Assignment 3 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Assignment 3 - Coursework Example b. Bridget should first of all arrive at a figure as per her limited income as to the maximum amount she can spend on food. Next, she must determine the various amounts of utility derived from wine and cheese at various levels of consumption units. This will give requisite information as to the levels of consumption for both wine and cheese, where the marginal utility per dollar spent for both will be equal. This will give the combination of utility maximizing quantities. Applied problem 1.As per the given problem (Thomas & Maurice, 2011, pp. 204-232), USA today does not agree with the analyst that a raise in unit price of the paper from 50 to 75 cents will bring in an additional $65 million revenue. In this case, the analyst is assuming that the demand for paper is relatively inelastic and increasing price will not cause the sales of copies to drop. However, the USA today itself, citing the example of Wall street Journal, rejects this observation. It does so based on the observation that the sales of wall street journal dropped sharply after an increase in the price per unit. In doing so, the paper assumes that Price elasticity of demand for the paper is the same as that of Wall street journal. In doing so, it implicitly assumes that the demand for the paper is highly price elastic. Applied problem 1.As per the given problem (Thomas & Maurice, 2011, pp. 243-276) , the Wilpen company, is a price setting firm, which estimates its U.S. demand for Tennis balls using the following linear equation: Where, Q is the number of cans of Tennis Balls sold quarterly, P is the wholesale price of a can of tennis balls, M is the consumers’ average household income and Pr is the average price of tennis Rackets. Based on the given information, a. The Parameter a, which is the Y intercept for the regression line for the function. As per the computer output given, the value of

Psychology of Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Psychology of Gender - Essay Example From perspective of male students, the presence of females in their surroundings will make them more cautious about their attitude, body language, and performance at school. Coeducation creates sense of competition, but this sense of competition is not just limited to the boundaries of academics, the influence is to the extent of extra circular activities; therefore at coeducational units the focus on extra circular activities is severe than single-sex schools. Research results have verified that single-sex education has academic and social advantages; it gives ample opportunity to the students to focus more upon the academic challenges. The academic struggle invested by the students in single-sex education is more extreme compared against coeducation institutes where element of extra circular activities prevails. As per research, no negative effects on the performance of female students have been observed while studying in single-sex schools.

Dream Job of a real estate agent

Dream Job of a real estate agent Executive Summary This report describes about matters that I personally need to know to be a real estate sales agent in Singapore after I graduated from my study of pursuing my bachelor degree. The first part of this reason explains why I decided to be a real estate sales agent in Singapore, its more or less based on the financial reasons. The next part is a sort of job description for a real estate sales agent that I got from careerplanner.com (2010). After a long list of job description, the other things that I should be aware are the knowledge requirements, skills requirements, ability requirements, and job activities for a real estate sales agent. Last but not least the author has showed a list of human resource development program that is conducted by ERA Real Estate that is conducted for people who want to get a better understanding and knowledge to be a real estate sales agent in Singapore. The training includes an introduction to Singapores real estate market, real estate relating laws and legal procedures, how to make a presentation, marketing, closing a deal, and so on as well as learning to utilise information technology (IT) in order to maximise your earnings (ERA Real Estate, 2010). A brief conclusion and recommendation also have been developed and can be seen at the end of this report. 1.0 Introduction This report describes about my dream job as a real estate sales agent that Id like to do when I graduate. Im interested in this profession because of many testimonials from my friends and relatives that real estate sales agent is a good job that can generate a lot of money. Ive decided to do this job in Singapore because based on my observation Singapores real estate market is quite promising added with the new tourists attraction which will be opened soon that will make Singapore to be a better place for tourist as well as for foreigners to invest, do business, or just simply to find an employment which I believe those factors will make the real estate industry in Singapore become even more promising. The latter part of this report explains about jobs description, knowledge requirements, skill requirements, ability requirements, and job activities of a real estate sales agent based on careerplanner.com website (2010). 2.0 Real Estate Sales Agent Job Description Stone (2007) described the definition of job description as a written statement that explains the purpose of the job, what are the activities that need to be performed, stating conditions which the work are completely finished, and the standards of performance needed to do the jobs. Below is job-description of a real estate sales agent that is taken from careerplanner.com (2010). 1. Present purchase offers to sellers for consideration. 2. Confer with escrow companies, lenders, home inspectors, and pest control operators to ensure that terms and conditions of purchase agreements are met before closing dates. 3. Interview clients to determine what kinds of properties they are seeking. 4. Prepare documents such as representation contracts, purchase agreements, closing statements, deeds and leases. 5. Coordinate property closings, overseeing signing of documents and disbursement of funds. 6. Act as an intermediary in negotiations between buyers and sellers, generally representing one or the other. 7. Promote sales of properties through advertisements, open houses, and participation in multiple listing services. 8. Compare a property with similar properties that have recently sold in order to determine its competitive market price. 9. Coordinate appointments to show homes to prospective buyers. 10. Generate lists of properties that are compatible with buyers needs and financial resources. 11. Display commercial, industrial, agricultural, and residential properties to clients and explain their features. 12. Arrange for title searches to determine whether clients have clear property titles. 13. Review plans for new construction with clients, enumerating and recommending available options and features. 14. Answer clients questions regarding construction work, financing, maintenance, repairs, and appraisals. 15. Inspect condition of premises, and arrange for necessary maintenance or notify owners of maintenance needs. 16. Accompany buyers during visits to and inspections of property, advising them on the suitability and value of the homes they are visiting. 17. Advise sellers on how to make homes more appealing to potential buyers. 18. Arrange meetings between buyers and sellers when details of transactions need to be negotiated. 19. Advise clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements and related matters. 20. Evaluate mortgage options to help clients obtain financing at the best prevailing rates and terms. 21. Review property listings, trade journals, and relevant literature, and attend conventions, seminars, and staff and association meetings in order to remain knowledgeable about real estate markets. 22. Investigate clients financial and credit status in order to determine eligibility for financing. 23. Contact property owners and advertise services in order to solicit property sales listings. 24. Develop networks of attorneys, mortgage lenders, and contractors to whom clients may be referred. 25. Visit properties to assess them before showing them to clients. 26. Contact utility companies for service hookups to clients property. 27. Conduct seminars and training sessions for sales agents in order to improve sales techniques. 28. Appraise properties to determine loan values. 29. Solicit and compile listings of available rental properties. 30. Secure construction or purchase financing with own firm or mortgage company. 31. Rent or lease properties on behalf of clients. 32. Locate and appraise undeveloped areas for building sites, based on evaluations of area market conditions. (Source : careerplanner.com, 2010) 3.0 Knowledge Requirements for Real Estate Sales Agent Below are the knowledge requirements for a real estate sales agent that are taken from careerplanner.com (2010). Customer and Personal Service Refer to understanding of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services include assessing the needs of customer, meeting the services quality standard, and evaluating the customer satisfaction (careerplanner.com, 2010). Sales and Marketing Refers to understanding of principles and methods to show, promote, and sell products or services include marketing strategy, tactic, demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems (careerplanner.com, 2010). Clerical Clerical refers to understanding of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology (careerplanner.com, 2010). Administration and Management Refer to understanding of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources (careerplanner.com, 2010). English Language Singapores national language is English, so that there is a need to understand the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar (careerplanner.com, 2010). Economics and Accounting Understanding of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data (careerplanner.com, 2010). Law and Government Refer to understanding of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process (careerplanner.com, 2010). Building and Construction Refer to the understanding of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads (careerplanner.com, 2010). Computers and Electronics Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming (careerplanner.com, 2010). 4.0 Skill Requirements for Real Estate Sales Agent Active Listening Such as giving full attention when other people is saying, take time to understand the points that are being communicated, ask questions where appropriate, and not interrupting at the wrong time (careerplanner.com, 2010). Writing Writing refers to effectively communicate to other person in written medium (careerplanner.com, 2010). 5.0 Ability Requirements for Real Estate Sales Agent Oral Expression The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand (careerplanner.com, 2010). Written Comprehension The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing (careerplanner.com, 2010). Problem Sensitivity The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem (careerplanner.com, 2010). 6.0 Job Activities for Real Estate Sales Agent Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources (careerplanner.com, 2010). Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests (careerplanner.com, 2010). Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events (careerplanner.com, 2010). Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information (careerplanner.com, 2010). Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work (careerplanner.com, 2010). Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job (careerplanner.com, 2010). Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others (careerplanner.com, 2010). Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time (careerplanner.com, 2010). 7.0 HRD Program to be a Decent Real Estate Sales Agent Delahaye (2005) explains that we have to carefull choose the trainer whether the trainer has the competency and the expertise. Beside my knowledge of marketing as my specialization for my university study, in order to fulfill all the requirements above, I think I need to attend a training that is conducted by ERA Real Estate (2010), one of the biggest real estate companies in Singapore which I believe is competent enough and have enough experiences and expertise to give me the training (kindly refer to Table A below). Table A Sales System Training Session Topic 1 The Singapore Real Estate Market Fundamentals of Real Estate Financing Valuation 2 Real Estate Law Property Rights Conveyancing Law Procedures 3 Basic Contract Law Types of Contract Law of Agency 4 Preparation for the Listing Presentation Listing Presentation 5 Marketing the Property Closing the Sale 6 HDB Resale Policies Procedures 7 Private Residential Commercial Properties Procedures 8 Using IT to Maximise Your Earning Potential (Source : ERA Real Estate, 2010) In session one, I will learn the real estate of Singapore and the fundamentals of real estate financing and valuation to get a better understanding about the condition and the current trends of the real estate market in Singapore, how people finance their house, how to conduct a house price valuation. In session two, I will learn about the Real Estate Law and Property Law as well as Conveyancing Law Procedures. Singapores business law that Ive learned in the university did not cover the real estate and property law so that I need further education to learn about that. Subjects that will be learned in chapter three are basic contract law and types of contract law of agency. Ive learned basic contract law under business law subject conducted by Nanyang Institute of Management but currently I still dont understand the specific contract law of agency. The next session will be the listing presentation, marketing the property, and closing the sale which usually should be done when the customers want to sell or rent out his/her property. I dont have any idea how to do this, and I think this session will benefit me a lot. Then I will learn about the HDB and private property resale policies and procedures which I dont have any understanding in these matters. At last I will learn about how to use Information Technology Media to help me maximise my earning potential. This courses will cost me S$642 (S$600 + 7%GST) and I think its worth the price (ERA Real Estate, 2010). Beside attending this course, I also need to learn more about how to communicate better in English (written and oral) which plays a crucial role in this profession. 8.0 Conclusion and Recommendation In order to be a good and reliable real estate sales agent, I should have a good understanding and knowledge of the real estate sales agent job description, knowledge requirements, skills requirements, ability requirements, and job activities of real estate sales agent described in this report. I suggest to all who also have interest in being a real estate sales agent, you should read this report to get a better understanding about the profession, and do whatever necessary for your development in order to fit in with this job. References Amos, J. (2001). Managing Your Time. Hong Kong: Grolier International. Careerplanner.com. (2010). Job Description Jobs for: â€Å"Real Estate Sales Agent†. Retrieved on 19 February 2010 at http://careerplanner.com/Job-Descriptions/Real-Estate-Sales-Agents.cfm Delahaye, B. L. (2005). Human Resource Development: Adult Learning and Knowledge Management, (2nd ed.). Milton, Qld: John Wiley Sons Australia, Ltd. Stone, R. J. (2007). Human Resource Management, (6thed.). Milton: John Wiley Sons Australia. ERA Real Estate. (2010). Real Estate Traning. Retrieved on 19 February 2010 at http://www.erasingapore.com/index.jsp?eContent=About/training.html#Module%201%20-%20Principles%20%20Practice%20of%20Singapore%20Real%20Estate Zeller, D. (2009). Successful Time Management for Dummies. USA: Wiley Publishing, Inc.

