Crown Awards, Inc. V. Discount Trophy & Co., Inc.

Crown Awards, Inc. v. Discount Trophy & Co. , Inc. U. S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit 2009 U. S. App. Lexis 8540 (2009) Material Facts of the Case: Crown Awards is a retailer of awards and trophies sold through mail order catalogs and via the Internet. Crown designed and sold a diamond-shaped spinning trophy for which it owned two copyright registrations. Discount Trophy is one of Crown’s competitors, and it sold a trophy that was substantially similar to Crown’s Spin Trophy.Crown requested that Discount discontinue the sale of the alleged copy, and when Discount refused, Crown filed suit in the Southern District of New York. Legal and Ethical Issues of the Case: In order to prevail on a claim of copyright infringement, a plaintiff must demonstrate both ownership of a valid copyright and infringement. â€Å"To establish infringement, the copyright owner must demonstrate that (1) the defendant has actually copied the plaintiff's work;  and  (2) the copying is il legal because a substantial similarity exists between the defendant's work and the protectable elements of plaintiff's. Actual copying may be proved directly or indirectly. Indirect evidence of copying  includes proof that the defendants had access to the copyrighted work and similarities that are probative of copying between the works. † Because direct proof of access is often  impossible to adduce, the law permits a plaintiff to carry his burden on this point through evidence that â€Å"an alleged infringer had a ‘reasonable possibility'† of access to the original work.Notably, â€Å"a court may infer that the alleged infringer had a reasonable possibility of access if the author sent the copyrighted work to a third party intermediary who has a  close relationship  with the infringer. † Access through third parties connected to both a plaintiff and a defendant may be sufficient to prove a defendant's access to a plaintiff's work. If a plaintiff ca nnot demonstrate a reasonable possibility of access, its infringement claim will fail absent proof of a â€Å"striking† similarity between the original and infringing works. We have held that where the works in question are ‘so strikingly similar as to preclude the possibility of independent creation, copying may be proved without a showing of access. ‘†Ã‚  In some cases, the similarities between the plaintiff's and defendant's work are so extensive and striking as, without more, both to justify an inference of copying and to prove improper appropriation.If a plaintiff demonstrates actual copying through proof of a reasonable possibility of access and similarities probative of copying, however, it can prevail on its infringement claim by demonstrating that defendant's work is â€Å"substantially similar to that which is original in the plaintiff's expression. † With â€Å"inexact copies,† this assessment proceeds by a comparison of the â€Å"t otal concept and feel of the contested works† as â€Å"instructed by common sense. The court must â€Å"analyze the two works closely to figure out in what respects, if any, they are similar, and then determine whether these similarities are due to protected aesthetic expressions original to the allegedly infringed work, or whether the similarity is to something in the original that is free for the taking. † Rules and Rationale Utilized by the Court to Resolve the Dispute: The district court found that Crown owned a valid copyright in its diamond-shaped spinning trophy and that Discount had access to Crown's design through its receipt of Crown's 2006 catalog and its monitoring of Crown's products.The district court found, however, that Crown had failed to demonstrate that Xiamen Xihua Arts and Craft, the manufacturer of the allegedly infringing trophy, also had access to Crown's design because there was no record evidence (1) that Discount asked Xiamen to manufacture a trophy that looked like Crown's copyrighted trophy, or (2) that Xiamen ever received a Crown catalog.While acknowledging that Crown's design could be viewed on the Internet after January of 2006, the district court noted that â€Å"there is no evidence in the record about the Internet habits† of Xiamen's principal. The district court nevertheless inferred access on the part of Xiamen from the â€Å"striking† similarity between the diamond-shaped spinning trophies sold by Crown and Discount. The court further found that the two products were â€Å"substantially† similar and shared the same â€Å"total concept and feel.    The court further found that â€Å"the timing of the order from Discount is . . . suggestive of copying,† insofar as â€Å"the first Discount trophies were ordered from Lin in the mid-summer of 2006, which is perfect timing if you worked forward from the publication of the Crown catalogs in 2006 and assumed that Xiamen got to work on fabricating a knockoff shortly thereafter. The district court concluded: â€Å"I find independent creation to be not only unlikely but absolutely impossible to believe. † Accordingly, it ruled in favor of Crown on its claim of infringement.Court’s Conclusion: The judgments of the district court were affirmed in favor of the plaintiff. Defendant Discount appeals from the judgments of the district court, entered after a two-day bench trial, awarding plaintiff Crown $22,845. 18 in damages and $165,528. 01 in attorney’s fees and costs for Discount’s infringement of Crown’s copyrights in the design of the Spin Trophy. Ethical Impact Analysis: The decision in the court’s ruling emphasizes that copyright infringement is not only illegal, but considered unethical in our society.Copyrights exist for a reason, and particularly against with a registered copyright, deliberate copying of a product for the purpose of making a profit is something that sho uld definitely be challenged and awarded to the copyright owner. The theft of intellectual property, as illustrated in this case, is sometimes difficult to prove, but it seemed clear in this situation that Discount blatantly copied Crown’s spinning trophy. I’m glad to have seen that Crown was awarded not only in damages, but also for their legal fees.

Computer games: Related literature Essay

Computer games are the second most frequently used application after social media (Wakoopa, and negative outcomes, especially with respect to aggression (see in Sherry, 2001; Elson & Ferguson, 2013a, 2013c; Ferguson, 2007). Although less than 4% to 5% of the users—adolescents and secondary school students—are addicted to video/computer game (Kuss & Griffiths, 2012), some of the authors expressed that computer game addiction is common in adolescence and this causes a cycle of moral panic (see the moral panic issue of computer games in Barnett & Coulson, 2010; Elson & Ferguson, 2013b; Ferguson, Coulson, & Barnett, 2011). Hellstrà ¶m et al. (2012) found using computer games for escapism and gaining status increased their negative effects and, in contrast, using games for fun and sociability decreased negative effects of games. 2012). Computer and online game play rates and sales are increasing every day (Entertainment Software Association, 2012). Computer and online games are preferred by a wide range of people ranging from children and adolescents to adults. Entertainment Software Association’s (2012) research showed that the average game player is 30 years old and 32% of the players are less than 18 years old. Players choose to play games for several reasons such as fun, recreation (Griffiths & Hunt, 1995; Kuss & Griffiths, 2012), coping with stress (Grusser, Thalemann, Albrecht, & Thalemann, 2005; Wood & Griffiths, 2007), sociability, gaining status (Hellstrà ¶m, Nilsson, Leppert, & Ã…slund, 2012), and escaping real life (Wan & Chiou, 2006; Wood, Griffiths, & Parke, 2007). Research on video and computer gaming literature reports both positive and negative effects on players. Fifty-two percent of the parents highlighted that computer game playing is positive and an important element of their children’s life (Entertainment Software Association, 2012). Thus, playing games promotes problem solving, visual, motor, and spatial skills and fosters interaction with friends outside of school (Boot, Kramer, Simons, Fabiani, & Gratton, 2008; Phillips, Rolls, Rouse, & Griffiths, 1995). Moreover, games may be effective educational tools and games relieve boredom and stress (Bowman & Tamborini, 2012). Despite the positive effects of playing computer games for adolescents, there are also negative effects,  especially addictive computer game playing (Witt, Massman, & Jackson, 2011). Researchers have been investigating whether computer games can cause time distortion (Rau, Peng, & Yang, 2006), inattention, hyperactivity (Chan & Rabinowitz, 2006), aggressive behavior (Ferguson, 2007), violent acts (Ferguson et al., 2008), and negative emotions (Chumbley & Griffiths, 2006). Furthermore, researchers are investigating whether there is an association between computer gaming and smoking, drug use, depression (Desai, Krishnan-Sarin, Cavallo, & Potenza, 2010), negative self-esteem, social anxiety and loneliness (Van Rooij, Schoenmakers, Vermulst, Van Den Eijnden, & Van De Mheen, 2011), introversion, sensation-seeking, neuroticism, low emotional intelligence (Kuss & Griffiths, 2012), and low well-being (Barnett & Coulson, 2010). Most of this work found correlations between games and negative outcomes, but there are also a lot of studies reporting no correlation or only weak correlations between games and negative outcomes, especially with respect to aggression (see in Sherry, 2001; Elson & Ferguson, 2013a, 2013c; Ferguson, 2007). Although less than 4% to 5% of the users—adolescents and secondary school students—are addicted to video/computer game (Kuss & Griffiths, 2012), some of the authors expressed that computer game addiction is common in adolescence and this causes a cycle of moral panic (see the moral panic issue of computer games in Barnett & Coulson, 2010; Elson & Ferguson, 2013b; Ferguson, Coulson, & Barnett, 2011). Hellstrà ¶m et al. (2012) found using computer games for escapism and gaining status increased their negative effects and, in contrast, using games for fun and sociability decreased negative effects of games.

