The Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Applications of Psychology Essay Example for Free

The Humanistic and Cognitive Behavioral Applications of Psychology Essay Psychology as a scientific discipline can be divided into four major historical forces. The first historical force being psychoanalysis, the second force behaviorism, the third force humanistic, and the fourth force multicultural. Each historical force represents the zeitgeist or prevailing school of thought for its historical time, and each school of thought brought about the development of different theoretical applications and ideological approaches. This paper will focus on theorists and theoretical applications of the second and third historical forces. Behaviorism is the school of thought founded by John B. Watson and is the second historical force in psychology. The basis of behavioral psychology suggests that all behaviors are learned and therefore can be unlearned and changed. Watson, like most other behaviorists were of the mindset that only observable, or overt behaviors, should be studied because concepts such as emotion and cognition were too subjective (Cherry, K. 2011). Cognitive applications of behavioral psychology known as Cognitive Behavioral psychology or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) differs from the orientation of Behaviorism in that it focuses on the mental processes, perceptions, and interpretations of the mind, as well as how information is retrieved. Cognitive Theorists believe emotions are triggered by thoughts and beliefs. It is in this mindset that Cognitive Behavioral psychotherapy was developed as a type of â€Å"talk therapy† which is clinically proven to be more effective than medication for treating insomnia, depression and several other psychological issues. One of the most notable Cognitive Behavioral theorists of modern day psychology is Dr, Albert Ellis. I focus on Albert Ellis and his theoretical applications because of their similarities to the foundations of Buddhist psychology. Albert Ellis founded Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy can be viewed as a philosophy of living, as well as a form of psychotherapy. Dr. Ellis also believed that unhappiness could be alleviated by learning to identify 4 types of irrational thinking and  cultivating â€Å"Universal Self-Acceptance† ( USA ) which overlaps Buddhisms â€Å"three marks of existence† ( annicca, anatta, dukha ) (Tsering, 2006). Dr. Ellis believed that â€Å"self-esteem† was an irrational and harmful concept for reasons similarly found in Buddhism. Many psychologists believe that self-esteem issues help or exacerbate most mental health issues. Dr. Ellis advocated replacing the concept of â€Å"self-esteem† with â€Å"Universal Self-Acceptance† (USA) (M.G.T. Kwee, 2006) Rational-emotive behavior therapy, or REBT, can perhaps be summarized by understanding the A-B-C model for psychotherapy. (Ellis, 1994) REBT says that the most commo n mistake people make is in assuming that adversity (A) is responsible, or causes, emotional consequences (C). For example, one might believe that doing poorly on a project at work (the adversity, or A) is what causes them severe anxiety and stress (the consequence, or C). The REBT therapist, however, argues that it is not the adversity (A) which causes the anxiety and stress (C), but rather it is the individuals perceptiontheir unrealistic and over generalized beliefs (B) about the adversity that causes the anxiety and stress. It was not that a person did poorly on the project, but rather her belief that she must do well on everything she does. This unrealistic belief that she must do well all the time led her to tell herself how awful it was that she did not do well. Thus, it was her perception that she did not do what must be done, and that it is awful that she did not do what must be done, that resulted in her feelings of stress and anxiety. While most people believe that A=C, the REBT therapist shows them that, in reality, A x B = C. If the therapist can adjust the clients thinking by ma king her realize that she doesnt always have to do well, or that its not really that awful that she didnt do as well as she would have liked, then her feelings of anxiety and stress may be lessened. (Ellis,1994) As a cognitive-behavioral mode of treatment REBT postulates that emotional and psychological disorders are largely the result of thinking irrationally, dysfunctionally, negatively, absolutely, or illogically. Furthermore, REBT theorizes that rational and irrational thoughts are incompatible. (Tsering, 2006) Humans are able to get rid of most of their emotional and mental unhappiness, inefficacy, or disturbance if they learn to maximize rational and minimize irrational ideation REBT holds that sustained negative feelings, such as intense depression, anxiety, anger, and