Referring to Iago’s soliloquy at the end of Act I scene III, examine what Shakespeare shows the audience about his character

Iago is one of the central characters within Shakespeare's ‘Othello' and is introduced extremely early in the play, Act I scene I. It is generally assumed from even this early in the play that Iago is cunning, plotting man as he converses with Rodrigo. Throughout the centuries the common opinion on Iago is that he is an insidious, misogynistic, materialistic, dissimulating character, among other things. Few critics have spoken in appraisal of Iago's character and actions. In act I scene III, Iago ends the scene with his first soliloquy. Soliloquies generally reveal a lot about a person's character to the audience, but this is the first time the audience gets a taste of his thoughts. He begins by discussing Rodrigo: ‘My fool my purse' This is particularly dissimulating as he had just been talking to Rodrigo, planning how to match make him with Desdemona. This is a running theme, Iago's manipulating, and two-faced dealings. This links with: ‘That thinks men honest that but seem to be so' As Rodrigo is not the only character in the play that falls for Iago's deceptions. The next part of the soliloquy that reveals a lot about Iago's character is his admittance to using Rodrigo for his own benefits: ‘But for my own sport and profit' Iago can use Rodrigo using his manipulative powers of speech, he deceives Rodrigo to gain money off him and use it for his own needs rather then on the task it was intended for. By referring to this task as a ‘sport' it also implies that Iago receives some pleasure from deceiving people, that he finds this fun and does this for his own fun. The audience is left doubting his character and feels sympathetic for the other characters involved in Iago's deception. Iago then reveals a possible motive for his inexcusable behavior: ‘that ‘twixt my sheets' Iago thought that at some point Othello had cuckolded him, led Emilia astray from their marital bed. Iago displayed the same reaction that most men would, and so felt betrayed and angry, although he did not know for sure that the act occurred. This is a good argument against Coleridge's critical comment on his actions. He described his actions as: ‘Motiveless malignity'. This does appear to be the case, to a certain extent. Especially for a modern day audience, we find it harder to accept that Iago would become so nasty to people so close to him, but to an Elizabethan audience it would be more believable without any motive behind him. This part of the speech may not excuse his behavior for the rest of the play, but it is a starting point, it gives the audience something to relate to, to begin to justify his actions. ‘Cassio is a proper man' with this sense of the word, proper means handsome rather then suitable. This appears to be a compliment to Cassio, but again Iago is using him for his own means. Iago can use Cassio's good looks and status in society to create the allusion of an affair with Desdemona. Othello only becomes jealous because there is something to be jealous of, if Cassio was not handsome and admirable Iago would have nothing to create the jealousy from. This is yet another example of Iago using people close to him to gain what he wants. Iago appears to be a character that is trusted, by almost everyone other than Desdemona. She comes across as more suspicious character, as she questions Iago rather then just falling for every word he says. Iago knows that his fellow soldiers and people in society trust him, yet another way in which he can use manipulation as there is grounds for him to manipulate. This is shown when he says: ‘The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so' Iago actually admits to his deceitful nature, and ridicules Othello for being so trusting. This is the entire base for the play; if Iago weren't so â€Å"trustworthy† then Othello would have no reason to believe his accusations of Desdemona. It is this perception that makes the play possible. Othello is Iago's general; therefore he should be respected, and not ridiculed, which he is in this soliloquy: ‘As asses are'. It is disrespectful for Iago to be referring to his general as a fool, whether he is a Blackamoor or not. This shows that Iago is not a decent character; he does not even have the decency to respect his general, let alone other aspects of his character. Towards the end of the soliloquy, Iago refers to: ‘Hell and night' Which would have been a lot more relevant to an Elizabethan audience as it represents the devil and malicious behavior. It is ironic that he uses devilish language, as he is associated with the devil due to his evil character. To emphasize this point, he also says: ‘Monstrous birth to the world's light'. This also would have had a greater impact on an Elizabethan audience, and this is only the beginning of the devilish language used by Iago. It was said by William Turnbull that: ‘Iago is an unbeliever in, and a denier of, all things spiritual, who only acknowledges God, like Satan, to defy him'. (Othello: A Critical Study, 269) This is proved throughout the play by constant references to the devil, night, dark and Iago's actual behavior and attitude to situations. Finally, this soliloquy shows a great deal in its length. Within twenty-two lines, Iago has explained his actions, had no plan and conceived a plan and becomes anxious to begin. This shows his ability to improvise quickly and leaves the audience wondering how often he uses this ability, when he was with Rodrigo? Othello? Cassio? To conclude, Shakespeare uses this particular soliloquy to allow the audience to see what we believe to be Iago's true personality. We learn that he is definitely dissimulating, manipulative, deceitful, and disrespectful, a slanderer and cunning. Before this the audience could only speculate on this and the remainder of his personality as he shows different sides to different people, he has been referred to as ‘an onion' and ‘Janus, the Roman god' because of his multiple personalities.

Jackie Kay ”Owl” Essay

The faint, almost invisible, line between child and adult, carefree and responsible, becomes more and more blurry and grey the closer you get to it. First, it is said that you reach adulthood and step into the real world, when you confirm your faith in God, but thrusting that threshold yourself, you just know you are not yet an adult. So then, you postpone it until the age of 18. By then you should be starting your career, or at least have an idea of where you are going, and more importantly you are now legally an adult, with the right to vote and take care of others, but also with the hard realities of facing up to your mistakes. Coming to terms with who you are as you grow up and as an adult is not always the easiest thing. The short story â€Å"Owl† by Jackie Kay treats exactly this subject, of whom you end out to be, and what things you choose to hold on to in life. Jackie Kay chooses in her story to make use of the first-person narrator, and this makes it easier as a reader to identify yourself with the main character Anita. The reader reminisces to own childhood memories and feel like they are in close contact with Anita’s feelings, almost as if they were the reader’s own. When Anita tells her story, she does so by starting out in a flashback from her childhood, with the memory that started it all. The time she went on holiday with her parents and Marion and hers, and they first discovered the screeching barn owl, which would become the foundation for their lifelong friendship. This use of flashback gives the reader a more precise conception of who Anita was as a child, and what made her Barn. As most children Barn was selfish and unable to sympathize. She was not held back by leaving out Sandra when it came to who caused the crowd, and keen neither on giving her an owl-related nickname to include her or even changing her own. When it came to telling white lies to uphold the sacredness of her and Tawny’s new best friendship, she did so without the blink of an eye. As Barn retells the stories of their childhood she leaves little comments, which tells the reader that the pettiness and uncompromising attitude she possessed as a child is no longer with her. She has made a development from child to adult, even though she cannot see it  herself. She notices and analyzes, as she retells, the feelings she put Sandra through by excluding her. This also indicates the change she has made from her age of ten until her forty’s; in spite her own lack of recognizing it. It is later on revealed that the same holiday where Barn and Tawny discovered the barn owl, they also found out that their parents had swapped. This collision of two worlds and confusion over splitting parents keeps coming up in Barns mind. She tells Tawny that she cannot stop thinking about that summer, and at first, one might think that this has to do with the owl that tied their friendship together. However, when looking closer you will realize that her own recent split from a man causes her lingering to this memory. It is briefly brought up by her and Tawny but not really spoken of, which is caused by Barn’s conflicting emotions from her parents split. On one hand, their splitting brought her closer to her best friend and gave her something consistent in her life that she knew would never fail her. On the other, she is scared to be alone, and taking over all the responsibility for herself, becoming an adult. Therefore, she leans on Tawny to be the only trusty thing in her life. The owl in this story seem to have significant meaning to the friendship between Barn and Tawny, and while the owl does symbolize the friendship and the passage between child and grownup, it holds a deeper and more hidden meaning. It symbolizes the burden they have both been carrying on their shoulders ever since that night where they found out about their parents. They have never talked about it and the ignorance of what happened and insecurity about love that followed, all of which yet unexplained, is a contributor to Barns insecurity about who she is even now in her forty’s. As they talk about it and decide to move on they both wake up feeling like the weight have been lifted of their shoulders. And this sweet release is exactly what the heron by the Mersey river resembles. The burden flying away, soaring up, up, up in the sky releasing them from their agony, and taking them back to the simplicity of childhood. Therefore, it seems to be the owl that catches them, brings them in while it is yet another bird, the heron, that is bound to set them free. Tawny’s last comment on how Barn will soon need her wings is Jackie Kay’s way of saying that life is not over just because, you are middle-aged, or you split from your partner or your parents get divorced. Life is only just begun, and I believe that this is the message that Jackie Kay wishes to leave the reader with. You cannot, you must not let the bad things bring you down. Cause if you let them do that then how are supposed to fly?

