Depot Baddi Factory Thane Factory Induri Factory Malanpur Factory Bangalore Factory Direct Channel Distributor (RD) Sub-Stockiest Market: Modern Trade E.g.: Big Bazaar, Le Marche, Reliance etc Tradition Trade Retailers E.g.: Grocery stores, Betel Shop, Med Shops, and Stationeries etc. Tradition Trade Retailers E.g.: Grocery stores, Betel Shop, Med Shops, and Stationeries etc. Indirect Channel Consumer Selection of Channel Partners Selection of channel partner is based on following parameters: Business Capacity Salesmanship Credit worthiness, financial and social status. Expertise experience Presence in Market Producer Channel Fit Investment Made by Channel Partners These CF agencies and Re-distributors have to make investment in terms of: Security money to the company. Infrastructure which includes Temperature Controlled Go down with (Self owned/rented). Stock. Logistics Sales Team To supply product on credit in the market. Distribution Channel Management Channel Management is done through Rewards: Monetary Non-monetary Target Setting and monitoring Training capacity building Cash Flow Monetary Benefits In GT is around 4.5% and 1% is activity based In MT margin is around 4.5% and !% is activity based Super Stockiest margin is around 2% Retailers have a margin of 15% on Éclairs pouch 12% on Éclair Jar. Incentives to the Sales executives after surpassing the target. Non- Monetary Benefits A scheme called â€Å"Udaan†, which includes trips to abroad, based on the performance of RD’s and Super Stockiest. Visicooler’s to food stores and chemist’s based on their weekly sales. Mass dispenser’s to Chemists Betel Shops. Borrow Dispensers are given to small shop’s and Betel shops. Target Setting and Monitoring Monthly target is set separately for Traditional trade, Modern Trade and Institutional Trade. Incentives are given only after surpassing the give targets. A rough figure of avg. monthly targets for Modern Traditional trade are as listed below Modern Trade: Over 20 lakhs Traditional Trade: Over 1 Cr. These targets vary from city to city. For example one of the RD located in Gurgaon M/S Chandana Enterprise alone give a business of INR 8, 00, 00,000 alone. The monitoring is done by the company’s sales force by analyzing the invoice generated by the distributors. Cash Flow Distributor make the payment to the company through rtgs and pre-paid cheques .The cash flow cycle of the distributor varies form 1- 7days.Only those Firm’s which are financially sound are appointed as company’s distributors. This is because if a company is not financially well to then its won’t be able to provide credit to its retailer hence won’t be able to sustain in the market. The cash flow between the company, the CF and the retailer has to be well synchronized as any break or halt in the payment process can put a break on the entire cycle of events. In Modern trade and institutional Trade cash flow cycle varies from 16 days to a month. The distributors are liable to pay salary to its sales force but the incentives are given by the company. SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 1 Direction of Cash Flow Mode of Trasport SEQ Figure \* ARABIC 2 Mode of Transport Skills Required by the Sales Team It’s very important that the sales team should have certain skill sets, which help them to increase the productivity in terms of Sales output and market capture. Few of the skills which MondelÄ“z International expects from its sales team are as listed below: Business Generation. Target Oriented. Product Knowledge Knowledge of Customer. Should know how to pitch in the cost of the product in the market. Justify the product as per product’s marketing plan. Should know the seasonality pattern. Should know about the competitors Should have a sound knowledge of distribution management. KRA of a Sales Officer To achieve the give monthly target To identify the market potential in the beat assigned. Business Expansion. To continuously work in increasing Product visibility and presence in the market. Re-distributor handling. Team Handling Apart from the Sales officer, sales executive working directly in the market are the first line of interface between the company and the market. Although these sales executives are employed by the Re-distributors, their incentives and training expenses are borne by the company. These sales executives are responsible for: Bringing order form the retailer. To check and ensure the visibility the presence of product at retailers shop floor To collect the money from retailers on behalf of the distributor. Apart from the above mentioned responsibility the sales executives are involved in a 8 step called as per the training given to them by the company. This 8 step call includes: Greeting the Retailer. Checking the Stock Available. Merchandising. Taking the Order. Negotiating with the retailer. Revising the order and order confirmation. Greet the Retailer. Pre pare for next call. The inventory management system of MondelÄ“z works on a very prompt basis. The replenishment of stock with the distributor is done based on an automatic ERP system. Let us suppose that the minimum stock that M/S Chandana Enterprise needs to keep for say Dairy Milk is 10 cartons. M/s Chandna Enterprise receives an order of say 3 cartons out of these remaining cartons today. As soon as an invoice is generated at the end of M/s Chandna enterprise the system updates the same and the very next day 3 cartons of Dairy milk will be send to the distributor form the CF warehouse and the same will be updated in the system. This process ensures the timely replenishment and availability of minimum stock with the distributor as specified by the company. Product: Cadbury Silk Praline. About the product: Cadbury Silk Praline is a premium gifting range of Luxury chocolates currently manufactured by  Cadbury. The product was first introduced to the Indian market in September 2014. Cadbury Glow  was inspired by the warm glow of happiness that comes from seeing dear ones light up with happiness when they receive a special gift. In a busy world where emotions are forgotten and people have less time for their near and dear ones,  Cadbury Glow  aimed to empower people with a thoughtful gift to show how much they care. Staying true to this philosophy, the chocolate gift is filled with little details that are symbolic of the care that went into creating it. The chocolate pralines are crafted in Europe, and special attention is required post production in designing and packaging, making it more than just a chocolate and something truly worthy of gifting to a loved one. The beautiful gold and purple packaging of  Cadbury Glow  is reminiscent of a treasure chest t hat glows from the inside out, filled with delicious chocolate pralines that would leave a precious feeling. To make the gifting experience truly personalized  Cadbury Glow  will also be launching in September a unique gifting website that will connect both the gifter and recipient. The website  www.cadburygifting.in  allows consumers to experience the world of  Cadbury Glow, and to add a personal touch to their gift of  Cadbury Glow  by writing a personal note, sending a lovely song or experiencing again fond memories by videos and photos. In 2017 Cadbury rebranded its product to Cadbury Silk Praline in India. Distribution System: Extensive Distribution System Cadbury Silk Praline is manufactured at Mondelez’s manufacturing facility at Slovakia. The product is the Imported by Mondelez India food Pvt Limited and is packed by M/S Ameya Plastics, near Pune, Maharashtra. The Product form Slovakian facility is imported through air freight, which further is sent to the packing facility in insulated trucks. Once packaging is done Cadbury Silk Praline is sent to various CF in insulated trucks through roadways. The CF agent further distributes the product to the re-distributors from where it is supplied to the retailers modern trade market. Cadbury Silk Praline is an exclusive range of luxury gifting chocolates, which is seasonal in nature. Mondelez register peak sales of the product in india market during the festive months of October –November. Cadbury Silk Praline is major sold through Modern Trade and Institutional Trade. The product is meant for the niche market and hence not available at every nick corner shops. Being a temperature sensitive product it’s very important to store Silk Praline at a company prescribed temperature of 24 degree Celsius .Mondelez assign the dealer ship and retailer ship to only those business units which have facilities to maintain the prescribed temperature for storage of the product. The Product is also meant to transported through insulated temperature controlled trucks and mini vans. For this particular product the system in Mondelez is designed in such a manner that even if the distributor tries to supply the product to certain retailer who is not well equipped with the visicoolers or storage facility ,the system won’t allow to generate the invoice. Apart for the exclusivity and seasonality of the product rest of the factors remains same as explained above.