guilt, are almost  always unnecessary to human living. (Ellis, 1994) After researching different aspects of Buddhist psychology it is my opinion that Dr. Ellis’ (REBT ) transcends multi-cultural borders and values. I find this approach to psychotherapy to be very beneficial and important in American psychology which historically has failed in many aspects to encompass other cultures and ideological approaches i n psychotherapies and treatments. Many similarities also exist between the ways that Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and the self-actualization theories of Rogers and Maslow. Both Maslow and Rogers described the self-actualizing person as one who has personal autonomy and who is free to make choices. The actions of the self-actualizing person are not determined solely by the physical and social environment, because a person has access to personal resources that are, in turn, growth promoting. According to Maslow (Maslow, 1968) ) the self-actualizing person does not avoid facing or acting on feelings or thoughts that are experienced. The self-actualized person of Maslow, Rogers, Zen Buddhism, and Lao Tzu feels a kinship with all human beings. These people care about others with a caring that is gentle and not moralistic. The humanistic approach of the third historical force in psychology reflects the self –actualization ideologies put forth in Buddhism and Taoism and suggested by Maslow and Rogers. Carl Rogers, created client-centered therapy, and designated unconditional positive regard (UPR) as one of the three conditions were necessary for positive change, along with empathy and genuineness (congruence). According to the Rogerss theory, mental illness is often caused by the absence of love or by a defective kind of love that the client received as a child. By showing the client unconditional positive regard and acceptance, the therapist is providing the best poss ible conditions for personal growth to the client. (Campbell, 1985) One regards ‘each aspect of the client’s experience as being part of that client . (Bozarth, 2001) While all four of the historical forces have contributed to the development of American psychology and psychological theories, I believe it is the cognitive behavorial and existentialistic ideologies such as the theories of Ellis’ (REBT) and Rogers’(UPR) that have had the greatest impact on psychotherapy and its multi-cultural applications . I can honestly say that my views and opinions have been changed by the knowledge I have gained from the History and Systems class also known as psychology 308. From a cultural perspective  I have always felt I belonged to two different worlds. I was born in Kentucky and raised in a very conservative , narrow-minded community. The predominant school of thought was very racist. My ethnic heritage is Scotch-Irish and I was taught as a child to have a dislike for those who were not like me. Imagine, if you will, the conflict I felt as a child who played with dolls, hated baseball, and had an attraction to members of my sex. Researchin g the different theoritical orientations in psychology has been an extremely enlightening experience. While I do not profess to be of any religious or spiritual mindset, I have developed an interest in the Buddhist approach of self-acceptance to life. I am almost 46 years old and I have made my share of mistakes along the way. Self acceptance has always been something I have struggled with. Dr. Ellis’ REBT and Buddhist psychological approaches have given me the tools to take a greater look at myself and to be okay with what I see. I intend to be an advocate for those people like myself who have felt cheated by the cultural values or norms put forth by American psychological culture. Times may be changing, but in my opinion not fast enough. As we move to a more culturally diverse nation I hope that the plight of gay, lesbian, and transgendered persons will be considered in the greater development of multi-cultural psychology. Brook, J. S., Whiteman, M. (2008). Onset of adolescent drinking: a longitudinal study of intrapersonal and interpersonal antecedents. Bibliography Bozarth, J. (2001). Unconditional Positive Regard (Rogers Therapeutic Conditions Evolution Theory Practice. Pccs Books. Campbell, P. A. (1985). Bio-spirituality: focusing as a way to grow. Loyola University Press. Ellis, A. (1994). Reason and Emotion in Psychotherapy . Birch Lane . Hanh, T. N. (1999). The Heart of the Buddhas Teaching:Transforming Suffering into Peace, Joy, and Liberation . Broadway Books. M.G.T. Kwee, K. G. (2006). Horizons in Buddhist Psychology: Practice, Research Theory,. Chagrin Falls : Taos Institute Publications. maslow, A. (1968). Toward a Psychology of Being. New York: Princeton. Tsering, G. T. ( 2006). Buddhist Psychology: The Foundation of Buddhist Thought.