Facilitating Diffusion of E-governent Services Essay example -- Gover

1 Introduction E-government has the potential to improve greatly the delivery of public services, making them easier to access, more convenient to use, more responsive, more transparent and so on. It also has the potential to free up resources in the public sector by delivering services more efficiently. Therefore governments are keen to push their citizens to use online services to deliver public services more efficiently and faster with lower cost. For instance U.K. government, in February 2010, announced a new strategy for the public sector aimed at simplifying and standardizing ICT across the public sector to enable interoperability and data sharing while providing flexibility and efficient services that will deliver savings of over  £ 3.2 billion per year(E-Government factsheets, 2010). Although the e-government services are beneficial to the citizens but diffusing these services to citizens in an innovative format could be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence o f electronic government in facilitating the diffusion of public services to citizens and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this transformation. To evaluate the influence of e-government in facilitating the diffusion of public services, firstly we must know what the e-government is, then, what factors are important for successfully implementing of the e-government concept, and finally, what type of benefits citizens could gain by using government’s e-services. This essay consists of 5 main sections starting with the e-government literature followed by historical view of e-government in the U.K. The next section is discussing about the influential factors of successful diffusion of e-government services followed by further discuss... ...n in the public sector: Key features influencing the development and implementation of technologically innovative public sector services in the UK, Denmark, Finland and Estonia." Information Polity: The International Journal of Government & Democracy in the Information Age 12, no. 3: 109-125. [Accessed 25th November 2010] Schipper, K. (2010). â€Å"How can we measure the costs and benefits of changes in financial reporting standards†. Accounting & Business Research, 40(3), 309-327. Teo T. S.H., Srivastava S.C., & Jiang, L. (2008) â€Å"Trust and Electronic Government Success:An Empirical Study† .Journal of Management Information Systems / Winter 2008–9, Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 99–131. Vassilakis, C., Lepouras, G. & Halatsis, G.(2007) â€Å"A knowledge-based approach for developing multi-channel e-government services†. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications 6 (2007) 113–124 Facilitating Diffusion of E-governent Services Essay example -- Gover 1 Introduction E-government has the potential to improve greatly the delivery of public services, making them easier to access, more convenient to use, more responsive, more transparent and so on. It also has the potential to free up resources in the public sector by delivering services more efficiently. Therefore governments are keen to push their citizens to use online services to deliver public services more efficiently and faster with lower cost. For instance U.K. government, in February 2010, announced a new strategy for the public sector aimed at simplifying and standardizing ICT across the public sector to enable interoperability and data sharing while providing flexibility and efficient services that will deliver savings of over  £ 3.2 billion per year(E-Government factsheets, 2010). Although the e-government services are beneficial to the citizens but diffusing these services to citizens in an innovative format could be challenging. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence o f electronic government in facilitating the diffusion of public services to citizens and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this transformation. To evaluate the influence of e-government in facilitating the diffusion of public services, firstly we must know what the e-government is, then, what factors are important for successfully implementing of the e-government concept, and finally, what type of benefits citizens could gain by using government’s e-services. This essay consists of 5 main sections starting with the e-government literature followed by historical view of e-government in the U.K. The next section is discussing about the influential factors of successful diffusion of e-government services followed by further discuss... ...n in the public sector: Key features influencing the development and implementation of technologically innovative public sector services in the UK, Denmark, Finland and Estonia." Information Polity: The International Journal of Government & Democracy in the Information Age 12, no. 3: 109-125. [Accessed 25th November 2010] Schipper, K. (2010). â€Å"How can we measure the costs and benefits of changes in financial reporting standards†. Accounting & Business Research, 40(3), 309-327. Teo T. S.H., Srivastava S.C., & Jiang, L. (2008) â€Å"Trust and Electronic Government Success:An Empirical Study† .Journal of Management Information Systems / Winter 2008–9, Vol. 25, No. 3, pp. 99–131. Vassilakis, C., Lepouras, G. & Halatsis, G.(2007) â€Å"A knowledge-based approach for developing multi-channel e-government services†. Electronic Commerce Research and Applications 6 (2007) 113–124

Are leaders born or made ? Essay

There is no doubt that leaders develop their leadership skills through life learning experiences, training, coaching, mentoring and hardworking. Some people believe that leaders are born naturally intelligent, visionary, charismatic and able to articulate a plan and rally their teams around it. Yet there are others who says that leaders are both born and made naturally intelligent and extroverted people, enhanced with education, training and experience. We often hear the proverb â€Å"Born to lead†, but it does not mean that leaders are born only but not made, because to be a leader you must first be a follower, true leaders do not walk in the front, they simply follow the rest. Nature may have some influence on who a person becomes. It is the upbringing of a person which either makes him leader or a follower. I think leaders are born as well as are made, because one may have the ability to lead but not the experience and skills to be a leader and skills develop through the life learning experiences. We have many examples of born leaders as well as made leaders. Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Martin Luther King were few of the leaders who make their way to be a leader through their dedication, hard work, experience, intelligence, qualities and skills. Then, there are some born leaders like Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H), Jesus, and Prophet Noah are few chosen leaders who lead people of their generation as well as still leading the generations of today. I think it all depends how one perceive about a leader, for me it does not matter that leader are made or born, what matters the most is how leaders develop their skills through their experiences and leadership is a lifetime learning activity. You are never done because there is always more to learn. There are always skills you need to improve.