Customer Service and Order Processors

The Human Side of Management Assignment Repairing Jobs That Fail to Satisfy Learning Goals Companies often divide up work as a way to improve efficiency, but specialisation can lead to negative consequences. DrainFlow is a company that has effectively used specialisation to reduce costs relative to its competitors’ costs for years, but rising customer complaints suggest the firm’s strong position may be slipping. After reading the case, you will suggest some ways it can create more interesting work for employees.You will also tackle the problem of finding people who are qualified and ready to perform the multiple responsibilities required in these jobs. Major Topic Areas Job design Job satisfaction Personality Emotional labour The Scenario DrainFlow is a large residential and commercial plumbing  maintenance firm that operates around the United Kingdom. It has been a major player in residential plumbing  for decades, and its familiar rhyming motto, â€Å"When  Yo ur Drain Won’t Go, Call DrainFlow,† has been plastered  on billboards since the 1940s. Leigh Reynaldo has been a regional manager at DrainFlow for about 2 years.She used to work for a newer  competing chain, Lightning Plumber, that has been  drawing more and more customers from DrainFlow. Although  her job at DrainFlow pays more, Leigh is not happy  with the way things are going. She has noticed the work environment  is not as vital or energetic as the environment  she saw at Lightning. Leigh thinks the problem is that employees are not motivated  to provide the type of customer service Lightning  Plumber employees offer. She recently sent surveys  to customers to collect information about performance,  and the data confirmed her fears.Although 60 percent  of respondents said they were satisfied with their experience  and would use DrainFlow again, 40 percent felt  their experience was not good, and 30 percent said they  would use a competi tor the next time they had a plumbing problem. Leigh is wondering whether DrainFlow’s job design  might be contributing to its problems in retaining customers. DrainFlow has about 2,000 employees in four  basic job categories: plumbers, plumber’s assistants, order  processors, and billing representatives. This structure  is designed to keep costs as low as possible.Plumbers make very high wages, whereas plumber’s assistants  make about one-quarter of what a licensed  plumber makes. Using plumber’s assistants is therefore  a very cost-effective strategy that has enabled DrainFlow  to easily undercut the competition when it comes to  price. Order processors make even less than assistants  but about the same as billing processors. All work is very  specialised, but employees are often dependent on another  job category to perform at their most efficient  level. Like most plumbing companies, DrainFlow gets  business mostly from the Yellow Pages and the Internet.Customers either call in to describe a plumbing problem  or submit an online request for plumbing services,  receiving a return call with information within 24 hours. In either case, DrainFlow’s order processors listen to the  customer’s description of the problem to determine  whether a plumber or a plumber’s assistant should  make the service call. The job is then assigned accordingly,  and a service provider goes to the location. When  the job has been completed, via mobile phone, a billing representative  relays the fee to SHR034-6, 12-13 he service rep, who presents  a bill to the customer for payment. Billing representatives  can take customers’ credit card payments by phone  or e-mail an invoice for online payment. The Problem Although specialisation does cut costs significantly, Leigh  is worried about customer dissatisfaction. According to  her survey, about 25 percent of customer contactsà ‚  ended in no service call because customers were confused  by the diagnostic questions the order processors  asked and because the order processors did not have  sufficient knowledge or skill to explain the situation.That means fully one in four people who call DrainFlow  to hire a plumber are worse than dissatisfied: they  are not customers at all! The remaining 75 percent of calls that did end in a customer service encounter resulted  in other problems. The most frequent complaints Leigh found in the customer  surveys were about response time and cost, especially  when the wrong person was sent to a job. A  plumber’s assistant cannot complete a more technically  complicated job. The appointment has to be rescheduled,  and the customer’s time and the staff’s time have  been wasted.The resulting delay often caused customers  in these situations to decline further contact  with DrainFlow—many of them decided to go with  Ligh tning Plumber. â€Å"When I arrive at a job I can’t take care of,† says  plumber’s assistant Jim Larson, â€Å"the customer gets  annoyed. They thought they were getting a licensed  plumber, since they were calling for a plumber. Telling  them they have to have someone else come out doesn’t  go over well. †Ã‚   On the other hand, when a plumber responds to a  job easily handled by a plumber’s assistant, the customer  is still charged at the plumber’s higher pay rate.Licensed plumber Luis Berger also does not like being in  the position of giving customers bad news. â€Å"If I get  called out to do something like snake a drain, the customer  isn’t expecting a hefty bill. I’m caught in a difficult situation—I don’t set the rates or make the  appointments, but I’m the one who gets it from the customer. †Ã‚  Plumbers also resent being sent to do such simple  work. Obi Ani i s one of DrainFlow’s order processors. She is frustrated too when the wrong person is sent  to a job but feels she and the other order processors are  doing the best they can. We have a survey we’re supposed  to follow with the calls to find out what the problem  is and who needs to take the job,† she explains. â€Å"The  customers don’t know that we have a standard form, so  they think we can answer all their questions. Most of us  don’t know any more about plumbing than the caller. If  they don’t use the terms on the survey, we don’t understand  what they’re talking about. A plumber would, but  we’re not plumbers; we just take the calls. † Customer service issues also involve the billing representatives. They are the ones who have to keep contacting  customers about payment. It’s not my fault the  wrong guy was sent,† says Elisabeth King. â€Å"If two guys  went out, thatâ €™s two trips. If a plumber did the work, you  pay plumber rates. Some of these customers don’t get  that I didn’t take their first call, and so I get yelled at. †Ã‚  The billing representatives also complain that they see  only the tail end of the process, so they don’t know what  the original call entailed. The job is fairly impersonal,  and much of the work is recording customer complaints. Remember—40 percent of customers are not satisfied,  and it is the billing representatives who take the  brunt of their negative reactions on the phone.As you can probably tell, all employees have to engage  in emotional labour, as described in your textbook,  and many lack the skills or personality traits to complete  the customer interaction component of their jobs. They  are not trained to provide customer service, and they see  their work mostly in technical, or mechanical, terms. Quite a few are actually anxious about speaking directly  with customers. The office staff (order processors and  billing representatives) realise customer service is part  of their job, but they also find dealing with negative  feedback from customers and co-workers stressful.Two years ago, a management consulting  company was hired to survey DrainFlow worker attitudes. The results showed they were less satisfied than  workers in other comparable jobs. The following table  provides a breakdown of respondent satisfaction levels  across a number of categories:  Ã‚  Ã‚   SHR034-6, 12-13 DrainFlow Plumbers DrainFlow Plumber Assistants DrainFlow Office Workers Average Plumber Average Office Worker I am satisfied with the work I am asked to do. 3. 7 2. 5 2. 5 4. 3 3. 5 I am satisfied with my working conditions. 3. 8 2. 4 3. 7 4. 1 4. 2 I am satisfied with my interactions with o-workers. 3. 5 3. 2 2. 7 3. 8 3. 9 I am satisfied with my interactions with my supervisor 2. 5 2. 3 2. 2 3. 5 3. 4 The information about avera ge plumbers and average  office workers is taken from the management consulting  company’s records of other companies. They  are not exactly surprising, given some of the complaints DrainFlow employees have made. Top management is  worried about these results, but they have not been able  to formulate a solution. The traditional DrainFlow culture  has been focused on cost containment, and the  Ã¢â‚¬Å"soft areas† like employee satisfaction has not been a major  issue.The Proposed Solution The company is in trouble, and as revenues shrink and  the cost savings that were supposed to be achieved by  dividing up work fail to materialise, a change seems to  be in order. Leigh is proposing using cash rewards to improve performance  among employees. She thinks if employees  were paid based on work outcomes, they would work harder  to satisfy customers. Because it is not easy to measure  how satisfied people are with the initial call-in, Leigh  wo uld like to give the order processors a small reward  for every 20 calls successfully completed.For the hands-on  work, she would like to have each billing representative  collect information about customer satisfaction for each  completed call. If no complaints are made and the job  is handled promptly, a moderate cash reward would be  given to the plumber or plumber’s assistant. If the customer  indicates real satisfaction with the service, a  larger cash reward would be provided. Leigh also wants to find people who are a better fit with  the company’s new goals. Current hiring procedure relies  on unstructured interviews with each location’s general manager, and little consistency is found in the way  these managers choose employees.Most lack training in  customer service and organisational behaviour. Leigh thinks  it would be better if hiring methods were standardised  across all branches in her region to help managers identify  recruits who can actually succeed in the job. Your Assignment Your task is to prepare a persuasive report for Leigh on the potential  effectiveness of her cash reward and structured interview  programmes. Make certain it is in the form of a  professional business document that you would give  to an experienced manager at this level of a fairly large  corporation.Leigh is very smart when it comes to managing  finances and running a plumbing business, but she  will not necessarily know about the organisational behaviour  principles you are describing. As any new  proposals must be passed through top management,  you should also address their concerns about cost containment. You will need to make a strong evidence-based  financial case that changing the management style will  benefit the company. When you write, make sure you touch on the following  points:  Ã‚   SHR034-6, 12-13 1.Although it is clear employees are not especially satisfied  with their wor k, do you think this is a reason  for concern? Does research suggest satisfied workers  are actually better at their jobs? Are any other behavioural  outcomes associated with job satisfaction? 2. Using job characteristics theory, explain why the  present system of job design may be contributing to  employee dissatisfaction. Describe some ways you  could help employees feel more satisfied with their  work by redesigning their jobs. 3. Leigh has a somewhat vague idea about how to implement  the cash rewards system.Describe some of the  specific ways you would make the reward system  work better, based on the case. 4. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using  financial incentives in a program of this nature. What, if any, potential problems might arise if people  are given money for achieving customer satisfaction  goals? What other types of incentives might  be considered? 5. Create a specific plan to assess whether the reward  system is working. What are the dependent variables  that should change if the system works? How will  you go about measuring success?

Statehood Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Statehood - Essay Example According to the paper the criterion listed above that the states must have the capacity to enter into relations with other States, appears to imply that the State must be recognized by other States before it can exist as a political entity. But this is belied in Article 3 of the Montevideo Convention, which clearly states that â€Å"the political existence of the State is independent of recognition by the other States. According to Crawford, statehood and recognition must be separated as two distinct categories, for example, Israel was not recognized by many of its neighboring Arab States, but it has existed as a State nevertheless. According to Cassese, it is effectiveness that is at the core of all legal relations and the Community of States has not thus far defined binding legitimate criteria for new States; on this basis recognition is not the relevant criterion which will determine statehood. However, with the end of the Second World War and the development of the UN Charter,8 international law has been redefined. According to Article 4.1 of the UN Charter, membership in the United Nations is open to â€Å"all other peace loving states† thereby implying that only a State will be recognized by the collective world body, i.e, the United Nations. Moreover, this article specifies certain conditions for membership; they must be (a) peace loving (b) accept the obligations of the present Charter and (c) must be willing to carry out these obligations.