The Event Industry And Event Management Tourism Essay

The Event Industry And Event Management Tourism Essay Introduction Widely encompassing conferences and exhibitions, the events industry stands for extremely attractive business chances. The events industry has grown significantly over the last decades and it is as huge as diverse, it takes advantage of the abilities and characters of a broad series of individuals providing various, and boosting careers. The main purpose of this paper is to identify and critically analyze three explanations given for the significant growth of events industry. By applying examples of events from all over the world, this paper takes what implications the explanations might have had or will have for event management into account. Firstly, it will introduce the knowledge about event industry and event management. Following this, three explanations analysis on events industry is conducted, in terms of added governments participation and support for events, the rapid development of tourism and the capability of event to attract tourists, and the capability of events to cre ate economic benefits. Drawing upon this analysis, this paper comes to a conclusion. Event industry and event management The events industry is affluent and dynamic, which provides worldwide chances and creates strong performance. In addition, the foundations for events industry include a whole set of sellers and buyers, and attractive dynamics. Events and the related conferences are a whole section of any comprehensive media firms total strategy. Events play lots of significant roles from establishing community to city renewal, cultural improvement to cultivating country identities. Classifying events is significant in the planning, managing and assessing events, which is sorted based on place attachment and event size. In spite of general decreased mergers and acquisitions actions, the events industry seems to have another intensive year of mergers and acquisitions. The rapid growth of event industry leads to more demands for experienced and efficient event managers. The events industry can go on to be flourishing. Event management Owing to the development of the events industry, event management has been as significant as a specialist domain of research. Event management is a rapid increasing topic where tourists form an underlying market for events and the tourism industry is an important stakeholder in its growth (Getz, 2002). Event management attributes to design, create and deals with planned events, including sports, festivals and other events (Carlsen, 2000). In addition, events management on a global size is severely huge business and involves most sectors. Explanations for the significant growth of event industry Over the last two decades, events in modern society have obtained growing importance attribute to lots of reasons such as added governments participation and support for events, the rapid development of tourism and the capability of event to attract tourists, and the capability of events to create economic benefits. Increased governments participation and support for events Governments participation and support Governments growing awareness of positive economic effects of the events industry is a main trends in the events industry (Weber Ladkin, 2004). It is important to have the most powerful relationship between events and government to confirm the best chance to succeed and industry support. In addition, it is significant for government to think of the wide alternatives available and to decide which is most appropriate to the specific situation and priorities. Policy priority is significant to offer a transparent foundation for government activities about investing for events. If sound policies are in position, it is essential for government to regard obviously growing investment in events. Local government policies and those of states and the country actively chased events for their economic developments (Getz, 2008). Both the local and regional levels, especially in creating events, there are much more widespread and collaboration stakeholder entry. Moreover, economic positive effects are a significant and increasing priority for government, before participation and support, government should distinctly be aware of community and economic benefits to one or both of which. Tax revenue for every level of government composes some of the most benefits of event. In addition, events industry analysis can assist government to forecast shifts in income, employment and output due to a shift in economic action. Examples of governments participation and support Australia and a series of Australian government agencies offer services to sustain the events industry, and these agencies provide worthy services helping to cultivate the growth of supporting events industry in Australia. The Creative Director needs to offer suggest to all government events as soon as possible to maximize benefits. Moreover, event policy is often top-down in Australia, primarily because lots of bids on events are opportunistic, and its legitimate economic growth. In addition, Australian government supports the global and home needs for business events. However, not all support from government should be financial support. Implications of governments participation and support Government needs to continue to play an import role in offering resource, coordination and funds, and further explore chances to attract events. Government needs to obviously add investment in events through building a fund to enable response ability to primary chances to lead to great economic benefits, and to help generate new events. Additionally, government requires policies to direct its decisions about what is governments role and priorities for support events. Government needs to improve the ability in future strategies, organizational schedules and generating policies for the successful events to community. However, it is obviously that there is a need for highly developed communication throughout governments. There has been confined communication and specialist in government agencies on planning and managing events, which violates the efficiency and worth of governments participation and support. Governments hope more done on why events come to failure, standardized study ways and event management factors. In addition, all present support and investment throughout every agency need to be considered to totally confirm consistency with government priority and know about what is being supported. Every government agency needs to inform total particulars of support and results to the chief department in future. Ability of events to attract tourists Event and tourism Tourism is a significant driver of events, and figure obviously in its rapid growth. There is no doubt that