Internalization theory best explains CEMEX’s FDI Essay

1.Which theoretical explanation (or explanations) of FDI best explains CEMEX’s FDI? 1.Internalization theory best explains CEMEX’s FDI because CEMEX entered into many countries and bought domestic cement businesses instead of licensing. CEMEX has a great system and needs to protect it from competitors. 2.What value does CEMEX bring to a host economy? Can you see any potential drawbacks of inward investment by CEMEX in an economy? 1.The value is that CEMEX has a â€Å"Midas touch† that transforms a cement business into a thriving business. This brings great stimulation to the host economy and also helps in the construction field, which in turn helps to build cities and civilization. No, CEMEX would do well to invest inwardly, yet, CEMEX is better at acquisitioning businesses. 3.CEMEX has a strong preference for acquisitions over greenfield ventures as an entry mode. Why? 1.Acquisitions are solid because the business in the host economy already knows the demographics and the market. CEMEX just has to make the business better with little research. A greenfield venture would prove risky and not cost effective. 4.Why do you think CEMEX decided to exit Indonesia after failing to gain majority control of Semen Gresik? Why is majority control so important to CEMEX? 1.A licensing is very dangerous. CEMEX only have a 25% push with Semen Gresik. It did not have full control and the methods of CEMEX would be exposed and vulnerable to be stolen. CEMEX has a great system and does not want anyone interfering. 5.Why do you think politicians in Indonesia tried to block CEMEX’s attempt to gain majority control over Semen Gresik? Do you think Indonesia’s best interests were served by limiting CEMEX’s FDI in the country? 1.Indonesian politicians did not like the possibility of CEMEX taking over the cement market. Their interests were in domestic businesses and protecting the â€Å"purity† of their economy. No, Indonesia would have benefitted greatly if CEMEX was allowed an in. 6.What is CEMEX doing today? Do they still engage in FDI? 1.â€Å"MONTERREY, MEXICO- OCTOBER 8, 2010 – CEMEX (NYSE: CX), announced today that pursuant to the exercise of a put option by Ready Mix USA it will acquire its partner’s interests in the two joint ventures between CEMEX and Ready Mix USA which hav

Free Essays on Mexico

Mexico Country Profile Country Formal Name: United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicans). Short Form: Mexico. Term for Citizen(s): Mexican(s). Capital: Mexico City (called Mà ©Ãƒ ©xico or Ciudad de Mà ©Ãƒ ©xico in country). Date of Independence: September 16, 1810 (from Spain). National Holidays: May 5, commemorating the victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla; September 16, Independence Day. Mexico Geography Size: 1,972,550 square kilometersthird largest nation in Latin America (after Brazil and Argentina). Topography: Various massive mountain ranges including Sierra Madre Occidental in west, Sierra Madre Oriental in east, Cordillera Neovolcnica in center, and Sierra Madre del Sur in south; lowlands largely along coasts and in Yucatan Peninsula. Interior of country high plateau. Frequent seismic activity. Drainage: Few navigable rivers. Most rivers short and run from mountain ranges to coast. Climate: Great variations owing to considerable north-south extension and variations in altitude. Most of the country has two seasons: wet (June-September) and dry (October-April). Generally low rainfall in interior and north. Abundant rainfall along east coast, in south, and in Yucatan Peninsula. Society Population: Estimated population of 94.8 million persons in mid-1996. Annual rate of growth 1.96 percent. Language: Spanish official language, spoken by nearly all. About 8 percent of population speaks an indigenous language; most of these people speak Spanish as second language. Knowledge of English increasing rapidly, especially among business people, the middle class, returned emigrants, and the young. Ethnic Groups: Predominantly mestizo society (60 percent); 30 percent indigenous; 9 percent European; 1 percent other. Education and Literacy: Secretariat of Public Education has overall responsibility for all levels of education system. Compulsory education to age sixteen; public education ... Free Essays on Mexico Free Essays on Mexico Mexico Country Profile Country Formal Name: United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicans). Short Form: Mexico. Term for Citizen(s): Mexican(s). Capital: Mexico City (called Mà ©Ãƒ ©xico or Ciudad de Mà ©Ãƒ ©xico in country). Date of Independence: September 16, 1810 (from Spain). National Holidays: May 5, commemorating the victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla; September 16, Independence Day. Mexico Geography Size: 1,972,550 square kilometersthird largest nation in Latin America (after Brazil and Argentina). Topography: Various massive mountain ranges including Sierra Madre Occidental in west, Sierra Madre Oriental in east, Cordillera Neovolcnica in center, and Sierra Madre del Sur in south; lowlands largely along coasts and in Yucatan Peninsula. Interior of country high plateau. Frequent seismic activity. Drainage: Few navigable rivers. Most rivers short and run from mountain ranges to coast. Climate: Great variations owing to considerable north-south extension and variations in altitude. Most of the country has two seasons: wet (June-September) and dry (October-April). Generally low rainfall in interior and north. Abundant rainfall along east coast, in south, and in Yucatan Peninsula. Society Population: Estimated population of 94.8 million persons in mid-1996. Annual rate of growth 1.96 percent. Language: Spanish official language, spoken by nearly all. About 8 percent of population speaks an indigenous language; most of these people speak Spanish as second language. Knowledge of English increasing rapidly, especially among business people, the middle class, returned emigrants, and the young. Ethnic Groups: Predominantly mestizo society (60 percent); 30 percent indigenous; 9 percent European; 1 percent other. Education and Literacy: Secretariat of Public Education has overall responsibility for all levels of education system. Compulsory education to age sixteen; public education ... Free Essays on Mexico Mexican Economy I. Historical, Population, Culture, Political, and Economic Information History Mexico was the site of some of the earliest and most advanced civilizations in the western hemisphere. The Mayan culture, according to archaeological research, attained its greatest development about the 6th century AD. Another group, the Toltec, established an empire in the Valley of Mexico and developed a great civilization still evidenced by the ruins of magnificent buildings and monuments. The leading tribe, the Aztec, built great cities and developed an intricate social, political, and religious organization. Their civilization was highly developed, both intellectually and artistically. The first European explorer to visit Mexican territory was Francisco Fernndez de Cà ³rdoba, who in 1517 discovered traces of the Maya in Yucatn. In 1535, some years after the fall of the Aztec capital, the basic form of colonial government in Mexico was instituted with the appointment of the first Spanish viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza. A distinguishing characteristic of colonial Mexico was the exp loitation of the Native Americans. Although thousands of them were killed during the Spanish conquest, they continued to be the great majority of inhabitants of what was referred to as New Spain, speaking their own languages and retaining much of their native culture. Inevitably they became the laboring class. Their plight was the result of the 'encomienda' system, by which Spanish nobles, priests, and soldiers were granted not only large tracts of land but also jurisdiction over all Native American residents. A second characteristic of colonial Mexico was the position and power of the Roman Catholic church. Franciscan, Augustinian, Dominican, and Jesuit missionaries entered the country with the conquistadores. The Mexican church became enormously wealthy through gifts and bequests that could be held in perpetuity. Before 1859, when church holdings were n... Free Essays on Mexico Mexico is an interesting place to visit. There’s so many things to do and places to see it’s unbelievable. Mexico is made up of 24 states which are Baja California Norte, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Durango, Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Jalisco, Guanajuato, Mexico City, Colima, Michoacan, Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Chipas, Cameche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatan. The weather is not always great in Mexico. It’s either going to be extremely hot or extremely cold. May thru October seem to be the hot spots. The temperature can go up to 110 degrees. It gets to that point from June to August. May, September, and October it gets to 99-100 degrees. December to April it can get extremely cold. December and January are the coldest months. A lot of people fear these months because they have no heaters or boilers to keep them warm. People who don’t have boilers must heat their water in a bucket on the stove to get hot water. They have no fireplace to keep them warm either. During the summer they just settle taking showers with cold water which isn’t to bad considering the heat. The weather varies a lot as far as rain. It’s kind of like Houston. One day it’s sunshine and the next day it’s stormy and raining hard. It’s unpredictable, but you will know when it is summer and when it is winter. Education in Mexico is extremely strict. No one takes advantage. What I mean by that is that it being a poor country everyone wants to come on top. Of course everyone wants to do something with himself or herself, but Mexican parents are strict towards their children's education. Their education is more advanced than ours. What we learn our freshmen year they have learned it in eight grade. You recite the pledge of Allegiance every Monday. Everyone must stand up and honor their country. If you slack off you get suspended which looks extremely bad on your transcript. T here’s no air cond... Free Essays on Mexico A. Introduction Mexico is an often-overlooked country. It seems as if nothing important happens there that’s big enough for the media to cover. But when you look at Mexico today in an in-depth way, you find a very fascinating people and country. B. Population The Mexican population is divided into three main groups, the people of European descent, the Native Americans, and the people mixed with European and Native American descent or better known as Mestizos. Of these groups, the Mestizos are by far the Largest, making up about 60% of the people of Mexico. The Native Americans are the next largest with 30% and the Europeans the smallest with only 10%. The society is semi-industrial. The population of Mexico in the 1995 census was 93,670,000 giving the country an estimated person for about every 4 square miles. About 75% of people live in urban areas. Mexico consists of 32 administrative divisions, 31 states and the Federal District. The capital and cultural center of Mexico is Mexico City, with a population of 8,236,960 in 1990. Other important cities are Gaudalajara, population 1,628,617, Netzahaulcoyotl, population 1,256,115, Monterrey, population 1,064,197, Puebla, population 1,054,921, Leon, population 758,279, Cuidad Jaurez, population 798,499, and Tijuana. C. Climate Mexico is bisected by the tropic of Cancer; therefore, the Southern half is included in the Torrid Zone. In general, climate varies with elevation. The Tierra Caliante (hot land) includes the low coastal plains, extending from sea level to about 3000ft. Weather is extremely humid, with temperatures varying from 60-120 degrees. The Tierra Templata (temperature land) extends from about 3000-6000 ft. with average temperatures of 62-70 degrees. The Tierra Friar (cold land) extends from 6000-9000 ft. with average temperatures of 53-65 degrees. Mexico is a wonderful place....