Asthma as a Chronic Inflammatory Disorder Essay

Asthma as a Chronic Inflammatory Disorder - Essay Example It is suggested that 90% of the deaths caused by asthma can be prevented if proper measures are taken without wasting time(Anderson et al., 2007). In the United Kingdom, the overall percentage of the asthma patients has slightly declined, however, the number of patients has increased. This is because the population continues to increase, and the rate of increase of asthma patients in the population is lower to the population growth rate. Some of the common triggers of asthma include respiratory infection, cigarette smoke, and allergens like pollen grains, dust and other particulate pollutants, sudden changes in temperature, stress/anxiety, and exercise. The asthma attack is characterized by the narrowing of airways; which occurs due to the tightening of muscles, excessive secretion of mucus, and swelling of epithelial lining in lungs (Bisgaard et al., 2012). All these events are triggered by one or more aforementioned causes. Asthma can prove lethal if it is not managed properly, tho usands of children lose their lives every year at the hands of asthma due to negligence on the part of parents and healthcare professionals. Though asthma is a reversible lung disease, slight negligence or delay in providing proper care may cost one’s life. Children with asthma are at a disadvantage; their activities are limited because of the fear of acute exacerbation. The restricted lifestyle coupled with precautionary measures builds psychological stress, which obviously not ideal for children during their growing years. Psychological stressors like fear, anxiety, and depression lead to impairment in learning at school and restrict their participation in activities enjoyed by their age fellows(Chait, 2015). Asthma does not have a specific cause; the inflammation of respiratory tract can be triggered by numerous sources. Therefore, there are multiple events, stimuli, and allergens that can affect the associative learning, and result in confused responses.

Causes of school Violence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Causes of school Violence - Essay Example In this paper, I am going to argue that domestic abuse, anger, overcrowded schools, medical problems, and gang activities cause school violence. First, school violence is caused by domestic violence. This is because the students who face a lot of domestic violence at home become violent too. Domestic violence include insults and physical violence. The students who face this problem at home become violent and therefore become dangerous at school. Students who are abused at home carry this violent attitude to their school and start molesting the other students (â€Å"School Violence† web). Such students accept domestic violence as a way of life and thus they see it as normal to molest fellow students in school. The schools that have many students are likely to have more violence. Overcrowded schools especially the schools that are in low income areas report many cases of school violence. We can argue that overcrowding in schools makes it difficult for teachers and school management to control students. Therefore, the students get the chance to molest and beat other students since it is difficult to catch them (â€Å"Constitutional Rights Foundation† web). Maintaining discipline in overcrowded schools is also difficult and thus, many students will have discipline issues which results to school violence. It is also true that overcrowded schools get students from poor and low income families. It is claimed that â€Å"Race and ethnicity, income levels, and other measurable elements have often been singled out by public heath experts as risk factors that can contribute to anti-social behavior, from smoking and drinking to violent behavior and suicide† (â€Å"Constitutional Rights Foundation† web). For example, children from low income families and slums attend overcrowded schools. Since there is a lot of violence in low income families and slum neighborhoods, students coming from these neighborhoods bring violence

Insurance in the GCC Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Insurance in the GCC - Research Paper Example Although economic growth in this region is very high, the insurance sector has fallen behind drastically. According to him, the opportunities for different local and international insurance company are very high, which will be accounted for increased competition, and also a challenging business environment (Ashcroft, 2013). There is also an expectation that the region’s insurance sector will also mature structurally in way of going forwards. Apart from this, in line with positive regulatory developments, there are constant efforts by some of the key insurance players towards achieving greater operational scale and functional efficiency. These companies want to take the first mover advantage. There are huge amount of opportunity in the GCC Insurance sector with the bigger organizations in the insurance market getting more and larger in terms of operational volume as well as the penetration in different parts of the world, and in that way leading to the marginalization of smalle r companies. The GCC Insurance Industry Outlook: With the untapped open market in place many leading insurance sectors are now looking forward for setting up their business unit in GCC. The opportunity of untapped market is huge and therefore every organization is looking for taking the â€Å"first mover advantage†. According to the report published by Alpen Capital (2013), the projective growth rate of the insurance industry in the Gulf region is 18.1% (CAGR) between the time periods of 2012-2017. According to their estimation the market value of the insurance industry in the gulf region will reach up to us $ 37.5 billion. Out of this, the life insurance segment will contribute US $ 2.4 billion and non life will account for US $ 35.1 billion. The growth in the non life part is more due to strong impetus of construction and infrastructure industries. An enormous portion of oil revenues in the GCC countries is being moved to the development of the non-oil segment in order to s upport the economic diversification of the sector. As a result, there is strong momentum in the construction sector. This momentum will help the region’s non-life insurance segment. Moreover, higher infiltrations of medical insurance and constant growth in the new vehicle sales are also likely to help the growth in the motor insurance sector which in turn will aid the segment’s growth. The rate of insurance penetration in GCC is also likely to go up from 1.1% in 2012 to 2% by the end of 2017. The industry growth rate is comfortably exceeds the pace of GDP expansion in this sector, Non-life insurance growth in the line of increasing infrastructure development and more vehicle sales, is likely to surge from 0.9% to 1.9% during the period, and will be the key behind the growth of this sector in the GCC region. UAE (United Arab Emirates) and Saudi Arabia are the two largest insurance market at present in GCC; the trend is such that there is every possibility that Saudi Ara bia may overtake the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the largest insurance market in GCC with coming years. (Alpen Capital, 2013). Key Growth factor of Insurance Industry

Tegan as One of the Largest Educational Toys Distributor Assignment - 3

Tegan as One of the Largest Educational Toys Distributor - Assignment Example In the case of Tegan, the outsourcing offered some benefits since the company’s outsourcing partner Hrad Technica had possessed significant experience in that field. The Tegan entered into a fixed cost contract with Hrad so that Tegan can avoid further costs related to project development. The outsourcing concept has assisted Tegan to escape from the trouble of reinvesting in the technology. Figure 11.20 indicates that outsourcing process would benefit the firms to reduce the costs by approximately 40% (Developing information systems). The Tegan could also take advantages of various costs such as operational and maintenance costs and project development costs. Moreover, Tegan has not adequate expertise to develop a new A/P system itself. Therefore, it is identified that outsourcing the A/P project was the best-fitted move for Tegan when comparing with other available alternatives. From a detailed study, the outsourcing challenge â€Å"scope of a definition† was the fact or that worsened the outsourcing process. Most of the companies fail to define a specific scope for the proposed program while outsourcing their IT projects. These contractual misunderstandings raise many problems and weaken the project development. Under such circumstances, the beneficiary organization tends to believe that the required services are within the scope of the contract whereas the service provider argues that it is outside the contract and therefore the organization must pay extra fees. Same is the case happened with Tegan and Hrad. During the progress of the project, Hrad Technica identified certain system features such as â€Å"computational forecasting algorithms for selecting and ordering payments† that had not been defined in the initial scope of the contract (Staats & Upton). This situation led to time delay and the need for extra funds for the completion of Tegan’s project. There are some tradeoffs involved in having the requirements analysis for a project performed by one of the firms that would ultimately bid on the project. While performing requirements analysis, the project development firm must try to accumulate information regarding the client firm wherever it is possible. Sometimes, the firms send their official representatives to scrutinize the client’s current systems and practices even though it involves some additional costs. This practice may assist the project development team to acquire the client’s trust. Generally, outsourcing firms also give an opportunity for the client to posts feedbacks at various phases of project development. Although the client’s frequent intervention may interrupt the project development flow, it is a better strategy to provide improved services to the client firms.

Labor Migration Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Labor Migration - Research Paper Example These are the countries that laborers have selected to work in. There are three different types of labor migration and are dependent on the motivation of immigrants. These are enforced migration, voluntary migration and distress migration. Enforced migration is the kind of migration that is decided and planned by some external powers. An example of enforced migration is a resettlement program that is imposed by a government. Voluntary labor migration is a result of the outcome of decisions made by migrating individuals. It can be migration for purposes of labor or due to marriage. Distress migration is the migration of multitude as a result of deprivation. In this case, a decision for one to migrate is reached as a way of escaping an environment that no longer promises signs of survival. From the above analysis, labor migration is not just an occurrence of the less developed states but is a global phenomenon. Apart from the above three factors of migration, laborers also migrate for other various factors. There are many pulls and push factors for migration. Such factors can be either economic or non-economic. Change of demography and labor market is examples of pull factors. This is usually experienced in most of the industrialized countries that require numerous workforces. The push factors include; unemployment in less developed states, availability of inter-county networks that are family based and the culture or history of a given society. People always migrate in search of better living standards (Lipton, 2010).). Labor migration has increased in the recent years since the migration procedure has been made easier unlike in the earlier days. The following are some of the main reasons that contribute to the migration of labors. Quench for better incomes; this is one of the main pull factors of labor migration. People tend to move from the sending country to the receiving country due to the