Eco 365 week syllabus Essay

Details Due Points Objectives 1.1 Differentiate between macroeconomics and microeconomics. 1.2 Analyze the effect of changes in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity. 1.3 Determine how elasticities affect pricing and purchasing decisions. Reading Read Ch. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 of Economics. Reading Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 13 2 Nongraded Activities and Preparation Article Analysis Research the University Library and Internet, and select a recent news article concerning trends in consumption patterns of a specific product, such as gasoline, oil, grain, or coffee. The following article which is located in the Electronic Reserve Readings on the student website is an example of trends in consumption patterns: Note. Do not use this article for your assignment. Hauser, C. (2011, August 24). Sales of new homes fell again in July. The New York Times. p. 6. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Write a 700 – 1,050-word paper in which you do the following: Analyze the basis for the trends in consumption patterns, as discussed in the article you selected. Consider the utility derived from a product or service mentioned in the article. Describe what has occurred to change the demand for the product or service and its market and equilibrium prices. Assume that supply remains the same. Describe what has occurred to change the supply of the product or service and its market and equilibrium prices. Assume that demand remains the same. In your opinion, is demand for this product or service price elastic or inelastic? What does this imply about how consumers respond to changes in the price of this product or service? Support your determination of the price elasticity of demand with a reference. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. This is not mandatory and is not turned in or graded. Week Two: Production and Cost Analysis Details Due Points Objectives 1 2 2.1 Describe the relationship between the number of inputs and the law of diminishing marginal productivity. 2.2 Analyze the relationship between productivity and the cost of production. 2.3 Analyze the effect of changes in the supply of and demand for factors of production on the price of inputs. 2.4 Analyze the effect of changes in marginal revenues and costs on a firm’s profit-making potential. Reading Read Ch. 12, 13, 19, 19w and 20 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 20 2 Individual Supply and Demand Simulation Complete the Supply and Demand Simulation located on the student website. Write 750 – 1,050-word paper of no more than summarizing the content. Address the following: Identify two microeconomics and two macroeconomics principles or concepts from the simulation. Explain why you have categorized these principles or concepts as macroeconomic or microeconomic. Identify at least one shift of the supply curve and one shift of the demand curve in the simulation. What causes the shifts? For each shift, analyze how it would affect the equilibrium price, quantity, and decision making. How may you apply what you learned about supply and demand from the simulation to your workplace or your understanding of a real-world product with which you are familiar? How do the concepts of microeconomics help you understand the factors that affect shifts in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity? How do the concepts of macroeconomics help you understand the factors that affect shifts in supply and demand on the equilibrium price and quantity? Relating to the simulation, explain how the price elasticity of demand affects a consumer’s purchasing and the firm’s pricing strategy. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Sept 23 15 Learning Team Reflection Production and Cost Analysis Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Sept 23 2 Week Three: Market Structure Details Due Points Objectives 2 3 3 3.1 Compare various market structures and their characteristics. 3.2 Evaluate the effectiveness of competitive strategies within market structures. 3.3 Determine profit-maximizing strategies based on market structure analysis. Reading Read Ch. 3, 14, 15 and 16 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday Sept 27 2 Learning Team Current Market Conditions Competitive Analysis Imagine you are part of a strategic planning group at a large corporation that is considering developing a new proposed product. The marketing director has asked your team to do a competitive market analysis to determine the product’s potential success. The analysis will focus on your primary competitor in the product’s market. Select a potential competitive organization and a product in that organization. Write a 1,400 – 1,750-word paper of no more than analyzing the current market conditions. Address the following topics: A short history of the organization and a description of their product Factors that affect demand, supply, and equilibrium prices in the market in which the competitor organization operates: Define the market for your chosen product, including an analysis of its competitors, potential customers, or potential buyers. Any issues or opportunities your organization or industry faces that affect its competitiveness and long-term profitability with regards to your product: This may include, but is not limited, to the following elements. Price elasticity of demand Technological innovation The relationship between the amount of labor & capital employed and the law of diminishing marginal productivity Cost structure Factors affecting variable costs, including productivity and others that change the supply of and demand for labor Factors affecting fixed costs Make recommendations on how your organization can maximize their profit-making potential, and successfully compete in the new market. Consider the effect your recommendations may have on marginal revenues and costs. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Sept 30 12 Learning Team Reflection Market Structure Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Sept 30 2 Week Four: Public Policy in Economics Details Due Points Objectives 4 4 4.1 Analyze the effect of externalities on market outcomes. 4.2 Differentiate among horizontal, vertical, and conglomerate mergers. 4.3 Analyze the effect of government interventions, taxation, and regulations on economic behavior. Reading Read Ch. 8, 18, 21 and 21w of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Continual 3 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. By Friday October 4 2 Individual Differentiating Between Market Structures For this assignment, you will choose from the following options: Differentiating Between Market Structures in an Organization of Your Choice Read the instructions in the University of Phoenix Material: Differentiating Between Market Structures located on the student website. You also need to complete the Market structures table for each of the different markets. Monday October 7 15 Learning Team Reflection Public Policy in Economics Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday October 7 2 Week Five: Global Competition Details Due Points Objectives 5 5 5.1 Determine the effect of global competition on an organization’s strategies for maximizing profits. 5.2 Analyze the effect of global competition on the relationship between management and labor. Reading Read Ch. 2 of Economics. Reading Read Ch. 9, 17, 22 and 23 of Economics. Participation Participate in class discussion. Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions. Individual Final Examination Resource: Economics Click the link to the Final Examination on the student website available from the end of Week Four through the end of Week Five. Complete the Final Examination. You have one attempt to complete the exam, which is timed and must be completed in 3 hours. Results are auto-graded and sent to your instructor. Monday Oct 14 15 Learning Team Competitive Strategies and Government Policies Management has recognized the effect of changes in the real-world competitive environment and government policies on other industries and anticipates similar events occurring in their industry, so they ask you for a report considering the following points. Write 1,400 – 1,750-word paper in which you describe how each of the following are or potentially will affect your industry or one with which you are familiar: New companies entering the market, mergers, and globalization, on pricing and the sustainability of profits: Identify the type of merger activity in your industry or one with which you are familiar–horizontal, vertical, or conglomerate–and explain why you made that choice. Current and expected government policies and regulations, including taxes and regulations in place to address issues related to externalities Global competition on the decisions made by management with regards to change in labor demand, supply, relations, unions, and rules and regulations in your chosen industry Recommend how the industry you chose may respond to each of the previous points. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. Monday Oct 14 15 Learning Team Reflection Global Competition Discuss this week’s objectives with your team. Include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the topics relate to your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050- word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. Monday Oct 14 2 Copyright University of Phoenix ® is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft ®, Windows ®, and Windows NT ® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix ® editorial standards and practices.

Global Marekting and Ethics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Global Marekting and Ethics - Coursework Example The success of the vehicle companies largely depends upon supplying vehicle models keeping in parity with the customers’ tastes and preferences. In this world of perfect competition, continuous innovation is ushering among the companies for building up new design of cars. Attracting customers along with product innovations, customers taste and preferences must be given prime emphasis for success. In 1980s and 1990s the main thrust of the automobile companies was to produce so called â€Å"world cars†. The term â€Å"world cars† mean that several automobile multinational companies like Ford, General Motors, and Toyota during that time targeted to sell cars in a same design produced in their centralized units in their overseas global market with a perspective that it would reap them huge benefit over their cost coverage. But the ultimate scenario in the reality was reverse. It was found that consumer in different market showed different taste and preference orienta tion as for example in North America the consumers demand were biased towards pick up cars while in European countries pick up cars were treated as utility vehicles purchased by firms for production use. Life style and preferences of the consumers can be referred to as a chief driving force in global marketing of automobile industries.... In many cases the firms may have to adopt unique mix in their marketing strategies in order to appeal purchasing behavior of a certain segment in a certain region. Management studies have revealed that African-Brazilian market is completely different from African-American market –the causal factor being the differences in social norms. In another example it was seen that group of people in China aged 45-55 who had few parallels in other countries during 1960s and 1970s were highly sensitive to price change and produced negative attitude towards entry of new products (Hill, n.d., p.491). So the firms had to rethink and formulate their marketing strategy mix in order to find a solution. Gender bias can also be regarded as a strategic factor in the global automobile industry. In the American society, in the automobile industry initially there was a trend in mixed workforce (both male and female) but gradually that trend changed and focus was diverted towards male dominance in the workforce and the famous Ford Company were in favor of this policy and promoted the same and gained unparalleled success. From table 1 (appendix), it can be seen that percentage women employment in Ford Company gradually declined (Robertson, 1999). Role of religion in global marketing of automobile industries Religion also acts a chief driving force in global marketing paradigm. In United States of America, there is predominance of small groups and they have deep belief in spirituality. There is no certain rigorous rigidity in joining different religious group only following few simple rules and some informal meetings (generally couple of months in that religious group) will suffice. These small religious groups rather behave like product