Study on the Usability of Semiotics in Graphic Design

Study on the Usability of Semiotics in Graphic Design Keywords: Fine, flat, graphic design, semiotics, usability studies. Abstract. Currently, The current flat design has become a mainstream approach is widely used in web design, computer and mobile phone systems, interface design. In graphic design, graphic symbol design is increasingly being taken seriously and use minimalist design symbols often appear in print design plane, PPT presentations, public areas, identity-oriented system like. This paper discusses the design of graphical symbols flat in graphic design use need to make the audience cognitive ability, graphic symbols standardized principles, design principles angles for effective information design to achieve efficient information communication. Materialized mostly graphic image symbols, and mostly flat graphic indicator; flat screen symbol by the proposed development materialized symbol interface evolved. Materialized the graphical interface and the graphical interface is flat coexist and cannot replace each other. During the design, the designer should be based on the advantages and disadv antages of the two styles complement each other interfaces, common graphical interface design services. Introduction Today, the mobile Internet as an important sign towards the information society, information resources to meet the people of the richness, diversity and access mode flexibility, convenience and mobility needs. The emergence of mobile terminal makes access to information even more ways to enhance an absolutely important position, but also because of this, people on the phones features, quality and other requirements are also increasing. The main task of graphic design is to strengthen the exchange of information between people, is the performance of graphical symbols tool exchange required. The current flat design has become a mainstream approach is widely used in web design, computer and phone system interface, PPT, flat-screen print and in public areas such as identity-oriented system design. Simple graphical symbol accompanied by a short text message to pass different meaning, purpose is to allow people to quickly clear awareness and understanding. Graphic design appropriate symbol not only bring visual beauty, but also to replace the cumbersome expressed in words, to convey information at a glance. In recent years, flat style swept the field of digital interface, the smart phone in its interface design is also increasingly used to this style, as a smart phone interface main elements, carries the flattened icon indicating the function information important role in transmission, its operating efficiency has been much attention to design practitioners and the research community. Currently on academic research among flat design, the icon for the study of usability problems are more scarce, the vast majority of existing research dedicated to qualitative theoretical analysis, the lack of objective quantitative research as a reference, and thus the actual availability of flat icons lack of a clear conclusion and in this study, for the first time physiological data with a combination of psychological data on the availability of flat icons depth study. As a smart phone user interface in an integral part of the design of the phone icon in the experience economy driven began to play an increasingly important role, it carries with it the expression of specific functions and the important role of transmitting information. At the same time, the merits of icon design will directly affect the user experience and operational efficiency user interface design has become an important factor affecting the success or failure. Current research work related to academia flat design which is ongoing, this article from the perspective of design elements, the existing theoretical research supplement; At the same time, the existing research on the flat design and design of the actual use of materialized efficiency is no clear discussion of the results, a lot of literature has pointed flat icon simple, efficient features in the study, but the lack of evidence of objective evidence, so we are starting from a usability point of view, as experiments on fl at icons materialized icon comparative study, you can search for two types of icons efficiency more in-depth discussion, in order to provide an objective reference for the relevant academic research. Figure.1 Flat design The Proposed Methodology User interface virtualization.  With the rapid spread of smart mobile phones alternative to traditional phone and touch-screen technology, mobile phone interface, any original physical button has been gradually transformed into the software interface of the virtual keys. In the pursuit of handset design and integrated accounting wave, many Android phones also have physical buttons below the screens only designed to become a key form of induction, a trend that makes the most of the smart phone in addition to home and on key volume, lock screen button, theres no extra physical keys, the operation of mobile phone users by the majority of the screen is completed, and thus gradually evolved detail gesture commands. Figure.1 Schematic diagram of operating gestures flat design.Flat first refers to the modern enterprise management process, in response to the plight of the traditional hierarchical organizational structure faced adopted a management model. The core of the model is to reduce the layers of management and appropriate management of all levels of management to increase the amplitude, and eventually will be similar to the pyramid form of organization into a more flattened form to improve management efficiency. From a social development perspective, the idea of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹easing the situation well in all areas due to the rapid economic development brought about by organizational level redundancy, and therefore outside the field of business management, this concept also has good application value. As a new, more and more designers and design style used by the organization, not simply flat design with innovative visual style to win users eye, but through the extra ingredient abandoned in the design and the decorative elements of restraint, giving users a better experience. In the new digital era background, flat design choose a more suitable for the characteristics of the virtual interface design approach, rather than a continuation of the traditional design style, it is precisely because it has brought the rapid development of flat design in recent years. Materialized design.From the visual style, the materialized with the flat in stark contrast to the former by giving audiences do addition way, the use of shadows, highlights and a gradient effect on image icon to maximize close to the real object, with vivid three-dimensional effect to use bring a strong visual impact; while the latter is in the form of subtraction, to remove redundant decorative elements, and then extract the main part of the article, and present them in the form of simple graphs. Although the two images using a different design approach (the former and the latter is a flat style quasi-physical style), but both are based on the reality of the alarm image as a template to make too, that the only difference between them in the right sense of reality on more detailed characterization, but nature does not jump out of the old framework to create new timekeeping, this time with a flat quasi-physical difference can be understood as a decorative technique on. Thus, in the course of the study must be combined with the use of a specific object context in order to make a correct understanding of the two design styles. Figure.1 Flat and materialized style icons Flat icons in visual form.From the perspective of the visual form of icons, smart phone interface icons can be distinguished from the two