Choose a good topic for me Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Choose a good topic for me - Essay Example Overview The first group that would have to be met is Plant XYZ’s personnel as meetings with the plant managers, staff, and associates are set up to get a feel of the problem. After the meeting this group, namely, the administration, would follow the main aim of becoming familiar with the functions of the plant’s business, its systems, and methods of reporting used (Ranier 23). Concerning the business side of the operation, it would be prudent to begin by seeking to address the immediate support and needs initiatives that are already in progress, as well as identifying the opportunities presented and the areas that need action. Next, the partnership side of Plant XYZ’s operation would have to be reviewed, which necessitates meetings and assessing customers and business relationships. For this, both external and internal partnerships will be considered. Finally, a meeting with the team is on the cards with focus directed on the plant’s leadership, as well a s the building of a rapport with the entire team and the company’s clients (Ranier 24). Personnel As far as Plant XYZ’s personnel are concerned, it would be prudent to review them as well as their functions. Through an organizational chart, it is possible to assess the depth inherent within the various departments (Ranier 25). In the period given for coming up with the action plan, time should be taken to become familiar with the capability and functions of the plant’s staff. On top of this, there needs to be a review of key personnel procedures, as well as policies. Finally, an in-depth review of payroll processes and functions is to be carried out. Administration For the administrative side of the company, the first item on the agenda is the review of all responsibilities and duties of each position. During this exercise, observation of the roles and functions of the staff is to be made, in addition to an endeavor of understanding these roles and functions (Ra nier 37). To do this, it is prudent to attend all meetings held by various departments, as well as a solicitation of feedback on the opportunities and strengths that these departments feel are vital for the company’s growth. Finally, a review of the company’s budget, as well as processes of forecasting needs to be carried out. Business For the business side of operations, a comprehensive review of the functions and processes of financial reporting will be carried out in the first ninety days. This will be supplemented by a correspondingly wide-range review of the processes of forecasting and budgeting (Ranier 39). A review of the company’s metrics of performance and reporting will also be carried out, coupled with the solicitation of feedback from every department at the plant concerning perceived opportunities. Finally, in order to get a feel of the goings on, participation in all meetings that discuss business operations will be essential. Partnerships A compr ehensive review of all inter-departmental functions and roles will be carried out during the first ninety days. This will be followed by a review of financials for every department and its contributions to the operations of the plant. I will also attend every meeting held by various departments and make contributions during the dialogue session. In addition, an enhancement of communications between departments will be vital to creating a sense of mission and this will be given importance (Ranier 67).

Learning about Pets through the Arts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Learning about Pets through the Arts - Essay Example This went on the following day when I noticed Rob drawing a dog on a leash and a bird on a cage. When I asked about his picture, Rob answered, â€Å"I just looove animals!† In the playground, Gina, Michelle and Jason were on their fours, trying to catch each other. I later learned that they were pretending to be a pack of dogs. When the parents came for their children that afternoon, I asked if they had pets at home. Rob’s mother said he had a canary bird. Gina’s and Jason’s mothers said they had dogs at home, and Jason’s mother said he was given a turtle by his aunt for his birthday. I recognized that tapping this interest in pets when planning their learning experiences in the arts would be a good move on my part. Young children enjoy the arts. It is an experience where they can express themselves. During their free play, the arts may play an active role in the curriculum because it holds is essentially interesting and fun for them, so this may be the best time that teachers can observe them to gather information on what they enjoy doing and learning from. Since early childhood education should be based on the child’s interests and abilities, the arts can serve as the gateway that allows educators to enter and know about their world from their own perspective. As McArdle says (2008), â€Å"the arts can enable children to make their thinking visible, and provide teachers and researchers with rich data and information about young children† (p. 372). Since they delight music, dance, visual arts and drama as observed from their behaviours in these areas, engaging them in such experiences will guide the teacher to plan others which they may also enjoy while honing their skills. Wright (1997) asserts that because the arts involve non-verbal, symbolic ways of knowing, thinking and communicating, it becomes a powerful means of promoting learning for young children especially since their language skills have not yet bee n mastered (Wright, 2012). Aside from taking the children’s interests in consideration, the early childhood curriculum should also adhere to Te Whariki’s principles of empowerment, holistic development, family and community and relationships as well as the strands and goals that fall under each (Ministry of Education, 1996). Outcomes of Nga Toi or The Arts include the development of abilities in identifying their own emotional responses and those of others and representing these in their art (Mana Atua); understanding links between their early childhood settings and the real world as well as they discover unfamiliar people, images, objects, languages, sounds, smells and tastes which are far different from the ones they know (Mana Whenua); developing abilities and interests in a wide variety of domains that build their skills and strengths (Mana Tangata); experiencing stories and symbols of their own culture and discovering and developing different ways to be creative/ expressive (Mana Reo); building confidence and a repertoire for symbolic, pretend or dramatic play; coming up with strategies for exploring their worlds with their bodies, tools and materials in order to extend their skills; building confidence in movement activities; and representing these discoveries with creative and expressive media and technology (Mana Aoturoa) (Ministry of Educ

William Kaye Estes Essay Example for Free

William Kaye Estes Essay William Kaye Estes is one among the founders of mathematical psychology and a leading statistical learning theorist. Estes demonstrated the comparison of experimental observations of behavior with computer simulation model. His work of mathematical psychology reflects theoretical matters relating to perception, choice, learning, memory and categorization. A major concern about the theorist is creation of clear understanding and application of statistical methods in psychology. One major consideration in mathematical psychology is the application of Markov process in real life situations. Markov process arises in statistics and probability. It is a random process whereby expected or future behavior cannot be predicted by considering past behavior (FABBS Foundation, n d). Some applications of Markov analysis in real life situation is in the case of traffic flow, business behavior or progress of an epidemic. A real life situation reflected in Markov analysis is traffic flow which is a major problem in many parts of the world especially developing cities. Markov process as is applied in traffic flow clearly describes probalistic behavior of traffic queues in many urban centers. This is applied properly in areas that are closely seen especially in an intersection considering spatial extension. Markov process is applied in traffic flow in estimation of travel times that is vehicles arrivals and departure or traffic volumes through applications of origin destinations. Detecting devices record the arrival and departure time of vehicles, airplanes or trains. Vehicle concentration at various road segments is a clear indication of a posterior distribution which provides a clear estimate of traffic flow (FABBS Foundation, n d). Estimation of origin destinations is difficult but application of simulation model easily finds traffic counts at intersections. Application of Markov process therefore simulates transportation network which reflects the actual traffic counts. Reference FABBS Foundation. William Kaye Estes. Retrieved on 22nd July 2010 from, http://www. fabbs. org/Estes_Honor. html