Drug Courts Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Drug Courts - Research Paper Example Conversely, when those forces are unequal, some economics focus on the 'supply side' of the equation, while others view the 'demand' side as that which needs to be focused on. The history of economics is one that shifts in emphasis from supply to demand and back again. It will be argued in the following that the use of 'diversion' in the courts represents a good step toward tackling the 'demand' side of the drug equation. And, what is important beyond the success or failure, is that it is an attempt to deal with demand rather than continuing the war on drugs that aims mostly at supply. This said, while it is a step in the right direction, there are some important limitations. Community based drug rehabs have had a largely positive outcome. One of the tertiary side effects of wide scale drug use, is the increase in crime as a consequence. While it is the case that drug use itself is largely illegal, that is not the sole crime committed by drug users. There is a large incarceration rat e of individuals who did crimes to support their drug habits [Stone and Stone 95]. This can mean something as simple as a house-robbery, to the large scale distribution of narcotics, to neglecting the welfare of one's children because of the time constraints and debilitating effects of addiction. These three examples stand to show how diverse the consequences of drug addiction is. Policing and thus, the criminal justice system are pretty burdened by drug abuse both in its primary sense, but also in the secondary or tertiary consequences of addicted behaviors. The cost of this involvement is formidable. For instance, where a community based drug rehab was in place in Washington State, the cost to the community for every dollar spent varied from over $ 18 benefit from investing in a community program, just over $ 5. dollars for investing in criminal prosecution and just $ 2.08 for diversion courts [Velazquez 14]. The dollar investment in community based programs is economically much m ore successful than other approaches, and yet, it is estimated that among the population in the US, nine percent of Americans are addicted to some type of narcotic on the one hand, and on the other hand, less than a quarter of those receive substance abuse treatment, and finally, among that quarter, about 37 % of those treated were mandated to do so [Velasquez 14]. Before looking at how and where the drug court system presents itself as limited, as compared, for example, with the optimal course of treatment which is community based, some remarks on the success of drug courts will be presented. Likewise, the rationale behind the very practice will get outlined. The very purpose of drug courts, is to avoid the costly endeavor of criminal incarceration. There is a cost built into housing an individual in jail, but also a larger cost than that when one considers what a criminal record is going to cost that individual [Nolan 129]. For instance, one could describe a 'vicious circle' of cr iminality associated with drug behavior. When a convicted individual returns to the regular world, so to speak, they will find themselves with a very diminished capacity as far as basic opportunities go. A criminal record means that many opportunities that might have once been open to them, are no longer available because of the conviction and incarceration. For instance, when we look at the recidivism rate among individuals who have been convicted, the rate is much higher for people who have a prior criminal conviction [Wolfe,

Moral Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Moral - Essay Example The plot of The Importance of Being Earnest centers around deception. Algernon is a wealth bachelor that lives in London. He often pretends to have a friend Bunbury who is sick and lives in the country. Whenever Algernon wishes to escape certain social utieshe is explains that he simply can no because he has to visit his sick friend. He can then escape and enjoy the pleasures that Victorian society called improper. However, his friend, Bunbury, does not exist. Through this form of deception Algernon not only gets pity from his friends he also has the perfect excuse to do whatever he wants. Algernon's believes his best friend is named Ernest. Ernest is actually John Worthing. John Worthing is also using deception to escape his restrictive and boring existence. He tells his friends that he has a wayward brother who lives in London and is often in trouble. Therefore he must go to London to bail his brother out. When John is in London he goes by the name of Ernest. He pretends to be a go od man in country only to be a adan in the city. John wants to marry Gwendolen, but she wants to marry a man named Ernest. When she meets John using the name Ernest she falls deeply in love with him. Gwen's aunt insists on knowing his family background and he is forced to reveal that is real parents left him at a train station and he was adopted by a rich upstanding Victorian family. Algernon has the idea that he will go into the country to visit John and pretend to be Ernest. He is unaware that John has given up his city life and has planned the tragic (but unreal) death of his brother. Deception plays a vital role in this play. If John and Algernon did not lie there would be no play. If each character followed the Victorians standards of society, there would be no plot. While this play is a comedy, Wilde's point is clear: only through deception can people exist in Victorian society. If they did not use deception everyone would surely die from boredom and the suffocating grasp of s ociety. Similarly, Shakespeare Hamlet is based on deception. Hamlet begins with the death of the King of Denmark. He has been killed by his wife and brother. It is Hamlet who is first deceived by his mother. She gets married without telling Hamlet. When Hamlet arrives he is disgusted by his mother's actions. The role of deception is seen throughout the play. Hamlet pretend to be crazy, he pretends not to love Ophelia, and pretends not to know that his mother killed his father. Claudius and Gertrude pretend to care for Hamlet only to try to have him killed. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern pretend to be Hamlet's friends but are really acting like spies for the king. Deception in Elsinore is a symptom of disease society where ambition and greed run rampant and uncontrolled. All the characters in Hamlet must lie to survive and in the end deception kills them all. The societies in Importance of Being Earnest and Hamlet are both portrayed as corrupt. In amletthe court of Elsinore is the representative evil society. It is a toxic environment that breeds blind ambition, betrayal, and evil. Hamlet comments "'Tis an unweeded garden that grows to seed; Things rank and gross in nature possess it merely" (Shakespeare Act I, sc ii). Claudius and Polonius are to of the top officials in Elsinore and therefore responsible for the destruction of a good society and the

Cross-price elasticity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Cross-price elasticity - Essay Example Similarly if the two goods are complements, we should see a price rise in one good cause the demand for both goods to fall. -Cross-price elasticity of demand (CPEoD) for car travel with respect to bus fares is very low and is equal to 0.01>0, but 0.010 so there is no relationship between them. It's clear. If the car travel cost grows, the bus fare will grow too. That's why there will not be the greater demand for this kind of transport. c) How would you interpret the cross-time elasticity of demand for car travel with respect to bus in-vehicle travel, why is it positive, and why is the elasticity higher for peak times compared to off-peak times Does it surprise you that the responsiveness of the demand for car travel is greater with respect to bus in-vehicle time than to bus fares Explain your answer. The elasticity is higher for peak times compared to off-peak times, because during the peak hours the busses move slower than during off-peak hours and the consumer is keener to switch to a car when the bus is moving slower than when it is moving faster. d) Are bicycle and bus travel likely to be substitutes or complements What would be the effect on demand for urban bus travel of construction of new bike paths to central city areas What elasticity measures might be relevant when trying to measure the responsiveness of demand for bus travel to changes in these... c) How would you interpret the cross-time elasticity of demand for car travel with respect to bus in-vehicle travel, why is it positive, and why is the elasticity higher for peak times compared to off-peak times Does it surprise you that the responsiveness of the demand for car travel is greater with respect to bus in-vehicle time than to bus fares Explain your answer. -Bus in-vehicle time increase of 1% during peak hours causes car demand to increase by 0.4% and bus in-vehicle time increase of 1% during off-peak hours causes car demand to increase by 0.3%. It is positive, because the consumer is tempted to switch to a car since the bus is slower. The elasticity is higher for peak times compared to off-peak times, because during the peak hours the busses move slower than during off-peak hours and the consumer is keener to switch to a car when the bus is moving slower than when it is moving faster. d) Are bicycle and bus travel likely to be substitutes or complements What would be the effect on demand for urban bus travel of construction of new bike paths to central city areas What elasticity measures might be relevant when trying to measure the responsiveness of demand for bus travel to changes in these conditions for cyclists -Speaking about cross-price elasticity, bus and bicycle are substitutes theoretically. That's because bus fare rise will entail demand for alternative transport vehicles. But can lots of people change bus trip to bicycle one This effect is possible only after construction of new bike paths to central city areas. After changes in these conditions for cyclists, the demand for bus travel can decrease significantly. We have another situation with cross-time elasticity. Bicycle is a slower kind of

What are the main justification for a health system funded largely Essay

What are the main justification for a health system funded largely through private and public taxation and what are the strenghth and weaknesses of the two opposing view point - Essay Example may be required to pay little fee that is not significant to their income, a factor that bridges potential differences in care access based on economic status. Healthcare is also budgeted for, resources availed through the formal budget and taxation policies, and this guarantees continuous availability of care services (Leatt and Mapa 2003, p. 49). A publicly funded healthcare system also ensures quality of care to citizens. This is because the system is organized and qualified professionals manage it. It therefore also offers a benchmark to private practitioners who must match the level of quality in order to attract and retain customers (Ho 2012, p. 68). The system is also comprehensive to meet diversified needs and is in some cases compulsory, a factor that motivates people to seek care and therefore ensures quality of health (Morfaw 2009, p. 109). One of the contrary viewpoints to justification of the publicly funded healthcare system, through taxation and through a special system, is its â€Å"inflexibility and bureaucratization† (Leatt and Mapa 2003, p. 49). The opinion is strong because such a scope may lead to regional scarcity of resources and restrained access but proper management through accurate forecast of needs undermines this criticism. Another criticism is that success of the publicly funded care system may be over-valued because it does not bear some of its costs such as time wasted on waiting lists. The cost may be significant to identify overestimation of the derived utility but such wastes may be inevitable and may also exist in privately funded care systems (Leatt and Mapa 2003, p. 49). Even though opposing views exist to the justification of publicly funded healthcare system, weaknesses of such opinions are more significant than their strengths. Justifications of the system are further more practical. The publicly funded care through taxation is therefore

Behavior Problems research paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Behavior Problems - Research Paper Example On the other hand, creativity is not directly related to the academic achievements of learners. However, birth order is directly linked to higher levels of creativity. Introduction Behavioral problem, as a noun phrase is used to refer to any suggestive expression of interpersonal or emotional maladjustment, especially in children. These problems are externally depicted through actions like enuresis, nail-biting, negativism, or the display of overt antisocial acts or hostile behavioral patterns. On the other hand, Creativity is the predisposition to recognize or generate ideas, possibilities, and alternatives to an issue – especially during the course of solving problems, while conversing, and when communicating with others. Creativity is also displayed, from the ability of an individual to entertain themselves and others. There are three courses, as to why individuals are provoked into developing creativity. These include the necessity to express values or ideas; the desire to solve the problems that will come in the way of an individual; and the need to express original, varied and multifaceted stimulation. However, in order to be creative, there is an intricate need to be able to view things in varied ways, or from different perspectives. The ability to display creativity does not occur by change, but is linked to highly fundamental qualities of thinking, these including tolerance of unpredictability, the ability to enjoy unknown things, and flexibility in thinking processes. Academic achievement can be defined as the display of superiority in varied academic fields – both in class as well as in extracurricular activities. It is a phrase used to mean a combination of superiorities in the following areas: behavior, confidence, sporting, communication, skillfulness, arts, punctuality, culture and assertiveness among others. Discussion From a previous study carried out by (Yousefi et al. 2010), the statistics shows that boys suffering from behavior al and emotional difficulties scored lower in academic achievement, when compared to those who did not have these problems. However, in the case of girls showing the symptoms of internalizing problems, it was different, as they attained higher grades in academic achie