dimensions of time and space. From the time dimension, the phone icon can be divided into static and dynamic state. Which as the name suggests is a static icon icon elements remain static icon, the class icon is currently widely used in mobile phones user interface which. And dynamic visual style icon over time is changing, distracting when used in smaller interface, and thus rarely appear among the mobile phone interface. From the spatial dimension, the phone icon can be divided into two-dimensional, three-dimensional and three-dimensional space of three forms. Wherein the two-dimensional icon with the latter two diametrically opposed in style, it avoids the shadows, highlights, and other three-dimensional simulation of the effect of the material in the design process, resulting in the visual style it showed a strong tendency to flatten. Further subdivided on the basis of the two-dimensional handset icons can also be divided into simple monochrome icon and complex multi-color icons. Body element.Flat icons in the main element is the means to play a major role in the transmission of information in the icon section. Size icons. Due to differences in the smart phone hardware specifications and product positioning on, resulting in the current characteristics of the phone screen size diversity, and to interface design workers brought unprecedented challenges. At the same time, the size of the icon has become a matter of design choice requires workers often face. Flat internal icon generated.Products due to human practical needs to be created, early product form most simple and plain, after the Arts and Crafts Movement   after the products components have been decorated to a new height, in the subsequent internationalism movement, designers again return to reason, he began to pursue the simple and efficient design form. From the design evolution trend is easy to see: With the development of society, design forms are also experiencing an iterative development process from simple to complex and then to mobile phone interface icons materialized birth, it helps people reduce cognitive burden and narrow the distance between the display unit to assume an important role, but with the widespread adoption of smart phones, this role is already overtaken by events. In this case the public needs to be more simple, modern, and can be accommodated in the limited screen design in the form of additional information, in such a social environment flat s tyle icons have emerged, and quickly swept through the design. It is the image of the symbol of traditional design approach materialized icons used, namely by imitating real objects textures, shadows, and other effects of gradual way to shorten the distance between the user interface and product awareness to reduce costs. But in recent years with the rapid development of diverse Internet products and mobile phone functions, making the product interface is also more and more filled with information, because the flattened icons using more indicators and symbols, therefore its use in the mobile phone interface which also makes the smaller screen to hold more information, to achieve the maximum interface features. Flat external design generates.The arrival of web2.0 era, breaking the room Internet information barriers between each other, so that the user between the site and realize the two-way exchange of information. With the rapid proliferation of computers, many Internet users to be in the bottom-media background to create vast amounts of information resources, and gradually cause the current information explosion situation. As the Internet and smart phone product interface is filled with more and more information on the loose interface classify and organize the content becomes very important at the striking simplicity of flat icons used to distinguish between different content identification function on It is particularly efficient. To visualize the icons instead of boring text, not only shrink the layout, improve the rate of plate interface, but also convenient for users to search. With the upgrading of digital products continues to accelerate, the mobile phone market have been the birth of many different sizes and resolution display, which gives materialized from the shadows of the past, icons, textures, gradients, and other three-dimensional effect constitutes brought new challenges diversity phone screen enables designers need to create a variety of sizes and resolutions icons to adapt to this trend, which makes materialized icon design becomes both cumbersome and time-consuming, not only increases the workload of the designer, but also improve the development costs. The flat design uses icons to detail the elements more restrained and more use of vector graphic design elements and symbols, can solve the problem of adaptation at different resolutions. Flattened icons designed to minimalism as the core, advocated the adoption of a simplified rendering of images to reduce the complexity of a graphical interface, while the use of bright colors to improve the clarity of the interface layout, enables the user to focus more on desired completed tasks. Therefore, the above analysis shows that, flat style icons can help users better perform tasks more functional interface, especially in the smaller screen smart phone interface which, it can well improve recognizable icon element , efficient and user-friendly operating in different environments. Conclusion We analyzed the availability of flat icons. First, we analyzed the characteristics of smart phones and equipment operation, carded product usability evaluation system, eye tracking technology related indicators. We introduced the flat design concept, and through existing mobile phone brands and APP interface icons investigation and analysis summarizes the status of the application icon flat, visual form, color and size body element, and generating flat icon analysis of the causes. In the latter part of the article, in conjunction former interim research results, based on the collection and self-painted the corresponding flat icon creative design eye search experiment, and post-test questionnaire and subjects interviews of flat icons availability of comprehensive evaluation. Most smart phone interface design will be used simultaneously to two types of flat icons, such a design approach not only ensures improved aesthetics user interface operational efficiency, but also to some extent, it is possible to attract the users . With the social environment and the changing needs of users, smart phone interface design has been in development and change them, from the original materialized style to todays prevailing flat style appearance of the style icon of the phone has undergone tremendous change, to among the mobile phone interface usability studies icons flat, one can explore the actual efficiency of the icon, subjective feelings and understanding of user satisfaction rating in the course of the icons, it also can be the basis of empirical research on future icon design work to provide a reference and reference. References 1. Lupton, Ellen, and Jennifer Cole Phillips. Graphic Design: The New Basics: Revised and Expanded. Chronicle Books, 2015. 2. Calori, Chris, and David Vanden-Eynden. Signage and wayfinding design: a complete guide to creating environmental graphic design systems. John Wiley Sons, 2015. 3. Krasner, Jon. Motion graphic design: applied history and aesthetics. Taylor Francis, 2013. 4. Ly, Tiffanie. CST 300L October 7, 2013 The Growth of Graphic Design and the Designer Graphic design is an art medium that communicates through combining specific elements to create the representation of a certain product or project. This art form is unknowingly. Growth (2013). 5. Wang, Qi, and Huifang Li. Analysis on Tactile Field in Current Graphic Vision Design. 3rd International Conference on Science and Social Research (ICSSR 2014). Atlantis Press, 2014.

Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Essay --

1. Lord of the Flies 2. William Golding 3. Drama, disaster, dystopian, etc. 4. The events of the book take place in the 1950’s during a major war most likely taking place around around 1954, the place the book takes place is a deserted island in the tropics where the Boys’ evacuation plane crashes after it was shot down. To understand the significance of the setting you need to know something about the time period it takes place, in the 1950’s long range plane travel was still a new concept, they didn’t have long range tracking systems and the first satellite hadn’t even been launched yet (1957 Sputnik-1), if a crash like that happened nowadays we would be there almost instantly, satellites would be watching and the navy would already have rescue vessels on route. The fact that no one had the technology to determine were the boys were gives them the sense of hopelessness and the feeling of permanence that accompanies their stay on the island that ends up fueling their primal instincts. 5. In the midst of a raging war, a plane evacuating a group of schoolboys from Britain is shot down over a deserted tropical island. Two of the boys, Ralph and Piggy, discover a conch shell on the beach, and Piggy realizes it could be used as a horn to summon the other boys. Once assembled, the boys set about electing a leader and devising a way to be rescued. They choose Ralph as their leader, and Ralph appoints another boy, Jack, to be in charge of the boys who will hunt food for the entire group. Ralph, Jack, and another boy, Simon, set off on an expedition to explore the island. When they return, Ralph declares that they must light a signal fire to attract the attention of passing ships. The boys succeed in igniting some dead wood by focusing ... ...ike an animal. Jack has the other boys ignite the forest in order to smoke Ralph out of his hiding place. Ralph stays in the forest, where he discovers and destroys the sow’s head, but eventually, he is forced out onto the beach, where he knows the other boys will soon arrive to kill him. Ralph collapses in exhaustion, but when he looks up, he sees a British naval officer standing over him. The officer’s ship noticed the fire raging in the jungle. The other boys reach the beach and stop in their tracks at the sight of the officer. Amazed at the spectacle of this group of bloodthirsty, savage children, the officer asks Ralph to explain. Ralph is overwhelmed by the knowledge that he is safe but, thinking about what has happened on the island, he begins to weep. The other boys begin to sob as well. The officer turns his back so that the boys may regain their composure.

Monday, August 19, 2019

Magical Realism :: Latin American Literature Essays

Magical Realism It is a long and unusual journey. I still wonder what it really is. I read the selections of four wonderful authors and I am still a little confused about the real history and theory of magical realism. I do know that before a person gets into this idea of magical realism, he or she really has to have a big imagination and willingness to learn about it. I guess what I am trying to say is that magical realism depends on who a person is and what a person is willing to believe. I thought that Franz Roh's selection was brief on magical realism. I see where Roh compared Magical Realism to Expressionism. He came up with different theories about how to look at certain things in the world. This essay was definitely deep and way out there. He talked about the different ways to represent something. "We recognize this world, although now-not only because we have emerged from a dream-we look on it with new eyes"(Roh 17). It was not just an everyday word, it had to be mystical, magical, fantasized etc. I really do not see how somebody could come up with such an idea. The whole point is he mixes reality with fantasy. In his selection, he talks about the supernatural, things such as aliens that really move some people. Magical Realism plays a major role in issues such as this. People have to go beyond the world and look just a little further. One's imagination will take them places of which they have never dreamed before. Some people swear up and down that aliens, UFO' s, and foreign space ships are not real. How do they know? I guess I will have to stick with Roh on believing in the existence of the supernatural, the magical, and the freaks of nature. Whether I understand completely or not, I think it is really neat how someone can go beyond the unthinkable. That is exactly what Roh does. Some things he talks about I cannot interpret, but I see his outline of it. I do not think there would be any interesting things to look forward to if someone did not use one's imagination and research on things that are mind boggling to the world today. Maybe if more people knew about this "magical realism, they would look at things differently. Angel Flores wrote about magical realism in a way that was hard for me to understand.