Sylvia Plath essays

Sylvia Plath essays Many who admire Sylvia Plath look with considerable astonishment at the normalcy of her childhood and life. To most Plath always seemed to be a motivated, brilliant and energetic individual who seemed to have had everything going for her as a middle class girl living in the 1950s. But when compared her life to her poetry and her history of depression, it hardly seems as if she came from such a typical background. The elements that indicate Sylvia Plath led a melancholy life is the death of her father, the periods of depression she underwent, and her attempt at suicide that resulted in her death. First, one element that indicates Sylvia Plath led a melancholy life is her fathers death. Plath was born on October 27th, 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts into the home of Otto and Aurelia Plath. Her home was in Winthrop, a seaside town near Boston that helped Plath to develop her poetic and artistic voice as a child through her fascination with the sea. The death of Plaths father, Otto Plath had a enormous impact on many of Plaths childhood memories. Plath had a strong relationship with her father, and apparently, idolized him (Unger 529) which made it very difficult for her when he died of complications from a neglected case of diabetes. This was perhaps Plaths first step towards her downward spiraling attitude toward her normal life that soon led to depression. Plaths first experience with depression came when she was twenty-one in the summer of 1953 after she returned from a guest editorship with the magazine Mademoiselle in New York. Her experiences in New York left her feelin g very ecstatic, horribly depressed, shocked, elated, enlightened, and enervated... (Oconnor 1607) even though it was supposed to be an exciting experience. Along with her bad experience in New York, Plath found upon returning home that she had not been accepted into a Harvard sum...

Cars Produced at Eros Motors

We planned our strategy taking into consideration all the aspects of marketing, H. R, finance and operations. Marketing plays a very crucial role in this modern world so we promoted our products through various forms of media. We spent heavily at the start just because we wanted to make our presence felt in the market. We always believed that our team is of utmost importance to us, so we made sure that there is a balance between automation and workforce to maximize production. We also paid them well so that they remain motivated at all times and work towards the goal of the company. Training of employees is a must and this is necessary for the quality of the cars. We noticed that our Warranty claims were high, so by proper training this could have only been reduced. Research and Development is an important area and a good amount of money was spent over the years so that we develop better and environment friendly cars in the times to come. We made sure that the money is not spent on general RD rather we identified some key areas and invested in those constantly. Finance was an area of concern as we were incurring huge losses; we took necessary steps to improve this. We priced our products aggressively and planned production efficiently. As a result this gave us better sales. We also tried to cut down on costs, which gave us a better gross margin over the years. We started to make profits in the later years and this shows that our products have been well accepted by the market. We offered Alpha (medium) and Beta (large) cars in the beginning then we came up with Delta (city – hybrid) and lastly with Zeta (diesel – luxury). The luxury market was untapped and we thought we could do well by selling a small number of cars because the margins in a luxury car are huge. The offering was based on the market research and the demand in the market. The design of the cars kept on changing as requested by the customers. This showed that we were catering to all segments of the market in terms of offering and pricing. Our aim is to be a leading car manufacturer by creating stylish, reliable, eco friendly cars by following the principles of enhancing our team, extending our business and enlarging our market. To sustain in this competitive market we have to take into account what the competitor is doing and react accordingly by delivering a better product. The need of the hour is to connect with the customers. The world is moving towards alternative fuels and we will also try to come up with products that are environmental friendly keeping in mind the needs of the customer yet giving stylish, value for money and fuel efficient cars.

Application of epidemiology Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Application of epidemiology - Case Study Example of the infections that have occurred within the past year at the facility include the E Coli infection that infected 6 patients at the hospitals Ward 10. Records at the institution also show that there was infection of Fever, coughs and foul smelling urine in various other wards during the same year. Most of the patients who reported high fever were the patients in the intensive care unit but this lasted only a week before it the situation was stabilized. There were 3 patients at the ICU at that time, two males and a female and they recorded high temperatures from late at night till early morning.The other outbreak of these infections was in the pediatric ward, Ward 5 where there was a breakout of cough infections. At the time, the ward had 12 patients, 8 boys and 4 girls. The infection started with a small boy and within a week 7 other patients at the ward had already been put under cough medication. The situation was stabilized in two weeks as the records show this is when the coug h treatment stopped. The treatment of these infection results in an increased expenditure by the hospital. It is therefore important to determine who will bear the costs of this treatment, whether it is the patients, the hospital or if it will be shared by both of them. Even though the patients did not come to the facility with these diseases, they will have to be treated as soon as the symptoms are noticed. The patients can then decide not to pay the extra cost for this extra medication by claiming that the cost was due to negligence by the staff and therefore the cost of treatment lies with the hospital. The issue of whether the patients should be informed of these infections should also be discusses. This is because they might occur without the knowledge of the patients who might think it is just another infection related to their current situation. If they are made aware of these conditions they can sue the hospital for negligence, on the other hand if the patients become aware

The relationship between artist and mental illness Essay - 1

The relationship between artist and mental illness - Essay Example This paper will analyze two artistic works done by two different artists which address the topic of mental illness. It includes the description of the topic and how the mentioned artist has presented it. The two artists whose works are to be analyzed in this paper are Edvard Munch from the 19th century and Jean Dubuffet from the 20th century. These two artists came up with works which were induced by their nature of mental illness. The 19th century artist, Edward Munch was a Norwegian, who lived between the year 1863 and 1944 (Prideaux & Munch 10). The 20th century artist Jean Dubuffet, originally from France lived between the year 1901 and 1985(Malchiodi 32). Both artists exhibited mental illness and disturbance in their works. In most of his works, Edvard Munch focused on the concept of death and dying. Munch was somehow obsessed with death and everything related to it. Munch’s unhappy childhood contributed a lot to his personality and mental illness. He grew up witnessing the deaths of his family members. He experienced traumas during his birth, which consequentially made him relate everything in his life to sorrow and death. He engraved the effects of birth trauma in his artistic works. Death and suffering was the focal point for which Munch conceptualized on (Prideaux & Munch 254). Most of Munch’s works had horrific looks; the works included the dead mother, the scream, the vampire, ashes, death and the lady, man and wife, melancholy, the Madonna and Golgotha. Something interesting to notice is the fact that all his works were embedded with negativity and suffering which were related to death. Munch’s presentation of death made it exist in every activity and encounter he experienced. It is evident that all the paintings relate to his life also they are related to death. Munch embraced death, and this was embedded and portrayed in all of his paintings. The painting named the dead mother depicts a child standing next to a bed on which her dead

Ethnics in the media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethnics in the media - Essay Example Moreover, these internal conflicts had become very severe over a period of seventeen years (National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)). The Somali journalists were subjected to violent attacks constantly, and the perpetrators of such violence were granted immunity. In fact, none of the perpetrators of crime against journalists had been prosecuted in Somaliland. There were several persons who had perpetrated attacks against journalists and media persons. They included officials of the Transitional Federal Government, rebel leaders, the opposition and gangsters. All these entities invented novel methods of violence to suppress the media and to prevent news coverage by journalists. They had cautioned the press and asked it to refrain from publishing or broadcasting information and policies (National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)). Journalists had to work in a very dangerous and hostile environment. They were abused in several ways, and directed to abstain from exposing the facts to the public. The Transitional Federal Government had imposed various restrictions on the freedom of press and the electronic media in the capital city. The Somaliland government had closed down five private radio stations that were based in the capital city. Furthermore, the Regional Administration of Banadir had enacted restrictive laws, which aimed at curbing the freedom of press and media (National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)). There were several incidents, wherein the police had conducted illegal raids on the offices of newspapers in Somaliland. In one particular incident, the police and officials from the Criminal Investigation Department raided the offices of the Haatuf Daily Newspaper, based in Hargeisa. After this raid, they took Yusuf Abdi Gabobe, Director of Haatuf Media Network into custody, along with several other journalists. The police and CID officials also arrested Ali Abdi Dini, Editor-in-Chief of Haatuf Daily Newspaper and its treasurer,

Research Methods Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Research Methods - Dissertation Example The philosophy adhered to by the research methodology employed in this study is Social Constructivism-Interpretivism. It gathers information from people’s viewpoints and their various perspectives to get a picture of the social environment they move in (Gay et al., 2009). The researcher chose this philosophy because it is the most fitting in helping the study answer the research questions since it goes directly to the people concerned in this study for their own inputs.Exploring teachers’ views on inclusion takes more than just extracting what they know about it. Probing deeper into the matter, one would be able to derive their thoughts, feelings and personal insights on how inclusion affects them. In doing so, teachers may be introspective and assess their own attitudes, behaviors, and performance as teachers in inclusive educational settings. This is the outcome envisioned by this study. In order to achieve that, the methodology of questionnaire and focus group interv iew will be undertaken.Questionnaires are effective means of collecting data from the research participants, with the aim of obtaining their personal views on various issues. Participants may feel more secure and confident in answering them due to their anonymous nature since filling out their names is optional. Campbell et al. (2004) describe questionnaires as: â€Å"†¦a very versatile data-gathering method; they are cheap, easy to administer no matter how many participants are expected to fill them out.... Merriam (1998) defines qualitative research as â€Å"an umbrella concept covering several forms of inquiry that help us understand and explain the meaning of social phenomena with as little disruption of the natural setting as possible†(p.5). The qualitative approach is selected because it is the most suited in eliciting the needed information regarding the insights teachers have about inclusion in their own context. Such approach can delve deeper beneath the surface as the researcher may ask probing questions that the participants may answer, and this is not possible with quantitative methods which may limit the responses to only measurable choices. Philosophy The philosophy adhered to by the research methodology employed in this study is Social Constructivism-Interpretivism. It gathers information from people’s viewpoints and their various perspectives to get a picture of the social environment they move in (Gay et al., 2009). Their opinions and insights will then be interpreted in accordance to the concepts discussed in the review of literature. The researcher chose this philosophy because it is the most fitting in helping the study answer the research questions since it goes directly to the people concerned in this study for their own inputs. Research Methods Exploring teachers’ views on inclusion takes more than just extracting what they know about it. Probing deeper into the matter, one would be able to derive their thoughts, feelings and personal insights on how inclusion affects them. In doing so, teachers may be introspective and assess their own attitudes, behaviors and performance as teachers in inclusive educational settings. This is the outcome envisioned by this study. In order to achieve that, the methodology of questionnaire and focus group