People resourcing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

People resourcing - Essay Example These changes offer organizations opportunities and challenges for success in equal measure. These conditions cause the change the nature of human resource planning. Success in the current dynamic market requires companies to improve performance. Improvement includes reducing costs, improving quality, innovativeness, creativity, and speed aimed at productivity. These duties rest on people who make up the organization because they make both long-term and short term organizational solutions. Human resources encompass most important resources in any organization that operates with the aim of achieving success (Wernerfelt 1984, 19). A volatile business environment means that the management of business organizations must comprehend that primary means of gaining competitive advantage have changed. The business world has seen various companies collapse in the economic recession that is slowly being managed. Companies hit by the recession range from world leading insurance, manufacturing, an d processing companies. National governments across the world had to salvage some the companies to save them from imminent collapse. The environment saw other companies close their operations in some parts of the world to minimise expenditure. The economic downturn did not spare national economies with Greece’s economically crumbling. The European Union is struggling to help the country resuscitate its economy. Italy is also struggling. Human resource planning must be used to develop new strategies that will help the company remain competitive in the market. Human resource planning helps the company to consider issues that enable gaining of competitive advantage. The management of companies should recognize that usual sources of success are still reliable but human resource planning enhances sustainability of success. Usual mechanisms that lead to success include economies of scale, production technology that covers both process and product, and protected markets. The input b y success factors offers competitive advantage. Human resources appear at the top of the ladder in the management hierarchy of organizations. This illustrates their importance in the running of business companies. Human resources management conducts job analysis processes before recruiting qualified employees with appropriate skills for specific jobs. It also enhances commitment of employees and makes sure that the company retains the best by taking care of their welfare (Lado 1994, 31). When the human resource department does this, it motivates employees because it takes care of the needs of the workforce. A business organization enjoys a competitive advantage by creating value for its clients. The organization must focus on product and service differentiation. It is important that the company give services and products that are unique. To do this, human resources must single out different markets and treat them as individuals. The concentration should be on particular market segme nts or groups and make sure that the products and services they receive are effective and more efficient than those provided by competitors are in the same market (Wright 2007, 56). In the process of achieving competitive advantage, human resources take a three-pronged approach including cost leadership,

The Sexual Misconduct Underage Girls In The Swimming Teams Undergo Movie Review

The Sexual Misconduct Underage Girls In The Swimming Teams Undergo Under Their Coaches - Movie Review Example The coaches see the girls as easy prey and spread their sexual tentacles to them. They threaten them to ensure that word of their sexual misconduct does not reach adults. Their sexual misconduct is a slow process that starts with simple talks and then advances to caressing. This is followed by kissing and later fondling. Some stop at this point but some coaches simply break the limit. They advance to deep kissing and later full sexual intercourse (Ross, 2010). They do not care that these are minors they are dealing with which is not only legally unacceptable but it is morally and ethically inappropriate. They do not care about the lives of the young girls they are messing around with nor do they care about the life long trauma the girls will get as a result of guilt and harboring secrets. All they care about are their own sexual gratification and when discovered, they quickly relocate to another state and continue the same cycle. The other key point raised is the fact that the US swimming association does not take the issue seriously. It defends their coaches and lets them back on the job after suspension or simply with a warning. They also fail to conduct proper background checks on a coach before being hired and they simply rely on official criminal records. Many coaches who are sexual molesters and have gotten away with it still roam around and seek similar jobs elsewhere and hunt for new preys to sexually molest.

Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection Essay Example for Free

Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection Essay The theory of evolution by natural selection is about the changes that occur in all living things on earth over time. This process of change, which started on the first day of life on earth and continues up to the present, is what fortifies living things and enables them to survive and perpetuate their species. Detailed in a 500-page book entitled â€Å"On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection† published by Charles Darwin in 1858, the theory of evolution by natural selection essentially holds that on this earth, only the brawny and the brainy remain standing as a result of a perpetual struggle for survival. It follows, therefore, that only the stronger and the smarter of the species get the opportunity to reproduce and keep their kinds endure. As a further result of this process of natural selection, the descendants of the surviving species only exhibit the traits (whether physical strength, size, agility, quick-wittedness, or the ability to change appearance) possessed by their ancestors that permitted them to stay alive in their particular habitats. It further follows, that as a result of this perpetual process of change, the creatures of the present are vastly different from the original or earlier creatures that lived on this earth. (Regents of the University of Michigan. , 2005) Let us take as an example the case of the â€Å"peppered moth (Biston betularia)† in England. This particular species of moth that were found living among lichens in the trunks of trees before 1800 had a generally light coloring. Its coloring, therefore, enabled it to camouflage its presence among the lichens, thereby avoiding the predating birds. With the advent of the industrial revolution, the black smoke (soot) emitted by the industrial plants obliterated the lichens and darkened the trunks of trees. This development exposed the moth to their predators, resulting to a decrease in their population. In order to survive, the moth metamorphosed and by 1819, a darker variant of the moth appeared – one that was able, once again, to escape the eyes of the predating birds. (Regents of the Univ. of Michigan, 2005) Reference Regents of the University of Michigan. (2005). Evolution and Natural Selection. Retrieved June 22, 2007, from http://www. globalchange. umich. edu/globalchange/current/lectures/selection/selection. html