Sunday, August 18, 2019

What is Bruce saying? :: essays research papers

What is Bruce trying to say? At the beginning of the film we are introduced to Bruce Nolan, a television news reporter who is looking for greater success with his career. The next thing to his job is his relationship with his girlfriend Grace which lives with Bruce. As we get to know Bruce, we see that he is frequently in charge but seldom in control. His need to succeed in life is acompanyed with his desire to be well liked are a hindrance to his ability to see what is really important in life and to him. As the film progresses, things do not go the his way for Bruce and he begins to question the justness of his god. When Bruce reaches his lowest point he virtually curses his god and says that he could do better at the duties of being god. Then God sends him a page and waits for the return call. As Bruce makes his way for the appointment with God, we begin to see increasingly more overt symbols of Christianity. I detected religious ideas in some situations that were presented in the film. For example, Bruce’s growing awareness of the suffering of others and the empathy he feels, despite his previous and somewhat charmed life. One thing I think that took this movie out on a limb was it was the frist movie to show a black man playing the role of God. In earlier films the role of god was always played by a white male. What is more compelling about this film is the overtly religious symbolism with the miracles that Bruce makes happen. What appears on the face as secular, under a more careful analysis, is unquestionably religious symbolism. For example, Bruce is a icon in a local television program. Television has been likened to the altar as a focal point of worship in the society we live in today. Now adays a person can watch a religious mass on television. The intent that Bruce demonstrates to put himself into a higher position in that altar is indicative of a reach for greater holiness(a better job). Bruce wants to be a God early on in this film and long before he curses his god and demands his job. Another obvious symbol of religion in this film is Bruce’s reverence to his job. In much of society and especially in American society, we can draw strong ties between organized religion and a corporate place of employment.

Saturday, August 17, 2019

Health Care Marketing Essay

The United States spends more than $4.2 billion annually as a resource to market in the direction of health care consumers. Advertisements consist of pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine, and in many cases, lawsuits as a result of alleged bad drugs. The two forms of marketing are direct to consumer advertising (DTCA) of medicines to treat a disease or illness, and direct advertisements reaching a more diverse populace of health care consumers requiring medication. Through the practice of print advertisements, television announcements, radio commercials, the far-reaching side effect of health care marketing is fast becoming an epidemic. My Opinion on Current Health Care Marketing Techniques While my opinion on health care is apparent, I also realize the ever-changing atmosphere and understand that with change come additional responsibilities. From first-hand accounts and voice-to-voice with family in the health care arena, I am doubtful that all possible improvements have been implemented. It is my desire to see a more established forefront to the real problems in health care. We have great potential in this country to improve the processes and services available to health care consumers. How I feel Current Marketing Techniques Are Affecting Consumers? Marketing techniques, in my opinion, often overstep the boundary of ethical behavior; more particularly regarding the use of pharmaceutical marketing techniques. I often wonder about the validity of claims made on behalf of pharmaceutical companies, providing vast amounts of information to an unrecognized audience. â€Å"A recent content analysis of 38 television commercials concluded that the emotional appeal overshadowed factual information about the drug: only 26% of commercials provided information about the causes of or risk factors for disease, and 19% suggested lifestyle changes as adjunctive treatments† Pharmaceutical Industry Profile 2007. This information has aided in forming an opinion about how techniques are often over-extended to reach a more diverse population, often with disregard to how this information is perceived by the audience. Conclusion I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this course. My hopes are to expand my understanding of the processes of health care marketing, learning all the facets of techniques, capabilities, and social responsibilities. References Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. Pharmaceutical Industry Profile 2007. Washington, DC: PhRMA, 2007.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Toy Story