The Struggle to Create Post-Cold War Europe by Mary Sarotte Essay

The Struggle to Create Post-Cold War Europe by Mary Sarotte - Essay Example The author, Sarotte, has also been able to effectively bring together the flawless descriptions. The author has also taken into account an analysis which is challenging in terms of the creation of the post Cold War order (Dale 2009). Here the focus of the book has been on German aspect of the overall period. The author has also been able to effectively look into the historical perspective and has also been able to keep track of the events in order of how the events occurred (Sarotte 2010). In the case of most of the geopolitical events, it was found that the 1989 events did not stay in link with the initial promise that had been developed (Sarotte 2010). The book by the author has focused on the reports and ideas that have been focused on the exchange by the statesmen and the other governmental officials. The overall book and the document is very well laid out and described. The book however does lack new information. The topic of discussion however has been on a single topic of Nato expansion which makes a major contribution. There was one underlying question throughout the Cold War which focused on whether the Soviet communism was the cause for the Washington to build up their forces in Europe. The doubt here was whether this has been the cause for the stationed forces or whether it was simply to validate the existence and the presence of Nato (Sarotte 2010). In time with the disappearance of the Soviet, the answer to this was clear and evident. The other main question that related to Nato was that of the nuclear weapons. The book has also taken into account the several questions of nuclear weapons and the questions relating to the shadows of the denuclearisation of Germany. The questions of the presence of the US military in Europe have also been high. The author has been a little hesitant and unsure of Nato expansion without having a clear idea of the benefits of the expansion (Sarotte 2010). Here there is little attention and positive elements that the aut hor finds in her book about Bush and the author has presented Bush to be a very tactful leader who also shows high boldness. There are two main elements that are found to be missing in the book. Firstly, the way the book has been developed and presented, this could have been written several years ago and the overall analysis as presented in the book, could have been presented in a much more effective manner (Sarotte 2010). There are numerous elements in the book where there have been irrelevant discussions and there has also been a major disconnect in the overall discussion. Here of these one of the examples has been of the marketing strategies discussed in the paper. The second major limitation of this book is the lack of focus on the corrupt activities of the Chancellor which could have been brought out in a more effective manner. Here these activities have a major role in the overall courting as well as the persuasion of the Germans and the unification with the Atlanticist (Dale 2009). As a whole, the book has been well presented and also very thoroughly researched. Here however a lot more positive elements could have been presented in the book to provide a higher level of acceptance and also more recognition to the book as a whole. The author has been able to effectively use all the research to provide a well presented book, with a few tweaks and improvements, the book and

Ethnics in the media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Ethnics in the media - Essay Example Moreover, these internal conflicts had become very severe over a period of seventeen years (National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)). The Somali journalists were subjected to violent attacks constantly, and the perpetrators of such violence were granted immunity. In fact, none of the perpetrators of crime against journalists had been prosecuted in Somaliland. There were several persons who had perpetrated attacks against journalists and media persons. They included officials of the Transitional Federal Government, rebel leaders, the opposition and gangsters. All these entities invented novel methods of violence to suppress the media and to prevent news coverage by journalists. They had cautioned the press and asked it to refrain from publishing or broadcasting information and policies (National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)). Journalists had to work in a very dangerous and hostile environment. They were abused in several ways, and directed to abstain from exposing the facts to the public. The Transitional Federal Government had imposed various restrictions on the freedom of press and the electronic media in the capital city. The Somaliland government had closed down five private radio stations that were based in the capital city. Furthermore, the Regional Administration of Banadir had enacted restrictive laws, which aimed at curbing the freedom of press and media (National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ)). There were several incidents, wherein the police had conducted illegal raids on the offices of newspapers in Somaliland. In one particular incident, the police and officials from the Criminal Investigation Department raided the offices of the Haatuf Daily Newspaper, based in Hargeisa. After this raid, they took Yusuf Abdi Gabobe, Director of Haatuf Media Network into custody, along with several other journalists. The police and CID officials also arrested Ali Abdi Dini, Editor-in-Chief of Haatuf Daily Newspaper and its treasurer,

The Struggle to Create Post-Cold War Europe by Mary Sarotte Essay

The Struggle to Create Post-Cold War Europe by Mary Sarotte - Essay Example The author, Sarotte, has also been able to effectively bring together the flawless descriptions. The author has also taken into account an analysis which is challenging in terms of the creation of the post Cold War order (Dale 2009). Here the focus of the book has been on German aspect of the overall period. The author has also been able to effectively look into the historical perspective and has also been able to keep track of the events in order of how the events occurred (Sarotte 2010). In the case of most of the geopolitical events, it was found that the 1989 events did not stay in link with the initial promise that had been developed (Sarotte 2010). The book by the author has focused on the reports and ideas that have been focused on the exchange by the statesmen and the other governmental officials. The overall book and the document is very well laid out and described. The book however does lack new information. The topic of discussion however has been on a single topic of Nato expansion which makes a major contribution. There was one underlying question throughout the Cold War which focused on whether the Soviet communism was the cause for the Washington to build up their forces in Europe. The doubt here was whether this has been the cause for the stationed forces or whether it was simply to validate the existence and the presence of Nato (Sarotte 2010). In time with the disappearance of the Soviet, the answer to this was clear and evident. The other main question that related to Nato was that of the nuclear weapons. The book has also taken into account the several questions of nuclear weapons and the questions relating to the shadows of the denuclearisation of Germany. The questions of the presence of the US military in Europe have also been high. The author has been a little hesitant and unsure of Nato expansion without having a clear idea of the benefits of the expansion (Sarotte 2010). Here there is little attention and positive elements that the aut hor finds in her book about Bush and the author has presented Bush to be a very tactful leader who also shows high boldness. There are two main elements that are found to be missing in the book. Firstly, the way the book has been developed and presented, this could have been written several years ago and the overall analysis as presented in the book, could have been presented in a much more effective manner (Sarotte 2010). There are numerous elements in the book where there have been irrelevant discussions and there has also been a major disconnect in the overall discussion. Here of these one of the examples has been of the marketing strategies discussed in the paper. The second major limitation of this book is the lack of focus on the corrupt activities of the Chancellor which could have been brought out in a more effective manner. Here these activities have a major role in the overall courting as well as the persuasion of the Germans and the unification with the Atlanticist (Dale 2009). As a whole, the book has been well presented and also very thoroughly researched. Here however a lot more positive elements could have been presented in the book to provide a higher level of acceptance and also more recognition to the book as a whole. The author has been able to effectively use all the research to provide a well presented book, with a few tweaks and improvements, the book and

Ethics Essay Essay Example for Free

Ethics Essay Essay There are similarities and differences, which exist between virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethical theories. I will provide an explanation of each theory as well as a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. From childhood to adulthood, People have lived through many experiences. I will touch briefly on a personal experience to show the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the theories. Beginning with Virtue ethics, â€Å"it is also called agent-based ethics. Its position is that we become good when we cultivate excellence (virtue) by pursuing the moderate course between excess and defect† (Boylan, Pg 208, 2009). An example of this is by saying that a person who has a certain job or career can achieve excellence if he or she make the conscious decision to do what it takes to get there. Utilitarianism defined is â€Å"the theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group as a consequence than any other alternative does.† Utilitarianism has an individual put the entity before his or herself, for the greater good of the team, work-center, or corporation. By understanding one’s position in that entity, realizing at the moment there is someone better suited to fulfill a task, the utilitarian willingly would offer the task to the more qualified person. The Deontological theory, suggest, â€Å"that an agents duty is based up principle. The theory bases its duties on the nature of human reason or on the nature of human action. It asserts the existence of moral facts and so is a moral realist theory.† An example of this theory would be the actions given to the police force. Policemen have a duty to uphold the law even if it means taking another persons life at will. Usually when warranted, the consequences of taking another persons life are justified by their duty to uphold the law. Under virtue theory, ethics and morality are addressed by asking how do we determine if a person is good or not. Do we give ourselves time to get to know a person or do we determine the good in a person based on their acts. Is it fair to judge a person on acts alone? Understanding that some individuals may view things different from others describes morality.  Morality is addressed by virtue to understand what one person thinks is ethically good or not may not be right or wrong to another. Utilitarianism addresses ethics and morality by placing the good of the group at the forefront. Utilitarianism would be a group of citizens believing in the same goal for the good of the team. For this to exist, each citizen in the group has the same beliefs and look for toward the same outcome. There is no question of right and wrong or the greater good. They all follow a set standard for what they perceive to be the best action for the team. Deontology Theory addresses ethics and morality by taking the command action as it asks the question, â€Å"when does recognition of moral duty begin?† (Boylan, Pg. 173, 2009). The commanding task for this theory applies to those with a duty to act upon. For example, the president of the USA has a duty to protect the nation from all enemies. His position would fall into this theory whereas his personal thinking may be as a utilitarian or of virtue. Based on the position there may be a requirement to fulfill a certain duty under the deontological theory. A personal experience that I could relate to one of these theories would be the legalization of abortion. Although I believe a person should have the right to an abortion, I do not believe the act itself is right. I also think it depends on the reason. I went through a situation in which a friend was pregnant and did not want to have an abortion, however, chose to do so because of her financial situation. Ethically she made a choice that was hers to do so but the moral to do so was wrong I feel based on her reasoning. Automatically I would say her values to the situation were about herself only and not about what she was destroying. Comparing the Virtue, Utilitarianism, and Deontology theories provided some similarities and differences. An explanation was given for these theories as well as a description of the ethical and moral differences of each. Last, a personal experience was provided detailing how the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts related to the theories. Reference: Boylan, M. (2009). Basic Ethics (2nd ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.