Different Social Ecological Perspectives Sociology Essay

Different Social Ecological Perspectives Sociology Essay Social ecological perspective is a discipline which tries to look into various results and correlation of social factors in the environment. It also examines the interaction among people within a certain natural environment and the challenges on the important affordances for knowledge which are provided by the very environment. Generally it provides the insight on how people in a certain environment influence one another in a way (Naess, 1989). This way, ecology is both reactive and creative; it also makes people contemplate on the changes within the system and around the environment. Social ecological systems go beyond an individual, since the world we live in have a greater impact on how we live. Bronfenbrenner (1979) argues that it is not only the environment which affects the person directly, but there are some other layers factors. According to his research which basically began with thesis equations Bronfenbrenner states that behavior depends on the environment and the person. Bronfenbrenner (1979) also considered; community, individual, culture and environment as nestled factors. This is clearly illustrated in Charles dawn book on web of life. There are several outcomes which results from cross-level influences and interactions between and within levels that social ecology perspectives address. Interactions are parallels or discontinuities and cross-level effects according to (Rousseau House 1994). Therefore this paper is going to provide a comprehensive overview on the theoretical concepts and constructs relating to social ecological perspectives, review on discrimination and inequality in relationship to this topic and then conclude by highlighting on how to achieve a better social perspective. Levels of influence comprises of; Individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and public policies. The social ecological perspective looks into correlated relationship which occurs between individual and environment they live in. In individual levels people are mandated to implement and enhance the lifestyle fluctuations to minimize risk and have better health. Family history, personal attitudes, beliefs all contribute to individual influence. They can be eliminated by encouraging good beliefs, behavior and attitude. Individuals who habitually engage In many unhealthy and dangerous behavior, for example intake of saturated fats, irregular sleep, lack of frequent physical exercises, alcoholism, high level of frequent stresses, live unhealthy lifestyles which can be controlled at individual level. The change of single pattern of unhealthy behavior can be modified. This can be archived through social influence patters like modification of an individuals behavior, attitude and thoughts in terms of actions and the way others feel. Some of the ways in which to achieve social influence is; cognitive change where there is modification of individuals opinions and how he/she feels. Behavior modification entails individ uals change on how he or she views the surrounding and effective modification with a shift with ones assessment of entities. Interpersonal levels are a collection factors which raises risk as a result of relationship with family, peers and intimate partners. These are seen to modify behavior and experiences. These can be eliminated by promoting peer programs that educate on equality, trust and mutual respect among others. These interpersonal attributes are strong on how an individual perceives oneself. These qualities and factors can be learned, like in membership of a group, but many are ingrained (e.g., ethnicity, gender). In the interpersonal sphere, there are also many components of the individual, including psychological and cognitive factors, like personality, knowledge and beliefs (Gregson, 2001). Gregson continues by stating that; The individual in his or her own micro system is constantly shaped, not only by the environment, but by any encounter or other individual they come in contact with. This shaping is well explored in child development, as it would be unreasonable to believe a child is solely a product of the societal environment. There are multiple, simultaneous influences in child behavior and learning including culture, school, teacher, parental support and education level, involvement in extracurricular activities, etc. Examples of Microsystems outside the self also include groups of friends, family, unorganized athletics, or social clubs (Gregson, 2001) The community level factor depends on an individuals experiences and how he/she interacts with community in general involves social environment for example a neighborhood, schools and work places. This can be promoted through social and norm campaigns based on trust, respect among others. A clear illustration is overweight and obesity where people normally believe that it is an individuals responsibility which is correct to some degree (David, 2001). The community also plays a crucial role for example where work places, schools food stores or restaurants do not provide healthy food options, in the neighborhood and where there are no fields for jogging, places for exercises, safe and accessible facilities for children to play, no proper healthy facilities and where physical education is not offered in school. All this are community responsibilities. According to David (2001) the community can promote healthy behavior through implementation of policies and environmental factors such as healthy cafeteria meals, Incentives for bicycles and pedestrian commuters, smoke free workplaces, sidewalks and bike paths, insurance cover for preventive services like tobacco cessation and work site wellness programs. These can lower the risks of diseases like stroke, diabetes, cancer and other heart diseases. The barriers to healthy behaviors are interwoven among the community in general. When these barriers are eliminated or lowered, behavior change will be achieved. Behavior change will then become more sustainable, this is according to James (2003). According to Gregson (2001) on the other hand these aspects can be rules, policies, and acceptable business etiquette within a more formal organization. He further argues that there are some organizations that foster entirely different atmospheres than other corporations giving an example of Google, where employees may wear pajamas to the office. The organizational component is especially influential with younger, more impressiona ble employees, as it helps to shape the ethics and expectations of a typical organization for these individuals. Examples include schools, companies, churches, and sports teams (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). Bronfenbrenner also claimed that the richer the medium for communication in this system, the more influential it is on the micro system. Societal levels are larger things that influence individual behavior, they include; religion, gender, societal norms, cultural beliefs and societal policies. This can be prevented by working in conjunction with social bodies associated with policies, mutual respect, social norms, gender equality, mutual respect, trust, and foster intimate relationship. These influences are more easily seen than the other factors, mainly due to the magnitude of the impact. Examples of significant intercultural effects include Communism, Western culture, Military, Islam, and Christianity. For instance, the macro system of Communism is a Marxist philosophy that believes that wealth should be shared in the macro system. A Communist country, such as Cuba (exo), governs and regulates the environment within which corporations (meso) and society or individuals (micro) exist. Media plays a significant role on all levels, as it communicates information and assists in the development of expectations for all individuals in the respective culture (Bronfenbrenner 1979) The best way of achieving healthy behavior is put in to consideration of factors at all level which are; interpersonal, organizational, individual, public and individual. By so doing, behavior change will be implemented and sustained. In the corporate scenario a lot of disagreements are understandable others while others are explicit. In these scenarios there are stakeholders who are workers, clients, shareholders and managers who normally raise conflicts. Interactive and cross-level consequences while observing from a different angle are seen, this is because a lot of companies think they only have the duty of creating monetary value for the stakeholders whilst upholding responsibilities to their customers. In some organizations, it is usually hard to tell events where devotion is taken too far towards owners and workers at the expense of the clients. Directions of influence Isomorphisms are parallels that cause impact on one level then the resulting impact affects other levels (Rinderle 2006). People carrying out Researcher on isomorphic models are required to see an equal impact on both the magnitude and direction in cases where at least one cause changes in level shifts. Discontinuities are basically antonyms of isomorphism. They cause effect one level or group hence producing an unequal, potentially in the opposite direction, they cause impact on at least one or more groups. Top-down effects are most prominent of any social ecological component, according to5 (MCLeroy 1996) the environmental outcomes shapes the persons behavior. The nested factors are basics which react while in crisis situations (Rinderle 2006). OK-FIRST is a program that alienates people on how to help others respond to whether related dangers in a better way (Oetz 2006). Historical interactions also shape peoples conflict behavior. This is clearly illustrated in several situations as observed in the many conflicts of the society. Media also plays an important role in strengthening these issues. Bottom-up effects illustrate how people or society affect the upper levels, as in how people form coalitions to achieve their goals 7(Rinderle 2006). There are also effects on cultures as a result of global corporations existence in some countries. For example, china has raised the accessibility of news to reach a larger audience in a Communist nation. 8 Guerrero (2006) shows emotions are as a result of feelings which includes anger, jealousy, greed, guilt among others and the feelings affects the events likely to happen. Interactive effects are interdependent variables and taking place simultaneously in many groups 10(Rousseau House 1994). For example in Italy where culturally different workgroups, conflicts among group members may occur. This deters relationship impacts in accomplishing the goal of group members for an organization and learning at the personal level. Thus technology also plays an important role in community, cultures, interpersonal conflict and organization (Rousseau House 1994). Political conflict The role of politics is in the making up of decisions. Politics encompasses the appeasing of all stakeholders towards realizing an ultimate objective, decision may be required of an individual, organization, community, or country. A decision a congressman makes affects anyone in his or her jurisdiction. If one makes decision not to vote for the President of the United States, one has given oneself no voice in the 15election (Ungar, 2002). If a lot other people decide not to put in their efforts to vote, they would have unintentionally permitted a greater part of others to carry the day on their behalf. Internationally if the administration of a country like America decides to inhabit another nation say in the Middle East, this will not only have an influence on the administration of that country but it will also have an effect on American soldiers and the whole environment where they come from. Another thing is that when America uses funds on conflicts that are political in nature, t he value of the U.S. currency may be negatively affected. This shows that many cross-level and interactive consequences of a decision can arise. An example of this is like the act of a terrorist could possibly interrupt with the lives of soldiers, the lives of people close to them and the country at large. Economics Basically, from a top-down view point, the physical environment determines a considerable extend to the lifestyle of a person and the country as whole. If the area is hilly or very dry and there is limited land for agricultural activities, the nation generally will not grow compared to other countries. The general, human habits, cultural characteristics and economics are shaped by geography and output is determined by natural resources, technology and human resources. Entrepreneurial mind has an impact on technology. These indicates that there exits bottom-up effects on economics. Health Peoples efforts to modify their own healthy practices are mostly dictated by social, economic and cultural setbacks. Poor educational status, time and money, energy and chronic exposure to neighborhood violent and proximity to friends and family members who often exhibit healthy threatening behavior are some of situation factors that can affect peoples best efforts that and intentions to improve their health practices. There are several ecological variables that can improve or stop danger to individuals healthy physically. To eliminate diseases, an individual should keep off from an environment in which they may be more exposed to virus or where there body defense system would be compromised. This also entails possibly avoiding workgroup if they are breathing or inhalation dangers or keeping off from a sick work mate. Some environments are good for health benefits. Staying around people who are physically fit will encourage you to be active, good diet and physical exercises in general. The state putting a ban on saturated fats manufacture may add value to top-down effect on individuals health in a country. Efforts to persuade a person to adopt health practices can be unfruitful if the person is not ready to embrace the suggested behavior. This can also be limited by exposure to environmental toxins and safety hazards (Haekel, 2003). The current research studied predictors of health-related social influence tactic use in close relationships. According to the social ecological perspective, predictors were grouped as reflecting characteristics of the agent of social influence, characteristics of the target of social influence, characteristics of the agent and targets relationship, and characteristics of the social influence situation. One hundred and nine spouses reported on situations in which each partner was attempting to influence his or her spouse to change a health-related behavior. Using the actor-partner interdependence analysis approach, results revealed only actor effects for characteristics of the agent, primarily partner effects for characteristics of the target, and both acto r and partner effects for characteristics of the situation when predicting health-related tactic use. Effects for relationship characteristics only emerged in interactions with respondent sex. These results indicate that social influence in marriage involves reciprocity and interdependence. Physical and social environment can serve as a media for disease transmit ion; waterborne and airborne diseases. The environment can also act as a stressor exerting detrimental effects on peoples mood, performance and physiology as a result of their exposure to uncontrollable demands such as noise, political upheaval or interpersonal relationship. The environment can act as source of safety or danger; residing in an area contaminated by chemicals, geographically unsafe, or socially violent.tne environment can also serve as an enabler of healthier behavior exemplified by inhalation of safety devices in motor vehicles, proximity of physical fitness devices to work place or home and exposure to interpersonal modeling or cultural practices that foster health behavior. The environment can act as provider of health resources such effective communication sanitation systems, public health services and legislation ensuring citizens access to health insurance and primary care. Risk communication In event of a natural disaster or hazard, there are ways of ensuring that people who are affected are safe. SEM can be required in helping one analyze when information and receivers and those involved. These conditions are environmental influences which are far reaching. The persons level of education, understanding, and privileged circumstances may determine the kind of information the person receives and the mediums through which the information is conveyed. If the information received is altered through the mode of communication, there would be a bottom-up effect on the people involved. In general MCLeroy (1996) points out that: The social perspectives try to, eliminate obstacles on healthy risks, generate conditions favorable for individuals well being plus all people around, creates a positive reception on how people be at vary, facilitates individuals interdependence, coexistence and interrelationships that are found among other individuals and the society as a whole, they try to show in which way; broader physical, social, political, economical, ethnical and cultural context and histories influence the ways in which individuals( and other people) make meaning out of observation and experience and it embraces the sense of care and concern for others (MCLeroy 1996). Other things that social perspectives accomplish are; they help in the recognition of competitive interests, access to resources and relationship with authority which is seen to manipulate peoples abilities, societies and countries to gain stability. These perspectives also assist in the reflection of self and thinking critically that eventually ends in positive actions, encourages social justice, helps learners to counter the ever shifting world, and enables youthful people to look past their selves while working towards expectations and a future encouraging people in taking necessary actions where appropriate in order to develop better healthy practices. Bullying and Victimization The idea of a multiple society influencing an entity is not a new concept. In fact much has been researched on the interplay between the individual, family, peer group, school, community and culture. This reciprocal interplay between individuals involved in the bully/victim continuum can be clearly illustrated, the social ecological perspective can be applied to the conceptualization of bullying behavior. According to Dolls (2001), in a nut shell, bullying does not occur in isolation. This phenomena is encouraged/or incited as a result of complex relationship between the individual, family, peer group, school community and culture. The individual is the centre of his/her social ecology. The individual involved ion bullying may be involved as a bully, bully victim, victim or by stander. Individual factors will influence participation in bullying. Ecological systems theory purports that all individuals are part of the interrelated systems that locate an individual at the centre and move out of the centre to include all the systems that affect the individuall Bronfenbrenner (1977). According to his theory, a child is inseparable part of social network comprising of four interrelated systems: Microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems and Microsystems. The child is at the centre of and actively involved with this interplay of systems. The micro system involves the childs relationship with one system; home, classroom or playground. The Microsystems depicts he the childs immediate interaction with others, and including others reaction towards bullying behavior. This conceptualization of Microsystems also includes the status of the child along the bully/victim continuum. Thus the bully, bully victim, victim or bystander interact with others in his or her social environment, and this interaction either exacerbates or mitigate bullying and/or victimization behavior. The mesosystem includes the interrelationship between system in the childs life; home and school. The mesosystems depicts the congruence between two or more environments such as congruence between and home and school in regard to bullying behavior. The exosystems includes influences from other context, such as the effects of a schools district anti bully policy or parental i nvolvement in the school system. Finally, the macro system is the influence of cultural mores, such as societal attitude towards bullying behavior. The social ecology that encompasses the daily life of youth dictates the engagement and non engagement in bullying and/or victimization behaviors. 19Simons (2000) because individual are affected by their surroundings, it logically follows that intervention the environment in which youth function. Interventions that do not follow the target multiple environments in which youth exists are likely to be fewer effectives than interventions that address social ecology. This assertion is related to consistent findings that the youth who are involved in aggressive behavior experience problems in multiple area including the family, peer group, school, and community. It is important to determine whether or not an intervention is effective in preventing and /or eliminating bullying behavior. Thus assessment of bullying phenomena must utilize multiple methods of assessments, use multiple informants and include assessments across the context. While this can be a daunting task, best practices demands that we asses all the social ecological if we are to accurately determine the effects bullying prevention and intervention programming. An example of this type of best practice is reflected in schema proposed and implemented by Simons (2000) these studies state that data should be collected across all settings (home, school, community, laboratory and others), by multiple informants, observers, children peers, parents, teachers and using multiple methods home observations, lab tasks, classroom, playground questionnaires, records among others. Conclusion We can conclude that a better social perspective can be achieved by putting into consideration of factors at all level which are; interpersonal, organizational, public and individual. Behavior modification entails individuals change on how he or she views the surrounding and effective modification with a shift with ones assessment of entities. By so doing, behavior change will be implemented and sustained.