Name: Karl Dent Instructor: Morgen Thomas SP13: SOC 101 Date: Mar 19, 2013 â€Å"A Toy's Story Observation† When you think about toys the first thing that comes to mind is the joy they gave when you were a kid growing up, and the smile they put on your kid’s face when you see them playing with them on a daily basis. What if toys could talk? What information would they give us? What would they tell us? Recently I set out on a quest to better understand what information I could get just by looking at the toys in my local neighborhood toy store and how they shape the mind of kids from a young age.Unfortunately for me, the day I went to the toy store there were not many people shopping, so this made my research a little harder to complete. I wandered around the store for several hours, going through many different aisles and looking at many different toys. At times I felt like I was being watched; it was so quiet I could hear whispers as if the little action figures were gi ving me the information I needed. By looking at toys as a way of seeing things from a sociological stand point, I can understand why the manufacturers of toys make certain types and what goals they are trying to accomplish.By studying different toys, I started to use them as tools to see the world in a new way and to see how they shape society from both nature and nurture. My views of toys were like sociological imagination; I started to see how contextual our lives are. I then realized our individual identities were only sensible in a social context. But how can you look at toys and figure out how humans behave in our society? The only possible answer I found to my question was sociology. Toys help to form one important aspect of our lives which we come to understand as gender identity.By having toys specific to boys and girls it helps us to understand what it means to be male or female. Understanding gender identity is said to be one of the most important ways we develop who we ar e and where we belong in our society. With many of the toys I observed, I noticed they would have a specific age group on the box, which is known as the functional age symbol. This helps parents understand the expected developmental growth of their child, being able to compare it with the age of the kids on the toy boxes.There was a lot of cooking toys for girls, and a lot of police toys for boys, which illustrated to me gender inequality. These toys present the message that men are dominant and above women. By looking at the boxes they showed boys play an authority figure of catching bad guys and there weren’t any girl cops on any of the police toys that I saw. This led me to believe that they saw women as being weak and not able to go out and be a police officer in the community that they would eventually grow up and be a part of.There were also toys that sent the message that some men were over other men and some women where over other women. G. I. Joe toys are a way of sh owing boys what they should grow up to be, while a princess doll shows a girl that she is expected to be a pretty lady. This is the process of general socialization in our society. While this process starts at birth, it continues throughout our lives by way of the nurturing of kids through toys. Laser tag toys are more group oriented because they require more than one person to play.This then teaches group cohesion, this is where an individual would start learning how to work as a team while playing with other people. Looking at a play house princess set you can see how that particular toy prepares girls for the future role that society would proclaim them to have. Society expects our girls to grow up and be wives, the one who is always back at home taking care of the kids and the house and making dinner for the husband. The differences in toys between girls and boys also create gender inequality.It would lead you to think that girls will grow up doing just domestic jobs and that bo ys will grow up to be cops, soldiers, firefighters, etc. Gender inequality also creates a wage gap for women in our society because it puts male and female with the same potential on an unequal playing field. NBA toys are modeled after real people. They were of James, Bosh, Williams, Durant and Griffin which are all black male players. There were not any female basketball toys; this showed the separation of race, sex, color and gender, and how sports and athletes are seen in American society.By giving athletes the achieved status of celebrity and role model, it enables the toy company to create a new market of toys based on the person and not the sport. By not promoting female sports as much as male sports, we are sending a message that male sports are more dominant than female sports and males are more important than females when it comes to sports. There were not any white basketball toys and this was an appeal by the toy company to get whiter kids involve in basketball so they ca n be famous and one day own their own toy in a toy store.Separating gender by toys can also lead to other things such as stigma and sanction by family, friends and even teachers. A girl playing with a boy toy and doing boy things will be seen as a tom boy and a boy playing with a girl toy will be seen as s sissy. This can cause serious sanction by parents if they are around friends out in public and society will view this as being deviant because they are going against the norm of what is expected from them. Ranking boys above girls is a form of social inequality and relates to the structure of mobility because it brings about what is called social stratification.One set of toys that stood out were the Home Depot toys. They showed white males being builders and taking control of the development of buildings and handling tools. This was showing men as being engineers and future bosses and did not show where girls could do the same jobs as men in the future. By not giving girls the op portunity from a young age to do what they want, we continue to limit the ability of women in our society. Toys are a very important way for kids to develop. This is one of the many ways they learn to start sharing things with each other.Toys help kids to understand their roles and gender. Day-care, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are very good places for kids to start their venture of learning. This is where individuals and groups get a chance to interact. In this setting, they have the ability to focus on the creation of their personal identity through playing with toys and others. Of particular interest is the relationship between individual action and group pressures. Having this opportunity to be away from their parents and spend time around other kids will help them nderstand what friendship is and learn the difference between boys and girls. We can expand military toys not only to boys but also to girls because women have proven to be just as productive in the military work forces as men. Allowing boys to play with dolls without being sanctioned is a good way of teaching them how to take care of a child and be more loving when they hit adulthood. Making NBA toys for both males and females is a way to promote the WNBA as much as we do for the men and to gain the interest in the sports for more women.Making white NBA toys will show our kids that white basketball players are as good as black. Teaching girls how to work in construction is not a bad thing because women can also be successful engineers and builders. Domestic jobs such as taking care of the kids should be taught to boys and not just girls. Giving girls more access to the things that are normally set aside for boys from an early age and allowing social mobility will allow them to move from one class to another. If we made these changes we could reduce gender inequality in our society between girls and boys.

Marigolds

What change does the main character experience from the beginning of the story to the end? From the beginning to the end of the story, the main character experiences her time when she was changing from child to woman. Growing up during the Great Depression in impoverished rural of Maryland, her family had been living through poverty and financial struggles.She was fourteen going on fifteen by that time so she understood everything her family or her neighbors had been through. But She and ere brother were so young and innocence that they liked running around and teasing Miss Little with her marigolds mounds that she planted every summer. And the rising action that changed her childhood was the midnight when she first heard a man that was her father cry in helplessness and hopeless because he couldn't get a job and take good care of the family.She felt his despair and her emotion of crying In fear, and degradation that led her run and ruin all the marigolds of Miss Little. When she loo ked up to â€Å"stared at her†, † that was the moment when childhood faded and manhood began†. She felt guilty, â€Å"awkward and ashamed† that moment marked the end of Innocence. Why did Miss Little plant the marigolds? She planted the marigolds because that was her happiness. They were very bright and colorful compared to her â€Å"sorry gray house†.Those passionate yellow mounds made her house really stand out. She took care of them â€Å"all summer, every summer† as her one Joy and hope. Without reviewing the story, what descriptive details do you remember? The detail that stands out In my mind Is the scene Elizabethan father cried out loud† In the middle of the night because he felt Impotent for not do anything for his wife and his kids In twenty-two years. A man Is always the leader of the house. Taking a good care of his family Is the most Important role they should.He was a strong man † who could whisk a child upon his shou lders and go singing through the house†. And † he sobbed, loudly and painfully, and cried helplessly and hopelessly In the dark night. † This really touches my heart. For the first time he despaired, and behind the wall, that also was the first time his daughter hear him cry. Marigolds By emphysema K. Kennedy job and take good care of the family. She felt his despair and her emotion of crying in the end of innocence.Why did Miss Little plant the marigolds? Remember? The detail that stands out in my mind is the scene Elizabethan father â€Å"cried out loud† in the middle of the night because he felt impotent for not do anything for his wife and his kids in twenty-two years. A man is always the leader of the house. Taking a good care of his family is the most important role they should. He hopelessly in the dark night. † This really touches my heart. For the first time he