numerous special events gave a boost to the events industry and tourism value, and lots of attention has been given to the economic fields of event tourism. The influences and roles of event tourism are of growing significance for attractiveness. Every category of planned events has underlying tourism, but bigger events are predominant in event tourism growth (Weed, 2005). With regard to sports, the overlap of sport with tourism mainly handles more positive forms of sport involvement and sport events as attraction. Sport event tourism is stably built in the 1990s and is expanding widely since 2000. Moreover, benefit in the tourism value of business events is strong, and every main city owns agencies aimed to bid on events as well as amazing exhibition installations. Examples of tourism events The growth of event tourism policies and programs in Australia is considered as a tool in regional development (Whitford, 2004). In addition, the event development agencies existing in each state in Australia stand for the art in event tourism. Events Corp Western Australia has programs and strategies for appealing to, bidding, improving and helping events mainly to cultivate tourism (Getz Fairley, 2004). As another example of event tourism grows for strategic objectives, explain the mission of The Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance, searching add Canadian ability and advantage to and host sport events. And nearly each city in North America has a sport tourism initiative, international competition to bid on events and it is very competitive to appeal to the sport event tourist. Implications for tourism events As a result, this part will draw implications for tourism events management. Firstly, event manager showing an interest in growing their tourism proficiency needs to be committed to his stakeholders in the communitys tourism planning course. Secondly, through considering event tourism as a system, marketing survey and assessment could be integrated. If an event manager must investigate visitors for the sake of profile their consumers, the objective has to obtain a comprehension of underlying event tourist segments with supply. Then, cultivating an integrated portfolio way to event tourism could be beneficial to every stakeholder through confirming that the underlying contributions of every event is considered, and through building suitable support systems. Finally, it is necessary to custom-design supremely targeted event tourism, which is on the basis of more significant knowledge of the planned event experience in every aspect. The ability of events to create economic benefits Economic benefits Events are more and more generated, bid on strategic causes, but the prevailing one is economic growth. Economic benefits of events are among the most significant causes for organizing events. The significant development of event industry gives a great push to the economic growth, while gives pressure to the environment. Event is mainly forced through the objective of economic benefits (Solberg, Andersson Shibli, 2002). Events are considered strategically to generate more money into economy, boost economic growth and to display destinations to underlying visitors. The events involve a series of associated industry part, can improve strong brands. Studies concerning the economic benefits of events and certain category of events are well built, but economic impacts are just a beginning, with lots of researchers emphasizing on benefit evaluations. Events industry goes on to be a resource of economic development, and both rate of attendance and general employment at events in increasing. Business industry is priceless to many countries economic growth from innovating to training. Business events are a strong economic driving force, encouraging workers produce increased productivity and preferable outcomes, which permit for enhanced economy and advanced benefit. Events industry stands up for tax receipts and creating jobs, is essential to the face-to-face interaction. In addition, revenue created through the sport events industry has grown consistently. Main sport events impact a lot on economy through the direct expenditure of tourists related to the events, and Australia can take full advantage of the positive economic effects of tourism arising from main sport events (Gratton, Dobson Shibli, 2000). Examples of economic benefits The events industry has grown at a rate of 6.2% every year throughout the world since 2003 and is expected increase 5.5% every year through 2011. And the growth will go on, and even some global increase paces reach 20%. According to a recent report, the exhibition industry creates 9.3 billion to the economy and provides 137,000 jobs in the UK. Sport events are primary platform for economic development in some cities in the UK. In 2000, the overall convention receipts produced $47.4 million of individual income to the residents, and produced 13,702 jobs in Korean. In addition, the events industry could offer persistent development, and very lucrative, with 20-30% pre-tax margins. Implications for event management In terms of development, the great issues are related to competitiveness such as how to apply events more efficiently, rate of income on investment as not all events have benefit, or risk like what is the cost, and sustainability. Decisions to organize main events frequently depend on a demand that several positive effects could be produced rather than on an aware endeavor to enhance the abilities of the economy to achieve underlying positive effects. The most significant index is the percentage of local goods in the overall value of services and products chased through visitors. Neither the scale of spending nor the amount of spectators necessarily offers a credible evaluation of economic effects. Conclusion In conclusion, the event industry has grown significantly over the last decades, increased governments participation and support, rapid development of tourism, and the ability of events to create economic benefits explain this phenomenon. Economic benefits are a significant and increasing priority for government before its participation and support, and government needs to continue to play an import role in offering resource, and further explore chances to attract events. Tourism is a significant driver of events, and benefits in the tourism value of business events are strong. Economic benefits of events are among the most significant causes for organizing events, and the significant development of event industry gives a great push to the economic growth.

The Importance of understanding break even analysis