Five issues of the bmw

Five issues of the bmw The Bavarian Motor Industry Background Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) was founded in 1916 by Franz Josef Popp in Munich, Germany and it was mainly producing aircraft engines. The circular blue and white BMW logo or roundel is portrayed by BMW as the movement of an aircraft propeller, to signify the white blades cutting through the blue sky. The first aircaraft engine BMW produced was IIIa inline-six liquid-cooled engine in 1918 and it was prefered for its high-altitude performance. With German rearmament in the 1930s, the company again began producing aircraft engines for the Luftwaffe. Among its successful WWII engine designs were the BMW 132 and BMW 801 air-cooled radial engines, and the pioneering BMW 003 axial-flow turbojet, which powered the tiny, 1944-45-era jet-powered emergency fighter, the Heinkel He 162 Salamander. When WWI ended BMW was forced to stop producing aircraft engines by the terms of the Versailles Armistice Treaty. The company consequently shifted to motorcycle production in 1923 once the restrictions of the treaty started to be lifted where the motorcycles produced where able to brake speed records and win many races. In 1928-29 BMW started the production of cars where until today its production is being driven by the passion of a luxury sports car and inovative technology. Implimeantation Of The Five Topics New technology. New technology is very importand to multinationas companies in order to comunicta and share information. The issue here is the New Technology†¦ implementing it integrating with the existing ones The second issue is the Organisational Changes Requirements†¦ the difficulty in balancing change in Corporate Culture Organisational Structure. Security/threats. In large intustries and especially in the automotive intustry importand is to be able to secure all the vital inforamtion from industrial espionage, hackers or trespassers. The issue here is How important is IT security to management The secont is What are the impacts of IT security breaches? Ethic/social issues. In todays enteprisec a lot of importance has been given into the ethics of a company and it has great importance fot the companies image and the way the company oparates. The issue here is the use of electronic surveillance The second is Ethical Issues E-commerce and its issues. Nowadays a lot of corporate giants are using business intelligence and data mining systems in order to have a better view of what the customer prefers and be able t attract more customers. The issue here is the Data security ethics The second issue is Privacy Global MIS/risks. A lot of big companies expand to other countries in order to find new markets or cheaper workforce. The issue here is Consider Partners Collaboration -expertise, funds, etc Partner and supplier relationship management Varaiable Option Conidered For BMW New Technologies The implementation and integration of new technologies is very importand in the level of compatibility with the previous hard ware systems or software systems. In order to have a Continuous flow of information between all the countries BMW is established we need to check the technological and legal barriers of each country before continuing in the implementation of new technologies. The Organisational Changes Requirements†¦ the difficulty in balancing change in Corporate Culture Organisational Structure. In big complex organisations such as BMW the imports of new technologies might disrupt the current infrastructure and that because new computer software may vanquish the need of a customer support canter because everything can be atomically through internet. Security/Threats The issue here is How important is IT security to management. In the automotive industry its important to be able to keep vital documents of the company or prototypes of designs safe from industrial espionage or malicious hackers. The way for this to be done is through with Communications (networks) controls, firewalls or encryption programs. The secont is What are the impacts of IT security breaches? The impacts of security breach in any organisation can be disastrous in terms of industrial espionage or malicious phishing programs acquiring information about members of the organisation or employs in order to use their information for internet fraud. A catastrophic breach can be easily avoided with firewalls and separate back up drives. Ethic/Social Issues The issue here is the use of electronic surveillance. BMW uses electronic surveillance in order to be protected from bad employs or spies. In this case through agrremnts made with the government in companies owned building BMW has the right to have an electronic surveillance system but must have a sing informing the persons entering the buildings about the cctv. The second is Ethical Issues. BMW as multinational company known thought out the world is also directed by its image in ethical issues. Since BMW has a fun club in the internet it is obliged by the law and for ethical issues to have the information of the members strictly confidential and not be exploited for commercial reasons. E-commerce The issue here is the Data security ethics. BMW uses e-commerce in order to have information on the customers likes dislikes and be able to be more attractive to customers. All the informations are gathered by business intelligence programs. Internet users entering the companys site are being monitored on what they browse the data collected are being stored in order to be analyzed in the design of an attractive offer. All information gathered is a part of the legal authority on the companys web site. The second issue is Privacy. Information gathered for the research of the company is to be kept confidential and private for the company use only. In my opinion the company should keep the record for the use of new ideas and records of royal customers. Global MIS/Risks The issue here is Consider Partners Collaboration -expertise, funds, etc. In global companies operating in different countries in the world means co-operations with several other organizations or parties. Since BMW has factories in Germany Austria South Africa and America they need to have partners with vehicle construction knowledge in order for them to be more efficient and improve the quality. This why in countries that BMW has factories BMW it has educational programs with technical, managerial and specialist training as well as providing assistance for higher education. The second issue is the Partner and supplier relationship management. BMW operates factories and dealerships in all over the world so it is very important to have a constant communication with all the partners and the suppliers. The best solution is a global system network between all the partners and suppliers using web services in order to be informed on any supply needs and the daily development. Lessons Learned So Far And Options Considered Differently. In a global company like BMW there are many risk of the regarding the information systems and the information technologies. In the automotive industry it is very important to have a comparative advantage over your rivals by being innovative and have a better understanding of the customers needs. All the information that is gathered and stored its of critical importance to keep them safe away from industrial espionage or hackers or phisers. It is also important to have all the internet or business application from programs like Trojan viruses, viruses, worms, or spasms because the can slow the performance of an application or even worse destroy it losing all information that are not stored. There is a big risk of internet crime of stealing personal information or information extortionists. There is a great importance from keeping your data systems or applications protected from all the possible intruders either living like hackers or social engineers or non living like programs viruses worms etc. New technology is being conastly developed either in information systems telecomunications or sience. New technoligy in the case of BMW means better production better informaion systems and comunication between all the dealerships and factoris acros the world. Inforamtion technology is based on information systems and information sharing technologies witch they are supported by communication networks such us the internet intranet or extranet wich it can be either cable or WiFi. This way multinational compaies like BMW can communicate with the factories and offices around the world and keep a constand flow of information through private server. So in todays wolrd the new technology can give the competitive advantage to help sustaining a healthy bussines with an excelent communication with factories all over the world. Ethical issues play a major part in global companies for their legal perception of the law on workforce and the public image of the company. BMW is using 29% of its earning in educational programs in third world countries something which shows respect for the workforce and a good public image. Nike for example had ethical legal issues because it had child workers in their factories. Ethical and legal issues also play role on the information systems gathering information about the customers or fun clubs of BMW through the internet or using electronic surveillance for security in private areas. In this case all information gathered or the video recorded from the surveillance cameras is legally restricted to be on public broad cast and BMW has secure storage places for all this material. E-commerce is the new way for global companies to have detailed information on their customers through surveys or intelligence programmes like data mining or predictive analysis to be able to have a better understanding of the customers choices and like in order to attract them or dislikes in order to improve. All those are part of the new technologies implemented by global companies that make full use of the internet. Of course all those information are to be used only by companys special personnel for the design of a new product or the improvement of an existing one. Major manufacturing companies that want to expand in to other countries either for its market of for the cheap labour they use globalisation systems in order to be in contact with all the factories all over the world. Global information systems like extranets XML web services electronic data interchange etc. in order for BMW headquarters to have full knowledge of all production in all of the factories scattered across the world they need to have a clear direct link with all the factories and dealerships. Its also important to have partners with who they can have a good communication and be trained in a level of mutual understanding this is why BMW has training programs teaching managerial and manufacturing courses in order to improve the quality and the efficiency. Conclusion And Improvement Ideas. In the end as we can see through the big history of BMW from 1916 to today BMW is a colossal in the industry area with factories all over the world and the need for information systems and technologies in order for the headquarters in Munich to coordinate the manufacturing plants and assembly plants all over the world with out delays from the suppliers. However the future of the e-commerce and information system is a long way a head because a new technology is being developed so the potentials of more effective communications and more improved security systems for the newly developed threats to the security of a system. So in the end global organisations like BMW will constantly rely on information and communication systems and new technology in order to operate though out the whole world. References http://www.bmwplant.co.za/Content/index.jsp.htm http://www.bmweducation.co.uk/default.asp http://www.bmw.com/ management information systems:managing the digital firm laudon laudon 9th edition http://books.google.com/books?id=7fCgRL1-gGACprintsec=frontcoverdq=management+information+systemscd=5#v=onepageq=f=false 8th chapter