Thursday, August 15, 2019

Chinese History: The Han Dynasty Essay

The Han Dynasty was founded by Liu Bang in 206 BCE. He came of peasant stock and rose to power slowly from being a petty government official to the role of emperor. Liu Bang ruled China for eleven years with felicity and wisdom. He was intelligent and sought to win over the elder statesmen by promising to eliminate all the harsh laws of the Qin government. His experience as the â€Å"neighborhood head† (Hansen 114) had given him the opportunity to be familiar with the legal system of the Qin Dynasty and he made full use of this knowledge to establish a rule of prosperity and leave a long line of rulers who ruled for four hundred years in China. This paper will discuss such themes as have emerged from the research done of the Han Dynasty and will be divided into sections each dealing with one theme at a time. State and Succession: The state of China that Liu Bang wrested from the Qin ruler was in turmoil with several intrigues being hatched by the court officials against the cruelty of the Qin ruler. The rebels wanted to place the first son of the emperor to the throne but Liu Bang was able to defeat the rebels and ascended the throne as the founder of the Han dynasty. He used both stratagem and skill to either defeat his rivals or win them over with promises of sweeping changes in the administration and the legal system. The extent of his empire was divided between his nine brothers and one hundred and fifty loyal followers. The only region that was under direct control of the emperor was the western part of the empire with its capital at Changan and comprised about one-third of the total empire. His rule from 206- 195 BCE was not without troubles. He had to spend a lot of his time trying to suppress rebellions in different parts of his empire and at this time China was invaded several times by the powerful Xiongnu tribe. After being defeated by them Liu Bang concluded a humiliating treaty with the shanyu, leader of the Xiongnu, by which he had to grant equal status to the Xiongnu people and marry the Chinese Princess to the shanyu. As a result of this diplomatic gesture the Xiongnu people promised to leave China alone and not invade them any further. Liu Bang was followed by his fifteen year old son Huidi to the throne, who ruled for seven years from 195- 188 BCE. After his death the reigns of the kingdom was taken over by the widow of Liu Bang, Empress Lu who ruled in the name of Han dynasty for eight years between 188 and 180 BCE. She placed minor princes to the throne and ruled as their guardian and was able to bring peace and stability to the empire. After the death of Empress Lu intrigue again raised its head and senior court officials placed the son of Liu Bang’s concubine who was a puppet in their hands. The descendants of Liu Bang’s relative continued to rule two thirds of China while the Han Dynasty was directly in charge of only a third of the entire empire. Emperor Wu ascended the throne at the age of fifteen in 140 BCE. For the first few years of his reign he was under the control of his grandmother, the dowager Empress Dou and his uncle who was his chancellor. However, from 131 BCE, after the death of the chancellor, Emperor Wu took full charge of his kingdom and established an empire based on the principles of Confucius. He is credited with having extended the Han Empire in the southern districts and continued to maintain diplomatic relations with the Xiongnu people by paying them annuity in keeping with the treaty signed by Liu Bang. Emperor Wu was a follower of Dong Zhongshu, a student of Confucianism and under his influence established Confucian schools in every district. Emperor Wu strengthened the bureaucracy and curtailed the powers of the regional rulers who had been given kingdoms by Liu Bang (Hansen 127). He ruled as a despot with unlimited powers until his death in 87 BCE. He dissolved the position of the Chancellor and promoted his step brother-in-law to the position of regent who put minor princes on the throne and ruled in their name, thus weakening the power and influence of the Han dynasty. The influence of the Han dynasty was later restored by the support of some powerful consort families to which it remained beholden. The consort families wanted to marry their daughters to the emperor in the hope of becoming regents of minor princes and ruling in their names. One of the notable emperors of the later Han dynasty was Emperor Huan, who ruled from 146-168 A. D. Emperor Huan threw the yoke of dominance by the consort family by hatching a plot against them with the help of eunuchs. He managed to break free of the consort family’s stranglehold but set a precedence of encouragement of the eunuchs that did not augur well for the Han dynasty. The last of the Han rulers was a puppet ruler who had to abdicate and thus bring about the end of the Han dynasty in 220 A. D. Administration: Liu Bang had established some good norms of governance that were refined and made more effective by some of the other prominent Han emperors. The administration was carried out at two levels, the central government and the local governments. There were three major divisions of the central government; collection of taxes, maintaining the army and overseeing the work of the government officials. The three divisions of the local governments were later modified to include; registering population, collecting taxes, maintaining waterways, dispensing justice and recommending educated men for government positions. After becoming emperor, Liu Bang distributed his kingdom between his nine brothers and sons and gave them the titles of kings and named a hundred and fifty men from the nobility, marquis and gave them portions of the kingdom as well. These later became the regional kingdoms of China. The land directly under the control of the emperor was divided into one hundred commanderies which were further divided into one hundred and fifty counties. Under Emperor Wu the inheritance of land laws were changed and the land was divided equally between all the sons of the Emperor and did not go only to the eldest son after his death. He also altered the practice of appointing sons of the noble families to high official positions and started the practice of appointing his own nominated officials to government positions. The land revenue had been fixed at one fifteenth by Liu Bang and it was later reduced to one thirtieth by later emperors. However, with the introduction of reforms and establishment of schools and Confucian institutions Emperor Wu realized that the land revenue collected from taxes was not enough to finance his reform projects. So he issues government monopolies on salt and iron. The society under Han dynasty was divided broadly into two categories; the land owners and the slaves. The structure was not rigid and the emperor had the power to strip a land owner or noble of his land and powers and a slave could buy his freedom and become elevated in social stature. There was great disparity of wealth in the Han society. The rulers used to make grants of land to nobles who gradually made them very powerful and corrupt. They stopped paying land revenue and the revenue dropped considerably so that the emperor had to limit the size of the land holding and number of slaves in 7 BCE. The