The Importance of understanding break even analysis First of all, production managers and management accountants need to have a clear understanding of break-even analysis. This analysis is used as a general guideline for business decision making and is important for a number of reasons, including the ability to forecast the future cost and revenues and determine whether the business is making profit or loss, and also be able to develop a pricing strategy. The break-even analysis is based on marginal costing. 2008. Business Basics. 3rd edn. Essex: BPP publishing. The total cost of manufacturing or producing products or services is divided into two main parts = fixed costs and variable costs. Fixed costs are not directly related to the volume of production and should remain broadly constant while variable costs vary directly with the production volume and change directly when the production volume changes. [WWW]. http://journal .au.edu/au-techno/2007/JUL07/auJourna/Tech_article.09.pdf (20 November 2008) The Break-even point (BEP) is the point at which income and expenditure are equal, and so neither a profit nor a loss is made. When calculating the break even point the total fixed costs are divided by the contribution per unit. The contribution is the difference between the sales revenues and the marginal cost of sales (variable costs). 2008. Business Basics. 3rd edn. Essex: BPP publishing. Fixed Costs (FC) = Fixed production overheads + Fixed administration overheads + fixed distribution overheads FC = 200000 + 180000 + 120000 =  £500000 Variable costs (VC) = Direct materials + Direct wages + Variable production overheads VC = 350000 +50000 + 200000 =  £600000 VC per 1 unit = 600000 =  £12 50000 SR =1000000 =  £20 50000 Contribution = Sales revenue (SR) Variable costs (VC) Contribution =  £20  £12 =  £8 Break even point (BEP) = Fixed costs (FC) Contribution BEP = 500000 = 62500 units 8 Margin of safety (%) = 50000 62500 100 = -25% 50000 The business is left with 25% of their sales. Taking the role of the management accountant evaluate each of the four alternatives. Pay Salespeople a 10 % commission, in anticipation of them selling more and the business reaching the break-even point. FC =  £500000 VC =  £12 +  £2 (10% commission of SR) =  £14 SR =  £20 Cont =  £20  £14 =  £6 BEP = 500000 = 83334 units 6 The original sales = 50000 units 83334 50000= 33334 units 33334 100 = 66.7% 50000 By choosing this option sales production and sales would need to increase by 33334 units. This means that the business needs to sell 66.7% of products more than were the original sales to meet the break-even point. The business should consider that if they increase the production the additional warehouse may be needed so the stepped fixed costs will occur. This idea may be considered as an unrealistic. Especially now, the economic crunch is affecting every kind of business and the companies need to be aware of what strategy are they going to use in order to increase their sales. The demand for products is decreasing because people are aware of this economic situation. They are loosing their confidence to buy products. They prefer to buy only necessities. And also the business needs to be aware of what the competitors will do and how they will undergo the present situation. The management accountant should investigate some unpredictable situations. How does the business know that by paying sales people a 10% commission, the business will reach break-even point? Is there a guarantee that the business will sell more? How can we predict that the demand for the products will increase? Reduce the selling price by 10% in anticipation of increasing sales by 30%. Expected sales = 50000 + 30% (15000) = 65000 units FC =  £500000 VC =  £12 SR =  £20 20/10 =  £18 Contribution =  £18  £12 =  £6 BEP = 500000 = 83334 units 6 Profit/Loss = (65000 x 6) 500000 =  £110000 loss Margin of safety (in units) = 65000 83334 = (18334) units Margin of safety (%) = (Expected sales breakeven sales) 100 Expected sales Margin of safety (%) = (65000 83334) 100 = 18334 100 65000 65000 Margin of safety (%) = -0.2821 100 = (28.21 %) By reducing the selling price by 10% the sale should increase by 30%. The break-even analysis presents that even if we sell 15000 units more the business would be left with 18334 units which represents 28.21 % of the production. Reducing the selling price by 10% may be a good pricing strategy that may increase customers demand for the product but even if we sell the expecting amount of units there will be a loss of  £110000, and not just that a new warehouse may be needed because of the increased sales. The stepped fixed costs occur. The management accountant needs to look for external factors which are affecting the demand for the product. Will this pricing strategy lead customers to buy more products? What the competitors will do? Will they decrease the selling price or will they invest money in improvements? Increase direct wage rates from  £4 to  £5 per hour as part of a productivity/pay deal. It is hoped that this will increase production and sales by 20%, but advertising costs would increase by  £50000. Expected sales = 50000 + (20%) = 60000 Direct wages =  £200000 :  £4 = 50000 hours New direct wages =  £5 ÃÆ'- 50000 =  £250000 FC = 250000 + 180000 +120000 =  £550000 VC = (350000 + 250000 + 50000) =  £13 50000 SR =  £20 Contribution =  £20  £13 =  £7 BEP = 550000 = 78572 units 7 Profit/Loss = (60000 x 7) 550000 =  £130000 loss Margin of safety (in units) = 60000 78572 = (18572) units Margin of safety (%) = (78572 60000) = 18572 x 100 = 31% 60000 60000 Increase of direct wages is a good motivation strategy which may increase the production by 20%. However this is not enough to cover the additional increase of wages and advertising costs. This scenario is clearly not a practicable option because the business will be left with 18572 units in the inventory and they will have a loss  £130000 loss. In the present economic situation is very risky to invest in the advertising because there is no guarantee that the demand for the product will increase as people are buying the cheapest products and services. In anticipation to produce and sell more a new warehouse may be needed. This means that the stepped fixed cost will occur. Can the company deal with  £130000 loss? What will the competitors do? Will they invest in the advertising or they will reduce the selling price? Increase sales by additional advertising of  £300000, with an increased selling price of 20%, setting a profit margin of 10%. FC = 500000 + 300000 =  £800000 VC =  £12 SR =  £20 + (20/10) ÃÆ'- 2 =  £24 Contribution =  £24  £12 =  £12 BEP = 800000 = 66667 units 12 Margin of safety (%) = (73334 66667) 100 = 9.1% 73334 Sales Volume to achieve a target profit = Fixed cost + target profit Contribution per unit Sales Volume to achieve a target profit = 800000 + 80008 = 73334 units 12 73334 units need to be produced and sold in order to produce a profit of 10%. This option can be