Vogue: Across Cultures | Analysis

Vogue: Across Cultures | Analysis ABSTRACT The popularity of fashion magazines over the past few decades has risen to new heights. Fashion magazines being the Bible that many young women and men live by, it is highly important to understand the role these magazines play in different societies and cultures. The researchers of marketing, consumer behaviour, trend analysis and trend forecasting consider culture or the differences and similarities in them to be an â€Å"obvious given†. Culture is most often seen as something that stands in the way of complete globalisation. Theory suggests that differences in target groups and marketing segments can be easily overcome through explicit research. While agreeing to the general thought that culture should be ‘respected and ‘treated seriously, the major driving force of marketing and consumer studies is most often, completely, how to overcome and ‘manage culture (Roothart, H. and W.van der Pol, 2002) There has been some research done on the representation of w omen and feminist ideas in the west but an extensive research needs to be done on the representation of women, men, society and culture through media in an Asian context. Over the past few years the Asian countries have changed their public policies surrounding media its ownership and contents. Taking advantage of this opportunity many international magazines like Elle, Vogue and Cosmopolitan have launched their local versions in these countries. These local versions have continuously faced accusations and criticism from society be it racism, discrimination or nudity, although their international versions have been highly appreciated, thus indicating that cultural differences need to be explored for the successful launch of any brand. For this paper the similarities and differences within different cultures would be determined using the covers of a common brand of magazine VOGUE across cultures. This comparison would also help to determine whether culture and/or society play any role in the successful placement of a magazine and whether Vogue has managed to maintain its brand personality by going local. Chasing a Dream INTRODUCTION Beauty is not concrete and may vary from culture to culture changing over time and shift according to location. The concept of beauty is an image which has been created by society to which woman and men have had to subject themselves to be â€Å"real†. History confirms that the ideology of beauty or what is accepted as being the right appearance has been created by society and largely propagated by media. For United States of the 1950s Marilyn Monroe was the pinnacle of beauty which soon changed to Twiggy in the 1960s. While porcelain skin is valued in China, scarification of the skin and decorating it with tattoos is considered as a status symbol in Africa and other parts. Thus the physical attributes and ideas attached to beauty vary across cultures. â€Å"Womens magazine industry is understood as a monolithic meaning producer, circulating magazines that contain messages and signs about the nature of femininity that serve to promote and legitimate dominant interests.† (Anna Gough- Yates) They have been a great source to study the changes in society. Moving from the purely fashion magazine to lifestyle and home to ‘do it yourself and ‘New woman to ‘woman can work too magazines have always reflected revolutions in society and influenced the opinion of women across nations. Given the increase in trade to Asia and the spread of the beauty industry across nations, it is disappointing that there has hardly been any study on how people are depicted internationally in the fashion magazines. Previous research has established that womans magazines can act as agents of socialising, publicizing certain gender stereotypes and certain beauty ideals like size zero and institutionalizing conventions like photographic poses. (Rudman and Verdi, 1993; Griffin, Viswanath, Schwartz, 1994). Yet hardly any research has been done on the differences in representation of women internationally and locally. GLOBAL MEDIA Over the past few decades there has been a rapid expansion of the global media in the area of womans fashion magazines. Local editions of Elle, Harpers Bazzar and Vogue are now being published in Asia. â€Å"Theory holds that increase trade and improved communication are bringing about a mix of cultures and global unity† (Giddens, 1990, Thompson, 1997). The internationalization of a magazine is not a new phenomenon although until quite recently the most popular womans magazines have been published locally. Harpers Bazaar, a U.S magazine launched itself in U.K. in 1929 (Anna Gough-Yates, 1993), Elle a European magazine began publishing its first edition in Japan in 1960s while Vogue a U.S magazine entered the Indian market in the 21st century. However â€Å"the establishment of an integrated global media market only began in earnest in the late 1980s and did not reach its full potential until the 1990s.† (Herman and Mc Chesney ,1997, p10) According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers the Asia/Pacific magazine market excluding Japan is projected to grow by 7.2% annually, reaching $20.7 billion by 2010, Advertising is also expected to rise by 5% annually to $8.1 billion in 2010. This means theres plenty of potential for countries in South Asia, where advertising spending is just about 0.34% of GDP. Until now foreign brands were allowed only 26% ownership when venturing into Asian countries. But in 2005 most of the Asian countries levelled the field for non news publications allowing 100% foreign direct investment. (D. Ruth, 2007, Forbes) Like all the other global media, magazines use many different strategies to cross borders. But the main reasons for doing so are ‘saturation of home markets and to generate revenue by providing international consumer brands with advertising vehicles that reach into the expanding foreign markets'(Dr. Katherine Frith, 2006,pg4-5). With Condà © Nast having to close down Mademoiselle in November 2001 due to competition and flagging sales, markets with rising economic rates like Asia and Middle East have now become a target for westerns producers of beauty and fashion magazines. HISTORY A study of fashion and magazine covers over the past 100 years gives us a clear picture of the extent of change media can bring about. From the corsets and 16 inch waists to jersey fabrics to bikinis the amount of womans liberation brought about along with the growth of womans beauty and fashion magazines is pretty evident. Magazine publishing surfaced much before the 19th century but up till than due to limited resources and technology publishers did not need illustrated or photographed front covers to sell a magazine. By the end of the century development in technology meant that every publisher could now make use of cover illustrations. The 20s and 30s saw two or more people on the front covers. Red lips, cigarettes, dapper looking men and understated elegance came into fashion. During the second world war men disappeared from the cover pages just as they disappeared from everyday lives of woman. Magazines became womens true friends and the government used them to communicate with the home front. Silk fell from grace and hosiery became scarce. The cover girl emerged, women were pictured wearing aprons holding sheaf of corn. With the end of the world war magazine publishers stuck to a fixed formula of selling magazines by using colour and arresting cover lines. Christian Dior made a splash and womans liberation began. The 1960s saw a revolution of self expression, music and ‘models who became as famous as movie stars. This was the start of a new era for women. The cover of Harpers Bazaar (1965) with the model Jean Shrimpton wearing a Day-Glo bright pink space helmet and the acid green brand emblem at the top is often seen as an emblem of the 60s. Jerseys, pullovers long hair for men and woman were the characteristics of the 70s. Photographs more than an illustration was often seen as the cover pages while cover lines became bigger, brighter and bolder. The 1980s was the decade of Madonna and Michael Jackson with shoulder pads and workout wear which dominating the fashion scene. ( Publication: Vogue Country: United Kingdom Date: 15 April 1980) This ended individualism in the 1990s with Grunge, Goth and a sense of anti style with tattooing and body art becoming in vogue. (Publication: Phase Country: United Kingdom, Date: May 1994) In the 20th century the key to selling magazines was the use of celebrity faces and anorexic models with porcelain skin. Diet plans and Make up tips more than ‘†how to catch a guy and keep him† cover lines make the magazine move. Environment friendly clothes and cosmetics modelled by Julia Roberts and Leonardo di Caprio were the latest trends. (Publication:ElleCountry:Spain Date: August 2002) Until the 90s, Asian society and fashion has been very traditional with local influences. In 1990 fashion icon Princes Diana wore a Salwar kameez and Asian fashion became a noticeable global trend. The 1990s also saw the rise of the â€Å"Asian -chic†. International pop icons like Janet Jackson promoted the Asian look and gave it an International stage. â€Å"As Asian economies flourished, than crashed and began to recover, Asians of different class, ethnicities and gender faced the decision of whether they should wear Western or Asian clothing.†(L. Ann Marie, J. Carla, 2003). The growth of international magazines in Asia and promotion of the Western beauty ideals confused already puzzled nations, drastically affecting the self esteem of many young men and woman. A lot has been recorded about the fashion influences, cultural changes and media in the West however there is hardly any record of such changes in the East. Study has proven that there is great difference between the local and international versions of the magazines but there is no record of the influences and effects on society due to these differences. MAGAZINES TODAY The difference between international magazines and their ‘local versions is that the international issues tend to carry a predominance of images for multinational products. (Shaw, 1999). Such magazines are growing in popularity in Asia and this popularity has bought about a change in perspective regarding the depiction of woman and products in local magazines. Griffin, Viswanath, and Schwartz(1994) found in a study comparing images in weekly U.S. news magazines (Time and Life) to weekly Indian magazines (India Today and Illustrated weekly of India), that many of the western advertising principles and poses for women were being conveyed across nations. They confirmed that female models in India were taking on poses that related closely to ‘gender portrayals ‘of the advanced western nations. A recent analysis of magazines international and local in China by Frith, Cheng and Shaw (2004) suggests that Caucasian models are more frequently shown in seductive dresses than Asian models. Feminist critiques like Kates, Shaw and Garlock (1999) would argue that western magazines are cultural institutions that represent women in a problematic and often unacceptable way although attractive female bodies and sexual content have for long been used in the west to attract consumers to a product and generate interest. Comparing this to the representation of woman across cultures with reference to the few studies conducted on the topic; Griffin, Viswanath and Schwartz (1994) concluded that the use of â€Å"Sexual pursuit† as a theme was used three times more often in U.S. magazines than in Indian magazines. In conservative Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia only Caucasian women were used in Lingerie advertisements (Frith and Mueller, 2003). Any magazine wanting to be resonant with its target audience needs to represent the social norms and cultural values of the given society. International magazines like Vogue and Elle although have publishing houses in Asian countries most often train their employees in the west. The result being that the forms of representation and especially that of woman can take on a globalized look. As Kyung-Ja Lee,(2000, pg 86) has rightly said â€Å" for thirty years, media have been taken to task for reproducing and reinforcing stereotyped images of woman. Yet unfair representation of woman in media still prevails worldwide. Sex stereotyping has been so deeply ingrained, even glorified, that the woman themselves have become desensitised to their own inferior portrayal. The prospects appear even gloomier as the globalisation of media progresses† Previous researchers have noted that the images of models used in magazines have been extensively retouched to represent the ideal of beauty that is unattainable for all but a very few people.(Greer,1999; Gauntlett, 2002). By showing models that are ‘uniformly thin, flawless and perfectly proportioned the media may contribute towards low self esteem and unhappiness among woman and give rise to problems like eating disorders. In fact media is a large contributor to the global increase in plastic surgery to change physical appearance among young girls. Finally as global media takes readers away from local publications it is important to study the impact of international beauty ideal on local consumers. With most models used in international magazines being ‘white the publications are rarefying the ethnic beauty ideals. In fact the obsession with whitening products may be a result of this overuse of White models in Asian publications. For the Caucasian women the body may represent beauty while for the Asian woman it might be the face. For some Asian countries beauty is the simplicity in a ‘sari clad woman while in some parts of Africa its a tattoo adorned naked female. To better understand how beauty and women have been represented internationally as compared to locally and their differences based on society and culture I have considered 3 issue of Vogue magazine across cultures (U.S, India and China) for the period of 6 months from February 2009 to June 2009. The unit of analysis was restricted to the cover pages, containing at least one model. Looking at Vogue magazine over the last twenty years we can easily conclude that the magazines expansion strategy has been very aggressive. Condà © Nast which has a portfolio of 127 magazines in 23 countries believes Vogue to be its cash cow. At present there are a million fashion and beauty magazines such as In Style, Elle and Cosmopolitan circulated around the globe, but in times of crises citizens all over turn to Vogue to confirm the latest fashion news. With readership and subscription levels of about 220,000 a month for the British Vogues, 133,000 a month for the French Vogue and American Vogue, at 1.2 million a month Vogue is the leading magazine in the business of fashion. The Greek, Indian and Chinese Vogues not being as influential are important only to their local countries. The French and Italian Vogue cater to the edgier end of the market while American and British Vogue embrace fashion in the broader sense owing to their larger readership. (A. Lisa, 2009, Times online)