Motivation across cultures

Motivation across cultures EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of the study was to find out what motivates employees across cultures. To thoroughly study various motivational theories and international researches and studies done to relate these theories to an international perspective. To study the various aspects and psychological process of motivation and to study how to motivate employees. Research Methodology:- RESEARCH TYPE:- DESCRIPTIVE STUDY METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION:- I have used secondary data for my research. And this has been collected from:- Various internet sites. News papers. Books. Journals. Motivation Across Cultures objectives of the study DEFINE motivation, and explain it as a psychological process. EXAMINE the hierarchy-of-needs, two-factor, and achievement motivation theories, and assess their value to international human resource management. DISCUSS how an understanding of employee satisfaction can be useful in human resource management throughout the world. EXAMINE the value of process theories in motivating employees worldwide. RELATE the importance of job design, work centrality, and rewards to understanding how to motivate employees in an international context. The Nature of Motivation Motivation A psychological process through which unsatisfied wants or needs lead to drives that are aimed at goals or incentives. Motivation is the activation or energization of goal-oriented behavior. Motivation may be intrinsic or extrinsic. The term is generally used for humans but, theoretically, it can also be used to describe the causes for animal behavior as well. This article refers to human motivation. According to various theories, motivation may be rooted in the basic need to minimize physical pain and maximize pleasure, or it may include specific needs such as eating and resting, or a desired object, hobby, goal, state of being, ideal, or it may be attributed to less-apparent reasons such as altruism, morality, or avoiding mortality. The Nature of Motivation The Universalist Assumption The first assumption is that the motivation process is universal, that all people are motivated to pursue goals they value what the work-motivation theorists call goals with high valence or preference The process is universal Culture influences the specific content and goals pursued Motivation differs across cultures The Assumption of Content and Process Content Theories of Motivation Theories that explain work motivation in terms of what arouses, energizes, or initiates employee behavior. Process Theories of Motivation Theories that explain work motivation by how employee behavior is initiated, redirected, and halted. The Hierarchy-of-Needs Theory The Maslow Theory Maslows theory rests on a number of basic assumptions: Lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs become motivators A need that is satisfied no longer serves as a motivator There are more ways to satisfy higher-level than there are ways to satisfy lower-level needs The Hierarchy-of-Needs Theory International Findings on Maslows Theory With some minor modification researchers examined the need satisfaction and need importance of the four highest-level needs in the Maslow hierarch Esteem needs were divided into two groups: Esteem including needs for self-esteem and prestige Autonomy including desires for authority and opportunities for independent thought and action The Hierarchy-of-Needs Theory International Findings on Maslows Theory The Haire study indicated all these needs were important to the respondents across cultures International managers (not rank-and-file employees) indicated the upper-level needs were of particular importance to them Findings for select country clusters (Latin Europe, United States/United Kingdom, and Nordic Europe) indicated autonomy and self-actualization were the most important and least satisfied needs for the respondents Another study of managers in eight East Asian countries found that autonomy and self-actualization in most cases also ranked high. The Hierarchy-of-Needs Theory International Findings on Maslows Theory Some researchers have suggested modifying Maslows Western-oriented hierarchy by reranking the needs Asian cultures emphasize the needs of society Chinese hierarchy of needs might have four levels ranked from lowest to highest: Belonging (social) Physiological Safety Self-actualization (in the service of society) The Hierarchy-of-Needs Theory International Findings on Maslows Theory Hofstedes research indicates: Self-actualization and esteem needs rank highest for professionals and managers Security, earnings, benefits, and physical working conditions are most important to low-level, unskilled workers Job categories and levels may have a dramatic effect on motivation and may well offset cultural considerations MNCs should focus most heavily on giving physical rewards to lower-level personnel and on creating a climate where there is challenge, autonomy, the ability to use ones skills, and cooperation for middle- and upper-level personnel. The Two-Factor Theory of Motivation The Herzberg Theory Two-Factor Theory of Motivation A theory that identifies two sets of factors that influence job satisfaction: Motivators Job-content factors such as achievement, recognition, responsibility, advancement, and the work itself. Hygiene Factors The Two-Factor Theory of Motivation The Herzberg Theory The two-factor theory holds that motivators and hygiene factors relate to employee satisfaction a more complex relationship than the traditional view that employees are either satisfied or dissatisfied If hygiene factors are not taken care of or are deficient there will be dissatisfaction There may be no dissatisfaction if hygiene factors are taken care of there may be no satisfaction also Only when motivators are present will there be satisfaction Views of Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction The Two-Factor Theory of Motivation International Findings on Herzbergs Theory Two categories of International findings relate to the two-factor theory: One type of study consists of replications of Herzbergs research in a particular country Do managers in country X give answers similar to those in Herzbergs original studies? The others are cross-cultural studies focusing on job satisfaction What factors cause job satisfaction and how do these responses differ from country to country? Two-Factor Replications A number of research efforts have been undertaken to replicate the two-factor theory they tend to support Herzbergs findings George Hines surveyed of 218 middle managers and 196 salaried employees in New Zealand using ratings of 12 job factors and overall job satisfaction he concluded the Herzberg model appears to have validity across occupational levels A similar study was conducted among 178 Greek managers this study found that overall Herzbergs two-factor theory of job satisfaction generally held true Cross-Cultural Job-Satisfaction Studies Motivators tend to be more important to job satisfaction than hygiene factors MBA candidates from four countries ranked hygiene factors at the bottom and motivators at the top while Singapore students (of a different cultural cluster than the other three groups) gave similar responses Result:- Job-satisfaction-related factors may not always be culturally bounded Lower- and middle-management personnel attending management development courses in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Japan ranked the importance of 15 job-related outcomes and how satisfied they were with each Result:- Job content may be more important than job context Job-Context Factors In work motivation, those factors controlled by the organization, such as conditions, hours, earnings, security, benefits, and promotions. Job-Content Factors In work motivation, those factors internally controlled, such as responsibility, achievement, and the work itself. Achievement Motivation Theory The Background of Achievement Motivation Theory Characteristic profile of high achievers: They like situations in which they take personal responsibility for finding solutions to problems. Tend to be moderate risk-takers rather than high or low risk-takers. Want concrete feedback on their performance. Often tend to be loners, and not team players. A high nAch can be learned. Ways to develop high-achievement needs: Obtain feedback on performance and use the information to channel efforts into areas where success will likely be attained Emulate people who have been successful achievers; Develop an internal desire for success and challenges Daydream in positive terms by picturing oneself as successful in the pursuit of important objectives. International Findings on Achievement Motivation Theory Polish industrialists were high achievers scoring 6.58 (U.S. managers scored an average of 6.74) Managers in countries as diverse as the United States and those of the former Soviet bloc in Central Europe have high needs for achievement Later studies did not find a high need for achievement in Central European countries Average high-achievement score for Czech industrial managers was 3.32 (considerably lower than U.S. managers) International Findings on Achievement Motivation Theory Achievement motivation theory must be modified to meet the specific needs of the local culture: The culture of many countries does not support high achievement Anglo cultures and those that reward entrepreneurial effort do support achievement motivation and their human resources should probably be managed accordingly Hofstede offers the following advice: The countries on the feminine side . . . distinguish themselves by focusing on quality of life rather than on performance and on relationships between people rather than on money and things. This means social motivation: quality of life plus security and quality of life plus risk. Select Process Theories Equity Theory When people perceive they are being treated equitably it will have a positive effect on their job satisfaction If they believe they are not being treated fairly (especially in relation to relevant others) they will be dissatisfied which will have a negative effect on their job performance and they will strive to restore equity. There is considerable research to support the fundamental equity principle in Western work groups. When the theory is examined on an international basis, the results are mixed. Equity perceptions among managers and non-managers in an Israeli kibbutz production unit:- Everyone was treated the same but managers reported lower satisfaction levels than the workers. Managers perceived their contributions to be greater than other groups in the kibbutz and felt under compensated for their value and effort. Employees in Asia and the Middle East often readily accept inequitable treatment in order to preserve group harmony Men and women in Japan and Korea (and Latin America) typically receive different pay for doing the same work due to years of cultural conditioning women may not feel they are treated inequitably These results indicate equity theory is not universally applicable in explaining motivation and job satisfaction Goal-Setting Theory A process theory that focuses on how individuals go about setting goals and responding to them and the overall impact of this process on motivation . Specific areas that are given attention in goal-setting theory include: The level of participation in setting goals Goal difficulty Goal specificity The importance of objective Timely feedback to progress toward goals Unlike many theories of motivation, goal setting has been continually refined and developed There is considerable research evidence showing that employees perform extremely well when they are assigned specific and challenging goals that they have had a hand in setting Most of these studies have been conducted in the United States few have been carried out in other cultures Norwegian employees shunned participation and preferred to have their union representatives work with management in determining work goals.Researchers concluded that individual participation in goal setting was seen as inconsistent with the prevailing Norwegian philosophy of participation through union representatives In the United States employee participation in setting goals is motivational it had no value for the Norwegian employees in this study Expectancy Theory A process theory that postulates that motivation is influenced by a persons belief that Effort will lead to performance Performance will lead to specific outcomes, and The outcomes will be of value to the individual. Expectancy theory predicts that high performance followed by high rewards will lead to high satisfaction Does this theory have universal application? Eden found some support for it while studying workers in an Israeli kibbutz Matsui and colleagues found it could be successfully applied in Japan Expectancy theory could be culture-bound international managers must be aware of this limitation in motivating human resources since expectancy theory is based on employees having considerable control over their environment (a condition that does not exist in many cultures) Motivation Applied:- Job Design, Work Centrality, and Rewards Quality of Work Life: The Impact of Culture Quality of work life (QWL) is not the same throughout the world. Assembly-line employees in Japan work at a rapid pace for hours and have very little control over their work activities. Assembly-line employees in Sweden work at a more relaxed pace and have a great deal of control over their work activities. U.S. assembly-line employees typically work somewhere between at a pace less demanding than Japans but more structured than Swedens. Sociotechnical Job Designs:- The objective of these designs is to integrate new technology into the workplace so that workers accept and use it to increase overall productivity.New technology often requires people learn new methods and in some cases work faster. Employee resistance is common. Effective sociotechnical design can overcome these problems. Some firms have introduced sociotechnical designs for better blending of their personnel and technology without sacrificing efficiency Eg:- General Foods- Autonomous groups at its Topeka, Kansas plant, Workers share responsibility and work in a highly democratic environment Other U.S. firms have opted for a self-managed team approach Multifunctional teams with autonomy for generating successful product innovation is more widely used by successful U.S., Japanese, and European firms than any other teamwork concept Work Centrality:- The importance of work in an individuals life can provide important insights into how to motivate human resources in different cultures Japan has the highest level of work centrality Israel has moderately high levels The United States and Belgium have average levels The Netherlands and Germany have moderately low levels Britain has low levels Value of Work Work is an important part of most peoples lifestyles due to a variety of conditions Americans and Japanese work long hours because the cost of living is high Most Japanese managers expect their salaried employees who are not paid extra to stay late at work, and overtime has become a requirement of the job. There is recent evidence that Japanese workers may do far less work in a business day than outsiders would suspect In recent years, the number of hours worked annually by German workers has been declining, while the number for Americans has been on the rise. Germans place high value on lifestyle and often prefer leisure to work, while their American counterparts are just the opposite. Research reveals culture may have little to do with it A wider range of wages (large pay disparity) within American companies than in German firms creates incentives for American employees to work harder. Impact of overwork on the physical condition of Japanese workers One-third of the working-age population suffers from chronic fatigue The Japanese prime ministers office found a majority of those surveyed complained of :- Being chronically tired Feeling emotionally stressed Abusive conditions in the workplace Karoshi (overwork or job burnout) is now recognized as a real social problem Job Satisfaction EU workers see a strong relationship between how well they do their jobs and the ability to get what they want out of life U.S. workers were not as supportive of this relationship Japanese workers were least likely to see any connection This finding suggest difficulties may arise in American, European, and Japanese employees working together effectively Reward Systems Managers everywhere use rewards to motivate their personnel. Some rewards are financial in nature such as salary raises, bonuses, and stock options. Others are non-financial such as feedback and recognition. Significant differences exist between reward systems that work best in one country and those that are most effective in another. Incentives and Culture Use of financial incentives to motivate employees is very common in countries with high individualism. Financial incentive systems vary in range Individual incentive-based pay systems in which workers are paid directly for their output Systems in which employees earn individual bonuses based on organizational performance goals Many cultures base compensation on group membership. Such systems stress equality rather than individual incentive plans An individually based bonus system for the sales representatives in an American MNC introduced in its Danish subsidiary was rejected by the sales force because It favored one group over another Employees felt that everyone should receive the same size bonus Eg:- Indonesian oil workers rejected a pay-for-performance system where some work teams would make more money than others. Workers in many countries are highly motivated by things other than financial rewards The most important rewards in locations at 40 countries of an electrical equipment MNC involved recognition and achievement. Second in importance were improvements in the work environment and employment conditions including pay and work hours. Factors that concern employees across cultures French and Italian employees valued job security highly while American and British workers held it of little importance Scandinavian workers placed high value on concern for others on the job and for personal freedom and autonomy but did not rate getting ahead very important German workers ranked security, fringe benefits, and getting ahead as very important Japanese employees put good working conditions and a congenial work environment high on their list but ranked personal advancement quite low Conclusion The types of incentives that are deemed important appear to be culturally influenced. Culture can even affect the overall cost of an incentive system. Japanese efforts to introduce Western-style merit pay systems typically lead to an increase in overall labor costs. Companies fear that reducing the pay of less productive workers may cause them to lose face and disturb group harmony. Hence, everyones salary increases as a result of merit pay systems. Factors that motivate employees varies across culture. People from different cultures give different preferences to the factors involved. So while deciding the ways to motivate the workforce the factors that concern to that culture specifically should be kept in mind. References http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motivation http://www.squidoo.com/selfmotivation http://www.willingly.net/intrinsic_motivation/encyclopedia.htm http://www.mood.ws/motivation/encyclopedia.htm http://ironfistkungfu.com/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=65Itemid=66lang=en http://www.answers.com/topic/motivation http://daymix.com/Motivation/ http://academic.uofs.edu/organization/faculty-senate/curriculum/HADM331.doc http://www.squidoo.com/hypnosis-motivation http://www.borrowimmediate.com/Intrinsic_motivation/encyclopedia.htm http://imotivatemyself.com/ http://www.motivationproducts.com/ http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Arousal http://www.verzu.com/search?q=Motivationalqt=3 http://www.webcrawler.com/webcrawler200/ws/redir/_iceUrlFlag=11?rfcp=TopNavigationrfcid=407qcat=Webqkw=Motivationnewtxn=falseqcoll=Relevance_IceUrl=true http://www.webcrawler.com/webcrawler200/ws/redir/qcat=Web/qcoll=relevance/qkw=Motivation/rfcp=RightNav/rfcid=302363/_iceUrlFlag=11?_IceUrl=true http://msxml.excite.com/info.xcite/ws/redir/qcat=Web/qcoll=relevance/qkw=Motivation/rfcp=RightNav/rfcid=302358/_iceUrlFlag=11?_IceUrl=true http://kf.mysearch.myway.com/search/redirect.jhtml?qid=8D1A3BDA72F94F392B39773BD138270Daction=clickp=GGmainss=subptnrS=KFst=barcb=KFpg=GGmainord=15searchfor=Motivationtpr=jrel3redirect=GGmain.jhtmlct=RR http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/dl/free/0072920378/62068/5_5.doc http://www.examstutor.com/business/resources/studyroom/people_and_organisations/motivation_theory/4-herzbergstwofactortheory.php?style=printable http://www.projectalevel.co.uk/as_a2_business_studies/motivation_in_theory http://www.intimatecuisine.com/_cite_note-0 http://www.flashcardmachine.com/international-management-final1.html http://www.examstutor.com/business/resources/studyroom/people_and_organisations/motivation_theory/4-herzbergstwofactortheory.php