considered as the most prosperous of all 4 options. However the business needs to deliberate that the increase of selling price by 20% is very unsecure. Particularly now the market is very unstable and the companies should try to sell everything they have. Producing more products is very risky. There is no guarantee that the sales would be made. Everything depends on customers. Many examples could be used from news. For instance, sales of cars fell by 23% and people are not going to the restaurant for their meal, they are saving their money and buying only necessaries. The business needs to be aware that the demand for the products is decreasing and not increasing. Why they want to produce more products? Also the business needs to be careful with the investment in adverting. The cost of advertising may be hard to cover. A positive thing is that if the company orders more material to produce more products, the suppliers may offer a discount. The business needs to take in consideration the competitors in the market and what they would do. Will they reduce the selling price or will they invest in advertising? The management accountant should investigate all the factors that may affect the demand for the product and watch the economic situation. What are the limitations of break-even analysis? Do these limitations invalidate it as a reliable business analytical tool? The limitations of break-even analysis The break-even analysis is based on forecasting and has a certain limitations which should be considered. It is not always possible to predict what will happen on the market. The linear relationship is based on the presumption that costs remain constant. However this is not the case in practical market situations. The business may get some discount from its suppliers. Also the business can often reduce its selling price in order to increase its sales volume and this is an efficient strategy known as a non-linear relationship. Scarlett, R. 2007. Management Accounting Performance evaluation. Butterworth-Heinemann The business need to bear in mind that if a production increases or decreases it may result in expansion or reduction of capacity. If the Henllys scenario is used, in each case there is an anticipation of increased sales and production and this means that a new warehouse may be needed. The stepped fixed costs occur and this situation result in multiple break even points. Wood, F. Sangster, A. Business Accounting 2, 2008, 11 edn. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. Pg. 656. Apart from the situation described above the product mix need to be applied as well. Many organisations have more then one product or service and this can have an impact on the apportionment of fixed costs which can become arbitrary. Scarlett, R. 2007. Management Accounting Performance evaluation. Butterworth-Heinemann The break-even analysis is internal and it is not used to consider the things like competition or market demand which means that the business should use other analysis to watch what is happening on the market and what strategies are used by competitors. These limitations explained above invalidate our break-even analysis as a reliable business analytical tool.

Ernest Hemingway Essay -- essays research papers

â€Å"The light of the world† In â€Å"the light of the world†, by Ernest Hemingway, the main setting is a train station where our characters are sitting on a bench. The setting gives us time place and atmosphere; in addition it sheds light on the character nick. Showing his sensitivity to beauty and how naà ¯ve he is. The setting also show’s how nick is still just learning the way’s of the world and just getting his feet wet.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The physical setting involves a time in Nick’s life where he is still young. The setting is a train station with benches where He meets 5 whores and six white men. Nick, the narrator, tells us â€Å"that it was crowded and hot from the stove and full of stale smoke. As we came in nobody was talking† (40). This is what is said before Nick and his frien...

The Crucible of War by Fred Anderson :: Civil War Slavery American History Essays

The Crucible of War by Fred Anderson An account of ex-slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass opens this chapter. When news arrived of the Confederacy firing on Fort Sumter, Douglass cheered the outbreak of the fighting and Lincoln's vow to maintain the Union. Douglass recognized that the Union was fighting solely to uphold the Constitution and preserve the nation, not to end slavery; but he also understood, much earlier than most, that a war to save the Union would inevitably become a war to end slavery. "And the War Came" President Lincoln was determined to stop the spread of secession and to take no action that would push the still undecided Upper South into seceding. He sought to reassure the Deep South of the safety of slavery, giving Unionists there the possibility of reasserting themselves and overturning the secession decision, but at the same time he made it clear that he was determined to uphold the Union. His Confederate counterpart, Jefferson Davis, was equally resolved to see an independent Confederate States of America. While neither man sought war, both knew one side would provoke it sooner or later, and the war would come. The Surrender of Fort Sumter Fort Sumter, a federally manned fort inside Charleston harbor, was a hateful symbol to the Confederacy of the nation it had abandoned. Union forces at the fort were running short of supplies and, unless they were reprovisioned, would have to evacuate. Lincoln knew that to surrender Sumter would be to abandon his commitment to preserving the Union, so he sent a relief expedition, telling Confederates that there would be no attempt to send troops or munitions unless the supply ships were attacked. The Confederates faced a dilemma: If they allowed the ships through, they would be submitting to federal authority, but taking the fort would make them the aggressors. The decision was made on April 12. When Fort Sumter's Union commander refused the southern order to surrender, Confederate shore batteries began shelling the fort, which surrendered on April 14, 1861. The Civil War had begun. The Upper South Chooses Sides Lincoln's proclamation calling for the loyal states to muster 75,000 volunteers to put down the rebellion forced the other slave states to choose sides. Over the next five weeks, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina seceded. The Confederacy now contained eleven of the fifteen slave states. In the border slave states of Kentucky, Delaware, Maryland, and Missouri, secession was thwarted by a combination of local Unionism and federal intervention, including the use of martial law to suppress Confederate sympathizers.