Auditing Regulations in the UK

Auditing Regulations in the UK Introduction Following the financial disasters that led to the collapse of corporations such as Enron and WorldCom, international and national regulators sought to strengthen legislation relating to the internal and external auditing of corporations. This resulted in the introduction of a number of international and national Acts and enforceable codes, commencing with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002[1] in the US (www.sarbanes-Oxley .com). In the UK the government introduced the Combined Code (FSA 2006) in 2003, which has subsequently been revised and strengthened, and revised the Companies Act (2006). These became the foundation for corporate governance and appropriate auditing procedures. This paper seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of this regulatory framework in creating an auditing environment that will prevent a repeat of the disasters that led to their introduction. This will follow a brief overview of the auditing processes is provided initially. The Audit Process There have been several definitions of the term audit; perhaps the most succinct of which is that based upon the American Accounting Association’s, which states that: â€Å"Auditing is a systematic process of objectively gathering and evaluating evidence relating to assertions about economic actions and events in which the individual or organisation making the assertion has been engaged, to ascertain the degree of correspondence between those assertions and established criteria, and communicating the results to users of the reports in which the assertions are made.† Porter et al (2003, p.3). In other words, the task of an auditor is, through the use of a structured programme, to gather evidence relating to the financial statements made by a corporation, evaluate the accuracy of the statements made in the light of this evidence and also to ensure that any opinions and reports presented are in accordance with the prevailing rules, regulations and criteria. They then have to present a certified unbiased view of their findings from the audit to external stakeholders, such as the shareholders and government authorities (See figure 1). There are several types of audits conducted throughout an organisation. However, this paper concentrates upon the external and internal audit. A licensed and qualified firm of auditors, whose independence from the organisation must comply with the definitions set out the combined code and accompanying guidance notes, carries out an external audit. The essential purpose of the internal audit is, in the words of the Institute of Internal Auditors (Spencer-Pickett 2003, p.2), intended to â€Å"improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and corporate governance processes.† Whilst the intention of this process, as with external auditing, is to provide and independent assurance on these processes and controls, the internal audit personnel are employed directly by the corporation. Current regulations The auditing process relates to most corporations (Gray and Stuart (2004), but this paper concentrates upon the Public Limited Company. In respect of financial reporting within the UK, commercial organisations are governed by the rules of the Combined Code (2006) and the international reporting standards set by the IFA[2], as explained within their handbook (2006). Combined Code The combined code concentrates upon five areas of the corporation’s activity and internal structure. These include: Directors – which include advice on suitability, proportion of executive to non-exec directors on the board and their roles and independence. It also defines a clear distinction of duties between CEO and Chairman. Remuneration This relates formula for the make-up and levels of director’s pay, together with the inclusion of an independent remuneration committee. Accountability and audit –Requires the board, through an independent audit committee, to maintain an adequate system of internal control that should be audited, the selection and independence of external auditors and outlines the process of accountability of the organisation to the various stakeholders. Relations with shareholders – Outlines the responsibility of the board to its shareholders and the reverse. This section of the code also sets out the requirements of the board to include the shareholders rights within their voting and operating procedures. Institutional shareholders – Section E of the code concentrates specifically upon the relationship that exists between the board and its institutional shareholders and outlines the dialogue that should occur between the two stakeholders of the business. IFRS Perhaps most important aspect of the financial reporting and auditing process is contained within the FRS[3] and SSAP[4] (ASB 2007) regulations, the former of which are based upon the international standards, which have been subjected to a series of amendments in recent years. Main Objective The Main IFRS objective is to promote a universal financial reporting standard, with the intention of providing an equality of financial information that can improve comparison and reliability of content on a global basis. In addition, the standards set out to increase the trust and reliance on financial reporting system, thus reducing the likelihood and potential risk of financial disasters such as Enron. Other objectives The objective of IAS 1:7 is directly related to the provision of financial information to be used for investment or other economic reasons, such as acquisitions. As such it concentrates upon the reliability of the accounting and reporting standards for the Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statements. Therefore, it focuses on a fair representation, attracting significant importance to the â€Å"fair value† of assets, liabilities and equity, allowing interested parties to ascertain the current real market value, thus making â€Å"historical cost accounting† redundant. Company officers have to prepare and sign compliance statements in terms of the veracity of the information and internal controls operated by the corporation and there must be a separate external audit certificate. The IFRS measurements are applied to each of the standards, although there is intent to introduce measurement as a separate application[5]. However, at present IFRS 2, relating to share based performance has specific measurement guidelines, as does the IFRS relating to the treatment of fixed assets, Here the initial measurement is the acquisition paid, but in later reports these values must reflect a fair current market value, unless there is a reason for this not being possible. In general, the measurements require a â€Å"current fair value† model to be used The presentation of financial statements and disclosures is also addressed For example, the Balance Sheet must contain at least sixteen lines (IAS1.68), which include tangible and intangible assets, current and future liabilities and a breakdown of the equity structure. IAS 1.81 provides the requirements for the income statement including revenue, costs, profit or loss and its distribution. As shown within the list of standards prepared by Deloitte (2005), in addition to the above there is a range of other requirements, including risk assessment corporate governance regulation compliance. If any disclosure cannot be made a certified statement has to be prepared by management and included within the financial reports giving the reasons for this omission. The major task for external auditors is to certify the accuracy and compliance of the statements, and the effectiveness of internal controls ensure efficient business management and a secure level of protection for investors and shareholders exists. Where risks exist, this must be identified with recommendation for actions. Concerns In spite of the regulations and codes, there are still concerns being expressed by investors and shareholders. These generally fall within three categories. Auditor competence and independence A recent survey shows shareholders are concerned about the external auditors. This focuses on their independence, experience and suitability and compliance with procedures. Independence of internal controls Similar concerns are being expressed regarding the internal controls and auditing process. Shareholders are not convinced that the level of effectiveness in identifying fraud and risk is effective or transparent enough and are thus seeking an expansion of financial reporting statements (John Lorinc 2002). Shareholder concerns are supported by research at the university of Auckland (Cheung and Hay 2004), which particularly showed auditor independence to be a major concern to investors. Fair value The concept of â€Å"fair value† is another issue causing disquiet. To date, the IFRS do not have a single definition for the term. Therefore it becomes subject to independent expertise and opinion. However, the fact that such opinions can vary significantly means that the level of reliance on â€Å"fair value† is considerably reduced. Conclusion As can be seen from this evaluate, whilst the IFRS’s go a long way towards addressing the issues surrounding the accuracy, reliability and honesty of financial reporting, the issues of â€Å"fair value† and auditors independence are still a major concern in the minds of investors. This is supported by events such as the near collapse of Northern Rock PLC in the last quarter of 2007, which shows that that there are still inadequacies within the reporting standards that need to be addressed. In this case there are questions to be asked about the interpretation of â€Å"fair value† and the internal controls. By inference, this must also raise the issue of auditor suitability. References ASB (2007). Accounting Standards and Practice. Retrieved 30 November 2007 from http://www.frc.org.uk/asb/technical/standards/accounting.cfm Cheung, Jeff and Hay, David. (2004) Auditor Independence: The Voice of Shareholders. Business Review. Volume 6, issue 2. University of Aukland. Copnell, Timothy (Director) (2006). Shareholders’ Questions 2006. Audit Committee Institute KPMG LLP. UK Deloitte (2005). IFRS 7: A disclosure checklist. Retrieved 28 April 2007 from http://www.iasplus.com/fs/0510ifrs7checklist.pdf FRC (2005). Guidance on Audit Committees (The Smith Guidance). Financial Reporting Council. London, UK. Gray, Iain and Manson, Stuart (2004). The Audit Process: Principles, Practice and Cases. Third edition. Thomson Learning. Handbook of International Auditing, Assurance, and Ethics Pronouncements. (2006). International Federation of Accountants. New York. KMPG (2005). KMPG International Survey of Corporate Responsibility Reporting 2005. Retrieved 29 June 2007 from http://www.eldis.org/go/display/?id=19513type=Document Lorinc. John (2002). After Enron. CA Magazine. Canada. December 2002. Porter, Brenda., Simon, Jon and Hatherly, David (2003). Principles of External Auditing. John Wiley and Sons Ltd. Chichester, UK. Sarbanes-Oxley (2002). Retrieved 29 November 2007 from www.sarbanes-Oxley.com Spencer-Pickett, K.H (2003). The Internal Auditing Handbook. John Wiley Sons Inc. New Jersey, US. The Committee on Corporate Governance (2006). The Combined Code on Corporate Governance. Financial Reporting Council. London. Footnotes [1] Also known as the â€Å"Public Accounting Reform and Investor Protection Act of 2002† [2] International Federation of Accounts [3] Financial Reporting Standards [4] Statement of Standard Accounting Practice [5] see http://www.iasb.org/Current+Projects/IASB+Projects/Fair+Value+Measurements/Fair+Value+Measurements.htm