Donnes Holy Sonnet XIV - Batter my heart, three persond God Essays

Donne's Holy Sonnet XIV - Batter my heart, three person'd God Batter my heart, three person'd God; for, you As yet but knocke, breathe, shine, and seeke to mend; That I may rise, and stand, o'erthrow me, 'and bend Your force, to breake, blowe, burn and make me new. I, like an usurpt towne, t'another due, Labor to 'admit you, but Oh, to no end, Reason your viceroy in me, me should defend, But is captiv'd, and proves weake or untrue, Yet dearely'I love you, and would be lov'd faine, But am betroth'd unto your enemy, Divorce me, 'untie, or breake that knot againe Take me to you, imprison me, for I Except you 'enthrall me, never shall be free, Nor ever chaste, except you ravish me. --John Donne The analogous language of romantic passion ("I am my Beloved's and my Beloved is mine" [Song Sol. 2.16, New International Version]) and intellectual paradox ("Whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it" [Matt. 10.39, NIV]) has always seemed natural to those seeking to understand and speak of spiritual mysteries. Even so, John Donne's image of the Divine Rape in the "Holy Sonnet XIV," by which the victim becomes, or remains, chaste is at first startling; we are not accustomed to such spiritual intensity.[1] Previous explications have attempted to downplay this figure; for example, Thomas J. Steele, SJ [The Explicator 29 (1971): 74], maintains that the "sexual meaning" is "a secondary meaning" and "probably not meant to be explicitly affirmed." Moreover, George Knox [The Explicator 15 (1956): 2] writes that the poem does not "require our imagining literally the relation between man and God in heterosexual terms" and that "the traditions of Christian mysticism allow such symbol ism of ... ... as he tears down, possesses as he frees, is as honorable as passionate--that is, in him all paradoxes find their supra-rational resolution, resolution not only presented in the imagery of the closing couplet, but reflected in the sudden tranquillity of the completely regular iambic pentameter. Thus Donne links content to form throughout the "Holy Sonnet XIV." His aesthetic presentation of the relationships "implicit in the ancient theological conceit of the righteous soul's marriage to God"[3] is therefore doubly moving. NOTES 1. John Donne, "Holy Sonnet XIV," John Donne: The Complete English Poems, ed. A. J. Smith (New York: Penguin, 1984) 314-315. 2. William Karrigan, "The Fearful Accommodations of John Donne," John Donne and the Seventeenth-Century Metaphysical Poets, ed. Harold Bloom (New York: Chelsea House, 1986) 44. 3. Karrigan, 40.