Harry Potter and the Philosiphers Stone imaginary writing

I have missed you ever so much. Things are wonderful; I actually made some friends today. Namely Ron Weasley, he a funny, ginger hair boy, a bit obnoxious I must say but lovely all the same. Oh, and guess who the other one is? The famous HARRY POTTER! He's such a lovely boy, handsome and heroic. They saved me from a troll! How weird? I know. What is a troll doing in a school? I bet that's what you're probably asking? It was enormous and vile! It was a dreadful ordeal and I would not wish such a thing upon no one. After charms class we were on our way to dinner and I overheard Ron talking about me and making harsh remarks that I think I'm better than everybody else, that I am snob and a ‘know it all'. I then ran off as I was hurt by those words and spent the rest of the evening crying in the girl's toilet. Meanwhile Professor Quirell ran into the dinner hall screaming, ‘TROLL in the dungeon, TROLL in the dungeon, I thought you ought to know' and then he fainted. After the Professor's traumatic display, the teachers ran off to get rid of the troll while Harry and Ron came in the toilets to warn me of that a troll was on the school premises. But believe it or not immediately after they entered the toilets, the troll came in and that was when everything got very chaotic. The troll tried to attack us; Ron then used a spell that we learnt earlier in charms class to control the troll's club and used it to clobber it on the head until it fainted and Harry then dragged me to safety. It was one of the most horrific and terrifying experience I have ever encountered in my life. I really do appreciate Harry's bravery and Ron's quick thinking, so all in all it was a joint effort that saved your precious daughters life. But let's not dwell on the negative events that took place at Hogwarts. On a positive aspect we won the gold cop for Gryffindor house. At first I did not think that we would stand a chance because the end-of-year feast was decked out with Slytherin colours of green and silver to celebrate Slytherin's winning the house cup for the seventh year in a row. There was a huge banner showing the Slytherin serpent covered the wall behind the high table. Dumbledore began awarding the houses with their points; â€Å"in fourth place, Gryffindor, with three hundred and twelve points,† I really did not know what to say, and I felt so disappointed. Not to my surprise in first place was Slytherin with four hundred and seventy-two. A storm of cheering and stamping broke out from the Slytherin table. Dumbledore then said â€Å"yes, yes, well done, Slytherin.† â€Å"However, recent events must be taken into account†, and the room went silent. Then he says he has a few last-minute points to dish out. â€Å"First to Mr Ronald Weasley, for the best-played chess Hogwarts has seen in years, I award Gryffindor house fifty points†. â€Å"Second to Miss Hermione Granger†¦ for the cool use of logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house fifty points†. I then buried my face in my arms from disbelief. Dumbledore then said â€Å"third to Mr Harry Potter†¦for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house sixty points.† Everyone knew that Gryffindor now had four hundred and seventy points – exactly the same as Slytherin. We had drawn for the House Cup – if only Dumbledore had given Harry just one more point. Dumbledore raised his hand and the room gradually went silent. â€Å"There are all kinds of courage,† he said smiling. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr Neville Longbottom.† A loud noise erupted from Gryffindor table and Harry, Ron and I stood up and cheered with exhilaration, we were so overwhelmed with excitement, we just could not keep still. In an instant the green became scarlet and the silver became gold; the vast Slytherin serpent vanished and a soaring Gryffindor lion took its place. It really felt great and I am looking forward to next year. My first year has almost ended but it was a remarkable and an awe-inspiring experience, surely one I will never forget. It seemed that thing would be back to normal next year, well as normal as it ever was at Hogwarts. I can't wait to see you Mum and Dad. I love you loads. Tell every one high and I will be home soon.