The Future Of Religion :: essays research papers

The future of religion 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light…'(Gen 1:1.5) '…then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. '(Gen 2:7) This part from the bible is a typical example of what people used to believe before scientists came and gave logical explanations to the questions of mankind.It is possible, of course, to define a non-supernatural "religious" worldview that is not in conflict with science. But in all of its traditional forms, the supernatural religious worldview makes the assumption that the universe and its inhabitants have been designed and created by "forces" or beings which transcend the material world. The material world is postula ted to reflect a mysterious plan originating in these forces or beings, a plan which is knowable by humans only to the extent that it has been revealed to an exclusive few. Criticising or questioning any part of this plan is strongly discouraged, especially where it touches on questions of morals or ethics. Science, on the other hand, assumes that there are no transcendent, immaterial forces and that all forces which do exist within the universe behave in an ultimately objective or random fashion. The nature of these forces, and all other scientific knowledge, is revealed only through human effort in a dynamic process of inquiry. The universe as a whole is assumed to be neutral to human concerns and to be open to any and all questions, even those concerning human ethical relationships. Such a universe does not come to us with easy answers. We must come to it and be prepared to work hard. According to Thomas W. Clark science and religion are in a battle from the day that scientists g ot in the fields of the theologises

Henrys Speeches in William Shakespeares Henry V -- Papers Henry V 5

Henry's Speeches in William Shakespeare's Henry V I will be writing about how Henry V wins the hearts of his men. Using, five main speeches that Henry V makes. I think that Henry won the hearts of his men by persuasion. Beforehand, I would like to apologize because I may talk about what ‘Henry’ says but I truly know this is what Shakespeare wrote. In the first speech the Dauphin presented Henry V with a set of tennis balls as a joke and insult. He was suggesting that Henry was a ‘child’ and not fit for being a king. I expected Henry V to be angry and yell with frustration but I noticed a sudden silence before Henry started his speech; it seemed as though he was collecting his thoughts and thinking how to answer Dauphin’s so called, â€Å"joke.† Henry used that time exceptionally wisely, he starts off with alliteration (which he also uses in Speeches 3, 4 and 5), â€Å"Pleasant/ Present/ Pains.† These words may sound calm and polite, but all these words need to be said with clenched teeth. I found the line 290, Act One Scene 2, interesting where Henry says, â€Å"†¦dazzle all the eyes of France, Yea strike the Dauphin blind to look us,† Henry compares himself to the sun: so bright and successful that the Dauphin would not be able to look up to him, making the Dauphin feel inferior. Henry here plays splendidly with words as we can see throughout the play, â€Å"Turn his balls to gunstones,† Henry changes something as harmless and simple as tennis balls into weapons of destruction. Henry is often religious and spiritual in his speeches. Here he says, â€Å"and soul shall stand sore†¦Ã¢â‚¬  he attacks the Dauphin n... ...e me thinks, me/ fear, fellowship,† once again to give a rhythm to his speech and it makes one think about the words said. Henry names the day, â€Å"Feast of Crispin’s Day,† to me that sounded more of emotional blackmailing than encouragement. Henry says that if they win this battle they would be as common as, â€Å"household words.† Shakespeare utilizes the technique of ‘use of three’, â€Å"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,† making it easier for his soldiers to trust him, making him sound more trustworthy. He uses emotional blackmail again as well, â€Å"Shall be my brothers.† I admired how different each speech is. I found it inspiring how Shakespeare can make Henry sound so trustworthy, sensitive and compassionate and two minutes later he can change the way one seems Henry just by the words he says.