Woodstock 1969 Essay -- essays research papers

The Woodstock of 1969 was a revolution in itself and responsible for redefining the point of view, respect, and attitude of the so-called "counter-cultured" youth of the late sixties. The attendants of the festival were youths from around the United States in ages ranging from 17 to 26. The overall mood of the festival was very relaxed and happy. Although there was a minimal amount of violence at Woodstock, there were financial problems, drugs, nudity, and traffic jams that seemed to go for miles down the old country roads surrounding Max Yasgur's dairy farm. Woodstock was a symbol of the rebellious society of the time. The youths that went were looking to vent out frustrations that their parents had forced upon them. For most youths, the "3 Days of Peace, Love, and Music" seemed to be just the place to balance their thoughts, relax with friends, and meet new people that hated their parents as much as they did. Two-hundred thousand people were expected to show for the Woodstock festival, and instead an overwhelming "400,000 youngsters turned up to hear big- name bands play in a field near the village of Bethel, New York state in what has become the largest rock concert of the decade". The attendents and the mood of the Woodstock festival in Bethel, New York was that of the counter-cultered young society of the late sixties. Max Yasgur's farm was transformed from a beautiful lush, green dairy farm field into a 400,000- person mudpit. Throughout the days of the festival, the attendants were "undaunted by rain, mud, wet clothes and chilly mountain breezes, thousands of youths sat on a rural hillside here for a marathon 19-hour session of folk-rock music". Drugs had also become increasingly more popular in the sixties, and Woodstock was no exception to the latest trend. Drugs were readily available and generously passed around through the crowds of youths all over the hillside. But the drugs weren't the reason that people generally attended the Woodstock festival. Most would agree with a man interviewed five miles away from his vehicle walking towards the festival in saying that " But it's more than that. I'm here for the same reason that Indians used to have tribal gatherings. Just being here with people like me makes it all worthwhile... ...ting with a lot of room, grass, trees, lakes. It was going to be a youth cultural exposition and that is where the culture of this generation expresses itself more naturally". Woodstock '69 has remained the icon of the sixties. After a "mind-blowing rendition of the national anthem, the hillside was cleared for the first time in nearly four days of the hordes of youths who came here for three days of music, companionship, and, in many cases, drugs". "Mr. Yasgur is gone, as is the farm. The meadow is green again, and very peaceful. Someone has built a small monument...commemorating the event, listing performers and dates". Today there are still people who believe in the philosophy of peace, love, and hapiness. They still have the hope that one day the government will "take the backseat" to an overcrowded music festival. A policeman after the music festival said what only can be imagined now-a-days, that those kids "have proven something to the world... that half a million kids can get together for fun and music and have nothing but fun and music."

The Gathering Text Response Essay example -- essays research papers

Text Response – Good Vs. Evil Good vs. evil is a widely explored theme in Isobelle Carmody's novel 'The Gathering'. It is most evident in the battle between the Chain and the Kraken, however the more sinister, subtler acts of evil occur when he attempts to make each member vulnerable by breaching their weaknesses. While the physical examples such as the final battle, the murder of The Tod and the violent acts by Buddha and his gang could certainly be classified as evil, it is my belief that the brainwashing of the students and the fanatical powers of illusion Mr. Karle wields are more insidious, swiftly inhabiting and manifesting in the minds of people in a way that is more powerful than any outright acts of violence. An example of how the evil within Cheshunt and Mr. Karle are influencing residents to commit heinous acts can be found on page 214 when Buddha murders Nathanial's dog in an attempt to render him susceptible to Mr. Karle's attempts to manipulate him. The Tod was ruthlessly killed by being doused in kerosene and then set alight. Page 214 reads as follows, â€Å"The match landed in his tail and flames swept forward up over him. Devoured him. He arched and coiled, yelping in pain and fright, and then he screamed, a long inhuman howl of agony and terror. For one terrible second, his eyes looked at me from out of the flames, bulging and pleading.† This horrific and terrifying event was interpreted by Nat as punishment due to Lallie's intervention of the night before whe...

Philosophical Analysis Essay

History of the School National College of Science & Technology (NCST) was born in the historic and progressive Municipality of Dasmarià ±as, Cavite, Philippines in 1998. As a brainchild of a 23-year-old visionary entrepreneur in the person of Emerson B. Atanacio, NCST has slowly yet steadily carved its niche in the fast growing and very competitive educational arena not only in the province but in the entire CALABARZON region. With an initial enrollment of 550 students in 1998, the school has now increased tenfold from its original number as it now has a total population of 5,000 students in its conventional programs. The school has been faithful in its mission to provide industry responsive graduates. Thus, in 2005, it ventured into its â€Å"first institutionally developed† course offerings: the Certificate in Manufacturing Technology and the Diploma in Production Technology. Both curricular programs are under the Dual Training System where students are being trained in two avenues of learning – the school and the industry. With an initial enrollment of only 18 students in 2005, it has increased to 1,592 in 2008 and 1,026 as of August 2009. The university town of Dasmarià ±as is an inland town located some 32 kilometres south of Manila, and 27 kilometres south of Tagaytay City. As a rapidly developing municipality, it is situated along the western industrial corridor of the Laguna de Bay basin. It has an area of 234 hectares comprising 6.4 percent of the total area of the province of Cavite. It is bounded in the north and west by General Trias, in the northeast by Imus and east by General Mariano Alvarez and Carmona and in the south by Silang. The National College of Science and Technology (NCST) is one of the leading educational institutions in the vast growing locality of Dasmarià ±as, Cavite. NCST has chosen Cavite as its place of birth due to its strategic location having numerous technology-based industries and companies operating in the different techno parks within the province, which is in cognizant with the institutional commitment of serving the youth of CALABARZON. With its considerable resources, NCST is continuously engaged in the research and development of new courses as well as the enhancement of existing curricula and the further improvement of its facilities to support the various program offerings. Close linkage with the different business and industrial sector has brought forth enhanced training programs where students are simultaneously exposed to both academic and actual work environments ensuring that upon their graduation, they are equipped with employable skills, work knowledge and proper attitude. The NCST Campus is located along the stretch of Emilio Aguinaldo Highway and near the Congressional Avenue East in the university town of Dasmarià ±as, which is a strategic location, and makes it accessible to all parts of the provence of Cavite and of Manila. The campus itself has a two building, 4-storey structure, with fifty-seven (57) classrooms inclusive of fifteen (15) laboratories, all of which are fully air-conditioned. In order to give the students the relevant training required in their respective fields of study, a special laboratory for each course is provided and which include a network of four hundred (400) computer systems and was the existence of five (5) servers that guarantees 1:1 student/computer ratio. Furthermore, Internet access in the World Wide Web is also provided in order to familiarize the student with the sophistication of the information superhighway. Skills development is constantly upgraded to meet the challenging demands of the future. As such, technology-based courses in NCST are equipped with state-of-the-art technical equipment as well as the backing of personnel with technological expertise who ensure that a well-rounded and comprehensive training program, and responds to the demands of the industry for quality and productivity. II Philosophical Analysis The National College of Science & Technology (NCST) systems envision to become one of the nation’s leading industry-based educational institution with campuses in key areas around the Philippines. NCST will be a top choice for human resources of every industry. NCST aims to become the institute for nation building, where student excellence is not an extraordinary achievement but a daily way of life. NCST, in response to the commercial and industrial sectors’ need of highly professional and skilled manpower, provides advanced technology and industry-based education, and sets standard of proficiency and competency compatible to the demands of industry, enduring positive work values, competitiveness and quality among its graduates. They aim to contribute to the national development by providing functional and relevant education thereby producing quality and responsible graduates with a strong foundation in character, faith, and love of country. Our graduates will become the change agents who will make a difference for this nation. We will produce professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs or skilled workforce who will become assets to the society and productive citizens of our country. MISSION NCST undertakes the responsibility of providing the country with quality graduates who are trained with industry-responsive knowledge and skills and founded with underpinning values of faith, love of country and humanity, hope, justice, mutual respect and peace. Their academic community accepts the challenge to work hard as a team in the spirit of excellence to ascertain that our vision and mission turn into glorious reality. Furthermore, NCST has its’ core values such as MAKADIYOS ,the foremost value that seeks to experience a lasting relationship with GOD. It inspires the people of NCST with courage, spirit and confidence through faith, love and commitment to God Almighty. MAKABAYAN, this value to kindle the nationalistic spirit of the people. Such aspiration gives the people of NCST a mission and a sense of dedication to work with the best of their skills and abilities by promoting science and technology for the advancement of the nation. MAPAGMALASAKIT , this value promotes understanding of the student’s welfare – the NCST’s primary concern by providing caring environment and amenities conductive to learning. MAY PAGKAKAISA , this value lies on the relationship arising from the common interest, purposes and responsibilities of the people. With this, the people of NCST think, feel and act together towards the attainment of the school’s mission. MAKAKALIKASAN , this value harbors on the ideal of NCST of having a high regard for the preservation and conversation of the country’s environment and natural resources. Having exposed to the mission, vision and core values of NCST, I could say that the institution adapted various philosophy. First and the most dominated philosophy is the Progressivism, a philosophical belief that argues that education must be based on the fact that humans are by nature social and learn best in real-life activities with other people, since NCST aims to become the institute for nation building, where student excellence is not an extraordinary achievement but a daily way of life. The curriculum used by the school are somewhat related or has resemblance with progressivism wherein teachers should not only emphasize drill and practice, but should expose learners to activities that relate to the real life situations of students, emphasizing ‘Learning by doing’. Progressivists emphasize the study of the natural and social sciences. Teacher should introduce students to new scientific, technological, and social developments. To expand the personal experience of learners, learning should be related to present community life. Believing that people learn best from what they consider most relevant to their lives, the curriculum should centre on the experiences, interests, and abilities of students. In NCST they not just study mathematics, literature, science but also courses that require students ability to apply what they learned in the four corners of the classroom to the world outside the school courses like their TESDA courses Certificate in Manufacturing Technology, Diploma in Production Technology, etc. In NCST, students are encouraged to interact with one another and develop social virtues such as cooperation and tolerance for different points of view. The core value of being MAKADIYOS is also related to idealism because in idealism, the aim of education is to discover and develop individual’s abilities and full moral excellence in order to better serve society. On the other hand, their core value of MAKAKALIKASAN shows that they also adapted the philosophy of Naturalism or the love for nature. III Conclusion/ Summary NCST is an institution that aims to provide the country with quality graduates who are trained with industry-responsive knowledge and skills and founded with underpinning values of faith, love of country and humanity, hope, justice, mutual respect and peace. The educational philosophy of this institution such as Values Formation, where in they aim to build the character of every individual and emphasize mutual respect, we put forth our belief in transforming ordinary students to become extraordinary is highly recommendable. Another thing that is good in this institution is their love for nature for they believe that it is our common responsibility to give environmental consciousness, care and protection. They believe that we are all responsible and should take our place in the ecological balance and management and be part of the solution instead of becoming the problem. We should inspire and influence our community in the implementation of our environment programs. Their program which offers courses that develops practical skills is now a key for the students to immediately be hired or have works after their graduation. They continuously aims to develop practical skill enhancement programs to sustain competitiveness among their graduates, creating an avenue of cooperation between the industry experts and the academic community in crafting a more relevant curriculum and more industry-relevant skills pertaining to the technical training requirements of our students. To sum this up, their Values is their heart, their Environmental Concern and Protection represents their Soul, Theoretical Foundation represents their Mind and Practical Skills represents their Body.