later Han rulers were able to hold on to their position of power and rule with the help of a few powerful consort families. They dare not challenge their power and gave in to most of their demands. In the third and fourth centuries of Han rule eunuchs became very powerful after the Han Emperor Huan enlisted their support to overthrow the yoke of the noble families and they played an important role in court intrigues. Crime and punishment: Liu Bang became familiar with the legal system of the Qin dynasty as a neighborhood head and realized that though the main tenets of law and justice in the Qin dynasty were good, some of the punishments meted out were harsh and barbaric. It was with a promise to change these laws that he was able to come into power in 206 BCE. Eventually, he ended up modifying some of the laws and relaxing punitive corporal punishments like beheading. Since he had to depend a lot on the support of the rich and noble families, members of these families were almost exempt from corporal punishment. Most offenders could get away with paying a huge fine or being confined to rigorous labor like masonry for men and pounding grains foe women were the most common punishments. More severe offenses were awarded amputation of a limb or cutting off of the nose. Shaving off the head and beard and tattooing were considered severe enough punishments for lesser crimes. In keeping with Laozi’s teachings, law was considered to be â€Å"the way† that emperors were supposed to rule their empire. Everyone was considered to be equal in the eyes of law. But in reality it remained a guideline and was not always implemented, the rich people usually got less rigorous punishments could pay their way out of serving punishment sentences. There was no law or power to curb the powers of the ruler. The framework for a good legal system was present and rulers like Emperor Wu made use of the law to curb the rising clout of the nobility. Role of women and eunuchs: Chinese society was male dominated and the position of women was not very enviable. The birth of a girl child was not very welcome. According to Ban Zhao, who was the scholarly and brilliant sister of court historian, Ban Gu, there were three things that had to be performed when a girl was born. The infant needed to be kept under the bed indicating that her position was lowly and weak. She would be given a potsherd to play with reminding her that she needed to work hard all her life and that the announcement of a girl child to the ancestors needed to be accompanied with an offering to remind the child that she was born to serve them. She mentions four virtues that women should practice; â€Å"womanly virtue, womanly words, womanly bearing and womanly work† (Hansen 139). Women were mostly relegated to the chores of cooking, sewing and weaving and hardly ever had the opportunity to voice their opinions. Ban Zhao advocated the education of women. She preached that both men and women must understand their respective duties and work together to make the marriage work well. She agreed that women must do the household chores but not be ignorant and serve as a slave. She must not be manhandled and treated badly and she should not argue as well. It was a poor man’s bad luck to have a daughter while the rich families could afford daughters and used them to their advantage by marrying them to emperors or nobility. Though the general condition of women in China was not encouraging there have been some powerful empresses like dowager Empress Dou who ruled in the name of the Han dynasty and brought peace and stability to the kingdom. The instances of the dowager empresses and that of Ban Zhao are examples of how women could break out of stereotypical roles if they wanted to. The Emperor had harems full of women concubines. Emperor Huan was said to have six thousand women in his harem. As the Han dynasty’s rule extended to the third or the fourth centuries the role of eunuchs became very important in the kingdoms. The eunuchs were usually kept along with womenfolk in the imperial households and played a part in the court intrigues. Like the women dowager empresses they would usually place a minor prince on the throne and rule in their names as their regents. It was during the reign of Emperor Huan that the eunuchs became very powerful because the Emperor hatched a coup to overthrow the influential consort families with the help of the eunuchs. A bitter conflict between the eunuchs and the consort families ensued only to be put down by General Cao Cao when he became regent. Philosophy and Society: Liu Bang was respectful of Confucian thought and philosophy but was not slavish to it. For example he did not allow personal ties to come between him and his ambitions (Hansen115). The Huang –Lao school of thought founded on the teachings of Laozi and Huang commended their teachings in the books, The Way and Integrity Classic and The Classic of Law. These books gave guidance in various aspects of life and living. However, they could not check the power of a ruler who did not abide by its laws and where there was poor governance. These teachings were contrary to what Confucians believed and taught Emperor Wu was greatly under the influence of Dong Zhongshu, who believed that the emperor was the link between heaven and his subjects. When Emperor Wu came to power he established Confucian academies in all the districts in order to centralize its power. As the Huang-Lao philosophy was contradictory to the Confucian philosophy Emperor Wu enforced the closure of these schools and established Confucian schools in every district. Emperor Wu was the first to establish the Confucian canon by had Confucian school of thought and institutions in all the counties. He believed in the Confucian principle that if a ruler ruled his kingdom well heaven would support him and if there were poor governance then the he would incur the wrath of the heavens and his kingdom would be afflicted with floods, droughts and other natural calamities. The tombs of the marquis of Mawangdui and his family bear testament to the Han dynasty’s belief in afterlife. It also demonstrates that people had two kinds of souls – one was the superior spirit soul or hun that was free to travel to the land of the immortals and the other the inferior body soul or po which had to reside in the tomb and if not taken care of in its tomb, it may have to travel to the netherworld. The tomb had to be supplied with replicas of gold and bronze coins, lacquer vessels, ceramics and bamboo suitcases. The food items that can be assumed to have been presented to Lady Dai, the wife of the marquis, are meat dishes and beer. The scenes depicted within the tomb provide an insight into their ideas of afterlife. The top section depicts two gods of destiny who keep records of the individual’s life and the moon and sun with their residents and the Queen Mother of the West. From the above study we see that the various themes that emerged during the course of Chinese history have shaped the philosophical and political destiny of China. The present day Chinese beliefs can trace their roots in this period of history. That history of a nation or people is dynamic and sustainable is borne out by the fact that many of the Chinese institutions and policies were shaped by the values and laws of the Han dynasty.