Future Outlook of Trucking :: miscellaneous

Future Outlook of Trucking When you think of dangerous occupations, which ones come to mind? Do you think about the police officer who risks his life daily to protect persons and property? Or the firefighter who places the safety of others above his own? Those are dangerous professions, but based on the sheer numbers of lives lost, the single most dangerous profession is that of a truck driver. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more truck drivers died while working in 2003 than the combined total deaths of police officers, loggers, construction laborers and aircraft pilots (Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 2003, page13). In addition to the danger of highway driving, there are increased health risks from poor diet, irregular sleep patterns, and lack of exercise. Some call truck driving â€Å"the loneliest job†, and for good reason. Weeks on the road away from family and children can stress the most even-tempered person. Combine that with delays at shippers and receivers, unsympathetic disp atchers and ill-timed breakdowns and you can see why driving is so stressful. Even with the risks associated with driving, truck driving is appealing because it is more than just a job. It takes a complete lifestyle change and requires a serious commitment to be a successful over-the-road driver. If you ask the average person to describe the job of a truck driver, you would probably hear it described in simple terms such as, â€Å"Truckers drive a truck and deliver freight†. If only it were as simple as that! Truck drivers have to wear several different hats. A driver must have some mechanical skills, good map reading skills, possess good time management skills, and have good people skills. A driver must possess a valid class "A" commercial driver’s license (CDL). CDL applicants must pass a general driving written exam, a class "A" exam and an air brake exam. In addition, CDL holders have the option to add endorsements to their license. Endorsements include the authorization to pull tankers, double and triple trailers, or haul hazardous materials. In addition, a driver must pass a driving test demonstrating driving ability, backing ability and parking skills. Furthermore, the driver must demonstrate a complete pre-trip safety inspection, verbally identify the pa rts of the truck, and describe possible malfunctions for each part. Truck driving requires specialized knowledge of airbrakes systems, securing and transporting hazardous materials, calculating and conforming to various state bridge laws and safely maneuvering a 70-foot, 40-ton vehicle in varying terrains, traffic and weather.

Colonialist Criticism by Chinua Achebe Essay

Summary The essay ‘Colonialist Criticism’ is an attack on a lingering colonialism in the criticism of African literature by non-Africans. The African writer writes the text or ‘they produce literature, their literature goes to Europeans for analysis. Every African literature has to get thought the grids of European writers. They have to meet the criteria said by the European writer, African writer wrote the text for the African people but European people analyzed it. It means they are the jury’s bench, or they judge the text. [One question raised that How do they judge] while judging, they always keep on the concept that is big brother consciousness. They always make the binaries. These binaries are like white and black or the European or African. They think that Europeans are superior and big brothers, whereas Africans are inferior and small brothers. Europeans are teacher and Africans are learners. Therefore, Europeans are at the center and Africans are at the margin. Therefore Africans have to learn many more things from the Europeans. They tend to feel that burden of teaching to the Africans. Therefore, Europeans feel that they know more about African literature, art and culture than African themselves. Achebe sees the faults of colonialist criticism in the assumption that the African writer is â€Å"Somewhat unfinished European and that somehow outsiders can know Africa better than the native writers. Achebe opposes, the European colonial prejudice, habit of ruling and discriminating other and comparing African people their literature, art and culture etc. He argues that African literature should not be judged with the canonical literature since it has its own particularity and peculiarity. The mask of European civilization does not know the history of African people. So Achebe’s claim is that blacks (colonized) should write their own history neglecting what has been already universalized. He argues that â€Å"If the text is judged from European perspective a text doesn’t get right evaluation and the essence of the text is killed.† Attacks on Universalism The term ‘Universalism’ is exclusive, it includes the whole world. The term  Universalism refers to European parochialism, European writers always emphasized universality in the writing. They believe that the writer has to cover all the issues in general or the writer has to speak for all. They judge African text form this angle; they argued that the African text is not universal because it does not speak about universal issue. It speaks only African voice, therefore their text is invalid. They are not able to write about the whole universe. The two problems with Universalism, according to Achebe are, first that the presumed universality that critics find, is merely a synonym for the â€Å"narrow self-serving parochialism of Europe† and second, that every literature must â€Å"speak of a particular place; evolve out of the necessities of its history, past and current and the  aspirations and destiny of its people.† It means that every text comes out of specific time space and the people. Therefore, every text is related to space-specific and people-specific. African people have experience about racism. Therefore, they can write about racism deliberately. African might have made many mistakes, but they didn’t bring racism in the world. Therefore, they would, write about it, which is African-specific situation which is pervaded in African. Achebe sustained the idea that â€Å"the term universalism must be vanished.† Attacks on Language African writers writing in English don’t mean that they are following European model. Language is not the property or possession of any group country or continent. Language is common property as well as de-ethicized. English language is not the property of British or American. It doesn’t belong to anyone. African writers are writing in English to make themselves heard. If they write in African language nobody will come to know about them. They have the problem of communication. African writers writing in English wanted to win the attention of the world. Language is the common heritage for all the people. Towards the end of the essay he criticizes the native writers. All the time European writers cannot be slammed deplorable. He says the even native writers have not done anything to uplift the condition of African literature. They are not responsible for their own people. He embodies the  idea and says that only through the earnestness or â€Å"Eager-enough† is most important to uplift the condition of African literature. Only then African literature will get the prestigious status otherwise they will be dominated. For the domination of Europeans Achebe calls ‘seduction’. The native poets and critics are equally responsible for this seduction because they never attempt to break this barricade of this European canon rather they enjoy to be in appendage of it.

Space Defining Architecture

Lynda Nwankwo Humanities 101-011 11/9/2012 SPACE DEFINING ARCHITECTURE An average population of the world views space and structure through the visual elements provided. Brick, tree, corridor, door, window, trim and carpet are only a few of these visual elements. All of the elements combine to allow us to experience a space. These experiences should be the designer’s goal when conceiving the space in question. Some spaces are created to encourage social interaction while others are designed to encourage silence and reflection.Think about the space that you are in now. If you are in an office, most likely it is institutionalized with a nominal amount of light and large capacity for production. Let’s say you are in a municipal park. Most likely you are relaxed and enjoying time away from the office and other stresses of life. It is the purpose of this paper to explore the relationships between these elements and how you experience a space. â€Å"Behind all seen things li es something vaster; everything is but a path, a portal or a window opening on something other than itself. ? Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Wind, Sand, and Stars :Harcourt Brace Javanovich, New York, 1967 We spend our lives inside buildings, our thoughts shaped by their walls. Nevertheless, there’s surprisingly little research on the psychological implications of architecture. How do different spaces influence cognition? Is there an ideal kind of architectural structure for different kinds of thinking? To begin I would like to define architecture and explain why it is important to design with experience in mind.Here at New Jersey Institute Of Technology, it is engrained into architecture students that our definition of architecture is the following: â€Å"Architecture is the blend of science, art and technology to provide a meaningful interaction between an audience and the space that they occupy. † Color can have a large variety of effects on the occupants of a space. As a designer conceives a space, the color should be used as a function of the space as much as the walls or ceilings. Yellow, for instance is a color that tends to grab attention more than other colors.This would make it a good color to use in corridors to show occupants where to go next. Since it also tends to increase metabolism, yellow should also be used in dining spaces such as restaurants. Along with color, spatial qualities can play a large role in how we experience a space. At the moment, I think we’re only beginning to grasp the relevant variables of design. Christian Jarrett, for instance, highlights a new study on curved versus rectilinear furniture. The study itself was simple: subjects viewed a series of rooms filled with different kinds of couches and lounge chairs.Needless to say, we’re only beginning to grasp how the insides of buildings influence the inside of the mind. For now, it’s safe to say that tasks involving accuracy and focus – say , copyediting a manuscript, or doing some algebra – are best suited for short spaces with red walls. In contrast, tasks that require a little bit of creativity and abstract thinking benefit from high ceilings, lots of windows and bright blue walls that match the sky. The point is that architecture has real cognitive consequences, even if we’re just beginning to learn what they are.