Betrayal and Revenge in Medea Essay

In his quest for the Golden Fleece, Jason elicits Medea, a women known for her supernatural powers. Shortly after, they marry. Yet, after all Medea does for Jason-including killing her own brother-he decides to leave her and marry the Corinthian Princess to increase his own wealth and status. Thus, to avenge her husband for his betrayal, Medea kills the princess and the children she herself had with Jason, thus ensuring his complete downfall. Upon hearing of the sacrifice of the children and the murder of his bride-to-be, Jason expresses the extent of his devastation and hatred towards Medea. In this passage from Euripides’s Medea, Euripides reveals both Medea’s cruelty and ruthlessness and the effect of her revenge on Jason-his complete destruction. In addition, Jason’s reference to Medea’s earlier transgressions reveals that he doesn’t fully grasp what Medea gave up for him. Although Medea’s actions will never be justified, Jason’s reaction throughout the play, and specifically in this passage, allows the reader to feel some small measure of sympathy towards Medea. Throughout the play, Jason characterizes Medea as cruel and merciless. This is ironic because these are the same traits that made life and success possible for Jason when he first met Medea. Yet, throughout the passage, Jason characterizes Medea as less than human. For example, he refers to her as a â€Å"hateful thing† and â€Å"an evil thing†(43). He even goes as far to call her â€Å"a monster not a woman, having the nature wilder than that of the Scylla in the Tuscan sea†(43). By referring to Medea as the Scylla-a vicious monster in the Odyssey -Jason reveals the extent to which he sees Medea as cruel and even inhuman. Jason also reveals the degree of Medea’s cruelty by describing her as â€Å"loathed by the gods† and â€Å"all of mankind†(43). In addition to revealing Medea’s cruelty, these phrases suggest that Medea’s actions are horrible enough to become infamous among all humankind. Jason also comments that â€Å"there is no Greek woman who would have dared such deeds†(43). Such characterization sets Medea apart and magnifies the cruelty of her actions. However, Jason’s comment also shows how he views women in Greek society as frail and gentle. Otherwise, why wouldn’t he have said â€Å"there is no Greek that would have dared such deeds?† Cleary, Euripides uses Jason to reveal Medea’s callousness in her quest for revenge. In the passage, Euripides also reveals Jason’s detachment and inability to grasp the significance of what Medea gave up for him. For example, Jason comments â€Å"you who have had the heart to raise a sword against your children, you, their mother, and left me childless-you have done this, and do you still look at the sun and at the earth, after these most fearful doings†(43). In these lines, Euripides points out Jason’s detachment and disgust. Jason continually repeats the word â€Å"you,† suggesting that he believes that everything was Medea’s fault, that her actions were unprovoked. As seen in the line â€Å"you have done this,† Jason lays all blame on Medea for the murder of his children and his prospective bride. Clearly, Jason doesn’t fully grasp what Medea gave up for him. Although there are no justifications for her actions, Jason is partly to blame for instigating the conflict. Furthermore, Jason describes Medea as â€Å"a traitress to [her] father and [her] native land† and describes how she â€Å"slew† her own brother. These lines reveal Jason’s disconnect. When she killed her brother, Medea saw her actions as necessary to help Jason, her true love. Thus, she sacrificed the acceptance and love of family for the love and acceptance she received from Jason. Not only does Jason’s inability to recognize Medea’s sacrifices in this passage reveal his disconnect, but it also reveals his selfishness. Regardless of whether Jason is deserving of Medea’s revenge, he is left completely devastated and without hope for the future. For him, there is little to live for. In fact, he tells Medea â€Å"for me remains to cry aloud upon my fate, who will get no pleasure from my newly wedded love. And the boys whom I begot and brought up, never shall I speak to them alive†(44). Finally, he comments â€Å"oh, my life is over.† Thus, Medea fulfills her ultimate goal-ruthlessly punishing Jason for the pain he inflicted upon her.

Existentialism in the Stranger and the Metamorphosis Essay

â€Å"We are thrown into existence first without a predetermined nature and only later do we construct our nature or essence through our actions. †(Existentialism)This quote is present through the main characters of The Stranger, Blade Runner, and The Metamorphosis in each of these works the characters create their own nature. These works are similar several ways; in all three the men create their own nature by the free choices they make. Through these choices they also create their own values. The characters values and meanings of life are where these works differ. Initially, in The Metamorphosis, Gregor’s life seems to have meaning, through providing for his family, until he changes into a bug and determines for himself that his life really has no meaning. This is very unlike The Stranger because Meursault, throughout the entire work, lives his life as if there is no meaning to life and he dies knowing this. Finally Deckard, at the beginning of his life, seems to have lived his life with no meaning or values, until he encounters Roy and Rachael who change his perspective. Throughout these works these men make makes choices that determine who they are and what their about, but ultimately every one of them knows their subsequent mortality. It is clearly understood through Meursault’s narration that life to him is meaningless. The choices he makes and things he says are without thought or meaning. They are usually in the spur of the moment of what will please him. For example the novel starts by Meursault telling the audience â€Å"Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know. I got a telegram from the home: â€Å"Mother deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours. † That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday†(The Stranger). Meursault treats his mother’s death with the same demeanor with which he will later treat the death of the Arab. Both of these events are usually different in the types of emotions they reveal, but Meursault shows no emotion at all. He just goes through the day to day motions of life. Through his narration and the tone of the novel the reader is clearly able to determine Meursault lives with no emotion or essence. He accepts who he is and his mortality. In the end he accepts a punishment that is not worthy of the crime. He knows even if he doesn’t get executed he will die anyway whether its ten years from now or fifty. Clearly The Stranger questions the reader whether humans really have a meaning for life since in the end everyone will die and be forgotten. It seems that Camus meant to get the point across that in life there is no predetermined nature people create it through their choices. Meursault chooses to live his life with little or no meaning. Unlike Marie who falls in love with Meursault and chooses to support him even though he didn’t care if they got married. Like Marie in The Stranger Gregor, who is the main character, in The Metamorphosis has a mean and value to his life. Gregor supports his family because his father failed and never went back to work. Gregor had it all good job, money, and ability. He chose to support his family and allow them to live a nice life while he worked and traveled with little time for himself. Gregor doesn’t like his job, but he chooses to stay because it offers good money and he will pay of debt. All of these choices are Gregor’s they are what he based his life off of. When he changes into a bug his mentality is altered. He begins to realize that all that he did for his family eventually is forgotten and soon he is forgotten about too. Kafka relates this to the human race and its inevitable end. When humans die in the beginning they are remembered, but slowly people forget, or lose interest, until eventually that person is totally forgotten about and life goes on. This previous statement is clearly seen in the novel when the family moves and decides that is time to marry off their daughter. They never mention anything about the loss of their son. In Blade Runner the main character Deckard destroys replicants. He does his job and usually never questions the reasons why he destroys the human-like robots. The director seems to try to get across the point early that Deckard lives a meaningless life. He does whatever he wants whenever he wants. At first it seems like he lives a life much like Meursault, but later it becomes clear that he is trying to find a meaning for life. When talking to Roy, Deckard realizes that in life everyone is going to die and that everything that person did would be forgotten and lost. At the same time Roy explains the value of life, the choices, love, and things humans can experience. Blade Runner tries to get across to the viewer that they are who they want to be and that in the end the choices and things they’ve seen will be forgotten and meaningless. In all three works the slogan â€Å"Existence precedes Essence† (Existentialism) is present. Each one of the main characters makes their choices which determine their nature. Every one of the characters at some point realizes that they all share a common trait with the rest of the human race and that is death. They also know that in the end they will be forgotten about and eventually everyone will move on with their lives as if they never existed. These works differ in the way each character goes about their lives. Meursault believes there is no meaning to life so he lives his life on the fly. He does whatever pleases him. Gregor begins with a life he has chosen for himself only to realize that eventually all that he has done will be forgotten and lost. Finally Deckard begins with no meaning and tries to determine a meaning through replicants. He realizes that the choices in his life are what makes his life meaningful. Throughout these works Existentialism was present. The characters offered a glimpse of the reason for existence. Whether it was for providing for a family or killing replicants each one of the character in the end determined that life was only the choices that they make. Ultimately they all learned that everything they did and chose to do was meaningless when they were dead and there is no way to avoid it.