Soike Heels :: essays research papers

Spike Heels   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The play spike heels was written by Theresa Rebeck and directed by Deborah Mello. I viewed the play spike heels at the Miami Dade Community College Kendall campus auditorium. The play consisted of four characters; there were two males Andrew and Edward and two females Lydia and Georgie. The role of Andrew was performed by Arnaldo Carmouze and the role of Edward was played by Sheaun Mckinney. The part of Georgie was beautifully played by Natalie Morales and Lydia witch was performed by Karina Hernandez. This play took place in a Boston apartment during present time. The play opened up in a much undefined manner doing a poor job in explaining the characters that were being spoken about. For instance when the play began the characters of Lydia and Andrew were being spoken about but the audience had no idea who they were, even though the character of Lydia was a bit better explained than Andrew they still left some gaps. Another issue that was exaggerated in an un rea listic way were the curse words, I can understand that the character Georgie was supposed to be bad mouthed but not even the worst mouthed person wouldn’t have repeated the â€Å"F† word so many times.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  My favorite character in the play was Georgie witch was performed by Natalie Morales. This was my favorite because she performed her part more on point than any of the other characters while having the most lines. Another reason why she was my favorite of the characters in the play is because she played the role of Georgie with the most credibility. For example she was the street girl from Brooklyn, New York and she played her part like if she was an actual Brooklyn girl it looked like she wasn’t even acting the other characters didn’t look as natural as she did. The effortless credibility was not the only advantage that she had over the other characters; her body language was also something that it looked like she put most of her effort into but made it looked as if she was natural.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The plot of the play was very well performed in the way that they got the point across quite well. There was only one factor that disturbed me about the plot of the play witch was that some issues were extended and made the play longer. This story was seen in my eyes as a story about a Brooklyn girl that grew up her entire life using defense mechanisms such as alcohol and sex to compensate for her bad childhood and for her unsuccessful employment life.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is a strange and powerful book of family loss, love, vengeance, and good versus evil. According to Janet James, Wuthering Heights, in essence, is a battle of nature versus nurture (James 2). As this classic begins, the evil villain in the book—Heathcliff—appear to be following the path of the good-hearted hero. His true characteristics, however, slowly unravel—showing his tenacity for evil against many of the characters in this multi-generational novel. The affects that Heathcliff has on Catherine and many other family members in Wuthering Heights create our flawed character. Yet, Heathcliff is the fuel that drives every other character as they act and react to Heathcliff and his evil ways. In Wuthering Heights Mr. Earnshaw brings home an orphan named Heathcliff that he quickly adopts into the family. This apparent noble gesture of family love for an individual without a real family or home opens the floodgates of drama. The Earnshaw family winds up initiating a war that spreads over several generations. According to Hubbard, Nelly Dean is a servant who was raised in Wuthering Heights. Nelly tells the history of Heathcliff and, thus, narrates much of the story. Hubbard 1) Heathcliff is raised in the family. He eventually falls in love with Catherine, one of the Earnshaw children, a pseudo-step-sister to Heathcliff. Mr. Earnshaw eventually dies and the family members attempt to ruin Heathcliff’s life due to years of bitter resentment. Yet, the courtship between Heathcliff and Catherine continues to unfold as the warring within this intense saga deve lops. A key turning point occurs when Catherine dies during childbirth. Heathcliff reacts to years of vengeance, vows his own revenge on the very family that he has grown up in. Heathcliff, then, attempts to gain control of the family legacy. As we look at our central character, Heathcliff, his initiation into the family has him cast as a protagonist. However, as the fate of good versus evil begins to gather thematic weight, we find a shift in Heathcliff. In fact, the shift is so dramatic that Heathcliff becomes the story’s antagonist. The entire structure of Wuthering Heights revolves around Heathcliff. As in many classics, love is an overriding subplot that weaves together the multi-generational conflict that evolves. Love, in the end, seems to be the demise of the evil characters. Heathcliff and many of his surrogate family members are unable to share their love for one another. It’s a case of honor for the bloodline of the Earnshaws that creates the war. Graphic bloodletting results as many characters—Heathcliff, our supposed protagonist included—sink to killing as the only means to alleviate the family drama. Characters choose to use lies and deceit to meet their unbridled need for passion, lust, and selfish gain. Wuthering Heights, although its main protagonist is an orphaned child, cradles its main character into a large family with a special purpose. This adoption creates animosity between step-siblings and spouses. Estrangement and bitter revenge is a subplot linking this graphic and upsetting intense novel. As the battles between individuals progress in the novel, the undercurrents of physical and mental pain—sometimes horrific pain—create intense situations as characters constantly juggle with a decision: Is the fight for a worthy cause? Heathcliff, in Wuthering Heights, winds up becoming loved and hated. He is, in effect, the hero and villain of this grand classic novel. His character creates dramatic intensity. Here, is an example of one of the Earnshaw’s discussions with Heathcliff. Hindley said, â€Å"and I pray that he may break your neck: take him, and be damned, you beggarly interloper. † (p. 61) His drama slowly evolves into an evil being. He pushes his hatred at everyone except Catherine. Heathcliff gets to a point of dependency on Catherine. As long as he has Catherine, he can deal with anything. Heathcliff is, in effect, the story of Wuthering Heights. Thus, when Catherine dies, Heathcliff loses his co-dependent love and releases years of build-up rage and aggression. The emotions and actions of other characters in this epic novel all seem to stem from Heathcliff. His magnetic personality is the catalyst toward other character interaction and plot development. Catherine, for example, is torn emotionally and spiritually over Heathcliff because of the feelings other family members have regarding Heathcliff. In the end, it has been viewed as a death she desired. It was the only way to find relief to a life of bitter entanglements. The following quote comes from Catherine describing her feelings about Heathcliff to Edgar: â€Å"Oh Edgar, Edgar! † she panted, flinging her arms around his neck. â€Å"Oh, Edgar darling! Heathcliff’s come back. † (p. 114) As Heathcliff and Catherine develop their relationship fairly early. In chapter 10, we see that Catherine has grown bored of Edgar. Her interest in Heathcliff abhors Edgar and thus a bitter jealously between Heathcliff and Edgar ensues. Since Edgar is Catherine’s wife, the intensity of this jealousy from Edgar brings secret joy to Heathcliff. Heathcliff and Catherine wind up sharing deep passionate love. But the secrecy of her unfaithfulness becomes well-known in the family. Plus, the wealth of the Earnshaw creates greed within Heathcliff. This foreshadows the fact that Heathcliff will go to almost no-end to get what he wants: the Earnshaw legacy. On an estranged level, we see that Heathcliff’s mental stability becomes a question mark. The entire Earnshaw family, except for Catherine and Hareton, view Heathcliff as some sort of ruthless, cold-blooded creature. Some even consider him incarnate evil. From the author’s perspective, however, he is a man of turbulent emotions who feels that everyone else is evil due to that fact that society has excluded him. His short-temper and violent tendencies helps to create the character backdrop of a villain that can cause two generations of a wealthy family to be turned upside-down. Healthcliff creates his own laws which are the main reason why he is hated by almost every other character in the novel. However, his commitment to Catherine leads readers to offer him some credibility, or at least pitied on some levels. This credibility is forever in question due to Heathcliff’s inability to be forgiving of anyone. Through dialogue from Heathcliff, Emily Bronte creates the image of a character sinking out of control. Isabella writes of her anguish over the Earnshaw dilemma. She wrote, I do hate him–I am wretched–I have been a fool. † (p 163) Catherine, in Wuthering Heights, whose eventual demise comes by the hands of losing her own life, is set up by her personal struggles in her love-hate relationship with the arch nemesis, Heathcliff. She builds walls that suffocate herself from her family, all at the extent of Heathcliff. When other family members suspect his less-than-moral activities, Heathcliff simply stacks on the lies by jabbering on to cover up his deception. He continues to manipulate situations based on fast-talking. Again, his unfortunate orphanage and adoption into this glamorous family is his means of escaping victimization. Yet, ironically, he is, both, a victim and villain in the grand scheme of Emily Bronte’s masterpiece. In the following, we listen to Hindley express his mental state of mind regarding Heathcliff. Hindley said,†Unless you overreach him; and he’ll be my ruin. Damn the hellish villian! † (p. 193) The tide turns as the lies intensify and the great network of these families begin to see the truth. Other characters begin to boast their concerns over troubling issues surrounding Heathcliff. This unraveling of the family adds intensity to each new scene. In other words, the world is wrong and only Catherine and Heathcliff are correct—at least that is how Heathcliff sees things in his mental instability. Comedy is another component that is woven into the threads of the evil characters in Wuthering Heights. Most often, Bronte pokes fun at Heathcliff as the other family members and servants treat him unfairly and oftentimes with mockery. The grand theme of death and horror is apparent in Wuthering Heights. The characters evolve and revolve almost entirely around the characterization and altering behaviors of Heathcliff. The other character’s true motives come to light: They yearn for the demise and death of Heathcliff. As timing is such a critical component of Heathcliff’s development as a character, the timing of the lies within the family reach a climax. Before they can amend their ill-mannered plans to end Heathcliff, the damage is done and the family suffers. Bronte uses more empowering language to make her point with such artistry: The guest was now the master of Wuthering Heights. † (p. 204) In closing, this classic novel gained universal fame for its ability to weave the consequences of war and family and love and loss. And, it is done in climatic fashion. Betrayal and love and comedy are the components that keep the characters moving—especially our villain Heathcliff. There is one single link that connects Heathcliff with humanity. That is his respect for Harton Earnshaw, the man who adopted Heathcliff into the family, initiating this lifelong journey. According to Vogler, respect for family also manifests in the story as the battle between siblings and loved ones becomes the necessary device to overcome loss and deception and overzealous pride (Vogler 16). There is no way to correct the death and horrific pain that was unleashed as the story of Heathcliff and the Earnshaws occurred. In fact, Heathcliff wound up spending almost his entire life acting out on revenge against this family. As his life came to an end, Heathcliff was seeking spiritual aid. In fact, his dream was to be with Catherine again where he could spend eternity with the love of his life. Thus, as he brought about a slow death upon himself, he became happier the nearer and nearer he got to death. Yet, ironic as it may sound, Wuthering Heights is based on the love found by being forced into the trenches of war, a war that goes beyond the physical pain of the battlefield and into the ache of the soul. In the end, deceit loses but not before causing rampant death and destruction among the link known as family. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is a strange and powerful book of family loss, love, vengeance, and good versus evil. Wuthering Heights, in essence, is a battle of nature versus nurture. Tartuffe is also a story of estranged family love, loss, and deceit. As each story begins, the evil villains in both books appear to be following the path of the good-hearted hero. Their true characteristics, however, slowly unravel—showing their tenacity for evil. Heathcliff, in Wuthering Heights—and Tartuffe, in the play Tartuffe—have many comparable attributes. In Wuthering Heights Mr. Earnshaw brings home an orphan named Heathcliff that he quickly adopts into the family. This apparent noble gesture of family love for an individual without a home winds up initiating the warring and drama between several generations. In Tartuffe, the eventual evil character known as Tartuffe is regarded as a most pious and holy man, a hero on God’s path—or so we are led to believe. This can be paralleled to Heathcliff’s entry into the story as a loved orphan child. Tartuffe is regarded by the community members with the utmost respect. The intertwining of love, lust, and deceit is rampant in both stories. Love, in the end, seems to be the demise of the evil characters. They are unable to share their love and thus choose to use lies and deceit to meet their unbridled need for passion, lust, and selfish gain. Wuthering Heights, although its main protagonist is an orphaned child, cradles its main character into a large family. This adoption creates animosity between step-siblings and spouses. Estrangement and bitter revenge is a subplot linking both of these graphic novels of intensity. As the battles between individuals progress in each novel, the undercurrents of physical and mental pain—sometimes horrific pain—create intense situations as characters constantly juggle with a decision: Is the fight for a worthy cause? Heathcliff, in Wuthering Heights, winds up becoming loved and hated. He is, in effect, the hero and villain of this grand classic novel. His character creates dramatic intensity. His drama slowly evolves into an evil being. He pushes his hatred at everyone except Catherine. Heathcliff gets to a point of dependency on Catherine. As long as he has Catherine, he can deal with anything. Heathcliff is, in effect, the story of Wuthering Heights. The emotions and actions of other characters in this epic novel all seem to stem from Heathcliff. His magnetic personality is the catalyst toward other character interaction and plot development. Catherine, for example, is torn emotionally and spiritually over Heathcliff because of the feelings other family members have regarding Heathcliff. In the end, she seeks relief in death. Some of the characters in the play begin to see that Tartuffe is not the pious individual they were led to believe he was. Cleante and Dorine, for instance, discuss Tartuffe’s questionable characteristics. They both agree he is filled with deceit and has tricked Orgon. The web of love and desire runs amok as communication between family members and loved ones is blurred. Deception creates the sub plotting elements between Damis, Orgon, Mariane, Valere, Cleante, and Dorine that create animosity. This French play is in direct correlation to Emily Bronte’s classic novel that also weaves family deception, love, desire, and war to create an empowering story. Catherine, in Wuthering Heights, whose eventual demise comes by the hands of taking her own life, is set up by her personal struggles in her love-hate relationship with the arch nemesis, Heathcliff. She builds walls that suffocate herself from her family, all at the extent of Heathcliff. Tartuffe also builds walls. For Tartuffe, however, his walled persona is central to his initial means of deceiving others. He seeks to capture the love of Elmire. When others suspect his less-than-moral activities, Tartuffe simply stacks on the lies by jabbering on and using religious cliches to cover up his deception. He continues to manipulate situations based on fast-talking. Again, his religious background leads others to believe him. The tide turns in both stories as the lies intensify and the great network of these families begin to see the truth. Other characters begin to boast their concerns over troubling issues surrounding Tartuffe. Madame Pernelle’s advice is seen as truly absurd. She feels betrayal and takes out her angst by reprimanding other family members. For example, she hounds Cleante for his desire to counsel society; she doesn’t like how Elmire dresses; even the maid is reckless. This unraveling of the family adds intensity to each new scene. In other words, the world is wrong and only Madame Pernelle and Tartuffe are right. This talkative old woman reveals to the audience, for the very first time, that Tartuffe’s true character is not pious. Comedy is another component that is woven into the threads of the evil characters in Tartuffe and Wuthering Heights. In scene four, Orgon is completely fooled and also blinded by his committed affection to Tartuffe. The servant-master relationship gives way to humor. Here, we witness a bitter, yet sharp-witted, servant who makes fun of the unintelligent master. This dim-witted masters isn’t even aware of the ridicule. Comedy is found throughout Wuthering Heights as well. Most often, Bronte pokes fun at Heathcliff as the other family members and servants treat him unfairly and oftentimes with mockery. The grand theme of death and horror is also apparent in both stories. The characters evolve and their true motives come to light. However, by the time the lies are brought to light, the damage is done and the families suffer—in both stories. In closing, these two novels gain universal fame for their ability to weave the consequences of war and family and love and loss. And, it is done in climatic fashion. Betrayal and love and comedy are the components that keep the characters moving—especially our villains Heathcliff and Tartuffe. There is one single link that connects Heathcliff with humanity. That is his respect for Harton Earnshaw, the man who adopted Heathcliff into the family, initiating this lifelong journey. Respect for family also manifests in Tartuffe as the battle between siblings and loved ones becomes the necessary device to overcome loss and deception and overzealous pride. Wuthering Heights is based on the love found by being forced into the trenches of war, a war that goes beyond the physical pain of the battlefield and into the ache of the soul. It’s ironic, in Tartuffe, that our antagonistic villain was once considered holy and pious. In the end, deceit loses but not before causing rampant death and destruction among the link known as family.