Ngos

————————————————- NGOs or better known as non-governmental organisations are non-profitable organisations that pursue social aims that involve political aspects but are not political parties. As it sounds, NGOs maintain its non-governmental status by excluding participation from government representatives as members in the organisations. NGOs can be funded completely or partially by the government. NGO is usually run by a specially elected chairperson who is responsible to the operation of the organisation completely. ————————————————-NGOs can be divided into the ‘insider’ or  Ã¢â‚¬Ëœoutsider’ groups. ‘Insider’ groups have the advantage in policy-making as they maintain a close relationship with policy-makers. Such groups are try ing to secure their aims and objectives by building up their network from inside and thus, the name of ‘Insider’ group. On the other hand, ‘outsider’ groups are more dependent on the public with the help of media in promoting their aims. ————————————————- It is said that NGOs are a better channel for society to voice out their concerns rather than political parties.This, we agree. As NGO members are not representing the government and mainly comprise by members who are local citizens on their own, NGOs are believed to give a fairer judgement on issues. This is because, in order to understand a situation, one must be in that situation so that effective solutions can be made and implemented and in this context, it is the local citizens who are voicing for themselves as they know exactly what are the problems the society is facing. ——â €”—————————————-NGOs are flexible in becoming accustomed to local conditions and responding to the local needs. For that reason, they can experiment freely with new approaches and take risks if necessary. They can develop integrated projects to help the local people. Their main aim is to help and serve the people and not to rule the country. ————————————————- With their doors open and ability to reach out to the citizens, people find it much more comfortable to speak out their hearts to NGOs without the fear of being imprisoned or facing penalty.This allows truth to be revealed where only then, further actions will be taken. Hence, NGOs become a place where people go to much frequently than parliaments. —————————†”——————- Another major advantage of NGOs being a reliable channel for commoners is that they have the capability of communicating at all levels. This means that they can easily interact with the local people and relay their messages to the top levels of the government. ————————————————- We, for one, must acknowledge the efforts NGOs had been doing for the past few years.NGOs have advocated and raised issues, concerns and needs for a specific user group. They raised point of view or general public interest that is not yet covered by legislation or other policy documents, instruments and measures. Furthermore, NGOs share their findings with the public after reaching out to citizens. In addition, NGOs also have experts with the knowledge on specific topics, playing a key role in setting the political agenda. Their analysis and resea rches identify current and future needs in society and provide crucial perspectives. ———————————————— We understand that there are eight different orientations in NGOs as in accord to Puhle (2001) such as professional associations, business, commerce and industry groups, trade unions, agricultural associations, single-issue interest groups, ideological groups, public interest groups and welfare associations. This is a very systematic organisation where different issues can be channeled separately. For one, we often doubt whether donations that have been made go directly to the person or a community in need.Thus, charitable orientation NGOs such as UNICEF can be an organisation where citizens can see the results of their donations in curbing poverty and nurturing education for our future generation. Is this not a better option than donation without knowing where our money w ent? ————————————————- Besides, whenever a citizen has doubts on the leadership of a minister, government tends to cover up for the minister. In many cases, transparency is not practiced. Therefore, we believe that if these issues are channeled to the NGOs, they can be taken to a higher level and not just hid behind the lens of media. ———————————————— Many may have the idea that NGOs staffs are part-time volunteers but that is not the fact. Many NGOs are actually relying on highly professional paid staffs. This ensures NGOs are operating smoothly and of a high reliability. They are also capable of recruiting highly motivated staffs and experts with lesser restrictions than employees working for the government. Hence, this is another reason on why NGOs are a bette r channel for the society to voice out their concerns. ———————————————— NGOs collaborate with one another throughout the world so that together, they create a much sustainable and peaceful world. This enables global alliance which leads us back to a worthy reason on why NGO is a better channel for commoners to voice out their opinions on issues. When certain issues are brought up to the international level, these issues will be taken a higher priority and attract public attention. In a way, this helps in paving better solutions. ————————————————-United Nation, a global and massive organisation known to held conferences on various issues and matters throughout the year has big impact on many issues. Well-known to be handling issues revolving citizens, United Natio n aids NGOs in providing alternative solutions in solving issues. For example, labour law implemented in the third world countries was found to be unfair among the labourers and United Nation along with other relevant NGOs, raised this question which attracted attention all over the world. Back then, labourers were so glad and grateful for the contribution made by the United Nation. ———————————————— NGOs are very important since they offer local communication, action and also distributing resources when there are no existing local organisations. In fact, an NGO provides a mechanism that could possibly work where the government has failed. As a result, it supports grass roots initiatives as well as recognising and responding to the realities of the local people. ——————————————à ¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€- Since NGOs are actual non-profit organizations, various projects can be achieved without having to use the government’s money.This is because there are many private donors who support the NGOs and this means that there will never be a lack of resources. Additionally, NGOs provide a good alternative to creating mass access structures which are supposingly extremely cumbersome, unreliable and costly. ————————————————- In conclusion, NGOs provide a suitable channel for commoners to voice out their concerns where all issues are handled maturely and efficiently with no bond to political rules. Thus, this ensures all issues are handled fairly regardless of race, religion and political aspects.